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Rhinebeck board opens unsafe-building proceeding for Everready Diner, sets June hearing and signals demolition
Summary
The Rhinebeck Town Board voted to begin an unsafe-building proceeding for the long-vacant Everready Diner, amended the resolution to request demolition, and set a hearing for June 17 at 1:30 p.m.; owners will receive legal notice and may contest.
The Rhinebeck Town Board voted on May 11 to commence an unsafe-buildings proceeding for the long-vacant Everready Diner, and the board amended the resolution to express a preference for demolition. The board set a hearing for June 17 at 1:30 p.m. and directed town staff to serve legal notice on the property owners so they may contest the town’s determination.
The town’s zoning administrator, Brian, described repeated vandalism, open doorways and windows, plywood removed, and evidence of rodent activity at the diner. A consultant identified structural collapse and widespread interior damage and recommended demolition rather than repair. “It does not look like it could be saved,” the consultant said, citing a collapsed roof and ongoing safety risks.
Town attorney Michael explained the two-step local process: the board first makes a finding that the building is unsafe or dangerous, the town then serves notice on the owners, and a hearing is held where owners can present evidence before the board makes a final determination. The board voted to add language to the resolution indicating it wants demolition to be considered as the remedy if the town’s findings are upheld.
Board members expressed concern about public safety and repeated calls to the town about the site. The action authorizes the town to proceed with formal notice and the scheduling of the hearing; demolition would be a later formal action if the board so decides after the hearing and any required legal process.
The board set the public hearing for June 17 at 1:30 p.m. and agreed to delay service of the legal notice appropriately so the notice, the 30-day repair-commencement window, and the hearing timing align with legal requirements. The town retained the option to discuss repair versus demolition at the hearing if owners put forward an alternative plan.
What happens next: the owners will receive the town’s legal notice; they may appear at the June 17 hearing to contest the board’s findings. If the board ultimately orders demolition and the order is not complied with, the town’s code provides procedures for the town to remove the unsafe structure.
