Residents who want their name on the Rye Nature Center's building exterior will need $2 million. A courtyard bench runs $75,000.

The Rye City Council will consider authorizing a formal naming rights and fundraising campaign for the 47-acre preserve at 873 Boston Post Road when it meets Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers.

The agenda posted by MyRye.com lists nine gift levels, giving the public its first detailed look at how Friends of Rye Nature Center plans to fund capital improvements.

The full menu:

  • Courtyard benches: $75,000
  • Learning Labs shared naming (up to four per lab): $125,000
  • Conservation office: $250,000
  • West-facing forest patio: $250,000
  • Learning Labs exclusive naming (North or South Lab): $500,000
  • Community Garden: $500,000
  • Entrance Courtyard and Gateway: $500,000
  • Visitor center: $1,000,000
  • Building exterior: $2,000,000

Friends of Rye Nature Center, the independent nonprofit that manages the preserve, is led by executive director Christine Siller and board president James Engerran. T

he organization offers Forest Preschool, summer camp, afterschool clubs and adult programs, and its most recently published strategic plan includes capital projects and facility improvements to support growth. The total fundraising target for this campaign has not been disclosed.

The council will also hear an update on the Nature Center's proposed new driveway, which goes before the Planning Commission separately on Tuesday, Aug. 11.

Other major agenda items

Comprehensive Plan presentation: Consulting firm AKRF will update the council on Rye's first comprehensive plan overhaul since 1985. The White Plains-based firm was hired to lead an 18-month process expected to produce a new plan by late 2027, with a 15-member steering committee already meeting and six technical advisory groups covering housing, economy, transportation, environment, parks and recreation, and history and community.

After the committee's first meeting on June 29, Mayor Josh Nathan told the Rye Record on July 26: "They enthusiastically engaged with one another right from the start … I am confident from what I saw that their work will be key in our community finding that beautiful tension between preservation and progress and what that means for Rye."

$13.7 million school tax levy: The council will vote on adopting the 2026/2027 tax levy and tax rate for the Rye Neck Union Free School District.

Parking changes near Midland School: A public hearing will open on proposed amendments extending the no-parking zone near Midland School and adding Car Park 6 to the regulations.

Employee residency law: A public hearing will open on a proposed new chapter of city code that would allow appointed police officers to live in additional counties, including Dutchess County. Public Safety Commissioner Michael Kopy requested the change to expand the hiring pool. City Manager Brian Shea told the Rye Record on July 20 that while the practical effect is relatively limited, the current code doesn't bring Rye into alignment with most other Westchester municipalities.

Also on the agenda: a presentation on the city's five-year Capital Improvement Program, an Eagle Scout project request from Reed Lisiak of Rye Troop 2 for a community food drive on Oct. 18, and updates on cellular service, CBD design standards and Gagliardo Park planning.

Upcoming

  • Wednesday, Aug. 12: City Council meeting, 7 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers. Broadcast on Cablevision Channel 1310 and Verizon Channel 39; streamed live at ryeny.gov.
  • Wednesday, Sept. 16: Next regular City Council meeting, 7 p.m.