Tarrytown Goes Electric: Members of DPW Staff (L to R: Billy McGuire, Brian Puff, Max Lopez, Lou Martirano) try out the Department's new electric mower just in time for Earth Month. The DPW joins the Parks Department in the conversion to electric equipment. Early reports of equipment efficiency- so far so good.

Report from Board of Trustees Meeting on 4.17.23

ICYMI, you can watch Village Board meetings online.

• Budget Adopted: The Board of Trustees adopted the final budget for FY 2023-24.The full document can be found on the Village website. In brief summary:

The Tax Rate decreased to $7.9625 per thousand dollars of value on a property, a 3.85% rate decrease. Does this mean your taxes will go down? Not necessarily. It depends on how much your property increased in value. The new assessments issued last year by the Town of Greenburgh will be applied to taxes for 2023.

The Tax Levy is $19,482,248, a percentage increase of 2.88% which remains under the New York state mandated 2% tax levy cap. The allowable tax levy cap includes the Village's growth factor (1.0229) and carryover funds granted by the State because the Village did not use the entire allowable increase last year. This year's total allowable increase according to the State was $1,109,208 or a 5.86% increase, so the 2.88% tax levy increase falls well within regulation. If the Village were to opt to exceed the tax cap mandate, a 60% majority of the Board could override the tax cap by adopting a local law. If interested in learning more about New York tax cap regulations, you can find state guidelines here.

Total Assessments from the Greenburgh Town Tax Assessor are $2,446,765,375, a 6.9% increase from the previous year.

Total General Fund Appropriations: $29,657,874

Total Water Fund Appropriations:$6,573,243

Total Library Fund Appropriations: $1,894,248:

Total Sewer Fund Appropriations: $237,970

Grand Total All Appropriations: $38,363,336

For a full explanation of this year's budget, check out the Budget Message in the beginning of the budget document. The document also includes summary information about the organization of Village finances and budget highlights this fiscal year. Have more questions? You can always reach out to the Administrator's office and we will do our best to answer them, or get you to someone who can: 914-631-1785, administrator@tarrytownny.gov.

• Updating the Master Fee Schedule: As part of the budgeting process, Department Heads take the opportunity to amend fees as needed. In some cases, the fees remain the same. Sometimes fees are no longer needed - for instance the Building Department no longer has a fee for a copy of the Zoning Code because everything is online and the Codes no longer need to be printed for those who inquire. This year the fee for renting Losee Fields decreased for residents. The Lakes fields are now available for rent for residents only. The Village Clerk had to increase the fee for geneaology copies of birth and death certificates - those that have been on file for at least 50 years in the case of death certificates, and 75 years for birth certificates when the person is also known to be deceased. For these certificates, the research can be very time consuming, particularly when very few details are shared as part of the search. The fee increased from $10 to $20. For a full list of fee changes, you can find the fee amendment table in the agenda from the April 17 meeting, and the Master Fee Schedule online here.

• Professional Engineer engaged for Eastview Dam project: The Board of Trustees approved the project to complete a structural analysis for the Eastview Dam be awarded to Tectonic Engineering. The Eastview Dam is situated at the eastern edge of the Lower Lake, adjacent to the historic pump station. The analysis is required by the State Department of Environmental Conservation. The Village anticipates that the analysis will demonstrate significant repairs are required on the dam and has applied for federal funding to support the cost of anticipated repairs based on the best estimate of our Village engineer. Once the structural analysis is complete, the engineers will propose a repair plan, and the Village will move to the next phase of the project.

• Outdoor Dining is back! New and Improved: The Board of Trustees engaged Jenifer Ross, who helped launch the Third Fridays events twenty years ago, to enliven the Outdoor Dining Main Street closures. Since Summer 2020, the Village has closed Main Street on a weekly basis to allow diners at downtown restaurants to eat al fresco. During the pandemic, this was a way to gather safely while supporting local businesses. With the waning of the pandemic, the Board wanted to assess the value of closing every week. After conducting a survey of downtown businesses, the Board elected to close Main Street once per month May to September, but to make the closure more of an event. Jenifer Ross will be helping to plan and coordinate live music, activities and work with our downtown businesses on participating in the events. Something to look forward to this summer. First up - Mother's Day Brunch on Main! See below.

