Environmental stewardship is not a choice, but an obligation to our future generations. Rhinebeck has an excellent record of carefully managing and protecting its pastoral character. Rhinebeck Common is committed to preserving this character. We will always “Think Globally, Act Locally”… and Steward Responsibly.
Re$ponsible EV Charging: Part 1 – Free Energy
While Village Trustee, John Rossi raised the concern of using public funds to subsidize private users of the Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations (Feb 11, 2020 Board Meeting) as the installation and early use grant was expiring:
John did not feel subsidizing EV charging for private users met the critical threshold of essential need or public benefit, and investigated the scale of the subsidy.
Trustee Rossi shared his findings at the next board meeting (March 10, 2020). His comparative analysis shows the Village has been giving free energy to private EV owners at a cost of $300 per month after the grant expired (Fall 2019).
NET: the Village has subsidized EV charging at a cost of ~$4800 since Fall 2019. Every Dollar Counts, and it is important that spending be essential and equitable, if not recoverable.
Re$ponsible EV Charging: Part 2 – Free Parking
Environmental stewardship is important, but must be done in a way that also protects the most vulnerable in our community – our seniors and those with disabilities. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) protects and promotes the needs of this community, and the Village must and should willingly comply.
Unfortunately, in March 2020, the Board was faced with a dilemma. Additional EV chargers placed in the municipal lot displaced the ADA compliant parking spots, and represented a code violation.
John Rossi advocated for immediate compliance with ADA law by covering the (underused) EV chargers with a bag until the new ADA parking slots were compliant. The Board voted to remain out of compliance with ADA obligations for a week and give the project team time to become compliant.
John was disappointed with this decision as the Village chose to not be compliant with the ADA. This issue should not have gone to a vote as ADA is an essential obligation while the charging station was not critical for the time window in consideration.
NET: Rhinebeck Common will steward the environment responsibly and sensibly. John Rossi has demonstrated the moral courage to speak up and defend the most vulnerable in our community.