Message from Steve Block, Town Supervisor: June 21, 2006

First, three announcements:

* The third and final public concert will be held this Sunday, June 25th, at the dock if the weather is pleasant. If not, Morton Library will again be the alternative location. Music will be provided by U-Guys, a local rock ‘n roll Band, and fireworks from Kingston will follow.

* For Rhinecliff residents, applications for the Rhinecliff Hamlet Advisory Council will be accepted until the end of Monday's meeting and hearing.

* And, please note, all town offices and operations will be closed officially on July 3rd, except for the pool and the children's rec program.

The ongoing Comprehensive Plan Hearing:

Last Monday (day before yesterday) 34 individuals provided commentary on the draft Comprehensive Plan. Some were opposed to it, many supported it, and still others supported the objectives and vision but offered criticism of one or more specific Plan proposals.

There are another 40 individuals on the sign up list who did not get to speak. We will begin the second round of the hearing this coming Monday following our normal business agenda by going in order of those who signed up but did not get to speak because of the late hour. We will also be accepting additional sign-ups for those who were not able to come last Monday or who have now been encouraged by information circulating about the Plan and the process of public input.

We will continue to ask speakers to limit their remarks to 5 minutes, though for those who have prepared lengthier, written comments and where a summary will take longer, we have been flexible. As it turned out, we averaged just under 5 minutes per speaker, so with everyone's cooperation, the intent of the time limit was achieved.

We are determined to encourage and listen to every citizen who wants to be heard on this all-important Plan to guide future development of our community. We will accept written comments for several weeks following the close of the hearing. That deadline will be decided and announced when we formally close the hearing, either Monday night, or at a later date if it turns out we need to continue the hearing on yet another evening.

One more clarification. As we did last Monday, we will recess the hearing at 10 PM if there remains a significant number of speakers yet to be heard at that time. If only a handful of speakers remain, we are likely to continue on and hear all the commentary at that time.

The agenda for the regular meeting will begin at 6:45 PM and will include:

(1) a public hearing on the proposed moratorium-on-development extension and expansion, a copy of which is attached to this email;

(2) a public hearing on the request by REHAB PROGRAMS, INC., to locate a group home for six women with disabilities at 752 Rt. 308 in Rhinebeck;

(3) introduction of a law to guide annual adoption of a fee schedule for all citizen transactions.

I expect one or two routine matters will be added some time on Monday as well.

I hope to see many of you Monday night.

Steve

Steven G. Block, EdD
Rhinebeck Town Supervisor
Town Hall
80 E. Market Street
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
845-876-3409

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