Supervisor's Update – Friday, June 25, 2021

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Last Updated: 25 June 2021 25 June 2021

The Summer Concert Series kicks off just one week from today! Every Friday starting July 2 and running through September 3, Louis Engel Park will be the place to be with food trucks lining up at 5pm, and the concert starting at 7pm. Our series will start with The Thornwoods next Friday. Huge thank you to the amazing team that organized this year’s events – the Greater Ossining Chamber of Commerce, Mike and Miriam Risko who helped line up the bands, and Sing Sing Kill Brewery who will be curating the inaugural season of a craft beverage corral. Join us each Friday at the waterfront – we can’t wait!

 

 

It is grant season! We applied for several Community Development Block Grants, which is federal funding administered through the Westchester County Department of Planning, to add new amenities to Louis Engel Park including a new bathroom facility at the southern end of the park to replace our existing bathroom facility, rehabilitating the fishing piers, and constructing a smaller combined bathroom/vendor kiosk at the northern end of the park. These applications are part of the Town’s commitment to fund large-scale projects for our parks and public spaces, without solely dipping into taxpayer funds. We are also gearing up for applications to the New York State Consolidated Funding Application, due in July, and we anticipate our applications for state funding will also be focused on our parks. Applying for grants has been a key focus of my time with the Town and I am proud to share the Town has brought in over $1 million in grant funding since the start of my tenure. We will not hear the results of this particular grant for a while, but I will keep you informed as the news rolls in.

 

The Town was challenged by NYSERDA to help residents reach certain energy-saving goals this year, and we were excited to see so many in Ossining and Briarcliff come on board. Our partnership with Sustainable Westchester made this possible. If you are interested in learning about lowering your electric bill, reducing your carbon footprint, or considering the purchase or lease of an electric car, reach out to them to get helpful answers to your questions. They also keep track of great rebates for residents. This Wednesday, June 30 they are hosting a virtual tour of homes that have adopted energy-smart technologies. Tours are available via zoom starting at 7:30. Register at SustainableWestchester.org/Webinar or call (914) 242-4725 ext. 122.

 

 

The NY Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is currently accepting applications. This program was created by New York State to support households that are behind on their rent, have experienced financial hardship, are at risk of homelessness or housing instability, and that earn at or below 80 percent of area median income. Once approved, eligible households will receive up to 12 months of past due rent. Those eligible could also receive up to 3 months of additional rental assistance, if the household spends 30 percent or more of its gross monthly income on rent. The program also will provide up to 12 months of utility arrears for eligible applicants. You can apply through the NYS website, but if you need some assistance you can dial 211 and you will be connected with a local non-profit agency who can assist you with your application.

 

$800 million in small business grants are available to help offset the impact of the pandemic. If you are a small business owner, or know someone who is, you can find more information about the program and small business recovery applications on the New York State website. Grant awards will be calculated based on a business’ annual gross receipts for 2019 and can be used to cover payroll covers, insurance, rent/mortgage payments, and more.

 

This week we also had Primary Elections across the state. Thank you to everyone who came out to vote in Ossining in a primary for registered democrats. Of course, I would like to thank those who supported my reelection and look forward to being on the ballot in November. Turnout is significantly lower for primaries and during non-presidential election years, and was really low this year. Only about 1500 turned out to vote out of 12,000 registered as democrats. Participation in elections at the local, county, and state level is critically important - in fact the more local the position, the more likely you will engage directly with that elected official or require a service handled by one of our offices. The next big voting date coming up is Tuesday, November 2^nd for the General Election. Put this date in your calendar now so you will be ready.

 

Ossining and Briarcliff have an event-filled summer prepared for residents and visitors!

 

On Tuesdays in July, the Ossining Recreation Department will offer family-friendly entertainment in a Village park. Shows start at 7pm, so call your favorite local restaurant, pick up dinner, and come by for the fun.

 

 

The Village of Ossining is hosting their Summer Acoustic Music Series in Market Square on Wednesday evenings starting July 7^th. Shows start at 7pm and end at 8:30.

 

 

The Briarcliff Chamber of Commerce is also bringing the summer fun! Music fans are invited to Law Park Field for a concert series starting July 11^th and continuing every Sunday until August 1^st.

