Dobbs Ferry Closer to an Improved Waterfront Park

About 10 years ago it came to the village's attention that the edges of Waterfront Park—often considered Dobbs Ferry's greatest asset—were slowly eroding.

One big storm might send chunks into the Hudson River and, according to federal law, any land lost could never be reclaimed, said Village Administrator Marcus Serrano.

But in addition to stabilizing the shoreline, residents wanted something else—a more beautiful Waterfront Park.

Tuesday night the Dobbs Ferry Board of Trustees took the village one step closer to accomplishing that by unanimously approving two resolutions—one allowing the mayor to enter into discussions with Westchester County regarding a $2 million pledge for the project. The second resolution will allow the village to bond up to $1 million to stabilize the shore. 

"This is a very important turning point in a project that started as a just dream," said Steven Hunter of the Dobbs Ferry Waterfront Committee. "We have come a long way."

A $6-million project total, $4 million will go toward shoreline stabilization and an additional $2 million will contribute to upland improvement. The county funds, to be used for inland projects only, has been procured from a special River Walk/Legacy Fund that was set aside to help complete a trailway running all the way from lower Manhattan to Peekskill.

"Congratulations, you're doing the right thing," a Westchester County legislator said, addressing Mayor Hartley Connett.  "Now the ball is in the county's court."

But where will the village get the additional $4 million?

The New York State Department of State has granted $2 million for shore stabilization as long as Dobbs Ferry will match its expenditure. However, given the tough economy, even $2 million is a lot to ask from such a socio-economically diverse community.

But resident and local philanthropist Marie McKellar has also pledged to donate $1 million, personally, to see that her long-time goal comes to fruition.

"Hopefully this project will improve the entire economy of Dobbs Ferry," McKellar said to the board. "There will never be a better opportunity to do this—interest rates are low, construction rates are low and we all want to create a really nice park for the village."

According to the Waterfront Committee's current plan, the new and improved Waterfront Park will include: a trailway for running and skating; a comfort station with bathrooms; a new playground that replaces the current structure; a gazebo; benches; recycling and trash receptacles; a permanent performing stage; and possibly even a fishing pier.

"We have also applied for a $400,000 grant from the state to install a community garden," Serrano said.

To pay off the village's $1 million bond, Serrano expects the annual tax impact to be approximately $22 per property owner. 

"I have yet to talk to anyone who is against the plan because of the cost to the village," Serrano said, pointing out that Dobbs Ferry will be funding only 16 cents for every total dollar spent. "Most people get that this is a great deal."

He also noted that the construction project would give the added perk of putting workers back on the job.

"We can't select only local contractors because we are using state funds," Serrano said. "But we hope that the lowest bidders will be locals."

However, in order for the project to proceed, every element of the complicated financial equation must be fulfilled.

For state funds to be procured, the village must match the state's pledge; For McKellar to donate her million, the village must have word from the county that upland improvement will go forward. And for Westchester to hand over its share, the village must also keep its word that they will work to promote fair and affordable housing within the community.

"It's all tied together," Serrano said. 

Despite the dizzying tenuousness of the entire financial package, those involved were thrilled with the results of Tuesday's meeting.

"Not having the waterfront would significantly devalue the village," Trustee Catherine Kay said. "Not to do this would be negligence."