Public Meetings - Westchester County, New York

The Budget & Appropriations Committee of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, chaired by Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels, convened jointly with the Committees on Infrastructure & Housing, Seniors & Youth, Parks & Environment, Litigation, and Public Safety & Veterans on May 18, 2026, at 10:12 AM. The meeting adjourned at 1:29 PM. All 22 action items were approved unanimously and referred to the full Board of Legislators. Minutes Approval - Approved the minutes of April 27, 2026, and May 4, 2026. Discussion Items 1. Bronx River Parkway Rehabilitation Program (Items 1 & 2) - Authorized a bond act to deauthorize $5,700,500 and a new bond act for $9,700,500 to fund roadway rehabilitation, bridge replacement, and culvert work on 0.7 miles of the Bronx River Parkway. Discussion covered contingency levels, traffic mitigation (two lanes maintained in each direction), interest rate of 4.06% (attributed to longer PPU), and a 24-month construction timeline. 2. HUD Consolidation Plan (Item 3) - Authorized submission of the FY 2026 Action Plan and acceptance of $5,970,202 in CDBG, HOME, and ESG grants. Commissioner Blanca Lopez explained the urban county consortium of 31 municipalities, the reimbursement-based funding cycle, and the application scoring process. Members asked about outreach to nonprofits and the definition of entitlement communities. 3. Croton Point Avenue Affordable Housing Development (Items 4–7) - Approved four items: a bond act for $5,765,000 (BPL37), a land acquisition act, a bond act for $6,150,000 (BPL1A), and an inter-municipal developer agreement for 100 affordable homeownership units at 1–3 Croton Point Avenue. Units will be priced at approximately $325,000–328,000 for first-time homebuyers at 80% AMI, with a 50-year affordability period. Discussion included noise and pollution mitigation, sale price mechanics, and the use of $20 million in state AHOP subsidies. 4. Yonkers Riverdale Avenue Conveyance (Item 8) - Authorized consent to the transfer of 343 affordable rental units at 47 Riverdale Avenue/30 Hawthorne Avenue and extended affordability by 50 years. The new owner, PRC, plans extensive capital upgrades including new appliances, energy-efficient systems, and roof/boiler replacements. Legislators commended the county’s commitment to preserving affordable housing. 5. Dam Improvement Bond Acts (Items 9–11) - Approved rescission of two prior bond acts and a new bond act for $1,194,602.36 to fund design work for dam improvements at Woodlands Lake and other county park dams. Design is expected to take about 12 months, with construction following. 6. Dunwoodie Golf Course Facility Improvements (Items 12–15) - Approved an environmental resolution, capital budget amendment, amended bond act, and consolidated bond for $10,448,803 to replace the 70-year-old maintenance facility, add backflow preventers, and improve water supply. Discussion noted cost escalation, added scope (security, temporary building), and an 18-month construction timeline. 7. Pound Ridge Fire Protection Services IMA (Item 16) - Authorized a five-year inter-municipal agreement with the Pound Ridge Fire District to provide fire services to the northern section of Ward Pound Ridge Park. In lieu of annual payments, the county will purchase a $43,000 equipment shed and provide $2,000 in annual maintenance. Pre-positioning rescue equipment was noted to improve emergency response times. 8. Youth Development Programs (Items 17–19) - Approved three IMAs: - Mount Vernon ($150,718) for Safe Haven, Youth Empowerment/Employment, and Step-Up programs serving grades 2–12. - Yonkers ($132,000 with 100% match) for the Sixth Grade Leadership Academy serving about 110 students. - Tarrytown ($29,193) for the Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow Summer Camp serving about 150 youth. Director Ernest McFadden noted that all programs use New York State Office of Children and Family Services performance measures. 9. Greenwich Road Bridge Rehabilitation (Items 20–21) - Approved an environmental resolution and temporary easement agreements for the full replacement of the 1919 bridge over the Mianus River in Bedford. Legislator Nancy Barr thanked staff for extensive community engagement and environmental sensitivity. 10. Lawsuit Settlement (Item 22) - Authorized a $400,000 settlement in Gasparre v. County of Westchester. The committee entered executive session at 12:59 PM and returned at 1:12 PM to vote approval. Key Outcomes - All 22 action items were signed by committee and referred to the Board of Legislators. All votes were unanimous (8–0 or 7–0) with all present members voting aye. - Chair Woodson-Samuels announced the reappointment of nine incumbent members to the Citizens' Budget Advisory Committee: John McGarr, L. William Kay III, Rodman Reef, Julie Stern, Judith Stern Rosen, Beth Smayda, Jonathan Mark, Diana Quast, and E. Annette Nash Govan. Three positions remain open. - No public comments were received.

