FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary@TheRhinebeckPlan.org
<- back to List of CoverageThis is the third in a series of columns about the results of the recent, town-wide survey distributed by the Comprehensive Plan Committee. The first and second columns discussed “community character” and residential development. For a complete presentation of survey results, log onto The Rhinebeck Plan web site – www.TheRhinbeckPlan.org
Small businesses, not “big boxes;” independents, not chains; “village-like” development, not strips: these are the particular and overwhelming preferences of Rhinebeck residents.
Over 90 percent of survey respondents want businesses in the Town that serve local needs and to promote small, independently owned enterprises, as opposed to national chains, according to tallied responses to the survey. Over 87 percent are opposed to strip and so-called “big box” development. In fact, 
residents chose locally-owned Upstate Films and Beekman Arms Inn & Hotel to illustrate their point, writing them in as two of their favorite three buildings. (The third favorite was the Rhinebeck Post Office.) What are two of residents’ least favorite buildings? If you guessed CVS and Stop & Shop, you are right. (The third choice was gas stations, in general, and all “new buildings,” in particular.)
Most importantly, a full 20 percent of Town residents responded to the survey, exceeding the number of responses required to assume that results reflect feelings held by the entire Town by a full 300 percent! The Committee is taking its mandate from the Rhinebeck community (in part through the survey, as well as nine visioning sessions to date), as it prepares an updated Plan, together with suggested zoning amendments, to present to the Town Board for approval.
If wishes were horses, we’d plant lots of hay
Ninety-two percent of us want to encourage agriculture as an industry, also protecting the little that exists today, while five percent are “unsure” or have no opinion. 
Only three percent disagree or strongly disagree that agriculture is important to Rhinebeck.
Is it the business of agriculture we crave, or do we view it as a way to preserve the lush open space and extraordinary viewscapes which distinguish us from big cities and suburbs?
Perhaps it is both. Ninety-six percent of us believe that we should “stay rural by guiding growth; 93 percent want to preserve agricultural and open space lands; 87 percent want open space protected – even within any new developments; and a full 71 percent believe that Rhinebeck should attempt to influence land use decisions in other towns that may impact our own.
Rhinebeck: a demanding architectural client
Residents have been vocal not only in the preferred business type, size and scope, but also in building design, according to the survey, expressing an overwhelming desire to preserve the Town’s “rural character,” should new development occur, as well as a definite preference to preserve Rhinebeck’s historic buildings and features. Interestingly while you don’t generally like gas stations, 92 percent of you feel that the Mobil Station on Route 9 
is an example of new business development that is in keeping with Rhinebeck’s flavor due both to its “village-like” appearance and to the fact that the gasoline pumps are set well back from the road. As well, respondents appreciate the Ruge’s buildings on Route 9 in the Village – the one on the west side of the street for its new design in keeping with Rhinebeck’s historic architecture, and the east side building because of its clever re-use of an existing historic building. An impressive 93 percent of the community value the look and feel of our landscape and historic structures, and want to strive to preserve them. Essentially, the more things change, the more we want it all to stay the same.
Substantial fall-off in desire for new business development
Citizens were asked whether or not they feel a need for more commercial development in Rhinebeck, “. . . as long as new development is compatible with Rhinebeck’s character.”
Results show a substantial drop-off in those who agree or strongly agree that various types of additional businesses are necessary, with just over 60 percent of respondents hoping for more small-scale shopping and service businesses.
Residents are relatively split on whether or not any “enhancing commercial development” is necessary at all, with less than half – 48 percent – agreeing/strongly agreeing that it is. Just 47 percent feel that additional tourist businesses should be encouraged.
Such economic and business development as light industry and more B&Bs are important to just over one-third – 36 percent – of our residents, and additional business use of Route 9 and Route 9G, in keeping with local character and design standards, is important to under one-third of the community. Only 21 percent of residents want any further business use of State Route 308, whatever.
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 an updated, creative Comprehensive Plan for the future. Please give the Committee the benefit of your point of view by writing info@TheRhinebeckPlan.org or joining a discussion board at www.TheRhinebeckPlan.org
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The Town of Rhinebeck Comprehensive Plan |