June 17, 2025

A Memorial for Democracy

On June 14, 2025, democracy in Minnesota was struck by a chilling act of violence when former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were gunned down in their home. Earlier that morning, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were also shot—both are now in serious condition after surviving multiple gunshot wounds.

These elected officials—who answered the call to serve—became targets of a politically motivated attack. The assassin, allegedly disguised as a police officer and driven by extremist motives, carried out a deadly rampage that has shocked the nation, police forces, and elected officials.

This tragedy is a stark reminder: political violence is not just an assault on individuals but on the very foundations of democracy.

Let us take a moment not only to grieve but to recommit ourselves to the ideals these public servants embodied: respect, civic engagement, and the peaceful resolution of our differences. In memory and honor of Melissa, Mark, John, and Yvette—and in solidarity with their families and communities—we affirm that violence has no place in our political discourse. May their dedication inspire stronger protections for those who serve, and may our democracy emerge more resilient in their honor. Flags in Ossining will be at half-mast this week. 

Portugal Day in Ossining! What a fantastic celebration with the Ossining Portuguese community.

Excellent year-end program as we celebrate another year of the MBK ( My Brother's Keeper) program in Ossining. Shout out to Dr. Sarr and Dr. Dealy, all the graduates, their mentors, and their families—a wonderful program at our schools. President Obama would be proud to see how his program has grown — one community at a time.

Join the chorus of Make Music New York State, where world-class talent and first-time performers alike add their voices to the Empire State's rich musical legacy. On June 21, 2025, New York celebrates the longest day of the year with the joy of live music, from Western New York and the Finger Lakes to the Capital Region and Hudson Valley.

Click here for Free Make Music Day Events, hosted by Mike Risko Music, taking place in Ossining: https://www.facebook.com/makemusicossbcliff/

Hungry on Hudson kicks off this Friday! Get ready for a 10-day culinary extravaganza showcasing the best of Ossining and Briarcliff Manor. Participating restaurants are offering a variety of special menus and exclusive deals, along with community events. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to explore our local culinary scene. See below for details, and contact individual restaurants for more on their specific offerings. Click here to learn more: https://hungryonhudson.com/

Travel Smart in Volatile Times

I have had constituents reach out to me for travel assistance. Several families have traveled to the Middle East for a wedding and are now unable to return home. This is a reminder to our community that we are living in increasingly unpredictable times. If you're traveling abroad, it is strongly recommended that you enroll in the U.S. State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Why enroll?

• Receive real-time safety alerts and travel advisories
• Help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency
• Easier communication in case of natural disasters, unrest, or lost passports
• Peace of mind for you and your loved ones

It’s free, fast, and helps keep you safe. 🔗 Enroll now: https://step.state.gov

Mark your calendars for the Westchester County 2025 Clean Energy Job and Resource Fair! Co-hosted by Sustainable Westchester, the County Office of Economic Development, and New Yorkers for Clean Power, this event is a crucial opportunity to connect with clean energy employers, training providers, and support organizations. Taking place on Wednesday, June 18th, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the County Center in White Plains, this free event serves as a gateway to developing skills, learning about job opportunities, and exploring new career paths in the clean energy sector.

Click here for more information and registration at this link: https://sustainablewestchester.org/clean-energy-workforce/

In Ossining, our volunteer committees play a significant role in local government. They provide valuable support and expertise to the Village's Board of Trustees, as well as to the community, by providing their knowledge in various areas of focus.

Committee members share their diverse perspectives by guiding and assisting in many decision-making processes. This ranges from addressing specific environmental issues to community engagement, all with the aim of strengthening the community.

Over the next few weeks, I plan to share information about the volunteer committees in our municipality. Today, I begin the series with the Village of Ossining’s Land Use Committees:

Board of Architectural Review & Planning Board (BARPB): The purpose of the BARPB is to review various applications, including Subdivisions, site plans, conditional use, and special permits (where appropriate). This BARPB also makes recommendations to the Village Board of Trustees with respect to zoning code changes. All of this is done with the full support of engineers, professional staff members, and specialized attorneys.

Click here to view the Village of Ossining’s Board of Architectural Review & Planning Board (BARPB) page.

Historic Preservation Commission (HPC):  The HPC hears applications for and recommends the designation of landmarks and historic districts to the Board of Trustees, decides upon Certificates of Appropriateness, and hears applications for and recommends donation of façade easements to the Village Board of Trustees. Additionally, the HPC may advise owners of historical buildings on issues of restoration and preservation and advise the Board concerning the acquisition of a landmark and/or structure. Not all municipalities have this particular committee, but Ossining, with so much of the municipality tied to its history, is privileged to have volunteers participate to ensure that its historical aspects are part and parcel of the ongoing development.

Click here to view the Village of Ossining’s Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA): The purpose of the ZBA is to handle appeals related to zoning decisions and interprets the Village of Ossining’s zoning ordinances. It also has the authority to grant variances, which allow property owners to deviate from strict zoning regulations in specific situations.

Click here to view the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)

Environmental Advisory Council (EAC): The EAC advises the Board of Trustees on matters affecting the preservation, development, and use of the natural and man-made features and conditions of the Village, conducts studies, surveys, and inventories of the Village's natural and man-made features, maintains an up-to-date inventory of all open spaces within the Village, and maintains communications with public and private agencies whose activities have an impact on the quality of the environment.

Click here to view the Village of Ossining’s Environmental Advisory Council (EAC)

This week’s Legislative Meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 18^th, at 7:30 PM at the Courthouse.

Some items of note:

• We will begin with the swearing-in of our two newly promoted Police Lieutenant Appointments: George Byrne & Patrick McGovern.
• We will then go into (3) Public Hearings:
• The first is a Public Hearing on the proposed Honorary Street Re-Naming for Northern Wilcher Jr.; if there is good public reception, we also will have a resolution to adopt it that evening.
• The second hearing is a Public Hearing on the proposed Moratorium for residential development in the RDD and SP-N zoning districts.
• The third is an Overgrowth Assessment for 7 Hunter Street. There will be a resolution later in the agenda that may be adopted based on the outcome of this hearing.
• There will be a resolution to approve the Special Permit recertification for T-Mobile at the water tower property at 56 Browning Drive.
• There will be a resolution adding Jostin Sarmiento to the Placemaking Committee.
• There will also be a resolution (which the BOT adopts annually) to authorize the collection of a $5 per unit administrative fee for the ETPA program. As always, the Village collects on behalf of HCR the $20 per unit fee, as well as our $5 fee, after we have already paid HCR’s annual invoice for their portion).
• The Board will have a resolution authorizing an agreement with CiviSocial.
• There will be a resolution to adopt Local Law 3 of 2025, amending the Village's Tree Preservation Law, the public hearing on which occurred at the June 4^th Legislative Meeting.
• There will be a resolution referring the proposed zoning changes to the RDD (Riverfront Development District) to the Planning Board for their review.
• There will be a resolution declaring (2) Village vehicles as surplus.
• There will be a resolution establishing the LOSAP program, which will be on the ballot for Village voters on November 4, 2025, in the form of a referendum.
• Finally, there is a resolution removing OFD members from the active roll.

Village of Ossining | www.villageofossining.org

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free—two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It serves as a powerful reminder of delayed justice and a celebration of Black freedom and resilience in America. In observance of the holiday, all Village offices (including the Community Center) are closed on Thursday, June 19th.