 

                                      

We have made a lot of progress on the COVID front. Just this week the state of emergency was lifted in New York State, which has lifted the remaining restrictions in place and accommodations afforded to businesses and organizations since March of 2020. This means that for the most part, we can go back to enjoying pre-COVID life, but also some of the conveniences we have become accustomed to, like Zoom Town Board meetings (more on that later!). CDC guidelines are still in place, meaning that masks are recommended for anyone who is not yet vaccinated. If you need help navigating the vaccination process, it’s easier now more than ever to cross this item off your list so you can really start enjoying your summer!

 

The Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps is offering Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines at events next week. The most convenient option? Stop by on Wednesday, June 30 anytime from 9am to 6pm at OVAC headquarters (8 Clinton Avenue). You can make an appointment here. OVAC has partnered with vaxupwestchester.org to help residents with the form or answer vaccine-related questions (Spanish speaking volunteers are available). Remember, it is okay to have questions – this past year has felt overwhelming and there is nothing wrong with speaking with a qualified professional. Local pharmacies are also offering the vaccine and willing to speak to you about the different options.

 

 

This week I awarded certificates of recognition to Boy Scouts from BSA Troop 18 for achieving Eagle Scout status. Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America. Please join me in congratulating these young community leaders!

 

 

Last week, the Town Board held a Town Hall meeting to hear residents’ opinions on the New York State Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act. This is an important issue for residents to weigh in on, and I appreciate everyone who shared their concerns, ideas, and thoughts. The full meeting with information about the State’s new regulations is available on our YouTube page. As a reminder, Town Board meetings are recorded and posted online. Residents are encouraged to contact my office and the Town Board to share their perspectives. You can reach my office by emailing me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling 914-941-6001. You can email the Town Board directly by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

Ossining and Briarcliff are sending reminders to residents that all dogs over 4 months old must be licensed. These licenses ensure that dogs have up to date rabies vaccinations. They are also used to help track down owners if a furry friend gets lost. Town Clerk Sue Donnelly has put together a short mailer with a QR code to make the license process quick and easy! The mailer also has information about use of the Dog Park at Cedar Lane and Dog Run at Ryder (use is free for residents, $25 for non-residents).

 

 

The Ossining Public Library now has an app to help residents navigate the library system, search for items, place holds, and even check out materials. In honor of Juneteenth they released a fantastic reading list and resources for residents interested in learning more. Download the new WLS Mobile App and start reading! The Niche Academy tutorial can walk you through all the steps you need to get started. Check it out here.

 

 

Looking to donate clothes? The Rotary Club of Briarcliff is sponsoring a “Drive Up and Drop Off” Clothing Donation Drive tomorrow, Saturday, June 26 from 10am to noon. This event, on behalf of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, will take place at the Briarcliff Youth Center. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with questions.

 

 

The IFCA Housing Network Thrift Store is hosting an outdoor flea market at Star of Bethlehem. Stop by on Wednesday, June 30 from 11am to 3pm for great finds.

 

 

Friends of Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center is launching an outdoor film series. Films will play at sunset on Friday July 2^nd, Saturday July 17^th, and Saturday July 31^st. Rain dates will be the day after the originally scheduled date. Register here for tickets and book now as the guest count is limited.

 

 

HORAC Ministries is holding a Fish Fry Fundraiser to offset the cost of their free Community Healing Camp. The Fish Fry is today until 5pm for $20 per ticket. The camp is held during the month of July and every cent counts toward providing food distribution, school supply distribution, family counseling, free lunch, health and wellness information, college mentorship, a fun place for kids and more.

 

 

The Ossining Padres Hispanos Resource Center is accepting donations for their food pantry. The resource center serves 200 local families. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to schedule a drop off time.

 

 

We are also happy to see so many families enjoying the grilling areas at Louis Engel Park. Please be reminded that for groups over 20 people, you need to make a reservation to use the space. By making a reservation, it helps the Town plan ahead and be sure we have enough staff available over the weekend to accommodate visitors. You can learn about how to rent the Louis Engel Park picnic areas, and our other beautiful parks spaces which are available to rent online here. Also, please help keep our parks clean! If a trash can is full, seek out one that is not, or carry out your garbage to throw away at home or at another municipal trash receptacle. Helping reduce litter protects our Hudson River as well as making the park nicer for everyone. We are all in this together!

