By Jamie Jensen
More than 50 Rye residents and civic leaders gathered in City Hall the night of September 26 for the first of three public meetings to gather input for the City’s Comprehensive Master Plan.
A master plan is the result of an extensive public planning process that is meant to act as a reference point for land-use policy-making moving forward. It traditionally includes a close look at community resources and public needs for transportation, recreation and housing. However, given the last decade’s super storms — Irene and Sandy — the Rye City Comprehensive Master Plan will also highlight public discussion of flood mitigation and coastal resiliency.
Master plans are usually completed every five to ten years. Rye City’s last official one was completed in 1985, more than 30 years ago. Sporadically, over the last ten years, there have been pieces of a plan completed including: a Capital Improvements Plan (2017), an Attic Regulation Workshop (2013), A City Planning and Streetscape Plan (2009), a Central Business District Plan (2007) and a Hazard Mitigation Plan (2007). The 2018 Comprehensive Master Plan, while not a zoning blueprint, will guide official decisions regarding all future growth and development in Rye.
After a brief presentation from BFJ Consulting, the firm hired to manage the process, community members gathered at four stations to share ideas and concerns. Armed with markers, stickers, and their voices, residents were guided by the following questions:
<• What is your vision for Rye?
• What should we preserve?
• How should we grow?
• What should we provide?>
Race to the Top
By Robin Jovanovich and Tom McDermott
If you’re challenging a seasoned and successful professional like Rob Astorino, who is running this fall for a third term as Westchester County Executive, you have to be prepared for a good fight. State Senator George Latimer has come out swinging.
In separate interviews with the Republican incumbent at his office and his Democratic challenger, in our office, the conversation ranged from the proposed public/private County Airport partnership to the HUD affordable housing settlement to Playland
The Great Debates
What’s in an opening statement? Lots if you’re running for public office in Rye, as evidenced at the first Candidates’ Forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Rye, Rye Brook & Port Chester October 2 at Rye Middle School.
Six residents are running for three seats on the City Council — Sara Goddard, Julie Souza, and Ben Stacks on the Democratic slate; Terry McCartney, Elizabeth Parks and Susan Watson are running on the Republican slate with Terry McCartney, who is running for a second term. Josh Cohn, heading up the Democratic ticket, is hoping to unseat Mayor Joe Sack, a Republican.
