Omar Herrera Calls for Moratorium on New Village Developement

VILLAGE OF OSSINING MAYORAL CANDIDATE OMAR J. HERRERA CALLS FOR MORATORIUM ON NEW DEVELOPMENT

Ossining, NY — Ossining Village Trustee and Mayoral Candidate Omar J. Herrera is immediately proposing a moratorium; a freeze/suspension on new real estate development within the Village of Ossining.

“The Village of Ossining has been largely unable to deal with the growth created by recent projects, and the real effects to our capacity as a municipality and school system, yet we seem to be moving forward at a reckless pace to approve new projects. Should we continue on this course, we risk spoiling not only one of the largest undeveloped natural landscapes on the Eastern shore of the Hudson River, but we also risk adding further stress to our already over-burdened school system,” said Omar Herrera. “Furthermore, we still haven’t taken the time to listen to valid concerns that have been raised by Village residents, businesses, parents and school senior administration.”

Herrera is proposing that all three entities: the Village of Ossining Board of Trustees, Town of Ossining Council and Ossining Union School District convene to determine a facilitator to aid in developing a collaboration on how to move forward together, explain each entity’s role, and what the next steps will look like.

“The only way that we can come together as one community and have the conversations that we need to have is to have a discussion on considering a temporarily freeze on the process of approving new developments,” said Omar Herrera. “When and if we move forward with developments in the future, it will be as one united community, and that is something we are sorely lacking right now.”

“Given the recent public input by village appointed boards and committees and the diverse opinions that resulted, it is clear that our current comprehensive plan requires a review and evaluation before we commit to future development. A moratorium is one of the many tools available for thoughtful and critical analysis to form a clearer picture for the Village of Ossining’s economic and cultural future. It is a subject worth discussing,” said John Codman, Village of Ossining Deputy Mayor.

“I am very proud of the Ossining school District; I feel as a parent that our children's education is essential. There should not be a single child who loses the opportunity to have high quality teaching and programs. It would be ideal for Ossining leaders to make this a priority and focus on finally working together to plan appropriately for our village and all children,” said Lupe Nichols, Ossining parent of two.

Herrera plans on submitting a memorandum to his colleagues on the Ossining Village Board of Trustees requesting this topic be added to an upcoming work-session agenda for discussion and briefing.

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