A Home for the Honey Bees: Village of Ossining Passes New Bee Legislation

Honey bees have found a home in the Village of Ossining following the overriding of a long-standing ordinance against beekeeping within the municipality’s boundaries. The Village Board of Trustees recently voted unanimously in support of the new legislation, “Revisions to Chapter 75 ‘Animals’ to Require Apiary Registration,” which also sets in place safe beekeeping standards and protection for the bees.

The Dominican Sisters of Hope in Ossining have long been proponents of the bees. “I am very excited and extremely grateful that the Village Trustees voted for the bees’ sake,” said Sister Bette Ann. “We are planting for the pollinators here at the Mariandale Retreat and Conference Center, and hope to attract monarch butterflies as well as bees. We plan to tend our own bees as part of creating a sustainable and hospitable environment. It’s wonderful to partner with the Village board and their amazing staff in this transformation.”

Bees are essential part of the ecosystem, vital to maintaining healthy plants and ensuring full harvests for a wide variety of crops. According to the American Beekeeping Federation, approximately one third of all food consumed in the U.S. is directly or indirectly derived from honey bee pollination. Further, roughly 75% of all flowering plants rely on animal pollinators such as bees to survive.

Under the Village Code, beekeepers are required to file a registration form, which is due within 10 days of installation of any apiary (beehive), and annual renewals thereafter. Bee colonies must be kept in appropriately sized, designed and well-maintained apiaries with removable frames. Each apiary is to be labeled with the beekeeper’s contact information as well as an alternate qualified emergency contact.

Beekeepers are also responsible for adhering to best practices in the field and are strongly encouraged to join one or more organized beekeeping associations. Additional responsibilities include being available to engage in community outreach in order to educate the public on beekeeping and staying informed by attending formal training educational classes.

For additional information, including a copy of the Village of Ossining’s new legislation, apiary registration form, backyard beekeeping resources, and a bee emergency contact list, visit www.villageofossining.org. The apiary registration form is also available from the Ossining Village Clerk at 16 Croton Avenue, Ossining.

About the Village of Ossining: On April 2, 1813, the Village of Ossining became the first incorporated village in Westchester County to be state-chartered. Today, Ossining is a culturally diverse, affordable place to live, rich in both history and natural beauty. Approximately 25,600 people reside in the three and one half square miles of this historic Village on the Hudson River, which boasts extensive shopping, recreational programs, educational enrichment opportunities, and excellent municipal services. Ossining’s role in New York’s heritage has been recognized by its inclusion, as one of only 14 areas, in an Urban Cultural Park System designed to attract visitors to the State. Visit www.villageofossining.org for more information.