Red Hook, New York
Upcoming
(2) Planning Board
The Town of Red Hook Planning Board meeting scheduled for July 6, 2026, has been cancelled because a quorum could not be reached. The next regular meeting is set for July 20, 2026.
(3) Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider two applications: a variance request for a soccer field and pickleball court with fence and setback deviations at 3974 Route 9G, and an appeal challenging the code enforcement officer's determination that an aerodrome operates as an airport facility. The board will also approve minutes from the prior meeting.
- ZBA 26-03: Michael Sarandon requests variances for a 21,600 SF soccer field and 7,200 SF pickleball court with 20' netting, exceeding fence height limits in R03 district with Scenic Corridor Overlay.
- ZBA 26-04: Tomas Wise appeals three code enforcement determinations (2020, 2025, 2026) that the Aerodrome operates as an Airport Facility use.
- Approval of June 10, 2026 draft meeting minutes and review of Planning Board minutes.
Recent meetings
(1) Town Board
The Town Board approved an addendum to extend a professional services contract and authorized a new agreement for $383,400 to design Sewer District No. 1. The Board also set a public hearing for August 11, 2026, regarding the sale of Water District No. 1 surplus lots.
- Approved addendum to T&B Engineering contract (5-0)
- Authorized T&B Engineering agreement for $383,400 (5-0)
- Set public hearing for Water District No. 1 surplus lots sale (Aug 11, 2026)
- Discussed resubmitting water infrastructure grant application
Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee
The agenda for this Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee meeting is largely procedural, listing only document references including a survey flyer and social media image. No specific actions, resolutions, or public hearings are described in the provided text.
- No concrete items such as rezonings, contracts, or ordinances are present in the agenda text.
(2) Planning Board
The Planning Board will hold public hearings on a rooftop solar installation at 4 Toms Way and a continued hearing on the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome master plan. New business includes a certificate of appropriateness for a shed at 96 Old Post Road N. Old business involves amending a home occupation special use permit for Neiro Schmidt.
- Rose Shed Certificate of Appropriateness for parcel 275949 at 96 Old Post Road N (Upper Red Hook district)
- Amoroso Solar public hearing for a 29.48kW roof-mounted PV array on parcel 865024 at 4 Toms Way (RD3 district)
- Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Master Plan continued public hearing for a special use permit on parcel 820860 at 9 Norton Road (RD3 district)
- Neiro Schmidt Home Occupation Special Use Permit Resolution Amendment (old business)
The board approved a special use permit for a 1,497 sq ft accessory structure including a carport, massage studio, and cottage. A public hearing for the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Master Plan was opened and will continue at the next meeting.
- Approved May 18, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Approved Type II SEQR Resolution for 230 Rokeby Road (unanimous)
- Approved Special Use Permit for 1,497 sq ft mixed-use structure at 230 Rokeby Road (unanimous)
- Opened public hearing for Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Master Plan (unanimous)
(3) Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Daniel Mendelsohn's application to construct a 160 SF addition to a single-family dwelling at 130 Station Hill Road. The existing structure is non-complying with the required 30-foot side-yard setback, and the zoning law prohibits enlarging non-complying buildings. The board will also approve previous meeting minutes and hear chair comments.
- ZBA 26-02: Variance request for side-yard setback of 22' 2.75" where 30' is required
- Property located at 130 Station Hill Road in Hamlet Zoning District with Historic Landmark Overlay
- Application to construct approximately 160 SF addition to non-complying single-family dwelling
- Approval of May 13, 2026 draft meeting minutes
- Next ZBA meeting scheduled for July 8, 2026; application deadline June 30, 2026
The Zoning Board of Appeals scheduled a public hearing for a variance request at 130 Station Hill Road. The applicant, Daniel Mendelsohn, seeks approval to construct a 160-square-foot addition to a single-family dwelling that currently does not meet setback requirements. The Board directed the applicant to provide a letter from their architect clarifying the measurements on the submitted drawings.
- Approved May 13, 2026, draft minutes (5 present)
- Scheduled public hearing for 130 Station Hill Road variance
- Directed applicant to provide architect letter clarifying measurements
- Designated Alternate Susan Grover as full voting member
(1) Town Board
The Town Board approved a $64,500 electrical contract and a $108,200 engineering task order for the Water District No. 1 tank rehabilitation. The Board also discussed grant opportunities for regional projects.
