In the heart of Dobbs Ferry, a pressing issue looms large: the affordable housing crisis. During the recent Board of Trustees meeting, village officials highlighted the struggles many residents face in securing housing that fits within their budgets. With rents, taxes, and utilities often exceeding 30% of income, the dream of living in the community they cherish is slipping away for many.

The conversation centered around a new initiative aimed at addressing this crisis through mixed-income housing. This approach, often misunderstood as solely catering to low-income individuals, actually seeks to create a diverse community by accommodating a range of income levels. The goal is to foster neighborhood stability, allowing teachers, nurses, municipal workers, seniors, and young professionals to thrive in the village without being displaced by high-rent developments.

To tackle this challenge, the village is partnering with Kearney Realty and Development Group to transform three village-owned lots into affordable housing. These include two vacant lots on Cedar Street and a parking lot at 99 Cedar. The initiative aims to maintain ample public parking while providing homes that reflect the community's needs.

Over the years, the Board has taken significant steps to address affordable housing, including forming an affordable housing task force, updating zoning laws, and earning a pro-housing community designation from the state. These efforts culminated in securing a $4.5 million New York Forward grant for downtown development.

The Kearney Group, selected from seven applicants, brings local experience and a commitment to community engagement. Their proposal promises to create housing that meets local needs while enhancing the village's vitality. The development is expected to increase foot traffic, benefiting local businesses, and generate property tax revenue from land that currently contributes nothing.

As the village embarks on this journey, a 90-day due diligence period will allow Kearney to assess the sites and work towards a formal contract. This process will include public hearings and environmental reviews, ensuring community input remains a priority. To keep residents informed, a dedicated website will provide updates and FAQs about the project.

As the meeting concluded, the sense of hope was palpable. With the right partnerships and community involvement, Dobbs Ferry is taking significant steps toward a more inclusive future, where affordable housing is not just a dream but a reality for all its residents.