Public Forums Introduce Open Space & Affordable Housing Plan

RHINEBECK – The Town of Rhinebeck Open Space and Affordable Housing Committee today announced a series of public forums to introduce the draft Open Space and Affordable Housing Implementation Plan (pdf/2.5mb).

The public forum dates are:

• Church of the Messiah (Parish Hall), Wednesday, Nov. 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m., 6436 Montgomery St., Rhinebeck
• Upstate Films, Saturday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., 6415 Montgomery St., Rhinebeck
• Village Hall, Tuesday, Nov. 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m., 76 E. Market St., Rhinebeck
• Beekman Arms, Monday, Dec. 3, 12-1:30, Rotary Club Lunch at the Beekman Arms, 6387 Mill St., Rhinebeck (luncheon fee and reservation details to follow; check this site for updates)

“Unchecked growth and mega-developments are putting pressure on Rhinebeck’s historic landscapes. Our seniors, local workers and young adults are struggling to find housing that they can afford,” said Open Space and Affordable Housing Committee Co-Chair Steve Rosenberg. “Shutting the door on growth is not an option, but we can manage change in ways that work for us. The Open Space and Affordable Housing Plan responds to these challenges.”

The public forums offer the opportunity to view planning maps and charts; to learn about key elements of the plan such as funding, conservation and affordable housing strategies; and to ask questions of the committee members.

“It’s important that everyone in Rhinebeck knows about the basics of the plan so that together we can make informed decisions about our future,” added Mr. Rosenberg. “These public forums are designed to help prepare the community for the formal comment period to follow.”

The Rhinebeck Town Board created the Open Space and Affordable Housing Committee (OSAH) to help achieve the main goals of the draft Comprehensive Plan – safeguard the town’s rural character and keep Rhinebeck economically diverse. The Committee’s Implementation Plan contains proven land conservation and affordable housing strategies that work together, rather than compete for scarce financial, land and civic resources.

The OSAH Plan is available at Town Hall, Starr Library, Morton Library and at the new Town/Village Web site, www.Rhinebeck-NY.gov. News and updates are available through the Town E-Mail Group and the Web site. Town Hall will mail a copy of the plan to any resident who requests it at 845 876 3409. Send questions and comments to osah@Rhinebeck-NY.gov.

CONTACTS
Kerri Karvetski
Company K Media
845 797 3443
karvetski@gmail.com

Steve Rosenberg
Rhinebeck Open Space and Affordable Housing Committee
rosenbergsteve@frontiernet.net

Photo credit: Michael Colucchio, West Pine Designs.