In the heart of Washingtonville, under the warm glow of city hall lights, community members gathered to discuss the future of their village during the Washingtonville Village Board Regular Meeting on January 6, 2025. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as officials presented findings from a recent public participation event held in February 2024, aimed at shaping the village's development plans.

The meeting highlighted the importance of community input in planning, showcasing a series of workshops and surveys that engaged residents in meaningful dialogue about their vision for Washingtonville. Eight workstations were set up during the event, each focusing on critical topics such as existing conditions, strengths, weaknesses, and visual preferences for residential and commercial development. This interactive approach allowed attendees to express their desires and concerns, even if they struggled to articulate specific metrics like dwelling units per acre.

Visual aids played a crucial role in this process. Residents were shown images of various development styles, enabling them to select what they felt was appropriate for their village. The feedback was clear: Washingtonville residents expressed a strong preference for a blend of large and small lot housing, as well as a desire for vibrant commercial spaces featuring outdoor seating and mixed-use buildings. The community's vision included traditional commercial developments with residential units above, all designed to foster a pedestrian-friendly environment with accessible public parking.

As the meeting progressed, it became evident that the village board is committed to incorporating this feedback into their planning efforts. The discussions underscored a collective aspiration for a Washingtonville that balances growth with the preservation of its unique character. With the community's voice at the forefront, the village is poised to embark on a development journey that reflects the hopes and dreams of its residents, ensuring that Washingtonville remains a place where people want to live, work, and gather.