OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Westchester County Board of Legislators Regular Meeting – May 18, 2026

Board of Legislators & Committees — Monday, May 18, 2026
BodyWestchester County, New York
SessionBoard of Legislators & Committees
DateMonday, May 18, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
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0:00

And Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

0:02

Tonight, we recognize the lasting impact of AAPI residents that have had lasting impact on our communities across Westchester.

0:14

Generations of AAPI leadership and culture has strengthened our neighborhoods, schools, and public institutions.

0:22

We are proud to welcome two outstanding honorees whose work speaks to the AAI AAPI spirit of service.

0:32

Keiko Nicolini is an environmental leader, community advocate, and sustainable systems designer.

0:39

And Dr.

0:40

Vikas Argawal is a neurologist and dedicated volunteer and also in Ardsley Board of Education Trustee.

0:50

Their efforts demonstrate a deep commitment to helping others and building stronger communities.

0:56

They also reflect this year's AAPI Heritage Month theme of power in unity and the importance of working together to create a more inclusive future.

1:06

Thank you all for being here.

1:25

Good evening.

1:26

Good evening, good evening, and happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

1:32

I'm so glad, yes.

1:38

I'm so glad to see Westchester County continue with these heritage celebrations as different forces throughout the country try to take us backward, try to deny the contributions of different diverse communities to our nation.

1:51

In Westchester County, we recognize each of the individual communities that makes us strong, that makes us beautiful, that makes us interesting.

1:59

And tonight we honor our Asian American and Pacific Islander community members.

2:04

This evening, I am proud to honor Croton's own Keiko Nicolini, who is sitting right here, an environmental justice change maker and sustainability expert.

2:14

Keiko is proudly both the daughter and granddaughter of Japanese immigrants on her father's side, while her mother's maternal family has lived in the Hudson Valley for many generations with roots tracing back to the 1700s.

2:29

She was raised in a family of activists, artists, educators, and environmental stewards.

2:34

Keiko's family helped found the Orange County Land Trust.

2:38

Her grandmother was a painter, designer, and social justice advocate.

2:43

And her grandfather's work in environmental protection included key roles in the New York City Department of Sanitation and then in the development of New York State environmental laws.

2:54

Together, these influences instilled in Keiko a deep belief that local action, environmental stewardship, and civic responsibility are inseparable.

3:05

Her environmental commitment began at a very early age, at seven years old during a school trip aboard the Clearwater Sloop, where she experienced firsthand the power of environmental education and advocacy.

3:21

That early experience sparked a lifelong passion for ensuring that all communities have a meaningful access to sustainability and environmental leadership.

3:31

By age eight, Keiko was already engaged in public advocacy, working alongside her grandmother to bridge cultural barriers and mobilize members of the local Chinatown community in support of what became the full renovation of Sarah D.

3:47

Roosevelt Park with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.

3:51

Throughout her career, Keiko has provided guidance to governments and corporations on sustainable infrastructure and policy.

3:59

Her work has included municipal reuse systems, greenhouse gas inventories, electric bus initiatives, and clean energy projects.

4:08

In Croton on Hudson, our hometown, she led the certification process for the New York State Climate Smart Communities Program, helping the village earn a number three statewide ranking.

4:20

Our little village of Croton, third in the entire state.

4:24

In 2023, Keiko also helped launch the Village of Croton Residential Food Scrap Recycling Program.

4:31

In its first year alone, the program diverted more than 16 tons of waste.

4:38

Keiko also serves as chair of the NAACP Peakskill Environmental Justice Committee and sits on its executive committee.

4:47

A graduate of Bard College, just like her county legislator, she remains engaged with its sustainability MBA program and continues to build pathways toward a more just resilient and sustainable future for all communities.

5:04

It is a privilege to celebrate Keiku Nicolini this evening, who is quite literally a force of nature in our community.

5:12

We honor Keiko for her advocacy and her proven ability to unite people for the sake of our planet.

5:20

From her hands on stewardship of residential food scrap recycling programs to her work advising local governments.

5:28

She has dedicated her life to ensuring a greener future for all.

5:32

Keiko's heritage of activism is a powerful reminder of how Asian American leaders are shaping a greener and more inclusive Westchester.

