Village Newsletter: April 15, 2021
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Pool registration, Earth Month challenge, parking permits 2021-2022, road paving, Mobile Shredder, Library happenings
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Tentative Budget hearing, new building at Master's School, Parklet rules amended, Earth Month activities approved, Affordable Housing Action Plan, Sidewalk Cafe permit fees waived, Gould Park Playground contracted awarded, Youth Services Coalition evaluation and PSA, Police Department Positive Youth Development Program, Riverkeeper Sweep approved, Great Saw Mill River Cleanup, Pollinator Pathways, Chauncey Park
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The Dobbs Ferry Fire Department honors the memory of volunteer firefighter Thomas Gardner.
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Above, outgoing Fire Department Chief Edward Marron onsite at a house fire. Below, the shields of newly elected fire chiefs, Chief William Osborn, 1st Assistant Chief Daniel Gardner, and 2nd Assistant Chief Joe Giuliano.
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Over the past year, and throughout the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fire Department Chief Ed Marron admirably led the department through a very challenging time. He made sure his team members had adequate PPE when out on calls. He found ways to continue training despite restrictions. And he advised Village leadership on issues of public safety during these trying times. We are grateful for his service, and for all of the work he does on-duty and off to help keep our Village safe. On April 8th, Chief Marron handed over the reins of the department to newly elected Chief William Osborn who is joined in department leadership by 1st Assistant Chief Daniel Gardner and 2nd Assistant Chief Joe Giuliano. I am looking forward to working with these dedicated volunteers who consistently go above and beyond to serve our Village.
Unfortunately, the pandemic is not over. As hopeful as we are with the roll out of the vaccines, we stand at 72 active cases in our Village today. Until enough of our population is fully vaccinated to keep the virus at bay, we must continue to be cautious when interacting with people from other households and in public. We need to still wear masks when out and about. We need to maintain social distance. We need to limit travel if we can. It is hard to not let our guard down and to maintain vigilance. Our high school students produced a public service announcement to help show us the way when we are disappointed with the current state of affairs. See below. It is an impressive undertaking.
Finally, our hearts are with the family of Daunte Wright in Minnesota. Our Village leadership, including Police Chief Guevara, are more committed than ever to ensuring that the recommendations in our Police Reform and Reinvention Plan are implemented to improve public safety and service and re-establish trust with our entire population.
Be well and wear a mask,
Vincent Rossillo
Village Mayor
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Pool membership registration opening Monday
Get ready for summer! Registration for the 2021 pool season will open up Monday, April 19th. For this pool season, we are returning to pool memberships exclusively for entry to the pool. There will be no "pay as you go" for swimming like last year.
Membership allows entry into the pool area every day the pool is open during the 2021 summer season. If COVID-19 is still widespread, time slot reservations will occur for pool members only. At this time, due to COVID-19 restrictions, non-resident memberships will not be allowed but may change as restrictions open up. The Dobbs Ferry Recreation Department reserves the right to close the pool and adjust pool policies at any time due to variable conditions.
New this year, pool memberships will occur ONLINE through our registration website. If you don't have access to a computer or a way to register online, please call our office at 914-693-0024 to set up a time to stop by our office to get your pool membership.
General Pool Info
Pool Registration Information
For more information about memberships, pool info, and how to sign up, head to our pool webpage by clicking here.
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Community Solar and Grid Rewards event
This Sunday, April 18th at 5pm, learn how to save money, earn cash and make a positive impact with two easy energy actions. We are participating in a friendly Rivertowns competition, so fight your inertia, and let your competitive spirit help Dobbs Ferry win for the most sign ups in the Rivertowns.
Community Solar allows almost all utility customers without solar panels on their homes to support renewable energy and benefit from 10% savings on their energy bill. You choose a solar farm for your subscription, and receive 10% off your energy bill. For more information, and frequently asked questions, check out the Sustainable Westchester Community Solar page. There is no cost to join and no cancellation fee, and renters as well as homeowners can benefit.
