The scenic, 5-square-mile village of Croton-on-Hudson has the only waterfront on Westchester County that is accessible to residents, and only 550 of its 3,200 acres are not parkland or set aside as open space, according to the New York Times. Residents value the gorgeous views and some of the best-tasting tap water in the county.
But recently, the village’s Board of Trustees proposed allowing a number of one-story buildings to add second floors, so that businesses can be set up on the ground floors, and owners could, if they wish, take residence on the floors above their companies. But the idea isn’t being embraced by all residents, who worry about tainting the village’s natural beauty or overburdening the local school system.