Town board schedules hearing on proposed framework allowing parking rules by resolution

The Town of Rhinebeck board voted on Aug. 25 to introduce a proposed local law to establish a procedural framework allowing the town to adopt specific parking and traffic regulations later by resolution.

Attorney Michael (presenting) described the measure as “a two-step process” that would give the town board authority to adopt regulations such as no-parking zones, one-way rules or stop signs by resolution rather than embedding every detail in the town code. “This proposed local law would essentially create a framework for the town to regulate vehicle and traffic offenses and parking throughout the town. It doesn't actually create any regulations themselves,” the attorney said.

The board approved the motion to introduce the local law and schedule a public hearing for Sept. 29 at 6 p.m. by voice vote; a date for any implementing resolution will follow the hearing. During discussion the attorney said the first resolution likely to follow would address parking in Rhinecliff, and that the board had decided to continue allowing two-way traffic and parking on Orchard Street.

Why it matters: the framework lets the board adapt parking and traffic controls by resolution, which is a faster and simpler process than changing the code for each location-specific restriction. That procedural change could be used to address neighborhood traffic and parking complaints more quickly.

What was not decided: the board did not adopt any specific parking restrictions at the Aug. 25 meeting; those would come later as resolutions following public hearings and local-law adoption.

Ending: with the Sept. 29 hearing scheduled, the board will accept public comment on the proposed procedural law before any site-specific parking rules are proposed.