Joint Infrastructure & Housing, Budget & Appropriations, and Parks & Environment Committee Meeting - May 26, 2026

The Infrastructure & Housing Committee, joined by the Budget & Appropriations and Parks & Environment Committees, met on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 10:13 AM in the Committee Room of the Michaelian Office Building in White Plains, NY. The meeting was called to order by Chair Shanae Williams. The committees reviewed two major agenda items: a $5 million bond for County Center improvements and a $16 million Complete Streets Municipal Assistance Program package. All items were approved unanimously and referred to the full Board of Legislators. The meeting adjourned at 11:23 AM.

Minutes Approval

• The minutes of the April 7, 2026 meeting were approved by voice vote.

Discussion Items

1. Bond Act RCC17 – County Center Facility Improvements

• Guests: First Deputy Commissioner Peter Tartaglia and Director of Park Planning Robert Lopane (Parks Department).
• Description: A bond act authorizing $5,000,000 in bonds for interior improvements at the County Center, including upgrades to locker rooms, dressing rooms, public restrooms, and sports/arena lighting.
• Key Points:
  • The project is part of a broader capital program (RCC17) that includes roof replacement and flood mitigation.
  • Locker rooms are undersized and not up to current NBA/NCAA standards; the Westchester Knicks are supportive and long-term contract extensions are anticipated.
  • Lighting upgrades (estimated $350,000–$500,000) will improve broadcast quality and spectator experience.
  • Design will take approximately 12 months; lighting installation about 4 months.
  • Future phases will address meeting rooms, the little theater, and the exhibit hall.
• Legislator Questions:
  • Legislator Williams Johnson asked about the flood mitigation project status (design 90% complete, bidding within 1–2 months).
  • Legislator Pierce requested a cost breakdown between design, lighting, and construction, and confirmation that prevailing wage requirements would apply. Staff noted that lighting and construction would be subject to prevailing wage.
• Vote: Motion by Legislator Woodson-Samuels, seconded by Legislator Pierce. Approved unanimously (Ayes: Williams, Nambiar, Pierce, Woodson-Samuels, Gashi; Absent: Holstein) in all three committees.

2. Complete Streets Municipal Assistance Program (Items 2026-250 through 2026-254)

• Guests: Commissioner Blanca Lopez, Associate Transportation Planner Stephen Courage, and Director of Transportation Planning Craig Lader (Planning Department).
• Description: A package of five items to fund design and construction of complete streets projects on municipally owned roads. Items included:
  • ACT-2026-125 (CBA): Amending the 2026 capital budget to increase the program appropriation from $15 million to $16 million.
  • ACT-2026-126 (Bond Act – Design): Authorizing $4,000,000 in bonds for design of 11 projects.
  • ACT-2026-127 (IMA – Design): Authorizing intermunicipal agreements with 11 municipalities for design work.
  • ACT-2026-128 (Bond Act – Construction): Authorizing $1,395,000 in bonds for construction of the Mount Kisco project.
  • ACT-2026-129 (IMA – Construction – Mount Kisco): Authorizing an intermunicipal agreement with Mount Kisco for construction, with the County reimbursing up to 50% of costs.
• Program Overview:
  • 27 applications were received from 22 municipalities, totaling $30 million in requests; 12 projects were selected based on safety benefits and readiness.
  • Projects include sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, lighting, and stormwater improvements.
  • Funding is up to 50% of project costs; municipalities may use other grants to cover their share.
• Key Discussion:
  • Legislator Pierce asked about timeline: Mount Kisco construction could begin in 2026/early 2027; design projects estimated 12–18 months, with construction likely in 2028.
  • Chairman Gashi raised concerns about cost escalation. Staff noted that municipalities built contingency (up to 30%) into cost estimates and that the county’s award is capped, with municipalities responsible for overruns.
  • Legislator Barr questioned whether projects might cost more than the county’s half. Staff clarified that awards are based on project cost estimates submitted, and some municipalities have additional funding sources.
  • Legislator Nambiar asked about the ten remaining unfunded applications; staff indicated they may be funded in a future round (FY27 capital budget request of $15 million).
• Vote: Motion by Legislator Pierce, seconded by Legislator Woodson-Samuels. All five items approved unanimously (same vote as above) in both Infrastructure & Housing and Budget & Appropriations committees.

Key Outcomes

• Bond Act RCC17 (2026-248): Approved and referred to full Board of Legislators.
• Complete Streets items (2026-250 through 2026-254): All five items approved and referred to full Board of Legislators (item 2026-252 IMA design was also referred to Budget & Appropriations).
• Minutes: Approved.
• Adjournment: Motion by Legislator Woodson-Samuels, seconded by Legislator Pierce. The Infrastructure & Housing Committee adjourned at 11:23 AM.