Rye Arts Center Zoning Petition

RAC Zoning Petition

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• Share A Message to the Rye Community on the Future of RAC on Facebook Share A Message to the Rye Community on the Future of RAC on Twitter Share A Message to the Rye Community on the Future of RAC on Linkedin Email A Message to the Rye Community on the Future of RAC link

  A Message to the Rye Community on the Future of RAC

  by Hayley Nivelle, about 1 year ago

  Dear Neighbors,

  The Rye Arts Center has long been a place where creativity thrives, where children discover their talents, and where our community comes together to celebrate the arts. As we move further into a technology-driven world, the need for spaces that foster creativity, imagination, and hands-on artistic expression is more important than ever—especially for our children.

  Our planned expansion will allow us to provide even more opportunities for young minds to engage with the arts. Whether through music, visual arts, theater, or emerging creative technologies, the Rye Arts Center helps balance the screen-heavy world kids are growing up in... Continue reading

  Dear Neighbors,

  The Rye Arts Center has long been a place where creativity thrives, where children discover their talents, and where our community comes together to celebrate the arts. As we move further into a technology-driven world, the need for spaces that foster creativity, imagination, and hands-on artistic expression is more important than ever—especially for our children.

  Our planned expansion will allow us to provide even more opportunities for young minds to engage with the arts. Whether through music, visual arts, theater, or emerging creative technologies, the Rye Arts Center helps balance the screen-heavy world kids are growing up in by offering a place for them to create, collaborate, and express themselves in meaningful ways.

  Addressing Community Concerns

  We understand that any expansion brings questions, and we have taken proactive steps to address them:

  • Parking & Traffic: We hired an independent engineering firm—at our own expense—to carefully analyze parking and traffic. We are ALL motivated to have the right number of parking spots. Additionally, our new pull-in lane will greatly improve drop-off efficiency and reduce congestion, ensuring a smooth flow of traffic.
  • Design: We appreciate community input and will continue to reflect feedback as we move forward. Right now, our focus is on securing the necessary zoning approvals, but we are committed to ensuring that the final design fits harmoniously into the fabric of Rye.

  Before criticizing a project like this, I encourage community members to take a step back and ask: Are you questioning this for the right reasons? Put yourself in the shoes of families with young children—families who will be part of our town for decades to come. Rye is a special place because of the investment we make in our future, and that includes giving our kids the space to explore, learn, and grow through the arts.

  This expansion is about more than just a building—it’s about investing in our children’s futures. In an age of screens and digital distractions, we are committed to ensuring that the arts remain a vital part of their development. We ask for your support in this rezoning effort so we can continue to provide a space where creativity and self-expression flourish for generations to come.

  Thank you for your support, and we look forward to building this future together.

  Sincerely,

  Hayley Nivelle
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  In support of the RAC expansion

  by Simone Bonnet, about 1 year ago

  I have been a Rye resident for 5.5 years and am a current supporter and board member of The Rye Arts Center (“RAC”). I strongly support the RAC’s proposed zoning amendment at 25 Milton Road. The new building will vastly expand on the RAC’s already-incredible offerings, and give the organization a beautiful new platform from which to serve this community with education, outreach, improved cultural offerings (art gallery, music and performing arts spaces), and so much more.

  My two elementary-aged children are students at the RAC and benefit tremendously from the thoughtful and engaged instruction. We are all so... Continue reading

  I have been a Rye resident for 5.5 years and am a current supporter and board member of The Rye Arts Center (“RAC”). I strongly support the RAC’s proposed zoning amendment at 25 Milton Road. The new building will vastly expand on the RAC’s already-incredible offerings, and give the organization a beautiful new platform from which to serve this community with education, outreach, improved cultural offerings (art gallery, music and performing arts spaces), and so much more.

  My two elementary-aged children are students at the RAC and benefit tremendously from the thoughtful and engaged instruction. We are all so excited to engage with future offerings if and when the planned expansion comes to fruition - my sons, both avid drawers and painters, so look forward to having an outdoor arts space in particular.

  As others have noted, we will continue to engage with the Rye Planning Commission and Rye City Council, as well as the broader community to ensure that the new Rye Arts Center delivers for everyone in the community. There will be plenty of opportunity for continued local engagement post the zoning amendment.
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  Supporting The Rye Arts Center is important

  by Rita Tino Longo, about 1 year ago
  I have lived and worked in Rye for over 30 years and my 3 children have all taken part in the many wonderful programs offered at RAC. I did not have this type of experience growing up in other communities. My children and I in Rye were afforded a whole new world of creative opportunities and inspiration. The arts, music, dance all add to an individual’s rich and healthy spirit and love of life as well giving our children the confidence they need to pursue whatever they want. It is critical we allow RAC to thrive and be that inspiration... Continue reading