5:42

Thank you, Keiko, for all you've done.

5:44

I'm so honored to know you.

6:06

Good evening.

6:21

However, I think that the greater recognition belongs to the County of Westchester.

6:28

When so many are abandoning their DEI commitments, this county has held the line, and this award is proof of that.

6:36

And I thank you.

6:38

This is AAPI Heritage Month, a time to honor the generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who built this country, who serve it, who contribute the wisdom of our culture to the fabric of America.

6:55

I was going to tell you a story about being a little girl and spending so much time in my dad's Kendo Dojo at Martial Arts Studio.

7:07

But I feel like it's a much more sobering moment than to tell a little story like that.

7:16

The Supreme Court has now finished what it started more than a decade ago with Shelby County versus Holder.

7:25

And the Voting Rights Act, which Ronald Reagan called the crown jewel of the civil rights movement, has been hollowed out.

7:35

So many voters now, specifically voters of color, have fewer legal tools to fight back against maps deliberately drawn to dilute our voice and deprioritize our best interests.

7:49

A Chinatown carved between three districts.

7:53

That is how voter power is taken by design and with impunity, and now with the Supreme Court's blessing.

8:03

That very thing happened to Chinatowns in New York, in San Francisco, and in Boston.

8:11

And section two of the Voting Rights Act was the tool used to fight for fair inclusive representation.

8:18

And that tool is now essentially gone.

8:23

The impacts of this will be felt hardest where our communities are growing fastest.

8:29

The AAPI populations in the Southeast grew by almost 50% between 2010 and 2020.

8:36

Texas, North Carolina, Arkansas, and Indiana each saw AAPI population growth above 67% over the same period.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
LGBTQ+ Community Recognition████████████████████20%
Procedural█████████████████17%
Affordable Housing█████████████13%
Engineering And Infrastructure██████████10%
Parks and Recreation██████6%
Personnel Matters█████5%
Voting Rights████4%
Public Safety████4%
Environmental Protection███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Westchester County Board of Legislators Regular Meeting – May 18, 2026

The Westchester County Board of Legislators met on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 7:00 PM (reconvened at 7:51 PM after a recess for an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration). The meeting included public hearings, consideration of numerous bond acts, capital projects, intermunicipal agreements, appointments, and memorial resolutions. All votes were unanimous (16-0) unless noted.

Consent Calendar

  • Minutes of May 4, 2026 (Regular Meeting) and May 6, 2026 (State of the County Special Meeting) were approved unanimously.
  • All communications from the County Executive, County Attorney, and Legislators were received, filed, and referred to the appropriate committees without objection.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • No members of the public registered to speak during the public comment session or the public hearing on the Citigroup lease.

Public Hearings

  • Public Hearing on WD305 – Eastview Pumping Station (Item 2026-182): Chairman Gashi noted a publishing error and rescheduled the hearing for Monday, June 1, 2026 at 7:30 PM to ensure proper notice. No speakers were heard.
  • Public Hearing on Lease with Citigroup, Inc. for Hangar E, Bay 2 at Westchester County Airport (Item 2026-191): No speakers registered; the hearing was closed and the local law (LL Intro 2026-192) was subsequently adopted.

