Expanding Communication
As we continue to stay home for all but essential needs, we are finding new ways to connect for work and for a sense of community. Improving communication between residents and village government has been a priority throughout my administration. With information constantly evolving during the pandemic, we have expanded that effort even further. Last week I began hosting a daily Facebook live update which you can view at my
Mayor Victoria Gearity page
. If you are not on Facebook you can find my updates on
the Village YouTube channel
. The weekly webblast that comes out on Thursdays is now largely focused on resources and information to help you during the pandemic.
Click here to subscribe
if you do not already receive it. If you're on Facebook, also be sure to follow the
The Village of Ossining, NY page
where we are posting regular updates.
Last week's work session included a lengthy presentation and discussion about potential development of the village-owned DPW site.
Click here to view the discussion
. William Balter of Wilder Balter presented his proposal for a mixed-use mixed-income development with residential units for people in the 40-80% area median income range. I have recused myself from deliberation of this project. Last fall my husband, who is a local business owner, raised concerns about the type of development the village is prioritizing for this site. He met with the village manager and each trustee to express his interest in seeing the development of the property to be primarily commercial rather than residential, and to incorporate recommendations from Cornell's Climate-adaptive Design study of waterfront development in Ossining. Recusing myself from the responsibility to serve village constituents on any matter is not an action I take lightly. However, at this stage it would be inappropriate for me to participate as an elected official in consideration of how to develop the DPW site.
Another lengthy topic last week was the first of many discussions to come about the village's current and future budget. The financial impact of this crisis is going to be felt deeply in our municipal budget, as it is in household budgets.
Click here to view the portion of our meeting focused on where we stand with our finances and how best to move forward
. Our village finance department staff is in contact with their counterparts in county government and working to predict likely revenues for the upcoming quarters. The four main sources of revenue for the Village's general fund are property taxes, sales tax, mortgage reporting taxes, and income earnings on investments. Most, if not all, of those sources are going to take a hit. Fortunately the village has grown a healthy fund balance with years of conservative budgeting. Still, weathering this economic situation will be a challenge for us all. Thankfully we have a village board and staff dedicated to making tough, well-informed decisions.
Community Connections
To reach out by email:
- Mayor Victoria Gearity (gearity@villageofossining.org);
- Board of Trustees (bot@villageofossining.org); or
- Village Manager Karen D'Attore (kdattore@villageofossining.org).
Wednesday's Meeting
This week's legislative session will begin at our usual start time of 7:30PM.
Click here to view the full agenda and to access a link to the Zoom meeting
. This week's meeting includes resolutions related to a capital project for the Ossining Water System that has been in the planning stages for some time. This project is unrelated to the recent concerns related to the taste of odor of water. Rather it is a effort that became necessary in response to the work done as part of the Demand Management grant we received which helped us identify leaks. We have created a system that is so efficient we now need to create the ability to circulate water and prevent it from sitting too long in a large water tank.
Click here to view the discussion
at last week's meeting with the village engineer, water superintendent, and consulting engineer.
We are now in week six of the pandemic. This afternoon I participated in a virtual meeting with leaders from Ossining's public and nonprofit organizations. As we each of us shared updates of the inspiring work being accomplished, we reinforced our appreciation for this remarkable community we serve. Everyday we learn of someone we know who is suffering with the virus, or who has been taken from us by it. Though that pain cannot be lessened by statistics, there is some encouraging news. The spread of the virus is slowing. Hospitalization rates are flattening. Thousands of people who tested positive two or more weeks ago are now recovered. By staying home, you are part of the solution.
I look forward to seeing you virtually for now.
With Regards,
