Dear Neighbors,

October brings opportunities to come together as a community, recognize our shared history, plan for Irvington’s future, and support important causes. From celebrating Italian American Heritage Month to raising awareness about domestic violence and advancing our sustainability goals, there are many ways to participate in Village life this month. I’d also like to share an important upcoming presentation and a few reminders about Village services and schedules. Also please remember that the Bulldog auction ends tonight! At 8:00 p.m.! This is your last chance to bid on one of the adorable puppies! Visit https://www.bulldoggallery.org/ to bid and vote on a Bulldog. 

Irvington Earns Climate Smart Recognition

Irvington has been recertified as a Silver Climate Smart Community, earning 403 points for 48 actions across 10 categories and placing fourth among New York’s participating communities.

Recent accomplishments include electric vehicle fleet upgrades; our Climate Vulnerability Assessment and Climate Adaptation Plan; community campaigns supporting electric vehicles and heat pumps; and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from Village facilities. Our gas leaf blower ban and regional Earth Month scavenger hunt also earned recognition.

Thank you to Sustainability Director Charlotte Binns and our dedicated Green Team members and volunteers, including Lisa Antonelli, Bruce Bell, John Cossins, Sachin Hardas, Leola Specht, David Zwiebel, Alayne Katz, Chet Kerr, and Warwick Norton. I also want to thank our Village staff for their hard work and dedication, both in their day-to-day efforts to advance our sustainability goals and in preparing the documentation required for the Climate Smart Community application. This hard work continues to turn our community’s commitment to sustainability into measurable progress.

Fall Landscaping: Talk to Your Landscaper

As fall cleanup begins, please remember that gas-powered leaf blowers are banned year-round in Irvington. Please speak with your landscaper to ensure they use electric equipment and follow sustainable landscaping practices.

Leaving leaves in garden beds and wooded areas, and mulching them on lawns, supports wildlife and returns nutrients to the soil. Please remember to keep sidewalks, storm drains, and drainage channels clear.

Newly signed state legislation will create a rebate program to help eligible landscapers and organizations purchase electric landscaping equipment. Please share this news with your landscaper so they can watch for application details as NYSERDA develops the program.

Residents and landscapers can find guidance and resources at IrvingtonGreen.org/Land.

Help Shape Our Region’s Hazard Preparedness

Westchester County is updating its Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, and resident input will help identify priorities for protecting people, property, and our environment from natural hazards.

Please take a few minutes to share your experiences and concerns about flooding, severe storms, extreme heat, and other hazards. Your perspective can help guide planning and projects that strengthen our community’s resilience. You can access the public survey here. 

Residents are encouraged to review the plan, complete the survey, or submit comments to help shape future preparedness efforts.

Sign Up for Curbside Food Scraps Collection

Enrollment is now open for Irvington’s new opt-in curbside food scraps collection program for single-family homes, with service scheduled to begin January 8, 2027.

Participating households can help turn food scraps into compost and reduce the amount of waste sent for disposal. Click here for enrollment information and details about the program.

Presentation of the Facilities Planning Report

The project consultants, Beyer Blinder Belle, will present the Facilities Planning Report at the Board of Trustees Work Session on Wednesday, October 14. This presentation is an important opportunity to learn more about the Village’s facilities planning efforts and the considerations that will help inform future decisions. To access the Facilities Planning Report and for more information about the report, visit the Facilities Planning Project website here. 

Please note that we have moved the usual location of our meetings to the Irvington High School/Middle School Auditorium, located at 40 N. Broadway. This larger space can accommodate greater attendance, and residents will also have the option to participate online via Zoom. We encourage everyone interested in the Village’s future to attend or tune in.

I know that some residents may not have attended work sessions in the past. On October 14, Beyer Blinder and Belle will present the report and that will be followed by a Q&A session where residents can ask questions or make comments. Each person will be able to speak for 3 minutes.  This is not the only opportunity to ask questions as the Board is in the process of planning additional Q&A sessions with BBB present.  The work session is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. and it will end at 10:00 p.m.   

Celebrating Italian American Heritage Month

From October 11 through October 21, Irvington’s Clocktower will be illuminated in celebration of Italian American Heritage Month. This month recognizes the rich history, cultural traditions, and lasting contributions of Italian Americans to our nation and our communities. Their influence can be seen across generations in the arts, public service, business, science, and many other aspects of American life. We are pleased to join in this celebration and recognize the many ways Italian Americans have helped shape our shared heritage.

Recognizing Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day

On Monday, October 12, we recognize both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This date offers an opportunity to reflect on the many histories, cultures, and experiences that have shaped our country, including the contributions and enduring presence of Indigenous peoples.

Please be aware that all Village offices will be closed on Monday, October 12, in observance of the holiday. There will also be no sanitation collection on October 12. Please plan accordingly.

Shine the Light 2026: A Walk in Solidarity with Victims & Survivors

October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to stand together in support of victims and survivors and to reaffirm our commitment to building a safer, more compassionate community.

I’m proud to share that Irvington is forming a team for Shine the Light 2026: A Walk in Solidarity with Victims & Survivors, presented by the Center for Safety & Change and community partners. I encourage you to join me, Deputy Mayor Josie Bloom, and Pace Women’s Justice Center Chair and Irvington resident Alayne Katz as we come together to raise awareness, show our support for survivors, and shine a light on the importance of ending domestic violence.

The walk will take place on Thursday, October 15. Participants will gather at 11:30 a.m. at the Westchester Landing path parking lot, 333 S. Broadway in Tarrytown. The walk begins at noon, with participants from Westchester and Rockland counties meeting in the middle of the Mario Cuomo Bridge for a brief presentation.

Registration is free, and everyone is welcome to participate. You can register for Shine the Light 2026 here. After registering, please let Alayne Katz know you’ll be joining Team Irvington by emailing alayne10533@gmail.com. We encourage participants to carpool to the bridge parking lot and look for the Team Irvington sign when they arrive.

Domestic violence affects individuals and families in every community. Raising awareness, supporting survivors, and helping connect those in need with resources are important steps toward creating a culture where everyone feels safe and supported. By walking together, we can remind survivors that they are not alone and that our community stands with them.

I hope you’ll join us for these meaningful opportunities to engage with Village government, celebrate our community’s diversity and heritage, advance our sustainability goals, and support our neighbors.

Thank you for all you do to make Irvington a welcoming, thoughtful, and caring community.

Sincerely,

Arlene Burgos
Mayor
Village of Irvington