Now is the time for Rye residents to make their voice heard as the city prepares for the future.
The City of Rye is asking residents to register to attend the first public workshop for its new comprehensive plan from 7-9 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Rye Free Reading Room. Residents are encouraged to participate in the conversation and share what matters most to them as Rye updates its plan for the first time in 40 years.
The comprehensive plan will establish a long-term vision for the city rooted in the legacy of preservation and progress to help guide future decisions on issues including land use and development, housing, transportation and mobility, environmental protection and resiliency, parks and recreation, open space, historic preservation, the Central Business District, and community facilities.
“This is an exciting time to get involved and have a voice in Rye’s future,” said Mayor Josh Nathan. “The comprehensive plan will ultimately touch many of the issues that matter most to our community. This workshop is an opportunity for residents to tell us what they value about Rye, what they believe we need to address, and what they want to see preserved or improved in the years ahead.”
The workshop will begin with a brief presentation from the city’s planning consultants providing an overview of comprehensive planning, the project timeline, and the larger process underway in Rye. Members of the comprehensive plan steering committee will also be introduced.
The majority of the evening will be devoted to resident participation and discussion. Attendees will break into small groups for facilitated conversations about topics identified above and other issues important to Rye’s future. The small-group format is intended to provide residents with an opportunity to have meaningful conversations, hear from their neighbors, and identify priorities that can help guide the development of the plan
Residents planning to attend are strongly encouraged to register in advance so the city’s consultants can appropriately plan for the evening’s small-group discussions and activities. Registration is available on the comprehensive plan website.
“The success of this process depends on participation,” said City Manager Brian Shea. “You do not need to be an expert in planning or land use. If you live in Rye and care about the future of your community, we want you to be part of the conversation.”
The Oct.14 workshop is one component of a broader community engagement process that will continue as the comprehensive plan develops, with additional opportunities for residents and community stakeholders to participate.
For more information about the comprehensive plan or to sign up for project updates, visit the City of Rye comprehensive plan website.
