Village Newsletter: Dec. 23, 2020
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Holiday baskets, holiday sanitation schedule, parking permit changes, leafblower restrictions in place, library happenings, Embassy Center stories wanted
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Parking permit changes, proposal for 185-191 Ashford, public hearing set for 13 English Lane, 100 Main Street approved, Parklets extended, loading zones approved, Toys for Tots gratitude
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Eyes on Hudson ribbon-cutting, Dobbs Stories, Beer!
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Beware of vaccine scams, donate blood plasma
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Vaccine distribution, health plan deadline extension, eviction ban extended, NY travel advisory
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Carbon monoxide safety reminders, Winter Holiday advice from the CDC
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What a year! I'm not sure I can manage to say more than that. Thankfully, vaccine distribution has begun in New York and we can see a light ahead. Some resident first responders from our community have received their inoculations, but we still have a long way to go. The County has cautioned that doses remain limited, and we will need to wait until the spring and early summer before the bulk of what we need arrives. We need to hold tight and remain vigilant. A major spike in COVID cases occurred after the Thanksgiving holiday. The County has been working on resolving a lag in the data they receive from the State. They have just launched their new platform for tracking local case data. It includes more local detail and incorporates a testing site search engine. Unfortunately, it reveals that we currently have 110 active cases in Dobbs Ferry. This is far more than our surrounding communities. We all need need to work together to keep our friends and neighbors safe. I know we are all beyond tired of this, but we cannot let our guards down now. Please, please use caution with your holiday celebrations. The CDC recommends not travelling and confining celebrations to people within your household. They have some other suggestions to help you celebrate safely which we include in the flyers below.
I want to thank all of our Village Departments for going above and beyond this year in delivering services to our community during this challenging time. Our first responders, our Village staff, all of the volunteers who contribute so much to our community have all had to work creatively and extra hard to help do what they do safely. Our Dobbs Ferry teachers and staff have also turned their worlds upside down to keep our kids in school safely. Their touching end of year video reflects what many of us have been through. We are grateful for living in this special community. I also want to give a special shout-out to our Department of Public Works for doing an excellent job managing the recent snowstorm, and working through the night to get our roadways clear.
We could all use a little joy and light in this holiday season, but I know for many families, celebrations this year are not going to be easy. We know that many have experienced health challenges and grief for family members, and many are contending with financial hardship. Thankfully, Congress voted on a new stimulus package. Senator Schumer has a good summary of what New Yorkers can expect. In an effort to provide some financial relief, last Tuesday the Board voted to shift the parking permit calendar to begin in June and so all 2020 permits will be valid until then. We will continue to seek ways to assist our community through this difficult time.
We have come this far, Dobbs Ferry. We can't and won't quit now.
Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!
Be well, and wash your hands.
Vincent Rossillo
Village Mayor
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Our Dobbs Ferry Recreation and Senior Departments worked with the Police Department to put together and deliver 60 holiday baskets for seniors in our community. Some wonderful local groups contributed to the deliveries. On behalf of our senior community, hearty thanks go out to:
- Sam's Italian Restaurant
- Dobbs Ferry Police Benevolent Association
- HudCo
- Hudson Social
Also deserving of thanks are the hardworking members of our Recreation Department, our Police Department, and our Senior Advocate, Abby Connett. They hustled and bustled to bring much needed moments of joy this holiday season. Thank you, all!
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Holiday Sanitation Schedule
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Week of December 21:
Monday: Garbage, yard waste and bulk waste for Monday route
Tuesday: Garbage, yard waste and bulk waste for Tuesday route
Wednesday: All recycling - paper, metal, glass and plastic (in two separate bins, please!)
Thursday: Second garbage collection day for all (no bulk metal)
Friday: No Village services
Week of December 28:
Monday: Garbage, yard waste and bulk waste for Monday route
Tuesday: Garbage, yard waste and bulk waste for Tuesday route
Wednesday: All recycling - paper, metal, glass and plastic (in two separate bins, please!)
Thursday: Second garbage collection day for all (no bulk metal)
Friday: No Village services
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Parking permits
The Board voted to re-set the annual parking permit calendar to conform to the fiscal year beginning June 1 for all annual permits. Going forward, all annual parking permits will be valid from June 1 through May 31 of the following year.
What this means for residents from January 1, 2021 – May 31, 2021:
- If you purchased an annual parking permit for 2020, your permit will be honored through May 31, 2021. You will need to purchase a new annual permit for the fiscal year beginning June 1, 2021.
- If you did not purchase an annual permit in 2020, you may purchase a permit for for a pro-rated fee for the first half of 2021. You will need to buy a new annual permit for the fiscal year beginning June 1, 2021.
