Supervisor's Update – Friday, May 14, 2021

Details

Last Updated: 14 May 2021 14 May 2021

National elections always get a lot of attention, but local ballot measures should be viewed as equally important. On Tuesday, May 18, Ossining and Briarcliff residents head to the polls to vote on their School District Budgets, School Board candidates, and propositions. Ossining voters will have additional items on their ballots, including the Public Library Budget and Library Board candidates. Have you reviewed the candidates? Do you know if you are eligible to vote in this election? Don’t wait until Tuesday to do your research. More information about the elections in Briarcliff and Ossining is available online.

 

 

Mind Body Spirit Ossining continues this weekend with yoga at the waterfront. Elisha Simpson from Crossover Yoga Project will lead a trauma conscious yoga class tomorrow at 9am on the Engel Park stage. Bring your own mat and water, and remember to dress for movement. Weather permitting, these MBSO and CYP collaborations will take place every 3^rd Saturday this summer (June 19, July 17, and August 21).

 

 

We are getting closer and closer to life looking like it did before COVID, but even though the CDC announced we could drop mask wearing for most indoor settings for those who are fully vaccinated, NYS has not yet authorized that at this time. Current mask wearing protocols remain in effect.

 

On the upside, the COVID-19 vaccine shortage is over so you can easily get vaccinated and be ready for when those protocols are in effect for New Yorkers! Local pharmacies and state sites are taking regular appointments. All United States residents 12 and over are eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccine. New Yorkers can report vaccine-related fraud by calling 833-VAX-SCAM (833-829-7226) or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

A pop-up vaccine clinic with J&J vaccines opened this past Wednesday at the Ossining Train Station and will be in place from 3pm to 8pm until Sunday (5/16). No appointments are necessary, you must be 18 or older to be eligible for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

 

The Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps is administering the Moderna & Pfizer vaccines to anyone 12 and older. 12-17 year olds must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. At-home appointments are available or you can schedule to get the vaccine at 8 Clinton Avenue (OVAC headquarters). Walk-ins are welcome but you can also schedule an appointment here. If you are having trouble with the online sign-up form, the Ossining Briarcliff Vaccine Angels can help. Call 914-236-4567 and leave a message with your name and number.

 

 

On Wednesday, May 12 Sustainable Westchester hosted a Spanish language event about ways to save money, raise the value of your home, and lower your carbon footprint. You can view a recording of the livestreamed event here.

 

 

With the summer quickly approaching, the Town is preparing for summer events. One returning favorite is the Mind, Body, Spirit – Ossining program, which brings free wellness classes to our parks and open spaces. In the past the program has hosted yoga, belly dancing, tai chi, meditation, kickboxing, and much more. If your small business is interested in hosting an outdoor class, please contact my office at 914-762-6001 or by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

 

The Mario Cuomo Bridge will light up in teal tomorrow to raise awareness for National Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month. The bridge spans over three and half miles, making it a great way to get some exercise. Check out the free TravelStorys app to learn about the bridge and continue your learning with driving tours of Ossining and Briarcliff Manor. Historic Hudson River Towns created the audio tours, with help from local partners.

 

 

The early phases of McCarthy Drive Road Rehabilitation project are underway, and the Town’s contractor, Montesano Bros., Inc. will be on site starting Monday, May 17 to prep the area for construction. The Town’s project team, including our engineer from Dolph Rotfeld, led an update on Zoom this week for residents who live on/near this street. If you are a resident of McCarthy Drive or the surrounding area, and missed the Zoom meeting, our office can provide you access to a recording. Residents in this area are encouraged to join our mailing list for information and updates. To be added to the mailing list or access the Zoom recording of last night’s meeting, please email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

Spring programming from the Recreation Department continues to impress, whether you are interested in stained glass painting or pickle ball! How about ball hockey with the New York Rangers or sculpting classes? Check out the full catalogue on the Community Pass page.

 

 

Signs of spring continue! The Parks Department added fresh clay to the ballfields at Ryder Park this week. They also repaved the multi-use gaming area at Gerlach, planted grass at Sparta Cemetery, and began building a new kayak pad at Engel Park. Signs were added at Ryder to remind residents that their furry friends should always be leashed in our parks. We spoke to the police department about this issue following some concerns from residents. If your dog is looking to get some off-leash exercise, consider the Cedar Lane Dog Park or the Ryder Park Dog Run. Make sure your dog is licensed through the Clerk’s office, and when you do, you will receive an annual pass to the dog park and dog run that is good for this year.

