Habitat for Humanity New York City and Westchester County, in collaboration with the Village of Croton-on-Hudson, held a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 3, to mark the construction of its first standalone accessory dwelling unit (ADU) under New York State’s Plus One ADU Program. The ADU, at 2 Lounsbury Road, Croton-on-Hudson, NY, is being built on the property of homeowners Walter Gerschagan and Lynn Hawley, who are creating a rental unit that will supplement housing in their community while also supporting their family’s long-term financial goals.

“In the face of our unprecedented housing affordability crisis, the advancement of accessory dwelling units is a beacon of hope for New Yorkers,” said Sabrina Lippman, CEO of Habitat NYC and Westchester. “These units provide much-needed additional housing while enabling homeowners to generate supplemental income, build generational wealth, and support family members in need. This partnership with Croton-on-Hudson is a significant step toward a more equitable and sustainable future for all.”

The ADU at 2 Lounsbury Road is the first new construction unit underway from Round 2 of the Plus One ADU Program, and the first standalone ADU built by Habitat NYC and Westchester. The initiative reflects a substantial homeowner investment alongside funding provided by NYS Homes and Community Renewal, supported by Habitat’s technical and financial assistance.

“We really couldn’t have done this without Habitat’s support,” said Walter and Lynn. “The property lends itself perfectly to an ADU, and this will provide much needed housing here in Croton.”

The Plus One ADU Program, administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal, provides grants to municipalities and nonprofit organizations to help low- and moderate-income homeowners build or legalize accessory dwelling units. Habitat NYC and Westchester says it works directly with homeowners of Dobbs Ferry, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington, Cortlandt, Croton-on-Hudson and Yorktown “to guide them through the design, permitting, and construction process, ensuring that each ADU is safe, high-quality, and tailored to the homeowner’s needs.”

Croton-on-Hudson Mayor Brian Pugh said, “We are facing a generational housing crisis and the only solution is to broaden the housing options available in our community. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) provide a powerful tool. ADUs offer a way for seniors to remain in their homes and for young people to return to the place they call home, all while giving homeowners an opportunity to be part of the solution. Thanks to Habitat for Humanity and the Plus One ADU Program, more families can now participate. Together, we are building a stronger community, one new home at a time.”

New York State Senator Pete Harckham said, “Accessory Dwelling Units are a win-win for our communities, which is why I introduced legislation to incentivize local governments to allow homeowners to build ADUs and supported funding for the Plus One ADU program in the state budget.”

Assemblymember Dana Levenberg (Assembly District 95) said, “Through partnerships like this, we will continue to help more New Yorkers find an affordable place to call home.”

Emiljana Ulaj, Westchester County Legislator representing Croton-on-Hudson, said the village “has been visionary in their efforts for how to address the housing shortage. ADUs offer homeowners like Walter and Lynn a way to increase their property values and generate extra income, all the while helping us address a need for more housing units.”