After a temporary delay, the five honey locust trees on Mill Street/Route 9 in front of the Beekman Arms will be fully removed on Friday, Dec. 12, Beekman Arms owner George Banta Jr. told The Daily Catch. Banta said he also hopes to have the Inn's new sidewalk and additional upgrades finished by Christmas. The owner of the Beekman Arms said that what is left of five trees lining Route 9/Mill Street in front of the Inn will be removed on Dec. 12. (Photo by Eloise Goldsmith) The Inn will plant four hybrid elms to replace the honey locust trees....

https://www.thedailycatch.org/articles/beekman-arms-hopes-to-have-new-sidewalk-and-trees-in-place-by-christmas-after-permitting-hiccup/

As below-freezing temperatures threaten unhoused individuals in northern Dutchess County, a new overnight homeless shelter is expected to replace the shelter at St. Christopher’s Church in Red Hook, which ceased operation on March 15, according to Father Jeffrey Maurer of St. Christopher’s Church. St. Christopher’s Church closed its overnight homeless shelter in March, but Fr. Jeffrey Maurer said a new solution is in the works. (Photo courtesy of Fr. Jeffrey Maurer) The new facility, to be located in another church, is awaiting final confirmation from the church’s board of directors before its location will be announced publicly. “I do believe...

https://www.thedailycatch.org/articles/new-overnight-warming-shelter-coming-to-red-hook-after-st-christophers-site-forced-to-close/

Rhinebeck students outperformed their state peers last school year, according to state assessment data presented to the Board of Education on Tuesday. Rhinebeck students outperformed state averages on last year’s assessments. (Photo by Tony Adamis) Grades 3–8 English and math scores surpassed statewide averages by 23 and 21 percentage points, respectively. While high school scores dipped slightly in certain math, science, and social studies classes compared to the previous year, the district saw a 10-point rise in the percentage of students earning a 3 or higher on AP exams. The top score is a 5. But district leaders said the...

https://www.thedailycatch.org/articles/rhinebeck-students-beat-state-averages-but-district-warns-scores-tell-only-part-of-the-story/

After several weeks of deliberation and continued protests by members of the Red Hook Boat Club, the Red Hook Town Board voted on Tuesday night to pass two new laws that will modify the Town zoning code for parks, boat clubs, docks, ramps, and marinas, among other changes. Red Hook Boat Club supporters packed Town Hall on Tuesday to oppose zoning changes they say could ease a potential eminent domain takeover. (Photo by Athan Yanos) Town Supervisor Robert McKeon said the changes are necessary to better align the Town's zoning code with its comprehensive plan. But Boat Club members worry...

https://www.thedailycatch.org/articles/town-board-resubmits-and-passes-waterfront-zoning-after-judge-faults-earlier-version/

Rhinebeck Village Mayor Gary Bassett reassured residents on Tuesday that the holiday spirit remains very much alive, with a decorated tree to return to “Doughboy Park,” and the polar bear from Sinterklaas set to cavort in the heart of the Village in less than two weeks. In a turn of events, there will be a holiday tree in the Village’s “Doughboy Park” this year. (Photo by Eloise Goldsmith) “The holidays have not been canceled,” said Bassett at Tuesday’s Village Board meeting. “Our Village is made up of people who are here to work and help us with all of our...

https://www.thedailycatch.org/articles/village-mayor-holidays-not-canceled-as-rhinebeck-rallies-to-restore-traditions/

The Red Hook Community Center is preparing for a transformative, building-wide accessibility overhaul after securing two major public grants totaling 0,000. Together, the funds position the center to reimagine its heavily used facility for residents of all ages and abilities. Woodworker workshops are among the many activities on offer at the Red Hook Community Center. (Photo by Emily Sachar) The dual awards – a 0,000 award from New York State’s BRICKS program and an additional 0,000 from Dutchess County’s Municipal Investment Grant (MIG) – come at a pivotal moment. The building, which serves as a daily hub for youth programming,...

https://www.thedailycatch.org/articles/red-hook-community-center-to-launch-five-year-470000-accessibility-overhaul-with-state-and-county-grants/

Red Hook Village residents raised concerns at a public hearing on Monday about increased traffic, pedestrian safety, and the preservation of the Village’s historic character as the Village Board considers adoption of a proposed land use and zoning study as an addendum to its comprehensive plan. Rose White spoke against zoning changes she fears could erode Red Hook’s historic character. (Photo by Athan Yanos) Rose White, who lives on the northeast side of the Village, told the Board she fears the housing and commercial changes. She said the Village’s distinctive architecture is part of what makes the community feel unique...

https://www.thedailycatch.org/articles/traffic-safety-and-historic-charm-top-concerns-as-red-hook-weighs-gateway-north-zoning-study/

The Clinton Town Board voted unanimously Monday night to extend its moratorium on new conference center, hotel, and motel applications until July 2026. The six-month extension maintains the pause on hospitality development that the Board put in place in July to give the Town time to draft a new law to determine where such projects can be built. Town Board member Katherine Mustello stressed the importance of hearing from more Clinton residents before making future zoning decisions. (Photo by Claire Greenburger) The new law, however, will not cover projects already in progress with local officials—most notably Six Senses, the controversial...

https://www.thedailycatch.org/articles/clinton-extends-hotel-development-moratorium-as-six-senses-review-rolls-on/

After much deliberation, the Rhinebeck Town Board on Monday approved new parking regulations for Rhinecliff that largely match the currently signed restrictions on key roads. The new plan prohibits parking on some sections of Orchard Drive and Kelly Street and implements three-hour parking Monday through Saturday in other sections of the hamlet. A new parking plan for Rhinecliff prohibits parking on some sections of Orchard Drive and Kelly Street, and implements three-hour parking Monday through Saturday in other sections of the hamlet. (Photo by Eloise Goldsmith) The new plan caps a lengthy effort to implement a comprehensive parking regime to...

https://www.thedailycatch.org/articles/rhinebeck-town-board-approves-comprehensive-parking-plan-that-brings-clarity-to-rhinecliff-streets/

Dr. George Emil Verrilli, a longtime resident of Rhinebeck and Red Hook who founded the Neugarten Birth Center at Northern Dutchess Hospital as well as the Red Hook Community Center, died on Dec. 5 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center. Through his philanthropy, volunteerism, and over-50-year career as an obstetrician and gynecologist, George touched the lives of many and left a lasting legacy for families and communities in the Hudson Valley. A devoted physician, husband, father, grandfather, and community leader who adored his family, George will be remembered for his spirited humor, vivacity, compassion, and love of family and community, his...

https://www.thedailycatch.org/articles/dr-george-e-verrilli-physician-founder-of-neugarten-family-birth-center-and-red-hook-community-center-dies-at-96/