Home - Town of Ossining, New York

Supervisor's Update – Friday, January 15, 2021

Details: Last Updated: 15 January 2021 15 January 2021

New York State is celebrating the start of 2021 with an ambitious vaccine roll out. Over 730,000 vaccines have been administered in the State. Governor Cuomo has expanded eligibility requirements to all residents over 65, teachers, emergency response personnel, and healthcare workers. The Westchester County Center is one of the state’s first mass-vaccination sites. I encourage all residents to check if you are eligible and make an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Residents can expect to receive appointments that are weeks – and sometimes months – in the future. This is due to high demand nationwide. New York State is allowing people to reserve appointments in advance of the vaccines’ arrival from manufacturers, in accordance with the federal government’s vaccination allocation plan. But, there is hope that this will ramp up soon – a one-dose vaccine manufactured by Johnson & Johnson is showing promising results in clinical trials and could receive emergency authorization by the FDA as early as next month. We are also planning to work with Westchester County and local sites, like churches, to increase the number of local vaccination sites here in Ossining. We need to be patient – but hopeful! – as we work together to get as many eligible people vaccinated as possible.

Governor Cuomo gave his State of the State address this week in a four part series. He discussed the budget gap faced by New York and his goals for the new year – including supporting legislation to legalize sports betting and recreational marijuana in the state. 2021 is also the start of many exciting new laws. Thank you to Assemblywoman Sandy Galef for this list of laws that went into effect on January 1^st. Assemblywoman Galef is hosting her Town Hall meetings virtually this year, and the “Ossining” targeted one is scheduled for Thursday, January 21^st. You can participate by calling 1-646-558-8656 or by video (meeting ID 825 0100 8557.)

Capture

At next Tuesday’s work session, we will hear from some of our close partners in the Village of Ossining. First, with a departmental report from Ossining Police Chief Kevin Sylvester. Then, pivoting to focus on our infrastructure, Village Manager Karen D’Attore and Assistant Village Manager Maddi Zachacz will present on the potential for the Town and other taxing jurisdictions to exempt properties owned by the Village Water Department on the tax roll. As we will hear from Karen and Maddi, this proposal, if approved by the Town Board and School Board, would reduce the water rates for all water users, with a minimal impact on property taxes. Additionally, we will discuss proposed new inter-municipal agreement terms between the Town and Village as it relates to water. These new terms will move the water rates in the Town towards equalization with the Village rates – currently Town residents pay 1.5 times the water rates in the Village. We look forward to this discussion and this opportunity to strengthen our shared services working relationship with the Village of Ossining. And then finally, the dynamic duo Engineering Team of Paul Fraioli and Andy Tiess will wrap up with a departmental report, to include an update on the McCarthy Drive Rehabilitation project and bid results from contractors. Please join us!

As many of you may be aware, the River Knoll applicant made a submission to the Town Planning Board with a revised preliminary site plan and will be appearing before the Planning Board at its January 20 meeting. Given that there was considerable public interest in this project when it was last before the Town in 2019, particularly with respect to traffic and schools, we encourage you to visit the Planning Board projects webpage to see the changes that are being proposed. This is a pending application before the Planning Board and is still undergoing its required environmental review process and will be before the Planning Board until that process is complete. The applicant is continuing the application process as required and authorized by law. Many people have also asked how this project should be handled, given the ongoing Comprehensive Plan Process. We are hoping to get some guidance from Pace Land Use Law Center, who are regional experts in these topics. We have asked them to come to discuss with the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee in the near future.