 

If you are looking to launch your boat at the Ossining waterfront this weekend, please remember that permits are required for launching watercraft from the Bryan Johnson Boat Ramp at Louis Engel Park. Daily and seasonal passes are available for purchase online at www.buymypermit.com/ossining/. With a seasonal pass, you will be mailed a sticker for your trailer and your license plate will be permitted for parking in the trailer parking spaces near where you can launch your boat. Please note: daily permit holders are not allowed to park in the trailer spaces. We are working on getting updated signage installed at Louis Engel Park, so save yourself time by getting your pass now.

 

 

Tuesday is the fifth Tuesday of the month so there will be no Board Meeting next week. The next meeting will be a Work Session on Tuesday, July 6^th. Earlier this week, Governor Cuomo announced that the state-wide state of emergency that has been in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic since last March had been lifted. As such, we will need to return to in-person Town Board and Land Use Board meetings starting with our July 6 meeting. I know it has been a while, so please remember that Work Sessions are held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month in the Boardroom at the Ossining Municipal Building (16 Croton Avenue) and Legislative Meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at the Courthouse (86-88 Spring Street). We are looking forward to seeing people in person again, but remember, you will still be able to view our meetings live on GOTV and on our website, if you still want to keep up with the Town Board virtually.

 

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

 

--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!

Town Board Regular Meeting - Monday, June 21, 2021

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Last Updated: 21 June 2021 21 June 2021

Town Board Regular Meeting

Monday, June 21, 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/81574458366?pwd=TGtuajh3UnZobWUzdjV2aE9PUEtJUT09

Please note password for this meeting: 166389

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

Meeting ID: 815 7445 8366

(929) 205-6099

 

Meeting Agenda: pdf 06 21 21 Regular Meeting revised 6/21/21 (338 KB)

pdf Town of Ossining Voucher Detail 06212021 (30 KB)

 

 

Supervisor's Update – Thursday, June 17, 2021

Details

Last Updated: 17 June 2021 17 June 2021

Saturday is Juneteenth and Town of Ossining offices will be closed tomorrow, Friday, in observance of the holiday. The Highway Department moved the Friday brush pick-up to this morning (if you missed our post about this, please make sure you are following us on Facebook and Instagram – these are great ways to stay up to date with Town news). The Friday sanitation schedule is not otherwise affected.

 

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, memorializing the day in 1865 when Union soldiers in rural Texas shared the news the Civil War had ended. They were able to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation at this point, having been delayed for two full years due to the raging war. The holiday was first celebrated in Galveston, Texas but was ignored across most of the country for years. Only last year, amongst calls for social justice reform in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, did New York State formally recognize the holiday. And just today, President Biden signed into law a bill that makes Juneteenth finally a federal holiday. The Juneteenth Council of Ossining is celebrating this momentous occasion at Louis Engel Waterfront Park on Saturday, June 19^th from noon to 3pm. The Town is proud to be co-sponsoring this event, and we look forward to supporting this annual event for our community in the future.

 

 

Start your Juneteenth holiday with some yoga on the waterfront. The Mind, Body, Spirit – Ossining program brings free wellness classes to our parks and open spaces. A Trauma Conscious Yoga Class is held once a month on the waterfront stage at 9am, courtesy of the Crossover Yoga Project. Register for Saturday’s class through Community Pass. If your small wellness 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..

 

 

This week, the Town Board held a Town Hall meeting to hear residents’ opinions on the New York State Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act. This is an important issue for residents to weigh in on, and I appreciate everyone who shared their concerns, ideas, and thoughts. The full meeting is available on our YouTube page. As a reminder, all Town Board meetings are recorded and posted online.

 

This week was also the start of early voting for the primary election! There are 23 early voting stations across Westchester County and registered voters can walk into any of these sites to vote early. That means you can vote at whichever site is most convenient for you, no appointment needed. For many of our residents, the closest site is the Joseph G. Caputo Rec Center in Ossining at 95 Broadway. A full list of Early Voting sites was mailed to your home a few weeks ago, but it is also available on the Board of Elections website. Early voting continues tomorrow, Friday, June 18 from 8am to 4pm as well as Saturday, June 19 and Sunday, June 20 from noon to 5pm. If you want to wait until Primary Day to vote, be sure to mark your calendar for June 22^nd. Polls will be open from 6am to 9pm, so don’t miss your chance to participate in local democracy! If you are not sure where your polling place is this year, check out the handy “Find Your Polling Place” search from the Board of Elections. For Town of Ossining residents, which includes all of the Village of Ossining and most of the Village of Briarcliff plus the Unincorporated section, please remember this primary is only for registered Democrats voting in one or two local and one County-wide race (Contested seats for the Democratic Primary include County Clerk and Town Supervisor for all of Town General - i.e. including Villages of Ossining and Briarcliff, and also Town Highway Superintendent for Unincorporated Ossining).

