On Saturday, the Board of Trustees recognized James L. Covert by proclaiming Saturday, May 8, 2021, as James L. Covert Day in the Village of Ossining. Mr. Covert has served in the Ossining Fire Department since 1971. During that time, he has shown exemplary commitment and dedication to the community. We were proud to acknowledge his outstanding service that contributes to the quality of life in Ossining. Jim was acknowledged for his fifty years of exceptional volunteer service to the Ossining Fire Department, and we, as a community, are grateful for his many years of loyal service.

And speaking of volunteers, I want to thank all in our community who participated in the 10th Annual Riverkeeper Sweep on May 1. This annual day of service is essential for the upkeep of the Hudson River and its tributaries. Over the years, Riverkeeper volunteers have completed 804 projects along hundreds of miles of shoreline during their annual day of service for the Hudson. Volunteers have removed 275 tons of debris and planted or maintained 4,490 trees or native grasses.

Built-in 1908 and formerly The Bank for Savings, the Village took over the building in 2003, several decades after the bank ceased operations. While the Village has shored up the building to prevent further damage, years of neglect before the Village's involvement have left the interior in a state of disrepair, including various hazards requiring extensive professional remediation, which has, understandably, been a deterrent for many potential buyers. In 2019, the Village applied for an economic development grant through the New York Main Street program and received a significant award to remediate the hazards and ready the building for sale to a private investor, which will not only reengage this important anchor of our downtown but will get the property back on the tax rolls.

The Manager's office staff joined Village Engineer Paul Fraioli in hosting a pre-bid walk-through at 200 Main Street. We should have a consultant in place to begin planning the project and manage the work in early June.

The Board of Trustees is holding a town hall-style community engagement meeting on May 20, 7:00 pm-8:30 pm via Zoom, to hear more from the community about how we should approach the recently passed marijuana legislation. The Village Board will need to decide to opt in or out of this legislation on behalf of our community. To that end, we want to hear from you! Here are three ways:

Click here to learn more about the MRTA.

Zoom Info: https://zoom.us/j/99990164177

This week’s Work Session will begin at 6:30 pm. While the agenda has only a few items, each of the discussions will be lengthy – thus, we are starting earlier this coming Wednesday.

First, the trustees and I will be giving our feedback to the Comprehensive Plan. As a point of reference, it is the responsibility of the Board to review and provide recommendations regarding proposed changes to the Comprehensive Plan and Proposed Zoning Code Updates. 

Next, we will be hearing recommendations regarding towing. Corporation Council Stuart Kahan and Police Chief Sylvester will discuss proposed Local Law #4 (Towing). This topic has come up in front of previous boards, and I am delighted that we are addressing it now.