This week, Victoria from my office and I participated in a lunch and learn Zoom seminar with the Flood Resilience Network. This network is a group of leaders from Hudson Riverfront communities, and we were connected to this group after participating in the Cornell University Climate-adaptive Design Studio. We have found this network to be helpful in learning about what other communities are doing to tackle climate change, and mitigate its impacts, specifically flooding. During this meeting, we learned of a very useful and informative online tool, FloodFactor. This website allows you to search by community, neighborhood, or even down to an individual property to evaluate your flood risk over time, and learn about ways to mitigate flood risk. We also learned how Piermont, a flood prone community across the Hudson River, utilizes this tool as part of their Planning Board process. Understanding flood risk, especially with flooding becoming more severe and frequent as a result of climate change, can go a long way toward adaptation and environmental protection to mitigate damages to property caused by flooding. Take a few minutes, visit the FloodFactor site, and maybe search your property or neighborhood to learn more!

Our Assessor’s Office announced this week that protections for seniors with limited incomes were expanded following our request to the Governor’s Office. This law enables the Town to continue an exemption on next year’s assessment roll by using last year’s application. You can read a full letter from Assessor Fernando L. Gonzalez here. For further information you can contact the Assessor and his staff at 914-762-8274.

Assessors Senior Letter

Our dedicated Cemetery team reminds residents that seasonal decorations should be removed from gravesites by Sunday, January 17^th.

Seasonal Decorations Sparta and Dale Cemetery

Westchester Residential Opportunities, Inc. is offering grants to homeowners and landlords to help add accessibility modifications in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Tenants that are interested in the grant are also encouraged to apply. You can learn about the grant, eligibility, and contact information here.

Living room spread continues to be the largest contributor to new COVID cases in New York. Avoid gatherings and get tested often – even if you do not have any symptoms. Drive through and walk up testing is available at Star of Bethlehem Church on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. You can reserve an appointment for a test at the Ossining Community Center through Westchester Medical Center. Testing through CVS, Open Door, and other sites can be scheduled through the New York State Find a Test Site Near You feature on their website.

Jan COVID testing at Rec center SUNDAY

The second half of 2020/2021 School Tax Bills are due by January 31^st but accepted until February 1, 2021 (as January 31^st is a Sunday) without penalty. As a reminder, there is no bill mailed for second half school taxes. In an effort to keep residents safe, the Tax Office is offering multiple options for payment:

Online at townofossining.com by e-check for a cost of $1.50 charged by our service provider (XpressPay).
At a dedicated mail slot in the Ossining Post Office Lobby (Open 24/7). You must place a stamp on your envelope. It will be postmarked that day if received by 5 pm. After 5 pm will be postmarked the next day.
By mail from any other mailbox – just make sure your payment envelope is postmarked on or before 2/1/2021.
At the Town’s Municipal Building LOBBY at 16 Croton Ave during the hours of 9:00 to 2:30 (protocols are in place to keep everyone safe).

*There is a fee of 2.8% for credit cards and $1.50 for using eChecks. NY State Law requires municipalities to pass these fees on to the consumer for tax payments. The amount of the fee will be stated separately for your review before you pay the bill.

The Tax Receiver’s Office is ready to assist you if you have any questions about your bill. You can call the Tax Office at (914) 762-8790 or send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Tax Receiver Holly Perlowitz and her staff are very helpful if you have any questions. You can also learn more on the Tax Receiver page on the Town of Ossining website. A guide to the online pay system is also available.

School tax reminder

Today is the deadline to renew train station permits. If you have not renewed already, you can finish the process online at www.buymypermit.com/ossining. You will need your current account number and permit number to complete the renewal.

Station Permits

Residents are invited to share their opinions/experiences regarding the Ossining Police Department. The Police Reform and Reinvention initiative has been mandated by the state for all communities with police departments. Please share your perspective good, bad, or neutral, via the survey the Village of Ossining has circulated from the consultant they hired to help with community outreach and with putting the final report together. The survey is completely anonymous, and individual responses will not be shared with either law enforcement or government officials. Only the Matrix Consulting Group team can see the responses. The survey is available in English and Spanish. If you prefer to leave feedback by audio, please call the toll free number (866) 262-9756 and leave a voicemail. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Ian Brady at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Police ESP

The Town of Ossining is partnering with Sustainable Westchester on the EnergySmart Homes program, which allows residents to save money while saving the planet. Join us on January 28^th at 7pm to learn how you can heat and cool your home without fossil fuels. RSVP to the webinar SustainableWestchester.org/Ossining-Briarcliff or call (914) 242-4725 ext. 122.

