Village Newsletter: Oct. 8, 2021
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Cannabis legalization, night work on MTA tracks, leaf blower law amendment in force, Village holiday 10/11, Halloween events, flu vaccine clinic, library happenings
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19 Livingston, Recyclopedia, public hearings set for development projects at next meeting, Sesquicentennial, Phoenicia Flea
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Road to Freedom, Repair Cafe, Chauncey Park planting, New whiskey shop, Pollinator Pathway lecture
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Voting info, COVID-19 booster shot and vaccine clinics, FEMA Disaster Recovery Center, Emergency Rental Assistance, Tourism/Hospitality Fair, Screenings under the Stars, bus schedule changes
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Home heating aid available
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The Eagles won their Homecoming match last Saturday against Albert Magnus High School. The score was 49-21. I was glad to be there for the game, and for the ceremony honoring David "Scotty" Shevlin. Scotty, as he was known, was the announcer for Eagles games for 47 years until he passed away last year. He was a beloved member of the community, not only for his recognizable brogue and memorable catchphrases, but for his dedication to the Village, his volunteerism, and his service. The Board and I were very happy to support the efforts of the David "Scotty" Shevlin Day Committee to erect a plaque at Gould Park in his honor. And we weren't the only ones celebrating Scotty on Saturday. The County also issued a Proclamation in his honor which was presented by Mary Jane Shimsky who fondly remembered his many kindnesses at senior events, and how he would always make you feel better in his presence. Let's all continue to take inspiration and celebrate those among us who contribute to our community's betterment. Thanks to Mark Leggierio, Abby Connett, Betsy Gelardi, and the rest of the Committee for bringing this effort to fruition.
In more serious news, we have some important decisions to make about whether to opt in or out of allowing retail sales of cannabis in our Village now that it is illegal. Thanks to all who contributed to last Wednesday's Community Forum. We are interested in hearing from anyone who has an opinion or information or research to contribute on the matter. There will be other opportunities at future meetings, but you may also contribute comments in writing to our Village Clerk (see info below) and she will get them to the Board. Thank you for all who engage with us on these important issues. We represent this entire Village, and we value hearing from you.
Speaking of democratic voice, elections are coming this November 2nd, and today is the last day to register to vote. More information below, but you can visit the County's Board of Elections website as well. We will be hosting an Early Voting site again at Village Hall. I can guarantee, you won't see the lines that we saw last year, so take advantage of the opportunity if you can.
Go Eagles!
Vincent Rossillo
Village Mayor
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Community Forum on Cannabis Legalization, October 6, 2021
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Community Forum on Cannabis Legalization
On Wednesday, October 6, the Board of Trustees hosted a Community Forum to receive input from Village residents about impending decisions the Board needs to make about whether to opt in or out of allowing licenses for retail dispensaries and/or on-site consumption establishments for cannabis. Cannabis use is now legal in New York since the passage of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act in March 2021.
The Board will need to vote by the end of the year if they want to opt out of allowing either retail dispensaries (the cannabis equivalent of a liquor store) or on-site consumption (the cannabis equivalent of a bar).
For those who were not able to attend Wednesday's forum, you may submit written comments to Village Clerk, Liz Dreaper at ldreaper@dobbsferry.com. Liz will distribute all comments to the Board of Trustees. There will also be additional opportunities to comment on the matter in public. Please keep your eye on future Board agendas to know when discussions on the matter are scheduled to occur.
For more information about the law and the decisions our Village needs to make, the Village has assembled fact sheets, resources and links on the Village website.
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Night work to be performed on Metro North tracks around Wicker's Creek 10/12-10/15
From Metro North representative:
As part of Metro-North’s ongoing restoration work related Hurricane Ida, we will be performing night work from Tuesday, 10/12 through Friday, 10/15 between approximately 9pm and 5am north of Dobbs Ferry station at Wicker’s Creek.
Our contractor will be installing an excavation support system consisting of piles and steel plates. This work is needed for the new culvert foundations carrying the four Hudson Line tracks above. As a result of the culvert washout during Hurricane Ida, two of the four tracks remain out of service at this location. The work will take place adjacent to one of the only two remaining operating tracks. Therefore, the work must be done at night so there is less impact on train service while we understand it will be a noisy operation temporarily.
We will keep you informed of additional night work required to complete this restoration project and in the meantime we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding while we perform this important work. Thank you.
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Amendment to Leaf Blower Law postpones permitted use until Oct. 15
In June, the Board of Trustees passed an amendment to the leaf blower law to better align the dates of permissible use with neighboring communities. This helps with enforcement and clarifies regulations for landscapers working in multiple Villages.
