Village Newsletter: Aug. 12, 2021
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Gould Park Playground, Dobbs Ferry Historical Society, Ashford Avenue restoration, Mobile Shredder, Embassy Club photos, Library happenings, Spotted Lanternfly sighting, Pollinator Pathway medallions
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Community Solar for Village, Smoking prohibitions, Library Board, 19 Livingston, Scotty Shevlin Day, Tree Code changes, Festa canceled, Cannabis Legalization Community Forum, CEC grant award, Library Construction grant
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Vaccine clinics, Construction job fair, American Rescue Plan Act Fund public forum, Emergency Rental Assistance Program
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Excluded Workers Fund, Independent Redistricting Commission
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Our Streets - Community Walking Tour
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75.7% of eligible Village residents have been vaccinated. We can do better. Please help keep us all healthy by getting vaccinated. Go to vaccinefinder.org to find a location or check out info on the County's walk-in clinics below.
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I hope everyone's summer has been somewhat restful and restorative after enduring such a challenging year. Unfortunately, the most recent news about the delta variant's spread in our region demonstrates that our struggle with COVID-19 is not yet fully behind us. It is for this reason that the Board of Trustees made the reluctant decision to cancel Ferry Festa this year. Our Festa draws up to 15,000 people annually from all over the region. Although at 15 COVID cases in Dobbs, we are far from where we were in 2020, our neighboring communities are struggling with significant spikes. After seeing other outdoor gatherings drawing daunting crowds in places like Provincetown, MA , leading to an uptick in cases, we decided that it is best to wait until next year to celebrate together.
75.7% of our community has at least one dose of the vaccine, and those who are vaccinated are very rarely hospitalized with COVID. Nevertheless, the latest research demonstrates that vaccinated individuals can transmit the delta variant of the virus, and we have many in our Village, including children under 12, who are still not eligible to receive the vaccine. We just did not want to take the risk with Festa. I will look forward to seeing you all on Main and Cedar Streets next year for the good food and good music we all appreciate. I encourage you to get vaccinated if you are eligible and haven't done so already.
In better news, after many frustrating months, Con Edison will be repaving Ashford Avenue next week. They postponed their original schedule due to the heat. Traffic on Ashford Avenue next Monday and Tuesday will be reduced to a single lane and westbound traffic will be re-routed entirely. Stay away if you can. It won't be pretty. In accordance with our Village Code, Con Ed will pave the westbound lane, the half of the street that they have disturbed.
Looking ahead, we have some important decisions to make as a Board for which we want to hear from you. We will be hosting a second cannabis legalization forum on October 6th at 7pm. Our community needs to decide by the end of this year whether to opt in or out of hosting retail establishments that sell marijuana. As with alcohol, now that cannabis is legal, it will be sold in the equivalent of liquor stores and bars across the state. It will be highly regulated as with alcohol, and if we opt in, we will have the opportunity to impose additional rules and procedures governing such establishments. These are decisions that impact the entire community, so please join the conversation and make your opinion known. Come to the community forum on October 6th. You may also submit written comments to Village Clerk Liz Dreaper at ldreaper@dobbsferry.com.
Finally, a reminder that you can stay cool on these hot days by catching up on your summer reading at our Dobbs Ferry Library. Masks still required.
Vincent Rossillo
Village Mayor
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Gould Park Playground coming soon!
Interim Village Administrator Richard Leins got a tour of the new Gould Park playground from Superintendent of Recreation Kendra Garrison, and in his words, "It's awesome!" The Recreation Department has been giving Gould Park's new grass time to grow, but the playground equipment will be ready for play soon. The Recreation Department will be hosting a community planting event this fall. Stay tuned for announcements about these events in the coming weeks.
