Supervisor's Update – Thursday, April 1, 2021

Details

Last Updated: 01 April 2021 01 April 2021

Rabbit Rabbit. Yes, if you can believe it, it is actually already April first! I am pleased to report we are off to an excellent start. There are lots of fun upcoming events planned for this month and many focused on sustainability, as Earth Day has become Earth Month during the pandemic. We kicked it off today with a half day sustainability conference hosted by Westchester County, Sustainable Westchester, and Federated Conservationists of Westchester County. It was, indeed, humbling to hear how much good work is going on in this county, including right here in our own backyard! Big shout outs to all our partners, Green Ossining, the Town and Village EACs, and the Briarcliff Sustainability Committee.

 

There is also good news on the vaccine front. As a reminder, Town offices will be closed tomorrow in observance of Good Friday. We will be back in the offices on Monday, April 5. Refuse collection will not be impacted tomorrow, Friday, April 2.

 

And, speaking of sustainability, before I jump into sharing more details, I ask all residents to please place an important event on your calendars – it is just one week away! The Town of Ossining is holding a Comprehensive Plan workshop on Thursday, April 8 from 7:30pm to 9pm. This workshop is another opportunity for residents to share thoughts about the future of land use in the Town of Ossining. Draft goals have been developed based on past workshops, surveys, and input from the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. Residents can review these goals and share more input at the workshop. Join us via Zoom on your computer (rather than a smartphone or tablet), so your interactive participation can be enhanced. And for those of you without access to Zoom, there will be more opportunities to provide feedback via non-virtual methods following this public workshop, which we will announce next Friday. For e-mail updates specific to the Comprehensive Plan process, please subscribe on our website.

 

 

The 2021 Town and County tax bills are arriving in mailboxes and are available online for payment. If you do not receive the bill by next week, you can contact the Tax Receiver’s Office for more information. Due dates for Town and County tax bills are set by the State. The NYS Real Property Tax Law sets the due date, which is April 30, 2021. Pay online using Xpress Pay, mail your payment or place your stamped envelope in the designated box in the Ossining Post Office lobby, or stop by 16 Croton Avenue between 9am to 2:30pm. Learn more through Tax Receiver Holly Perlowitz’s latest eblast, send her an email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), or give the Tax Office a call at (914) 762-8790.

 

 

The Village of Ossining is hiring lifeguards and counselors for its Summer Recreation programs. The Rec Department is hosting a job readiness program related to these positions. You can check out this program on the Community Pass website.

 

 

The Town of Ossining is hiring a Seasonal Parks Groundskeeper. The full job description and application are available on the Town of Ossining website. Applications can be returned in person at 16 Croton Avenue or emailed to Victoria Cafarelli in my office. All applications must be received by April 9th at 2:30pm.

 

 

We got some great news about vaccines this week. All New York residents 30 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Eligibility will further expand to all residents 16 and older on April 6^th at 8am. Navigating the scheduling process can be challenging, but I encourage you to make an appointment. The WCC campus in Valhalla is offering appointments through the Westchester County Department of Health website. Appointments at Open Door, the Prescription Center of Ossining, and other local sites can be made directly through the local business. Westchester County publishes a list of local allocations each week, which the Town shares on our Facebook Page. You can also schedule appointments through the New York State Coronavirus webpage by reviewing the sites and clicking “Get Started”.

 

 

Some residents, including senior citizens, are not able to make appointments online. The Ossining Briarcliff COVID Vaccine Angels are helping residents make appointments. If you know someone who is struggling to get an appointment, please reach out by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 914-236-4567. Volunteers are bilingual and can also connect homebound individuals with mobile vaccination units.

 

 

The country is seeing a rise in case numbers as the warm weather brings people together. We are all excited by the increase in vaccine eligibility, but we are not out of the woods. Highly contagious strains of the virus are circulating across the country. Please remain vigilant; wear your mask, wash your hands, and social distance. We do not want to get this far, only to have to backtrack into further shut downs. After mitigation strategies, our best defense is testing. Appointments for COVID tests continue to be available at a number of sites in Ossining and Briarcliff, including many local pharmacies. You can use the Find a Test Site Near You feature on the New York State website to find other locations.

