Mayor’s Message for December 2022
I want to wish everyone a safe, joyous and healthy holiday season!
The Village of Rhinebeck is decked out in its colorful finery and sparkling lights. Many thanks to everyone who helped make our holiday lighting a successful event! Our local traditions are part of what makes Rhinebeck such a special place to live and visit. Preparations for tomorrow’s Sinterklaas celebration are well underway.
Our streets are in better shape now that the paving has been completed on Cozine Ave, Huntington Road and Rockefeller Lane. The next paving project will be on Center Street following installation of the water main between East Market and South Street and the replacement of two catch basins. The estimated cost of this project is $670,000, and we are currently working on funding. We are planning to put it out for permitting this year, so that we can get to work in the spring.
The historic Astor Bridge on Astor Drive has been identified by the NY State Department of Transportation for replacement in 2023. While the bridge is aging, it has enormous historic and cultural significance which we are determined to protect. Our engineering firm Tighe and Bond is working with us to determine the best way to meet DOT requirements while respecting the history. We are in touch with both the New York Department of Transportation and the New York Historic Preservation Office. Rhinebeck’s history is another of the things that make this village a special place.
The Village Board has sent notice that we intend to serve as Lead Agency as we begin the SEQRA (New York State Environmental Quality Review Act) process for the Bulkeley School. That means we will lead the process unless someone else wants the role. The site is on East Market, Mulberry, and South Streets in the Village of Rhinebeck. It is in the expanded Rhinebeck Village Historic District which is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The Bulkeley School is listed as a contributing building to the District.
The developer proposes adapting the former school building for 9 residential units, and subdivision of the 1.43 acre parcel to create five lots. Four of those would become three-bedroom single-family homes. A zoning change would be needed if the project moves forward.
The Rhinebeck Fire Department is celebrating the arrival of its brand new state of the art ambulance. They were able to buy it thanks to fundraising by Rhinebeck Interact, and a donation from the Frost Foundation. We are grateful to them and to the many people who donated. Our 2011 ambulance was sold to the Town of Berlin for $70,000 to be used by the Taconic Valley Ambulance. The Fire Department has also purchased a new utility pickup.
And, the Rhinebeck Police Department has ordered a new piece of equipment, a Utility Terrain Vehicle which will be used at events.The cost of this new UTV is $30,645. 98. Much of the cost came from generous donations, with the rest coming from Police Capitol Equipment Funds. Expected delivery is 4-6 months.
We are happy to welcome William Caruso to the Wastewater Department. He is already hard at work. His hiring is contingent on him becoming a licensed operator within 18 months. Welcome William!
‘Tis the season to end Leaf and Brush pickup in the Village, so please keep that in mind. Happy Holidays to one and all!
As always, please reach out to me with any questions or comments. You can reach me by phone 845-876-7015 ext 2 at Village Hall or via email to MayorBassett@Villgeofrhinebeckny.gov
Mayor Gary Bassett