Since learning of the tragic events in Memphis and the tragic death of Mr. Nichols, it is clear to me and many in the community that the officers behaved inhumanely and inappropriately. I am sad and angry for the family and friends of Tyre Nichols, and the ramifications this has for people of color in the hands of police officers. Trust must be rebuilt. I applaud the statement made by the New York State Chiefs of Police.

Click here (https://www.nychiefs.org/)

January 2023 Update

Over the past three years, the Village has received nearly $30 million in State, Federal, and County funding. This is a testament to the strong relationships that this administration has built with government agencies and our elected representatives. Just last week, the Westchester County Association and Non-profit sponsored A Conversation with US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. During this meeting, the Senator focused on Federal initiatives impacting our County and cited the $4 Million in funding via the Omnibus Bill for the Ossining Rt 9 Road Diet. These relationships will continue to be critically important as Ossining embarks on implementing the multiple initiatives under DRI, Project MOVER, and the Road Diet projects. Recent funding facilitated by former Assemblymember Sandy Galef is being used to augment our DRI initiatives by funding the upgrade of our historic 5 Corner Intersection at Main and Spring Streets. Funding facilitated through Senators Reichlin-Melnick, and Harckham is being used to improve our parks with more inclusive playground facilities.

As our community revitalizes, we will demonstrate that these funds have been invested wisely. We will make room for more governmental partnerships to support important regional initiatives such as the Sing Sing Prison Museum and more active recreational use of our unique and beautiful riverfront. As we go out to bid on the new Indian Brook Water Treatment Plant, we will be looking for support through Federal and State water infrastructure programs to ensure that our most precious water resource is protected from contaminants, for us now and for future generations. In contrast, we look for ways to minimize the impact on our water ratepayers.

Ossining’s success represents the efforts of everyone on staff and local government. It is buoyed significantly by the support of our County, State, and Federal representatives. Equally important is the realignment of our staff and consultants who work well together to improve the quality and quantity of the work being done through every corner of our Village.

History, saved and preserved, is the foundation for future generations. History is crucial to preserving democracy for the future, explaining our shared past through the preservation of authentic, meaningful places, documents, artifacts, images, and stories. We leave a foundation upon which future Americans can build. Without preserving our histories, future citizens will have no grounding, and what it means to be part of the fabric of our community.

The work of Village Historian, currently held by Joyce Sharrock Cole, is essential to our community. Her points of interest and research benefit the Village and other community touch points like Bethany Arts Center.

Thank you, Village Historian Cole, for curating another amazing Black History Month program. I invite our community to join and visit the many Ossining events related to paying tribute to the generations who struggled with adversity throughout our country.

This week’s Legislative Meeting will take place on Wednesday February 1, 2023 at 16 Croton at 7:30PM.

Some items of note: 

-The Village Board will begin with a public hearing on the CPCRB local law.

-The BOT has a resolution to consider the 5 South Malcolm Street license agreement.

-As discussed in the presentation at the last legislative Meeting, there is a resolution to go out to bid on the pool work at the Community Center.

-We will also have a resolution to call for a public hearing on changes to the Vehicle and Traffic section of the code, specific to overnight/ hardship, commercial vehicles parking on street overnight, and Municipal Lot #1.

-Finally, we will have a Special Presentation for the CPCRB’s annual presentation to the Board.