Hope everyone is staying safe and warm through this latest bout of inclement weather! Here’s hoping the groundhog was wrong in predicting six more weeks of winter earlier this month.
Before turning to Town business, a word on world news. I join leaders around the world in condemning the unprovoked attack on Ukraine by the Russian military. We must stand in solidarity with the brave Ukrainian people who are facing an unimaginable horror right now. I know this situation is especially challenging also for Ukrainian immigrants around the world, including right here in Ossining and New York, who are concerned about the safety of their loved ones and their homeland. Please know the thoughts and prayers of the world are with you now for peace in Ukraine and the surrounding countries.
Here in Town government, we started the week by participating in the annual Association of Towns Conference, held virtually for the second year in a row. During the conference, we heard from US Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, NYS Governor Kathy Hochul, NYS Attorney General Letitia James, NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, and NYS Senator Liz Krueger regarding funding and programs for local governments. At both the federal and state levels, unprecedented levels of funding are slated for local governments and infrastructure, from our roads and bridges, to our cyber security, which we know is of critical importance in light of the current geopolitical climate. In the Governor’s Budget Proposal, there is also a significant increase proposed for the Environmental Protection Fund, which will help New York and local governments meet our climate goals. We are grateful to Governor Hochul and our federal and state legislators for understanding the importance of local governments and our infrastructure, and for working to ensure adequate funding is available to us for our work serving our communities.
As February winds to a close, remember that Ossining’s celebration of Black History Month continues this weekend, and also into March a little bit too! Bethany Arts Community will be holding a Paint and Poetry Jam tonight, Friday, February 25 from 7pm to 9pm, with spoken word artists and paint artists creating art together, bringing each other’s works to life. What a beautiful and inspiring way to end the week. There are more events featured under the “Celebrating Black History Month” tab here; be sure to check it out!
Lastly, a reminder that the online comment form on our Draft Comprehensive Plan, entitled “Sustainable Ossining,” will close soon, so please review the plan and make your comments now by visiting the project website, www.SustainableOssining.com. We are extending the comment period to allow more time to collect your input, such that it will now close next Friday, March 4. We will also be opening the public hearing on “Sustainable Ossining” at our next legislative session on March 8, which will be held via Zoom. We really want to hear from you as we put the finishing touches on our collective vision for the Town!
Please stay safe and warm!
--Dana
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