The Central Business District: Rye’s Biggest Fixer-Upper?

The Rye City Council met Tuesday, September 16, in City Hall for a special presentation from City consultant John Imbiano of IQ Landscape Architects. Mr. Imbiano shared his preliminary findings and recommendations in connection with the Central Business District (CBD) Planning and Streetscape Study with Council members and members of the Central Business District committee, chaired by Catherine Parker.
As City Planner Christian K. Miller explained, “We’re facing the necessity of spending $2.5 million dollars in infrastructure improvement to the CBD in the months ahead. This workshop was a chance to get ahead of the curve and see if there are safety improvements we can make, pedestrian-friendly and motorist-friendly things we can be doing, while we’re at it. There’s nothing set in stone. Or even down on paper.”
CBD Committee member Fred Cummings Jr, told us, “It was just a chance for the consultant to share some early thinking about  sidewalks, crosswalks, beautification … things the City is considering.”
Chairperson Parker’s reaction was typical. “It looked interesting, but I was thinking, where’s the money coming from? Especially these days.” 
–      Mitch Silver