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RHINEBECK SURVEY RESULTS
Issue #6: Improving Infrastructure

This is the sixth in a series of columns about the results of the recent, town-wide survey distributed by the Comprehensive Plan Committee. Previous columns discussed community character, residential development, business development, transportation and the hamlet of Rhinecliff. For a complete presentation of survey results, log onto The Rhinebeck Plan Web site - www.TheRhinbeckPlan.org

By: Ted Fink

October 28, 2004

©Gazette Advertiser 2004

Everybody talks about "smart growth." Is it any wonder? Who could possibly be in favor of "dumb growth?" Did residents have much to say about smart growth in the recent public opinion survey and Town visioning sessions, and what will that mean for future development in the Town?

Survey respondents overwhelmingly suggest that guided growth is needed to protect open space, and that new development should be compact and pedestrian-friendly, like the Village. A smart growth strategy, however, comprises more than just those things.

To really embrace smart growth, communities must also be willing to mix land uses, create housing opportunities for all, take advantage of central water and sewer, provide for a variety of transportation options, and make development decisions fair and predictable.

Residents prefer teamwork

Nearly three-quarters of survey respondents believe the Town and Village should work together to expand water and sewer services. Indeed, if smart growth is going to happen in Rhinebeck, it will only do so if central water and sewer can serve new development.

The Committee is analyzing potential locations where compact, pedestrian-friendly growth would work best in the Town. The survey and visioning sessions have helped the Committee answer the question, "How and where should we grow?"

Last fall, when the build-out analysis was prepared, it was discovered that implementing the Town's current zoning regulations over time would result in Rhinebeck's eventual transformation into a suburban community, with more than 3,400 new single-family dwellings constructed throughout the Town.

Rural vs. suburban

When residents were asked on the survey whether Rhinebeck would be better if it were more suburban than rural, only seven percent answered affirmatively. So, how do we keep Rhinebeck rural and prevent it from turning into a suburb?

• By defining exactly how to keep the Town rural - maintaining low population densities of about 150 persons per square mile, which is the New York State definition of "rural." We also need to find ways to retain our rural landscapes, where the predominant feature is the natural environment (open space, farmland, woodlands and water bodies), and where there is only a minimal amount of development.
• By identifying places where commercial, residential, recreational, educational, and other uses can be mixed in compact neighborhoods that are accessible by foot or bicycle. Mixed land uses are critical to creating outstanding places to live, work and play - just like Rhinebeck Village is today.
• Through acceptance of the notion that community water and sewer systems are essential to the creation of great neighborhoods. Conversely, we also need to accept the notion that if we do nothing to change the zoning regulations, we will
• By dealing with the repercussions of more than 3,400 additional septic disposal systems and individual wells in the Town. Are we willing to accept the environmental consequences and other costs of this type of growth?

These are tough choices. Most residents seem to agree that Rhinebeck is a great place to live, work and play. If we do nothing, almost every buildable acre in Rhinebeck will eventually by covered by buildings, parking, roads and lawns.

But, if we create a plan that allows Rhinebeck to grow in much the same way as the Village grew over the last two centuries, we will have truly achieved smart growth.

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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