October 8, 2024

Photo credit Seth Harrison/The Journal News

Yesterday marked the first anniversary of the barbaric Hamas attack on Israel and the war in Gaza, and now the continued attacks from Iran, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.

It has been incredibly humbling to witness the unity and solidarity among community members across Westchester, New York, and the world. Together, we have prayed, mourned, and found comfort during this devastating time, while also coming together to pray for the safe return of the remaining hostages that represent 20 countries, including hostages from New York.  

There were several vigils and commemorations this past weekend, including one in Briarcliff for the Ossining/Briarcliff community. Additionally, I joined the more than 1200 attendees and hundreds of people streaming to a commemoration in White Plains. I had the honor of joining my colleagues from all levels of government and all municipalities in Westchester. Governor Kathy Hochul gave a stirring speech and spoke with moral clarity regarding the attacks and the disgraceful rise of anti-semitism on college campuses. Representatives from this district included Congressman Lawler, Senator Harkham, Assemblywoman Levenberg, County Executive Latimer, Supervisor Feldman, and former Congressman Jones (click here to read more). I am especially grateful to the many members of clergy representing a wide spectrum of religions that joined us as well – it was truly moving.

I unequivocally stand together with our community to say that anti-semitic acts against Jews and their non-Jewish allies must end, and the hostages must be returned to their families.

This year’s annual Jazz Picnic hosted by the Ossining Historic Cemeteries Conservancy at Dale Cemetery was once again a pure delight. This park-like cemetery is another Ossining gem like no other. I enjoyed listening to the Elijah Duncan Quartet. All proceeds benefit OHCC’s restoration and preservation work at Dale and Sparta cemeteries.

Are you enjoying the bikes placed throughout our Village? Please join us on Wednesday, October 9th, @ 4:30 PM for our official ribbon-cutting event at the corner of Spring & Main Streets, where we will celebrate the launch of the Project MOVER pilot bikeshare program!

In late September, twelve colorful globe-shaped planters were installed on several of the 5 Corners intersection’s corners and at the Spring Street bus stop, overflowing with a wide variety of pollinator plants. This is the final step in the long-anticipated transformation of the Five Corners, which included bigger bump-outs, new signals and crosswalks, bollards, and fresh paving.

The imaginative force behind the planter project is the Village of Ossining's newly-formed Placemaking Committee, a community-driven committee of volunteers appointed by the Board of Trustees. The Placemaking Committee aims to transform public spaces in the Village through landscaping, public art, events, and other projects that enhance public spaces and strengthen communities. The planter installation project benefitted greatly from the leadership of the Village Board of Trustees and expertise from members of the Placemaking Committee and multiple Village departments, all of whom contributed to bringing this cheerful addition to Downtown.

I am proud of the coordinated effort by both members of the Placemaking Committee and Village staff. Projects like this provide an innovative approach to complimenting the historic nature of our downtown area while enabling the Village to make essential additions to the community, including green infrastructure.

Howl the night away! Come and celebrate the spirit of Halloween with us at our first annual Haunted Kill event on Friday, October 18th! The Village of Ossining's Sing Sing Kill Greenway, located at the Joseph G. Caputo Community Center, will be transformed into a dark and foreboding Trail of Terror, offering a spine-tingling experience for all who dare to join us!

This free event will feature bone-chilling monologues, each inspired by a unique historical figure or event, written and performed by members of Westchester Collaborative Theater. Click here to register for your trail tour: https://bit.ly/HauntedKillTrailofTerror2024

There will also be live music by the Sci-Flies as well as the Moon, Serpent, and Bone Oddities and Curiosities Night Market.

The Haunted Kill is a community collaboration between the Village of Ossining, the Ossining Recreation and Parks Department, Westchester Collaborative Theater, and the Ossining Placemaking Committee.

There will be free parking in all Municipal lots during the event.

Ossining in the news:

Westchester County Honors Local Heroes for Their Life-Saving Actions: https://www.westchestergov.com/home/all-press-releases/10264-westchester-county-honors-local-heroes-for-their-life-saving-actions

This week’s meeting will be held at 16 Croton Ave. and will begin at 7:30PM on Wednesday, October 9^th, 2024.

The Work Session Agenda will be as follows:

• We will begin with a proposed work plan for the next steps in the Hardship (Overnight) Parking Program.
• Village Engineer Paul Fraioli, PE, will be joined by Lieutenant Maiorana at the request of the Board to re-open the conversation on making a portion of Linden Avenue one-way in response to ongoing safety concerns at the Croton Avenue intersection
• Corporation Counsel Stuart Kahan and Village Engineer Paul Fraioli, PE, will present a proposed change to the Village code that will disallow multiple utility poles.
• Finally, Corporation Counsel Kahan will review the request for an extension of the 30 Water Street Planned Waterfront Special Permit for an additional (6) months, getting them to May of 2025.

Village of Ossining | www.villageofossining.org

I wish those in our community celebrating this holiday a happy and meaningful new year.