Dobbs Ferry is mostly known for its waterfront, walkable downtown and friendly suburban community. But behind the Village’s streets there is a growing challenge — finding affordable places to live. The village has acknowledged this housing shortage problem. According to the Dobbs Ferry Downtown Afford able Housing Initiative, 36% of renters in Dobbs are either moderately or severely cost-burdened, meaning renters spend more than 30% of their household income on housing. Additionally, another alarming development the initiative flagged was a report in which rent increased by 50% between 2000 and 2020.
This issue extends beyond just Dobbs Ferry. According to Nitin Gupta, a Masters school doctor and a member of the Dobbs Ferry Board of Trustees, Dobbs is part of a larger statewide housing crisis affecting towns along the Hudson River the most. “We are in a housing crisis, because the supply just doesn’t meet the demand and therefore the prices rise,” Gupta said. Gupta explained how Dobbs Ferry is a desirable place to live, but limited space for new construction is not enough to accommodate the growing demand for housing. He mentioned how only around 6% of the land in Dobbs is available for development.
The housing crisis raises the anxiety of owners about whether they can pay their monthly rent or will be forced to leave their community. This struggle can be complicated for people working in Dobbs Ferry, but unable to afford living here. According to the initiative, teachers, police officers, firefighters and other local workers cannot afford to live in the community they work in. Gupta stated that the majority of the Dobbs Ferry police officers do not live in the Village, commuting from approximately an hour north. “Our own village employees don’t necessarily work and live here, and that’s hard,” Gupta said. Gupta warned about how the situation could affect the village by not being able to attract or retain employees.
If workers cannot afford to live nearby, this could lead to them choosing jobs in other communities. “ ” Gupta said.
Dobbs Ferry has taken steps to create more housing options including allowing for accessory dwelling units which would provide more living spaces. Additionally according to Gupta, new residential developments must dedicate at least 10% of their units to affordable housing. Although the village currently does not allow buildings taller than four stories Gupta questions if this will remain the same in the future.
Ultimately, Dobbs Ferry’s housing crisis is more than just rising property values. It is about the people who sustain this community not being able to afford being a part of it. As Dobbs Ferry looks toward the future, the challenge is finding a way to keep developing while ensuring people can still afford to live here.