Ossining Briarcliff

Teatown is preparing for its 17^th annual Eaglefest, which celebrates the migration of bald eagles to our beautiful Hudson River. The weeklong event starts on Saturday, January 30 and extends until February 7. There will be no programs at Croton Point Park this year, but other in-person locations have been adapted. Virtual presentations will also be offered. You can learn more about Eaglefest on the Teatown website.

Eaglefest

Neighbors Link is helping residents navigate the DACA application process by connecting them with immigration attorneys and DOJ accredited representatives. Appointments are available via Zoom for January 29 and February 5 between 10am and 4pm. Neighbors Link provides services in English and Spanish. Call 914-502-3377 to schedule an appointment.

DACA neighbors link

Wednesday, January 20^th is Inauguration Day, the American tradition of a peaceful transition of power. I encourage all residents to watch this historic occasion, as can only be viewed by the world once every four or eight years. In fact, in the history of the United States, there have only been 59 inaugurations. These transitions have taken place during wars, disease, the Great Depression, and other times of national anxiety. We are united despite our differences, and I am looking forward to this chance for our country to come together.

Inauguration Seal

Monday is a holiday and Town Offices will be closed in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in recognition of what would have been his 92^nd birthday, which is actually today, January 15. I cannot think of a better time when we could all benefit from reflecting on Dr. King’s legacy of peaceful, civil disobedience and calls for equality for all, regardless of the color of our skin, where we call home, or how much money we earn. The holiday is often celebrated through acts of service to the larger community. I encourage residents to safely seek out volunteer opportunities and strive to serve our neighbors through acts of selflessness, kindness, and respect. Enjoy the three day 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!

Planning Board Meeting - Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 7:30pm

Details: Last Updated: 13 January 2021 13 January 2021

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

Wednesday, January 20, 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/81585519247

Meeting ID: 815 8551 9247

One tap mobile

+1-929-205-6099, 81585519247# US (New York)

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kYUQII5tO

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

Preliminary Agenda:

Rinaldi Subdivision, 39 Stormytown Road, 10-Lot Subdivision, Final Subdivision Review - PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED

Borrego Solar, St. Augustine Church, 381 N. Highland Avenue, Site Plan Review Battery Storage System - PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED

Parth Knolls, LLC Residential Development, 87 Hawkes Avenue, Amendment to Resolution of Site Plan Approval - PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED

Seiden, 49 Croton Dam Road, Architectural Review, New Garage Addition & Site Amendments - PUBLIC HEARING

River Knoll (Stony Lodge Property) 40 Croton Dam Road, Preliminary Layout Plan

Please visit the Planning Board Projects Page to view PDF copies of documents pertaining to the Agenda for Wednesday, January 20, 2021.

Supervisor's Update – Friday, January 8, 2021

Details: Last Updated: 08 January 2021 08 January 2021

This is the first update of 2021. While I would love to be able to write about how exciting it is for us to have a fresh start, the attempted insurrection at the U.S. Capitol has overshadowed the glow of the new year. Ossining Mayor Rika Levin, Ossining School Superintendent Dr. Raymond Sanchez, and I released a statement condemning Wednesday’s violence. You can read that statement here. The DC Capitol Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation are requesting help from the public to identify those involved. If you recognize someone in the crowds, you can submit an anonymous tip here. Since Wednesday, when we issued our statement, we have learned that five people have died as result of the violence, including Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick. We mourn the loss of life and hope those who organized and incited Wednesday’s events understand the weight of this tragic outcome. I join Federal lawmakers and elected officials across the country in calling for a full investigation into Wednesday’s events so that nothing like this can ever happen again.

