July 29, 2025

YTD 2025

• 2025 will mark a transformational year for Ossining as we break ground on a new multi-modal parking structure, which will support small business ventures and other economic development opportunities.
• Our commitment to enhancing community facilities is ongoing. In addition to the completion of the pool and locker rooms and the installation of a new roof, we have finalized preliminary plans for a comprehensive redesign. These enhancements will be implemented over the next few years, ensuring continuous improvement without major disruptions.
• We moved forward on two significant DRI projects plus adjacent projects:
• Multi-modal Transportation Hub, which includes a parking garage, community park space, e-bike stations, and a communal garden-like setting.
• Major Renovations to the Joseph G. Caputo Community Center.
• Adjacent projects include the design and enhancement of the Olive Opera House, as well as design work at the Louis Engel Park stage area. Both are DRI projects, which were made possible when the Village sought and won the DRI grant.
• Housing and Economic Development:
• As rents continue to rise and apartments become scarce, we acknowledge the diligent work of our Ossining Section 8 office and their unwavering commitment to keeping people housed affordably in our community. The Board continues to support the Section 8 office and moves forward in working with reasonable developers to explore opportunities for affordable housing.
• Similarly, as housing ownership costs rise, we look to the Building Department to ensure that housing structures – old, new, large, and small — meet code requirements for safety and quality of life, on behalf of residents and the community at large.
• There are two all-affordable building complexes that are moving forward: An all-affordable rental on Water Street with parking for the building and local residents/ businesses, and a community space. The second is all affordable Seniors housing on Route 133.
• The Board of Trustees has also met with the new developer for 34 State Street, which proposes a very creative housing model approved by the New York State. It includes 100 affordable condos, which will drive home ownership, plus 50 rental units. This complex features parking, community spaces, and enhancements to the community's infrastructure. The developer will begin the land-use process, which includes moving through the Planning and Zoning Boards, starting in August.
• Our proactive commitment to public health is evident in our largest infrastructure project to date. After years of planning and design, we have broken ground on the new Indian Brook Water Treatment Plant in 2025. This initiative, the largest of its kind on the East Coast, underscores our dedication to providing clean drinking water for our residents.
• Improved quality of life, community enhancement, and economic development:
• We will be doing streetscape work by Water Street and Station Plaza, an area that has been overlooked for the past couple of decades.
• Ossining becomes more beautiful every day as we continue to plant more native trees and pollinator gardens, and mini drainage gardens.
• Thanks to our Placemaking Committee, our 5 Corners is adorned with colorful globe planters that make a bold statement on Main Street as we continue revitalization efforts there.
• We continue to beautify the Route 133 corridor with planters wherever possible.
• Investment in our youth: Our Youth Bureau programs have grown to benefit over 400 young people in our community, who are proving that our future is in good hands. The youth were engaged in determining space usage for youth programming in the Community Center redesign project.
• Family and Community: Our creative and highly enthusiastic Recreation Staff has produced dozens of free family fun events featuring everything from family movies and concerts to hayrides and senior programs.
• Veterans and Families: We continue to invest in and support the Military Banner Program, honoring veterans who sacrificed for us and are connected to our community.
• Safety:
• Ossining also benefits from the largest volunteer fire department in New York State. In 2025, the Board explored ways to offer retirement benefits to our volunteers through the LOSAP initiative for our volunteer Fire Department. We also budgeted significant funds for necessary capital improvements to the various fire houses, as our building's age and our population grows.
• Our Police Department has benefited from the addition of new personnel and multiple promotions for deserving candidates. The Board is committed to investing further in our Police Department through capital improvements, new equipment, fair compensation, benefits, and training. 

On Saturday, the Village hosted an honorary street renaming of the corner of Brandreth Street & Broadway to Northern Wilcher, Jr. Way.

Northern led a life of dedicated community service. He was well-respected by all. His quiet wisdom and deep experience were sought and respected by generations in our community. I'm glad we have a lasting tribute to his many years of service to our community. We certainly miss him.

Join us tonight for the Ossining Recreation FREE Family Summer Entertainment Series at Louis Engel Waterfront Park, featuring a visit from The Little Mermen: The Ultimate Disney Tribute Band!

Food trucks, fun, & activities will begin @ 5:00 PM, with the band starting @ 7:00 PM.

So, dress up in your favorite Disney costume and get ready to sing along! We can't wait to see you there!

Please join us on Wednesday @ 7:00 PM for the Ossining Recreation FREE Summer Acoustic Series at Market Square, featuring Lucky House! Don't forget to pick up dinner from one of Ossining's local eateries to bring to the show!

The Annual Ossining Firefighters' Parade is back! Join us on Friday night, August 1st, at 7pm to see marching bands, fire trucks, and your local heroes fill the streets. The parade starts at Roosevelt Square at Pleasantville Road and Croton Avenue, heads down Croton Avenue, crosses Route 9, continues to Main Street, and finishes at the Waterfront. Arrive early to grab a good spot and enjoy the parade!

Join us for Pop-Up Jazz at Henry Gourdine Park on Monday, August 4, @ 6:30 PM, featuring Bob Einfrank!

Please join us for National Night Out 2025 on Tuesday, August 5, from 6:00 to 10:00 PM at Ossining High School. This community event will allow you to meet your folks from the Police Department, Fire Department, and Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps - and touch a truck!

This free event will feature burgers, hot dogs, and fun activities (including face painting and games) for the kids! National Night Out is a community event that promotes community partnerships to keep our neighborhoods safe.

There will not be a Village Board of Trustees Meeting this week. Please join us next Wednesday, August 13^th, 2025, at Village Hall for our next Work Session.

Village of Ossining | www.villageofossining.org