Village Seal for the Future
This week I will chair my final meeting as Ossining mayor. Thank you to everyone who has shared your ideas, concerns, and time with me. Serving our community in this most special way has brought me great joy. My decision not to seek a fourth term was clear-eyed, but bittersweet. I don't expect I'll make it through Wednesday's meeting without getting choked up.
The iconic double arch is the symbol of Ossining that we turn to again and again to represent our community. The two masonry arches, a bridge within a bridge, is unique in NY. The double arch seal honors our history. The Old Croton Aqueduct began construction in 1837. The Broadway Bridge was built in 1861 with restoration completed in 2020. The Sing Sing Kill Greenway was completed in 2016. Together they connect us across generations, through the heart of our downtown, and up and down the region.
An online survey was shared with thousands of Ossining residents via email and on several Ossining-centric Facebook pages in recent weeks. Thank you to all the folks who responded. We had 1817 responses, with a supermajority of 77% favoring the double arch. 159 of you also shared narrative comments.
After the slide presentation Trustee Lopez shared a passionate statement in support of the new seal. Trustee Quezada asked some questions he has received from community members. I was disappointed that Trustees Levin and Fritsche indicated that they had questions and remarks, but instead of sharing them during the work session, said they would speak next week when they vote.
At the work session we also discussed three proposed pieces of local legislation: local law 8 on special events which we have discussed in public hearings for several weeks; local law 9 which is minor updates to the sidewalk cafes; and local law 10 designed to streamline some variances that may be handled administratively. Click here to view the full agenda.
COVID Update
Last week we added a new high visibility work of art that sends a clear message, #MaskUpOssining. News12 aired this piece that help spread the message that holiday shoppers should come to Ossining, and shop safely. The idea for the mask came to us from a Main Street business owner. An Ossining couple donated their engineering and seamstress skills to create the giant mask out of nylon, rope and PVC. The village covered the $350 in materials. Thank you to Jaimie Hoffman in the manager's office for bringing this powerful statement to life. It speaks clearly to everyone passing by, from toddlers to seniors, no matter what language they speak.
Thank you to everyone in Ossining who is taking this threat to our lives and livelihoods very seriously. When the Governor designated us a yellow zone last month, we had the highest positivity rate in New York. Thankfully our positivity rate and number of active cases has been incrementally decreasing. But we still have a long way to go.
The first dose of the vaccine was administered live on camera today to an ICU nurse in Queens. There is light at the end of this tunnel, but it will take several months before we achieve sufficient levels of widespread immunity. Until then, thank you for being vigilant in wearing your mask, socially distancing, washing your hands, and avoiding small group gatherings.
During this holiday season please find ways to connect with loved ones beyond your household virtually or outdoors with masks. Let's spread CHEER not COVID.
Community Connections
Join me tomorrow at 10am for a Facebook Live. I will provide updates on COVID, discuss the double arch seal, and respond to questions on any village topic. Email me in advance or ask live during tomorrow's virtual chat. The meeting will be recorded and available on the Village YouTube channel.
To avoid in-person contact, I am no longer at Village Hall for Open Office Hours. COVID has turned our world upside down, and I'm disappoint to be missing out on so many Tuesdays with you in person. If you would like to speak with me by phone, call or text 914-640-0575, or email any time.
Wednesday's Meeting
On Wednesday the village board will vote on a resolution to update the village seal to the beautiful new artwork of the double arch seen at the top of this email. The public is invited to speak early in the meeting before we vote on any resolutions. And you can also email us at bot@villageofossining.org.
Serving as your mayor has been a tremendous honor. Though this week is anticipated to be my final public meeting, there are two more Monday Mayor's Messages. I will reflect on my tenure and my hopes for the future of our great village.
With Regards,