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.

The Infrastructure & Housing Committee, meeting jointly with Budget & Appropriations and Parks & Environment, convened on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 10:11 AM in Committee Room 10 at the Michaelian Office Building, White Plains. Vice-Chair Pierce called the meeting to order with a quorum present, including Legislators Williams, Holstein, Nambiar, Pierce, Woodson-Samuels, and Gashi. The committees considered 17 agenda items covering bond acts, land acquisition, grant approval, and capital project authorizations. The meeting adjourned at 12:47 PM. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes from the April 27, 2026 and May 5, 2026 meetings were approved unanimously (6-0). Discussion Items - Bronx River Parkway Rehabilitation Program (Items 1-2): The committees reviewed Bond Acts 2026-232 and 2026-233 to deauthorize $5,700,500 in unissued bonds from prior Bond Act 104-2022 and authorize $9,700,500 in new bonds for Capital Project P0024. The project includes rehabilitation of 0.7 miles of roadway, replacement of the northbound bridge over the Bronx River, and culvert replacements. Bids came in higher than anticipated, requiring an additional $4 million. Discussion covered traffic mitigation (two lanes maintained in each direction), a 24-month construction timeline, and a 30-year amortization period with an interest rate of 4.06%. The items were signed and referred to the Board of Legislators (6-0). - HUD Consolidation Plan (Item 3): The committees reviewed Act 2026-203 authorizing the County to apply for and accept grant funds from three HUD programs: Community Development Block Grant ($4.5 million), HOME Investment Partnerships ($1.03 million), and Emergency Solutions Grant ($400,000), totaling $5.9 million for Fiscal Year 2026. Planning Department staff presented the fund distribution, consortium benefits, and application process. Legislators discussed federal grant cycles, nonprofit outreach, and the importance of timely spending. The act was signed and referred (6-0). - Croton-on-Hudson Affordable Housing Development (Items 4-7): The committees considered four actions for a 100-unit affordable homeownership project at 1-3 Croton Point Avenue: land acquisition (Act 2026-222), bond acts for $5,765,000 (BPL37) and $6,150,000 (BPL1A), and an Inter-Municipal Developer Agreement (Act 2026-225) with WBP Development LLC. The project features 46 one-bedroom and 54 two-bedroom units, with sale prices around $325,000 and $328,000, affordable to households earning up to 100% of AMI but priced at 80% AMI. State funding of $20 million from AHOP was committed. Discussion included noise and pollution mitigation, transit-oriented design, and long-term affordability (50 years). All items were approved (6-0). - Conveyance of 47 Riverdale Avenue, Yonkers (Item 8): Act 2026-234 authorized consent to transfer 343 affordable rental units and amend restrictive covenants to extend affordability for 50 years. The property was originally acquired with County funds in 2009. Discussions covered planned capital improvements (e.g., new appliances, roof, boiler, and water infrastructure). The item was approved (6-0). - Dam Improvements – Wampus Pond (Items 9-11): The committees reviewed rescinding Bond Acts 94-2011 and 196-2014 and a new Bond Act authorizing $1,194,602 for design of dam improvements at Woodlands Lake in V.E. Macy Park. The project supports compliance with NYSDEC regulations. Design is expected to take 12 months, with construction following. Items were approved (6-0). - Dunwoodie Golf Course Facility Improvements (Items 12-15): The committees considered an environmental resolution, a capital budget amendment, and bond acts for $10,448,803 to replace aging maintenance buildings (built in 1955) and upgrade water infrastructure (backflow preventers). Construction expected to take 18 months. All items were approved (6-0). - Greenwich Road Bridge Rehabilitation, Bedford (Items 16-17): The committees reviewed an environmental resolution and an act authorizing temporary easement agreements for the replacement of the bridge over the Mianus River (originally built 1919). A temporary bridge with alternating traffic will be maintained. The items were approved (6-0). Key Outcomes All 17 agenda items were signed by committee and referred to the Board of Legislators with unanimous votes (6-0). No public comments were received during the meeting.