 

 

The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act is offering relief to small businesses and hard-hit industries through a variety of programs. Regular applications for the Paycheck Protection Program closed last week, though distribution of this relief money through certain third parties is still available. The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant is accepting applications. Assistance through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund is still also available. For more information, business owners can contact U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s local office at (914) 734-1532. Office staff can help walk you through the process to get the aid you need. You may have seen that the Town is anticipating funding from the American Rescue Plan as well. The Treasury Department will be issuing guidance for municipalities with populations under 50,000 next week, and we look forward to sharing with the community how the Town plans on spending these much needed funds to assist in our COVID-19 recovery.

 

The Ossining School District announced this week that Ossining MATTERS has launched a Building Equity in Learning (BELL) Fund. This fund represents a conscious effort to “advance equity of access and opportunities and eliminate barriers to success for children and youth.” The district has been a leader in addressing issues of inequity. To learn more or donate to this fund, visit the Ossining MATTERS website.

 

The Ossining Public Library is leading a book discussion group that focuses on the literary works of African-American, African, and Afro-Caribbean authors. All discussions will take place virtually. If you are interested in being a part of this book club, email facilitator Barbara Robinson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for the zoom details.

 

 

Westchester Craft Crawl will return this weekend. The 2021 spring Crawl features 56 regional professional craft artists from Westchester, NYC and the Hudson Valley region, with several stops in Ossining. Check out the full list of artists and stops along the crawl here.

 

 Wildflower Island is a two-acre refuge within the greater Teatown preserve, home to roughly 280 species of wildflowers, trees, shrubs, ferns, grasses, and rushes. Join experienced guides on weekends in May and June to explore this natural paradise. Sign up on the Teatown website.

 

 

Monthly Historic Sparta Walking Tours are back! Starting Sunday, join Dr. Alan M. Stahl, Sparta historian, resident, and vice-president of Jug Tavern of Sparta, Inc., who details the history of The Jug Tavern as well as Sparta's homes and residents over the past 200 years. The tours are outdoors, masked, and socially distanced. Sign up for the 1pm tour here.

 

 

ConnexRX Texter is designed to help residents access behavioral health care, medical care and other social supports such as housing, employment, education, childcare, and transportation. The “Texter” asks an individual a short series of questions that will assist with identifying challenges they may be experiencing due to the impact COVID-19 has had on their lives. Based on the texts received, CBHS Care Coordinators will contact individuals to connect them with services and supports.

 

 

The Greater Ossining Chamber of Commerce is offering Chamber Chats for local businesses to connect and share ideas. The next meeting is May 20th. Hear from other owners and employees about the challenges and successes small businesses are facing. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for the Zoom link.

 

Ossining Innovates and WEDC are launching Cohort 3 of their Inclusive Entrepreneurship Accelerator. This program is designed for residents considering opening their own business or non-profit. The free, year-long program includes 20 weeks of entrepreneurship training (Thursday evenings 6-9pm) as well as coaching, mentoring, and community support. Seats are limited, so fill out an application sooner rather than later. Join the group for an information session of May 20 at 7pm via Zoom (Meeting ID: 833 6479 4880, Passcode: 240631). Learn more at ossininginnovates.com.

From May 20 to June 20, Westchester Collaborative Theater will present Gen Z Outloud, virtual readings of plays written by young playwrights (ages 13 – 20), the first part of their inaugural Hudson Valley New Voices (HVNV) Festival. HVNV continues June 4-6 with Vintage Voices, featuring dramatic works by seniors. The festival concludes June 18 – 20 with Voices of Color, featuring original plays by writers who identify as People of Color. All tickets are $15 and can be purchased online or by calling (914) 263-4953.

 

 

Mark your calendars and save the date for Gullotta House’s 5th Annual Charity Duck Race on Saturday, May 29th from 10am - noon at Dale Avenue Park! There will be a top prize of $1,500, a second prize of $250, and $100 gift cards for the third, fourth, and fifth prizes. For more information about this year's event or to purchase a duckie for the race, please click here. Gullotta House has continued to provide free prepared meals to local families, and has even stepped in and delivered food to our seniors when we needed some help! Thank you for your support and we hope to see many of you and your ducks there!