I know it has been hard to focus on much this week, with chaos unfolding in our nation’s capital. But, your leaders in the Town continue to focus locally to do good work on behalf of our constituents.

The Town of Ossining accomplished quite a bit in 2020. We oversaw the distribution of 17,000 masks to emergency service personnel, local businesses, and vulnerable populations. We also distributed hand sanitizer and coordinated our social media pages to share updated info about resources available to residents. Now in 2021 as we see increases in cases, we are helping out yet again with some of these items. In 2020 we launched our Food Scraps Recycling program to transform organic material into compost. The program currently fills 12 toters every week – each individual toter being 64 gallons. Homebound residents are becoming increasingly green-minded. We saw over 2700+ views of our Recyclopedia page on the Town of Ossining website. The Town hosted virtual events, including a popular Summer Concert Series on FB Live, and an Organ Donor Enrollment Day Zoom-a-thon with lots of special guests. We also hosted NY Presbyterian Hospital Administrators and Doctors to give us an up to date assessment of the COVID situation from inside hospitals as the vaccine was just about to start rolling out.

We have a lot of plans for 2021. The Ossining Community Equity Task Force is preparing a meeting schedule for the year. Residents can participate in meetings to discuss the future of equity in Ossining. The Town will also continue its work on a new Comprehensive Plan - Sustainable Ossining - which will guide land use decisions for the next ten years or so. The Ossining Parks Stewardship group will launch a plan to visit our Town parks in need of TLC to help clear invasive species and teach residents about them as well as friendly native plants. We will be embarking on a major rehabilitation of McCarthy Drive. And, we will continue to do all we can to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, forging ahead with live-saving vaccines for essential workers and vulnerable populations first, and other protective measures. Our annual reorganization meeting is scheduled for this coming Tuesday, January 12^th at 7:30 PM via zoom. In addition to all of our annual beginning of the year resolutions, we will also be appointing and reappointing a number of people to our various volunteer boards. We are so grateful for the many application we received when we put out a call for them at the end of 2020. We really are the Volunteer-Spirited Town.

Government is coordinating across many levels to make 2021 a better year for residents. Assemblywoman Sandy Galef published a list of new resources available to residents, including additional unemployment, rent relief, a moratorium on utility shut offs, and paid sick leave. Senator Gillibrand’s office shared with us that the Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, announced that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13. The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. Updated PPP guidance outlining Program changes to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility was released on January 6 in accordance with the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act. This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan. For more information, visit the Small Business Administration Website.

New York State is maintaining a Find Services Feature providing an easy-to-use starting point for finding for information related to Paid Family Leave, tax relief, accessing addiction services, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), the COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline, mental health resources, Child Health Plus, COVID-19 resources for New Americans, NY State of Health (Official Healthcare Marketplace), Medicaid, and the NYS Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Hotline. If you would like to reach out to a more local office for this information, you can use the County information hotline by dialing 211 or call my office. As always, you are welcome to reach out to my office by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 914-762-6001.

its okay to have questions

Living room spread continues to be the largest contributor to new cases in New York. These cases are contracted when people from multiple households gather in private settings, unintentionally spreading the virus to our family and friends. Positivity rates have climbed since Thanksgiving. If you participated in a gathering, please get a test – even if you don’t have any symptoms. Drive through and walk up testing is available at Star of Bethlehem Church on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. You can reserve an appointment for a test at the Ossining Community Center through Westchester Medical Center. Testing through CVS, Open Door, and other sites can be scheduled through the New York State Find a Test Site Near You feature on their website.

COVIDtesting at Star

The second half of 2020/2021 School Tax Bills are due by February 1, 2021 (as January 31^st is a Sunday). As a reminder, there is no bill mailed for the second half school taxes. In an effort to keep residents safe, the Tax Office is offering multiple options for payment:

Online at townofossining.com by e-check for a cost of $1.50 charged by our service provider (XpressPay).
At a dedicated mail slot in the Ossining Post Office Lobby (Open 24/7). You must place a stamp on your envelope. It will be postmarked by 5 pm that day. After 5 pm will be postmarked the next day.
By mail from any other mailbox – just make sure your payment envelope is postmarked before 2/1/2021.
At the Town’s Municipal Building LOBBY at 16 Croton Ave during the hours of 9:00 to 2:30 (protocols are in place to keep everyone safe).

