Hello everyone,

I hope everyone is getting back to normal following the July 4th storm. Our DPW crews continue working hard to clean up the village. As recently as this morning, they were on Wilson Place clearing debris from the road and sidewalks, and they will continue these efforts until the village has fully recovered. They are accomplishing all of this while maintaining their regular garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection schedule this week. As a homeowner myself, I truly appreciate their dedication and hard work.

When I became your Mayor, I pledged to focus on several key priorities. Among them were improving our downtown for residents, businesses, and visitors, and continuing to enhance pedestrian safety throughout the village. At our July 7th Board of Trustees meeting, we took several significant steps toward accomplishing these goals.

The first action was approving the elimination of downtown parking meter fees beginning November 1, 2026. That date allows time to install new signage, complete the early termination of our parking vendor contracts, and ensure our Police Department is prepared to enforce the new free three-hour parking limit. This is one step toward making it easier for everyone to enjoy our downtown, and I sincerely hope it helps ease some of the challenges faced by our local business owners, who continue to be such valued partners in our community.

The Board also approved the installation of a new pedestrian crosswalk and stoplight on Main Street connecting the Ambulance Corps property to the James Harmon Community Center. The stoplight infrastructure already exists for Ladder 22 and the Ambulance Corps, making this an efficient improvement that will greatly enhance pedestrian safety.

Heading west on Main Street, we approved a 90-day pilot program at the intersection of Main Street and Warburton Avenue. During the pilot, the intersection will operate as a three-way stop. The traffic signal will either be placed on a flashing red cycle or covered while temporary stop signs are installed. Following the pilot, the Village will work with Westchester County to determine the best long-term improvements for both pedestrians and motorists.

Currently, drivers traveling north and south on Warburton Avenue accelerate when they see a green light, creating an unsafe environment for pedestrians attempting to cross. A three-way stop will require all motorists to slow as they approach the intersection, making it safer for everyone.

Another important improvement approved by the Board is converting the intersection of Ravensdale Road and Rosedale Avenue into a four-way stop. As navigation apps have become more sophisticated, Ravensdale Road has increasingly become a cut-through route for drivers traveling beyond our village. This has significantly increased traffic volumes and reduced pedestrian safety along the corridor.

In addition to the new four-way stop, other traffic-calming measures will be implemented to help slow vehicles. We greatly appreciate the thoughtful feedback and advocacy from residents who supported this improvement, as well as those who requested additional safety measures at Ravensdale Road and Kent Avenue. We have asked our traffic engineers to evaluate the best way to add a stop sign for westbound traffic entering the village at that intersection.

These are meaningful, Hastings-focused improvements that reflect the feedback we've received from residents, business owners, and visitors alike. Your input continues to shape the decisions we make, and I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to share their ideas and concerns.

As we head into the heart of summer, I wish you all a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable season. If you see your DPW crews around the village, please take a moment to thank them. Since Saturday evening, they have worked tirelessly to restore our community while continuing to provide the daily services we all rely upon.

I am also pleased to report that the Chemka Pool has reopened after an unfortunate power outage and subsequent electrical supply issue that required assistance from Con Edison and licensed electricians. A very big thank you to Parks & Recreation Department Parks Foreman Shawn Sanders and DPW Superintendent Mike Gunther for making this happen!

There are still plenty of great events happening throughout the village. Tomorrow, Foodtown will celebrate its 10th anniversary in Hastings by hosting a community barbecue from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in its parking lot as a thank-you to our community. The Sunset Concert Series and Hastings on Jazz also continue throughout the summer. Simply click here for a complete schedule of upcoming events.

Please stay cool, stay safe, and enjoy the rest of your summer.

Tom Drake, Mayor
mayor@hohny.gov


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