The following are the pro-rated fees for Jan-May 2021 permits:
| Fees apply to permits for Jan 1–May 31 2021 only |
| Annual Permit |
Pro-rated fee |
| Waterfront Park Recreation Permit |
$5 resident, $3 senior |
| Waterfront Park Commuter |
$110 Resident |
| Central Business District - Resident |
$30 Resident, $12 Senior |
| Central Business District – Non-resident |
$35 Non-resident |
| Downtown Resident Permit |
$10 Resident |
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New online parking permit system
We are pleased to introduce a new online system for applying and paying for your annual parking permits. Residents will still need to collect their permit stickers at the police window in Village Hall once approved, but this online system will reduce wait times and lays the groundwork for contactless permits in the future. 2021 permit sales will begin December 30, 2020. All annual permits purchased in 2020 will be honored through May 31, 2021. For those who did not purchase permits in 2020, you may apply for a permit valid through May 31, 2021 for a pro-rated fee. See the discounted fee schedule above. Residents will need to register their information with CitySquared, the online platform currently used for building permit applications. For a full explanation of the online application system, please visit our website.
Due to the changes to our system, the police department will allow an enforcement grace period in January for those who did not purchase permits in 2020. For those who did purchase permits in 2020, your permits will remain valid through May 31, 2021.
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Leafblower restrictions now in effect
The use of gas-powered leafblowers is not permitted between December 15th and March 15th. Electric leafblowers may be used all year between 8am and 6pm, Monday - Friday and from 10am to 5pm on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
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Notes from the Dobbs Ferry Public Library
We are tracking our holds lists and making sure we have extra copies of your most-requested titles. In the case of very popular titles, we have ordered multiple copies to shorten your wait time!
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AND, we added some holiday books to our eBook collection:
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Library events for children:
Coming up first in the children's room, we have our Winter Wonderland Zoom Concert with Turtle Dance Music today, December 23rd, at 4pm. We'll be ringing in the New Year on December 31st at 11:30am with a Noon Year's Eve Party featuring stories, countdowns, and a craft you can pick the preceding weekend. In January, look out for new programs like Pajama Storytimes, Zines for Tweens, Chapter Book Read-Alouds, and a revived Dungeons and Dragons Club! Ms. Gina will also be offering weekly virtual browsing and reference sessions via Zoom. She can't wait to see you there!
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Winter Wonderland: Wednesday, December 23, 4:00 pm
“Sleigh bells ring! Are you listenin’?” The Winter-Wonderland Music, Bubble and Comedy Show is a snowy “turtle-riffic” musical experience that is designed to engage children through winter songs, movement activities, big giant bubbles, prizes, children’s stories, and interactive music technology! The show is crafted to be inclusive for all children, including children on the Autism Spectrum, and a great time for parents and caregivers! Each song in the 30-minute show is accompanied by hands-on, visual, and sensory experiences designed to help kids learn and have fun at the same time.
To register for this event and receive the Zoom meeting information, please email dobchildref@wlsmail.org or call (914) 693-6615.
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Noon Year's Eve: Thursday, December 31, 11:30 am - 12:15 pm
Come one, come all, to the library’s New Year’s ball! At 11:30am, we’ll gather to read several stories, do a craft, and count down to 2021 together. You can get to know your new children’s librarian while you’re there! This event is appropriate for ages 5 and up.
To register for this event and receive the Zoom meeting information, please email dobchildref@wlsmail.org or call (914) 693-6615.
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Cultural Explorers: Looking for volunteers
The DFPL Cultural Explorers Program is looking for volunteers to help us present a community celebration of the New Year, which falls on Friday, February 12, 2021: Têt, Chūn Jié, and Seollal are celebrations in Vietnam, China and Korea. If your family celebrates this holiday or a related one, we would love your help! Cooking demonstrations, puppet shows, poetry readings, dance recitals, game demonstrations via Zoom are all ideas we could explore. Please contact Elizabeth Hobson, Director, or Gina Elbert, Children's Librarian, at (915) 693-6615 or email us at
dobchildref@wlsmail.org if you would like to help us celebrate this year.
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Embassy Center History - Stories Wanted
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As part of our re-dedication of the Embassy Community Center building in 2021, we would like to gather stories from the building's history. Do you or someone you know have ties to the original Embassy Center? The building's construction or the Club's founding? Do you have stories or historical photos you want to share? You can send them in an email to afasman@dobbsferry.com or call (914) 231-8512. Please include your name and contact information so that we can follow up.
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The following are reports from last week's Board of Trustees meeting which took place on December 15th. The next BOT meeting will take place on January 12th.
