More News from Bard

Yesterday, Gossips shared the link to some frequently asked questions (FAQs) and their answers about the transfer of ownership of about eighty properties in Hudson from the Galvan Foundation to Bard College. That set of FAQs was of particular interest to tenants in Galvan-owned properties. But there is another set of FAQs of interest to Hudson property owners and residents who do not live in Galvan properties. Those FAQs can be found here.

Among the questions answered is one having to do with community involvement in Bard's plans for "redevelopment and programmatic decisions related to these properties." This is the answer provided:

Beginning in July 2025, Bard College has engaged in a listening tour to learn about the needs and perspectives of the diverse people and communities of Hudson. As we move forward, we are continuing to engage with the public, elected officials, community leaders, business owners, residents, and local organizations to hear their recommendations and concerns.

Gossips has no knowledge of who has been involved in these "listening tours."

The FAQs make it clear that Bard does not intend to use the properties in Hudson to "expand its own campus footprint" or as dormitories. 

It's indicated that there are more than eighty properties in the portfolio being given to Bard, but only six are identified. They are:

• The Armory (51 North Fifth Street)
• The Foundry (724-726 Columbia Street)
• Hudson Depot Lofts (76 North Seventh Street)
• The Old Library (400 State Street)--a.k.a. the Hudson Almshouse
• The Tennis Courts (614-620 Columbia Street)--a.k.a. the Community Theater
• The Salvation Army (40 South Third Street)

The response to the oft-heard suggestion that Bard should give the Armory to the Hudson Area Library or to the City of Hudson is this:

Adhering to its fiduciary duties, the College is unable to give away properties. We are in discussions with the Hudson Area Library and city officials to ensure that there is a long-term and sustainable path forward for this building to remain as a center for civic life in Hudson and to continue housing the library and other important public services.

Responding to concerns about the impact this transfer of property will have on Hudson's property tax base, Bard has this to say:

By activating dormant commercial and residential properties, Bard expects to expand the current property tax based in the City of Hudson. The College would like to dispel the common misconception that any property owned or co-owned by not-profit organizations automatically results in tax exemption. Property tax exemptions are determined by usage for qualified organizations, not strictly ownership.

One wonders what these "dormant commercial and residential properties" are. Is Bard planning to carry on the restoration of the Community Theater building or 22-24 Warren Street or 352-354 Warren Street, the former Johnny's Ideal Printing? Presumably, time will tell.

On the subject of Hudson and Bard, the irrepressible Hudson Wail posted this meme on Instagram today.   

COPYRIGHT 2026 CAROLE OSTERINK