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recent real estate report by RM Friedland reveals a surge in housing development in Westchester County, with approximately 12,500 new residential units delivered since 2021 and another 15,000 under construction. The findings were presented at the Business Council of Westchester's annual real estate development conference.

    According to Marsha Gordon, BCW president and CEO, "The amount of residential development that has occurred in Westchester County is unprecedented." RM Friedland president Sarah Jones-Maturo noted that the county is responding to the national housing shortage by implementing strategic planning, innovative policies, and balanced development.

    One surprising finding from the report is that new construction has not led to overcrowded schools. Cities like New Rochelle and Yonkers have seen a decline in student populations between 2018 and 2023, challenging the assumption that increased residential development directly leads to overcrowding.

    New Rochelle has emerged as a leader in development, with over 6,145 units currently under construction due to its strategic investments and transit-oriented projects. Yonkers' downtown area is also expanding into Getty Square, unlocking opportunities for mixed-use and residential projects.

    RM Friedland's John Barrett noted that the report does not include proposed housing units still under review for approval, but the company is tracking another 10,000 units in various stages of development.

    The conference featured two panels with diverse perspectives on new development. One panel discussed the impact of new development on schools and communities, while the other focused on community opportunities and challenges faced by infrastructure leaders.

    Affordable housing developer Kenneth Morrison highlighted the challenges of building affordable housing, citing high construction costs and interest rate increases. Luxury housing developer Peter Chavkin shared his success at Edge on Hudson in Sleepy Hollow, where 70 out of 100 units have been sold in just eight months.

    Mayors Yadira Ramos-Herbert (New Rochelle) and Mary Marvin (Bronxville) expressed differing views on the impact of new development. Ramos-Herbert praised New Rochelle's model for reimagining its city, while Marvin raised concerns about the impact on Bronxville schools.

    The second panel featured leaders from various sectors discussing community opportunities and challenges. Noam Bramson emphasized the importance of considering environmental values in development, while Dr. Joseph Ricca advocated for collaborative work between developers and school administrators to ensure a healthy community.

    Mark Mathias expressed concern about the environment's impact on his clients with young children, while Tina Macica discussed how Montefiore Health System is addressing Westchester's growing population by delivering facilities and providers to meet these needs.

    In closing, Marsha Gordon noted that Westchester County's collective efforts offer valuable lessons for regions grappling with housing shortages. By harmonizing development with community needs, the county has created a sustainable model for growth that fosters economic resilience, preserves quality of life, and positions itself as a beacon for modern urban and suburban planning.