November 30, 2021
MAYOR'S UPDATE
From the desk of Mayor Rika Levin
Last night, the Westchester Municipal Planning Federation celebrated outstanding contributions to Planning in Westchester County. I am pleased to share that the Village of Ossining received a Planning Commendation for the Comprehensive Plan update and Form-Based Overlay Districts.

This prestigious award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our volunteer Comprehensive Plan Committee, our Village Staff, elected officials, and consultants.

The process for updating our comprehensive plan took nearly two years. Numerous hours of community engagement sessions and meetings with the Village's key stakeholders culminated in a uniquely designed form-based zoning overlay zone that will help to catalyze economic revitalization in Ossining's Croton Avenue and Main Street corridors. Unlike traditional zoning that focuses on the type of building use allowed in a specific area, form-based zoning focuses on building form as it relates to the streetscape and adjacent uses, relying on design concepts intended to preserve the historic assets and character of a community. The new form-based overlay districts support the community's strongly voiced desire to maintain and enhance Ossining's historic architecture and village charm.

Thank you to the hundreds of residents, business owners, and stakeholders who helped bring their voices to the table. We are also incredibly grateful to the volunteers that served on the various Comprehensive Plan Committees. These volunteers provided the much-needed insights, dedication, and innovative thinking which moved this initiative forward---all during a global pandemic.
Throughout 2022, the Village Board of Trustees and I are planning to host four Village Hall Forums. The purpose of these meetings is to create space for members, organizations, and businesses in our community to share their thoughts and ideas and ask questions regarding various initiatives of concern. Each forum will include the Mayor and one or more of the Trustees. These forums will be held collaboratively and interactively, which will empower the public to learn and share their feedback.

We would like to have your input on which topics are of most interest to you for such community engagement. We've created a survey that includes suggested topics and an "other" area for additional thoughts. The Board will look at these suggestions in developing the forums for 2022.

Thank you for taking the time to participate!
Please note that these public forums are in addition to many resources already offered. If public forums are not your thing, there are many ways to reach out to your Mayor and Trustees as well as learn about happenings in our community:

  1. Email to all of us at once: bot@villageofossining.org
  2. Email your Mayor at: mayor@villageofossining.org or levin@villageofossining.org
  3. Email any Trustee: Lopez@villageofossining.org Fritsche@villageofossining.org Quezada@villageofossining.org DWhite@villageofossining.org 
  4. Email any Village of Ossining department (including the police) by going on our website and clicking through any department, including the Village Manager.
  5. For event information and special notices, you can follow the Village on Facebook, subscribe to the bi-weekly web blast with loads of local happenings and resources.
  6. Subscribe to the Mayor’s weekly update and receive my highlighted stories as well as a link to the work sessions or legislative sessions of the upcoming week
  7. On Fridays, we post our agendas for the board meetings with links to the appropriate resources.
We are celebrating the holiday season! Both events are in person—
what a wonderful way to be together.
ATTENTION!! The Westchester County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) 2022 Update is now ready for public review!

Westchester County Emergency Services is asking all residents of Westchester County to review the final draft of the plan and give feedback. The projects and information included in the HMP allow our communities to become eligible for grant funding opportunities to minimize losses from natural disasters. The Public Review Period is open until December 16th, so don't miss this last chance to have your voice heard! Your support and responses are greatly appreciated! Click here for more information and to review the plan: https://www.westchesterhmp.com/.  
This week’s Legislative Meeting includes the following notable items:

  • We will be voting on the proposed 2022 budget. I am proud to share with you that we believe that this proposal has bold and important initiatives for the health and sustainability of our community. It takes into account big and small projects that improve the everyday lives of our residents and businesses. If passed, we will approve a budget with no tax rate increase while providing for significant capital and human investments for years to come.
  • A public hearing; re-opening the discussion on Proposed Local Law #13 of 2021 focused on an aspect of Police Reform.
  • We will be calling for a Public Hearing to be held on December 15th to move the enactment date of certain provisions of the revised towing legislation (from 1/1/22 to 7/1/22).

Click here for the Legislative Meeting - Dec 01 2021 Agenda
Members of the public can view the meeting via computer or mobile app: https://us06web.zoom.us/s/88980532186
Webinar ID: 889 8053 2186
Members of the public can listen to the meeting by dialing in via phone: +1 929 205 6099
Lastly, as this challenging Year of 2021 comes to its end, I would like to remind you that we live in a beautiful Village on the banks of the Hudson River. As you consider your giving, please donate to the many local organizations that support our community with grace and hard work. Please also consider shopping local for the same reason. May this holiday season bring you joy, rest, and peace.
Stay tuned to the weekly Mayor's Update for more information about Ossining's Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant from NYS!