Hello Hastings,

We have had so many exciting things happening in the Village, and this Sunday, November 1st, marks an important milestone for our downtown!

Back in July, the Board of Trustees unanimously voted to eliminate downtown parking meter fees to encourage more people to shop locally, dine at our wonderful restaurants, and enjoy everything our downtown has to offer. From attorneys and real estate offices to hair and nail salons, a fully stocked hardware store, and so much more, our downtown businesses provide an incredible range of services and experiences for our community.

While Sundays are already free parking days downtown, beginning Monday, November 2, you will be able to enjoy three hours of free parking every day! That means more time to browse our shops, enjoy a meal, and support our local businesses without worrying about adding money to a pay station or parking app. Please remember that a three-hour maximum parking limit will remain in effect and will be enforced by our Police Department to ensure the program works fairly for everyone.

Tomorrow is Halloween, and with the holiday falling on a Saturday this year, we can expect plenty of excited trick-or-treaters out and about! I remember how much I loved when Halloween fell on a Friday or Saturday, with even more opportunities to get out with friends and collect those extra treats. As our children take to the streets, please take a moment to review the Halloween Safety Tips message from Police Chief Dave Dosin.  Everyone should exercise extra caution while driving, particularly after sunset, when visibility can be limited and children may be crossing streets unexpectedly. Chief Dosin has assured me that our Police Department will have its customary number of officers assigned throughout the evening to help keep everyone safe.

There is plenty of Halloween fun happening around the Village this weekend, too! Tonight, Friday Night Spooktacular takes over Warburton Avenue with Trunk or Treat, music, food, and activities for the whole family. Tomorrow morning, the PTSA Halloween Fun Run kicks off at 9 a.m. in the neighborhood around Hillside Elementary, followed by the Munchkin Halloween Parade, beginning at 11 a.m. and traveling from VFW Plaza to The Good Witch Coffee Bar.

For more information about these and other local events, visit Destination Hastings and make a plan to get out and enjoy everything our community has to offer. And, if you see Barb Prisament, our tireless Downtown Advocate, please take a moment to thank her for all she does to promote our downtown, support our local businesses, and bring our community together. Thank you, Barb, for all your hard work and dedication!

Have a safe and wonderful weekend, everyone. I hope to see you out and about on Halloween or at one of our many community events. And starting Monday, I encourage you to take advantage of our new downtown parking program, shop locally, and show our businesses how much you appreciate them!

Enjoy the weekend and please be safe, Hastings!

Tom Drake, Mayor
mayor@hohny.gov


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