Central Business District Study
City of Rye, New York
Background:
In April 2006 the Rye City Council created the Retail Strategy Task Force (RSTF) to develop recommendations to "maintain and improve the business climate in our downtown." The City Council expanded the Task Force in May to include additional members, including members of the City Planning Commission, which had issued a request for proposals in October 2005 for consulting services to recommend strategies to improve and enhance the City's Central Business District (CBD).
The RSTF began it's work in May and agreed to retain the services of Phillips Preiss Shapiro Associates, Inc. to assist with the planning process. The CBD study area generally includes an area west of Boston Post Road, east of Theodore Fremd Avenue, south of I-95 and north of Orchard Street. Most properties are located within the City's B-1 Neighborhood Business and B-2 Central Business Districts.
Study Scope:
The intent of the CBD study is to be comprehensive, but to emphasize enhancing the business environment, particularly for retailers in Rye. The consultant assisting the RSTF has experience in "Main Street" planning and the unique challenges confronting small business areas like Rye's CBD. A range of issues will be addressed including land use, pedestrian and vehicle circulation, urban design, market trade area, parking, land use and zoning controls and other concerns.
Public Workshop Information:
There will be a public workshop to be held on Monday, October 23, 2006 at 7:00 PM in the Rye Free Reading Room, which is located at 1061 Boston Post Road on the Village Green adjacent to City Hall. All interested persons are encouraged to attend.
see RCTV-produced workshop announcement. (requires Apple QuickTime)
Public Surveys:
The planning process includes a significant outreach component to understand public perceptions of the Rye CBD. The RSTF is currently administering surveys as a tool in assessing shopper and merchant's perspectives on the CBD. Click below for a copy of the:
Online shopper survey
Planning Process:
As directed by the City Council the planning process will take approximately eight months. That process consists of the following timeline.
June-Oct: Consultant and RSTF complete background studies and business and shopper surveys.
Oct/Nov: Public and RSTF Workshops with consultant.
Mar.: Completion of Central Business District Plan
Retail Strategy Task Force Meeting Minutes:
October 5, 2006
November 1, 2006
April 26, 2007
CBD Reports and Information:
Map of CBD Parking Areas (large .pdf file)
For More Information Contact:
Christian K. Miller, AICP
City Planner
Rye City Hall
1051 Boston Post Road
Rye, New York 10580
p: 914.967.71678
f: 914.967.7185
Retail Strategy Task Force Members and Background:
| Member Name | Background |
|
George Pratt, Chair |
Current City Council and Planning Commission member |
|
Debbie Barnwell |
CBD Retailer (Panache) |
|
Eamonn Long |
Rye Resident, Experience in CBD Planning |
|
Bob Marrow |
Rye Resident. Experience in retail representation and ownership |
|
Doug McKean |
Former City Council and Planning Commission member |
|
Catherine Parker |
CBD Retailer (Parkers) |
|
Bill Ruiz |
Rye Resident. Experience in retail real estate investment |
|
Brian Dempsey |
Chair of City Traffic and Transportation Committee |
|
Nick Everett |
City Planning Commission member |
|
Peter Larr |
City Planning Commission member |
|
Martha Monserrate |
City Planning Commission member |
|
Joe Sack |
City Board of Appeals member |
|
Fred Cummings |
City Landmarks Committee member |
|
Bruce Macleod |
Rye Resident. Experience in retail development |
|
Lisa McKienan |
CBD Restaurant owner (Ruby’s). President of Rye Merchants Assoc. |
|
Peggy Peters |
Community Volunteer |
Last Revised: May 5, 2007