 

 

The Ossining Community Equity Task Force held its April meeting today. The Task Force is preparing a Town Hall event to discuss inequity in the time of COVID. This event will take place toward the end of April and I will share more details as the date approaches. The Task Force is also co-sponsoring a book club discussion organized by the Coalition for Understanding Race through Education (CURE). The group will read Caste by Isabel Wilkerson and be joined by the author to further discuss issues of institutional inequity. Hard copies and digital copies of the book can be requested through the Ossining Public Library.

 

 

April is also National Donate Life Month – a nationally recognized month focused on raising awareness for organ, eye, and tissue donation. Organ and tissue donation is such an important issue, and signing up to be a donor during this month will help give hope to the thousands of individuals waiting for a lifesaving transplant, as well as their families and friends who love and care for them. If you don’t already have a heart… on your driver’s license…now is the time to sign up! This year’s theme is Garden of Life, which symbolizes hope, courage, and transformation. I think anyone who has ever experienced the donation journey in any way can find deep meaning in these themes. If you got to watch our Organ Donation Zoomathon back in October, but still haven’t gotten around to signing up, now is the time! Join us this month as we plant the seeds of donation by providing education and raising awareness about this important issue. Follow @LiveOnNewYork on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram this month to learn more about donation and hear the compelling stories of those impacted by organ and tissue donation, sign up yourself or help inspire a friend or family member to do the same.

 

The IFCA thrift store is accepting spring and summer items. Make an appointment to drop off your donations at 138 Spring Street between the hours of 10:30am and 4pm. The store will open for shopping on Wednesday, April 7^th.

 

 

The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act has provisions specific to small businesses and hard-hit industries. A Restaurant Revitalization Fund was created to issue grants (not loans) starting soon. The grants can be used to cover payroll costs, mortgage payments, rent, utilities, outdoor dining construction costs, PPE, operational expenses, and more. I will share more information about this Fund as it is published. The Business Council of Westchester is hosting an event on April 8^th to help restaurants get a better understanding of this program. You can find information about this event on the Business Council of Westchester Facebook page.

 

Additionally, the Paycheck Protection Program provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed (borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness). Starting the week of April 6, 2021, the U.S. Small Business Association is raising the loan limit for the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan program from 6-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $150,000 to up to 24-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $500,000. The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) application portal will begin accepting applications on April 8^th. For more information you are also welcome to contact my office at 914-762-6001, or you can also directly contact U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s local office at (914) 734-1532. They can help walk you through the process to get the aid you need.

 

And of course, you have heard that local municipalities stand to receive direct federal funding to help offset revenue shortfalls, help pay for water and sewer infrastructure, broadband access and more. We are anxiously awaiting the details so we understand how the money will be distributed and how we are permitted to spend it so we can collectively determine how to best use it to support our community.

 

The Ossining High School PTSA is expanding their Takeout Tuesday Fundraiser with a Food Truck event. Sign up is required, so register here to secure your spot.

 

 

Ossining High School students are offering income tax help! The Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board (WPWDB) program runs until April 15th. Customers must make an appointment by calling 211 or (800) 899-1479 to schedule a drop-off time at OHS or the Mount Vernon Career Center. You must make an appointment to participate. Once an appointment is made, tax filers will drop off their documents at their preferred location. Remember, the IRS has extended this year’s income tax filing deadline until May 17^th.

 

 

The Briarcliff Police Department is hosting a Books & Badges event on Saturday, April 10th from 10am to 1pm. Kids can get a free book, bag, and snack by visiting the drive through event at the Briarcliff Manor Youth Center.

 

 

The Greater Ossining Chamber of Commerce is offering Chamber Chats for local businesses to connect and share ideas. This past year has been rough for businesses and many have adapted in creative ways to stay ahead of the curve. 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.

 

 

Green Ossining is celebrating our planet with a week-long Earth Day Festival. Due to COVID restriction, we will not be gathering at the waterfront for this year’s activities. Instead, the events will be spread out across Town, with collaborations between small businesses, our Park’s Department, and even some local experts. Check out the Green Ossining website to learn about hikes, special deals, craft beer, and open houses. It’s going to be a lot of fun.

 

As part of this special month with a focus on our Earth, the Town and Village will be hosting a Lunch and Learn on the Cornell University Climate-adaptive Design studio that was hosted in Ossining during the 2019 fall semester. The student-developed designs which reimagined our waterfront to be more resilient to climate change will hopefully be good jumping off points for us as we consider improvements to our assets along the Hudson. Join us to learn more – the Zoom details are available on the Green Ossining events page.

