Mayor Rika Levin
Contact the Mayor - call (914) 941-3554 or send email to levin@villageofossiningny.gov
January 14, 2026
Good evening everyone and thank you for being here.
I want to start by saying how grateful I am—to our residents, our Village staff, our volunteers, our businesses and my colleagues on the Board of Trustees. Ossining is a community that shows up.
The simple message of tonight’s State of the Village is this:
Ossining is moving forward—and we’re doing it responsibly, thoughtfully, equitably and together.
Fiscal Responsibility First
Let me begin with the basics: how we manage your tax dollars.
This year, the Village Board adopted a $65.84 million budget that stays within the New York State tax cap and reduces the tax rate for the fifth year in a row.
That means we are protecting taxpayers while still investing in the services, infrastructure, and quality of life for our residents. That balance matters.
From Vision to Action Downtown
For decades, Ossining talked about revitalizing our downtown. Today, we are doing it.
We broke ground on the Multi-Modal Transportation Hub, the first major project of our Downtown Revitalization Initiative. When it’s completed in early 2027, it will provide more than 200 parking spaces, e-bike access, green space and the foundation for a stronger, more vibrant downtown.
This project isn’t just about parking—it’s about enabling the next generation of downtown growth.
Investing in Sustainable Infrastructure
Strong communities are built on strong infrastructure.
We approved construction of a new water treatment plant, a generational investment that will ensure clean, safe drinking water for decades to come.
At the same time, we are advancing the Route 9 Road Diet, which will calm traffic, improve pedestrian safety, add street parking, and reconnect parts of our Village that were divided long ago by Urban Renewal.
These projects fix what was broken—and prepare us for the future.
Creating Spaces That Bring People Together
Through State and DRI funding, we are investing in places that build community.
That includes a new Market Square Plaza, performance space, adjacent projects like the Opera House renovations and improvements that respect Ossining’s historic character while embracing sustainability.
These are the kinds of spaces where community life happens.
Reinvesting in the Community Center
The Caputo Community Center is the heart of Ossining—and we’re treating it that way.
We’ve already completed major upgrades to the pool, locker rooms, roof, and HVAC system. And in 2026, we’ll break ground on a $2.5 million full-building modernization, funded through the DRI.
This center serves everyone—from seniors to families to young people—and it deserves that investment.
Housing That Reflects Our Values
Housing remains one of the most important challenges facing our community and our region—and we are taking a proactive approach.
At 30 Water Street, we are transforming a former DPW site into 109 affordable apartments with community and commercial space, turning an underutilized property into a place people can call home.
On Croton Avenue, Crescent Manor Ossining will deliver 74 affordable senior apartments, create 159 construction jobs, and preserve a site with deep community history.
In addition, we have brought developers to the table to reimagine a long-standing, desolate industrial property on State Street, creating opportunities for affordable homeownership and new rental housing—breathing new life into a site that has sat dormant for far too long.
And in the heart of downtown, Spring and Main will add new housing above ground-floor retail, increasing residential density where it makes sense—steps from transit, shops, and services—supporting our businesses while strengthening the fabric of Main Street.
Together, these projects ensure Ossining remains a community where people can buy a home, rent an apartment, raise a family, and age in place—all within the Village they love.
Safer Streets and Better Mobility
We are making Ossining easier and safer to get around.
From Project MOVER e-bikes to multimodal parking near downtown and commuter hubs, we’re expanding transportation options that support walkability, reduce congestion, and improve daily life.
Public Safety With Trust and Accountability
Public safety works best when it’s built on trust.
We implemented the Police Reform Collaborative, incorporating hundreds of resident voices, strengthened civilian oversight through the Civilian Police Complaint Review Board, and negotiated a new police contract—the first in years.
These steps support both accountability and stability.
Supporting Those Who Serve
We also stood up for the people who protect us.
This Board approved LOSAP, a long-overdue pension benefit for our volunteer firefighters. Voters supported it by an overwhelming margin—because they understand the value of service and sacrifice.
Investing in Our Young People
Through the creation of Ossining’s Youth Bureau, we delivered 13 programs serving more than 400 young people last year alone.
Every student who applied for a summer job received one. Middle school after-school participation increased by 25%. Programs now include STEM, workforce readiness, sports, mentoring, advocacy, and financial literacy.
That’s how you invest in the future.
Standing for Inclusion and Dignity
We also reaffirmed Ossining’s values by passing a resolution prohibiting our Police Department from assisting in ICE detentions—because public safety depends on trust and dignity for everyone who calls Ossining home.
A Community That Leads Together
Finally, I want to recognize the power of civic engagement in Ossining.
More than 13 volunteer boards and committees help shape Village policy—on everything from the environment and historic preservation to youth services and budgeting.
That participation strengthens our democracy and our decisions.
Closing
Ossining is not standing still.
We are correcting past mistakes, investing wisely, and building a Village that is more connected, greener, more accessible, more equitable, and more resilient.
I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together—and even more excited about where we’re going.
Thank you for being part of it.