Hastings-On-The-Hudson Looks Ahead to New Year

When looking ahead to 2012, many local residents and figures around the villages had new expectations, predictions and hopes for Dobbs Ferry and Hastings in the new year.

Developments in the village were a hot topic of discussion throughout the year and many are looking forward to something new.

“We tend to fear that which we do not know and those that are different from who we are,” said Dobbs Ferry resident Paddy Steinschneider.  “If our communities can be inclusive, the number of things that we are not diminishes.”

Steinschneider said Dobbs Ferry is an area that needs change to continue to grow and future developments could help with that transition.

“The people who have grown up in the world of suburbia want to fight to preserve it and decry the idea of increased development within the village,” Steinschneider said.  “Rivertowns Square, the redevelopment of the Gateway, the redevelopment of 145 Palisade Street, and the increased focus on providing more apartments in the downtown are all part of making Dobbs Ferry that more sustainable place that can survive the change.”

Local business owners were also looking forward to bigger and better things in 2012.

“A new and prosperous year for the village businesses,” said Spice Revolution owner Linzi Fastiggi on The Daily Dobbs Ferry Facebook page.

Then there were the local government officials who offered their take on the new year while looking ahead.

“For one thing, a body in movement usually tends to stay in movement, the result of positive energy and moving things forward,” said Dobbs Ferry mayor Hartley Connett.  “The new board has a good mix of individuals – experienced and new – and has every reason of continuing to be a productive body.”

Hastings mayor Peter Swiderski referenced a bit of pop culture when discussing the year in review.

“As we exit 2011 this weekend, I’m reminded of one of my favorite ‘Seinfeld’ episodes where Jerry tutors George Costanza to always leave when he's hit a high note, which is what the village government is doing at the end of this year,”  Swiderski said in a message to residents.

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