Welcome to November!
Nothing reminds us of the change of seasons as much as cleaning up leaves, cleaning up candy wrappers, and setting the clocks back an hour.
Drivers, bikers, pedestrians, EVERYONE! please be extra careful on the roads especially now. There is evidence that accidents increase significantly when darkness falls during the evening commute.
Statistics tell the story:
● Fatalities Spike: Studies show a 13% increase in fatal crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists during the five weeks following the fall time change.
● The 5 PM Risk Hour: Shifting the sunset an hour earlier moves darkness directly into the peak evening commute (typically between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM). Regional safety data highlights massive spikes during this specific hour:
○ In New York State, evening commuter pedestrian crashes have nearly doubled.
● Light vs. Darkness: Over 75% of pedestrian fatalities nationwide occur in dark conditions. When clocks fall back, the sudden loss of twilight during high-traffic hours catches both drivers and vulnerable road users off guard.
There are some new rules of the road in Dutchess County. The Legislature just passed a measure establishing a three-foot minimum passing distance for drivers when passing bicyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable road users. This should increase road safety for all. Drivers who cannot provide that clearance now must wait until they can pass safely.
Supporters say it would give drivers clearer guidance and police a defined standard to enforce—especially along narrow roads without sidewalks or bike lanes.
The Village Board has moved forward with a resolution to establish a “Length of Service Award Program” for Rhinebeck Fire Department’s active volunteer firefighters. The Resolution establishes the following conditions:
● Authorization & Public Referendum: Per NYS General Municipal Law Article 11-A, the Village of Rhinebeck Trustees mandates a referendum on December 8th to approve establishing the program effective January 1, 2027.
● Program Structure & Eligibility Requirements: The program is a defined contribution plan under Article 11-A, Section 218 for Active Members aged 18+. Participation begins December 31 of the first calendar year after 2026 in which service credit is earned, unless waived.
● Program Governance & Administration: The Village Board of Trustees serves as Sponsor and administrator, managing the Trust Fund and retaining administrative or investment help as needed.
● Service Credit & Point System: Members earn one year of service credit per post-2026 calendar year by accumulating 50+ points under the Point System (per GML Section 217). Amendments require written notice within 180 days.
● Pre-2027 Prior Service Credit: Participants can receive up to 5 years of credit for service between Jan. 1, 2022 and Dec 31, 2026 provided they earn credit in 2027. Exceptions apply for 2027 death or certified total disability.
● Contributions, Accrual & Vesting: Accounts receive $1,200 annually per year of credit (max 40 years), adjusted for net investment returns and fees. Full vesting occurs after 5 years of credit, reaching age 65 while active, death, or permanent disability.
● Benefit Distributions & Entitlement Age: Disbursements start after Dec 31st, 2027 effective January 1 following Entitlement Age (65), as a lump sum or two equal installments. Service past age 65 continues to yield $1,200 annual lump-sum payouts. Pre-entitlement death or approved disability benefits are paid as lump sums.
● Forfeiture & Restoration of Unvested Credits: Terminating active membership forfeits unvested credits on December 31. Resuming active status within 3 years and earning 1 year of credit restores all forfeited credits.
● Financial Estimates & Funding Costs: Ongoing funding is estimated up to $47,700 annually (~$1,325/member), including $4,500 in administration expenses. Prior service credit costs up to $168,000, paid in 10 equal annual installments.
The Village of Rhinebeck LOSAP Referendum vote will take place on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM upstairs at Village Hall (76 East Market Street), Rhinebeck, NY 12572
Our Village Police are continuously enforcing the laws in the Village. From Oct 30, 2025 to Oct 30, 2026 a total of 1101 parking and moving violations were issued of which 235 were speeding.
Under recent New York State law, the Village of Rhinebeck can lower the municipal speed limit from 30MPH to 25MPH, if an engineering study warrants it. The Board retained the consulting and planning firm AKRF for a comprehensive Village-wide speed limit study. The results were very clear:
• Major streets: A reduction was warranted for segments with primarily residential or downtown/local retail uses, numerous driveways and/or on-street parking, high foot traffic, proximity to schools, and/or one lane per direction.
• Minor streets: A reduction was warranted for predominantly or entirely residential neighborhood streets, most with on-street parking, none excessively wide, and all with at most one travel lane per direction.
RECOMMENDATIONS – VILLAGE AREA SPEED LIMIT STUDY
The study area, land use and density, existing limits, and roadway classifications and characteristics support a Village-wide 25 MPH area limit on all minor streets under Village jurisdiction, shown in green in Figure 1 in the attached report. For the complete report go to: 2026-08-17 Rhinebeck Village Speed Limit Study.pdf.
Good news on the Lions Mini-Park Drainage project, which is about to get underway. After a brief and unexpected delay in obtaining HUD Environmental review, We now have an executed agreement for the Lions Mini Park project and held a pre-construction meeting and the county has issued a NOTICE TO PROCEED.
The contractor T&A Construction anticipates it will take approximately three weeks from start to finish. A start date roughly two weeks from now is anticipated, subject to confirmation by T&A.
We are waiting for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to issue a contract so we can begin construction of a ChargePoint Express 280 direct current (DC) fast charging station. The new charger will be located in the Village’s central municipal parking lot on East Market Street. It will be paid for by a $137,626 grant from the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program
This project enhances the Village’s public electric vehicle infrastructure by adding DC fast charging capabilities alongside the existing Level 2 chargers. Situated in a paved, illuminated municipal lot that is Village-maintained and open year-round, the site will provide convenient fast-charging access in the heart of the Village for residents and visitors.
Some upcoming infrastructure improvements are coming, following preliminary coordination between the Village and Central Hudson Gas & Electric.
New three-phase electrical service and two utility poles
● An electrical utility cabinet with a meter
● Underground electric service leading directly to the charging unit
● Equipment bases, protective bollards, signage, and pavement markings
● Complete site restoration following installation
The Village will continue working closely with Central Hudson to set up the new utility service.
Your Comprehensive Plan in Action: Community Forum, December 3
The Comprehensive Plan is our shared vision of Rhinebeck in the years ahead, and it matters only if it is put to work. Over the last two years, a volunteer Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee (CPIC) has been doing exactly that—laying the groundwork for housing, the Village Center, safer streets, historic preservation, environmental sustainability, and related zoning. Join the CPIC on Thursday, December 3, 5:00 to 7:00 PM, at Village Hall for a community forum, “Your Comp Plan in Action.” The CPIC will refresh us on the plan, share progress to date, and discuss zoning updates to support the Plan. We welcome your questions and feedback. I hope you will join this conversation with the Committee. http://villageofrhinebeck.gov/cpic
Happy Anniversary!
Please join me in celebrating our employee anniversaries
● Water Operator Tom Mueller – 4 years
● Police Officer Jonathan Wilson – 7 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