Haverstraw, NY — New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblyman Patrick J. Carroll visited the Village of Haverstraw on July 3, 2025, joining Mayor Michael Kohut on a tour of major community assets while announcing more than $2.1 million in state funding for essential public safety, affordable housing, and youth programs.

Stops included the Haverstraw-Ossining Ferry Landing, the Haverstraw Fire Department, the future site of Westhab’s Affordable Housing Project, and the Haverstraw Center, highlighting the community’s collective commitment to building a safer, more supportive environment for working families.

“Our visit today was a plentiful showing of this community’s commitment to investing in the safety and security of hardworking families,” said Speaker Heastie. “The Village of Haverstraw is a true blueprint for how public investment strengthens neighborhoods.”

One of the major highlights of the visit was the announcement of $1 million in funding for Westhab, the Hudson Valley’s largest non-profit affordable housing developer, to support the construction of 81 new housing units for low-income families in Haverstraw. The investment aligns with the Assembly Majority’s statewide mission to expand access to affordable housing in high-need areas.

“Today’s tour showcased the incredible work this community is doing to support each other,” added Assemblyman Carroll. “From the life-saving work of our fire department to the outreach provided by Westhab and the Haverstraw Center, these projects are making a real difference.”

Speaker Heastie and Assemblymember Carroll also pledged:

$650,000 for the Haverstraw Fire Department’s fireboat, used for river patrols and mutual aid operations across neighboring districts.

$350,000 for essential firefighting equipment, ensuring the department’s all-volunteer force remains well-equipped to protect the community.

$140,000 for Youth Programs and Summer Camp at Haverstraw Center

The tour concluded at the Haverstraw Center, home to the Department of Youth and Family Services, where the leaders announced $140,000 in funding to fully cover the cost of two summers of youth camp. The center plays a vital role in delivering mental health counseling, food access, educational programming, and legal assistance for families across the area.

Project Funding Breakdown:

$1,000,000 – Westhab Affordable Housing Development (81 units)

$650,000 – Fireboat support for river patrol and mutual aid

$350,000 – New fire department equipment

$140,000 – Full funding for youth summer camp (2025 & 2026)