Ribbon cutting for Maple Commons draws luminaries and residents alike.
Three new neighbors tell their stories about how they ended up living in Croton.
During the long process that led to the approval and construction of Maple Commons, the project has been a matter of controversy in the village. The Chronicle, both in its reporting and occasional editorials, has reflected those controversies and criticisms. But once the buildings were completed and our new neighbors began moving in, we took a clear position that they should be welcomed with open arms.
The reason should be obvious. None of the occupants of Maple Commons had anything to do with the process that led to the building of their new homes, nor do they bear any responsibility for the decisions that the village made to turn the old “Katz property” into affordable housing.
It was in that spirit that we showed up for the long-awaited ribbon cutting for the new complex, after an invitation to attend from the developer. It was a star-studded event, including Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, three members of the Board of Trustees, and a number of Crotonites who in various ways had made the development happen.
But one might contend that the real stars were the residents who were able to participate in the event. We had time to talk to three of them (pictured above) and help tell their stories.
Amanda Miranda.
Amanda, her husband, and their three children moved into Maple Commons last August, in the first wave of new occupants. She is a stay-at-home Mom, while her husband is a butcher who works in Manhattan.
They were living in Queens prior to coming to Croton. They decided to enter the lottery for Maple Commons and came in among the first 50 winners. “This the first time we did anything like this,” Amanda says. “We got a lucky break.”
Amanda’s husband drives into the city for his job. It takes him about the same amount of time to get there as when they lived in Queens.
Amanda said that she had some concerns about moving to Croton, because she (like the others we talked to) had seen the local social media about the project and the opposition to building it by some Crotonites. “I was very concerned that people would be hostile,” Amanda says, “especially because of our kids.” But she says that villagers have been “very kind” to the family.
Two of their children attend Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School; the third is younger for the moment. “They love it there,” Amanda says. It may come as no surprise that the Blue Pig is one of the family’s favorite spots in Croton.
Gil Seda.
Gil also moved into Maple Commons last August. He was living in Mahopac with his family, “but finding housing there is really tough.” In early 2024 he was applying for jobs in coffee shops, and came to Matters to put in an application. He noticed the construction across the street and checked into the situation. Gil had entered three housing lotteries before, but this time he too got lucky.
Gil later got a job in Montrose as a social media coordinator, so his commute is very easy now. Matters is, of course, his “lucky coffee shop,” and he too is an habitué of the Blue Pig. He also loves the Hudson waterfront. “Croton is a really beautiful place, and it’s not far from my family” in Mahopac.
Connie Taylor.
Connie was living in Brewster, and just moved into Maple Commons last month. She has two children, and also did well in the lottery. “I was so surprised” to get the call, she says. Connie knew Croton a little bit, because she had friends who lived here from an old job. But when she saw it close up, she says, “I didn’t know how beautiful it is here.”
Connie is now working mostly in Peekskill as a home care professional. She loves to shop in Croton, go for walks and jog along the waterfront, and frequent our many parks. “Since I have been here I have hardly been indoors,” she says.
The main event of the ceremony took place inside the large community room in the building along Maple Street, and about 50 or 60 people attended. There were lots of speeches, of course, and mayor Brian Pugh was in his usual articulate form. We asked him to share with us the part of his remarks that were specifically about Maple Commons:
"Maple Commons has transformed an unused vacant lot into homes for 33 families.
These new homes mean more customers and workers for local businesses and a more vibrant local economy.
This development demonstrates what happens when we work together, carefully and deliberately, to create quality affordable housing, which is so desperately needed in our community.
The redevelopment of Maple Commons means a stronger, safer and affordable community for all. Our village was able to take the proceeds of the purchase of the former Katz property, which is now Maple Commons, and reinvest it in our capital program. Specifically, because of Maple Commons and a grant from Assemblymember Dana Levenberg, the total cost of the new tower ladder fire truck to local property taxpayers will only be some $10,000.
For that, I say thank you to our partners in state and county government for contributing to this effort and providing the funding needed to make Maple Commons happen.
Most importantly, we welcome our new neighbors and future friends at Maple Commons. Regardless of whether you lived elsewhere in the village or moved here from somewhere else, Maple Commons is your new home and on behalf of the Board and larger Croton community, I welcome you to the neighborhood.”
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It is great to put faces to our new housing project. They all seem like hard working Americans in need of a break.
Fantastic story. We all too often lose sight of the individuals and families who are beneficiaries once we get past the politics of it all.