Over the next few weeks, I will highlight various multiyear initiatives taking root in our Village— some starting as early as next month.
Parking and Multimodal Improvements
Downtown Parking and Mobility Study Implementation – Following a study by Nelson Nygaard, Ossining has implemented parking and mobility recommendations to make parking and travel to our downtown center easier for cars, cyclists, and pedestrians. So far, we have implemented the Passport Parking App, which uses smartphones to pay for parking, and will soon be implementing other recommendations like increasing parking turnover in our downtown. This will make our municipal lots more efficient, resulting in more paid parking spaces for shoppers and diners and an additional revenue stream that can be reinvested in enhanced community resources.
Route 9 Road Diet – This project has been discussed for over two decades and is now under consideration by the NYSDOT. We have also applied for $4 million in federal infrastructure funding. The Road Diet will foster better economic development, enhanced walkability, and pedestrian safety while potentially adding parking and/or bike lanes in one or both directions where practicable. The design and construction of the Road Diet will balance the corridor for more modes and uses by reallocating some of the space for vehicle traffic to pedestrians, flex space, and on-street parking, thus correcting a community divide that was created via Urban Renewal.
5 Corners Intersection Redesign - The Village of Ossining has laid the groundwork for redesigning the 5 Corner Intersection, where Main St., Spring St., Brandreth St., and Central Avenue converge in the heart of our Downtown historic district. This project will transform this antiquated intersection with a complete redesign, including upgraded signaling and enhanced streetscaping, to make the area safer for cars, pedestrians, and cyclists. The 5 Corner redesign project is an integral piece of a much larger plan that includes the Route 9 Road Diet and improvements to Croton Avenue. The collective impact of these projects will make the Village more walkable and more viable for alternative modes of transportation as we work to reduce our carbon footprint. ($850K SAM grant to fund the entire project is pending).
CDBG Streetscaping – James and Spring Streets -The Village has been awarded $294,000 for Street Scaping and ADA Accessibility improvements for James Street and Spring Street between Broad Avenue and Nelson Sitting Park, along with new, inclusive playground equipment for Nelson Sitting Park, adjacent to Park School.
Project MOVER – The Village of Ossining has moved on to phase 2 of the New York Clean Transportation Prizes program, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
Project MOVER intends to put electric bikes within reach of every Ossining resident and visitor, providing a viable mobility option that will benefit people who don't wish to drive, don't find it economical to drive, or need a quick and fun way to get around the Village. In addition, underserved community members and low-income people in Ossining identify a lack of access to direct and frequent transit as a key hindrance to accessing services and economic opportunities. For many, the Village's topography further amplifies the already challenging prospect of accessing services, opportunities, and transit without a car.
For many, the Village’s topography further amplifies the already challenging prospect of accessing services, opportunities, and transit without a car. Ossining is currently in the running for the NYSERDA final grant prize of $7 million, with winners being announced in November 2022. Stay tuned – and fingers crossed!