Grid Rewards addresses the problem of heavy energy use especially during the summer months when air conditioners are operating at full capacity. At these peak times, electric utilities need to fall back on their "peaker plants" to meet energy demand. These fall-back power plants are the least efficient and the most expensive, and they rely on fossil fuels. For this reason, the utility is willing to pay customers to reduce energy demand at these peak times. If you sign up for Grid Rewards, you will receive a notice on your phone or via email that a peak event is occurring. If you reduce your energy use (eg raise the temperature on your thermostat by a few degrees), you will be rewarded at the end of the season with a check in the mail. The Executive Director of Sustainable Westchester (and Dobbs resident), Nina Orville, received $150 back last year, but her extremely assiduous colleague earned $700!
To learn how to sign up for both programs, join us on Sunday at 5pm via Zoom:
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Community Solar explainer
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Parking permits for 2021-2022
Parking permits for 2021-2022 will go on sale May 3rd and will be valid for one year beginning June 1. We have a new online application system, and ask that you purchase your permits online if you can. We are still trying to reduce in-person exposure for residents and staff. If you are not able to manage the online system, or do not have a computer, you can purchase a parking permit at the window in our Administrative offices on the second floor of Village Hall at 112 Main Street. We will still ask you to fill out your information via the online system at the computer in the vestibule, but someone will be on hand to assist you beginning May 3rd between the hours of 8:30am and 12pm.
For information about annual permits and fees, as well as instructions for the online system, please visit https://www.dobbsferry.com/parking-permit-applications
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 Road Paving Notice
The Village of Dobbs Ferry will be milling and paving on the streets listed below. Please keep in mind that the work is contingent on the weather.
MILLING WILL BEGIN:
Date: Monday, April 26, 2021
Time: 7AM to 5PM
Locations:
- Tiernans Lane from Main Street to Dead End
- Transvaal Street from Bellewood Avenue to Estherwood Avenue
- Kitching Place from Scenic Drive to Clinton Avenue
PAVING WILL BEGIN:
Date: Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Time: 7AM to 5PM
Locations:
- Tiernans Lane from Main Street to Dead End
- Transvaal Street from Bellewood Avenue to Estherwood Avenue
- Kitching Place from Scenic Drive to Clinton Avenue
Thank you for your patience and understanding as this project is completed. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Department of Public Works for more information at (914) 231-8507 or email jdorman@dobbsferry.com.
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Mobile Shredder coming to Dobbs Ferry
Bring your confidential papers and documents to get shredded and recycled at our Mobile Shredder event at the Waterfront Park from 9am to 12pm on Friday, April 29.
Residents can bring up to four file-sized (10”x12”x15”) boxes of confidential papers per household. Remove all large binder clips and covers. Papers from businesses, institutions or commercial enterprises are not acceptable and will be rejected, as will any junk mail or newspapers.
Service at the events works on a first-come-first-served basis, as the Mobile Shredder unit can reach its maximum capacity before closing time.
Residents are required to stay in their vehicles. Staff will attend to you. This is for your own safety. No walk ups, please.
In extreme weather, events may be cancelled or terminated early. Please call the county's Recycling Helpline at (914) 813-5425 to check on a cancellation or early closure.
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The Library is open!
Open for brief in-person browsing, ½ hour computer use sessions, notary public service, EZ passes, and outdoor terrace seating – One person or family group at a time will be scheduled in 30 minute increments beginning ½ hour after opening and ending 1 hour before closing times. Call the Circulation Desk at (914) 693-6614 to schedule an appointment. Click here for more details!
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Poetry Zoom Slam
April 17th, 3:00-5:00pm
Click here for details!
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FerryCon!
April 24th, 10am - 6pm
It's going to be big this year. So many events. Cosplay contest, Studio Ghibli trivia, So many sessions with artists, writers, illustrators. Check out the Library website for all of the details!
