Communities around the country are rethinking entrenched  practices that keep them from resolving acute housing shortages. Solving the challenges that hamper affordable housing starts with a question: What if…? In this conversation, we’ll shed light on local zoning laws and market assumptions that hamstring our community’s ability to create a wider range of housing options. We’ll also discuss valid concerns that new housing—whether accessory dwellings or new developments—could harm the environment. Conversation moderated by Fr. Richard McKeon.

Speakers: 

Steve Rosenberg Chair, Land Use, Community Resources, and Ecological Regeneration Subcommittee, Village of Rhinebeck Comprehensive Plan; Co-convener, Hudson Valley Affordable Housing & Conservation Strategy Project. Former Senior Vice President at Scenic Hudson and Executive Director of Scenic Hudson Land Trust

Deirdre Burns is a member of the Village Comprehensive Plan Committee and served as co-chair of the Housing Subcommittee. She was elected to the Rhinebeck Board of Education for five terms and is a trained mediator.

Jonathan Mensch Chair, Workforce Housing Committee, Town of Rhinebeck

Part of the Affordable Housing conversation series How Do We House Rhinebeck? The Past, Present, and Future of Our Community. Each session will begin at 4pm and be followed by a 5:30pm potluck supper. Registration for each session is encouraged, but not required.