 

 

Planning is underway for Make Music Day! Mike and Miriam Risko are planning a series of sidewalk concerts to help highlight small businesses in Ossining and Briarcliff. If you have an open area of sidewalk or grassy area, reach out to be added into the plans. Contact Mike Risko Music at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 914-762-8757 for more info.

 

 

The Recreation Department has shared their spring programming and announced their plans for summer camp. There are some great in-person and virtual programs, including esports, pickle ball, stained glass class, LEGO programs, oil painting, and so much more. Click here to learn more about the programs.

 

 

The next Town of Ossining Board Meeting will be a Work Session on Tuesday, April 6 at 7:30 on Zoom. Join us with Meeting ID 845 1036 6498 and passcode 046947. Read the Meeting Agenda here – we have a lot on our plate for Tuesday including a few new proposed local laws relating to our boat ramp passes/trailer parking and events policy. Meetings are recorded and uploaded to Facebook and YouTube every week.

 

This week was Spring Break for most families, and an opportunity to celebrate the holidays of Passover and Easter. I hope for those who celebrate, you are able to enjoy these important days with your family and friends, both near, far, and over Zoom!

 

--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!

Supervisor's Update – Friday, March 26, 2021

Details

Last Updated: 29 March 2021 29 March 2021

We got some beautiful weather this week. I hope everyone had a chance to spend some time outdoors. If you spent some time in our Town parks, or just walking around your neighborhood, you may have some thoughts on how the Town of Ossining can make our community better in the future! Join us in April for our second Comprehensive Plan public workshop. On Thursday, April 8 from 7:30pm to 9pm you can learn more about the “Sustainable Ossining” Comprehensive Plan. (Mark your calendars now!) Based upon feedback from the first public workshop, a survey, and the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee’s input, draft goals have been developed. This workshop will be an interactive opportunity for the public to review the draft goals, see how your input has been incorporated into this draft vision for the Town, share more input, and stay involved in the process. The flyer below includes the Zoom information, and we ask that you join via computer, versus a smartphone or tablet, so your interactive participation can be enhanced. And for those of you without access to Zoom, there will be more opportunities to provide feedback via non-virtual methods in the Spring. For e-mail updates specific to the Comprehensive Plan process, please subscribe on our website.

 

This week, the Town kicked off its annual MS4 Stormwater Reporting process. Annually, the Town must complete the MS4 report and detail its efforts from the previous year to mitigate adverse stormwater impacts. These actions include inspecting catch basins, monitoring outfalls, reporting illicit discharges, and continually providing educational materials to the community about how to preserve our environmental assets here in the Town. Learn more about our Stormwater program on the Town’s website, and stay tuned for a presentation at a future Town Board meeting on our 2020 report.

 

Last week, the Town adopted a Complete Streets Policy which codifies our work, as we improve roadways, to ensure we take into account all types of users’ safe access to those roads (pedestrian, cyclists, wheelchairs, cars, etc.) Yesterday we had a chance to meet with the Mid-Hudson South Transportation Council Committee to discuss the Millwood-Ossining Go Plan and the possibility of funding sources to help establish a dedicated, safe bike lane along Rt. 133 to ultimately connect downtown Ossining to the Empire State Trail. We are hopeful that the continued popularity of cycling will help bring more business to our retail establishments while also supporting healthy outdoor activities. This project is still in the early planning phases so we are grateful for the partnership with Town of New Castle and Village of Ossining as we work together to improve our roadways for all users.

 

And today the Town and Village of Ossining met with ConEd Government Relations staff and those responsible for the Municipal Liaison program to learn about some new programs underway that will hopefully make storm restorations go more smoothly and quickly. Fingers crossed!

 

The Town of Ossining is hiring a seasonal employee! Our Parks Department is working hard to get our parks, trails, and open spaces ready for the summer months. Have you ever considered coming on board to be part of the action? Applications, along with a longer job description, are available on the Town website and can be returned in person at 16 Croton Avenue or emailed to Victoria Cafarelli in my office. All applications must be received by April 9^th at 2:30pm.

 

 

And speaking of our parks, we know everyone is super anxious to get right into spring season. Our Parks Department has just started to be able to do some spring cleanup. Please be patient after a very snowy (and therefore now super rainy) season, there is a lot to do, but our crew is out there working hard. 

