Serving Rhinebeck and Neighboring Towns
Issue 43 | March 24, 2023
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Do We In Fact Have a New York City Problem?
The Hudson Valley has long been a part-time destination for New York City residents, at least since the Astors and Vanderbilts started building estates up here. The relationship has helped build up the area, supply job opportunities, and provided a somewhat steady monetary flow to much of the area, but it has not been without tension and accusation.
A recent article in The City, “Hudson Valley Towns Have a New York City Problem,” underscores such tensions, and accusations, as it explores the impact that the pandemic and post-pandemic population boom has had on the area. The article focuses primarily upon small municipalities in Ulster County, like Hurley and Woodstock, but also looks at how the issue has affected the entire region.
According to the article, the number of New York City residents moving to the Hudson Valley and Catskills increased by 124.4% in the first year of the pandemic. The estimate comes from CBRE Group, a real estate investment company. This increase has put enormous strain on the existing housing market, which has suffered from a serious shortage of affordable housing. And with the rise in the median price of homes in the area, access to an affordable starter home, or even an affordable rental option, is even farther out of reach. The trend is not just revealing itself in the shrinking housing options, but also in the decline in school enrollment in many small towns in the area (Rhinebeck not being one of them) as well as a general decline in civic participation and engagement, in volunteer fire departments, for example.
There are many factors that can result from a shifting population. Is it the proliferation of short-term rentals or the exploding real estate market that makes a community less accessible to a diverse demographic? Or perhaps problems are exacerbated by the fact that affordable home construction has not kept pace with demand, as “the market” focuses on higher end and second homes?
What do you think? Do you think the Hudson Valley is in a housing and civic crisis because we do indeed have a New York City problem? Please email editor@hvpilot.com with your opinion.
Eric Steinman
Executive Editor
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Dutchess County Takes Another Tack on Crime
Effective law enforcement is not just about making arrests and keeping criminal activity at a minimum, it is about doing more with the resources you have and doing it smarter. A program which embodies this ethos is LEAD, which is an acronym for “Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion," which started in Seattle in 2011. The program came to Albany in 2016, and to Dutchess County this past February. Since its introduction in Albany in 2016, Albany police have diverted 315 people from arrest.
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Vox Populi: Letters From Readers
We want to hear from you! We will be publishing letters from readers from time to time. We encourage you to reach out to question, opine, or even vent (nicely)... Letters must be signed and accompanied by contact information.
Here is a selection of letters sent in over the last week or two.
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Village Election Results // As we reported on Tuesday, the Rhinebeck Village election was carried out this week with a somewhat predictable victory for all three incumbents, as they were running without opposition. 275 people voted in person and 60 by absentee ballot.
According to the Village Clerk, the results were as follows:
Mayor Gary Bassett was reelected to a two-year term with 234 votes. Trustee Ric Lewit was reelected to a two-year term with 230 votes and Trustee Lydia Slaby was reelected to a two-year term with 235 votes.
In addition, there were write-in votes, as follows:
For Mayor:
Brant Neuneker – 18
Kyle Eighmy – 2
Eleanor Pupko – 2
Jennifer Berry – 1
David Miller – 1
Lydia Slaby – 1
Howard Traudt, Jr. – 1
Bruce Washburn – 1
For Trustee:
Roger Quon – 23
Eleanor Pupko – 18
Paul Higgins – 1
Peter Sipperly – 1
Elizabeth Tavares – 1
Sharon Tortarella – 1
Mega Burdensome // Last Friday, March 17th, shortly before noon, there was a significant disturbance at local comic book shop MegaBrain Comics, at 15 E. Market St. in Rhinebeck. The Village Police and Fire Department were dispatched and removed an individual from the store. Since that was a half day for both the middle school and the high school, the village was unusually crowded with teens at a time that otherwise would be relatively quiet and there were therefore a number of witnesses. So the rumor mill began to churn.
The Pilot reached out to the Village Police, as well as the owners and staff at MegaBrain and received no responses, except from an employee at MegaBrain who claimed he was present during the disturbance and said he wasn’t willing to talk about it but it was very upsetting. On Tuesday, MegaBrain decided to address the rumors and took to social media with a post explaining that, “Last Friday morning, someone experiencing severe mental and emotional distress came into the shop, unclothed themselves in our bathroom, and tried to corner one of our employees.” The post went on to explain that MegaBrain owners and employees would not be discussing the incident any further, “out of respect to the employees and customers who experienced the incident.” The Pilot is still waiting on a full report from the Village Police. We will update you if there is anything significant to add to the above information. Until then, the staff at MegaBrain are encouraging the community to move forward and continue the conversation about comics.
