MAYOR'S UPDATE
From the desk of Mayor Rika Levin

One of the topics I get calls about most often this time of year is potholes-- with respect to local roads, the Village's Department of Public Works and the Town's Highway Department have us well covered, but our ability to direct restoration work on state roads (of which Ossining has many!) is somewhat limited, and I share in your frustration. Two main highly traveled roads with extensive damage are Routes 9 and 9A, both of which are state roads that must be maintained and restored or fixed by the state. Our local municipality is not allowed to do work on these roads or on their on/off ramps.

However, thanks to a group of local elected officials from the Village, Town, County and State, we are starting to make progress. Yesterday, NYS DOT did extensive patchwork on southbound Route 9A between the Croton River bridge and Stormytown Road, and more is to come on Route 9 in Ossining later this week. Special thanks to all of our representatives for ensuring our roads continue to be pushed to the front of the queue.

Please contact your two State representatives with your concerns or inquiries:

Senator Pete Harckham:
[email protected] or
(914) 241-4600 (Peekskill District Office)

Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg:
[email protected] or
(914) 941-1111 (Ossining District Office)

I spent Sunday and Monday in Albany at the New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) to learn more about big pictures issues, solutions, and legislation that is rolling out across the state. I will share my learnings at this Wednesday's Work Session. Additionally, at the conference, we were reminded to let our constituents know that there is still $17 billion in unfound funds that belong to individuals, businesses and municipalities being held in safe keeping through the Office of Unclaimed Funds. I urge everyone in our community to go online and see if there is any money (over $20) that is listed under your name. Hint: Make sure to use married and unmarried names and also enter any other family members that have ever lived in the state of NY. 

Speaking of which, New York State is preparing to adopt its budget for the 2023-2024 year, and the Westchester County delegation of the NY Assembly is seeking your input. All those who wish to participate and weigh in on the Governor's Executive Budget must RSVP by 8:00PM this evening (Tuesday, February 7th). If you are unable to participate during the meeting, written testimony will also be accepted until 8:00PM tonight, as above.

Though the weather outside may be frightful, it's never too soon to start thinking about summer! If you or someone you know will be looking for summer employment, I urge you to consider applying to be a uniformed Park Ranger with the Westchester County Police Department, particularly those interested in law enforcement careers. Qualified applicants will be 18 years or older, be a U.S. citizen and possess a valid NYS driver's license by the time of appointment. Interested? Apply here.

I invite you to join us (virtually, or in person) tomorrow evening at 7:30PM for this week's Work Session, which will cover the following:

Corporation Counsel will be joined by our Planning Consultant Valerie Monastra to discuss recommendations for a formalized Escrow policy, which should help to manage expectations for applicants coming before land use boards and will ensure an evenly applied process.

Our Superintendent of Water Andy Tiess will be with us to discuss a proposal from Arcadis to design a chemical feed system for the IBWTP designed to prevent lead and copper contamination.

The Village has been approached by a group of local landlords who are asking for an amendment to the AMI (Area Median Income) level in the Village's ETPA (Emergency Tenant Protection Act) policy-- this group will be making a presentation to the BOT.

We will then pick up the discussion of the Amendment to Chapter 241 (Taxation) re: Volunteer Firefighter and Ambulance Worker exemption. When we last discussed this opportunity to assist our volunteer first responders, the Board requested more information regarding the financial implications, and Village Treasurer Dale Brennan will be with us to share her analysis.

Finally, the BOT will be asked to consider several cabaret licenses. Any applications that the Board supports will be added to the Legislative Agenda for approval on 2/15.

Did you know that Ossining is home to two refugee families and that there is a group of Ossining/Briarcliff residents who have come together as a grass roots organization and have been instrumental in helping resettle refugees? To hear directly from one of these families, join me this Saturday at Congregation Sons of Israel at 1666 Pleasantville Road in Briarcliff Manor: open to all. To learn more about this story on how Ossining has been the safe space for these families... click here.