 

 

The warm temps and continued vaccine rollout are making this spring feel so much more hopeful than we all felt one year ago. Over 8 million doses have been administered in New York State, with over 27% of residents fully vaccinated. Eligibility expanded this week to residents over 50. Pharmacies will vaccinate those over 50, teachers, and people with co-morbidities. All other eligible residents can visit a state-run mass vaccination site. Appointments for these sites are scheduled online here by clicking the “Get Started” button.

 

Are you one of the 12 million residents eligible for the vaccine? The full list of eligibility criteria for the vaccine is listed on the State website. If you know of someone who is eligible and wants a vaccine but has not been able to get an appointment, please reach out to the OTown Vaccine Angels. This group of volunteers (many bilingual!) help Ossining and Briarcliff residents who are finding it difficult to navigate the vaccine appointment landscape, to get appointments. If you know a homebound senior or disabled individual who is eligible for the vaccine, please also reach out. The Angels program coordinated with my office just last week to arrange for vaccines for homebound individuals. You can email the COVID Vaccine Angels at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 914-236-4567.

 

 

Appointments for COVID testing are available at a number of sites in Ossining and Briarcliff, including many local pharmacies. Westchester Medical Center will offer testing at the Ossining Community Center on Sunday from 10:00am to 3:00pm. In order to sign up to be tested, residents must make a reservation. Reservations can be made in English or Spanish by calling 914-202-4530 or through the Westchester Medical Center website. Testing is also available regularly at OVAC. You can use the Find a Test Site Near You feature on New York State website to find other locations.

 

 

The Department of Labor has reported an increase in scams since the start of the pandemic. Unfortunately, an increasingly popular one uses a person’s personal information to apply for unemployment. Protect yourself and your identity by being wary of requests for your social security number, financial information, or passwords. Additionally, avoid listing personal information on social media that could double as the answer to a security question. If you are the unlucky target of this particular scam, notify the NYS Department of Labor and make sure your employer knows what is going on. Alert the credit reporting agencies and file a report of fraud with the Federal Trade Commission. If you are the victim of a scam you can call the Ossining Police Department (for Village of Ossining and unincorporated residents) at (914) 941-4099 or the Briarcliff Police Department (for Briarcliff residents) at (914) 941-2130.

 

The 2021 Town and County tax bills have been mailed and are available online for payment. Bills are mailed to those that pay their taxes directly (otherwise they may be paid through an escrow account) and should arrive at your home in the next few days. If you do not receive the bill by next week, you can contact the Tax Receiver’s Office for more information. Due dates for Town and County tax bills are set by the State. While they were extended last year at the height of the first wave, the Governor has given no indication the option will be available this year. Consistent with NYS Real property tax law, taxes are due by April 30, 2021. Pay online using Xpress Pay, mail your payment or place your stamped envelope in the designated box in the Ossining Post Office lobby, or stop by 16 Croton Avenue between 9am to 2:30pm. Learn more through the Tax Receiver Holly Perlowitz’s latest eblast, send her an email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), or give the Tax Office a call at (914) 762-8790.

 

 

The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act has provisions specific to small businesses and hard-hit industries. A Restaurant Revitalization Fund was created to issue grants (not loans) starting soon. The grants can be used to cover payroll costs, mortgage payments, rent, utilities, outdoor dining construction costs, PPE, operational expenses, and more. I will share more information about this Fund as it is published. Additionally, the Paycheck Protection Program provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed (borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness). Starting the week of April 6, 2021, the U.S. Small Business Association is raising the loan limit for the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan program from 6-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $150,000 to up to 24-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $500,000. The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) application portal will begin accepting applications on April 8^th. For more information you are also welcome to contact my office at 914-762-6001, or you can also directly contact U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s local office at (914) 734-1532. They can help walk you through the process to get the aid you need.

 

 

Even though it is Spring, the winter Farmers Market is still going strong!  (Spring Vendors will be joining pretty soon.) We are lucky to have this asset all year long.  Check out the full list of our great vendors at the Down to Earth website. There’s more than just great food at the Farmers Market. Did you know you can donate unwanted towels, clothes, and bags at the market? Green Tree Textiles will reuse and recycle these items (no rugs or blankets). Green Ossining has a table there weekly to collect Food Scraps in case you find that more convenient than dropping them off at Cedar Lane Park. They can also answer questions about energy-saving programs available to residents, including EnergySmart Homes, Grid Rewards, Community Solar and the new Carbon Tracker.

