MAYOR'S UPDATE
From the desk of Mayor Rika Levin
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As we near a 20-year milestone in remembrance of September 11, I wanted to invite all in our community to take some time this weekend to join our first responders for a tribute and memorial service. This coming Saturday, September 11, at 9:00 AM, there will be an Ossining & Briarcliff Remembrance Ceremony at Louis Engel Waterfront Park. Please join me, as all are invited to attend the ceremony, including emergency service organizations and elected officials serving the residents of the Village of Ossining, the Town of Ossining, and the Village of Briarcliff Manor. Let us honor the memory of the almost 3,000 people killed in this attack on our country and pay tribute to the first responders who gave their lives. In addition, there are volunteer opportunities throughout the county to serve. For a complete lineup of opportunities, including ways to sign up to volunteer, visit the 9/11: Serve + Remember web page at Volunteer New York!
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As you know from reading my past messages, health, safety, and the environment are my top priorities as the Mayor of Ossining. With that, I have some very exciting local information to share with you!
First, during Wednesday’s Work Session (click here to watch on YouTube), the Village Board of Trustees was presented with the results from the DRI feedback from the community. We’ve found that the feedback as to what Village priorities are for the downtown were consistent with past studies. Those that responded stated that they are looking for a more diversified retail and restaurant scene in Ossining, enhanced recreational access to the Hudson River, increased connectivity between the waterfront and downtown, the elimination of "zombie properties," more green space use, options for art, as well as beautification and cleaner streets.
We are looking forward to completing our submission, which is due on September 15. I thank the community for taking the time to participate in our survey. With this information, we will build the best possible application that includes what the community has told us is needed.
Second, congratulations to our Water Department for being chosen for the Westchester Waterworks 2021 Advancement Award for the design and build of the Powder Activated Carbon System at the water filtration facility. This advanced system addressed the MIB taste and odor issues in our Raw Water Source that occurred during early 2020. The good news is that this system will be relocated to the New Treatment Plant once that is completed.
Third, as part of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Awards to reduce flooding, restore aquatic habitats, and improve climate resiliency, I am pleased to announce the Ossining Shoreline Revitalization and Community Connectivity Improvements were included in the funding award, which will help reduce flood risk and protect our natural resources. This award includes a contract with Henningson, Durham and Richardson Architecture and Engineering, P.C. (HDR) for $125,000 for a living shoreline project at the Henry Gourdine and Louis Engel Waterfront Parks. An inclusive stakeholder engagement process will once again be used to provide input on specific design elements and eco-friendly elements related to shoreline stabilization to create a fish habitat and promote recreational fishing opportunities.
Lastly, Get There Green! 2021 -- take part from September 20 through September 26 during Climate Week to promote and celebrate green methods of transportation. Bike, walk, carpool, use mass transit, an electric vehicle, or another way to Get There Green! During this week, everyone is encouraged to use green transportation for as many trips as possible.
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Last week, Governor Hochul signed New York Senate Bill S50001; the legislation includes a provision allowing "any state agency, department, corporation, office, authority, board, or commission, as well as any local public body to meet and take such action authorized by law without permitting in in-person public access to meetings and authorize such meetings to be held remotely by conference call or similar service, provided the public has the ability to view or listen to such proceeding and that such meetings are recorded and later transcribed." The legislation is effective immediately and is scheduled to expire on January 15, 2022. As a result, all Village of Ossining public meetings will be held via Zoom video conference until further notice. Meeting details, where applicable, are available under each individual meeting, located in the "Agendas and Minutes" portal, which can be accessed here: http://ow.ly/oc7950G6pll
Correspondence to all Land Use Boards can be sent to the Planning Department at the John-Paul Rodrigues Ossining Operations Center, 101 Route 9A, Ossining, NY 10562 or via email to: plan@villageofossining.org.
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Village of Ossining | www.villageofossining.org
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