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Dobbs Ferry expands ADU eligibility in MDR zones; board urges publicity about available grants
Summary
Trustees unanimously adopted a zoning text amendment expanding accessory dwelling unit (ADU) eligibility to single‑family properties in MDR districts; speakers urged outreach about up to $125,000 in available ADU funding for eligible Rivertown Village households.
The Village of Dobbs Ferry Board of Trustees voted unanimously to adopt a zoning text amendment to expand eligibility for accessory dwelling units to properties improved with one‑family dwellings in the MDR (Medium Density Residential) districts.
Trustees said the amendment expands the intent of the original ADU law to allow more homeowners — particularly those on smaller lots in denser residential zones — to add or convert space for a secondary unit. The change is intended to increase housing options for residents who want to stay in place as household needs change or to add a rental unit for family members.
During public comment, Tracy Baron, Co‑chair of the Dobbs Ferry Affordable Housing Task Force, said the task force “strongly support[s]” the measure and called ADUs “a great way to add affordable housing to help people stay in their homes.” Baron’s comment was the only public comment recorded on the item.
Trustees noted that funding became available for up to $125,000 per household to add ADUs, but that the funds apply only to Rivertown Villages and have eligibility limits that likely constrained applications. The board said the grant pool is finite and that earlier outreach had produced few applicants, partly because of income limitations in the program.
Because this is a zoning text amendment, trustees said they will post the required post‑adoption local law notice. Trustees also instructed staff and the Affordable Housing Task Force to circulate information about the expanded ADU eligibility and the available grant to residents in the MDR districts so eligible homeowners can consider the funding opportunity.
The motion to open the continuation of the public hearing on this zoning revision was moved by Trustee Patino and seconded by Trustee Rosenberg. The motion to adopt the local law was moved and seconded as recorded in the clerk’s minutes, and the vote was unanimous.
