Rye City Hall to Reopen for Appointments Only on Monday, August 3rd

In a note to residents Tuesday, City Manager Greg Usry announced Rye City Hall will open to residents on Monday, August 3, 2020 – but for scheduled appointments only.

Many city services have been automated and are available via the city web site. For anything that requires a City Hall visit, you must call in advance, make an appointment and then follow strict protocols on arrival.

See Usry’s letter, important city department phone numbers and arrival procedures:

“Dear Residents,

On March 13th we were forced to close City Hall, along with all the City buildings, to the public for the safety of both City staff and our residents. Since that time, the Department Heads and the administrative staff have worked to migrate all City permit, financial and administrative business to a remote or virtual platform. Although the impetus for this was public safety and the continuation of City business, the long term benefit is convenience. As it now stands, almost all activities can be done via the City website, with some follow up by email or phone. Only select, State-mandated activities are required to be done in person.

For this reason we will be reopening City Hall to the public beginning on Monday, August 3rd. For the foreseeable future this will be BY APPOINTMENT ONLY . We are doing this in recognition of the ongoing public safety concerns, and the need to minimize unnecessary foot traffic in the building. However, we will make accommodations for anyone that needs an appointment for services that cannot be completed remotely. Please refer to the attached summary for directions and protocols for entering City Hall. To schedule an appointment please refer to the specific Department. Only those with appointments will be permitted in the building and meetings will be restricted to certain conference rooms on the main floor. Again, this is for our collective safety and your convenience.

Greg Usry / Interim City Manager”

-and the procedures:-

“City hall will reopen to the public beginning, Monday, August 3, 2020. Please note that all visits are by appointment only. Please call the following numbers to make an appointment with a specific department:

Assessor: (914) 967-7565
Building Department: (914) 967-7372
City Clerk: (914) 967-7371
City Manager: (914) 967-7404
Finance Department: (914) 967-7303
Planning Department: (914) 967-7167

For the convenience of residents and the safety of both staff and residents, virtually all transactions can currently be conducted on-line, via phone or email or through the postal service. Please see the relevant department pages on our website for details. Appointments are for transactions or items that must be done in-person. If you call to schedule an appointment for something that does not require a visit to City Hall, you will be directed to the appropriate remote channel.

For visitor and staff safety, the following procedures will be in place:

1. Residents must enter City Hall through the front door on the Village Green. For anyone who needs a handicap accessible entrance, please call the appropriate department number which will be posted on the side entrance door.

2. You will be greeted at the door at the time of your appointment.

3. Visitors and staff must wear a mask indoors at all times.

4. All visitors must sign into the visitors’ binder attesting to health concerns related to COVID-19. Please stay home if you are feeling sick or exhibiting any symptoms associated with COVID-19 or if you believe you have been exposed to the virus.

5. Visitors will have their temperature taken before entering. The thermometer must read
100.3 degrees or below in order to gain entry. You will then be escorted to the meeting room.”