The Tax Receiver’s Office is ready to assist you if you have any questions about your bill. You can call the Tax Office at (914) 762-8790 or send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Tax Receiver Holly Perlowitz and her staff are very helpful if you have any questions. You can also learn more on the Tax Receiver page on the Town of Ossining website. A guide to the online pay system is also available.

School Tax reminder

Our Highway department is reminding residents that Christmas trees should be left at your curb on your bulk pick-up day. Please remove all ornaments from the tree, as well as wires, lights, and nails. Do not place trees in plastic. Collection will continue until the end of the month.

Christmas Trees

It’s that time of year when people forget to pick up after their pets. We love that Town residents are walking with their furry friends, but make sure you leave the path clear for the next person.

Pick up after your pooch

Our dedicated Cemetery team reminds residents that seasonal decorations should be removed from gravesites by January 17^th.

Seasonal Decorations Sparta and Dale Cemetery

You may have noticed a major restoration project underway at Sally Swope Sitting Park. Thank you to our Parks Foreman Mario Velardo and his team for working in the cold over the past few weeks to get this park ready for the spring. This week, the team added drainage systems. The Town is coordinating with Teatown Reservation to identify and remove invasive species, and protect the beautiful native species. The restoration is expected to be complete when the warmer weather rolls around.

Sally Swope

Being a new parent is stressful enough – even when there isn’t a pandemic. The Briarcliff Public Library is connecting parents and caregivers of children under 2 years old. Email Amy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to join this group for their Tuesday morning Zoom chats.

New Parents

The Village of Ossining is mailing train station permit renewals. The return address is a processing center in Elmsford, so be on the lookout, and be sure not to miss the deadline for renewal (January 15, 2021). Renew online at www.buymypermit.com/ossining, you will need your current account number and permit number to complete the renewal.

Station Permits

Police

Police ESP

As vaccines become more widely available, beware potential scams. Medicare or Social Security (or other government agencies) are not calling people to get them vaccines. The vaccine is free and you do not need to provide your social security number, credit card number, or any bank info to qualify.

New York State is overseeing the distribution of vaccines, which are being further distributed to healthcare “hubs” across the state. The Governor’s office is making it available to nursing homes, their staff, and healthcare workers first. Starting Monday, distribution will expand to teachers, first responders, public safety workers, public transit workers, and residents who are 75 and older. Find out if you are eligible for a vaccine here. New York State plans to launch a portal on Monday to help residents find healthcare sites administering the vaccine. Please be aware that the number of people eligible for vaccines far outweighs the number of doses currently available. This means appointments to get the vaccine will be scheduled across the next few months. The vaccine is not yet available to the general public and anyone attempting to receive the vaccine before they are eligible can be prosecuted by the State Attorney General.

Vaccine COVID

The Westchester Women's Advisory Board is hosting a panel discussion on Issues Facing Immigrant Women on Tuesday, January 12. The event will run from 7-8:30pm via zoom and livestreamed on the Westchester Women's Agenda’s Facebook Page. The program will be in English and Spanish.

Teatown is preparing for its 17^th annual Eaglefest, which celebrates the migration of bald eagles to our beautiful Hudson River. The weeklong event starts on Saturday, January 30 and extends until February 7. There will be no programs at Croton Point Park this year, but other in-person locations have been adapted. Virtual presentations will also offered. You can learn more about Eaglefest on the Teatown website.

2021 is off to a rough start. As we face these compounding challenges, I encourage all residents to reach out if you need help or have questions. You can reach me at 914-762-6001 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Stay safe and have a good weekend.

--Dana