June 1, 2021
MAYOR'S UPDATE
From the desk of Mayor Rika Levin
This past weekend, I had the honor of attending the Central Veterans of Ossining’s Memorial Day Celebration. Thank you to Michael G. O’Connor and all the Vets who organized a very moving memorial on this important day. The reading of every Ossining man and woman in uniform who gave their lives to our country from the Revolutionary War to the present was very special. Thank you to the many community organizations that were present and participated and the girl scouts who created beautiful wreaths for the occasion. We also heard from former Congressman Joseph DioGuardi about his work to honor the many African American soldiers who never received the appropriate recognition for their service.

Let me take this moment to remind the public that New York State has made sure, under law, that veteran's pensions are protected, Gold Star children can attend State universities tuition-free, a property tax exemption is possible on a veteran's school tax bill, and job placement is available within the SUNY and CUNY systems.
Please join me on Wednesday, June 2nd @ 9 AM in Market Square as the Village and Town of Ossining join the Juneteenth Council in the first-ever official Juneteenth flag raising in Ossining. This event is inspired by the first Juneteenth celebration in Galveston, TX, in 1866.

We are proud that the flag will be flown throughout the entire month of June to acknowledge and honor the freedom of formerly enslaved Africans in America, as well as the ancestors of Ossining's Black community. Ossining will be the only community in Westchester County to raise this official flag and keep it raised through the month of June. Municipal offices throughout NYS are closed on June 18th.
The community is invited to join the Ossining LGBTQ+ Alliance, in collaboration with the Village of Ossining, to raise the Pride Flag on Friday, June 4at 9 AM, also in Market Square.

The rainbow flag is raised in June to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, which was the catalyst for Pride Month. During this time, we reflect, honor and amplify the voices of the LGBTQ+ community past, present, and future.
A reminder that, like many municipalities, The Village of Ossining has in place a leaf blower law which is designed to consider the harm done to our carbon footprint and the noise pollution they create. We want to encourage our residents and landscapers to transition to electric equipment. Gas-powered leaf blowers can only be used in the Village during the following periods: March 1 through June 1 and September 15 through December 15.
Have you ever wondered what is under development at various properties in our Village? I would like to share with the public that this week we will be looking at local laws to better communicate with the public when properties are undergoing various applications as part of their processes in front of the various land use boards (Planning, Zoning, etc.). These laws will require better outdoor signage for the sake of information, communications, and transparency by developers. 

Finally, under Continuing Business, Police Chief Sylvester and Corporation Counsel Stuart Kahan will update the Board on progress and next steps for the Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative Plan, which this Board submitted in April to the Governor's office.

Zoom Info:
Members of the public can view the meeting via computer or mobile app:
Webinar ID: 994 7700 4611

Members of the public can listen to the meeting by dialing in via phone: +1 929 205 6099
Village of Ossining | www.villageofossining.org