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Planning consultant outlines comprehensive plan timeline; trustees press developer and task force on affordable‑housing questions
Summary
Valerie Manastra told the trustees the draft comprehensive plan will be released in coming months and zoning updates will follow; trustees pressed Kearny Development and staff to clarify whether three village sites can be aggregated to meet a 50‑unit funding threshold for a major funding source.
Valerie Manastra, the village planning consultant, briefed the Dobbs Ferry Board of Trustees at the Feb. 10 workshop on the 2026 planning work program, the timeline for the comprehensive plan and next steps on zoning and several redevelopment projects, including ongoing affordable‑housing work.
"We'll plan to finalize the comprehensive plan this year and complete the adoption process," Manastra said, and she said zoning updates to implement the plan will likely continue into 2027. She told trustees her retainer covers up to 24 hours per month of planning work outside the comp plan and said assistance with grant contract administration (New York Forward, CFA) can often be handled under that retainer.
Trustees asked for a separate workshop update on the village's affordable housing project. The board heard from Kearny Development’s engagement that funding availability has shifted: federal grants are limited while state and county programs may fill gaps. A key funding source discussed is only available to projects above 50 units; staff were asked to determine whether the village’s three sites can be aggregated to meet that threshold and to return with zoning requirements, parking strategies and contract clarifications.
On specific development review, trustees discussed 19 Livingston: recent borings show an area of historic fill on the northwest corner that may not support heavy structures. Staff said the planning board is awaiting layout options from the applicant to address sightlines and avoid premature costly engineering submissions. Trustees instructed staff to coordinate schedules and meeting notices so the planning board can review alternatives.
Next steps: Manastra will circulate the draft comp plan timeline, staff will follow up with Kearny Development on aggregated site/funding questions and the planning board will receive the 19 Livingston layout options for direction before major engineering work.