The Westchester County Board of Legislators held a combined committee meeting on May 18, 2026, covering Parks & Environment, Budget & Appropriations, Infrastructure & Housing, and other committees. Chaired by Legislator Erika Pierce (Parks & Environment), the meeting began at 10:00 AM and concluded at 12:47 PM for the Parks agenda, with additional committees continuing until 1:29 PM. All items presented were approved and referred to the full Board. Key discussions included bridge rehabilitation, dam funding, golf course improvements, affordable housing developments, and youth program agreements. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar was used; all items were discussed individually. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were recorded. Discussion Items - Greenwood Road Bridge Temporary Easements (Items 2026-2011 & 2026-2022): Angelo Sgobbo (DPW Director of Design Coordination) and Rachel Noe (Associate County Attorney) presented an environmental resolution and an act to authorize temporary easements from three private property owners for rehabilitation of the Greenwich Road Bridge over the Mianus River in Bedford. A temporary bridge will maintain single-lane alternating traffic. The town of Bedford offered park land to mitigate impacts. Unanimous committee approval. - Bronx River Parkway Rehabilitation (Items 2026-232 & 2026-233): Discussed in concurrent Budget/Infrastructure committees. The project addresses culverts and a bridge between County Center and Cemetery Road. Bids ranged from $15.6 million (low bidder) to $27.6 million; available funding was $13.1 million, creating a $2.53 million shortfall. Additional design and construction management costs raised total need to $4 million. The bond act removes $5.7 million from a prior combined bond and adds $4 million for a new $9.7 million bond. Construction expected to take 24 months, maintaining two lanes in each direction. Approved. - HUD Consolidated Plan (Item 2026-203): Commissioner Blanca Lopez and Terry Fleischmann (Director of Housing) presented the 2026 Action Plan, authorizing submission of an urban county application for $5,970,202 in federal grants (CDBG, HOME, ESG) on behalf of 31 municipalities. The plan includes a 30-day public comment period ending May 22, 2026. Projects include sidewalk improvements, playground upgrades, and nonprofit housing activities. Approved. - Croton-on-Hudson Affordable Homeownership (Items 2026-220, 222, 223, 225): Development of 100 affordable condominium units at 1-3 Croton Point Avenue, transit-oriented near the Croton-Harmon train station. County provides $5.765 million in New Homes Land Acquisition bonds and $6.15 million in Housing Implementation Fund bonds. State AHOP funds ($20 million) subsidize each unit up to $200,000. Sale prices estimated at $325,000 (one-bedroom) and $328,000 (two-bedroom), targeted at first-time homebuyers earning up to 100% AMI but priced at 80% AMI. Affordability covenant for 50 years. Approved. - Yonkers Affordable Rental Property Conveyance (Item 47 Riverdale Ave): Transfer of 343 affordable rental units (all at or below 60% AMI) from Related Companies to PRC. County extends 50-year affordability covenant starting from sale. The new owner plans extensive rehabilitation including a parking garage. Approved. - Wampus Pond Dam Design (Items 2026-208, 209, 210): Peter Tartaglia (First Deputy Parks Commissioner) and Robert Lopane (Director of Park Planning) requested $400,000 to finish design (currently at 60%) for rehabilitation of the Wampus Pond dam, built in 1940. The bond act consolidates obligated funds from expired acts. Design expected within one year, construction taking about one year. The county has nine class B and two class C dams. Approved. - Dunwoodie Golf Course Facility Improvements (Items 2026-211, 215, 217, 218): A $6.3 million capital budget amendment and consolidated bond act of $10,448,803 to renovate maintenance buildings (built 1955), add a 1,000-square-foot staff building, install backflow preventers (RPZs), and add security. Cost escalation and scope changes drove the increase. Approved. - Pound Ridge Fire Services IMA (Item 2026-227): Agreement with Pound Ridge Fire District to provide fire and rescue services to the northern section of Ward Pound Ridge Reservation (outside their district). In lieu of annual $10,000 