White Plains · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in White Plains public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Buddhist temple on environmentally sensitive Sycamore Lane site
The proposed Buddhist Temple at 1 Sycamore Lane needs variances to build within the 100-foot wetlands buffer and to make up a 10-space parking shortfall. The case was pushed to October 7, so neighbors near the wetlands site will weigh in next month.
290 Ferris Avenue tree removal and site buffering
A resident says a county-sold forest at 290 Ferris Avenue was clear-cut, possibly in violation of the tree ordinance, and the light-industrial truck parking site ended up with minimal buffering despite council requirements.
Battery energy storage facility on Oakley Avenue
New Leaf Energy wants to build a standalone battery energy storage facility. The design review board approved the design as revised, moving the clean-energy project forward.
EV charging station expansion
The city added $200,000 for engineering on its EV charging station project, bringing it to about $1.49 million — roughly 75 new public charging stations are planned.
Energy affordability campaign for residents
Sustainable Westchester will run a free six-month program helping residents cut energy bills through home energy assessments, heat pumps, insulation, community solar, and demand-response programs — with a focus on low- and moderate-income households, renters, and landlords.
Smart Composting Initiative grant
The city is seeking $367,983 in state funds to build a network of food scrap drop-off 'Smart Bins' plus a dedicated collection vehicle, diverting up to 312 tons of food waste a year from the regular trash stream. The match is in-kind services, not new city cash.