  I have lived and worked in Rye for over 30 years and my 3 children have all taken part in the many wonderful programs offered at RAC. I did not have this type of experience growing up in other communities. My children and I in Rye were afforded a whole new world of creative opportunities and inspiration. The arts, music, dance all add to an individual’s rich and healthy spirit and love of life as well giving our children the confidence they need to pursue whatever they want. It is critical we allow RAC to thrive and be that inspiration for everyone. As a board member I see the immense potential RAC has to be that unique establishment with the goal of providing a safe and welcoming environment to bask in the love of the arts. I support the zoning amendment wholeheartedly.
• Share Great communities thrive with ample access to the Arts on Facebook Share Great communities thrive with ample access to the Arts on Twitter Share Great communities thrive with ample access to the Arts on Linkedin Email Great communities thrive with ample access to the Arts link

  Great communities thrive with ample access to the Arts

  by Carol, about 1 year ago

  The Rye community is so lucky to have the incredible resources of the Rye Arts Center. Access to the Arts and arts programming enriches the lives of Rye residents in so many ways. I look forward to the RAC expansion, and the benefits it will bring to the Rye community.

  The Rye community is so lucky to have the incredible resources of the Rye Arts Center. Access to the Arts and arts programming enriches the lives of Rye residents in so many ways. I look forward to the RAC expansion, and the benefits it will bring to the Rye community.
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  Major Concerns!

  by Sarah Garrity, about 1 year ago

  I see that many people have voiced valid concerns about the proposed construction, including the traffic volume and delays; pedestrian safety; environmental considerations; unauthorized use of the Blind Brook Lodge private parking lot; reduced property values as well as the financial posture of the Rye Arts Center.

  On a very serious note regarding the traffic congestion. It is already awful during certain times of the day. Actually dangerous. Could an ambulance or fire engine get through in an emergency?

  I hope that the mayor, city council and planning commission take their time to investigate these valid concerns, engaging their fellow... Continue reading

  I see that many people have voiced valid concerns about the proposed construction, including the traffic volume and delays; pedestrian safety; environmental considerations; unauthorized use of the Blind Brook Lodge private parking lot; reduced property values as well as the financial posture of the Rye Arts Center.

  On a very serious note regarding the traffic congestion. It is already awful during certain times of the day. Actually dangerous. Could an ambulance or fire engine get through in an emergency?

  I hope that the mayor, city council and planning commission take their time to investigate these valid concerns, engaging their fellow neighbors along the way.
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  Rye Arts Center New Building

  by Jdevita001, about 1 year ago

  The rye arts center is a fixture in our city for decades. Working out of a city structure that was not meant for the purpose it is being used for today.

  Our desire is to construct a building that will allow us to have adequate space for teaching the arts. Whether it is painting or clay or musical lessons or acting. Our goal is to have the right facilities to meet the needs of the community.

  We will work with our neighbors, the city and the artistic community to bring an asset to community that will benefit all of us.

  ... Continue reading

  The rye arts center is a fixture in our city for decades. Working out of a city structure that was not meant for the purpose it is being used for today.

  Our desire is to construct a building that will allow us to have adequate space for teaching the arts. Whether it is painting or clay or musical lessons or acting. Our goal is to have the right facilities to meet the needs of the community.

  We will work with our neighbors, the city and the artistic community to bring an asset to community that will benefit all of us.

  I look forward to the continued dialogue as we move forward in this journey.

  
  

  
  
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  Support for the zoning amendment

  by Michael Collins, about 1 year ago

  I support the Rye Arts Center’s petition to amend the zoning code so they can continue to explore incorporating the property at 25 Milton into their future plans.

  I grew up in Rye and moved back to our community about 20 years ago to raise my family. My first involvement with the RAC was a pottery class I took while in grade school, and I’m thrilled to remain involved with the RAC today as a Board member. My children expanded their involvement with both music and the arts through classes at the RAC, and my mother has been taking watercolor... Continue reading

  I support the Rye Arts Center’s petition to amend the zoning code so they can continue to explore incorporating the property at 25 Milton into their future plans.

  I grew up in Rye and moved back to our community about 20 years ago to raise my family. My first involvement with the RAC was a pottery class I took while in grade school, and I’m thrilled to remain involved with the RAC today as a Board member. My children expanded their involvement with both music and the arts through classes at the RAC, and my mother has been taking watercolor painting classes for decades.

  I care deeply about our community and its character and want to see the great institutions in our town thrive. For the RAC, which is one of our great institutions, expanding to meet the increasing needs of the community will help it secure its future so it can continue to be a vibrant and wonderful part of our community for generations to come.

  Also, as a property owner in Rye with a vested interest in property value, I would much rather see the 2 acres at 25 Milton become part of a great public institution like the RAC rather than location of a few more oversized new houses.

