September 30, 2025

Community Message: An Update on Our Downtown Holiday Tree

After many years at Main and Spring, our beloved holiday tree has reached the end of its life and will be taken down the week of October 6th. While it’s sad to say goodbye, we are committed to continuing our cherished holiday tree lighting tradition as we move forward with downtown revitalization.

This fall, construction will begin on the Multi-Modal Transportation Hub in the Brandreth Lot, bringing 243 parking spaces—100 additional spaces—along with an e-bike facility. Once complete, new housing, retail, and an expanded Market Square will follow, creating a vibrant plaza for farmers' markets, concerts, and holiday celebrations.

Until then, we will use a live Norway Spruce each holiday season, which will later be replanted in our parks. Upon completion of the construction, a permanent tree will be planted in Market Square for future generations. I look forward to celebrating this holiday season with all of you as we build an even brighter downtown together.

—Mayor Rika Levin

*Please note that I will be sending out an update on our Village initiatives by next week.

The wait is over! We're absolutely thrilled to share that the new fountain at Wishnie Park is officially up and running, and we hope it brings you joy for many years to come!

I am beyond proud to celebrate Louis "Fredo" Sanchez, Ossining's first Hispanic Fire Department Chief. Chief Sanchez was recognized last night by Westchester County as part of Hispanic Heritage Month, which highlights his contributions to the Ossining community. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the Ossining Fire Department and sets an example of leadership and commitment for future generations to follow.

I stand with County Executive Ken Jenkins regarding the Federal Court’s Decision on Indian Point. This is not progress; it is a step backward.

Click here

Congratulations are in order. The Westchester Black Women's Political Caucus, Inc., Ossining Affiliate Chapter has reached a major milestone: They are officially an independent, full-fledged chapter! This achievement solidifies their powerful presence and paves the way for even greater community interaction. Congratulations!

Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent public forums on the upcoming initiative on the village lots on Main and Spring! The Village of Ossining staff and elected officials, working with WBP Partners, collected valuable community feedback on downtown initiatives. This feedback covered market-rate housing, retail, and gathering spaces, which will help to enhance the Village. More to come

I am so proud of our community! Thank you, Padres Hispanos and the many sponsors, for hosting this year’s Hispanic Festival in Ossining on Saturday. We were joined by many elected officials from all levels of government. Beautiful day…beautiful people…beautiful event.

This past Saturday, the Village of Ossining and the Fire Department honored Michael G. O’Connor for his 50 years of service in Ossining. We thank you for your service, Michael G.!

The upcoming election in November will be here before we know it. Here is some helpful information regarding voter registration and the dates/times the public can vote early here in Ossining at the Joseph G. Caputo Community Center, located at 95 Broadway, Ossining, NY 10562.

The General Election is on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

The Westchester County website has helpful information regarding voter registration. Voter Qualifications (Must Be Met to Register):

• Be a United States citizen.
• Be 18 years old by Election Day (you can pre-register at 16 or 17).
• Be a resident of the state and your county/city/village for at least 30 days before the election.
• Not be in prison for a felony conviction.
• Not be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court.
• Not claim the right to vote elsewhere.

Early Voting allows you to vote in person before Election Day. In Ossining, the polling site is:

Joseph G. Caputo Community Center

95 Broadway, Ossining, NY 10562

Days and Hours as follows:

• Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
• Sunday, October 26, 2025 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
• Monday, October 27, 2025 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 28, 2025 from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 29, 2025 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
• Thursday, October 30, 2025 from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m.
• Friday, October 31, 2025 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
• Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
• Sunday, November 2, 2025 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Click here to learn more: New York State Board of Elections

Green Ossining's Fall Community-Wide Tag Sale is happening on Saturday, October 4, with nearly 70 households participating throughout Ossining & Briarcliff Manor!

On Wednesday, October 1, in the afternoon, visit their website at https://www.greenossining.org/tagsale/ to view the interactive map of locations.

Please note that our regular Wednesday meeting has been moved to tonight, Tuesday, September 30th, in observance of the start of Yom Kippur. The Legislative Meeting will take place at 7:30PM at the Courthouse.

• We will begin with two Public Hearings—one on an overgrowth assessment for 18 Tompkins (for which there is a resolution later in the meeting), and one for proposed changes to the RDD District.
• The Board will then have a resolution to approve a one-year agreement with Down to Earth Markets to run the 2026 Ossining Farmers Market.
• There will be (2) resolutions pertaining to OPD:
• One is to approve the price quotes for the renovation of the Dispatch Desk at the Police Station.
• The other is to surplus a vehicle that has reached the end of its useful life.
• There will be a resolution to approve Local Law #5 of 2025—a moratorium on cannabis dispensaries, vape shops, and smoke shops within the Village.
• There will be a resolution to call for a Public Hearing on a moratorium on conditional uses in the T Zone.
• There will be a resolution to increase Commuter Parking permit fees for the 2026 year (permits will begin selling in the month of October 2025).
• There will be a resolution assigning the Village’s tri-annual contract for engineering/ wetland consulting services to the incumbent, KSCJ (formerly Kellard Sessions), effective October 1, 2025.
• There will be a resolution assigning the Village’s (first) tri-annual contract for Construction Management Services to Calgi Construction, effective October 1, 2025.
• The Board will have a resolution to advertise the Route 9 Road Diet for bidding.
• Finally, the Board will have a resolution to approve a proposal from KSJC to manage the offsite work for the 138 Croton project—this will be paid by developer escrow, but the contract is with the Village itself.
• We have one item under New Business: The Village has received a request from Westchester County Department of Public Safety to renew the IMA for Mutual Aid with the Ossining Police for a 5-year term.

Village of Ossining | www.villageofossining.org

I wish those in our community celebrating this holiday a happy and meaningful Yom Kippur.