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Dobbs Ferry Historical Society presentation for seniors
The Dobbs Ferry Historical Society hosted a great event for our seniors program on Friday, August 6. Participants were treated to a lecture by Robin Costello, Treasurer, and Madeline Byrne, President of the Dobbs Ferry Historical Society, about stained glass windows in Dobbs Ferry architecture. Scaperotta's Deli generously provided lunch and Stop and Shop provided a cake for the occasion, and the Town of Greenburgh Nutrition Program served the meal to seniors. Thanks to all who contributed! The Seniors program had to limit the number of attendees, but the Historical Society has graciously offered to run this program again in the fall if there are other interested seniors in the community. Please contact Senior Advocate Abby Connett at 693-0024 if interested. A great big thanks to the Historical Society and Senior Advocate Abby Connett for coordinating a wonderful program.
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Ashford Avenue Restoration
Petrillo Contracting, on behalf of Con Edison, will begin milling and paving Ashford Avenue on Monday, August 16th 2021. They will be paving the westbound lane as required in our village code. They also will restore sidewalks, curbs and other elements they removed, but will not be installing any new sidewalks in the Village.
The paving and milling of Ashford and side streets will begin at 8am daily and will last approximately 2 weeks. The tentative schedule for the first week is as follows:
- Monday, August 16th – Milling Ashford Avenue from King Street to Washington Avenue
- Tuesday, August 17th – Paving Ashford Avenue from King Street to Washington Avenue
- Wednesday, August 18th – Milling and paving Virginia Avenue, Washington Avenue and Myrtle Avenue. Peduto Contracting, on behalf of Con Edison, restoring sidewalks on Ashford Avenue between King Street and Washington Avenue
- Thursday, August 19th – Milling and paving Virginia Avenue, Washington Avenue and Myrtle Avenue. Peduto Contracting, on behalf of Con Edison, restoring sidewalks on Ashford Avenue between King Street and Washington Avenue
- Friday, August 20th – Milling and paving Lefurgy Avenue and Haynes Avenue
Westbound Ashford Avenue traffic will be closed for two days
The north side of Ashford Avenue (same side as Ogden Fire House) from Washington Avenue to King Street will be completely closed off to westbound traffic (the direction when driving from Ardsley to Dobbs) on Monday & Tuesday while the milling and paving is being conducted. Eastbound traffic will be still be allowed on Ashford Avenue but delays are expected.
There will be various detours posted throughout the Village to allow passage through the Village. Detours listed below:
- Motorists travelling westbound on Ashford Avenue from Ardsley or coming out of Northfield Avenue or Saw Mill River Parkway southbound will be directed on to Southfield Avenue to Hickory Hill Drive to Price Street to Chestnut Ridge Way to Ogden Avenue to Beacon Hill Drive which will take you back out on to Ashford Avenue.
- Residents who live on Briary Road, Shady Lane and the surrounding neighborhood will not have westbound access to Ashford Avenue and will be directed to the following streets
- From Secor Drive, right on Luzern Road, left on Manor Place, left on Temple Road, right on Highland Avenue, and right Lefurgy Avenue northbound to where it intersects with Washington Avenue
- Other detours may be posted on the day of milling and paving, please make sure to be aware of flaggers and traffic control devices.
Please make sure that you allow ample time to get to your destination if you are travelling through the Village of Dobbs Ferry. If it is possible to avoid Ashford Avenue, please make every effort to do so.
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Mobile Shredder at Waterfront Park: August 19
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 Thursday, August 19.
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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Embassy Club photos?
The Village is looking for historic photos of the Embassy Club and the construction of the Embassy Center building. You may have a treasure in your attic and you don't even know it. If you think you have some history you want to share, please reach out. We want to hear from you. You can contact Abby Connett at 693-0024 or Alissa Fasman at 231-8512.
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Goats in Waterfront Park
Kids aged 4+: Go-go-go to meet real goats in Dobbs Ferry! Ms. Anna of Nyack brings two of her goats, which you can meet in Waterfront Park on Saturday August 14 at 11am-12pm!
Masks required. Email dobchildref@wlsmail.org to register/get the exact location!