The new dates for permitted use of gas powered leaf bloors run from October 15 until December 15 and March 15 until May 15. At all other times, one may use electric-powered equipment or none at all. Those violating the law are subject to fines of $50 for the first offense, and $250 for each subsequent offense in the same calendar year
Local Law 2-2021 was adopted on June 22, 2021 and can be found here:
https://ecode360.com/DO0599/laws/LF1382511.pdf
Reasons for leaf blower regulations include concerns about noise, air pollution and emissions. For those who want to learn more, this article explains in simple terms the concerns about air pollution with the two-stroke engine of most gas-powered leaf blowers. The Department of Environmental Conservation has more information on leaf blowers and healthy yard alternatives.
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Village holiday next week; revised sanitation schedule
Reminder: Village offices will be closed on Monday, October 11 in honor of Columbus Day/ Indigenous Peoples' Day. This includes the public works department.
Changes to the sanitation schedule next week:
- Monday: Village Holiday
- Tuesday: Entire Village - household garbage collection. No yard waste and no bulk garbage pickup
- Wednesday: Cardboard and newspaper recycling
- Thursday: Glass and Plastic recycling; bulk metal and electronic pickup
- Friday : Entire Village - household garbage only.
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Flu vaccine clinic success
More than a hundred flu vaccines were administered last week at the Senior Flu Vaccine clinic sponsored by the Recreation Department. Thanks so much to Abby Connett, Senior Advocate, for coordinating. And a great big thank you to Rite Aid and our favorite pharmacist, Hillary, for working with us. Flu vaccines are especially important this year, so please be sure to get yours if you haven't already.
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This month we're partnering with RiverArts and their Studio Tour artist. For information on exhibiting in the Plotkin Gallery, email the library at dobref@wlsmail.org or download an application here. Preference is given to local Dobbs Ferry and River Towns artists.
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Book talk: David Allen Sibley
Join several Westchester Library System Libraries, including Dobbs Ferry, in this Zoom presentation by David Allen Sibley, noted writer and ornithologist.
And during the month of October, stop by the DFPL to see a collection of bird figurines in our recently installed display case. Do you have a collection to share? Let us know at dobref@wlsmail.org
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Book Talk: Sara Dykman
Wednesday, October 137:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Bicycling with Butterflies author Sara Dykman will give a presentation based on her book, Bicycling with Butterflies, which chronicled her 10,000-mile, eight month bike trip from March to October 2017 where she followed the path of the monarch butterflies. Environmentalists, Pollinator Pathways enthusiasts and gardeners will enjoy this presentation. Register for the ZOOM link by emailing dobref@wlsmail.org or calling the library at 693-6614.
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Mary's Yarns Quilting Group
Monday, October 18, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Interested in learning how to quilt and making new friends? Here in Dobbs Ferry, we have a tradition of gathering together to create a quilt that is raffled to benefit the Friends of the Dobbs Ferry Library. Group will meet the first and third Mondays at 6:30 PM in the DFPL Community Meeting Room.
Register by calling the Dobbs Ferry Public Library at (914) 693-6614, or go online at https://signup.com/go/TfwSMCD
This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Dobbs Ferry Library.
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Repair Cafe
Dobbs Ferry Public Library, Sustainability Task Force, and Rivertowns Repair Cafe are teaming up to present a Repair Cafe in the Library Garage, an open-air, covered space. Learn how to give your well-loved items extended life!
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Storm King Patron Pass
Thanks to the hard work and generosity of the Friends of the Dobbs Ferry Library, we now have a pass for Storm King Art Center! It admits one-day admission for one vehicle (six persons per vehicle). Click here for borrowing information. Look for additional passes to outdoor sites in the coming months.
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 Reminder: DFPL has mobile wifi hotspots you can borrow with your library card.
For more information about borrowing a mobile hotspot, click here.
To reserve a hotspot through the library catalog, click here.
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Public Hearing on Affordable Housing requirement waiver for 19 Livingston
The Board heard from Linda Whitehead, attorney for the developer of a proposed townhome project at 19 Livingston Avenue, formerly the site of Rudy's Beau Rivage. The developer is seeking a waiver or an alternative proposition for the Village's requirement that all new construction with more than five units must include at least one affordable housing unit. Because the proposed townhomes will be for sale, and given the regulations that require affordable units must be relatively comparable in size to market-rate units in the same complex, Attorney Whitehead argues that it would be financially infeasible for the developer while at the same time would pose a significant challenge in finding a qualified buyer who simultaneously met the County's income requirements for affordable housing and eligibility for a mortgage. Whitehead proposed that the developer instead purchase and renovate an affordable housing unit elsewhere in the Village or pay in lieu, and contribute to an affordable housing fund. The Board requested additional information and the hearing was continued until October 26.
