In the coming years, Dobbs Ferry will undergo a series of projects to improve and revitalize the downtown to increase tourism and create communal spaces.
These designs include nine proposed projects, decided upon by the Local Planning Committee and backed by the Village, to upgrade both public and private spaces. Notably, these renovations will include a revamp of Memorial Park, general improvements to pedestrian walkways, the expansion of the Pickwick Theater and the construction of a dance studio.
This will be partially funded by the $4.5 million grant from the New York Forward Program, an initiative to help fund plans in New York State that aim to enliven the downtown areas of New York’s smaller communities.
Laura Danforth, a member of the Local Planning Committee for allocation of NY Forward funds and head of school, said, “We really wanted Dobbs Ferry to be the Rivertowns destination – a place where people could come up from the city, take the train up with their kids and have a walk up and then around the town that’s more pedestrian friendly.”
Dr. Nitin Gupta, another member of the Local Planning Committee, Village trustee, and school doctor, said, “You want something beautiful to look at. So, for us residents, going downtown is something we would like to enjoy. I don’t necessarily always want to drive and leave Dobbs Ferry to go meet people. I want to be able to stay local and just say, ‘Hey, come to us.’”
However, these improvements can not come without immense construction and renovation. Danforth added, “There’s gonna be a level of disruption until there’s growth. I don’t think there’s any way around that.”
With this construction, it is also evident that keeping Village residents in the loop is a top priority. Deputy Mayor Jessica Galen added, “One of our challenges historically has been a lack of communication. We’ve not been super proficient in communicating, both in person with business owners and building owners, but also using social media and all the other tools that are available now to make sure that everyone understands what’s going on, and more importantly, why it’s going on.”
