Turning Housing Commitments into Real Progress

It’s been one year since my administration announced the Rockland County’s Housing Action Loan Opportunity (HALO) program awards helping deliver more than 500 affordable workforce housing units across our communities.

When we launched HALO, our goal was clear: to move beyond conversation and take meaningful steps to address Rockland County’s housing crisis. First approved unanimously by the County Legislature in April 2024, HALO provides revolving loans to support the creation and preservation of housing that is attainable to the average Rockland resident. As loans are repaid, those funds will be reinvested into future projects, allowing HALO to remain a long-term solution rather than a one-time investment.

I’m pleased to report that all four of our initial HALO projects which received $13.5 million total are now moving forward, with tangible progress already underway.

In the Village of Haverstraw, HALO funding helped preserve affordability at Haverstraw Place, a senior housing development operated by SCOPE and Sisters of Charity. This loan closed in December 2024 and was used to acquire 89 affordable units, ensuring they remain affordable in perpetuity. The project is fully stabilized and currently at 100% occupancy, allowing seniors to remain in their community and age in place.

Also in Haverstraw, the 30 West St. project with Westhab officially closed in December 2025, with construction expected to begin in the coming weeks. This development will create 80 new affordable housing units with supportive services offered onsite, all of which will remain affordable for at least 30 years.

Another major effort is the redevelopment of the former Haverstraw Chair Factory site along the Hudson River. HALO funding supported this project as a predevelopment loan, which closed in December 2024. Construction is on track to begin in the third quarter of this year and will result in 308 new affordable rental units, with affordability restrictions expected to remain in place for at least 60 years.

In Clarkstown, the Residences at Nanuet Hamlet senior housing project has received preliminary site plan approval, with final approval expected soon. This development is on track to close this year and will bring 51 new affordable senior units to the community, with HALO funds supporting both construction and permanent financing.

Together, these projects represent a significant step forward in expanding workforce affordable housing in Rockland County. They also demonstrate what is possible when county leadership, the Legislature, municipalities, nonprofit partners, and responsible developers work together toward a shared goal.

Addressing the housing crisis is not easy, and there is no single solution. But HALO shows that thoughtful planning, cooperation, and targeted investment can produce real results.

I remain committed to building on this progress and ensuring that Rockland County continues to be a place where residents can live, work, and thrive.

About the author: Ed Day is the County Executive of Rockland County.