Dobbs Ferry Talks Possible Business Chamber

Curious on Hudson Founder Adele Falco offers "crowd-sourced education" at the business' Palisade Street location, but said as a relatively new addition to the village, it's been difficult "to get engaged with Dobbs Ferry."

Falco spoke last week with the Board of Trustees about a plan to rally local business owners and revive a Chamber of Commerce of sorts in the village.

She said a recent "ad hoc" meeting at Curious-on-Hudson yielded an apparent interest in building a strong relationship among businesses and between businesses and the greater community.

"What we want is something that recognizes the entrepreneurial nature of Dobbs Ferry," Falco explained. "I think the community could use a brand or key identity for the downtown that focuses on these unique offerings."

Mayor Hartley Connett applauded Falco's presentation.

"This is a great idea and I think it's something that has been missing in Dobbs Ferry," he said, adding, "and it's not without effort."

Connett said he feels the timing is great to revive a business-focused organization.

Cedar Street Grill Owner and Trustee Catherine Kay was also enthusiastic about the idea.

"Forget what everybody has done in the past," she said. "Just go for it."

Falco added the group could also advertise Dobbs Ferry's business district to other communities by highlighting its walkability, proximity to public transportation and variety of businesses.

"The potential to do great things with it seems to be low-hanging fruit," she said.

Want to weigh in on the up-and-coming Chamber? There's a meeting Monday at 7 p.m. at Curious-on-Hudson. Or, you can fill out a survey here.