R
amapo, New York, has been named the safest place to live in America by MoneyGeek.com, with a remarkably low cost of crime per capita of $271. However, its residents are struggling to keep their neighborhood affordable as rents continue to rise. The town's population of 152,000 has seen fair market rents jump from $1,831 in 2019 to $2,752 in 2024, an increase of over 50%. Ramapo is part of Rockland County, which had the highest two-bedroom fair market rent on average among nine counties studied.

    The town's affordable housing situation is a pressing concern. The median single-family home price recorded in June 2024 was $720,000, a 7.9% increase from the previous year. Ramapo Town Supervisor Michael Specht has acknowledged the need for more affordable housing options, citing a 20% growth in population since 2020. To address this issue, Ramapo has enrolled in Governor Kathy Hochul's Certified Pro-Housing Community Program, which awards up to $650 million in state grants for communities that commit to creating more affordable housing.

    However, not all residents are supportive of the proposed affordable housing units. Some have expressed concerns about overdevelopment and its potential impact on the community. Chief Vincent Mann of the Ramapo-Munsee Tribe has spoken out against the plans, citing the town's founding principle of protecting and preserving the land. Despite these objections, Specht remains committed to finding a solution to the town's affordable housing crisis.

    To better understand the needs of its residents, Ramapo is conducting a survey through M.J. Engineering & Land Survey. The survey will focus on income levels and the need for different types of housing, including rent burdened households. The town is also addressing the issue with the Small Apartment Incentive Law, which encourages more units or greater density in R-15C zones.