 

The Ossining Farmers Market also accepts Ossining Food Pantry coupons. You can also go to the manager’s tent to use your SNAP EBT card to get tokens. Fresh Connect checks available.

Before we jump into events, I would like to remind everyone that sign-ups for the Police exam close next week. If you were waiting for a weekend to register, now is the time. The exam is only offered every few years. The Ossining Police Department has shared a number of videos to help explain the process. They have also set up a computer in the lobby of the police station for anyone in need of free internet for the test registration. Scholarships are even available for those seeking police exam preparation courses.

 

 

I am excited to share a number of events are happening around town!

 

This week, the Recreation Department shared their spring programming and announced their plans for summer camp. There are some great in-person and virtual programs, including esports, pickle ball, stained glass class, LEGO programs, oil painting, and so much more. Click here to learn more about the programs.

 

 

Ossining High School students are offering income tax help! The Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board (WPWDB) program runs until April 15th. Customers must make an appointment by calling 211 or (800) 899-1479 to schedule a drop-off time at OHS or the Mount Vernon Career Center. You must make an appointment to participate. Once an appointment is made, tax filers will drop off their documents at their preferred location.

 

 

The IFCA Thrift Store is accepting donations just in time for spring cleaning! Donate spring and summer items at 138 Spring Street between the hours of 10:30am and 4pm. The store will open for shopping on April 7^th.

 

 

 

Neighbors Link is offering free citizenship clinics for those 18 or older with Green Cards. The program is virtual and pairs applicants with lawyers and others who are trained in the naturalization process. For more information, or to register call 914-666-3410.

 

The Briarcliff Police Department is hosting a Books & Badges event on Saturday, April 10^th from 10am to 1pm. Kids can get a free book, bag, and snack by visiting the drive through event at the Briarcliff Manor Youth Center.

 

 

The Greater Ossining Chamber of Commerce is offering Chamber Chats for local businesses to connect and share ideas. This past year has been rough for businesses and many have adapted in creative ways to stay ahead of the curve. 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.

 

 

The Earth Day festival is expanding this year to a weeklong, town-wide extravaganza- but unfortunately we are not planning the all-day waterfront festival we all know and love. This year, participating stores, stops, and events will be published on the Green Ossining website, so check it out! The Town and Village will be hosting a Lunch and Learn on the Cornell University Climate-adaptive Design studio that was hosted in Ossining during the 2019 fall semester. The student-developed designs which reimagined our waterfront to be more resilient to climate change will hopefully be good jumping off points for us as we consider improvements to our assets along the Hudson. Join us to learn more – we will share the Zoom webinar link as we get closer. 2021 is the 51^st anniversary of Earth Day (the 50^th unfortunately passed during the height of the first wave). This event is a local favorite and I am excited to put it on my calendar. Green Ossining has also announced that their annual town-wide tag sale will take place on May 1^st. I will share more information about this event as it approaches.

 

 

The Mike Risko Music School has announced their Summer 2021 camp programs, including Summer Rock Camp. Half day, full day, and virtual options are available. Visit mikeriskomusicschool.com for more info.

 

 

Next week is the fifth Tuesday of the month, which means there is no work session or legislative session scheduled for our Town Board. We will, however, hold a special meeting on Tuesday, March 30 at 7:30 on Zoom. Join us with Meeting ID 814 5706 0565 and passcode 597732. Read the Meeting Agenda here. Meetings are recorded and uploaded to Facebook and YouTube every week.

Wishing everyone who celebrates a very Happy Passover and do not overdo the matzah! Enjoy the lovely weather, sign up for your vaccine if you are eligible, and 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!

 

CORRECTION: A previous version of this post stated that the registration for the police exam ended in the "middle of next week." This is incorrect. Applications for the police exam must be submitted online by March 29, 2021.

Town Board Special Meeting - Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 7:30pm

Details

Last Updated: 26 March 2021 26 March 2021

Town Board Special Meeting

Tuesday, March 30, 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/81457060565?pwd=NlJDc3grZnpNQll5OTA4ZHEzdlBzUT09

Please note password for this meeting: 597732

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

Meeting ID: 814 5706 0565

(929) 205-6099

 

Meeting Agenda:  pdf 03 30 21 Special Meeting Agenda (207 KB)