Transcending Social Distance
Less than a week ago I enjoyed a delightful visit to Claremont School as a mystery reader. It will be at least a couple of weeks before the students are back at school.
What we are experiencing is unprecedented in our lifetimes. Facing so many unknowns is frightening. The only way we will get through this is by supporting each other. And we must find a way to do that while practicing social distancing.
The burdens of life do not fall equally on the shoulders of all people. And these extreme circumstances exacerbate that disparity. People who are able to work remotely are also more likely to have healthcare benefits, financial savings, and an ample amount of living space. For thousands of families in Ossining, that is not the case. Fortunately, there are actions being taken by village government and the school district to ensure that no Ossining family will go hungry. We are also considering how we can support our local businesses in securing financial relief so that they can survive the current economic hardships and keep some level of employment for their staff.
The restrictions being put in place by all levels of government are not done lightly. And they are not done with an intention to protect the health of any particular individual. Social distancing is the means by which we will slow the spread of the virus. And these measures will be in place for weeks not days. I wish I could answer the question of how long. I can only say, the sooner we collectively adopt social distancing practices, the sooner we will be past the most aggressive interventions. In some regards we have learned from the experiences in China, South Korea and Italy, at least on a state and local level.
For many of our neighbors the financial devastation of our contracting economy feels like a greater immediate threat than the collective healthcare risks. In a community where so many of us live at the financial margins, lost wages are not an abstract consideration. Families are figuring out if they can work remotely or where their children can be safely cared for as schools close for weeks. Retail businesses are deciding how much to reduce their staff. Local government offices are changing their focus, working remotely, or implementing procedures to limit interactions with the public. Schools, local governments and social service agencies are mobilizing to provide grab-and-go meals and groceries to keep people fed. And tenants who will lose wages can have some piece of mind knowing that all eviction proceedings and pending eviction notices are suspended until further notice.
On a parallel path to the immediate actions being implemented to slow the spread, we must proactively stabilize our small business community. Ossining’s local economic prosperity is built on a foundation of small businesses that employ local residents and depend on foot traffic. We are calling on our state and federal government to take immediate action to alleviate financial pressure, so that more of these businesses will survive this time of extreme measures.
If like me, you have spent recent days reading and listening to scientific experts, and coming to understand the restrictions now underway, a picture is beginning to form. A picture of what our lives will look like for the coming weeks. And what social distancing means for each of us. As we all strive to make well-informed decisions, I encourage you to also practice compassion for your neighbors, your family members and yourselves. Ossining is a generous and kind community. We will get through this together.
Community Connections
Open Office Hours with the Mayor
are suspended until further notice. Please email me at gearity@villageofossining.org or call my village cell at 914-640-0575.
Monday Special Session
The Village Board met in a special session this morning to address matters related to measures being taken to slow the spread of the virus. We also voted on the items that were anticipated to be on Wednesday's agenda.
Click here to view the meeting agenda
. To view the
meeting video click here
. Our next Village Board meeting will be the March 25 work session.
With Regards,
