The Town of Rhinebeck is moving forward with plans to address workforce housing, as the town board has initiated discussions on a zoning change aimed at facilitating this critical need. During the recent Planning Board meeting held on May 5, 2025, members were informed that two local laws are being proposed: one to establish a district for workforce housing and another to amend regulations governing that district. The proposals are available for public review on the town's website.

A public hearing has been scheduled for May 12, 2025, indicating the town board's intent to expedite the process. Planning Board members expressed the importance of reviewing the proposed changes carefully, as certain standard review processes may be waived to accelerate the approval of workforce housing initiatives. This shift raises concerns about the planning board's ability to fully assess the implications of the changes, as any disagreements between the planning board and the town board will ultimately be resolved by the town board.

Members of the Planning Board emphasized the need for a unified voice when presenting comments to the town board, suggesting that a consensus would carry more weight than individual opinions. However, they also acknowledged the right of board members to participate as private citizens during public hearings, while being mindful of potential conflicts of interest.

The meeting also touched on the necessity of ensuring that all relevant materials are available for review before the public hearing, as previous discussions indicated that some application components were still outstanding. The Planning Board is preparing to revisit these issues once the proposals return for official review.

In addition to the workforce housing discussions, the board is planning a site visit for a separate project related to G scale trains, with tentative dates set for late May. The coordination of this visit will involve collaboration with other boards, ensuring comprehensive oversight of ongoing developments in the town.

As Rhinebeck continues to navigate the complexities of workforce housing and other projects, the upcoming public hearing will be a crucial opportunity for community input and engagement. The Planning Board remains committed to ensuring that all voices are heard as they work towards sustainable solutions for the town's housing needs.