The Village of Dobbs Ferry today was awarded a $4.5 million grant through NY Forward, a New York State grant program with the mission to “invigorate and enliven downtowns in New York’s smaller and rural communities.” At a press conference in Poughkeepsie, New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley presented Dobbs Ferry Mayor Vincent Rossillo with the award.
“We want to express our deepest gratitude to Governor Hochul, Secretary Mosley, the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council, and the rest of the NY Forward team for recognizing Dobbs Ferry’s longstanding commitment to downtown revitalization with this award,” said Mayor Rossillo. “By better connecting our Metro-North station to our downtown, creating new opportunities for visual and performing arts to flourish, and upgrading parks, pedestrian thoroughfares, and public spaces along the train-to-downtown corridor, we’ll make Dobbs Ferry an even more vibrant place to live, work and visit. NY Forward’s support will catalyze this next phase of our work and help us bring this vision to life.”
Dobbs Ferry proposed several possible projects that the grant may support. These include bringing the historic Pickwick Theater back into public use as a performance space; upgrading parks, public spaces and sidewalks between the Dobbs Ferry Metro-North station and downtown; and improving the experience of visiting downtown Dobbs Ferry through public spaces, lighting and outdoor art. Following the announcement of the award, the Village and State will collaborate to refine the list and scope of projects that will ultimately receive NY Forward funding over an approximately nine-month period through a collaborative process that involves significant public input.
Dobbs Ferry Trustee Christy Knell, who helped spearhead the grant application and the Village’s commitment to downtown revitalization, said, “Downtown revitalization has been a top priority for Dobbs Ferry since 2017, and we’re so honored to be recognized for the efforts of so many volunteers, staff and Trustees over those years. The community-driven application we submitted reflects the thousands of conversations we’ve had at festival tables, workshops, and committee meetings, and we are grateful to everyone who has contributed.”
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “My congratulations to the Village of Dobbs Ferry and Mayor Vincent Rossillo on receiving $4.5 million through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward. Dobbs Ferry has demonstrated a commitment to addressing housing needs, and this award recognizes those efforts. This funding will go towards improving the Village’s infrastructure, strengthening its small businesses, and creating more housing opportunities for residents. I commend the Village Board and all involved on their achievement.”
Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky added, “Congratulations, Dobbs Ferry, on receiving $4.5 million in NY Forward funding! This award will facilitate meaningful improvements from Cedar Street to the Metro-North station—making the downtown corridor a better place for residents and visitors alike. Only available to the State’s certified Pro-Housing Communities, this award is also a credit to the concerted efforts by Village leaders to deliver results for the people of Dobbs Ferry.”