How to engage:
Meeting agendas are distributed the Friday before the BOT meeting by email and publicly posted on our Village website, as well as at Village Hall and in the Library. During the pandemic you can engage with the meetings from home online via Zoom, by phone, or by watching on YouTube. The TV schedule to watch the meetings you missed on Channel 75 for Optimum subscribers can be found here. Instructions for joining the meetings are posted on every agenda.
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Parking permit calendar adjusted
After the closure of the public hearing, the Board voted to amend the dates for the issuance of annual parking permits and bring them all in line with the fiscal year beginning June 1. Going forward, all annual permits will be valid from June 1 through May 31 of the following year.
What this means in 2021:
- If you purchased an annual parking permit for 2020, your permit will be honored through May 31, 2021. You will need to purchase a new annual permit for the fiscal year beginning June 1, 2021.
- If you did not purchase an annual permit in 2020, you may purchase a permit for for a pro-rated fee for the first half of 2021. You will need to buy a new annual permit for the fiscal year beginning June 1, 2021.
See above for the pro-rated fees for permits valid from January- May 2021.
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Proposal for 185-191 Ashford referred to Planning Board
The Board voted to refer the proposal for a mixed-use building at 185-191 Ashford to the Planning Board. The three-story building is located in the Downtown Transition Zone. If approved, the project would include two retail spaces and nine residential 2-bedroom/2-bath units of approximately 2100 sq ft. including one affordable unit. The Board expressed some concerns about the comparative scale of the project in relation to surrounding buildings, and also emphasized the need for the affordable unit to be comparable to the other units, but otherwise approved the project's referral to the Planning Board. The Board requested the coordination of a joint meeting between the Planning Board and the AHRB to improve the efficiency of the review process.
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Public hearing set for site plan approval of 13 English Lane
The Board of Trustees set the public hearing for site plan approval of a three-townhome project at 13 English Lane for the January 12th BOT meeting. If approved, the project would replace a currently vacant lot with three 3-story 3-bedroom/2.5 bath townhomes. The project has been reviewed and approved by both the Planning Board and the Architectural and Historical Review Board. Instructions for how to engage with the public hearing online or by phone are included on the meeting agenda. You may also submit comments by 3pm the day of the meeting to Village Clerk Liz Dreaper at ldreaper@dobbsferry.com for distribution to the Board and inclusion in the public record.
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100 Main Street project site plan approved
The Board approved the site plan for a proposed addition and renovation of a residential building at 100 Main Street by a vote of 4-3. The review and deliberation over the project was extensive, lasting years, as the site sits on a steep slope, abuts the Old Croton Aqueduct, and includes an old structure, the preservation of which was ultimately required by the Board for project approval. The approved plan is for a 4-story building which required a zoning variance, and will include four duplex residential units adding two additional units to downtown. The approval also allows for the fourth story of the project to occupy 69.9% of the footprint of the third story instead of the 50% requirement in section 300-36 E of the Village code. Board members who voted to approve the plan emphasized the uniqueness of this project's site challenges for allowing the variances. For more information, the resolution approving the site plan details extensively the review process for this project.
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Parklet extension approved
Given the risks posed by indoor dining while the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the Board discussed options for dining establishments during the winter months. The Board agreed to allow restaurants that want to maintain Parklets through the winter months to expand their outdoor dining options to do so provided they maintain the area within and around the Parklets, and agree to replace the barriers should any freeze and crack. Restaurants were also given the option to dedicate up two of their Parklet spaces as parking spaces for curbside pick-up and takeout instead.
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Loading zone proposal approved
The Board voted to approve four locations along Main and Cedar Streets to be designated as loading zones in an effort to alleviate traffic congestion and safety issues caused by double-parked delivery vehicles. Each loading zone would occupy two parking spaces. The locations for the approved zones (indicated on the map below) are the following:
In front of 1 Cedar Street (Go Greenly)
In front of 40 Cedar Street (Vert Pong)
In front of 138 Main Street (across from Brick Oven Pizza)
In front of 91 Main Street (Ronen’s Barber Shop, across from Harper’s)
The loading zones will be operational from 9am - 6pm Monday-Saturday after which time they would revert to regular parking. In addressing concerns about removing eight parking spaces from the downtown area, Board members emphasized that the loading zones would revert to regular parking in the evenings when limited parking poses the most problems, and also cited the rarely used parking lot at 99 Cedar Street as an underutilized place for parking just one block from the junction of Main and Cedar.
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Approved loading zone locations
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From Village Clerk, Liz Dreaper:
“Each year the Village has a Toys for Tots Collection bin at Village Hall. The toys collected make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate children in our Village and in surrounding communities.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and financial crisis that so many are experiencing I was worried that it may be a difficult year for collections.
Once again, the generosity of our wonderful Village residents, and of our surrounding communities and neighbors, has gone above and beyond what I dreamed of, and has sent a message of hope for so many families during this 2020 holiday season.
