April 15, 2025

The Ossining Recreation and Parks Department and the Ossining Fire Department look forward to celebrating spring in our community. Big Bunny on the Fire Truck is returning to Ossining this Saturday, April 19th, beginning at 9:00 AM. The parade route will be shared on the Village’s website and our social media pages before the event.

As mentioned in last week’s Mayor Message, the Village of Ossining joined a consortium of Westchester municipalities to oppose the Con Edison rate hike and held a press conference on April 10^th at the WMOA dinner at the Briarcliff Manor.

At the press conference, several of New York’s elected officials from state, county, and local municipalities spoke about how the increased rates will negatively impact all our residents.

The press conference was followed by an incredibly interesting presentation regarding The Benefits of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) — A Path to Responsible Development by Jeff Grabelsky, Special Projects Director of the Worker Institute at Cornell University ILR.

April is Earth Month, and the Village and Town of Ossining are celebrating by empowering the community to sign this year's pledge about reliable and affordable commuting options. By choosing sustainable commuting, we can make our neighborhoods a healthier place to live and work. Click the link below to take the pledge and be part of this positive change!⁠

Here are some ways you can participate:⁠

🚐Carpooling: Sharing rides with co-workers, friends, and neighbors. Fewer cars result in less traffic congestion and reduced costs.⁠

🚲️Biking: Pedal your way to work or errands. It’s great for your health! ⁠ Public Transit: Hop on buses, trains, or subways. It’s efficient and reduces traffic congestion.⁠

🚶🏽‍♂️Walking: Lace up those sneakers and enjoy a stroll- it's good exercise.

Thank YOU for making Ossining a healthier place to live!⁠

https://bit.ly/OssiningEarthMonthPledge

Celebrate Arbor Day with Ossining for a tree planting at the Joseph G. Caputo Community Center at 95 Broadway. We will be in the lower parking lot area along Broadway. Join us on Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025 @ 4:00 PM.

We are thrilled to have students from the Ossining Recreation After School Program and the Ossining Youth Bureau participate in this event.

Planting trees in urban areas is a symbolic act and a tangible step towards a healthier environment. It helps to remove air pollutants and cool hot streets by providing shade and releasing water vapor. Your participation in this event will contribute to these significant environmental benefits.

We are eagerly looking forward to seeing our community come together for this exciting event.

The Community is invited. Come see preliminary design plans for the redesign of the Joseph G. Caputo Community Center!

Saturday, April 26 -9 am – 11 am

and

Monday, April 28 – 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

At 95 Broadway, Ossining

The Village of Ossining is now in the design phase for the Joseph G. Caputo Community Center. This exciting project will transform the Center into a state-of-the-art facility for intergenerational recreation and learning, creating opportunities for innovative STEM programming and providing expanded and improved space for sports for children, adults, and seniors.

The project's goals and objectives are:

• Optimize space, flow, form, and function of interior spaces.
• Convert former museum space to expand program functions.
• Redesign existing space to support youth programming and community outreach/ activities.
• Re-imagine the exterior courtyard area as a functional and accessible outdoor programming space.
• Ensure security by redesigning a single main entrance on the lower level.
• Thoughtful integration with the Sing Sing Kill Greenway and other transportation nodes.
• Introduce decarbonization elements wherever possible.

DCAK-MSA Architects and Village of Ossining Staff will be on hand to discuss new plans based on previous community engagement, answer your questions and get your feedback on placemaking opportunities and design elements.

The Project MOVER E-bike Incentive Program offers $1,000 off electric bikes for eligible low-income residents in Ossining, NY, with an extended deadline of May 1 for to submit your application!

Why choose an e-bike? They’re eco-friendly, cost-effective, and perfect for your daily commute or weekend adventures!

The rebates are limited, and recipients will be randomly selected—so don’t miss out!

Click here to apply and learn: https://www.sharedmobility.org/e-bike-rebates/new-york-westchester

With the weather changing and spring here, our little Village will be full of activities, from sports practices to weddings, games, parades, processions, and special events. We are all super busy, and knowing in advance what streets will be closed when you're out and about is helpful information. The Village now has a page dedicated to upcoming parades and processions with closure information available to the community!

Click here for updated information: Upcoming Parades & Processions in the Village of Ossining

You'll find this page on the Village homepage under Quick Links and the Police Department page.

This week’s Legislative Meeting will take place on Thursday, April 17^th at 6PM at 16 Croton Avenue.

Some items of note:

1. The BOT will have a resolution to call for the requisite Public Hearing on the Verizon Cable Franchise Agreement, which will take place on May 7^th, 2025.
2. There will also be a resolution to call for a Public Hearing on amendments to Chapter 62 (Affordable Housing), which will also take place on May 7^th, 2025.
3. There will be a resolution to authorize the Village Manager to sign the 2025 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sustainable Westchester on the Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) plan.
4. The Board will have a resolution for the Village Manager to sign the updated Site Agreement with Drop Mobility, to run through June 1, 2027.
5. There will be a resolution authorizing the easement agreement with Popeye’s at 142-144 South Highland Avenue.
6. There will be a resolution approving the Awning Permit for VIP Sports Bar at 12 Croton Avenue.
7. There will be a resolution regarding the SEQR process for the Multi-Modal Transportation Hub, in which the BOT (lead agency) will document their determination of a Negative Declaration.
8. Finally, there are (2) budget-related resolutions: the first is 2024 budget adjustments in preparation for closing the 2-24 Fiscal Year, and the other is a resolution to fund (from a stagnant capital project) the balance of and close the 16 Croton Avenue capital project.

Village of Ossining | www.villageofossining.org

I wish our community that celebrates Easter the warmest thoughts to you and your family on this holiday. Happy Easter!

The Village of Ossining’s business offices and Joseph G. Caputo Community Center will be closing at noon on Friday, April 18^th at noon in observance of Good Friday.