 

 

With this great weather, it is likely many of you have ventured down to the waterfront this week. You may have noticed our Parks Department working at the southern end of the park, making a new pad for soon to be new kayak racks, as well as a new spot for our dumpsters (both using low carbon concrete!) There will also be a fence hiding those dumpsters from view in the not-too-distant future, and keeping them locked so they will just be used for disposing of the refuse that collects during park use.  The original flagpole with the dedication plaque for Honorable Louis Engel, former Ossining Town Supervisor, had been hidden near there among now mature trees, and sometimes port-o-sans. Certainly the brains behind this gem of a public space, Mr. Engel himself, deserves proper recognition, along with the American Flag, so our parks department relocated it to what is certainly a much more appropriate spot, next to the 9/11 Memorial and the stage (and right in front of the quickly growing swamp willow we planted a couple of years ago to one day blossom into a new “prom tree!”). We hope to clean up the plaque as well soon. Check it out next time you visit!

 

 

Governor Cuomo announced on Tuesday that New York State had passed the goal of having 70% of all residents vaccinated against COVID-19. Many people were nervous to get the vaccine, so if you are on the fence about getting vaccinated, reach out to your friends and family to ask how they came to their decision. It really is critical that as many people as possible get the vaccine, to ensure most people are protected from this very dangerous virus - and if you do, you get to drop the mask, so we can ALL breathe easier! The Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps is administering Johnson & Johnson vaccines at the Ossining Farmers Market this Saturday from 9am to 1pm. Stop by to ask questions or get vaccinated.

 

 

Speaking of OVAC, this same dedicated (busy!) group of volunteers will hold a blood drive tomorrow from 2:30 to 7pm. Our area is facing a blood shortage, a critical resource for hospitals. The need typically increases in the summer months, so more participants are always welcome. You can schedule your donation appointment here.

 

 

On Saturday, the Ossining Public Library will lead a conversation on My Soul’s High Song by Countee Cullen. This book is part of the Talk Culture literary book club, but all are welcome to participate. This OPL book discussion group focuses on the literary works of African-American, African, and Afro-Caribbean authors. All discussions 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.

Need some more direction managing your summer reading list? The Ossining Public Library now has an app to help residents navigate the library system, search for items, place holds, and even check out materials. Download the new WLS Mobile App and start reading! The Niche Academy tutorial can walk you through all the steps you need to get started. Check it out here.

 

 

The NY Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is currently accepting applications. This program was created by New York State to support households that are behind on their rent, have experienced financial hardship, are at risk of homelessness or housing instability, and that earn at or below 80 percent of area median income. Once approved, eligible households will receive up to 12 months of past due rent. Those eligible could also receive up to 3 months of additional rental assistance, if the household spends 30 percent or more of its gross monthly income on rent. The program also will provide up to 12 months of utility arrears for eligible applicants. You can apply through the NYS website, but if you need some assistance you can dial 211 and you will be connected with a local non-profit agency who can assist you with your application.

 

It’s never too early to start looking at scholarship opportunities. SUNY and CUNY students whose families make up to $125,000 annually can apply for tuition-free college with the Excelsior Scholarship. The NAACP is offering more than $800,000 in scholarships in partnership with other organizations. The deadline to apply for the NAACP scholarships is tomorrow, so review the eligibility requirements now. This round of NAACP scholarships is for students ready to make an impact in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), marketing, communications, the arts, and more. And if you or your child are 12-17 years old, and have gotten vaccinated, those young people are eligible to enter to win the New York State “Get a Shot to Make Your Future” scholarship prize. New York State is offering 50 full ride scholarships to a CUNY or SUNY school for those who enter. The next drawing deadline is Monday, June 21, and to all our Hamilton fans out there – do not throw away your shot!

 

The Ossining Arts Council 2021 Members’ Exhibit is on display at the Ossining Public Library starting tomorrow. The show will run until June 27^th. Tomorrow’s OAC Virtual Reception will be held on Zoom.