#goats #farm #animals
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Book Reviewing Workshop
Teens! Come to a presentation by professional book reviewer Madeline Newquist. Learn about book reviews, ask questions about publishing, and get THREE tickets for the summer reading challenge! On Monday August 16 at 4:30-6pm.
Register here: https://bit.ly/3AbKQx7
#dobbsferry #teens #bookreview #dobbs #dfpl #dobbsferryny #amreading #reading
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Ice Cream!
Did you participate in the kids or teens summer reading programs? Come to our Outdoor Ice Cream Party Finale sponsored by Penny Lick Ice Cream! Get sweet treats on Fri Aug 20 at 2-3pm!
Email dobchildref@wlsmail.org to register/get the exact location!
#summerreading #icecream
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Invasive Insect Alert from the Conservation Advisory Board
A spotted lanternfly (SLF) has been identified at the corner of Scenic and Ferndale in Hastings. If you see this invasive pest, please kill it and notify the Dobbs Ferry Conservation Advisory Board (https://www.dobbsferry.com/home/webforms/contact-us) and NYS DEC (spottedlanternfly@agriculture.ny.gov). SLFs have devastated areas of Pennsylvania and are now chewing their way through New Jersey.
The SLF is a beautiful-looking insect, so it may seem counterintuitive to smash it, but hordes of them are on their way and they will quickly damage area trees. In addition, they leave a sticky mess behind which is wholly unpleasant. Next summer, you may find your outdoor furniture coated in a sticky residue and the flies landing on your neck or fluttering in your face.
If you’re feeling unsure about the identification, there are smartphone apps that can be used to help identify insects (and plants).
We won't be able to keep the Rivertowns entirely clear of these insects but citizen campaigns to eradicate them WILL make a difference.
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Pollinator Pathway Medallions available from the Sustainability Task Force
 How do I qualify to be a Dobbs Ferry Pollinator Pathway Garden?
Any pesticide-free garden that provides food and habitat with pollinator-friendly native and non-native plants is a pollinator garden. Get started with just a plant or two! You can grow your garden gradually. This is not about size - it is about a commitment moving forward. Residents can add anywhere from one pollinator-friendly tree or plant, to a small pollinator garden, to a full meadow.
We only have three requirements to purchase and display a medallion:
1. Go pesticide/chemical free
2. Plant native plants
3. Rethink your lawn (consider organic fertilizer; leave grass clippings on your lawn/mulch mow leaves; convert some lawn area to native plants; leave some leaves in beds/non-lawn areas for overwintering insects)
The 5 1/2 inch medallion featured above is now available for you to display in your Dobbs Ferry native garden. The medallion has two small holes so it can be attached to a stake or a fence. Medallions are available from Kathy Dean at kathydean64@gmail.com. The cost is $10 per medallion ($12 if you want the medallion delivered to your home). The Sustainability Task Force is in the process of adding content to the Sustainable Dobbs Website regarding the pollinator pathway project. We hope to have that info available in September 2021.
Special thanks to our pollinator pathway friends in Hastings-on-Hudson and Ardsley who supplied all the know how we needed to design and implement this project.
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Community Solar for municipalities
Leo Wiegman, the Director of Solar Programs at Sustainable Westchester, presented to the Board on the opportunity for the Village to sign on to a community solar development and save on electric bills. Much like the opportunity available to residents, municipalities also now have the chance to reduce their New York Power Authority bills while supporting local solar development. The two current solar farm projects are in Elmsford and Yonkers. The Village could save between an estimated $2,000 and $5,000 every year.
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Smoking prohibition law revised
After closing the public hearing, the Board voted unanimously to revise Chapter 112 of the Village Code which governs consumption of alcoholic beverages and smoking. Previously, smoking of all substances was only banned in public parks in the Village. Other State and County laws ban smoking elsewhere such as in outdoor service areas of restaurants including on patios and sidewalks, within 100 ft of schools, on hospital campuses, and in waiting areas for public transportation facilities. With the aim of reducing exposure to secondhand smoke, the new law expands smoking prohibitions beyond parks to recreation areas including playgrounds, athletic fields and courts, spectator areas or bleachers, and picnic areas, and areas within 12 feet from the above areas when in use by members of the public.
