White Plains · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in White Plains public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Youth Bureau grants and library funding
A slate of youth programs is up for funding and agreements: summer jobs, college credit courses, alcohol-prevention services, and more — mostly grant-funded.
Disabled veterans tax exemption
A proposed local law would give seriously disabled veterans a property tax exemption under state Real Property Tax Law Section 458-A. A public hearing is set for November 2 before any adoption.
CDBG Staff Salary Schedule
The agency approved raises for Community Development Block Grant staff so their pay tracks the city's union salary schedule and step increases for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2026.
Property tax assessment refunds
The city settled assessment challenges from eight property owners, refunding about $115,000 in city taxes with no interest. That's money coming off the tax rolls, though the amounts are modest.
Fire Station 2 feasibility study cost
The city will spend $400,000 to figure out the future of the Ferris Avenue fire station that also houses parking and public works — renovate it, rebuild it there, or build on the Water Street parcel. The study will also look at other uses for Water Street if a new station doesn't pencil out.
Sale of city-owned properties — 90 Lake Street and 49-51 Robertson Avenue
The city owns a useless, wedge-shaped 0.05-acre sliver across from Kensico Place that it picked up in a 2018 foreclosure. No department wants it, so it's set to be sold to the neighboring auto body shop for $15,000.
Cost of America 250 street markings
A resident questioned the cost of painting 'America 250' on city streets and said he'll return each meeting until he gets an accounting.
Severe winter snow removal costs
The harshest winter in roughly a decade — 18 storms, 60.75 inches of snow, the coldest in 65 years — blew out DPW's snow budget, requiring a $643,529 transfer mostly for overtime and contractors.
Dish Wireless litigation authorization
The city is suing DISH Wireless, which stopped paying monthly fees for space on a city-owned cell tower since December 2025.
Downtown BID assessments
Downtown business district assessments are fixed for 2026-27, capped at $1.5 million, with a tax warrant to collect them.
2026-2027 City Budget
The agency adopted its operating budget for the year starting July 1, 2026, covering the cost of running the urban renewal agency itself.
FY 2026-2027 Budget public hearing
The council set May 4, 2026 as the public hearing date for next year's city budget. That's the public's formal chance to weigh in on city spending before adoption.
IDA tax exemption for East Post Road parking garage
The Council voiced no objection to county tax breaks for a private parking garage on East Post Road; two council members recused themselves.
Tax Certiorari Settlement — 3 Barker Avenue
The City settled an assessment challenge on 3 Barker Avenue, reducing its assessed value and refunding $4,718.59 in city taxes without interest.
Capital projects review
The city is weighing upgrades including a citywide alarm system, fuel system replacement, Public Safety Building repairs, general facility renovations, and a pump station valve swap. These affect city infrastructure and public safety facilities, though no funding decisions were made at this meeting.