Office of the Mayor
Welcome to the Village of Dobbs Ferry's website!
Whether you are a resident, a current or potential business owner, or you are thinking about visiting us (or living here!), we hope you find this website to be helpful. Please take some time to navigate the site and learn about the village – and please give us your feedback.
As the Mayor, it is not hard for me to say that Dobbs Ferry is a special place ... because it is true. While we are located close to the greatest metropolitan city in the world, the village has the charm and quaintness of an historic 'Rivertown'. We also have a rich diversity of residents who volunteer and work together giving their time to make Dobbs Ferry an even better place to live and visit. We welcome visitors to come and enjoy our village, or if you might consider it as a potential place to call home.
Geographically, the village is located along the eastern shore of the Hudson River, about 20 miles north of New York City . From our waterfront areas to the hills that slope to the east above, the area offers the spectacular views of the lower Hudson River Valley; with the cliffs of the palisades as backdrop to the west, the sunset views year-around are sometimes breathtaking. With its own Train Station House and stop on the Metro North Hudson River train line, Dobbs Ferry resident commuters enjoy the most relaxing river-view express service straight into Manhattan 's mid-town at Grand Central Station (35-40 minutes). Travel by car is also convenient with an exit on the Saw Mill River Parkway, allowing easy access for all routes into New York City, or all points north and west including the George Washington and Tappan Zee bridges.
Historically, Dobbs Ferry has played an important part in America's past. The village actually got its name from a river ferry service that was established by John Dobbs and operated from 1698-1759. The service ran from a spot that is today called Willow Point on the Dobbs Ferry side of the river across to Sneden's Landing on the western side. In August of 1781 – in the 7th year of the American Revolution War - Continental Army troops led by General George Washington were encamped in Dobbs Ferry and neighboring localities. Washington 's decision to divert these troops on a long march to Virginia led to the engagement at Yorktown of the large British forces of General Cornwallis; a long siege that ended in defeat for the British, and was the final decisive military event in the Revolutionary War. The famous Meade House is now home to the Dobbs Ferry Historical Society, just off the old aqueduct walking and biking trail that runs through the heart of the village, and connecting the Rivertowns together. Estherwood Estate, where Teddy Roosevelt grew up as a kid in the 1870s, and the Little White Cemetery (1810) are just a few of the other examples of the historical attractions to experience in Dobbs Ferry.
Today, Dobbs Ferry has a population of approximately 11,000 with about 3700 households. We have one of the most highly recognized Public School Districts in the Country; starting with the Springhurst Elementary School, through the Dobbs Ferry Middle School and High School; offering the highest quality education designed to empower all levels of students; with small class sizes, a full IB diploma program, and a history of pride and success on the sports fields, Dobbs Ferry's children get an educational experience that is 2nd to none.
Dobbs Ferry is home to the Masters School , a private coed day and boarding school (5-12) famous for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum and situated on a majestic 96-acre campus. We are also a college town with the main campus of Mercy College and its library of over 215,000 volumes within our borders overlooking the Hudson River.; as a community, we are also proud to have Children's Village and St. Chris.
We have great businesses and shops to visit, and the village is famous for its diverse selection of fine dining establishments. Whether you want to sip on a refreshment along the Hudson River in the most spectacular setting (with the Palisades and the Manhattan skyline to the south in your view), or sample the best Sushi in Westchester County, or sit along the sidewalks downtown enjoying the best Italian, or Indian, or Greek, or Mexican, or American (did we forget anything) cuisine anywhere ... you will have a truly great experience in Dobbs Ferry.
Thank you for visiting our website ... please give us your feedback ... and please come and enjoy our village of Dobbs Ferry in person!
Sincerely,
Hartley Connett
- Category: Office of the Mayor
- Published on 13 May 2013
Dear Residents,
Here is an update on your village government, important matters, current initiatives, and a few things happening in Dobbs Ferry ... as well as a very Happy Mothers Day to all the moms in Dobbs Ferry and everywhere, for all you do.
- Category: Office of the Mayor
- Published on 16 April 2013
Dear Residents,
Dobbs Ferry is a great place to live all-year-round, but there is always something special about the onset of spring to makes us all feel really lucky to live where we do; the breeze now warms us coming off our beautiful Hudson River shore, the trees in our parks will soon be turning green, and kids and families are getting outside to enjoy the offerings of the new season. It’s a great time of year, especially in Dobbs Ferry where there are a lot of exciting things happening to get caught-up on.
- Category: Office of the Mayor
- Published on 19 January 2013
Dear Residents,
Here is an update on village government, projects and proposals in progress, and initiatives in the works.
I apologize at the outset for the length of the first section on Rivertowns Square. There has been a lot of ground covered over the past 2 years of review, and important action was taken by the Board of Trustees on this project, which in turn has important implications for Dobbs Ferry. Not everyone agreed, but the board was able to work through differences to come to a bi-partisan decision. While this report will include an outline on the majority’s ‘positive’ Findings Statement and strong support for the project to move forward to Site Plan review, there were meaningful concerns presented by the minority, which are mentioned; while not voting in favor, members of the minority nevertheless made significant contributions, comments, modifications and additions to the Findings Statement. These changes made for a stronger document, adding positively to the final vote, and protecting the interests of the village and residents. Overall, it is important to know the facts, how the process worked, all the options and alternatives considered, plusses and minuses, where we agreed and where we did not, and what drove the final decisions. This required a little bit of page length in this report.
- Category: Office of the Mayor
- Published on 07 March 2013
Dear Residents,
Here is an update on village government, initiatives in progress, Action recently taken, and things going on in and around the village … and an event up the road we will be participating in this coming weekend.
To begin, a few words on the village’s DPW Department and Public Safety Officers and Volunteers. We have been fairly lucky this winter season comparative to the previous three in terms of the number of storms; however, we have still seen our share of severe events this season and in recent weeks. Winter storm ‘Nemo’ dumped close to record amounts of snow … followed by some nasty wind and ice storms. But in every case the crews have quickly cleared all the roadways and municipal lots in a timely fashion; continuous salting and de-icing operations around-the-clock have provided residents and travelers safe passage through the village. Dobbs Ferry’s departments are second-to-none in their commitment to keep the village clear and safe for residents and visitors all the time, but especially in times when they are faced with the most challenging work conditions. We would like to recognize Gary Gardner, who recently took over leadership of the DPW from the retired Jim Dunn. Based on how well and quickly the village recovered from the recent storms, Gary and the entire crew passed the test with flying colors. The village also greatly appreciates the work of all the Public Safety Officers and Volunteers during these winter seasons, and every other season, keeping us safe.
- Category: Office of the Mayor
- Published on 10 December 2012
2012 Year-end Update
At this time of the year we are always reminded how lucky we are to live in Dobbs Ferry; a diverse community that comes together to celebrate the joy of this season in different ways. The village would like to wish every resident a happy and safe holiday season …
Happy Hanukkah Happy Holidays Merry Christmas
Here is a year-end report to update everyone on things going on in the village, initiatives and projects; to look ahead at the priorities for the New Year; and to recap some of the accomplishments of the past year.
