February 20, 2024

The Village of Ossining has acquired its Police Department a speed trailer with a variable message board to help remind motorists when they are exceeding the speed limit, as well as provide the ability to share messages with the public about events, hazards, and road closures. The OPD has also added a speed enforcement radar unit to its tool kit. This unit will help our officers to enforce speed limits throughout Ossining.

The Village’s Youth Bureau has been super busy lately! Here are some highlights which I would like to share with you:

VITA 2024

The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. The VITA program has operated for over 50 years. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:

• People who generally make $64,000 or less
• Persons with disabilities; and
• Limited English-speaking taxpayers

The Ossining Youth Bureau is available by appointment on Saturdays through April 13 from 10am to 4pm. Call for an appointment by dialing 211 on your cell phone or 1-800-899-1479.

What to bring with you:

• Photo ID and Social Security cards for all dependents to be listed on your tax return
• A copy of last year’s tax return
• W-2 forms for each job, 1099-R, 1099-INT/DIV, 1099-G, 1099 SSA, 1099MISC, Marketplace 1095-A, 8962 for Premium Tax Credit, 8965 Exemption, and Employer 1095-B
• If claiming childcare expenses, documentation, & provider’s Tax ID
• Form 1098T and 1098-E (tuition and fees paid)
• If married and filing jointly, the spouse must be present
• If you prefer direct deposit, bring a voided check to verify the account routing and account number

OYB trip to Albany

Members of the Ossining Youth Bureau traveled to Albany to attend the 2024 Annual Youth Leadership Forum. This forum was an interactive leadership and educational seminar for youth from across New York State, with presentations from inspiring keynote sessions, discussion groups, and networking opportunities for our students.

The Green Project

The Ossining Youth Council has initiated a volunteer program at Teatown called The Green Project, which participates in varying commitments and activities. This program is designed for teens and preteens to give back to their communities and help keep Ossining clean. Volunteers receive community service hours as well as the ability to help modify and improve the program further.

Congratulations to the Village’s Historian, Joyce Sharrock Cole, who has been chosen by her peers to be honored by Congressman Mike Lawler for Black History Month. Honorees like Joyce have contributed to the community through various acts of service. This esteemed list includes pastors, athletes, health professionals, first responders, community activists, educators, entertainers, and more. Our community is better because of your efforts, Historian Cole! Please join me in a virtual round of applause for this exciting distinction.

We were hopeful to have the pool back in full functionality by March 1. Unfortunately, there is an issue with the new lighting system that was installed as part of the pool renovation that will require the LED drivers for the lights to be relocated (an LED driver is the electrical device that regulates power to an LED light). We do not have an updated completion date at this point, and it is unlikely that we will make the March 1st reopening date. The Recreation & Parks Department and I will continue to share updates as we receive more information.

Fifth in our series of volunteer committee spotlights:

Police Reform Advisory Committee (PRAC)­- Created in 2021 to review the Village twenty-nine-point plan submitted to the New York State Division of the Budget pursuant to Executive Order 203. This committee is responsible for reporting to the Board of Trustees on the progress of implementing the plan's recommendations and recommending changes where necessary. 

While not mandated by law, the Board of Trustees recently voted to continue the work of the PRAC through December 31, 2025. The Board's resolution noted that during the next two years, PRAC members, with the assistance of Village staff, will review specific policies and practices, identify and recommend areas for reform, and recommend actionable solutions to the Board of Trustees. The PRAC has nine members appointed by the Board of Trustees.

Click here to view the Village of Ossining’s Police Reform Advisory Committee (PRAC)

The remaining volunteer boards/ committees to be spotlighted are:

• Environmental Advisory Council
• Historic Preservation Commission
• Landlord-Tenant Relations Council
• Placemaking Committee
• Youth Advisory Board
• Zoning Board of Appeals

Our Village Board will not be hosting a meeting this week. I look forward to our next Work Session scheduled for Wednesday, February 28^th.

Village of Ossining | www.villageofossining.org