Mayor’s Message July 2026
This month in Rhinebeck and across the country we will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." – Thomas Jefferson (United States Declaration of Independence), 1776
In 1776 the Village of Rhinebeck stood at an important crossroads on the Albany Post Road. The Beekman Arms was open for business, and many of America’s Founding Fathers spent time here before and after the Declaration of Independence was issued. Our unique history is going to be explored with a special event in the Village on July 25th. But before I get to that, some business:
July has arrived along with sweltering weather. As always, please take precautions when working or playing outside. Be mindful that heat stroke can result from too much exposure. If needed, you can find cooling centers at Village Hall, as well as local libraries. Scientists say that the extreme weather is the result of our changing climate. The village has been proactive in reducing our carbon footprint. But, this is yet another warning, that broader action is needed to prevent the worst of climate change.
The New York State budget has been approved and it contains good news for us. We have received confirmation that we will be getting funding for paving roads, pothole repair, and extreme weather funding. CHIPS, EWR, PAVE-NY, STR and POP Budgets
· Chips - $95.850
· PaveNY - $18,83
· EWR - $15,320
· Pot Hole - $12,557.93
We were notified yesterday that the NYS DOT has temporarily rejected a crosswalk we requested at North Parsonage Street which would connect to our Safe Route to School project. We are responding by providing statistics from a study conducted on traffic and pedestrians when school is in session, providing letters of recommendation and working with NYS-DOT Region 8 representatives. This is one of the most important crosswalks for our children and doing it now will result in overall savings while they pave East Market St. Getting the new crosswalk installed will also involve some alteration to the curbs.
Central Hudson is proposing to rebuild the existing 69 kilovolt (kV) Q Line and 115 kV X Line transmission infrastructure that runs between Pleasant Valley and Rhinebeck in Dutchess County:
· The upgraded lines would be built to 115-kV standards
· Construction would generally take place within the existing 100-foot-wide right-of-way
· The project spans approximately 21.2 miles through the towns of Pleasant Valley, Poughkeepsie, Hyde Park, and Rhinebeck
· Construction is not expected to begin before 2029
The utility is hosting two open houses on Thursday, July 9th, at the Hyde Park Town Hall from 2pm to 4pm and 5:30pm to 7:30pm to hear from the public If you are unable to attend, you can contact them at (845) 486-5342 or QXRebuild@cenhud.com with questions or feedback.
On July 25th, we are planning a local history celebration in honor of the Fourth of July, as well as the 260th anniversary of the Beekman Arms. We all know our Village is steeped in history, and this is an opportunity to celebrate that, as well as our dedication to the principles upon which our nation was founded. It’s going to be fun and educational, and a truly local celebration.
The event will feature an afternoon celebration in the center of the Village, on the lawn of the Beekman Arms, in Foster’s parking lot and at the American Legion. There will be a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence. During the Revolutionary war, the Colonial Army held drills on the grounds of the Beekman Arms. That piece of history will be re-enacted by the 5th New York Regiment. There will be a simulated training session including guns. Re-enactors follow strict safety guidelines, and there will be plenty of other activities for those who do not feel comfortable with such re-renactments.
A sensory safe space will be provided by the Village’s Autism Supportive Committee.
The Fosters Parking lot will have American Flags on display. And, folks from the Dutchess County Historical Society, the Rhinebeck Historical Committee, Daughters of the American Revolution, will be on hand to talk about Revolutionary War history with lots of show and tell, including interactive displays. Fans of the musical Hamilton can hear the story that Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr got into a big argument in the tavern at the Beekman Arms. The fight took place several months before Burr shot Hamilton in a duel in New Jersey.
Rhinebeck’s daytime festivities will conclude with a free fireworks display courtesy of the Dutchess County Fairgrounds.The parking lot will open at 7 pm, the fireworks will begin at 9:15pm.
The Village of Rhinebeck is covering the costs of the re-enactors, and the storyteller. Many thanks to all who are helping put this together. Including the Dutchess County Historical Society, Rhinebeck Historical Committee, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Rhinebeck Chamber of Commerce. And, of course the Beekman Arms, Fosters, the American Legion, and the Dutchess County Fairgrounds!
Hometown Hero’s Banners. The Village of Rhinebeck Hometown Heroes Banner Program spearheaded by Village Clerk Martina McClinton, is established to honor and recognize individuals who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces. This non-political and non-partisan program is intended to serve as a living memorial to the service, sacrifice, and dedication of military personnel connected to the Village and Town of Rhinebeck.
The program recognizes local veterans, active-duty service members, military retirees, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Commemorative street banners will be installed to honor qualifying current or former Rhinebeck residents who meet the eligibility requirements. Participation requires submission of a completed application and supporting documentation to the Village Clerk, Martina McClinton, mmcclinton@villageofrhinebeck.gov. Full details of the program pertaining to the Village of Rhinebeck can be found HERE.
Shout out to the Rhinebeck Area Chamber of Commerce for their continued support of the Village of Rhinebeck Autism Supportive Community. Thank you to Liana Galardi, Executive Director, for presenting the Chamber's generous gift from the funds they raised at the Taste of Rhinebeck. Proceeds from this event were shared with the ASC Committee Members and the American Legion.
And to the Rhinebeck Rotary Club for again taking care of the restoration of the Village Bench Painting project.An amazing scraped, repaired, and painted all of the Village's benches! THANK YOU!
Happy Anniversary!
Please join me in celebrating our employee anniversaries:
· Groundskeeper Tom Johnson – 25 years
· Water Operator Tony Fata – 25 years
· Treasurer Karen McLaughlin – 11 years
As always, please reach out to me with any questions or comments. You can reach me by phone 845-876-7015 ext 308 at Village Hall or via email: MayorBassett@Villgeofrhinebeck.gov
Gary Bassett
Mayor Village of Rhinebeck