August 12, 2025

Friday, we proudly honored retired Ossining High School science teacher Angelo Piccirillo at Village Hall, alongside Westchester County Legislator Emiljana Ulaj and his wife, Mary Beth Stosser. Senator Harckham presented him with a State Senate Award of Commendation for over three decades of inspiring students and founding OHS’s renowned Science Research Program. Angelo’s dedication has shaped generations of scientists, strengthened our community, and continues to impact educators nationwide. We thank him for his service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to science education.

Last Friday, I met with our county and state representatives. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss our ongoing macro initiatives and our anticipated needs through 2026. The goal was to explore ways to expand our partnerships more widely as we navigate increasing costs across all fronts. Here are some of the key items we discussed during our hour-long meeting.

1. Housing Affordability & Development – Addressing the need for balanced growth that provides affordable rental and home ownership, market-rate housing, code enforcement, and maintaining neighborhood character and infrastructure capacity.
2. I asked how they might assist us in Downtown Revitalization & Economic Growth – Coordinating state, county, and local resources to attract small businesses, support existing merchants, and improve public spaces in the downtown corridor.
3. Infrastructure Upgrades – Prioritizing investment in aging water, sewer, and transportation systems to meet current demand and prepare for future growth.
4. Public Safety & Emergency Response – Promoting investment in advanced police and fire department technology to improve response times, efficiency, and community safety.
5. Support for Immigrant Neighbors – Strengthening outreach, resources, and integration efforts to ensure all residents, regardless of immigration status, feel welcomed and have access to local services and opportunities. What can we learn from other communities in their districts about managing challenges at the front lines?

I thank Senator Harckham, Assemblywoman Levenberg, County Legislator Ulaj, and Assistant Village Manager Maddi Zachacz for joining me in this important conversation.

Congratulations to the Town of Ossining on the ribbon cutting for the new Sports courts at Ryder Park, which features basketball, pickleball, and a batting cage.

This addition to Ryder Park was made possible by using the Town’s ARPA funding and some additional Town funds.

For more information on making reservations and obtaining a membership, visit the Village of Ossining Recreation Department’s website for details: https://bit.ly/OssiningRecRacquetSports

Please join us tonight @ 7:00 PM for the Ossining Recreation FREE Family Summer Entertainment Series at Market Square with Pirates of Prestidigitation Magic Show. This series is designed to provide free, family-friendly entertainment for our community, so bring your loved ones and enjoy a magical evening!

We have an exciting event lined up for Wednesday, August 13th. Join us at 7:00 PM for the Ossining Recreation FREE Summer Acoustic Series at Henry Gourdine Park, featuring the Nat Longordo! Don't forget to grab a delicious meal from one of Ossining's local eateries to enjoy during the show. It's going to be a night to remember!

This Friday, we have Riverjam at Louis Engel Waterfront Park, featuring Ossining’s own Ready or Not. Food trucks open at 5 PM and the concert begins at 7 PM. ⁠See you there! Click here for Food Truck info: https://bit.ly/OssiningRiverJam

Congratulations to the Prescription Center of Ossining’s on your milestone 50^th Anniversary! All are welcome to celebrate on Saturday, August 16^th, @ 2:00 to 4:00 PM at 162 Croton Ave.

The Village and Town of Ossining participate in the electricity supply program, Westchester Power, administered by local non-profit Sustainable Westchester. This notice is being distributed to inform participating community members about the new contract terms starting on December 1. Sustainable Westchester will be mailing opt-out notification letters for this new contract to active participants and newly eligible customers in October, as well as holding multiple information sessions during the fall.

Click here to learn more: https://sustainablewestchester.org/wp/conedterritory/

Join New York State Clean Heat for a Heating & Cooling Block Party!

Did you know that Experience Clean Heat is hosting building block contests at a location near you?

Show off your building skills, experience clean heating and cooling, and win great prizes at the same time!

• Every attendee is entered to win a $25 gift card
• Participate by building and be entered into an additional $50 gift card
• Enter the statewide competition for a chance to win a $200 grand prize gift card

Events are happening throughout NYS – and will be in Ossining on August 23^rd from 12-2pm @ the Cedar Lane Arts Center.

Find dates, times, and more: cleanheat.ny.gov/experience

• Harckham Delivers $2.1 Million in Public Spaces Grants for Local Projects
• Students explore emergency services in the Valhalla pilot program
• Funding to Build More Resilient Communities, Protect Public Health, and Modernize Water Infrastructure Across the State
• Harckham Honors Retired Ossining High School Teacher and Science Research Program Founder

This week’s meeting will be held at 16 Croton and will begin at 7:30PM on Wednesday, August 13^th, 2025.

The Work Session agenda will be as follows:

• Executive Director Brent Glass from the Sing Sing Prison Museum will join us to discuss a request that entails moving the display currently housed at the Community Center to the SSPM Preview Center.   
• Bill Garrison, Superintendent of Recreation & Parks, will be with us to discuss various park updates (including the Wishnie Park fountain, Friends of Richard Wishnie Park, and the holiday tree) and will introduce the plans for the 2025 “Haunted Kill” event this October.
• Paul Fraioli, P.E., Village Engineer, will join Karen D'Attore, Village Manager, to speak about (4) contracts (General Contractor, Plumbing/Fire Protection, Mechanical, and Electrical) that comprise the lowest responsible bid for the Multi-Modal Transportation Hub.
• Per the Village’s internal procedure on professional services contracts, we are preparing to go to RFQ (Request for Qualifications) on the Village's consultant engineering and wetlands services, which assist DPW and the Planning Department. The current contract with KSCJ ends on September 30^th.
• Per the BOT’s discussion at our last Work Session, Stuart Kahan, Corporation Counsel, will introduce a proposed local law to impose a moratorium on new cannabis dispensaries & vape/smoke shops within Village limits.
• Finally, Corporation Counsel Kahan will review our proposed renewal of the Prisoner Transport Agreement with Westchester County.

We will have a Special Meeting after the Work Session to pay bills and for the Board to consider releasing the RFQ for Engineering and Wetlands Services, along with two other resolutions regarding contracts for service (KSCJ for a land-use related escrow and a resolution authorizing the purchase of hardware/software for the Fire Department).

Village of Ossining | www.villageofossining.org