March 18, 2025

Tonight! Our local leaders and state representatives are coming together to discuss the recent utility rate increases our community has been charged – with more increases on the way.

Senator Pete Harkham has partnered with his Assembly colleagues, including Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg and New York's Public Utility Law Project for a consumer’s rights to host a webinar tonight at 6:00 p.m. Click here to register: https://nysenate-gov.zoom.us/.../WN_CKV1pKYNT8CUETUUlZu2AA

In addition, the Westchester County Board of Legislators has taken decisive action to defend Westchester residents against Con Edison's proposed double-digit rate increases. The Board voted to become a party to the major rate case in New York State with County Executive Ken Jenkins. This action ensures the people of Westchester will have a voice during the proceedings.

The NYS Public Service Commission (NYSPC) is reviewing Con Edison's proposed price hikes, which, if approved, will increase residential customers' bills by an average of 11.4% for electricity and 13.3% for gas by 2026. The NYSPC is now accepting public comments. Your input about these proposed electric and gas delivery price hikes is critical and will be considered by the NYPSC before any final decisions are made.

Here’s how to ensure your voice is heard: Virtual Public Hearings

• Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - 1:00 PM and 5:30 PM
• Wednesday, April 9, 2025 - 1:00 PM and 5:30 PM

How to Participate: Speak at a Virtual Hearing:

• Register by April 7 (for April 8 hearings) or April 8 (for April 9 hearings)
• Register online: Visit https://dps.ny.gov/calendar
• Or register by phone: Call 1-800-342-3330

Submit Written Comments (due by November 21, 2025):

• Online: Visit www.dps.ny.gov, search for case "25-E-0072" or "25-G-0073" and click "Post Comments"
• By mail: Hon. Michelle L. Phillips, Secretary, Public Service Commission, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223-1350

Special accommodations are available for persons with disabilities or language barriers by calling 1-518-473-9463.

I am happy to announce that the Parklets program will continue as a valuable addition to the Village of Ossining. These outdoor dining spaces, introduced during the COVID pandemic, provided patrons with a safe and enjoyable dining experience when indoor dining was limited. While almost all municipalities have eliminated these programs post-COVID, Ossining will continue supporting local businesses.

The addition of parklets has created something special for our downtown businesses – so much so that Ossining has evolved into a true destination for our eateries. Since its inception, the Village charged $50 per spot for the entire seven-month season. At last week’s work session, the Board of Trustees discussed the pros and cons of these additional spaces on public sidewalks. The Board, in majority, agreed that we will continue with outdoor parklets for 2025 and will discuss a new fee structure for this season at this week's legislative session.

Project Mover is moving forward as planned. This is an exciting moment for Ossining as it continues its march as an incubator for this innovative initiative. Please join the Project Mover team for an E-bike Incentive Program Demonstration Day on Sunday, March 23, from 12:00 – 3:00 PM at the Community Center.

Who should attend? Individuals interested in learning more about the e-bike incentive program and those looking to view the e-bikes available as part of the incentive program.

Selected participants will receive a voucher for a $1,000 discount on a UL-certified e-bike at participating local retailers.

Where to learn more information about the program:

https://www.sharedmobility.org/e-bik.../new-york-westchester

Spring starts this week! What better opportunity to recycle and upcycle all your home goods? Registration for the Spring 2025 Green Ossining Community-Wide Tag Sale is Now Open! DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS APRIL 21 AT NOON, NO EXCEPTIONS. Click here: https://www.greenossining.org/tagsale/

This week’s Legislative Meeting will occur on Wednesday, March 19^th, at 7:30PM.

Some items of note:

• Sustainable Westchester will present on the 25 Westchester Power Agreement.
• The BOT will have a resolution for an agreement on a new contract with LexisNexis.
• There will also be a resolution to add the 2025 Parklet Fee of $500 per parking space per season to the 2025 Fee Schedule.
• There will be a resolution to retain Special Counsel to cover several property damage claims.
• We will be calling for a Public Hearing to take place on April 2^nd regarding the moratorium on residential construction in the RDD and SP-N Zoning Districts.
• There will be a resolution opening the Capital Project for OFD’s Chief’s Vehicle.
• Finally, we will be adding a resolution awarding the successful bidder for the Gourdine Park Specialized Landscaping RFQ.

Village of Ossining | www.villageofossining.org

Former U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey, a long-serving New York Democrat who was the first woman to chair the powerful House Appropriations Committee, has died after battling breast cancer. She was 87.



A public servant in the truest sense, she was an indefatigable fighter and worked across the aisle to deliver results for her constituents and all Americans. Lowey represented suburban communities north of New York City, including parts of Westchester County and the Hudson River Valley. She shattered many glass ceilings for women who entered politics… including many Ossining leaders. She will be missed. May her memory be for a blessing.