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Public Hearing on the Tentative Budget 2021-2022
A public hearing was held to consider the Tentative Budget 2021-2022. Village Treasurer, Jeff Chuhta, explained that due to conservative budgeting practices, the Village's financial health is better than was anticipated when the pandemic struck last year. Nevertheless, as a result of the downward adjustment on several key revenue sources the budget proposes a 2.5% increase in the tax rate, the first such increase in several years. This will increase the Village portion of property taxes by $7.09 for every $1000 of assessed value on a home, which will amount to approximately $100 more for the average homeowner. Village taxes account for 20% of property taxes, while the majority (approximately 68%) go to the school district and the remainder to the Town and the County. Despite the tax rate increase, we continue to have one of the lowest tax rates among Rivertowns Villages, and unfortunately, our neighbors are all contending with the same challenges this year. Our 2021-2022 tax levy will increase by 3.63% which remains within the tax cap imposed by Albany. 64% of budgeted expenditures are dedicated to personnel and benefits. If you would like to watch the Treasurer's presentation, you can access video of the 4/13 Board of Trustees meeting on YouTube and the public hearing on the Budget is first on the agenda.
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New Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center on Masters School campus
The Board of Trustees considered a presentation by representatives for the Masters School regarding the proposed construction of a 22,361 sq ft. Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center to accommodate its expanding engineering and computer science curriculum. The building will not add any additional students or staff to the campus, but rather accommodates classes already taking place in a variety of existing buildings. For this reason the new building should not have an impact on traffic. The Board referred the site plan review to the Planning Board to consider at their next meeting on May 6, to the AHRB, and established itself as the lead agency for environmental reviews for compliance with SEQRA.
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Parklet rules amended
The Parklet program will continue in 2021 with amended rules and procedures. The Parklet participants will be permitted to install temporary structures for coverage as long as they secure prior permission from the Building Department to ensure safety and compliance with code. Parklet participants must submit a plan or diagram that includes information about the materials in use, dimensions, and plans for support or weight that will keep the temporary covering or structure in place. Plans must be submitted to Building Inspector Ed Manley: emanley@dobbsferry.com.
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Earth Month activities approved
The Board approved two of the upcoming Earth Month activities that will take place on Village Property. Play Streets will take place on Sunday, April 18th from 2-5pm along Bellewood Avenue and on Price Street. Those streets will be closed to allow children to play outside in the neighborhoods and ride their bikes without worries about cars for the afternoon. The coordinators for the events are responsible for assigning volunteers to maintain the barricades and keep a list for contact tracing as they did at the Halloween trick or treating event this past fall. The Board also approved a "Ditch your Car/Bring your Wheels" Event to take place in the parking lot at 99 Cedar Street on the corner of Palisade and Cedar Streets from 3 to 6pm. This event will encourage residents to walk or ride into town, and come learn about various forms of alternative transportation methods -- such as e-bikes, skateboards, scooters, roller skates, and more. The public events will require masks and social distancing.
For more on other activities organized for Earth Month check out the events page at Sustainable Dobbs.
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Affordable Housing Action Plan with Pace Land Use Center
The Board approved the request from the Affordable Housing Task Force to contract with the Pace Land Use Law Center to produce an Affordable Housing Action Plan. The Task Force has worked since its inception to familiarize itself with affordable housing issues in the Village and the region, and policy solutions that can apply in our context. The Plan would set forth concrete steps and clear, actionable strategies to expand the availability of affordable housing for a wide variety of people in Dobbs Ferry. The work with Pace Land Use Law Center will include public engagement with community workshops to solicit input from residents.
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Fees waived for Sidewalk Café Permits
As they did last year, the Board of Trustees waived the fees for Sidewalk Café permits in order to support outdoor dining as much as possible while we continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVD-19. Businesses must still fill out the permit application and submit information as detailed in the Local Law which can be found here.
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Gould Park Playground bid awarded
The contract for construction of the Gould Park Playground was awarded to Pat Corsetti, Inc. as recommended by Superintendent of Recreation Kendra Garrison and County Planner Suzette Lopane. The company not only submitted the lowest bid, but has also successfully completed a number of regional projects including the Sprain Ridge Playground in 2017 and Deluca Park in 2019.
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Youth Services Coalition program evaluator identified
The Board of Trustees approved a contract award to Epiphany Community Services for evaluation of the Coalition and its programming to improve outcomes and better track the impact of the Coalition on the community. The Youth Services Coalition has been awarded a five-year grant from the Drug Free America Foundation, and much of the work takes place in partnership with the school district. The consultant evaluators will survey the community and identify needs in Dobbs Ferry, examine the work of the Coalition, and make recommendations for ways the Coalition can improve processes and programming to best serve the needs of the community.