 

 

The inaugural Hudson Valley New Voices (HVNV) Festival concludes this weekend at the Westchester Collaborative Theater with Voices of Color, a showcase featuring original plays by writers who identify as People of Color. If you missed the first two rounds, you did miss something special. Take advantage of this original theater gem in our backyard! All tickets are $15 and can be purchased online or by calling (914) 263-4953.

 

 

The Paramount Hudson Valley Theater will host its first live performance in over a year tomorrow night and then again on the 20^th. Classical/rock violinist Daisy Jopling teams up with award-winning director and visual maestro Daniel Flannery (creator of legendary Olympic Ceremonies, World Stages, TV, Film, Expo & Theme Parks), and acclaimed writer and Ossining resident Sarah Bracey White in the world premiere of their show Transcendence. Tickets are available now.

 

 

Artis Senior Living of Briarcliff Manor is holding Shred it Day on Saturday for residents interested in protecting their sensitive, printed information. There is a suggested $10 donation to participate, and proceeds will support the Alzheimer’s Association. RSVP online or by calling 914-223-7195.

 

 

The next Historic Sparta Walking Tour is scheduled for Sunday, June 20 at 1pm. Join Dr. Alan M. Stahl, Sparta historian, resident, and vice-president of The Jug Tavern of Sparta, Inc., for the fascinating 200 year history of The Jug Tavern as well as Sparta's homes and residents. The tours are outdoors, masked, and socially distanced. Sign up for the June tour here.

 

 

The Jug Tavern is hosting a conversation between artist Lisa Levart and Chief Clara Soaring Hawk of the Ramapough Lenape Nation (descendants of the native people of the New York Hudson Valley area). Lisa and Chief Clara will discuss their work with women and girls of the Ramapough Lenape people to recover long-lost ancestral stories and retell them through the medium of portrait photography. A screening of a short documentary about the project will follow, and the evening will conclude with a chance for audience members to ask questions. Ticket sales open on Sunday, June 20. The event is scheduled for July 17.  

 

 

June 17^th through the 23^rd is National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week. NY Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital has partnered with other organizations to host information sessions for interested residents. Register for the events by clicking on the respective event name: Liver Cancer Risk Reduction, Personal Care Products, HPV & Cancer Prevention (Youth-Led), Black Women & Breast Cancer: Get the Facts, Black Men & Cancer: Battling the Odds & Reducing Your Risk.

 

 

The Ossining Padres Hispanos Resource Center is accepting donations for their food pantry. The resource center serves 200 local families. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to schedule a drop off time.

 

 

Monday is Make Music Day Ossining/Briarcliff. It’s also the Summer Solstice. Fill your day with free, outdoor music performances around town. There are lots of options to choose from, so take a look at the schedule below, and let me know which events you are most excited to attend!

 

 

Looking to donate clothes? The Rotary Club of Briarcliff is sponsoring a “Drive Up and Drop Off” Clothing Donation Drive on June 26^th from 10am to noon. This event, on behalf of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, will take place at the Briarcliff Youth Center. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with questions.

 

 

If you are looking to launch your boat at the Ossining waterfront this weekend, please remember that permits are required for launching watercraft from the Bryan J. Johnson Memorial Boat Ramp at Louis Engel Park. Daily and seasonal passes are available for purchase online at www.buymypermit.com/ossining/. With a seasonal pass, you will be mailed a sticker for your trailer and your license plate will be permitted for parking in the trailer parking spaces near where you can launch your boat. Please note daily permit holders are not allowed to park in the trailer spaces. We are working on getting updated signage installed at Louis Engel Park, so save yourself time by getting your pass now.

 

 

Please be reminded that our Town Board meeting will be held on Monday, June 21 next week instead of our usual Tuesday schedule. This is because the Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, and our Town Clerk and Deputy Town Clerk need to work the election as our local liaisons to the Board of Elections. This meeting will also be our last meeting for the month of June, as June has five Tuesdays, so we will be off next week from a Town Board meeting. We will see you back on Tuesday, July 6 for a Work Session!

 

Sunday is Father’s Day, and I hope all of the fathers, step-fathers, grandfathers, uncles, furbaby dads, mothers who have to be fathers too, and all other father figures have a wonderful weekend with their families and loved ones. Have a great weekend!

 

--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!