Mayor's Message – June 17, 2026

 

As we move into the summer, there is so much happening across Irvington, from community celebrations and concerts to important Village projects and public meetings. It’s a busy and exciting time of year, and we want to make sure everyone stays informed, connected, and able to take full advantage of all that our community has to offer. Below are some updates and upcoming events to keep on your radar. 

Community Advisory Regarding Coyote Activity

The Irvington Police Department received reports of coyote sightings throughout the Village last week. Some reports indicated that the coyote was becoming increasingly brazen and exhibiting behavior that has raised concerns among residents. Officers responded to the reported locations and conducted area canvases, but were unable to locate the animal. In addition to the sightings, a dog was attacked by a coyote within the Village. Officers responded to the area, but the coyote had already fled by the time they arrived

Irvington Police Chief Pignatelli and I have been in frequent contact and discussing the best way to move forward.  We are reviewing the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) guidance and will proceed accordingly, including hiring a trapper if that is the recommended course of action. 

Chief Pignatelli has been assessing the situation with Greenburgh Animal Control and the DEC since the first sightings were reported. In his most recent conversations with the DEC, they indicated that a trapper would be ineffective at this time, as it has been a few days since the last sighting. They believe the coyote has moved on. At this time, the DEC recommends that we continue to monitor the situation and reevaluate the course of action if we receive further reports. We will continue working closely with Greenburgh Animal Control and the DEC to take all the appropriate steps to ensure public safety. 

We urge all residents to exercise caution, particularly during the early morning and evening hours when coyotes are most active. Pets should be closely supervised at all times and brought indoors whenever possible. Residents are reminded not to leave pet food, garbage, or other attractants outside.

If you observe a coyote in the Village, please contact the Irvington Police Department immediately so that officers can respond and evaluate the situation.

Please review the links below for important safety information. We will continue to keep the community informed as we learn more.

 

https://www.irvingtonny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14518/Coyote-Safety-2026

 

https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/nuisance-wildlife-species/coyote-conflicts

 

Public Hearing Scheduled for July 20, 2026

The Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in Village Hall to consider an application seeking additional lot coverage and floor area ratio (FAR) for a proposed mixed-use development at 76 North Broadway.

As with all public meetings, members of the public are encouraged to participate in person, by telephone, or via Zoom. Details are available on the Village calendar:
https://irvingtonny.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=1939&month=7&year=2026&day=20&calType=0

 

7th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Day Block Party

Join us for the 7th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Day Block Party on Friday, June 19, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at Scenic Hudson Park on Bridge Street.

Enjoy an afternoon of DJ music, dancing, double dutch, food, and refreshments as our community comes together to celebrate freedom, culture, and unity. Entry is free. 

 

London Calling: A Conversation with Patrick Radden Keefe and David Enrich

Wednesday, June 24 at 7:00 p.m. – Irvington Theater

Bestselling author Patrick Radden Keefe will discuss his new book, London Falling, with David Enrich, Deputy Investigations Editor of The New York Times.

Known for his compelling explorations of injustice and political intrigue, Patrick Radden Keefe has received numerous honors, including the National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction and the Orwell Prize for Political Writing. His internationally acclaimed book Say Nothing was adapted for television in 2024.

This promises to be a fascinating evening of conversation and insight.

Learn more and purchase tickets:
https://www.irvingtontheater.com/prk

 

Ice Cream Social - 

Kick off summer with your neighbors at the Irvington Ice Cream Social, Thursday, June 25, from 4–7 PM at Matthiessen Park. Come and celebrate the end of the school year with some ice cream and friends! Bring a blanket and your appetite… There will be ice cream for everyone, and yes, seconds are allowed (we won't tell). The Gentleman Brawlers will provide the live music. Village staff and trustees will be there too, mingling with cones in hand, so it's a great chance to put faces to names. We hope this event becomes an annual tradition — come help us start it off right.

 

Harriman Road Drainage Project Update

Construction activity has continued on the Harriman Road Drainage Project. In May, the contractor, Bradhurst, returned to the site and completed sawcutting and exploratory work in preparation for water main relocations.

Since then, crews have installed a 12-inch insertion valve and two additional 12-inch valves on the high-pressure water main to improve operational flexibility during future shutdowns. Two water services were also relocated to accommodate the proposed water main offsets at the intersection of Harriman Road and Victor Drive, and approximately 60 linear feet of concrete sidewalk has been installed along the south side of Harriman Road.

Over the next four to six weeks, work will focus on completing the high- and low-pressure water main offsets and installing the remaining 60-inch and 36-inch culverts at the intersection of Harriman Road and Victor Drive. The contractor anticipates encountering ledge rock in this area, which will likely require additional rock-hammering operations.

We appreciate everyone's patience as this important infrastructure project continues. The Harriman Road culvert project addresses a longstanding flooding problem at the Route 9/Broadway and Harriman Road intersection, where Barney Brook passes beneath the road. The existing culvert is over a century old and severely undersized for current stormwater volumes. Replacing the culvert protects the village from flooding. 

 

Facilities Planning Project: Draft Options Open House – June 24, 2026

The next Facilities Planning Project community workshop will be held on Tuesday, June 24, from 5:30–8:00 p.m. in the Main Street School Cafeteria, beginning one hour earlier than previously announced. Our consultant, Beyer Blinder Belle (BBB), will present various draft scenarios for potential Village facilities sites. This is a drop-in, open-house style event. 

Thank you to everyone who has participated in this important process. Community input remains essential as we evaluate long-term facility needs, potential locations, project priorities, and funding considerations.

If you have not yet had an opportunity to join, we encourage you to visit the online Sites & Scenarios Workshop to review project materials, explore potential concepts, and provide feedback at your convenience.

For those unable to attend in person, online participation options will be available to ensure all community members can engage in the process.

Learn more about the Facilities Planning Project:
https://www.irvingtonny.gov/827/Facilities-Planning-Project

 

Summer Concerts at the Matthiessen Park Stage

Summer is almost here, and with it comes an exciting season of live music at the new Matthiessen Park Stage. We invite residents and visitors alike to bring a lawn chair or blanket, gather with friends and neighbors, and enjoy an outstanding lineup of free performances overlooking the Hudson River.

From local favorites to returning acts, this year's concert series offers something for everyone and continues to showcase the vibrant arts and cultural community that makes Irvington so special.

View the complete concert schedule here:
https://www.irvingtonny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14519/Summer-Concert-Series-2026

 

July 4th Fireworks Celebration

Join us at Matthiessen Park on Friday, July 4 at 9:15 pm, as we celebrate America's 250th Birthday with Irvington's annual fireworks display.

Bring your family and friends for an evening of community and a spectacular fireworks show over the Hudson River as we commemorate this historic milestone in our nation's history.

Clearly, there's a great deal happening in the Village right now! Thank you for taking the time to read through this longer-than-usual edition; staying informed is one of the best ways to stay involved, and we're grateful for a community that does both. As always, feel free to reach out with questions or feedback. We'll see you around the Village.

Sincerely,

Arlene Burgos
Mayor, Village of Irvington