August 19, 2025

This past Saturday I was joined by local elected officials to congratulate and honor one of our local businesses on their 50th (!) anniversary. Thanks to the Prescription Center of Ossining (162 Croton Avenue) for serving our community these past five decades. Here’s to another 50 years!

Last week, our Ossining Police Department partnered with Neighbors Link, local advocates, and families for the final session of their three-part Family and Police Initiative. I want to thank the team at Neighbors Link, Sgt. Chavez, Officers Abualteen, Ballen, Carlson, Costa, and Martinez —for their time and commitment. These workshops create real connections, break down fears, and built trust in the community through open dialogue and teamwork. Programs like this remind us that it truly takes a village, and I am grateful to everyone who made it possible.

Last week, I had the pleasure of congratulating Eagle Scout Zachary Epprecht for his outstanding work restoring the cannon stand at Nelson Park. This project continues a unique Ossining tradition-- in 1942, Boy Scouts helped collect scrap metal for the war effort, including the original cannon; in 1986, a 15-year-old Scout secured the Civil War Parrot Rifle that has stood in the park ever since; and in 2024, Zachary’s thoughtful design and construction of a new stand ensured that the refurbished cannon can once again be proudly displayed. His dedication, in collaboration with New York State Parks, Village boards, and our Recreation Department, reflects the deep bond between the Boy Scouts and this historic memorial.

Eagle Scouts in Ossining have long played a vital role in preserving and enhancing our community, leaving a legacy of service projects that protect our history, improve our parks, and inspire civic pride for generations to come.

This Friday, we have Riverjam at Louis Engel Waterfront Park, featuring Ossining’s own The 1-4-5’s. Food trucks open at 5 PM and the concert begins at 7 PM. ⁠See you there! Click here for Food Truck info: https://bit.ly/OssiningRiverJam

The Ossining Collective Presents: BACK TO SCHOOL SUMMER FESTIVAL at Nelson Park on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

So bring your chairs and blankets- and get ready for fun, free giveaways like school supplies and sneakers.

Enjoy food, a DJ battle, a basketball tournament, a soccer match, local vendors, wellness sessions, and more.

This weekend’s Collective Festival is made even more special thanks to the incredible efforts of the Ossining Youth Bureau. Their team of dedicated young leaders and staff always brings energy, creativity, and heart to every event—from organizing activities and supporting performances to engaging with community members of all ages. The Youth Bureau continues to show how empowering our youth strengthens the entire Village.  

If you’re receiving this message, you likely have explored Ossining’s vast and beautiful waterfront at least once (perhaps for a Friday night RiverJam concert, or Green Ossining’s Annual Earth Day Festival?) but here is something new to all of us: as part of a grant from the Hudson River Valley Greenway, the team from the Sing Sing Prison Museum (SSPM) has established a partnership with the Village of Haverstraw and the Haverstraw Brick Museum to encourage economic development and cultural tourism in both of our communities, utilizing the NY Waterway ferry to connect the two. The below ad will be running at MetroNorth platforms between Beacon and Harlem- 125^th Street through the end of September, and is an exciting way to drum up interest in the Mid-Hudson region.

If you haven’t yet had a chance, check out one of the Sing Sing Prison Museum walking tours this fall! You can catch one between now and November 30^th.

This week’s Legislative Meeting will take place on Wednesday, August 20^th at 7:30 PM at the Courthouse.

Some items of note:

·        We will begin with the appointment of our newest Police Sergeant, Connor Tompkins.

·        There will also be a Public Hearing for the sidewalk assessment at 54 Sherwood—there will be a resolution for the BOT to consider later in the meeting.

·        There will be a resolution to refer the Zoning Text Amendment for the cannabis dispensary/ vape/ smoke shop moratorium to the Planning Board—they will discuss it at their August meeting.

·        There will be a resolution extending the Preferred Developer status for WBP Development at the Main/ Spring Lots.

·        There will also be a resolution to correct a property tax exemption at Rockledge Avenue.

·        The Board will have a resolution to call for a Public Hearing on the proposed RDD zoning changes, which will take place at the September 3^rd Legislative Meeting.

·        There will be a resolution authorizing an agreement with Westchester County for prisoner transportation.

·        There will be a resolution authoring the replacement fountain for Richard Wishnie Park.

·        The BOT will have (4) resolutions for construction on the Multi Modal Transportation Hub (general contractor, electric, mechanical, and plumbing).

·        Finally, there are two resolutions adding OFD members to the active roll.

·        Under New Business, we have two topics:

·        The Village has solicited a proposal from Arcadis to perform lead and copper compliance recording for the Village. If the BOT is aligned, there will be a resolution to authorize an agreement for them to proceed with this work.

·        Treasurer Brennan will make a presentation on the Q2 Financials.

Village of Ossining | www.villageofossining.org