  I encourage the community to support the zoning amendment, and also to continue providing feedback to the RAC so its expansion plans reflect public sentiment.
• Share Improving the Community with the Rye Arts Center Expansion on Facebook Share Improving the Community with the Rye Arts Center Expansion on Twitter Share Improving the Community with the Rye Arts Center Expansion on Linkedin Email Improving the Community with the Rye Arts Center Expansion link

  Improving the Community with the Rye Arts Center Expansion

  by Shami Kini, about 1 year ago

  When our family moved to Rye almost 13 years ago, our realtor recommended we check out the Rye Arts Center. My daughters quickly immersed themselves in piano lessons, acting workshops, plein air painting, vocal lessons, Minecraft classes, and so on. Later, they became CITs and summer counselors for the RAC’s summer week long camps. The Arts Center was a haven for them, allowing time and space for creative expression.

  Not only does the RAC offer incredible programming from preschool age to retirees, from fledgling artists to those fine tuning their techniques, there are also performing arts shows, gallery openings, lectures... Continue reading

  When our family moved to Rye almost 13 years ago, our realtor recommended we check out the Rye Arts Center. My daughters quickly immersed themselves in piano lessons, acting workshops, plein air painting, vocal lessons, Minecraft classes, and so on. Later, they became CITs and summer counselors for the RAC’s summer week long camps. The Arts Center was a haven for them, allowing time and space for creative expression.

  Not only does the RAC offer incredible programming from preschool age to retirees, from fledgling artists to those fine tuning their techniques, there are also performing arts shows, gallery openings, lectures and other special events all open to the public.

  As a Board member for the past 9 years, I have had the privilege to witness how the RAC comes to life. It is incredible to see the breadth and depth of offerings. The staff’s enthusiastic passion for the arts resonates in every corner of this intimate center. But, it requires tremendous ingenuity to juggle limited classroom space. While the existing building has plenty of charm, it also has faces challenges like other buildings of the same age. An extension of the Rye Arts Center would provide better space utilization, an expansion of class offerings, and increased public space for the whole community to enjoy. I strongly support the expansion of Rye Arts Center.
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  Romans 4 RAC

  by Gail Roman, about 1 year ago
  My family has used The Rye Arts Center for 35 years - as students, board members, teachers, and supporters. The educational benefits of RAC programs are extraordinary, and my children’s cognitive abilities greatly improved from their experiences with art, music, and theater. Above all, we found inspiration in a welcoming community of peers.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  My family has used The Rye Arts Center for 35 years - as students, board members, teachers, and supporters. The educational benefits of RAC programs are extraordinary, and my children’s cognitive abilities greatly improved from their experiences with art, music, and theater. Above all, we found inspiration in a welcoming community of peers.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
• Share In Support of The Rye Arts Center’s Proposed Zoning Change on Facebook Share In Support of The Rye Arts Center’s Proposed Zoning Change on Twitter Share In Support of The Rye Arts Center’s Proposed Zoning Change on Linkedin Email In Support of The Rye Arts Center’s Proposed Zoning Change link

  In Support of The Rye Arts Center’s Proposed Zoning Change

  by Judith Passannante, about 1 year ago

  I have lived in Rye for 31 years and raised three children here. The Rye Arts Center (the "RAC") is one of the reasons why my family chose to live in Rye and it has positively impacted our lives here. Experiencing art has been a communal experience for us at the RAC where 3 generations of my family attend classes, go to art gallery shows and enjoy performances with our friends and Rye neighbors. We are not alone. The RAC enhances the quality of life of all Rye residents, from pre-K to senior citizens, who benefit from its cultural experiences... Continue reading

  I have lived in Rye for 31 years and raised three children here. The Rye Arts Center (the "RAC") is one of the reasons why my family chose to live in Rye and it has positively impacted our lives here. Experiencing art has been a communal experience for us at the RAC where 3 generations of my family attend classes, go to art gallery shows and enjoy performances with our friends and Rye neighbors. We are not alone. The RAC enhances the quality of life of all Rye residents, from pre-K to senior citizens, who benefit from its cultural experiences and arts education. The Rye Arts Center is an incredible place.

  As a long time supporter and current board member of The Rye Arts Center, I support the RAC’s proposed zoning amendment at 25 Milton Road. I believe that the Rye community will benefit from the outdoor sculpture garden and plein air painting studio and the enhanced arts and cultural offerings provided by the new facility, which includes an improved art gallery, performance space, painting studio, teen space and state-of-the-art maker space.

  Art and culture are important vehicles to discovering ourselves and understanding one another. My children benefited from the outstanding arts classes at The Rye Arts Center, which complemented their experiences in Rye's public schools, sports and nature programs. The Rye Arts Center has outgrown its current space and the new facility will allow it to provide world-class arts education and experiences to future generations.

  I thank the Rye Planning Commission and the Rye City Council for its thoughtful consideration of the RAC’s proposal and the positive impact it can have on all of our community.