Town Board Supports New Senior Housing Project

At Tuesday’s Clarkstown Town Board meeting, the Board expressed their approval for a new senior housing project and Supervisor Alex Gromack will provide letters of support to secure funding for it.

The Rockland Housing Action Coalition, Inc proposed developing a parcel of land in Congers. They’re hoping to turn the old gas station at 65 Lake Rd. into senior housing.

“The old gas station on Lake Road in Congers, there has been a developer that has been working with Rockland Housing Action Coalition,” said Councilwoman Stephanie Hausner. “(They) would like to purchase that property and develop small scale hamlet center senior housing.”

Just last week, RHAC with other developers and officials celebrated the completion of phase one of the . Senior housing is a focus in the county since many older, retired Rocklanders are finding it financially difficult to stay in the county while on a fixed income.

“The hamlet center senior housing amendment to our zoning local laws is actually on our town board agenda for November,” Hausner added. “If that passes, this developer will be able to go forward with the project presuming they come to an agreement with the owners of the parcel. This letter of support is very specifically designed so they can seek some state assistance in meeting the affordability component.”

If the amendment to Local Law Chapter 290 is approved, RHAC, the applicant, will have the right to submit an application to the Town Board for the approval of this proposed development.

An employee at the gas station said he hopes that it doesn't turn into senior housing because the gas station is "a relic, an antique. One man, who is 75 now, said that gas here was 25 cents 54 years ago."