Village of Rhinebeck works on public water project with DEC to resolve permit issues

Concerns over communication and infrastructure delays dominated the recent Town of Rhinebeck Planning Board meeting, as officials addressed ongoing issues with a local health department and water supply project.

Planning Board member Jim highlighted significant setbacks caused by the health department's requirements, which led to unauthorized soil stockpiling on the site. He emphasized the need for better communication, stating, “It would be nice to know” about such changes, especially when they impact community planning. The lack of transparency has raised questions among residents regarding the project’s progress and intentions.

The meeting also touched on the anticipated opening of an oral surgery facility, with the surgeon eager to begin operations by August. However, uncertainty remains about whether this timeline is feasible due to the unresolved issues with the health department and parking concerns.

Additionally, representatives from the project team reported ongoing negotiations with the Village of Rhinebeck and the Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding public water access. The project has been stalled as they work to upgrade water lines, which are necessary for connecting the facility to the village's water supply. The original plan to install the water line on the north side of Mill Road has been revised, with the new line now set to run along the south side, connecting existing homes and eventually extending to the Grasmere area.

As these discussions unfold, the Planning Board is urging all parties involved to maintain open lines of communication to ensure the project can move forward without further delays. The outcome of these negotiations will be crucial for the community, as residents await the completion of essential infrastructure improvements.