Beacon mayor prioritizes rail trail project connecting waterfront to Empire State Trail System

Beacon City Council highlighted significant advancements in community development during its recent meeting on March 4, 2025. A standout moment was the announcement that Beacon's Main Street has been recognized as one of the cleanest in America, ranking 20th out of 100 nationally. This accolade complements Beacon's previous achievement as a "Walker's Paradise," boasting a remarkable walkability score of 96 out of 100.

Mayor's top priority for 2025 is the proposed rail trail project, which aims to convert the Beacon Hopewell rail spur into a recreational trail. The feasibility study for this initiative, completed by Dutchess County Planning, is expected to generate momentum for future engineering and design phases. The mayor expressed enthusiasm for connecting Beacon's waterfront and Main Street to the extensive Empire State Trail System.

In addition to the rail trail, the city is actively addressing housing affordability. Nearly 30% of Beacon's rental units are part of affordable housing programs, second only to Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County. The city is advocating for the development of affordable units on a county-owned lot on Main Street and is exploring housing proposals above the Metro North parking lot.

On the sustainability front, Beacon has achieved silver certification as a climate-smart community, allowing access to grants for further environmental initiatives. Plans for 2025 include installing a photovoltaic system at the highway garage and expanding electric vehicle charging stations throughout the city.

The meeting also underscored the city's commitment to transparency and effective governance, with ongoing efforts to enhance workforce policies and community engagement. As Beacon continues to evolve, the council remains focused on fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant community for all residents.