Penguin Plunge
It was my pleasure (maybe that’s not the right word), to participate in the second Penguin Plunge to benefit the Irvington Recreation Department back on March 2nd. The final fundraising numbers have not been released yet, but by all accounts, the event was a success. I’ll repeat what I said last year: while this is an important fundraising event for the Irvington Recreation Department, I believe the event’s true value is in the way it brings our community together. The sense of camaraderie and just plain fun is unmatched. I’m sure the fine volunteers on the F.A.C.E. (Fundraising and Community Events) Committee are already planning next year’s event. Please make your plans to participate or donate!
Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
I also had the privilege to march behind the banner of the Village of Irvington in last Sunday’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade hosted by Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow. It was quite an enjoyable day and I hope other groups will participate in future years to share in the fun.
Tourism
Many of you reading this email are likely Irvington residents. As such, you probably don't think of Irvington as a tourist destination. However, if you lived in New York City or you were visiting the New York metropolitan area, you might enjoy a stroll along the Aqueduct, meandering around historic villas with breathtaking views of the majestic Hudson River.
To help put the Rivertowns, including Irvington, "on the map", we have joined with our neighbors to help raise our visibility among potential tourists.
Please take a moment to “like” the Rivertowns, N.Y. Tourism Board fan page on Facebook and share the web site (rivertownsny.org) with your friends.
Signs
For nearly three years, my colleagues and I have been working on crafting a new sign code for Irvington. Signage, particularly in the Business District, is a very complex topic and there have been numerous work sessions over the past several years. However, I think we have come up with a fair law that addresses the need for regulation without placing undue burdens on our business owners. On Monday, March 18th at 7 p.m., the Board of Trustees will be holding a public hearing on the new sign law. Please consider attending so your opinions can be heard. The new law can be downloaded from the Village web site (http://www.irvingtonny.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=771).
Film Series
Although there are many rewarding aspects to serving as Mayor, one of the more disappointing aspects is that Board of Trustees meetings often interfere with some great movies in our Town Hall Theater. Tonight is certainly one of those instances! The award-winning movie “Koch” will be playing at 8 p.m. Mayor Ed Koch is one of my favorite politicians of all time and he will be greatly missed. It is my understanding that the movie “Koch” presents an honest picture of a man who had a dramatic impact that reached far beyond NYC. Please stop by the Town Hall Theater to enjoy this wonderful film while my colleagues and I do the people’s business downstairs. Maybe I’ll exercise my power as Mayor to adjourn the meeting at 8 p.m. so we can all head upstairs! You can get more information about this movie or other upcoming shows at: www.irvingtontheater.com
As always, please contact me with your concerns or suggestions on improving our Village.
Brian C. Smith
Mayor
bsmith@irvingtonny.gov