Rosendale residents share a deep love for their town and a common vision: to protect its small-town, creative spirit while thoughtfully evolving. Across responses, there is a strong call to keep Rosendale affordable, inclusive, and connected, with more housing options for locals, safer and more walkable streets, and expanded opportunities for youth and families. People are eager for more arts, events, and vibrant local businesses, alongside inviting public spaces that bring neighbors together. At the same time, there is clear concern about overdevelopment, rising costs, and losing the town’s unique character. The overarching hope is for Rosendale to thrive—economically, socially, and environmentally—without losing the authenticity, beauty, and sense of belonging that make it special.
Preserve Character & Avoid Overdevelopment
- Keep Rosendale small, quaint, eclectic, and authentic
- Strong concern about overdevelopment, gentrification, and becoming “glitzy” or tourist-heavy
- Desire to retain history, rural feel, and natural beauty
- Protect open space, forests, wetlands, and undeveloped land
Affordability & Housing
- Affordable housing is one of the most urgent and repeated concerns
- Worry about rising rents pushing out locals, young people, and seniors
- Desire for a mixed-income, inclusive community
- Interest in senior housing and housing for working families
Community Connection & Belonging
- Strong desire for more connection, togetherness, and neighborliness
- Interest in inclusive, welcoming, diverse community culture
- Requests for more accessible ways to meet people, especially in winter
- Emphasis on shared responsibility, kindness, and mutual care
Events, Arts & Culture
- High demand for:
- More festivals, music, theater, and arts programming
- Community events (big and small)—parades, markets, movie nights
- Continued support for local artists and creative spaces
- Desire to bring back beloved events/venues (e.g., cafes, Frozendale, parades)
Youth, Families & Recreation
- Need for more:
- Kids’ activities, teen spaces, and family programming
- Playground upgrades, skate parks, rec center improvements
- Indoor spaces for youth and families
- Interest in after-school programs and learning spaces
Walkability, Safety & Transportation
- Major concern about traffic speed and safety (especially Route 32 & Main St)
- Requests for:
- Sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, and trails
- Better pedestrian and cycling infrastructure
- Public transportation and local shuttle options
- General goal: more walkable, connected community
Local Economy & Businesses
- Desire for:
- Thriving Main Street with fewer vacancies
- More restaurants, cafes, and small businesses
- Businesses that are sustainable and locally supported
- Balance needed between:
- Economic vitality
- and not over-commercializing or displacing locals
Public Spaces & Amenities
- Interest in creating or improving:
- Community gathering spaces (“third places”)
- Parks, gardens, dog parks, swimming access
- Library expansion and community facilities
- Requests for shared resources (tool library, material exchange, etc.)
Environment & Sustainability
- Strong interest in:
- Climate action (solar, EVs, heat pumps, decarbonization)
- Clean water, pollution reduction, composting
- Sustainable growth and environmental stewardship
Communication, Governance & Participation
- Desire for:
- Better communication about events and decisions
- Stronger collaboration between town groups/commissions
- More volunteer engagement
- Interest in more transparent, engaging civic processes
Balance & “Right Amount” of Change
- A recurring theme:
- Grow and improve—but “not too much”
- Attract visitors and business—but don’t lose soul
- Support new people—but prioritize existing community
Overall Sentiment
- Deep love for Rosendale:
- “It’s lovely as it is”
- “Keep doing what you’re doing”
- Shared hope for a future that is:
- Connected, creative, inclusive, and sustainable
- Thriving without losing its essence