• Climate Smart Communities Committee and Coordinator Appointed: In time for Earth month, the Board of Trustees established a Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Committee to work on gaining certification for all of the "climate smart" actions the Village has already taken. The Tarrytown Environmental Advisory Council (TEAC) will continue to be the advisory group to recommend climate smart policy and projects for the Board of Trustees to consider. The Climate Smart Communities Committee will focus on participation in a state program that recognizes achievement and offers grant funds for future projects. Dean Gallea, the Co-Chair of TEAC has been appointed the CSC Coordinator and Chair. Meghan McLane who has a professional background in corporate sustainability, will be assisting with the Committee work.

Coming up:

At the next Work Session, the Board will hear a presentation from the owners of 303 South Broadway about adaptive re-use of the building, will discuss the second phase opportunities for the Climate Adaptive Design Studio, a request to reduce fee in lieu of parking fees and other issues. The full agenda for the Work Session can be found here.

Want to learn what's on the docket for the Board of Trustees? You can sign up to receive agendas in your inbox here.

Seniors Celebrate Spring

The Tarrytown Seniors celebrated their annual Spring Fling gathering at Tappan Hill Mansion this week. With Clarice Pollack as President of the Seniors and Pat Feaster and Sandy Olson as event organizers, the gathering is always a grand and good time. Next time, we will have a panoramic camera on hand to capture the whole group! For information about how to join the Tarrytown Seniors check out the Recreation Department webpage.

Tarrytown Repair Cafe Featured on the Today Show

Shout out to the Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow volunteers who helped out last weekend at the Repair Cafe! Check out this segment on the Today show featuring their good work: https://www.today.com/video/today-showcases-growing-trend-of-repair-clinics-that-avoid-waste-170906693737

Make your Reservations!

Come dine out on Main Street on Mother's Day! The Village will be closing Main Street on Sunday, May 14, 10am to 3pm to make way for outdoor dining, live music, and fun activities for all ages. This daytime street closure will include a "portrait station" to take photos with family or friends, henna tattoos, hang-a-note for mom tree, kid's corner, and other activities. Live music will be performed by Sleepy Hollow's own Claire Maloney. This is the first of a series of warm weather themed events the Village will be hosting. Instead of closing the streets once a week, as has been done since the pandemic, the streets will close once a month May through September, but will involve more activities for all ages. The other closures will take place in the evenings. More information to follow.

Earth Day is Earth Month in Tarrytown

The Tarrytown Environmental Advisory Council has scheduled a long slate of Earth Month events. To get all of the information about what is happening this month, and to register for the events, check out the events page on their website and their registration page at tarrytownenvironmental.org.

A brief list of tomorrow's events:

• 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m - Bird Walk, starts at Lakes Parking Lot
• 10 a.m - Village Wide Clean-up - start at Patriot’s Park
• 10 a.m. - Pollinator Garden Cleanup - behind Sleepy Hollow High School
• 10 a.m - Wildey Street Clean-up 
• 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. - The Crest, Union Avenue and Irving Avenue Clean-up 

Tree Commission Hosts Arbor Day and Tree Giveaway

The Tree Commission will be hosting the annual Arbor Day celebration at Patriots Park this year on Friday, April 28 at 10am. The Village will be planting a Black Tupelo tree in the northwest corner of the park, and John Paulding students will be participating in the celebration. Please join us!

The Tree Commission in cooperation with TEAC will also be giving away trees at the Annual Duck Derby and Healthy Kids Day celebration on Saturday, April 29th. The theme for the Tree Giveaway this year is keystone plants - native plants that are critical to the food web and necessary for many wildlife species to complete their life cycle. Stop by the Tree Commission table to contribute to the Village canopy.

Mobile Shredder Coming to Tarrytown Saturday, April 29

The Mobile Shredder is coming to Tarrytown on Saturday, April 29. Bring up to four file boxes of documents to Lot F/ the Green Street Parking Lot, between 10am and 1pm. A great way to recycle your paper while keeping sensitive records secure. For more information about what to expect and how to prepare (e.g. remove all binder clips and report covers) can be found on our website.