That's a Wrap // The Hudson Valley is no stranger to film and television production, thanks to the New York State Film Tax Credit Program and Stockade Works, a women-owned organization promoting film and television work in the area. This has led to major productions putting down stakes in the Hudson Valley, including the Peacock series “Poker Face,” which filmed extensively throughout Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County and Ulster County, as well as the soon-to-be-released HBO series “The White House Plumbers,” a Nixon-era comedy drama, which was shot throughout Dutchess and Ulster as well, as was the Academy Award-winning film “The Whale,” which was shot largely on a soundstage in Newburgh.
This past week, filming wrapped on the second season of the Apple TV+ Emmy Award winning show “Severance,” which shot in multiple locations throughout Kingston, creating equal amounts of excitement and traffic for locals and visitors alike. With all the incentives and the eager workforce located in the area, not to mention the TV and film industry veterans who have decamped to the area over the last few years, we should expect to see more of an industry presence throughout the area in the coming months, even in Rhinebeck.
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LOCAL EVENTS!
The HV Pilot continues to grow and serve the community. Check out our new events page with local happenings updated continuously.
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Thank You for Signing Up
The response to our twice-weekly newsletter has been overwhelming and the engagement is beyond encouraging. We are proud to announce that we have crossed the 1400 newsletter subscriber mark! We encourage you to spread the word and tell your friends, family, neighbors and strangers alike to sign up here to expand our reach. The more people we have reading and engaging, the more of an active community we are.
Local news for local good.
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Have Ideas for the HV Pilot?
If you have suggestions for the HV Pilot, as far as coverage or stories, or even criticism, or maybe you might be interested in being a contributor, please contact editor@hvpilot.com
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We Love, and Need, Your Support
We are a more robust and effective independent news source because of your support. You make it possible for us to reach our goals: not just more and better reporting, but a stronger local community. We can’t do it without you.
Many of you have shown your support in the past few months and we sincerely thank you, but publishing is an ongoing endeavor and requires ongoing financial support.
Local news for local good.
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"The Back Room"
Andy Ostroy sits down with former Republican operative and strategist, as well as author of "Why We Did It" Tim Miller about his years working for and within the Republican Party as well as his break from Trump and what the future holds.
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Now through March 30th
Registration for Kindergarten at Chancellor Livingston Elementary School. Will your child be five years old by December 1, 2023 and does s/he/they reside in the Rhinebeck Central School District? Call MaryAnn Torres at 845-871-5500, ext. 6560 or email registration@rhinebeckcsd.org for information about the registration process, paperwork, and screening.
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Now through April 1: the Village of Rhinebeck is accepting applications for a Zoning Board of Appeals position to serve a term of five years. Submit resume to Village Clerk Martina McClinton, mmcclinton@villageofrhinebeckny.gov. For details about the responsibilities and time commitment see the Village website.
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Now through April 1: the Village of Rhinebeck is accepting applications for membership on its Tree Commission. If you care about the Village’s “urban forest,” send a letter of interest and/or a resume to Village Clerk Martina McClinton, mmcclinton@villageofrhinebeckny.gov. For details, see the Village website.
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Now through April 14th
The Red Hook Rotary is accepting applications for three $1,000 scholarships for legal residents of the Red Hook, Pine Plains, or Germantown central school districts. Students must be planning to attend an accredited four-year or community college, vocational school or trade certificate program. Applications are available at the Guidance Offices of student’s high school. For more information, contact Linda Greenblatt at 845-758-8361 or lindag32949@gmail.com.
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Help amphibians cross the road this Spring! Register to help save amphibians when they migrate to lay eggs in spring vernal pools. Winnakee Land Trust, in cooperation with Climate Smart Rhinebeck and the Saw Kill Watershed Community, is promoting the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation’s program. To register and receive updates for Rhinebeck, Red Hook, or other nearby locations, visit Winnakee.org.
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Now through June 30 – Mid-Hudson Valley high school and college students are invited to apply for the annual $2,000 John Honey Scholarship given by the Rhinebeck Farmers’ Market. The scholarship supports students dedicated to promoting local agriculture and enhancing the social, economic and environmental sustainability of the Hudson Valley. For more information see RhinebeckFarmersMarket.com.
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Fridays until April 7, 5-7PM – Clinton Volunteer Fire & Rescue Fish Fry. Take-out only. $15 for fish, fries, coleslaw and brownie; $10 for mac & cheese, fries, coleslaw and brownie. Free local delivery within two miles during the fry. Call 845-266-5485 for information. At 9 Firehouse Lane, Clinton Corners. | |
Friday, March 24th through Sunday, March 26th
“The Play’s the Thing,” by Ferenc Molnar, adapted by P.G. Wodehouse. Satire, comedy, high drama, and the folly of playwriting and the actor process. Tickets $25. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM; Sundays at 3PM. For tickets go to centerforperformingarts.org. At the Center, 661 NY-308, Rhinebeck.
