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.
Water Street Connector
The city would lease Urban Renewal Agency land along the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Extension to build the Water Street Connector — part of reshaping downtown connectivity.
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.
City Hall roof, facade, and HVAC modernization
City Hall still cools its offices with window AC units. A $750,000 project would replace them with a building-wide heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, which also improves building security.
Electric shuttle service for downtown and close-in neighborhoods
White Plains is close to finalizing a three-year NYSERDA grant (about $2.3 million) for a free, on-demand electric shuttle connecting downtown with close-in neighborhoods like Battle Hill and Ferris Avenue. Rides are free the first year, then could cost up to $5, and a public hearing on the enabling law is expected in November.
Whitmore Estates subdivision of former Windward School property
A developer wants to turn the old Windward School site into 13 house lots with a new public road. Neighbors worry about drainage, rock removal and construction impacts, and won extra time to have an engineer review the plans.
Farrell Estates at Ridgeway 105-lot subdivision
The former Ridgeway Country Club site is proposed for a 99-lot single-family subdivision on about 127 environmentally sensitive acres. Developers revised the plan to protect the Gedney Esplanade trees and wetland buffers, and the final environmental review could reach the board by April with action by May or June.
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.
Library Parking Structure Rehabilitation funding increase
A 2024 engineering study revealed major structural problems in city garages, and the library garage is the worst priority. Phase 1 column repairs need an extra $3.5 million because deterioration extended into surrounding slabs; the mayor called the overall garage repair bill 'the tip of the iceberg.'
Municipal parking garage rehabilitation
The city is borrowing $3.03 million to fix aging parking garages — membranes, joints, drains, lighting, and fans — plus a $275,000 electrical upgrade at City Center Garage. Expect repair work in the garages over the coming year.
Brookfield Commons Phase 3 extension
The council signed off on lender-required paperwork for the third phase of the Brookfield Commons affordable housing development, which brings roughly $8 million in County infrastructure funding to the city.
Residential street parking and traffic safety requests
A fatal crash two years ago and several trees struck by cars show a dangerous speeding pattern on Battle Avenue in Battle Hill. Residents want the city to study safety improvements on streets designed in 1905 for Model T speeds.
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.
YWCA resident conditions at 69 North Broadway
A resident of the YWMA/YWCA at 69 North Broadway described reduced services, pest problems, lost security, missing hygiene supplies, and no carbon monoxide or smoke alarm inspections. She asked officials to intervene.