Con Edison Updates

Gas Main Work:

There are four remaining service connections on Main Street to be completed, and Con Edison will be making those connections Wednesday, April 26 through Friday, April 28. Intermittent parking disruptions are to be expected while the service line connections are completed.

Gas main replacement will continue on Franklin Street next week.

Paving:

Main Street is expected to be paved the week of May 8, with no definitive date yet set. The work will be done at night and is expected to take 2 to 3 nights. It is expected to be completed by May 13.

Prior to paving on Main the following curb and sidewalk repairs must be completed by third party contractors:

• Monday, April 24 and Tuesday, April 25, the apron and curb in front of Main Street fire house will be replaced. The sidewalk in front of Main Street Fire House will be closed while the work is completed.
• April 26 - April 28, the accessibility ramps and adjoining sections of sidewalk on the corners of Main Street, John Street and Kaldenberg will be replaced.

After Main Street paving is complete, the next roads to be paved will be John Street and Baylis Court.

Next Phase:

Beginning the week of May 1, Neperan Road at the intersection of Hamilton will be dug up for gas main work, and will proceed on to Rose Hill, Altamont, and Grove Street.

Seeking Assistance from Residents in the Crest Neighborhood

The Village of Tarrytown Water Department is investigating complaints from residents living in the Crest neighborhood regarding loud noises in the water pipes, loss of pressure, and other concerns. The Village has engaged water engineers with Woodard and Curran to diagnose the problem and recommend solutions. In order to assist with data collection, it would be helpful for Crest Neighborhood residents to log incidents as they occur and submit them to the Village's online survey, even if you can manage only a few consecutive days, the information would be useful. The more the better. The Village expects to have more answers in the next 2 to 4 weeks.

This is a general survey for residents to summarize the issues they have been having and to sign up for future correspondence from the Village about the water issues:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CrestWaterContacts

This is an incident log survey that will help us collect data on what issues are occurring, where and when:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CrestWaterIncidents

For information about the project and future updates, visit the project page on the Village website: https://www.tarrytownny.gov/home/pages/crest-water-pressure-project

Beware of "Grandparent Scam"

This week the Tarrytown Police Department along with members of the Greenburgh Drug Task Force apprehended a perpetrator attempting to scam a local senior out of money by posing as a close relative and stating that the relative was involved in a traffic accident. The victim was then contacted by a second suspect posing as a public defender who advised the victim that her relative would not be released until a cash bond payment was made. This was one of two such incidents that occurred in Tarrytown this week, and, unfortunately, this is becoming a more common fraud across Westchester, frequently leading to losses of thousands of dollars.

These so called "grandparent scams" exploit the concern and love grandparents have for their family. The AARP has guidance on how to avoid these scams. See this webpage and video below.

Here are some tips from the Tarrytown Police Department of what to do if you suspect a scam:

Don’t act quickly

Scams are based on fear and urgency. Always take a little extra time to think it through and evaluate the legitimacy of what you are being asked to do.

Avoid odd payment types

Scammers will often ask you to send them money with a wire transfer, money order, cryptocurrency, payment app, or gift card. Legitimate businesses will accept credit cards. Be suspicious of excuses for alternative forms of payment.

Notice threatening behavior

Often scams are presented as urgent situations requiring immediate action. If you receive threats or hostility for asking questions that’s a sign they are a scammer.

Be suspicious of fake caller IDs

Using computer software, scammers can make phone calls and emails that look like they're coming from legitimate companies, government organizations, or your local area code. Often it is best to ignore people that contact you uninitiated. At the very least avoid sharing private information. Looking up the organization's contact information and contacting them yourself is a safer option. 

Also, scammers can pretend to be a social media connection for whom the victim does not know very well. A con artist could use a fake local number to text the victim. As the victim might only have the connection’s social media or work phone they might think the “connection” is contacting them from a personal cell phone.

Be cautious of impersonation

Con artists can sometimes pretend to be the government. Before making investments or online payments, be sure that you have confirmed that the organization is a legitimate business by asking for information about the company and checking that they are registered with the Better Business Bureau.