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Local Law approved to amend Library Board terms of service
Elizabeth Hobson and Library Board Member Alison Hendele presented a proposal to reduce the term for Library Board Members from 5 to 3 years, believing that interested volunteers would be less deterred by a shorter length of commitment. The Board unanimously approved the change.
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Public hearing set to consider affordable housing waiver
The developer of 19 Livingston Avenue has requested a waiver of affordable housing requirements for the 8-unit townhome development they have submitted for review. The Board requested additional information pertaining to their proposal and set the public hearing to consider their request for the September 28th Board of Trustees meeting on the condition that additional information is received in advance of the meeting.
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Friday, Oct. 1 declared David "Scotty" Shevlin Day
Mark Leggiero, on behalf of a concerned committee, presented a proposal to the Board of Trustees requesting that Friday, October 1 be declared Scotty Shevlin Day in Dobbs Ferry. Scotty Shevlin passed away last summer, and is well remembered in the community for his public service, his work as a teacher at Dobbs Ferry High School, his role as announcer at Dobbs Ferry High School football games for 47 years, and his dedication to the community and the youth of the Village. The committee also proposes installing a boulder at Gould Park with a plaque in Scotty's remembrance. The Board approved the request, asking for more information about the size and placement of the rock when the time comes. A proclamation will be crafted for presentation this fall.
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Public hearing set for amendments to Tree Removal code
Amendments to Chapter 300-51 of the Village code pertaining to tree removal will be considered at a public hearing at the October 12th Board of Trustees meeting. Trustee Patino in cooperation with the Conservation Advisory Board suggested policy changes that insert additional protections for trees on both public and private property. The draft code would establish clearer processes for securing a tree removal permit, impose increasing violations based on size and protected status of tree if improperly removed, would provide for a restoration agreement in lieu of fines, and would establish a Tree Fund, similar to the Recreation Fund, to contribute to tree preservation and restoration throughout the Village. The Village attorney will draft a local law and the Board will consider the proposed changes on Oct. 12.
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Ferry Festa canceled
The Board decided to cancel the Ferry Festa this year which had originally been scheduled for September 25th. New research about the highly transmissible delta variant led to the decision despite the Board's reluctance to cancel the popular event. Paddy Steinschneider, who has spearheaded the planning of the event for many years, cited recent COVID-19 statistics, and recommended the cancellation explaining that waiting any longer to see how the challenge of the virus progresses would make planning impossible. Similarly, planning the event, scheduling and paying for vendors and then cancelling at the last minute because of a new resurgence would also be untenable.
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2nd Cannabis Legalization Community Forum: Oct. 6
The Board set the date for the next Cannabis Legalization Community Forum for October 6th at 7pm. The Village needs to decide by December 31, 2021 whether to opt out of the option to allow retail establishments and onsite consumption of cannabis in the Village. There are many factors to consider, and the Board hopes that any members of the Village with an interest in the issue make their views known and contribute to the decision-making process. For more information and the video from our last forum, check out the information page on our website. The October Community Forum will allow for both in-person and remote attendance. Residents may also email Village Clerk Liz Dreaper with comments for the Board to consider: ldreaper@dobbsferry.com.
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Clean Energy Communities grant application approved
The Board approved applying $115,000 in Clean Energy Communities grant award funds to the upgrade of the HVAC system in Village Hall. Thanks to the efforts of volunteers in the Sustainability Task Force, we are one of only four communities in our region to be awarded the top tier of financial awards for the clean energy actions our community has taken. Among the achievements volunteers supported, the Village undertook two community campaigns in support of Grid Rewards and Community Solar, the Village adopted the NY Stretch Energy Code, and undertook annual energy benchmarking to identify ways to save energy in municipal buildings. The HVAC upgrades are expected in 2022.