- Approved $64,500 electrical contract for Water District No. 1 tank rehab (5-0)
- Approved $108,200 engineering task order for Water District No. 1 tank rehab (5-0)
- Moved public comment period to beginning of meeting (procedural)
- Tabled Water Board request to sell excess parcels for Community Preservation Fund
Water Board
The Water Board discussed water rates, bid statuses, and surplus property sales. A new minimum water rate of $68.00 was approved by the Town Board, up from $57.33. Bids for tank painting and well rehabilitation were accepted, while tank electrical work bids were not acceptable. The board also considered selling surplus water district lots and discussed lead service line inventory inspections.
- Minimum water rate increased from $57.33 to $68.00 per billing period, approved by Town Board
- Low bid for tank painting/construction accepted from US Tank
- Low bid for well rehabilitation accepted from Claverack Well and Pump
- Tank electrical work low bid not accepted
- Discussion of selling surplus water district lots on Aspinwal adjacent to the pond
The Water Board accepted low bids for tank painting (US Tank) and well rehabilitation (Claverack Well and Pump) while rejecting a low bid for tank electrical work. New water rates were approved by the Town Board, increasing the minimum rate from $57.33 to $68.00 for up to 9,000 gallons. The board also discussed surplus property and lead service line inventory but postponed decisions.
- Approved minutes of April 15 meeting (unanimous)
- Accepted low bid for tank painting/construction from US Tank
- Rejected low bid for tank electrical work as not acceptable
- Accepted low bid for well rehabilitation from Claverack Well and Pump
- Noted Town Board approved new water rates: minimum rate increased from $57.33 to $68.00
(2) Planning Board
The Planning Board will hold public hearings on two special use permits: a mixed-use accessory structure at 230 Rokeby Road (Schmidt) and a master plan for the Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum at 9 Norton Road. Old business includes a lot line alteration at 578 Budds Corners Road. New business is a 29.48 kW roof-mounted solar array at 4 Toms Way. The board will also approve minutes and hear public comment.
- Public hearing: Schmidt Garage/Cottage Special Use Permit for 1,497 sq ft mixed-use accessory structure at 230 Rokeby Road
- Public hearing: Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Master Plan Special Use Permit for museum at 9 Norton Road (RD3 District)
- Continued discussion: Choinsky Lot Line Alteration to transfer 13.1 acres between parcels at 578 Budds Corners Road (RD3)
- New application: Amoroso Solar – 29.48kW roof-mounted PV array at 4 Toms Way (RD3)
The Planning Board approved a Special Use Permit for Erik Schmidt and Sequoia Nero to construct a 1,497 sq ft mixed-use accessory structure at 230 Rokeby Road, after closing the public hearing and approving a Type II SEQR resolution. The board also opened and continued the public hearing for the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Master Plan to June 15, 2026, without a decision. Previous meeting minutes were approved unanimously.
- Approved May 18, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Closed public hearing for Schmidt garage/cottage Special Use Permit (unanimous)
- Approved Type II SEQR Resolution for Schmidt application (unanimous)
- Approved Special Use Permit for Schmidt application (unanimous)
- Opened public hearing for Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Master Plan Special Use Permit (unanimous)
- Continued public hearing for Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome to June 15, 2026
(1) Town Board
The Town Board is meeting to consider a resolution to award a water tank general contractor contract. The agenda consists of the meeting packet and this addendum, with no other specific items listed. This appears to be a procedural meeting focused on a single contract award.
- Resolution to award water tank general contractor contract (addendum included)
The Town Board adopted an amendment to the Community Preservation Plan to acquire Water District No. 1 surplus properties and approved new water rates for District No. 1 effective July 1, 2026.
- Adopted Local Law No. 1 of 2026 amending the Community Preservation Plan (5-1)
- Authorized Supervisor to execute SEQRA determination of nonsignificance (5-0)
- Approved Water District No. 1 rates: minimum $68.00 up to 9,000 gallons (5-0)
- Approved Water District No. 1 rates: $7.56 per 1,000 gallons over 9,000 gallons (5-0)
- Approved Water District No. 1 service connection charge of $1,000.00 (5-0)
- Approved Water District No. 1 tapping charge of $1,000.00 (5-0)
(2) Planning Board
The Planning Board will continue discussions on a special use permit for a garage/cottage at 230 Rokeby Road and a master plan for the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. New business includes a site plan for exterior sports fields with lights at 3974 Route 9G and an amended subdivision on Stonybrook Road. The board also received a temporary housing extension request from Bard College. No public hearings are scheduled.
