August 10, 2021
MAYOR'S UPDATE
From the desk of Mayor Rika Levin
Earlier today, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced he would resign effective in 14 days. Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul will now take Cuomo’s place as Interim Governor. She has long been a steadfast supporter of equal rights. I am proud that New York State will have its first female Governor and look forward to working with her in this new role. She has visited Ossining recently and is familiar with all levels of government throughout the many municipalities. I am confident that her empathy, work ethic, and authentic concern for the welfare of its residents and businesses will make her an outstanding Governor for our State.
This past weekend I had the pleasure of joining IFCA & the Briarcliff Congregational Church at their annual family celebration day for their tenants, staff, volunteers, donors, and community members. There was live music, delicious food from Cravin Jamaican, games, and so much more. IFCA has been at the center of rehabilitating and restoring historic architecture in our community. Keeping our heritage intact while providing affordable and appealing housing options for residents of our community is at the core of their mission. It was my pleasure to remind folks that in the Fall, IFCA, together with Home run Against Drugs, will be providing middle school and high school students with a financial education program. It is never too early to empower youth with a better understanding of finances and financial planning.
This week we have more awesome entertainment for the whole family. It’s free and open to the public.
  • Today’s Family Zumba with Suzi Myers Tipa at Nelson Park has been rescheduled to next Tuesday (8/17) @ 7 PM due to the predicted weather.  
  • Wednesday, August 11: Two’s Company as part of the Summer Acoustic Music Series @ 7 PM at Market Square
  • Friday, August 13: Food Truck Friday & Concert Series presents: Mike Risko Band. Food trucks open at 5 PM, and music begins at 7 PM
Be sure to grab dinner from one of Ossining's local eateries, a lawn chair, and of course your family and friends - and we'll see you there!
The Village of Ossining Needs Your Input for the NYS Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) 2021 Application: In 2019, Ossining was a finalist. Your input is needed to make Ossining a winner in 2021!

Background: On July 27, Governor Cuomo announced that $200 million is available for the fifth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). The DRI works to transform downtown neighborhoods into vibrant communities where New Yorkers want to live, work, and play. Winners of this grant are provided with funding for the much-needed infrastructure to ensure equitable and accessible future growth while improving the wellbeing of traditionally underserved communities.

In its fifth year, the program will invest $200 million in up to 20 additional downtowns statewide. Participating communities will be nominated by the State's ten Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs) based on the downtown's potential for transformation. Within the Mid-Hudson region, where the Village of Ossining is located, the Mid-Hudson REDC (MHREDC) will nominate either two downtowns to receive $10 million each or one downtown to receive an award of $20 million to develop a downtown strategic investment plan and implement key catalytic projects that advance the community's vision for revitalization.
How you can help: Join us on Thursday, August 12, to learn more about this exciting opportunity and to provide your thoughts and ideas:
Thursday, August 12 @ 5:30 PM: English Zoom session
Meeting ID: 917 9737 9895
US: +1 (929) 205-6099
Thursday, August 12 @ 7:30 PM: Spanish Zoom session
Meeting ID: 943 8223 4518
US: +1 (929) 205-6099
This is an opportunity to think big and to realize our vision for a thriving downtown! You can also learn more about the DRI by clicking here.
This week’s Work Session will once again prove to be incredibly informative. Some of the many topics to be discussed are:

  • Route 9 Road Diet Update: Frank Filiciotto and the team from Creighton Manning will provide the BOT with an update on the Road Diet Study, including potential proposed plans for design and implementation. As you know, the Village of Ossining has been working with engineering & planning firm Creighton Manning to study how Route 9 could be altered to foster better economic development and pedestrian safety while potentially adding parking in one or both directions. Traveling from North to South, the Route 9 corridor changes from two to four lanes at the Cedar Lane intersection and continues at this width throughout the majority of the Village. Working within the existing curb-to-curb width of Route 9, the road diet would balance the corridor for more modes and uses by reallocating some of the space for vehicle traffic to pedestrians, flex space, and on-street parking. This study includes a technical analysis of the current conditions along Route 9 in Ossining and how, in concert with New York State DOT, the road can be reimagined to break down the divide between the east and west sides of the Village and better connect the two neighborhoods, while making substantive improvements to safety and traffic flow. Community engagement is also a significant focus of the study, and Frank's presentation will summarize these efforts as well.
  • Indian Brook Water Treatment Plant - Update on Plans for New Treatment Plant: Water Superintendent Andrew Tiess and Village Engineer Paul Fraioli will be presenting an update of where we are with the IBWTP, cost estimates, and next steps.
  • Recycle Right App Intro: As part of our efforts to be 'the greenest community in the country' Village Engineer Paul Fraioli and Assistant Village Manager Maddi Zachacz will be presenting the Recycle Right app, a program that will allow Village residents to access sanitation and recycling information online yet another way to help us minimize our carbon footprint and help the planet, in partnership with Sustainable Westchester.
  • Legislation pertaining to Mobile Parking Payments and Building Permit Application: At Wednesday's Work Session, there will be a discussion of proposed Local Law 12-2021 which would revise section 250-33.1 relating to metered parking. As the Village is preparing to launch a mobile payment parking system, the proposed local law would authorize the Village to implement such a system in lieu of paying at the meter and allow for the introduction of multi-space parking machines. In addition to discussing the proposed local law, we will begin a discussion regarding a policy change related to building permits. The policy change, which does not require a code revision, would advise applicants for such permits (including electrical, plumbing, and excavation permits) that no application for such a permit will be accepted by the Building Department where there are open permits for that property. An exception will be made for permit applications to remedy conditions cited in Orders to Remedy and/or Appearance Tickets. Currently, permits, Certificates of Occupancy, and Certificates of Compliance are not to be issued where there are taxes, fines, or fees owed on the property. This policy change, which would be noted on the permit application, would require the applicant to clear open permits before another permit on the property is issued.
This week’s Work Session will be in person at 16 Croton Avenue in the Board Room. We will also stream via Zoom for those community members/ consultants who wish to watch/participate from home. Work Session - August 11, 2021

Members of the public can view the meeting via computer or mobile Zoom app:
Webinar ID: 929 2724 2629
Members of the public can listen to the meeting by dialing in via phone: +1 929 205 6099
Village of Ossining | www.villageofossining.org