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Recyclopedia coming to Dobbs
The Board approved a contract for a new online service that will allow Dobbs residents to more easily get information about how to recycle, donate or dispose of household materials, changing sanitation schedules, other important public works information that can effect daily life. If residents sign up for the app, they will be able to hear about road closures, paving schedules, and other frequent sources of complaint and frustration, and have the information more readily and easily available. The app will have an online component as well for those who do not wish to download it onto their mobile device. Recyclopedia will be coming to Dobbs in the near future. Stay tuned!
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Public Hearings set for Development Projects
Public Hearings were set for the October 12th Board meeting for the following projects:
185 Ashford Avenue
100 Danforth Avenue
49 Clinton Street (Master's School)
The public hearing was also continued to the October 12th hearing for 398 Ashford Avenue.
As a reminder, plans and drawings for projects appearing before any of the Boards can be viewed online by visiting the Building Department website.
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Sesquicentennial Celebration
Though it's not until 2023, the Village will soon be turning 150 years old, and it is time to start planning our celebrations. For any residents who would like to volunteer and get involved with the planning, the Mayor will be forming a Committee. Please contact the Village Administrator's office if you are interested in volunteering: afasman@dobbsfery.com.
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Phoenicia Flea
The Board approved bringing a Phoenecia Flea Market event to Dobbs Ferry. Given the short timeline for planning outdoor events this year, the Village will be coordinating with the Downtown Improvement Committee to bring the event to Dobbs in 2022.
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Chauncey Park planting
Saturday, October 16th (10am - 12pm) – Saw Mill River in Dobbs Ferry
Trees for Tribs is teaming up with the Dobbs Ferry Conservation Advisory Board and Groundwork HV to plant 65 native trees and shrubs along the Saw Mill River at Chauncey Park. If you are interested in volunteering for this event or would like more event details, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chauncey-park-fall-2021-trees-for-tribs-planting-tickets-171209420987.
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New Business: Crespo Whiskeys and Wines
Crespo Whiskeys & Wines will be opening their doors next Friday, October 15th at 72 Main St. Inspired by the 1920s Prohibition Era, Crespo Whiskeys & Wines, owned by Jersom Osheaf, is a concept whiskey shop – with a modern twist – offering a vast array of whiskeys alongside a curated selection of some of the best wines from around the world.
Osheaf, a Yonkers native, shared that “I would travel by the Rivertowns and I would always admire the architecture and unique style. Dobbs Ferry is distinctive and has a lot of History. So when I was looking for a location for my shop it was one of the first places I looked. I was lucky enough to find a great location at 72 Main St and it has been an amazing experience. All the nearby business have been very welcoming and helpful and I just love the family and friendly vibe Dobbs has.”
Please watch this email for information about their Grand Opening in the coming weeks.
Details
Crespo Whiskeys & Wines, 72 Main Street, Dobbs Ferry
crespowhiskeys.com 914-219-4935
October Hours (subject to change): Wednesday thru Monday 1pm - 10pm, Sunday 1pm - 9pm, closed Tuesday
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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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Voter Registration and Absentee Ballot Info for Nov. 2 Election
From the County Board of Elections:
Voter Registration
- Oct. 8, 2021 is the last day to postmark voter registration application for General Election, which must be received in our office by Oct. 13, 2021. You can find the application on the Board of Elections website.
Absentee Ballots
What are the Qualifications to vote by Absentee Ballot?
- Absent from your County on Election Day.
- Unable to appear at the polls due to temporary or permanent illness or disability. Temporary illness includes being unable to appear due to risk of contracting or spreading a communicable disease like COVID-19.
- Unable to appear because you are the primary care giver of one or more individuals who are ill or physically disabled.
- A resident or patient of a Veterans Health Administration Hospital.
- Detained in jail awaiting Grand Jury action or confined in prison after conviction for an offense other than a felony.
What is the deadline for applying for an absentee ballot application?
- Monday, Oct. 18, 2021 is the last day for the Board of Elections to receive an application or letter of application by mail, online portal, email, or fax for the General Election ballot
- Monday, Nov. 1, 2021 is the last day for applicant or agent to apply in person at the Board of Elections for the General Election absentee ballot
- Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021 is the last day to postmark the General Election absentee ballot by mail. The ballot must be received by the Board of Elections no later than November 9, 2021
- Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021 is the last day to deliver the General Election absentee ballot in person to the Board of Elections or at any poll site throughout the County, by the close of the polls at 9:00 p.m. on Election Day
You may file an application at any time before the deadlines.
How do you obtain an absentee ballot application?