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Sunday, March 26th through Wednesday, March 29th
Book donations accepted by Friends of Starr Library (Wed 12-2 and Sun 10-12 ONLY). See starrlibrary.org for guidelines. At the downstairs community room, Starr Library, 68 West Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Friday, March 24th - Sunday, March 26th
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Saturday, March 25th, 2:00 - 3:00PM
Reception and opening of exhibition about local students’ experiences in Madagascar through biennial trips to the country organized by CultureConnect’s MadagascarConnect. Exhibition runs through April 29. At Starr Library, 68 West Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Saturday, March 25th, 5:00 - 7:00PM
Reception and opening of exhibition “Black PhotoBooth: From the Collections of Nakki Goranin and Oliver Wasow. Featuring over 100 miniature portraits of Black Americans, mostly from the 1930s and 1940s. Exhibition runs through June 4. At Center for Photography at Woodstock, which is now in Kingston, at 474 Broadway. Cpw.org.
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Saturday, March 25th, 7:30PM
“March Monologue Madness,” a benefit for Morton Memorial Library. Hear the best of Hudson Valley writers perform their uniquely original work. Admission by donation. Ample parking available at the Amtrak station, two blocks away. At Morton, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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Sunday, March 26th, 2:00 - 4:00PM
The Rhinebeck Democrats Club presents a talk with Tommy Zurhellen, who is gathering petition signatures to run as a Democrat against Republican candidate Sue Serino for Dutchess County Executive. RSVP at survey.zohopublic.com. At Starr Library, 68 West Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Monday, March 27th
Community Classes begin at Kaatsbaan. Offerings include Ballet Lab, Absolute Beginner Ballet (ages 12-adult), User Manual for Human Movement, and Family Dance. Classes in morning, afternoon and evening. Advance registration appreciated, walk-ins welcome. $15/class. Kaatsbaan.org. At Kaatsbaan Cultural Park, Tivoli.
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Tuesday, March 28th, 7:00 - 8:00PM
Starr Library Book Club: Women Talking by Miriam Toews. If you’d like to join the book club, which votes on its monthly read based on suggestions from the group, email Starr Program Director Michelle at mmontalbano@starrlibrary.org. At Starr Library, 68 West Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Thursday, March 30th, 7:30PM
Culomba Quintet, close harmony singing from around the world. Suggested donation $10-25. Reservations requested. See MortonLibrary for details. At Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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Friday, March 31st, 7:00PM
The Rhinebeck Historical Society presents “The Big Role of a Small Street in Rhinebeck,” the story of Oak Street, where freed enslaved people, Irish-Catholic immigrants, and other working class New Yorkers lived their hopes and dreams. The talk will be given by Bill Jeffway and Melodye Moore of the Dutchess County Historical Society, and will include the work of the Rhinebeck 7th Grade Civics Class of Henry Frischknecht. RSVP at dchsy.org/path. ON ZOOM AND AT at Rhinebeck Town Hall, 80 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Need support with substance abuse? Alcoholics Anonymous of Northeast New York sponsors several regular face-to-face and virtual meetings in our area – including in Rhinebeck and Red Hook – at various times of the day. For more information https://nenyaa.org/meetings.
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Monday, March 27th
Rhinebeck Town Board Meeting
Rhinebeck Town Hall
6PM - 7PM
Agenda not yet available. See Town website. At Town Hall, 80 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Wednesday, March 29th
Village Tree Commission
Rhinebeck Village Hall
7PM
Village Tree Commission. Agenda not yet available. See Village website. At Village Hall, 76 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Thursday, March 30th
Rhinebeck Town Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Committee
Rhinebeck Village Hall
7PM
Agenda not yet available. See Town website. At Town Hall, 80 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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The Town of Rhinebeck is conducting a Community Needs Assessment Survey, in collaboration with Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress. Fill out the survey – in English or Spanish – with your thoughts about what the town needs. See Town website.
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The Rhinebeck Village Tentative Budget for 2023-2024 is now available on the Village website. The public hearing on the budget is scheduled for April 11 at Village Hall, 76 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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The Town of Clinton Climate Smart Communities Task Force is conducting a Natural Resources Inventory and is seeking information and suggestions from residents. Send your ideas to townsupervisor@townofclinton.com.
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Volunteers Needed!
TOWN OF RHINEBECK IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS to join various town committees. For a list of town committees and an application form, see Town website.
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"Ziggy"
Ziggy is a Rhinebeck dog who loves exploring with his best bud Chaco (seen in the background). !
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