Objections to RAC Rezoning and Expansion

My name is Nancy Vincent and I am a resident of the Blind Brook Lodge. I concur with the Board’s Disapproval of RAC’s proposed zoning change and expansion at 25 Milton Road, as stated in their letter dated February 7, 2025. Having read the RAC Petition Submission dated December 10, 2024, I would like to add my own concerns and objections to the proposed zoning change and expansion.

Creighton Manning Traffic Impact Study

“The proposed building will provide parking based on the parking demand of the existing building, which was approximated through a parking utilization study detailed herein.”

Creighton Manning failed to include the outdoor green space on the Concept Plan in its square footage parking calculations. From my perspective, this area has the potential to be a dynamic outdoor dining/art park/ and performance space, as indicated by the labels on the Concept Plan: Proposed Rear Patio (Café/dining?), Sculpture Garden, and Covered Art/Stage.

“The existing arts center provides the same services that will be offered in the new building, which will be operated by the Applicant”. Specifics of the new and expanded RAC have not been provided to the public. If you don’t know the intended use(s) of a structure, how can you accurately determine the traffic impact and parking needs for visitors and staff? Has RAC done their homework to determine specific usage of the new structure and green space? The public deserves to be provided with more details. Is the real purpose of the RAC expansion to create large revenue generating event spaces for concerts, performances, and receptions?

The Traffic Study concluded that there is enough on the street parking to accommodate the overflow of cars “The parking utilization study determined that the surrounding roadways within a five-minute walk from Rye Arts Center have parking available during the studied times”. Even if the streets could absorb the overflow, the negative impact on surrounding neighborhoods cannot be measured! Peaceful, residential neighborhoods will be confronted with walls of cars lining their streets. Neighborhoods will have increased air and noise pollution, and congestion. The character of the neighborhood will change from suburban to more urban. There needs to be a new Traffic Impact Study.

Short Environmental Assessment Form - Part 1 – Project Information – To be completed by Applicant

Refer to Question 17, a. and b.

• Will storm water discharges flow to adjacent properties?
• Will storm water discharges be directed to established conveyance systems (runoff and storm drains)?

Questions a. and b. were left blank on the survey.

With the increase in non-permeable surfaces, i.e. parking spaces, on a sloping grade, my concern is that this will contribute to runoff into existing wetlands and adjacent properties which could potentially lead to flooding.

Thank you in advance for your consideration of my concerns and objections.

Sincerely,

Nancy Vincent