Discussion & Voting Items

  • Local Law – Citigroup Lease at Airport (Item 2026-192): Legislator Woodson-Samuels moved adoption, noting the 15-year lease with two 5-year options will generate approximately $1.2 million in annual rent. Adopted unanimously (16-0).
  • Youth Development Program – Mount Vernon (Item 2026-200): Legislator Woodson-Samuels highlighted that $150,718 will serve approximately 190 at-risk youth (ages 5–21) through Mount Vernon’s Youth Bureau. Adopted unanimously.
  • Rehabilitation of Greenwich Road Bridge (Items 2026-201, 2026-202): Environmental resolution and temporary easement agreements for a 1919 bridge over the Mianus River in Bedford. Legislator Pierce noted the need to maintain a single lane of traffic and gratitude to property owners. Adopted unanimously.
  • HUD Consolidation Plan (Item 2026-203): Authorizes the county to apply for and accept approximately $5.97 million in federal CDBG, HOME, and ESG grants for 31 municipalities. Legislator Pierce emphasized the importance of the program amid federal funding uncertainties. Adopted unanimously.
  • Dam Improvements at Woodlands Lake (Items 2026-208, 2026-209, 2026-210): Restructuring and consolidation of bonding for park dams, adding $400,000 in new design funding for a dam built in 1940. Total consolidated bond act: $1,194,602.36. Adopted unanimously.
  • Dunwoodie Golf Course Facility Improvements (Items 2026-211, 2026-215, 2026-217, 2026-218): Environmental resolution, budget amendment, bond amendment, and consolidated bond for major upgrades at the 70-year-old facility. County share: $6.3 million; total project: $12.32 million. Includes new maintenance building, chemical facility, storage, and water system. Adopted unanimously.
  • Affordable Housing – 1-3 Croton Point Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson (Items 2026-220, 2026-222, 2026-223, 2026-225): A package authorizing land acquisition, bonding, and a developer agreement for a five-story building with 100 affordable homeownership units (46 one-bedroom, 54 two-bedroom), 105 parking spaces, and amenities. Units will remain affordable for at least 50 years. Legislator Ulaj praised the transit-oriented development and community effort. Total bond amounts: $5,765,000 (BPL37) and $6,150,000 (BPL1A). Adopted unanimously.
  • Sixth Grade Leadership Academy – Yonkers (Item 2026-226): $132,000 IMA ($66,000 county plus 100% match) for a youth program. Legislator Alvarado described student empowerment. Adopted unanimously.
  • Fire Protection Services – Pound Ridge Fire District (Item 2026-227): New five-year intermunicipal agreement with no cost to the county for fire services at county-owned property in northern Lewisboro. Legislator Pierce thanked the fire department for park support. Adopted unanimously.
  • Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow Summer Camp (Item 2026-228): $29,193 IMA for a youth summer camp program. Adopted unanimously.
  • Lawsuit Settlement – Gasparre v. County of Westchester (Item 2026-229): $400,000 settlement (inclusive of attorney’s fees) arising from alleged exposure to biohazardous substances at the New Rochelle wastewater treatment plant. Legislator Imamura noted the county attorney’s successful summary judgment motion. Adopted unanimously.
  • Bronx River Parkway Rehabilitation (Items 2026-232, 2026-233): Deauthorization of unused prior bonds and new consolidated bond of $9,700,500 for roadway improvements (0.7 miles between County Center and Cemetery Road), including one bridge and three culverts, with flooding mitigation. Bids ranged from $15.6M to $27.6M; the low bid was above estimates due to inflation and steel costs. Adopted unanimously.
  • Affordable Housing Conveyance – 47 Riverdale Avenue, Yonkers (Item 2026-234): Authorizes consent to property transfer and extends affordability protections for 343 rental units for an additional 50 years. Legislator Alvarado noted the building’s history and need for rehabilitation. Adopted unanimously.
  • Appointments (Items 2026-244, 2026-245, 2026-246, 2026-247, 2026-255): The Board appointed three voting directors to the Westchester County Health Care Corporation (Clifford Bluestein, MD; Tamer El-Rayess, MBA; and Hon. Benjamin Boykin II) for terms through 2031; recommended Nick Beqi to the Rent Guidelines Board (subject to state approval); and recommended Shannon Algiere to the Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board (term through 2030). All adopted unanimously.
  • Resolution on NYS Civil Service Commission Amendment (Item 2026-257): Requests the State Legislature to amend Chapter 617 of the Laws of 1937 to remove the Commission’s approval authority over personnel actions. Legislator Smith argued the current process delays hiring. Adopted unanimously.

Special Orders & Memorial Resolutions

  • Calls of the District: Legislator Pierce highlighted Muscoot Run the Farm; Vice Chair Clements announced the opening of the new Glen Island Bridge, completed six months ahead of schedule.
  • Memorial Resolutions (M-RES-2026-8): The Board adopted resolutions honoring: Camille Cribari Linen, Ann P. Trotta, Thomas J. Keane, Jim Procario, Tonino "Tony" Macchiagodena, Andrea Maria Russo, Tom Morrissey, Patrick Joseph McLaughlin, Thomas Ferguson, and Sharon Elizabeth Patterson Lockett.

