RCL Discussion: Protecting the Character of Rye

This text is to promote  discussion.   This is starting  information, please remember that opinions are “not right or wrong”, just opinions and information to get discussions going.  

Our most valuable asset is the Character of Rye and our coast line.

What do you think the right level of “investment” Rye should be making to preserve and protect our Character?  Do you think this is the best place to be frugal?

The Master Plan is the legal document that the Residents of Rye own, that guides what happens in our town.  Everything form Zoning, to Planning Regulations to taking action on areas of concern, all stem from the Master Plan.

All of Rye benefited when a small, dedicated group of Residents developed our Master Plan.  However, the Master Plan is a living document and it resides with the Planning Board and our Planning Administrator (yes, we do not have Town Planner, only an administrator).  For a document as important as the Master Plan, should we depend on the availability and commitment of a sub-committee of the Planning Board, or should we continually contribute so that we have a Best in Class process for maintaining our Master Plan and utilize expert resources?

We currently do not have a “Plan” for our “Master Plan”.  How can you help?

A key element of our Master Plan is to maintain the “semi-rural” feel of Rye.  When you drive by Sea Glass Lane, do you see anything semi-rural about that development of $600,000 plus condominiums.  Did you know that our Planning Board awarded the builder with two additional units for “excellence in design”.

What do you think of how the Atlantic Grill has covered the adjacent yards with crushed stone, so those front yards can be used for employee parking.   Th0se concerns were raised to the Planning Board during the public hearings.

Did you ever wonder why Rye put Town Beach signs on all of our beaches, but missed Sanders Poynt?

Many residents participated in Climate Change workshops in 2014.  The action was to incorporate the findings into the Master Plan.  Nothing has moved forward, nor has there been any public discussion on what the plans are.

Managing Storm water is another environmental concern of communities.  We have had one resident step up to help the Land Use boards, but he is not an expert in this field.  Should we budget and invest to have a Town Planner or to have the resources to bring in the expertise when needed?

Just about all other coastal town’s and municipalities in the Seacoast have taken concrete actions to address the potential risks from rising tides and storm damage.  Rye is lagging behind our peers, do you think we should be?  If not, what can you do to get our town to be more proactive?