On behalf of the Westchester County detachment of the Marine Corps League, I wish to thank you all for your very generous donations, and for your support of the 2020 Toys for Tots campaign, and to express my most sincere gratitude for all that you have done to bring so much joy to so many children.”
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New business on Main Street
Mayor Vincent Rossillo, Trustee Christy Knell, and Elizabeth Knell of the Rivertowns Chamber of Commerce welcomed the opening of Eyes on Hudson at 66 Main Street. Optometrist Katelyn Rogerson was joined by optician Justin Landon, the store's architect, Teo Siguenza, designer Santiago Siguenza and friends and family. We wish them good luck and welcome them to Dobbs!
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From the Dobbs Ferry PTSA: Dobbs Stories
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From the Dobbs Ferry Historical Society
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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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Beware of COVID-19 vaccine scams
Advisory from the County:
"Consumer Protection Director Jim Maisano said: “If you get a call, text, e-mail or even someone knocking on door claiming they can get you early access to the vaccine, hang up, delete or close the door – stop all communication immediately. It's a scam every time.”
Tips for Westchester residents based on tricks scammers are using:
- Vaccine is expected to be free.
- There are no sign-up lists for vaccine.
- You can't pay to get your vaccine earlier.
- Medicare or Social Security won't be calling you about getting your vaccine (scammers often act like they are calling from government agencies).
- You don't need to give out SSN, credit card or bank info before you are able to get vaccine.
Maisano added: “Also, beware of scammers or even salespeople offering to sell you unnecessary products, treatments or medicines to prevent the virus - always check with your doctor first.
If you are contacted by someone looking to sell you early access to the vaccine, contact Westchester Consumer Protection at (914) 995-2155 or at conpro@westchestergov.com."
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Consider donating COVID-19 Convalescent Blood Plasma
Have you recovered from COVID-19? Consider donating blood plasma through the New York Blood Center to help patients in critical condition.
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Vaccine distribution has begun
New York has received 600,000 doses so far, and expects 300,000 more next week. Phase One of the distribution plan has launched. Healthcare and EMS workers are receiving their inoculations in hospitals while CVS and Walgreens are helping to distribute the vaccine to residents and staff of nursing home facilities.
Things to know:
- The vaccine will be available at no cost.
- Two doses of the vaccine are required.
- Phase One distribution includes "high-risk hospital workers (emergency room workers, ICU staff and Pulmonary Department staff), nursing home residents, nursing home staff, followed by all long-term and congregate care residents and staff, EMS workers, other health care workers, coroners and medical examiners."
- While quantities of the vaccine are still limited, more doses will become available in the spring and early summer.
- We will know more about wider distribution of the vaccine in January.
Fore more information about the vaccine:
COVID 19 vaccine: what you need to know
COVID 19 vaccine: distribution plan
Frequently Asked Questions about the vaccine
CDC: 8 things to know about the COVID-19 vaccine program
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Deadline extended to sign up for NYS Health Plan
The deadline to sing up for the NYS Health Plan has been extended to December 31st. For more information, visit their website or call 1-855-355-5777.
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Prohibition on commercial eviction extended
The Governor's Executive Order 202.81 extends the prohibition on evictions of commercial tenants for nonpayment of rent or a foreclosure of any commercial mortgage for nonpayment is extended until January 31, 2021.
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Reminder about New York's travel advisory:
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Carbon Monoxide Safety reminder
Important reminder from the Division of Consumer Protection:
"As we gather this holiday season, NYS Division of Consumer Protection wants to help keep you safe. In light of the public health crisis and with winter approaching, families are spending more time at home then ever. Did you know that many deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning occur during the winter months? Learn how to stay safe this year by following the tips below, provided in partnership with the Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC):
Carbon Monoxide – Known as the invisible killer, carbon monoxide leaks are undetectable as they are odorless and colorless. Prevention is key, and can be done by taking the following measures:
- Install a battery-operated or battery-backed carbon monoxide detector. Replace batteries once a year in all CO alarms on every level of your home and outside sleeping area. Note that this is different from your smoke alarm.
- Have your home heating systems (including chimneys and vents) inspected and serviced annually by a trained service technician.
- Never use portable generators inside homes or garages, even if doors and windows are open. Use generators outside only, at least 20 feet away from your home.
- Never use a gas range or oven for heating.
- Open the fireplace damper before lighting a fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool. An open damper may help prevent build-up of poisonous gases inside the home.
- Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion. These symptoms can be mistaken for the flu. If you suspect CO poisoning, get outside to fresh air immediately, and then call 911.
- NEVER ignore a beeping CO alarm. If the CO alarm rings, get outside immediately, and call 911."
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