White Plains · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in White Plains public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Ebersol Rink capital improvements and sponsorship legislation
The city partnered with the New York Rangers on a youth hockey program at Ebersole Rink. Council Member Caruso called the rink an underappreciated gem that leverages outside funding well.
Rusty cannon ahead of Battle of White Plains 250th anniversary
The Revolutionary War cannon along the Bronx River Parkway is rusted and in disrepair just weeks before the 250th anniversary of the Battle of White Plains on October 28. The cannon sits on county property, and the speaker asked officials to make a call to get it repainted.
Smoking in White Plains parks
The city wants to update its smoke-free rules to explicitly cover marijuana and vaping, and to extend the ban to school district fields and playgrounds the city shares. The pitch is education first — ask people to move along, not write tickets. The council votes September 8.
White Plains Soccer Fest
The Council's budget tweak funded a second screen on Maple Avenue so Soccer Fest crowds spread out more evenly; the popular summer series continues with events July 9 and July 11.
Senior services funding
A funding mix-up was corrected and the city accepted an extra $20,297.78 from the county, restoring roughly $20,000 to the senior lunch program that serves about 125 meals a week.
Water Street Connector linear park (C5691)
A $2.25 million state-funded linear park will connect the Hillside Terrace neighborhood to downtown along the old MLK Boulevard right-of-way, with a walking path, playground, dog park and lighting.
Waller Avenue Pocket Park (C5690)
A $745,000 state grant will convert an underused 12-space municipal parking lot at 73 Waller Avenue into a pocket park with shade structures, benches, a water bottle fill station, bike racks and landscaping.
Gardella Park basketball league safety
A resident is asking the city to permanently move the Gardella summer basketball league to a larger venue, citing a 50-round shooting at the 2025 semifinals, drug and alcohol use, illegal parking, and families staying indoors after 7:15 on game nights.