payment, the county will purchase a $43,000 shed and provide site preparation ($2,000) to pre-position rescue equipment. The five-year IMA is renewable. Approved. - Litigation Settlement (Item 2026-229): Executive session approved settlement of $400,000 for a claim alleging exposure to biohazardous materials during construction at the New Rochelle wastewater treatment plant. - Youth Program Intermunicipal Agreements (Items 2026-200, 226, 228): Director of Youth Programs presented three IMAs: (1) Mount Vernon Youth Bureau – Safe Haven (126 youth, academic enrichment), Youth Employment (25 youth, soft skills), and Step Up (at-risk middle school boys); (2) Yonkers Youth Bureau – Sixth Grade Leadership Academy (110 youth, transition to middle school); (3) Village of Terrytown – Summer Camp (150 youth, six weeks). All programs showed measured outcomes (e.g., 90% improvement in soft skills). Approved. Key Outcomes - All nine agenda items (plus the litigation settlement) were approved by the respective committees with unanimous votes (all present members voting aye). Motions were made and seconded for each item. The following legislators voted in person or remotely: Erika Pierce, Colin Smith, Anant Nambiar, Nancy Barr, Margaret Cunzio, Judah Holstein, Tyrae Woodson Samuels, Jenn Puja, Jose Alvarado, Shanae Williams, David Tubiolo, and others. Items were referred to the full Board of Legislators for final action. The meeting adjourned at 1:29 PM.

The Seniors & Youth Committee of the Westchester County Board of Legislators met jointly with the Budget & Appropriations Committee on Monday, May 18, 2026. The meeting was called to order at 1:16 PM by Vice-Chair Tubiolo (in the absence of Chair Alvarado) and adjourned at 1:28 PM. The committee unanimously approved three inter-municipal agreements (IMAs) for youth development programs in Mount Vernon, Yonkers, and Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from previous meetings was handled earlier in the joint Budget & Appropriations session; the Seniors & Youth committee did not separately approve minutes. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received during the Seniors & Youth portion of the meeting. Discussion Items - Item 2026-200 – IMA: Youth Development Program – Mount Vernon – Executive Director Ernest McFadden of the Westchester County Youth Bureau presented three components: the Safe Haven Program (serving grades 2–6 with ELA, STEM, academic enrichment, and summer programming in four schools, serving approximately 126 youth this year), the Youth Employment/Employment Program (career exploration and workforce readiness, placing about 25 youth in summer work experiences), and the Step-Up Program (supports at-risk middle school boys identified through school referrals, offering mentorship, enrichment, and a photography initiative). All programs follow New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) performance measures. - Item 2026-226 – IMA: Sixth Grade Leadership Academy – Yonkers – Mr. McFadden described a program serving approximately 110 rising sixth graders annually with character development, academic support, career exploration, and mental health awareness through after-school programming in four Yonkers schools and a two-week summer component. The total amount is $132,000, with the county contributing $66,000 and a 100% match from the city. Program evaluation follows OCFS measures. - Item 2026-228 – IMA: Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow Summer Camp – Tarrytown – A long-standing six-week summer camp serving approximately 150 youth annually, including arts, recreation, and field trips. The program runs from June through August. Organizers secured supplemental funding to offset recent reductions and maintain services. The total amount is $29,193. Evaluation follows OCFS measures. Key Outcomes - Mount Vernon IMA (2026-200): Moved by Legislator Nolan, seconded by Legislator Gashi. Approved by a vote of 4 ayes (Nolan, Puja, Tubiolo, Gashi) with 2 absent (Alvarado, Cunzio). Referred to the full Board of Legislators. - Yonkers IMA (2026-226): Same motion and second. Approved by identical vote (4 ayes, 2 absent). Referred to the full Board. - Tarrytown IMA (2026-228): Same motion and second. Approved by identical vote (4 ayes, 2 absent). Referred to the full Board. The committee adjourned at 1:28 PM.

