Construction is underway on a new affordable housing development in the Village of Haverstraw.
The project, located at
30 West, will bring 81-units of housing to the area.
"It's a long time coming for the village. We've needed it for a long time," said Village of Haverstraw Mayor Mike Kohut.
The development includes a mix of studio to three-bedroom apartments and will be available to households earning up to 60% of the area median income.
"It really has affected everybody," said Rich Nightingale, president of
Westhab. "It could be downsizing seniors, it could be a young family starting out. It could be a single person or a couple."
The project will also include 20 supportive housing units for individuals experiencing homelessness. Westhab plans to work with Rockland County to identify those most in need.
"It's their permanent home as well, but it's a great way to help address the homeless crisis while advancing affordable housing," said Nightingale.
Residents say they welcome this development.
"The rent here and the availability is very difficult to get and very expensive," said a Haverstraw resident, "If we have enough apartments that are more affordable, it will be helpful for the community."
Kohut says this is just the first step in addressing the needs of those in the downtown area.
"We're trying to provide a good quality product through projects like this so that people don't have to double up in apartments. We're not going to solve the problem, but we can start addressing it," he said.