- Schmidt - Garage/Cottage Special Use Permit - continued discussion for 1,497 sq ft mixed-use accessory structure at 230 Rokeby Road
- 3974 Route 9G - Rolin Fields Exterior Fields Site Plan - presentation for exterior fields with lights and netting at 3974 Route 9G in RD3 district
- Claykill LLC - Amended Subdivision - presentation to amend building envelope for septic system on Stonybrook Road in Water Conservation and Agricultural Business districts
- Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Master Plan - continued special use permit discussion for museum at 9 Norton Road in RD3 district
- Bard College Temporary Housing Extension Request - discussion item
The Red Hook Planning Board approved the minutes of the May 4 meeting and set a public hearing for June 1 for a garage/cottage special use permit at 230 Rokeby Road. The board also waived a public hearing for a minor subdivision amendment on Stonybrook Road to allow a septic system, requesting the town engineer draft an authorization letter. No final project approvals were granted; discussions continued for the Rolin Fields athletic fields and the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome master plan, with the board suggesting applicants seek variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
- Approved minutes of May 4, 2026 (unanimous)
- Set public hearing for Schmidt garage/cottage special use permit for June 1, 2026 (unanimous)
- Waived public hearing for Claykill amended subdivision on Stonybrook Road; requested engineer draft authorization letter
Conservation Advisory Council
The CAC will vote on April minutes, discuss an aerodrome letter, and receive updates on the Comprehensive Plan, Climate Smart Community, and Drinking Water Source Protection Program. They also review upcoming events like Repair Cafes and the Pollinator Garden planting at the Rec Park.
- Aerodrome Master Plan next meeting Monday
- Drinking Water Source Protection Program final document for CAC review
- Pollinator Gardens at Rec Park – plant date June 15, volunteer sign-up
- E-waste day report: 22 pallets, 8 buckets of batteries, 2 buckets of CFL bulbs
- Comprehensive Plan meeting Sunday 12-4 at Rose Hill
(3) Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider an application to reduce the lot frontage of a parcel from 50 feet to 25.86 feet. This change is intended to allow for a lot line adjustment between two adjoining parcels. The subject property is located at 150 Route 199 in the R1 Zoning District.
- Public hearing for ZBA 26-01: Lot frontage reduction from 50 feet to 25.86 feet
- Proposed lot line adjustment between parcels 134889-6272-12-794685 and 134889-6272-12-811694
- Property location: 150 Route 199, Red Hook
The Zoning Board of Appeals granted a variance to reduce the lot frontage of a Flagpole Lot from 50 feet to 25.86 feet at 150 Route 199. The decision allows for a lot line adjustment between two adjoining parcels. The Board granted the variance with conditions regarding fees and other required approvals.
- Approved April 8, 2026 draft meeting minutes (5-0)
- Designated Alternate Susan Grover as full voting member (4-0)
- Opened public hearing for variance request (5-0)
- Closed public hearing (5-0)
- Declared proposed action Type II under SEQRA (5-0)
- Granted variance to reduce lot frontage from 50 to 25.86 feet (5-0)
- Granted variance with conditions: payment of fees/escrow and receipt of other approvals (5-0)
- Adjourned meeting (5-0)
(1) Town Board
The agenda for this Town Board meeting consists solely of references to a meeting packet PDF and two addenda (a CPP update and a CPF list). No specific items for decision or discussion are identified in the provided text.
- Meeting packet: Town Board Meeting Packet 5-12-2026 R1.PDF
- Addendum: Red Hook CPP Update (dated 06-09-2016, amended for this meeting)
- Addendum: CPF List (dates spanning 6-9-16 to 05-12-26)
The Town Board adopted a resolution scheduling a public hearing for May 27, 2026 at 7:45 PM to consider increasing water rates for Water District No. 1 from $57.33 to $68.00 monthly for up to 9,000 gallons. The vote was 3-1 (Supervisor McKeon voting nay, Councilmember Testa absent). The board also extended a public hearing on amendments to the Community Preservation Plan to include certain Water District parcels after a motion to extend failed 2-2, leaving the hearing open until May 27.
