The Town of Rhinebeck Comprehensive Plan
Town Hall
80 East Market Street - Rhinebeck, New York 12572
therhinebeckplan.org
copyright 2004
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary@TheRhinebeckPlan.org
<- back to List of CoverageThis is the second in a series of articles that addresses the results of the recent, town-wide survey distributed by the Comprehensive Plan Committee. The first column, published July 8th, provided an in-depth look at the "community character" section of the survey. For a complete presentation of results, log onto The Rhinebeck Plan web site - www.TheRhinbeckPlan.org
The community made excellent use of the opportunity presented by the questionnaire to make their voices heard on a broad slate of topics that affect the quality of life in Rhinebeck. The survey garnered an impressive 20% response rate. According to statisticians at Phoenix Marketing International, a return of 5% was all that was needed to have reached valid conclusions about the community as a whole, but survey respondents passed the 5% bar by 300%!
Polls and surveys like this one use reliable, time-honored techniques that allow researchers to generalize to a larger population on the basis of results from a representative sample of that population. For example, we've all heard about political polls that project the national mood from a sample of 1,100 people. Similarly, because the Town participated so heavily in this process (764 surveys were returned), we can say, without reservation, that the consensus that emerged from the survey is a true indication of the hearts and minds of the broader Rhinebeck community.
The issue of residential development has been on everyone's mind, especially since population growth and migration - and consequent pressure to build more and more - have become so evident. What follows is a summary of how the Town responded to questions about this subject.
Respondents have a real stake in the Town
First, what sort of housing is typical for those who responded to the survey? The profile shows that most have a vested interest in Rhinebeck and have called the town "home" for many years. An overwhelming majority own their own homes (94%), while 4% rent and 2% are landowners, only. Year-round residents comprise 88% of the sample and a little over half have lived in the town for 16 years or more.
Preserve Rhinebeck's character
In answering questions about growth in the residential sector, the community sent a clear, consistent message: 1) preserve and protect the elements that make the atmosphere of Rhinebeck and Rhinecliff unique, such as trees along roads, historical architecture, wildlife habitats, stone walls, River access and scenic routes; and 2) make new development consistent with the Town's rural character.
Residents strongly favor the kind of balance between forested and open lands and developed property that upholds a "country-like" sense of place. An 80% majority support the idea of encouraging home-based businesses as one way to accomplish this. In fact, 86% disagreed with the idea that Rhinebeck would be better if it were more suburban than rural, while 88% voted against the idea of Rhinebeck becoming more urbanized.
Against this background, respondents care deeply about the Village center and are solidly behind the idea of guiding growth to areas around the Village and hamlets, sparing Rhinebeck's cherished open spaces and farmlands.
Affordable housing surfaces as a key issue
Three-quarters believe that housing for all income levels is needed in the Town, and this is consistent with residents' desire for Rhinebeck to be socially, culturally and economically diverse (78%). As long as new development remains compatible with the Town's character, more people favor single-family housing than any other type. Half of those polled disagree with the need for more multi-family housing or condominiums.
People in our Town are concerned about senior citizens, and this was expressed by 70% of respondents who said that housing for this group should be encouraged.
What does the community consider an affordable price for a house in Rhinebeck? Almost two-thirds (64%) indicated a price of $250,000 or less, with more people (38%) checking the $175,000 to $250,000 range than any other. Since the average cost of a Rhinebeck home in the year 2002 was $288,888, according to MLS - up a whopping 85% from the $156,000 average Rhinebeck home cost in 2000, it would seem that there is a substantial schism between citizen wishes and the reality.
Who we are and how to reach us
The Comprehensive Plan Committee is a 22-member panel of Rhinebeck residents, representing diverse backgrounds and interests, working to develop a creative, comprehensive plan for the future. Please give the Committee the benefit of your point of view by writing info@TheRhinebeckPlan.org or by joining a discussion board at www.TheRhinebeckPlan.org
-- END --
|
|
The Town of Rhinebeck Comprehensive Plan |