The Rhinebeck Planning Board on the evening heard a new application from homeowners at 11 Duchess Terrace to remove existing degraded creosote siding, replace it with LP SmartSide engineered wood siding with a traditional 5-inch reveal, and to install roof-mounted solar panels on an existing garage.

The homeowners’ representative, Victoria Hall, told the board they were undertaking a significant restoration including foundation work and that the current siding fragmented as crews exposed underlying material. Hall said remnants of original siding were found and the proposal would return the house to a traditional exposure. Contractor Dan Arquette joined the presentation to answer technical questions.

Board members focused on material details and visibility. Planners asked for a physical sample of the LP SmartSide product and for clarified installation details so the board can confirm the new siding will terminate and trim in a manner consistent with historic clapboard appearance. Hall said the product will be painted a historic color; she described the panels as an engineered wood fiberboard similar in appearance to cedar and available in a smooth finish.

On solar, the applicant said panels would be mounted on the existing garage roof; board members noted the array will be visible to immediate neighbors though not from the river or main road. The applicant provided images of the garage location and the exposed substrate beneath the current siding.

The board asked staff to place the application on the agenda for a public hearing on Nov. 17 (no earlier than 6:05 p.m.), and to refer the project to the Conservation Advisory Board (CAB), the Waterfront Advisory Committee (WAC), Hancock (for local review), and Dutchess County Planning (because the proposal includes a site plan). The board also directed that two planning board members conduct a site visit prior to the hearing and requested the applicant drop off a siding sample at Town Hall.

No formal final action was taken tonight; the hearing was scheduled and referrals requested so the board can review outside comments and the site-visit findings before voting.

The board’s further comments centered on trim details, window casing replacements shown in the plans, and ensuring proposed new casings and soffits match the hamlet character. The applicant said window openings are not changing as part of this application, though some casing and well replacement work is included.

The application will return at the public hearing after the requested sample and agency referrals are on file.