- Accepted Supervisor’s Report and proposed budget adjustments (4-0)
- Accepted Town Clerk’s Report and approved April abstracts totaling $327,421.30 (4-0)
- Extended public hearing on Local Law A (Community Preservation Plan amendment) to May 27, 2026 (motion to extend failed 2-2, but hearing remained open and was extended by default)
- Adopted Resolution No. 18 setting May 27, 2026 public hearing for Water District No. 1 rate increase (3-1, with McKeon nay and Testa absent)
(2) Planning Board
The Red Hook Planning Board will hold a public hearing for a Special Use Permit application by Erik Schmidt and Sequoia Nero to operate a home occupation on parcel 810466 at 230 Rokeby Road. The board will also continue discussion of a related application for a garage/cottage special use permit on the same property. Additionally, the board will hear a presentation on a Certificate of Appropriateness application to remove a garage at 41 Old Post Road, and discuss a request for comments on a bridge replacement on River Road.
- Public hearing: Schmidt and Nero home occupation special use permit at 230 Rokeby Road
- Continued discussion: Schmidt and Nero garage/cottage special use permit at 230 Rokeby Road
- New business: Rowlson-Hall and Lidofsky Certificate of Appropriateness to remove garage at 41 Old Post Road
- Discussion: request for comments on River Road bridge replacement
- Announcement: Comprehensive Plan Committee Workshop #2 on May 17, 2026
The Red Hook Planning Board approved a Special Use Permit for a massage studio at 230 Rokeby Road and a Certificate of Appropriateness to remove a garage at 41 Old Post Road. The board also discussed bridge replacement plans and set the next meeting for May 18.
- Approved Special Use Permit for massage studio at 230 Rokeby Road (4-0)
- Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for garage removal at 41 Old Post Road (4-0)
- Waived Design Review Committee review for garage removal project
- Set next regular meeting for Monday, May 18, 2026
Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee
The Steering Committee is meeting to review and discuss draft vision statements and goals for the Comprehensive Plan update. The agenda includes summaries from middle school workshops, outreach flyers in English and Spanish, and the committee's previous meeting minutes. No votes or decisions are scheduled; this is a discussion and review session.
- Draft Vision Statements and Goals for Steering Committee review
- Middle School Workshops summary report
- Workshop 2 flyer (English and Spanish versions with embedded links)
- Steering Committee Meeting No. 12 document
The Steering Committee approved the April 7th minutes and discussed draft vision statements and goals. The committee decided to postpone a specific community engagement session on prioritization to a later workshop. The May 26th meeting was cancelled.
- Approved April 7th meeting minutes
- Discussed draft vision statements and goals
- Decided to delay prioritization discussion to Workshop #3
- Cancelled May 26th meeting
- Set June 23rd meeting date
(1) Town Board
The Town Board is meeting with a largely procedural agenda. The only substantive item is a discussion of the water storage tank rehabilitation project, as indicated by addendum documents. No other action items are listed.
- Water storage tank rehabilitation project documents (project manual and bidding calendar) included as addendum
The Town Board authorized the purchase of two 2026 Chevy 1-ton pick-up trucks for the Highway Department, one costing up to $60,000 and the other up to $80,000. The board also authorized the solicitation of bids for a water storage tank rehabilitation project.
- Approved purchase of 2026 Chevy 1-ton pick-up trucks (5-0)
- Authorized solicitation of bids for water storage tank rehabilitation (5-0)
(2) Planning Board
The Planning Board will hold two public hearings: one for a Certificate of Appropriateness for a wave pool and fence at 55 Old Post Road North in the Upper Red Hook Hamlet District, and another for a site plan and special use permit for an agricultural education program at 150 Pitcher Lane. The board will also review new applications for a garage/cottage and home occupation at 230 Rokeby Road, and discuss a bridge replacement on River Road.
- Public hearing for Certificate of Appropriateness for wave pool and fence at 55 Old Post Road North (parcel 230844) in Upper Red Hook Hamlet District
- Public hearing for site plan and special use permit for agricultural education program at 150 Pitcher Lane (parcel 896812) in agricultural zoning district
- Presentation of two applications by Erik Schmidt and Sequoia Nero: 1,408 sq ft garage/cottage and home occupation at 230 Rokeby Road
- Discussion on bridge replacement on River Road, seeking comments from NY Dept. of State
- Announcement that Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Master Plan special use permit is not on this agenda, pending new submission
The Planning Board approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for a wave pool and fence at 55 Old Post Road North. It also approved a Site Plan and Special Use Permit for an agricultural education program at 150 Pitcher Lane. A public hearing for a home occupation permit at 230 Rokeby Road was scheduled for May 4, 2026.
- Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for wave pool and fence at 55 Old Post Road North (All in favor)
- Approved Site Plan and Special Use Permit for agricultural education program at 150 Pitcher Lane (All in favor)
- Scheduled Public Hearing for home occupation Special Use Permit at 230 Rokeby Road for May 4, 2026 (All in favor)
Water Board
The Water Board discussed and agreed to recommend raising the minimum quarterly water charge from $57.33 to $68, with corresponding increases for usage over 9,000 gallons, to generate revenue for Tank Rehabilitation Loan repayments. The board also discussed municipal finance rules, insurance coverage, and a recommended 60% debt-to-40% reserves capital structure.
- Recommendation to raise minimum water charge from $57.33 to $68 per quarter
- Corresponding rate increase per 1,000 gallons over the 9,000-gallon minimum
- Discussion of municipal vs. private loan rollover practices
- Clarification needed on Water District insurance coverage
- Debt-to-reserves ratio of 60% debt and 40% cash proposed for large future investments
The Water Board discussed revenue needs for Tank Rehabilitation Loan repayments. The board agreed to recommend increasing the minimum charge from $57.33 per quarter to $68.00 and adjusting the rate per 1000 gallons used beyond the 9000 gallon minimum.
- Approved March 24th meeting minutes
- Recommended increasing minimum water charge from $57.33 to $68.00 per quarter
(1) Town Board
The provided agenda text is sparse and procedural, listing only attached documents for the April 14, 2026, Town Board meeting. It references Community Preservation Fund addendums, an amended Red Hook Comprehensive Plan update, and a draft bid package for Red Hook Well No. 1. No specific decisions, dollar amounts, or public hearing details are included in the source.
- CPF addendums
- Red Hook Comprehensive Plan update (amended 04-13-26)
- Draft bid package for Red Hook Well No. 1
The Town Board adopted a resolution classifying the proposed purchase of Water District No. 1 surplus properties as an unlisted action and establishing itself as the lead agency. The Board also scheduled a public hearing for May 12, 2026, to consider an amendment to the Community Preservation Plan to fund the property acquisition.
- Adopted Resolution 13 classifying action and establishing lead agency (5-0)
- Adopted Resolution 14 setting May 12 public hearing for Local Law No. A (5-0)
- Accepted Supervisor's Report for March 2026 (5-0)
- Accepted Town Clerk's Report for March 2026 (5-0)
(3) Zoning Board of Appeals
The board will hold a public hearing on an application by Brian Velie to reduce the minimum lot frontage from 50 to 25.86 feet for a flagpole lot at 150 Route 199. The board will also consider a correction to a previous resolution on maximum lot coverage (ZBA Resolution 25-04 Burke). Approval of prior meeting minutes and review of planning board minutes are also on the agenda.
- Public hearing on ZBA 26-01: Brian Velie application to reduce lot frontage from 50 to 25.86 ft for a flagpole lot at 150 Route 199
- Correction of maximum permitted lot coverage percentage via ZBA Resolution 25-04 Burke
- Property is in the R1 Zoning District with a Scenic Corridor Overlay
- Approval of October 8, 2025 ZBA draft meeting minutes
- Review of Planning Board minutes and comments from the Chair
The Red Hook Zoning Board of Appeals approved the October 8, 2025 meeting minutes and adopted an amendment to Resolution 25-04 to correct the zoning district for a property from RD3 to RDS, which changes the maximum lot coverage from 7% to 5%.
- Approved October 8, 2025 draft meeting minutes (5 present)
- Adopted amendment to ZBA Resolution 25-04 Burke (5 present)
- Set public hearing for ZBA 26-01 Velie lot line adjustment for May 13, 2026 (5 present)
- Decided no additional escrow deposit needed for ZBA 26-01 noticing costs
Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee
This meeting's agenda lists only document references and no reports, resolutions, or public hearings. The session appears to be procedural with no decisions or discussions scheduled.
The committee approved the March 24th meeting minutes and received updates on new appointments and resignations. Most of the meeting was devoted to planning logistics for a public workshop and an Apple Blossom Day display to gather community feedback on draft visions and goals. No substantive policy decisions were made.
- Approved March 24th meeting minutes (unanimous)