After years of fits and starts, the long-delayed Harbor Square development—Ossining’s future waterfront attraction and cash cow—has finally broken ground.
Over the course of two years, Ginsburg Development Companies (GDC), known for building luxury residences throughout the Hudson Valley, will transform Ossining’s dilapidated waterfront district into an economic center for the village and county.
“We are very excited to see this project finally come to fruition after years of careful planning,” said Mayor William Hanauer at the construction kick-off on June 12th. “We look forward to the future and the many positive impacts that Harbor Square will bring to our village.”
Upon completion in the spring of 2016, the $65-million dollar construction project will yield a 188-unit luxury rental building, a 5,000-square-foot waterfront restaurant, a children’s park, and a vast promenade. Although the majority of the rental units will be pricey, ten percent (19 of them) will be devoted to affordable housing, targeting Westchester County’s median income.
Harbor Square Rendering
“When given the opportunity to develop a unique Hudson River site adjoining the Metro-North Train Station, we must do something truly exceptional,” said GDC Principal Martin Ginsburg.
The revenue from Harbor Square is anticipated to surpass building expenses and rejuvenate the economy, explained Mayor Hanauer. Financial diversity in the Village is expected to increase from the luxury units and posh waterfront restaurant, helping local businesses that have suffered since the economic downturn.
In addition to drawing visitors to Ossining and generating much-needed jobs, tax revenues from the development will be used to fund Westchester’s public schools and services.
“The county’s Industrial Development Agency is proud to support this incredible project with more than $2.3 million in sales and mortgage tax incentives,” explained County Executive Robert P. Astorino. “This partnership between the county, the village, the town and one of our most accomplished developers is Westchester at it’s best.”
Ingrid Richards, Village of Ossining’s Manager of Downtown and Economic Development; Valerie Monastra, Village Planner; Lori Lee Dickson, Village Attorney; Victoria Gearity, Village Trustee; Richard Leins, Village Manager; Village of Ossining Mayor William R. Hanauer; Martin Ginsburg, Principal of Ginsburg Development Companies (GDC); Deputy County Executive Kevin Plunkett; Nick Barbato, Cooper-Horowitz, Inc; Dan Mulvey, Executive VP of GDC; Joe Dziegelewski, Senoir VP of GDC; Adam Horowitz, Cooper-Horowitz, Inc; and Westchester IDA Director Jim Coleman; at the groundbreaking ceremony for Harbor Square, a $65 million mixed-use development by Ginsburg Development Companies that will revitalize the Village of Ossining’s waterfront and downtown business district.