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Application for Library Construction grant approved
The Board approved the submission of a grant application to repair the Library's air conditioning system and the installation of ADA compliant automatic doors to the main entrance as well as the garage. The Library serves as one of two essential Village cooling centers and the air conditioning compressor units have already faltered this summer. Automatic doors will benefit library patrons both young and old. The Library will commit $12,000 toward the project cost.
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County Vaccine Clinics
- Yonkers Vaccination Clinic
20 S. Broadway, Yonkers
Mondays and Thursdays, 4-7pm
Walk-ins accepted; offers Pfizer and Moderna vaccines
- White Plains Vaccination Clinic
134 Court St, White Plains
Fridays, 10am-1pm
Walk-ins accepted; offers Pfizer vaccine
- Back to School childhood immunizations (non-COVID) are also available at both sites, through the end of August with an appointment, by calling 914-995-5800
- Children who do not have their required immunizations must have their first dose of vaccinations within 14 days from the first day of school
- Families with no insurance, ChildHealth Plus or Medicaid, should call the County Health Department to schedule an appointment for vaccines at no charge.
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Construction Career Fair August 25
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New York State has funds available to provide financial help to New Yorkers who lost income during the COVID-19 pandemic and were ineligible for other federal relief programs due to lack of citizenship or other factors. Funds are available through the Excluded Workers Fund (EWF).
Frequently Asked Questions about the Excluded Workers Fund
Pregunats Frecuentes del Fondo Para Trabajadores Excluidos
- More information is available here: https://dol.ny.gov/EWF
- To be eligible, applicants must show that they:
- Lived in New York State before March 27, 2020, and continue to live in New York State;
- Are not eligible for and did not receive unemployment insurance or any other COVID-19 income relief or other specified benefits from the state or federal government;
- Earned less than $26,208 in the 12 months prior to April 2021; and
- Lost at least 50% of weekly work-related earnings or household income at any point in time between February 23, 2020 and April 1, 2021 due to total or partial unemployment, or inability or unavailability to work due to the COVID-19 pandemic or, became responsible for a majority of their household income due to death or disability of the head of household.
- Eligible persons can apply here: https://ewf.labor.ny.gov/new
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Information about the Excluded Workers Fund
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Public comment on redistricting
The New York State Independent Redistricting Commission will be holding a final, State-wide meeting this Sunday, August 15th at 3pm for all New Yorkers to submit comment before the first draft maps are drawn. The meeting will be virtual and can be watched live on: www.nyirc.gov or on Facebook. Participants can register to speak or submit written comment on the NYIRC website.
The Commission is eagerly seeking input from residents as it embarks on this process. This includes, but is not limited to information such as:
- How do residents feel about the current lines outlining their district?
- What would residents like the IRC to know about their community of interest?
Participants will have up to three (3) minutes of speaking time, with no question or answer period. Residents are also invited to create their own maps using resources available on our website. The Commission invites residents to submit written comment as well through our website. All meetings will be recorded for future public record and will be livestreamed as they occur.
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Our Streets Dobbs Ferry: Community Walking Tour
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Our Streets Dobbs Ferry is in the early planning stages of our first Community Walking Tour and we need your help!
What is a Community Walking Tour?
Community walking tours are designed to get people thinking, observing, and experiencing how the environment works for all users—not just drivers—and discussing how to make it better for people of all ages and abilities.
Often called “walk audits,” community walking tours have proven to be successful in changing the way we think about public space. By seeking invaluable on-the-street perspectives, we can collectively advocate for real changes to our streets.
The Dobbs Ferry Community Walking Tour: Fall 2021
We’re planning on holding our first community walking tour this fall. This community-wide event will center around the main walking routes children take to Springhurst Elementary School, an area of particular concern in Dobbs Ferry. (Learn more about the safety issues and opportunities for change on our school streets right here.)
We need your help!
Looking for a fun and easy way to engage with community members and make a difference? We need your help with… route-mapping, survey-design, publicity and more! Contact ourstreetsdobbsferry@gmail.com .
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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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