Adjournment

  • The meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM. The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 1, 2026 at 7:00 PM.

Meeting Transcript

And Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Tonight, we recognize the lasting impact of AAPI residents that have had lasting impact on our communities across Westchester. Generations of AAPI leadership and culture has strengthened our neighborhoods, schools, and public institutions. We are proud to welcome two outstanding honorees whose work speaks to the AAI AAPI spirit of service. Keiko Nicolini is an environmental leader, community advocate, and sustainable systems designer. And Dr. Vikas Argawal is a neurologist and dedicated volunteer and also in Ardsley Board of Education Trustee. Their efforts demonstrate a deep commitment to helping others and building stronger communities. They also reflect this year's AAPI Heritage Month theme of power in unity and the importance of working together to create a more inclusive future. Thank you all for being here. Good evening. Good evening, good evening, and happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. I'm so glad, yes. I'm so glad to see Westchester County continue with these heritage celebrations as different forces throughout the country try to take us backward, try to deny the contributions of different diverse communities to our nation. In Westchester County, we recognize each of the individual communities that makes us strong, that makes us beautiful, that makes us interesting. And tonight we honor our Asian American and Pacific Islander community members. This evening, I am proud to honor Croton's own Keiko Nicolini, who is sitting right here, an environmental justice change maker and sustainability expert. Keiko is proudly both the daughter and granddaughter of Japanese immigrants on her father's side, while her mother's maternal family has lived in the Hudson Valley for many generations with roots tracing back to the 1700s. She was raised in a family of activists, artists, educators, and environmental stewards. Keiko's family helped found the Orange County Land Trust. Her grandmother was a painter, designer, and social justice advocate. And her grandfather's work in environmental protection included key roles in the New York City Department of Sanitation and then in the development of New York State environmental laws. Together, these influences instilled in Keiko a deep belief that local action, environmental stewardship, and civic responsibility are inseparable. Her environmental commitment began at a very early age, at seven years old during a school trip aboard the Clearwater Sloop, where she experienced firsthand the power of environmental education and advocacy. That early experience sparked a lifelong passion for ensuring that all communities have a meaningful access to sustainability and environmental leadership. By age eight, Keiko was already engaged in public advocacy, working alongside her grandmother to bridge cultural barriers and mobilize members of the local Chinatown community in support of what became the full renovation of Sarah D. Roosevelt Park with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Throughout her career, Keiko has provided guidance to governments and corporations on sustainable infrastructure and policy. Her work has included municipal reuse systems, greenhouse gas inventories, electric bus initiatives, and clean energy projects. In Croton on Hudson, our hometown, she led the certification process for the New York State Climate Smart Communities Program, helping the village earn a number three statewide ranking. Our little village of Croton, third in the entire state. In 2023, Keiko also helped launch the Village of Croton Residential Food Scrap Recycling Program. In its first year alone, the program diverted more than 16 tons of waste. Keiko also serves as chair of the NAACP Peakskill Environmental Justice Committee and sits on its executive committee. A graduate of Bard College, just like her county legislator, she remains engaged with its sustainability MBA program and continues to build pathways toward a more just resilient and sustainable future for all communities. It is a privilege to celebrate Keiku Nicolini this evening, who is quite literally a force of nature in our community. We honor Keiko for her advocacy and her proven ability to unite people for the sake of our planet. From her hands on stewardship of residential food scrap recycling programs to her work advising local governments. She has dedicated her life to ensuring a greener future for all. Keiko's heritage of activism is a powerful reminder of how Asian American leaders are shaping a greener and more inclusive Westchester. Thank you, Keiko, for all you've done. I'm so honored to know you. Good evening. However, I think that the greater recognition belongs to the County of Westchester. When so many are abandoning their DEI commitments, this county has held the line, and this award is proof of that. And I thank you. This is AAPI Heritage Month, a time to honor the generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who built this country, who serve it, who contribute the wisdom of our culture to the fabric of America. I was going to tell you a story about being a little girl and spending so much time in my dad's Kendo Dojo at Martial Arts Studio. But I feel like it's a much more sobering moment than to tell a little story like that. The Supreme Court has now finished what it started more than a decade ago with Shelby County versus Holder.

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