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PSA Created by Dobbs Ferry High School Students as part of a Youth Services Coalition project with the assistance of Jonathan Kleinman and Kelly Foster at the High School.
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Police Department continues Positive Youth Development program
The Board of Trustees authorized Chief Guevara to enter into an Intermunicipal Agreement with Westchester County to continue the Positive Youth Development program. The program designates a a Youth Officer who works with the Recreation Department and area schools and childcare facilities to provide programming to educate youth in non-violent conflict resolution, positive alternatives, decision making, substance abuse, combatting peer pressure and good citizenship.
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10th Annual Riverkeeper Sweep approved
On May 1, the 10th Annual Riverkeeper Sweep was approved. To learn more about the event or register, sign up here.
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12th Annual Great Saw Mill River Cleanup approved in two Dobbs locations
The Great Saw Mill River Cleanup will happen in two Dobbs Ferry locations this year. In addition to the Lawrence Street site, the other will be at Chauncey Park, the property along the Saw Mill River behind the Danforth at Rivertowns Square. For more information: https://www.groundworkhv.org/event/great-saw-mill-river-cleanup/
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Pollinator Pathway signs approved
The Board of Trustees approved the request by the Sustainability Task Force to distribute medallions to homeowners making an effort to plant gardens that promote healthy habitats for pollinators and plant native species.
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Chauncey Park addition
The Board heard from Chet Kerr, President of the Irvington Land Trust, about the work he has been doing over the past year with a group of Dobbs Ferry residents to help the Village acquire an 8.4acre parcel of property adjacent to the Saw Mill River that would expand Chauncey Park. When the two parcels, are combined with another adjacent parcel owned by the Village it would create a 14.8 acre park for residents to enjoy. Following environmental review, the Board anticipates adopting a resolution at the next Board meeting to confirm interest in the property. The County Parks Board will hold a public hearing at their May 1 meeting to consider the request.
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Earth Month Activities
Sustainable and Healthy Yards Demonstration
Saturday, April 17, 3-4pm
151 Judson Avenue, Dobbs Ferry
Learn how you can make your yard more climate — and neighbor — friendly! Experts on sustainable landscaping will answer all your questions and demonstrate how to have a beautiful yard, without the noise and pollution of gas-powered leaf blowers.
Play Streets
Sunday, April 18, 2-5pm
2 locations
Play Streets are happening simultaneously in two Dobbs Ferry neighborhoods Saturday, April 18th!
Our Streets Dobbs Ferry and the Westchester Youth Congress are working with Feet on the Street partners and residents to create low-traffic street closures for biking, rolling, and playing. Families are hitting the streets with their favorite set of wheels and street games, including skateboarding tutorials and chalk art.
DITCH YOUR CAR, DOBBS FERRY!
Saturday, April 24, 3-6pm
Join us (car-free) on April 24th from 4-6 PM at the 99 Cedar Street Parking Lot for:
•E-Bike Demonstrations (featuring Sleek E-Bikes of Tarrytown)
•Skateboarding Basics
•Bike Decorating & a Bike Parade for Kids
(It’s BYOW: Bring Your Own Wheels)
DITCH YOUR CAR is part of the Feet on the Street campaign (a collaboration between Sustainable Dobbs, Our Streets Dobbs Ferry, the Village of Dobbs Ferry, the Dobbs Ferry Traffic Committee, and HudCo) happening throughout Earth Month in April.
12th Annual Great Saw Mill River Cleanup 2021 with Groundwork Hudson Valley
Saturday, April 24, 10am - 1pm
Every year, hundreds of volunteers join the Saw Mill River Coalition to haul out tons of trash and debris, leaving the river cleaner and free-flowing for the critters and human folk to enjoy. Volunteers choose from nine sites in Yonkers, Irvington, Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, and Hastings each April around Earth Day to make a major impact on the health of the river.
Multiple locations, click here for details
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Do you have a community event you would like to include in the biweekly Village newsletter? Email us.
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