Westchester County Legislature Parks & Environment Committee Meeting - Kingsland Point and Tarrytown Lighthouse Easements (August 31, 2026)

On August 31, 2026, the Westchester County Legislature's Parks & Environment Committee met jointly with Budget & Appropriations at the Michaelian Office Building in White Plains, NY. The agenda listed the meeting for 1:00 PM; the minutes and transcript record the Parks & Environment session being called to order at 1:30 PM. Acting Parks Commissioner William Bland and Park Planning Director Romble Payne presented both easement-related items. There was no public comment. Both items were approved unanimously and referred to the full Board of Legislators.

Minutes Approval

• The July 27, 2026 Parks & Environment Committee minutes were approved unanimously on a motion by Legislator Williams Johnson, seconded by Legislator Gashi.

Discussion Items

• 2026-404 - Environmental Resolution: Determined that the proposed act would have no significant adverse impact on the environment.
• 2026-405 - Act authorizing easements: Authorized the County to extinguish an existing easement and to accept two new permanent easements and one temporary easement in the vicinity of Kingsland Point Park and the Tarrytown Lighthouse, allowing the County and public to access the Tarrytown Lighthouse.
• Staff explained that the Tarrytown Lighthouse is currently reached through Kingsland Point Park over an asphalt pathway on former General Motors property now owned by Lighthouse Landing Communities. As part of a redevelopment, that pathway will be replaced by a new waterfront park and promenade dedicated to the Village of Sleepy Hollow. The County therefore needs to preserve public access, obtain an electrical utility easement to complete the lighthouse renovation, and maintain access during construction.
• Legislators clarified that the lighthouse is in Sleepy Hollow, not Tarrytown, and that the underlying property will become public parkland and public roadways. Legislators also asked whether the new electrical connection would improve security; staff confirmed it would support lighting, security cameras, and Wi-Fi/communications. A legislator raised questions about fencing near the park; staff responded that a late-September meeting with the village manager is scheduled to review fencing, including safety fencing along the seawall.
• The County will maintain its infrastructure, repair damage caused by its operations, and ensure public access between Kingsland Point Park and the lighthouse is maintained during construction.

Key Outcomes

• Both 2026-404 and 2026-405 were signed by the committee and referred to the Board of Legislators; the motions carried unanimously.
• The July 27, 2026 minutes were approved.
• The Parks & Environment Committee adjourned at 1:39 PM per the minutes. The full raw transcript also includes later committee sessions continuing to approximately 2:34 PM, but those are outside the Parks & Environment agenda.