Mayor’s Message October 2024

The people and communities and all impacted by Hurricane Helene are on our minds as we learn the extent of the tragedy and devastation. I know many of you have reached out with donations to the many organizations which are supplementing federal and local government rescue and response.

As public servants it is not only our job to prepare in case of an emergency, but to preemptively identify risks and do what we can to mitigate them.

We have a number of such projects underway. One project is the NYSDOT plan to replace the bridge that carries US Route 9 over Landsman Kill. To view the project presentation and other materials go to:Route 9 Bridge over the Landsman Kill

Here in the Village we have experienced more flooding in recent years. Flooding is becoming a more frequent problem in communities across the Northeast due to short duration high intensity storms, which cause a higher volume of runoff, and aging infrastructure that has not been sized to meet the demands of these storms. Flooding caused by inadequate stormwater infrastructure typically can result in unsafe road conditions and damage to infrastructure and property.

Thus, for this fiscal year, the Village Board is prioritizing upgrading our drainage infrastructure. Engineering firm Tighe & Bond will conduct an inventory of the size and condition of all existing drainage, which will yield a base map for analysis, prioritizing and design as we move forward. Once we identify problem areas, we may need to conduct further analysis through hydrologic and hydraulic modeling.

One area which has been hard hit by flooding on the Landsman Kill is Chestnut Street and Starr Drive. This area is one of those the engineering team will study by engaging with the community, surveying the area and conducting an in-depth  analysis with plans and costs. Having detailed and accurate information will help us obtain grants for drainage improvement projects.

Rhinebeck Village is known for its many wonderful events which draw large crowds to village streets. Our goal is to make every event held here as safe as possible. Those who attended Porchfest last month may have noticed our brand new and colorful security barricades.

The Meridian Barrier System is a great tool for police as it can be deployed quickly, has incredible vehicle stopping power, and allows for easy pedestrian and emergency vehicle access. Without the proper tool, they are impossible to move.

These barricades are a vital tool for our police to use to enhance public safety when large numbers of people are out for parades, music festivals, and other events. We are very grateful to NY State Senator Hinchey for helping us obtain the $85,000 grant from the  NY State Dormitory Authority, towards the purchase price of $96,000.  

The 2024 Village of Rhinebeck Comprehensive Plan called “Envisioning the Future for Our Historic Community” was adopted by the Village Board on September 23rd, at a meeting that was well attended by residents. It is a huge accomplishment, the result of more than two years work by the Committee, input from residents, numerous meetings, and public hearings. This document will guide Village leaders for years by providing an overview of how the people who live here would like to see the community.

Many thanks to all the volunteers that contributed to this vision for the future of the Village, special thanks to the architect of the process Trustee Slaby, the diligence of the Comprehensive Planning Committee led by Matt Johnson, and Michelle Grieg, hired by T&B to provide planning and technical support. To get the latest information go to: Comprehensive Plan — Village of Rhinebeck

For many years the Village has not had representation on the Panda Board. Panda provides a valuable service to our community by covering and airing Town and Village Board meetings, and other important events. It’s a great benefit to residents who cannot get to every meeting, but are interested in knowing more. Going forward the Village Board of Trustees appointed Becky Tyre as the Village of Rhinebeck representative on the Panda Board of Directors, effective September 24, 2024.

We had contracted the oversight of running our Waste Water Treatment Plant for a while under the license of CAMO Pollution Control Inc, a facilities services company based out of 1610 State Route 376, Wappingers Falls, New York. They provided us with a licensed operator,  who worked alongside us and also assisted in the training of our employees to obtain their licensed certification. Will Caruso, a Village employee, has recently received his certification to be a licensed operator of our Class 2, Wastewater facility. With that certification we no longer require the licensed services of CAMO. I am happy to announce that the Village Board has promoted William Caruso to Chief Wastewater Plant Operator, in charge of the Village of Rhinebeck Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Please join me in celebrating the anniversaries of three of our employees:

-       Water Plant Operator Tom Mueller - 2 years

-       Chief Water Plant Operator Bryan Alix - 11 years

-       Highway Working Supervisor Scott Minn - 29 years

 Happy Anniversary!

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 MayorBassett@Villgeofrhinebeckny.gov

Mayor Gary Bassett

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