On May 18, 2026, the Westchester County Board of Legislators convened multiple committee meetings (Budget & Appropriations, Litigation, Infrastructure & Housing, Parks & Environment, Public Safety & Veterans) starting at 10:00 a.m. (with some committees meeting later) to review and vote on a range of items including lawsuit settlements, bond acts for capital projects, federal grant approvals, affordable housing developments, and inter-municipal agreements. The meetings were chaired by Legislator Tyrae Woodson Samuels (Budget & Appropriations) and Legislator David Imamura (Litigation), with a quorum present. Key outcomes included unanimous approval of a $400,000 lawsuit settlement, authorizations for bond acts totaling over $16 million for infrastructure projects, approval of the HUD Consolidated Plan application, and support for affordable housing initiatives. Discussion Items - Lawsuit Settlement (Gasparre v. County): The Litigation Committee, in executive session, discussed and approved a settlement of $400,000 to resolve claims of physical injuries from alleged exposure to biohazardous materials at the New Ro Premier Wastewater Treatment Plant. The motion passed unanimously. - Bronx River Parkway Rehabilitation: The Public Works Department presented a project to address three culverts and a bridge between County Center and Cemetery Road. The low bid was $15.6 million, but shortfall required an additional $4 million in bonding. The committee approved the bond acts (2026-232 and 2026-233) to fund the project, which will maintain two lanes in each direction during 24-month construction. - Wampus Pond Dam Rehabilitation: Parks Commissioner Peter Tartaglia requested $400,000 in additional design funds to complete engineering for dam repairs. The dam (built 1940) is a Class B dam requiring upgrades. The committee approved the bond acts (2026-208, 209, 210) to fund design. - Dunwoody Golf Course Improvements: The committee approved $6.3 million for maintenance facility upgrades, including a new storage building, backflow preventers, and security improvements, bringing the total project to $10.4 million. - HUD Consolidated Plan (CDBG, HOME, ESG): The Department of Planning presented the annual application for $5.97 million in federal grants for 31 municipalities. The committee approved the resolution (2026-203) to authorize submission, including the Annual Action Plan and acceptance of funds. - Affordable Housing – Croton Point Avenue: The committee approved bond acts and an intermunicipal development agreement for 100 for-sale affordable homeownership units (one- and two-bedrooms) at 1-3 Croton Point Avenue in Croton-on-Hudson. Units will be priced at 80% AMI (approx. $325,000-$328,000) with state AHOP subsidy of $200,000 per unit. The project is transit-oriented near the Croton-Harmon train station. - Yonkers Affordable Housing Transfer: The committee approved the conveyance of property at 47 Riverdale Avenue (343 affordable rental units) to PRC, which will rehab the building and extend affordability for 50 years. - Fire Services IMA – Ward Pound Ridge: The committee approved an agreement with Pound Ridge Fire District to pre-position a rescue UTV and equipment at the park in lieu of annual payments. The fire district responded to 35 calls in the park over five years. - Youth Programs IMAs: The committee approved three inter-municipal agreements with Mount Vernon (Safe Haven, Youth Employment, Step Up), Yonkers (6th Grade Leadership Academy), and Tarrytown (summer camp) to fund youth services for summer 2026. - Greenwich Road Bridge Rehabilitation: The committee approved temporary easements for construction staging and a temporary bridge to maintain traffic during replacement of the 1919 bridge over the Miannis River in Bedford. Key Outcomes - Litigation: Unanimously approved the Gasparre settlement (Act 2026-2291). - Bronx River Parkway Bond Acts (2026-232, 233): Unanimously approved in Budget & Appropriations and Infrastructure & Housing. - Wampus Pond Dam Bonds (2026-208, 209, 210): Unanimously approved in Budget & Appropriations and Infrastructure & Housing. - Dunwoody Golf Course Bonds (2026-211, 215, 217, 218): Unanimously approved. - HUD Consolidated Plan (2026-203): Unanimously approved. - Croton Point Avenue Affordable Housing (2026-220, 222, 223, 225): Unanimously approved. - Yonkers Affordable Housing Transfer (2026-208? actually 2026-??? – from transcript: item eight): Unanimously approved. - Ward Pound Ridge IMA (2026-227): Unanimously approved in Public Safety & Veterans. - Youth Programs IMAs (2026-200, 226, 228): Unanimously approved. - Greenwich Road Bridge Easements (2026-201, 202): Unanimously approved. - CBAC Reappointments: Announced incumbents will be reappointed to the Citizens Budget Advisory Committee. All items passed unanimously across relevant committees by voice vote or roll call, with no recorded opposition.

