[{"_1":2,"_87":-5,"_88":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6648556,"mediaKeyId","2628382-8b68ecfc88f47d51d4fbd548d5e62ed2","parentId",2628382,"title","Red Hook board clears community solar and sewer IMA, approves fire agreements and shared services; continues zoning and cannabis hearings","audioSeconds",2731,"startMs",679000,"endMs",3410000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2628382-8b68ecfc88f47d51d4fbd548d5e62ed2&start=679&end=3410","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2628382-8b68ecfc88f47d51d4fbd548d5e62ed2/thumbnail_679000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6648556/Rhinebeck/Dutchess-County/New-York/Red-Hook-board-clears-community-solar-and-sewer-IMA-approves-fire-agreements-and-shared-services-continues-zoning-and-cannabis-hearings","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6648556-dd3f41ac96f29a80b31d5295528e8e77/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150811&Signature=MSiIxZGa2Cz6CVQjtkFvCF2GfuOsnimK~h1yX1Bl0g7URp0jhgu1w3NFgYLJpJ1jJeoAysGFR5zCn-g7kSsaqOnJaovNXNLQj9SXBG9ZxeBagZLJtriAgJfln3CRWD~MQa~J3VwG9kXsFMGTcq7etPx8gykg4Hs22Gr6MZyq3RvxPK1fZsQfUtjAo-~DxaHHz8hnmBZ-vwy0CD2WYfgch12~ccXYCpV7W239rEg3vRHC7BhsRLDi4dMzny~psktNuYqnhVAHikfiHY5CAqP1d9wE4zllow3lYTxiDW2HXg6fFBJ5rUl7AWc3PtJkqPENGaCfbtZocncdody~mkTDVg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Rhinebeck, NY","date","2025-01-13T14:15:59.793Z","article","The Red Hook Town Board on Dec. 10 adopted a State Environmental Quality Review negative declaration and a zoning-determination allowing a 0.7491-megawatt (749.1-kilowatt) community solar array on town-owned land, voted to accept a $175,000 New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) construction grant and authorized execution of the grant contract, and approved multiple other municipal agreements. The board also continued public hearings on proposed zoning amendments (Local Law D) and retail cannabis and public smoking/vaping rules (Local Law E) to Dec. 30.

Why it matters: The solar approval clears the project to move to final site-level permitting and use of state grant funds aimed at lowering electric costs and meeting local climate goals. The board also committed ARPA funds to a proposed sewer district project through an amended intermunicipal agreement with the Village of Red Hook; approved two-year fire-service agreements for 2025–26; and extended a shared purchasing agreement with Dutchess County, all of which affect town services and near-term capital spending.

Community solar and environmental review
The project, described in board packets as the “Cooking Ham West” community solar installation, is planned as a roughly 749.1-kilowatt ground-mounted system sited on an 11.16-acre portion of an 89–100 acre property the town acquired. The environmental record circulated by the town uses four acres as the conservative area of disturbance for SEQR analysis; panel area and trenches for electrical conduit make up the disturbance footprint, staff said.

Brandy Nelson, an engineer with Ty and Vaughn (consultant listed in the transcript), walked the board through the EAF Part 1 and the draft Part 2/Part 3 analysis. Nelson said the array will be located in a former gravel-mined, low-lying (“bowl”) portion of the site to reduce visual impacts and that the design avoids tree clearing: “...the contractor will be responsible for installing erosion sediment control measures consistent with the state's requirements,” Nelson said. She noted the array is planned outside the 100-foot regulated wetland adjacent area and that, in the town's view, construction impacts to surface water would be temporary and mitigated once revegetation is established.

Local residents spoke during the public hearing. Barry Garland submitted a written packet and said in person, \"we think the solar array is a mistake,\" and urged that the town not serve as lead agency for the environmental review: \"we're opposed to you being the lead agency,\" he said. Another resident, Joanna Dupee, said walkers who use the nearby trails find the area scenic and asked the board to consider alternate siting.

After the hearing and consultant presentation, the board voted to adopt a negative declaration under SEQR and then adopted a determination of applicability under the Monroe balancing framework (the board cited County of Monroe v. City of Rochester factors) that allowed the town to proceed despite village or town zoning constraints, subject to standard building-permit safety provisions. The board also approved a resolution authorizing the supervisor to execute the NYSERDA grant agreement for $175,000 to support construction; the town previously received a separate $100,000 grant for interconnection upgrades.

