January 19, 2021
MAYOR'S UPDATE
From the desk of Mayor Rika Levin
What's New This Week
This week I reflect on two significant events that are historic and enhance the landscape of our country and community. First, let me say that the creation of a day honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King allows each of us to reflect, in whatever way we choose, about the Democratic process in America, access and equitable treatment of all members of our community. That is something I think about every day as Mayor. At his essence, the Reverend believed that the government’s role is to hear people's stories, issues, ideas for better government, and use every tool to better people's lives respectfully and equitably. That is my goal as well. I share with you the StoryCorp’s inspiring website, which tells the stories of people from the Civil Rights era, which I find moving and helpful in my quest to be a good Mayor and neighbor: 
The second opportunity for change is occurring tomorrow, and I believe that it will be historic in both who the people have chosen as the next President but, equally important, the groundbreaking ceiling crashing choice of Vice President. What America's communities, large and small, need now is a unifier: someone who will bridge the vast chasm in our society and polity. Our nation's future with its many communities lies in the hands of two people who must draw on our founding principles and rebuild them for the modern world. 
What's New This Week
Here is a short selection of what will be before the Board at this Wednesday’s Legislative Meeting (1/20/2021):
 
Be assured that the Village Staff spends its time continually looking at ways to improve our financial position and the best use of tax dollars. Evidence of that is one of the items on this week's agenda when we learn about how our staff assessed our insurance provider to get us better service at lower costs. Similarly, we will be voting on the Village's recommendation for a fair and accessible Special Events policy and fee schedule. While other municipalities have cut back on community and special events, we are making every effort to continue our tradition of offering as many opportunities as possible to bring the community together while being mindful of their associated expenses.
Zoom info is as follows:
Members of the public can view the meeting via computer or mobile app: https://zoom.us/j/93724938188
Webinar ID: 937 2493 8188
Members of the public can listen to the meeting by dialing in via phone:
+1 929 205 6099
Service Spotlight
As part of our improved level of communications with the public, we are holding the Ossining DPW Site Redevelopment Engagement Series. Please join us in as many sessions as you can. The sessions are held as follows:
Background: In 2019, the Village of Ossining released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to develop the Village-owned site at Water Street between Main Street and Central Avenue. The RFQ was released in response to the community's need for more affordable housing, make a meaningful connection between the waterfront and the downtown, and expanded the Sing Sing Kill Greenway linear park. To that end, the Village has organized an Engagement Series over several months to explore various aspects of the proposed project, from affordability levels and tax revenue to school impact and flood resiliency, and to better understand from the public how this development can be even more responsive to community needs.
 
All questions can be directed to the Board of Trustees and Village Administration at plan@villageofossining.org. For more information, visit https://www.villageofossining.org/ossining-dpw-site.
Village of Ossining | www.villageofossining.org