Do not reveal personal information

Con artists can try to get you to provide them with personal information like your Social Security number, account numbers, passwords, credit cards, or other identifying information which can be sold to fraudsters.

Avoid suspicious links

Don’t click on links in unsolicited emails, texts, or social media messages.

Ask a friend or family member

Before giving out your credit card number or money, ask a friend or family member if the request or situation seems suspicious—particularly if you’ve been told by someone you don’t know that the person needs help.

Add extra security to your accounts

Many online accounts let you turn on multifactor authentication. You may then need to enter a code that's sent to your phone or email, or that you generate with an app, before accessing your account. Enabling this extra security measure can keep scammers out of your accounts even if they get hold of your username and password.

Call the Police.

If it doesn’t seem right or is something you have never done before call us, 914-631-5544.

Business Exchange on April 25 at 8:30am at Senior Center

The Village in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce is reviving a new iteration of what was called the Merchants Council. Twice a year, the Village and the Chamber invite Tarrytown businesses to gather at the Senior Center and exchange information. The Village will relay issues and news of relevance to Tarrytown businesses that season (like downtown events and big utility projects), and its an opportunity for businesses to bring issues and concerns to the Village and the Chamber. If you are a Tarrytown business owner, please join!

Camp and Pool Registration is Open!

The Tarrytown Recreation Department is once again proud to offer our Tot Camp and Day Camp Programs for the children of the Tarrytown & Sleepy Hollow communities!

Tot Camp serves children who will be entering Pre-K - Kindergarten in September 2023.

Day Camp serves children who will be entering Grades 1-6 in September 2023. For children who are older than 6th Grade, please contact the Sleepy Hollow Recreation & Parks Department to inquire about Teen Travel Camp.

Camps are scheduled to begin on Monday, July 3rd, 2023 and continue through Friday, August 11th, 2023 (no camp on July 4th).

Find Camp Frequently Asked Questions here and information about 2023 rates and other information here.

Find Pool registration and information about the 2023 season here.

Teen Travel Camp Information

Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow collaborate on summer camps. The Day and Tot Camps are operated by the Tarrytown Recreation Department. The Teen Travel Camp is operated by the Sleepy Hollow Recreation Department. Teen Travel Camp Registration is open. Some information about the camp from Sleepy Hollow:

The Teen Travel Camp Program for boys and girls entering grades 7th, 8th and 9th in the fall (current 6th, 7th & 8th graders)

Two sessions available:

Session #1: July 10th-July 21st

Schedule: The Castle, Dave & Busters, Movies, Boundless Adventures, O’Hara Nature Center, Grand Prix, Dorney Park, Splashdown, NY Boulders, NY Mets. A swim day at Tarrytown’s municipal pool. Sports Day final Friday.

Session #2: July 24th-August 4th

Schedule: Lake Compounce, Playland, Shamrock Charter Boat fishing, bike riding, Sportime USA, bowling,

Great Adventure, Xtreme Play arcade. A swim day at Tarrytown’s municipal pool. Sports Day Fridays.

(Please note these trips are subject to change. Exact dates will be provided by the end of May).

Fees:

$510.00 per 2-week session.

$985.00 for all four weeks.

$320.00 for your choice of 1 week.

Contact Sleepy Hollow Recreation at 366-5109 for more details and registration info.

¡¡¡Está de vuelta!!! Programa de viajes para adolescentes para niños y niñas que ingresan a los grados 7, 8 y 9 en el otoño (estudiantes actuales de 6, 7 y

Dos sesiones disponibles:

Sesión #1: 10 de julio-21 de julio

Horario: The Castle, Dave & Busters, Movies, Boundless Adventures, O'Hara Nature Center, Grand Prix, Dorney Park, Splashdown, NY Boulders, NY Mets. Un día de baño en la piscina municipal de Tarrytown. Último viernes del Día del Deporte.

Sesión #2: 24 de julio-4 de agosto

Horario: Lake Compounce, Playland, Shamrock Charter Boat pesca, paseos en bicicleta, Sportime USA, bolos,

Gran aventura, arcade Xtreme Play. Un día de baño en la piscina municipal de Tarrytown. Viernes de jornada deportiva.