- Electronically through the New York State Absentee Ballot Application Portal
- By sending an email request to BOE-WestAbsentee@westchestergov.com
- By sending a fax request to (914) 995-7753 or (914) 995-3190
- By going in-person to the Westchester County Board of Elections, 25 Quarropas St., White Plains, NY 10601
- By mailing a paper application to the Westchester County Board of Elections, 25 Quarropas St., White Plains, NY 10601
You can download a PDF version of the New York State Absentee Ballot Application Form:
You can still vote in person if you request an Absentee Ballot
Even if you request or cast and return an absentee ballot, you may still go to the polls and vote in person. The Board of Elections is required to check the poll book before canvassing any absentee ballot. If the voter comes to the poll site, on Election Day or during early voting and votes in person, the absentee ballot is set aside and not counted.
For more information visit the County Board of Elections Site.
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COVID-19 booster shots
Beginning October 6, the Westchester County Department of Health will be holding Pfizer vaccine booster clinics, by appointment only, every Wednesday and Thursday, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, at 134 Court Street in White Plains. To be eligible to receive a Pfizer booster dose at one of our clinics, you must have completed your original Pfizer vaccine series at least six months ago and you must fall into one of the following categories:
To schedule an appointment, go to https://apps2.health.ny.gov/doh2/applinks/cdmspr/2/counties?OpID=CD23C3DADD1E04A6E0530A6C7C16ED5C
Please be advised that at the current time, only the Pfizer booster has been approved by the FDA for most populations. The Westchester Health Department is waiting for approval of the Moderna booster before it will schedule appointments for those who received the Moderna shots initially. You cannot “mix and match” the vaccines and boosters, so Moderna recipients must wait until the appropriate booster is available. I will keep you updated about this ongoing situation.
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Ongoing COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
- Yonkers Vaccination Clinic
20 S. Broadway, Yonkers
Mondays and Thursdays, 4-7pm
Walk-ins accepted; offers Pfizer
- White Plains Vaccination Clinic
134 Court St., White Plains
Fridays from 10-1pm
Walk-ins accepted; offers Pfizer
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FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Yonkers
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at the Will Library at 1500 Central Park Avenue, Yonkers, NY to assist homeowners, business owners and renters affected by the September 2 severe storm and flooding from Hurricane Ida. There is also an additional site in Mamaroneck at the Village Library (136 Prospect Ave, Mamaroneck 10543)
- These locations are a one stop shop for Federal, State, County, and City resources, including:
- US Small Business Association, NYS Department of Financial Services and Department of Motor Vehicles, Westchester County Department of Health and Department of Social Services, City of Yonkers Office Constituent Services, Red Cross and Con Edison.
- Hours of operation are daily (Monday-Sunday) 8AM-7PM.
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Screenings under the Stars
Pumpkin spice season brings an expanded drive-in movie line up to Westchester County Parks as Screenings Under the Stars, sponsored by White Plains Hospital, continues at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla and Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson.
All movies will be held on Friday night after dark:
October 15 Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween PG (2018) at Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
October 22 Hocus Pocus PG (1993) at Croton Point Park, Croton-on-Hudson
Gates open at 5:30 p.m., movies at dusk. Event is rain or shine.
All movies will be ticketed-admission events, with purchase available by online pre-sale only.
Tickets go on sale for Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween today, Wednesday, October 6, at 2 p.m. online at
https://www.showclix.com/event/screenings-2021
Tickets go on sale for Hocus Pocus on Wednesday, October 13, at 2 p.m. online at
https://www.showclix.com/event/screenings-2021
Tickets are $25 per car and there will be limited capacity following distancing protocols.
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Home Heating Aid available
Governor Hochul announced the availability of $373 million in home heating aid for low- and middle-income New Yorkers who need assistance keeping their homes warm during the upcoming winter season. Applications opened Friday, October 1 for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which is overseen by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and provides federal funding to assist homeowners and renters with their heating costs during the cold weather months.
- Eligible homeowners and renters may receive up to $751 in heating assistance, depending on their income, household size and how they heat their home. A family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $5,249 or an annual gross income of $62,983 and still qualify for benefits-a modest increase from the previous year's threshold.
- Applications for assistance must go through local Departments of Social Services in person or by telephone. Westchester’s DSS is located at 112 East Post Road on the 5th floor; residents can call County DSS at (914) 995-3333
- Residents who are already working with DSS may also utilize the ‘mybenefits’ portal to apply for HEAP: https://mybenefits.ny.gov/mybenefits/begin
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Fall Foliage Report
Check out this cool interactive site where you can keep track of the changing leaves across New York State to time your countryside visits with prime moments of beauty:
https://www.iloveny.com/things-to-do/fall/foliage-report/
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