MAYOR'S UPDATE
From the desk of Mayor Rika Levin
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There were still many things happening in our Village for those of us enjoying some time off or simply enjoying the holidays with loved ones. To learn more from local businesses about how government grants and loans are working right here in our community, Deputy Mayor Manuel Quezada and Congressman Mondaire Jones toured our Village together yesterday. The Congressman and members of his staff, representing New York’s 17th District, spent the morning in Ossining visiting with local business owners from First Village Coffee, Theatre O, HealthSmart Pharmacy, and Mike Risko Music School. They were also joined by Village Manager Karen D'Attore, and Ossining Chamber of Commerce President Gayle Marchica and spent time talking to each business owner about their personal experiences running their business during the pandemic. Each of the four businesses had received a federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPE) loan. The Congressman expressed great interest in understanding how the PPP loan program worked for each business. He announced that more PPE funding is included in the American Relief Plan and restated his commitment to aiding small businesses in his District. The Congressman ended his visits with a meeting at Open Door Family Medical Centers, Ossining's federally qualified Community Health Center, to discuss their response to the pandemic and their ongoing COVID testing administration vaccinations.
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Congressman Mondaire Jones with Risko Music owners Mike & Miriam Risko |
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Congressman Mondaire Jones with Deputy Mayor Manuel R. Quezada, First Village Coffee Owners Luis & Kathryn Corena, Village Manager Karen D'Attore, and Ossining Chamber of Commerce President Gayle Marchica |
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Congressman Mondaire Jones with Deputy Mayor Manuel R. Quezada, and Theater O owner Jessica Irons. |
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The pandemic is still with us, and so is our commitment to improving our residents' quality of life. Effective today April 6, all residents 16 and older are eligible for vaccinations. I encourage you to make an appointment for a vaccine. Here are some resources: Westchester County Department of Health website. Appointments at Open Door, the Prescription Center of Ossining, and other local sites can be made directly through the local business. Westchester County publishes a list of local allocations each week. If you or someone you know is having a difficult time getting a vaccine, there is a wonderful group of Ossining volunteers ready and able to help: Ossining Angels, and they can be reached at (914) 236-4567. Leave a name, phone number, and best times for a return call. A skilled Ossining Angel will get back to you (and help is available in Spanish).
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Another legislative item that affects our community is the State legislation involving cannabis (marijuana). On March 31, 2021, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation legalizing adult-use cannabis, fulfilling a key component of his 2021 State of the State agenda. The Bill establishes the Office of Cannabis Management to implement a comprehensive regulatory framework covering medical, adult-use, and cannabinoid hemp. The Bill also expands New York State's existing medical marijuana and cannabinoid hemp programs. The legislation provides licensing for marijuana producers, distributors, retailers, and other actors in the cannabis market. It creates a social and economic equity program to assist individuals disproportionately impacted by cannabis enforcement that want to participate in the industry.
The VBOT is learning more about this legislation and its impact on local communities and take steps which we will need to make going forward. We are looking at the development of an adult-use cannabis industry in New York State under this legislation, which can create significant economic opportunities for New Yorkers and the State. Tax collections from the adult-use cannabis program are projected to reach $350 million annually. Additionally, we are told that this new industry can create 30,000 to 60,000 new jobs across the State. The Village Board will be seeking input from the public to determine the best path forward as it involves local law and policy for Ossining in light of this new legislation.
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What’s in front of the Board
Some of the things we are looking at this week include a few special guests to our meeting.
We will first be joined by Lauren Brois of Sustainable Westchester. The Village has been involved with this group for many years, and we look forward to an overview of the EnergySmart Homes program. Additionally, as part of my request for more frequent updates from the dozen or so volunteer committees that support the Village, we will hear from
Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) Chair Adam Markovics.
Items on the agenda include calling for proposed Public Hearing on Local Law #2 (code enforcement officer residency waiver) as well as proposed Local Law #5 (re: signage on properties for which an application is pending before a land-use board) to the Planning Board for review and comment, and annual tax exemptions for active Ossining Fire Department.
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Zoom info is as follows:
Members of the public can view the meeting via computer or mobile app:
Webinar ID: 994 7700 4611
Members of the public can listen to the meeting by dialing in via phone: +1 929 205 6099
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Green Ossining's 10th Annual Earth Day Festival will be a weeklong celebration of activities, partnerships, and offers beginning on Saturday, April 17 through Sunday, April 25, 2021.
Determined not to let another year escape, they have pivoted from their usual large-scale in-person event format to a weeklong opportunity of more than 60 activities. These will consist of small socially distanced gatherings as well as online entertainment and educational experiences. Indeed something for everyone.
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In the Community
Join me Sunday, April 25 at 4 pm to welcome author Isabel Wilkerson, author of Caste: The Origins of our Discontents. This is co-sponsored by the Town of Ossining Equity Task Force and the Coalition for Understanding Race through Education (CURE). Hard copies of the book can be requested through the Ossining Public Library.
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Village of Ossining | www.villageofossining.org
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