(Tenga en cuenta que estos viajes están sujetos a cambios. Las fechas exactas se proporcionarán a fines de mayo).

Honorarios:

$510.00 por sesión de 2 semanas.

$985.00 por las cuatro semanas.

$320.00 por su elección de 1 semana.

Comuníquese con Sleepy Hollow Recreation al 366-5109 para obtener más detalles e información de registro.

Grid Rewards - The Mayors' Challenge - We are in the Running!

Tarrytown is tied for second place with Ardsley. Hastings is on top. Sign up for Grid Rewards, get paid by Con Ed to reduce your energy usage at peak hours this summer, and push us over the top to win the Mayor's Challenge. The competition is running through April 28.

So how does it work? There are a few times during the summer when you can earn cash back by taking simple actions, like raising your AC set points for a couple of hours. GridRewards will notify you when these events occur. While it’s good to save electricity year-round, GridRewards events are so important that your utility company is willing to pay you real money to reduce at peak times.

Why? When your utility company needs to meet your region’s peak electricity demand, they spin up older, less-efficient power plants that cost more money to maintain and release more carbon into the air per unit of electricity.

Where does the money come from? Con Edison wants to pay you to reduce electricity at peak demand times to reduce stress on the grid and avoid running the most polluting, carbon intense, power plants.

Who’s excluded? Participants enrolled in Smart Usage Rewards with Honeywell, Nest or Emerson Smart thermostats are ineligible.

Tennis and Pickleball at Pierson Park

ADULT WEEKLY SCHEDULE:

TUESDAY

• Co-Ed Adult Clinic — 6.30 to 8pm

THURSDAY

• Co-Ed Adult Clinic — 6.30 to 8pm
• Pickleball Clinic — 6.30 to 7.30pm

SATURDAY

• Co-Ed Adult Clinic — 9 to 10:30am
• Pickleball Clinic — 10.30 to 11.30am

SUNDAY

• Co-Ed Adult Clinic — 8.30 to 10am

FEES:

Regular Tennis Clinic: 1.5 hour - $45

Pickleball Clinic 1 hour - $25

Private lesson: 1 hour - $90 

Book private lessons via email: tennis.tarrytown@gmail.com

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

Check made out to Evolution Tennis 

Venmo: @Evolution-Tennis-Academy

Zelle: martin.miedzowicz@gmail.com

SIGN UP online on: CourtReserve.com

*** If you do not have a CourtReserve account yet, please go to courtreserve.com, click on create account and search for Tarrytown Recreation Department - Pierson Park Courts.

For assistance and questions, please email us.

Thank you,

Tennis @Tarry Town

Pierson Park - 238 W Main St, Tarrytown, NY 10591

 There is a 24-hour cancellation policy for all clinics and lessons. Any cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled time, the full rate will be charged or payment is required. 

 - All clinics must have at least three participants to take place.

Did you know?

Local businesses can find resources, classes and other opportunities on the Westchester Catalyst website:

https://westchestercatalyst.com/events/

Tuition Reimbursement Program for EMS AND Fire Volunteers

Citizen volunteers are often called on to respond to emergency situations in Westchester County. Due to a variety of factors, local volunteer fire departments and volunteer Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies are currently experiencing a critical need to recruit and retain members.

As an incentive for local residents to serve at volunteer fire departments and EMS agencies the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services (DES), has developed a program of recruitment and retention incentives for volunteer emergency services agencies. The program is designed to provide tuition or student loan reimbursement to volunteers for their service in the County.

For more info: https://emergencyservices.westchestergov.com/contact-us/h-e-r-r-o

I Bird NY Challenge

The 2023 #IBIRDNY Challenge is back and better than ever! Birders of all ages and abilities are encouraged to spot and record any 10 bird species of their choosing, with opportunities for both youth and adult participants to win great birding prizes. New this year, the challenge will run from March 1 – November 1, observation logs may be submitted online via an online form, and all participants will receive a commemorative challenge patch!

For more information, including ideas on species to observe and places to go, please visit ibirdny.org..