To examine a zoning ordinance that has remained the same for three decades, the Poughkeepsie Common Council held a workshop this week, allowing the public to hear and question a consultant's preliminary report on possible revisions.

PoughkeepsieCouncil Chairman Brian Doyle, D-4th Ward, said officials are working on a "complete overhaul" of city zoning with measures that would provide a "sweeping vision of land use," according to the Poughkeepsie Journal. The goal is to create a new zoning map to outline permitted land uses within various neighborhoods and districts; examine waterfront development; explore housing density and the locations of various types of residences; review Main Street revitalization efforts; and address other issues like parking.

Troy-based River Street Planning and Development has completed zoning and planning studies for numerous localities in New York, including Greene County, Schenectady and Ogdensburg. Its final report of recommendations for Poughkeepsie is expected to become available early next year, and the Council could approve zoning ordinance revisions sometime in 2010, Doyle said.