Roger Akeley retires after 26 years

HARLEM VALLEY — Roger Akeley, Dutchess County’s commissioner of planning and development for nearly 26 years, retired last Friday, Jan. 15.

Akeley worked for two county executives during his tenure: Lucille Pattison, a Democrat, and current Executive William Steinhaus, a Republican. Akeley worked with the Legislature to pass the county’s first master plan, “Directions,� followed by the Greenway initiative and establishment of the Partnership for Manageable Growth.

“It has been my good fortune to have worked for two intelligent, competent and dedicated county executives during this time,� Akeley stated in a press release, “and also with a series of legislatures which have given unfailing support to the purposes and implementation of good planning principles.�

Akeley later mentioned local resident Harry Schroeder for his work on the county Legislature in passing “Directions.� Schroeder, who has also chaired the North East Planning Board, said that when working with the commissioner, there was never politics involved, and the two have had an easy and friendly relationship.

“Planning and zoning is a very volatile issue in many communities, but Roger has always been even tempered,� Schroeder said during a phone interview. “The first thing he did was put on the brakes, and from there you can start moving ahead. He was never a hard seller or a zealot. He would patiently explain time and time again the need for something. You never got the sense that the county was ramming something down our throat. He worked well with the surrounding communities.�

The underlying issue in every site plan or land plot the county reviews, no matter how big or small, is the fight between motorized convenience and community, Akeley stated.

“The convenience of an automobile-centered society has to be weighed against the enormous environmental and safety costs, the huge energy footprint of a car-centered environment versus the light, companionable tread of our feet in our neighborhoods and downtowns,� he explained.

Schroeder said that Akeley’s real reward for the work he has accomplished as commissioner has yet to be seen, as the policies and decisions made during his tenure will continue to effect the county for years and years to come.

“If planning and zoning works at all,� Schroeder said wryly, “it’s due to [Akeley] and his efforts. That goes for the people under him as well. Their effects are a reflection of his philosophy.�

“Thank you for the years of support for the county, the department and me, personally,� the commissioner’s statement concluded. “Your good work, our times together and our combined dreams, I take with me.