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The Village of Haverstraw’s Future Is Dependent On Affordable Housing, More Robust Policing, Attention To Mental Health, Economic Stimulus. Is The Best Path Forward Autonomy?
By Richard Sena
The Village of Haverstraw stands at a crossroads.
While it remains a vibrant and diverse community, it faces challenges that hinder its ability to grow and thrive under the broader governance of the Town of Haverstraw. Limited autonomy over critical decisions—such as zoning, economic development, and public safety—has created obstacles that prevent the village from addressing its unique needs.
Becoming a city offers an opportunity to take control of our future. With cityhood, the Village of Haverstraw can invest in critical priorities such as affordable housing for our most vulnerable populations, community policing initiatives, and accessible mental health resources. This transition would ensure that the community’s needs are addressed directly and sustainably while fostering economic growth and social equity.
The Case for Cityhood
For decades, the Village of Haverstraw has operated within the structure of the Town of Haverstraw, sharing resources and governance with a larger jurisdiction. While this arrangement has had its benefits, it has also limited the village’s ability to act independently to address issues that uniquely affect its residents.
Limited autonomy over critical decisions—such as zoning, economic development, and public safety—has created obstacles that prevent the village from addressing its unique needs.
By becoming a city, Haverstraw would gain greater local control over planning, zoning, and development, enabling leaders to prioritize projects that directly benefit village residents. Cityhood would allow for customized policies to address housing, public safety, and economic challenges—freed from the constraints of decisions made at the town level.
Furthermore, cityhood opens doors to additional funding opportunities. Cities often qualify for federal and state grants and programs that are unavailable to villages. This funding could be used to invest in housing, infrastructure, public safety, and social services, creating a foundation for sustainable growth.
While some may raise concerns about the cost of transitioning to cityhood, the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term adjustments. A city structure allows for greater accountability and efficiency in addressing local needs, ensuring that every tax dollar is spent with the village’s priorities in mind.
The Housing Crisis
Access to affordable housing is a growing challenge across the country, and Haverstraw is no exception. The Village has a responsibility to ensure that seniors, veterans, and low-income families can find safe, affordable places to live. Unfortunately, the lack of control over zoning and housing initiatives has limited progress in this critical area.
Cityhood would allow Haverstraw to prioritize the development of workforce housing tailored to the needs of its residents. This includes creating affordable housing for seniors who face rising costs on fixed incomes, veterans transitioning back into civilian life, and families living under the poverty line.
City officials could work to repurpose underutilized properties, encourage public-private partnerships, and apply for housing development grants. For example, rehabilitating older buildings into mixed-income housing could provide affordable options while maintaining the village’s character. Additionally, zoning changes could incentivize developers to include affordable units in new developments.
Affordable housing isn’t just a social issue—it’s an economic driver. When people can live affordably near where they work, it strengthens local businesses, increases community investment, and boosts the overall quality of life.
Community Policing and Mental Health
Public safety and mental health are closely intertwined, yet both remain underfunded and underserved in many communities. Haverstraw has the opportunity to lead the way by adopting innovative approaches to policing and mental health care that prioritize community well-being.
Community policing is a model of public safety that emphasizes building relationships between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. This approach fosters trust, reduces crime, and ensures that policing is proactive rather than reactive. By becoming a city, Haverstraw can implement a dedicated community-policing strategy tailored to its unique needs.
Mental health issues often intersect with public safety, and traditional responses—such as arrests or incarceration—fail to address the root causes of these challenges. A city-led initiative could incorporate mental health professionals into public safety teams, creating co-responder models that provide immediate, specialized care during crises.
Additionally, cityhood would provide access to funding for mental health programs, such as outpatient clinics, school-based counseling, and community education campaigns. Investing in these resources would not only reduce crime but also improve the overall well-being of residents.
A Vision for the Future
Imagine a City of Haverstraw where affordable housing developments provide stability for seniors, veterans, and low-income families. Picture a city where police officers know the names and faces of the people they serve, building trust and security in every neighborhood. Envision a community where residents facing mental health challenges can access the care, they need without stigma or delay.
Cityhood offers Haverstraw the opportunity to become a model for equitable growth and innovation. With local control, the city can prioritize sustainability, economic development, and social services that meet the unique needs of its residents.
This vision will require collaboration across sectors—community leaders, local businesses, and residents must come together to build a city that works for everyone. By embracing the possibilities of cityhood, Haverstraw can create a brighter, more inclusive future for all who call it home.
The decision to pursue cityhood is not just about autonomy—it’s about creating a foundation for progress. As a city, Haverstraw can take bold steps to address housing, public safety, and mental health while ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to thrive.
The time to act is now. Let’s start the conversation about what Haverstraw could become and take the necessary steps to turn this vision into reality. There are two requirements, population over 5000 and a referendum.
Richard Sena is a Village of Haverstraw Trustee and President of the Board of the Haverstraw Brick Museum
