Historic District Commission chair says she will recuse from TAP vote, seeks written plans for stonewall move

Chair Kaitlyn Coffey updated the Town of Rye Historic District Commission on the status of a proposed Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) project at the commission’s May 13 meeting at Rye Town Hall.

Coffey said BETA Engineering presented plans and conducted a walk with abutters in January, and that she and other members later spoke with the Select Board. She told the commission she had been contacted in early March and more recently by DPW Director Jason Rucker, who provided revised plans from BETA. Coffey described the design as still preliminary.

Coffey said the Select Board asked her to recuse herself from matters involving the TAP project. She told the commission she consulted an attorney to understand her rights and position and said, "I can keep the HDC informed on the project, and if the Commission votes on something I will recuse myself from the vote." She added that if the historic stonewall needs to be moved she has requested written plans showing dimensions and location before construction begins.

Coffey said she will submit a request to the Select Board asking for an opportunity for the HDC to meet with the Select Board to discuss outstanding concerns. She also said she will circulate a list of concerns that the HDC raised in November 2025 and that remain unaddressed.

The update did not include a formal project approval or a schedule for a vote; Coffey characterized the plans as still developing and requested that any substantive material or design changes return to the HDC for review. DPW Director Jason Rucker was referenced as having provided revised plans, but no DPW presentation or vote occurred at the May 13 meeting.

Next steps the commission identified included obtaining the written drawings Coffey requested and scheduling follow-up discussions so the HDC can review any design changes before construction or permitting moves forward.