This past weekend, a massive fire in Ossining consumed the home at 4 State Street.

As always, the Ossining Fire Department’s firefighters were on the scene shortly after it began. It took nearly 75 firefighters to suppress the blaze. Thankfully there were no injuries, as the building was vacant.

Thank you to the volunteers of the Ossining Fire Department for your tireless work. Fighting fires puts you in extraordinary circumstances – and I appreciate your courage and sacrifice in service on behalf of our community.

I am so happy to have been able to be a part of so many incredible events that took place last week.

First, the Central Committee of Organized War Veterans of the Town of Ossining held its Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day commemoration outside Village Hall. The ceremony paid tribute to the many men and women that served in that period of American History.⁠ ⁠

It is with great pleasure that on the same date as this ceremony, the Village Board voted to adopt Local Law 7-2022, which amends Chapter 241. This law modifies the property tax exemptions for persons with disabilities, adding a new Article VII (Senior Citizens Tax Exemption) and amending the Cold War Veterans property tax exemption. The Cold War Veterans' exemption allows for a property tax exemption, to a maximum of 15%, for veterans who served on active duty (exclusive of training) in the United States armed forces during the Cold War, defined as September 2, 1945, through December 26, 1991.

Next, the Village of Ossining celebrated the installation of our new, inclusive playground at Veteran’s Memorial Park!⁠ ⁠

ADA-accessible playgrounds welcome children of all ages to play in a meaningful way. Inclusive playgrounds promote understanding, develop independence, and incorporate our entire community - all while promoting a healthy lifestyle.⁠ ⁠ Thank you to New York State Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, who secured funding on behalf of the Ossining Recreation Department with a NYS SAM grant.

At our Legislative meeting, the Village Board unanimously voted to appoint Benjamin Ervin to the position of Police Sergeant. Congratulations to Sergeant Ervin - your promotion is well-deserved!

We are ecstatic to share that the Project Mover team, including EIT InnoEnergy & the Village of Ossining, were awarded the “Partnership of the Year Award” presented by Northeast Clean Energy Council (NECEC) at their annual meeting on Tuesday.

Thank you, NECEC! Project Mover would not have been made possible without the teamwork of our valued partners:

We are honored to be a member of this valuable team!

On January 1, 2023, the Village of Ossining will host the 2023 Inauguration of Elected Officials. I invite our community to join us in this exciting event that has been held on the first of the year for many generations of folks that live in Ossining.

This week’s Work Session will be held on Wednesday, 12/14, at 16 Croton Avenue at 7:30PM

The following topics will be covered during the Work Session:

We will follow with a Special Meeting, including the following items:

During this holiday season, please shop local, and if you can, please give generously to our many local charities.