Findings and mitigation cited in the record include: locating the panels in mined areas with disturbed soils, avoiding tree clearing, using erosion and sediment controls during construction, designing fence openings to allow wildlife passage, and siting the panels in the low area to reduce visibility from Route 9 and some trail viewpoints. The project record notes the array will be “partially visible” from the Pickingham Trails and partially visible from the Hendrick Martin stone house (listed on the National Register) but that agricultural and farm structures and existing vegetation provide partial screening. The town received a written response from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) indicating no archaeological sensitivity was identified on the disturbed portion of the parcel.

Other votes and resolutions
- Waiver of moratorium for property in Rhinebeck (Resolution No. 119): The board received zoning and building-department correspondence and, with no public opposition at the hearing, moved and passed a resolution granting the hardship waiver so the project applicant may proceed. (Vote: board voice vote recorded as in favor; formal tally recorded in minutes as passed.)

- SEQR negative declaration for the Cooking Ham West solar project (Resolution No. 120): The board classified the project as an unlisted action under 6 NYCRR 617 and found no significant adverse environmental impacts following the Part 2/3 review. (Vote: passed.)

- Monroe balancing determination / applicability of village/town zoning (Resolution No. 121): After reviewing the nine Monroe factors (nature/scope of the project, regulatory effects, public interest, alternatives and intergovernmental participation), the board found the project may proceed subject to building-permit safety requirements. The board discussed interconnection constraints and noted that feasible alternative locations are limited by available three‑phase distribution lines. (Vote: passed 5–0.)

- Authorization to execute NYSERDA grant contract (Resolution No. 122): The board authorized the supervisor, or deputy in his absence, to execute the NYSERDA grant agreement and related certifications. (Vote: passed 5–0.)

- Fire service agreements for 2025–26 (Resolution No. 124): The board opened and closed a concurrent public hearing on proposed fire-protection service agreements with the Village of Tivoli and the Red Hook Fire Company, thanked volunteer firefighters, and approved the two-year agreements. (Vote: passed 5–0.)

- Extension of Dutchess County shared services agreement for purchasing (Resolution No. 126): The board authorized extension of the municipal agreement that allows the town to participate in county purchasing and cooperative procurements. (Vote: passed 5–0.)

- Amendment to intermunicipal agreement with Village of Red Hook for proposed sewer district (Resolution No. 127): The board approved an amended inner-municipal agreement to codify the town’s commitment to apply ARPA funds toward capital construction costs for a proposed traditional-neighborhood sewer district. The amended Exhibit A shows the amount to be used from ARPA funds in the packet (listed in the board materials as $554,206.23). (Vote: passed 5–0.)

Next steps and deadlines
The board continued public hearings on Local Law D (zoning-code amendments) and Local Law E (cannabis retail dispensary regulation and public smoking/vaping rules) to Dec. 30 at 7:30 p.m., and asked staff to publish notices. Planning-board chair Sam Phelan told the board the planning board will submit formal comments on the draft zoning changes for the board’s Dec. 30 meeting.

The town also indicated it will submit an expression of interest to the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) to participate in Water State Revolving Fund financing for the sewer project and signaled intent to seek financing or grants for design and construction in the coming funding cycles.

Quotations
\"The array would actually be set down below the level of the ground surrounding it,\" said Brandy Nelson, engineer, explaining siting and visual mitigation.

\"We think the solar array is a mistake,\" said resident Barry Garland, who urged the board not to be the lead agency for the review.

What the board did not decide
The board adopted the SEQR negative declaration and the Monroe balancing applicability decision, but final site plan approvals, building permits and any vehicle for final interconnection work with the utility remain to be completed before construction starts. Any conditions or mitigation spelled out in final permits will be set during the town’s subsequent approvals and in coordination with state agencies.

