August 20, 2024

MAYOR'S UPDATE

From the desk of Mayor Rika Levin

First things first! It's a beautiful night to be at the Waterfront: food trucks, fun & activities begin at 5:00PM.

 We are thrilled to share that the Project MOVER pilot bikeshare program will launch on Monday, August 26th, 2024, with fifty e-bikes provided by Drop Mobility in various locations in downtown Ossining. One of the many goals of this program is to demonstrate the benefits of an electric bikeshare program in the Hudson Valley that is a low-cost alternative to vehicle travel. Riders will find that riding an e-bike to local destinations will be accessible regarding the rental, ride, and return process.


Users can access the new electric-assisted bikes by downloading the Project MOVER app from the Apple or Google Play stores. Bikes will be available for rental 24 hours daily, with the pilot program running through this fall. This program is made possible via the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) funding under the New York Clean Transportation Prizes program.

Click here to learn more and download the Project MOVER app: www.projectMOVERbikeshare.com.

Mark your calendars-- the Greater Ossining Chamber of Commerce is hard at work planning for their annual event, taking place on Saturday, September 21st this year. Looking forward to seeing you all at the Fair!

The Village of Ossining plans to be well-represented among the community groups and vendors in attendance-- be sure to stop by and learn about updates coming to the Downtown as part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Among these exciting projects, we will be updating the community on plans for the Community Center renovation project, the design element of which has just begun. Part of the plan is to designate space to the Ossining Youth Bureau, the first newly-formed Youth Bureau in Westchester County in the last several decades, which has quickly grown to become a dependable and beloved community asset.


Want to know what the OYB is up to and how you, or a young person in your world, can take part? Check out the Village's webpage, or the Youth Bureau's Instagram account, @ossiningyouthbureau, to learn more about the exciting programs available for teens and young adults in our community.

The BOT has a packed agenda this week— please note that our Legislative Session will not be at the Court House this week, but rather will take place on Wednesday August 21st at 16 Croton Avenue, 7:30PM start time.

 

  • The Board will begin with (3) Public Hearings, as follows:


  1. A proposed Local Law containing additional changes to Chapter 162 (Housing/ Property Maintenance and Building Code Administration)
  2. A proposed Local Law revising procedures we use to levy unpaid charges (like landscaping, snow removal) onto Village property tax bills
  3. A proposed local law extending the expiration date of rules for “Videoconferencing by Public Bodies” until July 1, 2026.


 

  • The BOT will have resolutions to adopt (3) local laws:


  1. A proposed local law making amendments to Village Code Chapter 91 re: the window of time applicants have to protest consultant billing, as well as the requirement to replenish escrow before a resolution can be released
  2. A proposed local law making amendments to Village Code Chapter 247 (Towing) re: minimum standards for permit approval and fingerprinting requirements to reference NY Correction Law
  3. A proposed local law to enact the Indian Brook/ Croton Gorge Intermunicipal Watershed Protection Overlay District by amending Chapter 270 (Zoning Code)

 


  • Relatedly, the BOT will have a resolution declaring themselves Lead Agency (under SEQRA) for the Indian Brook/ Croton Gorge zoning text amendment.

 

  • The Board will also have (2) resolutions to call for Public Hearings (hearings scheduled to take place on September 18th, the next regularly scheduled Legislative Meeting):


  1. A proposed local law to eliminate references to foundation permits from Chapter 92 of the Village Code
  2. A proposed local law to increase the max allowable vehicle weight for Hardship Parking and Muni Lots from 5000 to 8000 lbs.


 

  • The BOT will have a resolution authorizing the purchase of the materials required for HVAC upgrades at Cataract, Holla and Monitor Hose as brought forth by Chief Scarduzio.

 

  • The Board will also have a resolution to advertise for bids on the Water Transmission Main project at 9A/ Hawkes/ Whitetail.

 

  • The BOT will have a resolution to remove a firefighter from the active roll.

 

  • We will have (4) resolutions to verify the Village matches to the CDBG projects.

 

  • Finally, under New Business, we will have a resolution authorizing the Village Manager to sign a proposal for remediation work at 16 Croton Avenue.


Finally, I want to close with a hearty thanks to our first responders, whose jobs are challenging under the best circumstances, but who have really been put through their paces with the recent weather. Thanks to the Ossining Police Department, Ossining Fire Department and the Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps for going above and beyond to keep us safe as these "Hundred Year" Storms become increasingly more frequent, unpredictable and destructive.

Village of Ossining | www.villageofossining.org

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