The future of the Village of Ossining's parklet program is up for discussion. If you were around during the COVID-19 pandemic, there's a good chance that you've seen a parklet. The removable platforms extend the sidewalk by turning parking spots into public amenity spaces. Years later, lots of restaurants, like Melike Turkish Cuisine in Ossining, still use them to optimize their outdoor dining options. "The parklets [are] helping the business. It brings the people from really far. They deserve to be outside in the summer, sitting and eating," Erdal Nehir, the owner of Melike's said. The owner and chef said he's nervous because there's a chance that he may not be able to put up the parklet this year. News 12 obtained a village email that was sent to businesses that said the program is up for debate. The message said board members have concerns about the program and the amount of parking that is available. It stated that 12 parking spots are used for parklet program in the downtown district. Community members, like Pya Demeterio, are fighting to preserve the program. "I love the parklets. I love the community it builds," Demeterio said. Local landlords, like Melita Silva, said they are also rallying to try to save the outdoor spaces. "Totally, I was so disappointed when I heard that they were not sure if they were going to have it or not," Silva said. The mayor of Ossining sent News 12 a statement that said, "The board is doing its due diligence and will discuss pros and cons with next steps at the upcoming work session, this Wednesday." Silva said she will go to support her tenants who rely on the program. "It's hard enough," Silva said. "This village was nothing before and has been getting better and better each year and we want it even better."