Ending
The town clerk and supervisor said supporting documents and referral letters will remain available for public review at Town Hall and on the town website before the Dec. 30 continued hearings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Red Hook Town Council Meeting 12/10/2024","oneSentenceSummary","The Red Hook Town Board on Dec. 10 adopted a SEQR negative declaration and a Monroe balancing determination to allow a planned 749.1-kilowatt community solar array to proceed, accepted a $175,000 NYSERDA construction grant and approved multiple intergovernmental agreements, while continuing public hearings on zoning and retail cannabis rules to Dec. 30.","taxTitle","Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, New York","taxId",62384,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6648551,"Red Hook considers expanding St. Margaret’s ADA ramp to include a 15-space lot; town asks staff for cost options",530,6215000,6745000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2628382-8b68ecfc88f47d51d4fbd548d5e62ed2&start=6215&end=6745","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2628382-8b68ecfc88f47d51d4fbd548d5e62ed2/thumbnail_6215000.jpg","/articles/6648551/Rhinebeck/Dutchess-County/New-York/Red-Hook-considers-expanding-St-Margarets-ADA-ramp-to-include-a-15-space-lot-town-asks-staff-for-cost-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6648551-bb0cd8f79aeb71240e7b47edc806d2b4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150811&Signature=XXfXNEJZR07Tbd8hUQh4JIbUGaPRCnqJr9jbBSXaBkeI1yEeNOj8lY49dWyybrXHK40xEqA9KPvl91lUGXmXDQbA8DcXJb~hv65eocq~w0mKgxI5f2NIUeadgCDsmubAYIHSZqoldZsenhFoI9HAdAKICJ0bC9IDgpZ2jJIF2MAu7z9ai9WubCDD3565ECgFC-0MoNZcazxg94G9OWNVxkrJIjxAJ75YVk8Vjl1ALaztRmBaMoosZRd6y7lz0zhemohWi2guE9rjxbw~ld2qAait3ofkCM0L0Qla5LXv0mBLd2vfnDve-m-irR9MT5r7NSb7HiWN4cgxLwhgOB7PsA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Red Hook Town Board reviewed conceptual plans Dec. 10 to expand a planned CDBG-funded ADA ramp at St. Margaret’s to include a modest parking area of about 15 spaces on the property’s south side. The town received county CDBG approval to shift previously awarded interior accessibility funds to exterior ADA improvements; staff presented a concept that would pair the single paved accessible stall (covered by the grant) and ramp with an adjacent low-impact gravel lot so the site would have designated parking for visitors and programs.

Why it matters: St. Margaret’s has been undergoing building renovations and needs accessible public entry and nearby parking for programs, volunteers and visitors. Board members said a lack of designated parking now forces ad hoc parking across lawns and creates maintenance and safety concerns.

Project scope and funding discussion
Town staff said the county agreed to allow the grant to cover the exterior ramp and the single accessible parking stall; exterior ADA work will include a paved accessible stall, access aisle and a paved route to the ramp and door with push-button access. Landscape consultants supplied a concept showing a gravel parking area for about 15 vehicles adjacent to an existing garage (used by rec staff for equipment) and screened by existing perimeter deciduous trees. The consultant and staff noted the site pitches into a low area and that siting the array in low ground reduces visibility for other town projects; for St. Margaret’s the topography provides some natural screening along Route 9.

Town staff estimated an order‑of‑magnitude cost for the additional parking and earthwork at roughly $75,000–$100,000, to be paid from town funds (the ADA ramp and accessible stall would be covered by the county CDBG grant and the earlier county review). The board discussed construction timing: staff said they plan to bid the ADA improvements in January so a contractor would be ready for spring construction.

Maintenance, containment and ADA questions
Board members and staff raised maintenance questions about a gravel lot: how to contain loose stone to prevent stones being thrown by mowers or plows onto Route 9, and how to plow and maintain the surface in winter. A possible design approach is timber wheel stops or a low timber border to contain gravel, and a snow-storage design that keeps accumulated plowed snow within a designated area. An alternative discussed was permeable pavers or reinforced grass-grid (plastic grid with planted turf) for parking stalls; staff said pavers can be relatively expensive and noted the aisle often still uses stone. The town’s recreation staff had been consulted and said a gravel lot was acceptable but asked for measures to make plowing and maintenance practicable.

Quotes
\"The ADA design... has a continuous route from the parking area to the door,\" said Brandy Nelson, the consultant engineer, summarizing accessible-route details.

\"Gravel requires maintenance and creates issues for mowing and plowing,\" a board member said during discussion, urging staff to return with containment and alternative-surface options.

Board direction
The board asked staff to return with a short list of options and rough cost estimates (including timber containment, permeable pavers and grass-grid options), plus maintenance implications for each. Staff said they would present those options and refined estimates at a future meeting so the board could decide whether to expand the CDBG-funded ADA scope to include the larger parking area or keep the grant scope limited to the paved accessible stall and ramp.

Ending
Staff said the town will proceed with the grant-funded ADA ramp procurement (bid in January) and will return with parking-surface options and costs to allow the board to decide on any expanded scope and town funding.","The board reviewed plans to use county CDBG funds to build an ADA ramp and accessible parking for St. Margaret’s, and discussed adding a roughly 15-space gravel lot at an estimated incremental cost of $75,000–$100,000; staff were asked to return with cost comparisons and containment options to limit gravel migration.","actionData","errors"]

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Red Hook board clears community solar and sewer IMA, approves fire agreements and shared services; continues zoning and cannabis hearings

Red Hook considers expanding St. Margaret’s ADA ramp to include a 15-space lot; town asks staff for cost options