March 15, 2022
MAYOR'S UPDATE
From the desk of Mayor Rika Levin
On Friday of last week, the community learned that a symbol of hatred was found on the Park School playground. I would like to echo Superintendent Dr. Raymond Sanchez’s comments that Ossining is a community that stands for equity, inclusion, diversity, and belonging. Symbols such as this one have no place in our schools or community.

I am grateful to the Ossining School District and the Ossining Police Department for immediately cooperating on this investigation.
On a different note, do you remember where you were on March 13 two years ago, when we had to shut down and stay apart from each other because of Covid-19? I am grateful to all of our volunteer organizations, our fire & police departments, OVAC, Village staff, all levels of our elected officials, and the individuals who showed the strength to participate in pulling this community through a horrifying pandemic. It is important how far we have all come together. We are opening the doors and rethinking how to support individuals and businesses in our community. Stay tuned to all the events and public meetings that will now be done in person.
In the next step of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), the Village of Ossining's Local Planning Committee (LPC) seeks project proposals to be evaluated for possible inclusion in the DRI. Proposal submissions are open to the public for projects located within the DRI boundary. The LPC and Consultant Team will review projects for completion, feasibility, and alignment with Ossining’s DRI Vision.

The deadline for submissions for this form is on March 31. Click here to access the online form

Representatives from the State and Consultant Teams will be conducting Virtual Office Hours via Zoom today, Tuesday, March 15, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM to answer any questions you may have about submitting a Call for Projects form.
You can also email OssiningDRI@vhb.com with questions. Additional information regarding project requirements, including ineligible activities, can be found in the DRI Five Guidebook available on the New York State DRI website at www.ny.gov/dri.

Village of Ossining DRI: Call for Projects Office Hours
Tuesday, March 15th from 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Via Zoom:
Meeting ID: 876 1132 3137
Passcode: 114282
You are invited to attend the 2nd Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Local Planning Committee (LPC) Meeting. We will begin in the Board Room at 16 Croton Avenue with an option to be in person or via Zoom, where we will discuss where we are in the DRI planning process, an update on public engagement, and the criteria for project evaluation. Following will be an opportunity for public comment and then a walking tour of the DRI area.

Saturday, March 19th @ 9:00
+1 (929) 205-6099
Webinar ID: 881 5492 0098
A reminder that the Board of Trustees will be holding a public engagement Village Hall meeting to get the public’s input on zoning issues related to Cannabis zoning in the Village. The Village has agreed to allow Cannabis sales via dispensaries (not lounges), and your input is appreciated. Please join us Wednesday, March 30, at 7:30. We will be conducting the public meeting in a hybrid fashion (in person and on zoom).

Wednesday, March 30th @ 7:30 PM
Via Zoom:
Webinar ID: 853 5087 6110
Passcode: 480790
US: +1 (929) 205-6099
Who's ready for Green Ossining's Earth Day Festival? Well ... it's back -- Live-And-In-Person! Sat. April 23rd.

This event is a riverfront family-oriented day of music & activities demonstrating our support of environmental protection.
This week’s Legislative Meeting will take place on Wednesday, 3/16, at 7:30 PM.
 
Some items of note:
 
  • Under the Manager’s Report, our Director of Planning Jaime Martinez & Building Inspector, Joseph Agostinelli, will update the Board on the Code Enforcement Task Force.
 
  • There is a resolution for Proposed LL #2 of 2022 for amending the Sidewalk Café law to begin April 1 instead of May 1 (parklets will still end for the year on October 31).
 
  • A few weeks back, the Board authorized a re-bid of the Westerly Road Water Main Project—results have come in, and there is a resolution on the agenda for the successful bidder, MTS Infrastructure.
 
  • There is also a resolution to award the successful bidder for the connection cabinets for the Holla Hose/ 16 Croton Portable Generator.
 
  • Nicole Varisco will be appointed to the Board of Ethics.
 
  • The next three resolutions speak to the Department of State Local Government Efficiency Grant—one authorizes the Village Manager to sign the agreement, one confirms the local match ($12,500, or 2/3, for the Village, and $6250, or 1/3, for the Town), and the second allows the Village to issue the RFP.
 
Members of the public can view the meeting via computer or mobile app:
Webinar ID: 838 5602 0234
Members of the public can listen to the meeting by dialing in via phone: +1 929 205 6099
Village of Ossining | www.villageofossining.org