New York faces a significant long-term housing crisis, with rising costs and limited availability putting pressure on families. This is an issue raised continually by our neighbors in the seven years I’ve served on the Philipstown Comprehensive Plan Committee.
The search for reliable, attainable housing is not just frustrating, it can quickly lead to financial stress and even displacement. Commonplace life events like a growing family, an aging parent or the end of a marriage should not be the deciding factor in whether someone can still live comfortably in Philipstown, particularly when a move of only a few miles could mean a new school district for young children. We need a spectrum of housing types and options so that no one feels trapped in a home that is too small, or too large, for their needs.
In response to these challenges, Assembly Member Dana Levenberg, whose district includes Philipstown, has been a proactive and collaborative force in addressing our housing issues in the Hudson Valley. Recently she co-hosted a housing summit with Assembly Member Chris Burdick, bringing together local leaders, developers and housing advocates. This kind of teamwork is essential for creating effective housing policies with broad support and lasting impact. Dana’s efforts in support of transit-oriented housing align with Gov. Kathy Hochul’s ambitious vision to make housing more accessible, affordable and sustainable.
Dana also convened a committee of community stakeholders like me to make sure the smaller municipalities of our district have a voice and the resources needed to effectively tailor these statewide goals.
I encourage my fellow residents to support Dana’s continued efforts to improve our housing situation. Whether you are voting early, absentee or in person on Nov. 5, please join me in re-electing Dana Levenberg to the state Assembly.
Sean Conway, Cold Spring
