Smoking Banned in Parks, Youth Bureau Awarded by Obama, Funding for Comprehensive Plan Consultants Approved

Smoking Banned in City Parks

The White Plains Common Council unanimously banned smoking in 19 of its parks and outdoor open spaces at its regular meeting Monday. Check back with us for more on this story. 

Youth Bureau Receives Presidential Award

The White Plains Youth Bureau was awarded with the U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Awards from the President’s Council on Services and Civics Participation, along with other awards for various projects. Check back with us for this story.

Capital Projects

The council approved $202,000 in bonds for construction on City-owned parking lots; and $127,000 in bonds toward a portion of the cost ($252,000) for self-check out kiosks in the White Plains Public Library. The council also approved a $363,600 bond to hire two consultants to assist the City in updating its comprehensive plan, check back with us for more on this story. 

City Joins Sustainable Consortium

The council unanimously agreed to join the New York-Connecticut Sustainable Communities, a consortium of municipalities and regional planning organizations that aim to integrate economic development, housing, transportation and environmental planning. The consortium includes Yonkers, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, New York City. Click here for more information.

Appointments

Ralph Reda was appointed to the Board of Assessment Review until Sept. 20 2014; Anna Cabrera was appointed to the Planning Board until Dec. 31, 2011; and Michael Quinn was appointed as chairman of the board until Dec. 31, 2011.

Public Hearing 

A public hearing was held on an application submitted by Pepe Infiniti for a special permit that would allow them to enclose an existing platform at 300 Central Ave., the former Reggie Pink Harley Davidson. The building will be adapted into the car dealership.

Loans for 10 Odell Increased

The council agreed to increase the Community Development Special Rehabilitation Loan tothe 10 Odell Ave. Project from $100,000 to $150,000 for the rehabilitation of the property.  The additional funds are needed to do storm water mitigation and work on the driveway. The funds for this project do not come from taxpayer dollars or the general fund. When the loan is paid back from the sale of the rehabilitated project the funds will be available to offer another loan for an affordable housing project. The City of White Plains has partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Westchester in the renovation of this project.  Habitat has provided volunteers and donations of materials, such as "blue jeans insulation".   Funds from the City's rehabilitation loan provide funding for structural and other improvements at the site.   Click for more information on the Habitat for Humanity projects, and  for a story on its annual luncheon.

*This is not a complete account of all meeting activity

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