Roxanne Fisher critiques Red Hook boat club property proposal at town meeting

Residents of Red Hook are raising concerns about a proposed land acquisition that could significantly impact the community's waterfront access. During the Town of Red Hook Board of Trustees meeting on May 13, 2025, local resident Roxanne Fisher voiced her apprehensions regarding the board's decision to advance a coastal assessment form (CAF) referral for the acquisition of the Red Hook Boat Club's property.

Fisher criticized the board for relying on outdated planning documents, some dating back to 1993, to justify the acquisition. She emphasized that the town is currently updating its comprehensive plan with a $100,000 grant from New York State, which should inform future decisions about community priorities and waterfront access. Fisher questioned the urgency of the board's actions, suggesting that rushing this proposal could lead to costly mistakes that do not align with the community's current needs.

The timing of the board's vote was also a point of contention. Fisher noted that the amended agenda was only made available hours before the meeting, leaving residents little time to review the proposal. She urged the board to postpone the vote until after a public hearing scheduled for May 16, where community members plan to express their concerns.

The discussion highlights a growing tension between the board and residents regarding transparency and community involvement in decision-making processes. As the board moves forward, the implications of their decisions on waterfront access and community trust remain at the forefront of public discourse in Red Hook.