 

The Town of Ossining is planning for its very first Compost Give Back Day! The Food Scraps Recycling program has been a great success and this special event will bring those healthy nutrients nearly full circle. The event is being planned for June, the perfect time for late gardeners. I will keep you updated about this event. Learn more about Food Scrap Recycling and the Ossining Composts program here.

 

 

On Wednesday, June 2 you can join Amanda Bayley to learn about native plants in your backyard. The Jug Tavern is hosting the event on Zoom, starting at 7:30. Pop in and for helpful information on gardening, our eco-region, and how to “rewild” your backyard.

 

 

The Ossining Fire Department Venturing Crew 467 will be hosting Propane Tank Drop-Off Day on Sunday, June 6 from noon to 3. If you have some old empty propane tanks sitting around that cannot be refilled or exchanged, here’s your chance to safely get rid of them.

 

 

The next Town of Ossining Board Meeting will be a Work Session on Tuesday, May 18 at 7:30pm on Zoom. Join us with Meeting ID 844 7649 7214 and passcode 232916. Read the Meeting Agenda here. Our primary agenda item for the evening will be to discuss recommendations made to the Town Board from the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee regarding how the Town can ensure that the goals and recommendations developed during this process are clearly communicated and considered by our Land Use Boards while the plan is still in development. At Work Sessions, members of the public are not invited to comment, but please join us to see the Town Board discuss this important topic. Meetings are recorded and uploaded to Facebook and YouTube every week.

 

This week, Muslims around the world celebrated Eid ul Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. For those who celebrate, I hope you and your family had an opportunity to mark this blessed holiday with joyous and happy celebrations, which are certainly welcome after this incredibly challenging year! Eid Mubarak!

 

 --Dana

 

If your business, non-profit, or community group has an event that you would like to submit to be a part of the Supervisor's Update, please e-mail a flyer and brief description to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We are happy to pass along events that provide a benefit to the community and support our local economy. Thank you for helping us to highlight all the best Ossining has to offer!

Planning Board Meeting - Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Details

Last Updated: 14 May 2021 14 May 2021

A meeting of the Planning Board of the Town of Ossining will be held on:

Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 7:30 P.M.

 

THIS MEETING WILL BE HELD VIA VIDEO CONFERENCING

Pursuant to Governor’s Executive Order 202.1 dated March 12, 2020

Members of the public can join the meeting via computer or mobile app:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83081936033

Meeting ID: 830 8193 6033

One tap mobile

+1-929-205-6099, 83081936033# US (New York)

 

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcQ51Rd9JJ

**Please note that by dialing in, your phone number will be visible to the host, participants, and attendees of the meeting**

 

Preliminary Agenda:

• Borrego Solar, St. Augustine Church Property, 381 North Highland Avenue, Battery Storage System, Site Plan Review – PUBLIC  HEARING CONTINUED
• Rinaldi Subdivision, 39 Stormytown Road, 9-Lot Subdivision PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED 

 

Please visit the Planning Board Projects Page to view PDF copies of the documents pertaining to the agenda for Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

Town Board Regular Meeting - Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Details

Last Updated: 07 May 2021 07 May 2021

Town Board Regular Meeting

Tuesday, May 11, 2021, 7:30pm

THIS MEETING WILL BE HELD VIA VIDEO CONFERENCING ONLY

Pursuant to Governor’s Executive Order 202.1 dated March 12, 2020

Members of the public can view the meeting via computer or mobile app:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84351349192?pwd=N1cySVFpcll5eS9SZ1phUGcydFZvUT09

Please note password for this meeting: 546102

Members of the public can listen to the meeting by dialing in via phone:

Meeting ID: 843 5134 9192

(929) 205-6099

 

Meeting Agenda: pdf 05 11 21 Regular Meeting (246 KB)

 

pdf Local Law #4 of 2021 Regulations for Boat Ramp at Louis H Engel, Jr Park (125 KB)  

pdf Local Law #5 of 2021 Amendments to Chapter 63 (Building Construction) of the Town Code to add provisions for a local energy code (358 KB)

pdf NYStretch Energy Code 2020 (794 KB)

pdf Draft LL#6 of 2021 A Local Law adopting a new Chapter 166 (Special Events, Parades and Public Gatherings) of the Town of Ossining Codes (341 KB)

pdf Stormwater Annual Report 2020 (351 KB)

pdf TOWN OF OSSINING VOUCHER DETAIL 05 11 2021 (27 KB)