This joint meeting of the Budget & Appropriations, Public Safety & Veterans, Infrastructure & Housing, Parks & Environment, and other committees took place on May 18, 2026, beginning at 10:00 AM (actual start times varied by committee, with the first committee called to order at 10:11 AM) and adjourning at 1:29 PM. The meeting reviewed multiple bond acts, intermunicipal agreements, a HUD consolidation plan, affordable housing projects, and other capital and programmatic items. All items discussed were approved by the respective committees. Consent Calendar - None; all items were discussed individually. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the committees. All testimony was provided by county department staff and appointed officials. Discussion Items 1. Fire Protection Services IMA – Pound Ridge Fire District (Item 2026-227) - Commissioner Susan Spear (Emergency Services) and Chief Robert Russell proposed renewing an intermunicipal agreement with the Pound Ridge Fire District to provide fire and rescue services to the northern section of Ward Pound Ridge, which lies outside the district’s boundaries. The agreement, effective January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2029, replaces an annual $10,000 payment with a one-time $43,000 investment for a shed to pre-position rescue equipment (UTV, trailer) at the park. The county will also cover approximately $2,000 annually for electricity and pad maintenance. The fire district supports the arrangement. The shed will improve emergency response times in the remote, heavily wooded park. 2. Bronx River Parkway Rehabilitation – Culverts & Bridge (Items 2026-232 & 2026-233) - Angelo Sgobbo and Robert Abbamont (Department of Public Works) presented a project to address three culverts and one bridge on the Bronx River Parkway between the County Center and Cemetery Road. The low bidder price was $15.6 million, exceeding available funding of $13.1 million by $2.53 million. Additional costs also arose from design and construction management due to permitting delays and sewer work. The committee approved two bond acts: one reallocating $5.7 million from a prior bond, and a second adding $4 million to create a new $9.7 million bond for the project. The 30-year amortization carries an interest rate of 4.06% (attributed to longer PPU). The county will maintain two lanes in each direction throughout the 24-month construction period. The contractor is holding the bid pending funding approval. 3. HUD Consolidation Plan – 2026 Action Plan (Item 2026-203) - Commissioner Blanca Lopez and Director Terry Fleischman (Planning) presented the annual request to authorize submission of the Urban County application for $5,970,202 in federal CDBG, HOME, and ESG grants on behalf of 31 consortium municipalities (population 440,662). The funds will support infrastructure, housing, and public services. The accompanying 2026 Annual Action Plan (an amendment to the 2024-2028 Consolidated Plan) and authorization to accept the grant funds were also requested. A 30-day public comment period runs April 22 – May 22, 2026. The committee approved the item. Legislators discussed the reimbursement-based funding cycle, the importance of timely spending, and outreach to nonprofits. Legislator Barr raised a concern about the term “entitlement communities” and requested better communication of funding opportunities to districts. 4. Affordable Housing – Croton-on-Hudson (Items 2026-220, 222, 223, 225) - Leonard Gruenfeld (Planning) presented a 100-unit affordable homeownership development at 1-3 Croton Point Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson. The $68.5 million project includes county funding via the New Homes Land Acquisition Fund ($5.765 million bond) and the Housing Implementation Fund ($6.15 million bond), plus $20 million in state AHOP subsidies. The units (46 one-bedroom, 54 two-bedroom) will be sold at approximately $326,000–$328,000 to first-time homebuyers earning up to 100% of AMI, but priced at 80% AMI. The developer, WP WPB Development (Wilder & Walter), has all village approvals. The site is transit-oriented (walkable to Croton-Harmon station). County funds will also extend a sewer line and improve stormwater management. The affordability covenant resets to 50 years. Legislator Nancy Barr praised the project as a “unicorn” for ownership-based affordable housing. 5. Affordable Housing – Yonkers (Item 2026-208? Actually Item 8: 47 Riverdale Ave.) - The committee approved the conveyance of 47 Riverdale Avenue (also known as 30 Clawthorn Avenue) in Yonkers from Related Companies to PRC (White Plains-based developer). The 343-unit Mitchell-Lama property, all affordable at 60% AMI or below, will undergo extensive rehabilitation. The seller is providing a $40.6 million bridge loan. The county’s 2009 New Homes Land acquisition loan of $4.8 million will be assumed, and the 50-year affordability clock will reset upon sale. PRC plans to refinance with state bonds and tax credits. Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson, whose district includes the site, voiced strong support. 6. Wampus Pond Dam Design (Items 2026-208, 209, 210) - Commissioner Peter Tartaglia and Robert Lopane (Parks) requested $400,000 in additional design funds to complete 100% design for rehabilitation of the Wampus Pond dam (built 1940, owned by county since 1963). The dam is one of seven Class B (intermediate hazard) dams the county maintains. Issues include vegetation, masonry settlement, and aging infrastructure. Design is currently 60% complete; construction is estimated to take about one year after design finishes. The bond act rescinds prior expired bonds and creates a new authorization netting $400,000. The committee noted that two Class C (high-hazard) dams (Kensico and Twin Lakes) have already been addressed. 7. Dunwoody Golf Course Maintenance Facilities (Items 2026-211, 215, 217, 218) - Parks staff presented a capital budget amendment of $6.3 million (total project cost now $10.448 million) for upgrades to maintenance buildings at Dunwoody Golf Course, originally built in 1955. The project includes a new 1,000 sq. ft. storage/administrative building, garage bays, chemical storage, and four new reduced pressure zone (RPZ) backflow preventers to protect public water supply. Increased scope (security, water supply improvements, staff housing) and construction cost escalation since the original 2013 bond contributed to the additional funding. The clubhouse itself is not part of this bond; food service upgrades occur through private contracts. Golf usage remains high, and courses typically break even or generate modest revenue. 8. Temporary Easements – Greenwich Road Bridge (Items 2026-201 & 2026-202) - Associate County Attorney Rachel Noe and Angelo Sgobbo presented a request to enter into temporary easement agreements with three private property owners and the Town of Bedford to facilitate replacement of the Greenwich Road bridge over the Mianus River. The bridge, built in 1919 and last rehabbed in 1999, is structurally deficient. A temporary bridge with single-lane alternating traffic will be installed to maintain traffic flow. The town has provided parkland for temporary use. Legislator Erika Pierce, whose district includes the area, commended county staff for extensive community engagement. 9. Youth Programs IMAs (Items 2026-200, 226, 228) - Director (name unclear from transcript) presented three intermunicipal agreements: - City of Mount Vernon ($0? Actually funded) – Safe Haven (academic enrichment for grades 2-6, serves 100 youth), Youth Employment (25 youth for career exploration and summer jobs), and Step Up (at-risk middle school boys, includes photography program). - City of Yonkers – Sixth Grade Leadership Academy (110 rising 5th/6th graders, after-school and summer component, 50% cost share with city). - Village of Tarrytown – Summer camp program (150 youth, 6 weeks, supplement funding). Performance is measured via state OCFS metrics, soft skills surveys, and employer evaluations. The programs continue despite budget reductions. 10. Litigation Settlement (Item 2026-229) - In executive session, the committee approved a $400,000 settlement for a claim of physical injuries related to alleged exposure to biohazardous materials during construction of the New Rochelle wastewater treatment plant. The settlement was approved by the Budget & Appropriations Committee and referred to the Board of Legislators. Key Outcomes - Items 2026-232 & 2026-233 (Bronx River Parkway): Approved by Budget & Appropriations and Infrastructure & Housing committees. Referred to Board. - Item 2026-203 (HUD Consolidation Plan): Approved by both committees. Referred to Board. - Items 2026-220, 222, 223, 225 (Croton housing): Approved by all applicable committees. Referred to Board. - Item 8 (Yonkers housing conveyance): Approved by Budget & Appropriations and Infrastructure & Housing. Referred to Board. - Items 2026-208, 209, 210 (Wampus Pond dam): Approved by Budget & Appropriations and Parks & Environment committees. Referred to Board. - Items 2026-211, 215, 217, 218 (Dunwoody golf course): Approved by all three committees (Budget, Infrastructure, Parks). Referred to Board. - Items 2026-201 & 2026-202 (Greenwich Road bridge): Approved by Budget & Appropriations and Infrastructure & Housing. Referred to Board. - Item 2026-227 (Pound Ridge IMA): Approved by Budget & Appropriations and Public Safety & Veterans. Referred to Board. - Items 2026-200, 226, 228 (Youth IMAs): Approved by Budget & Appropriations and Seniors & Youth committees. Referred to Board. - Item 2026-229 (Litigation settlement): Approved by Budget & Appropriations committee. Referred to Board. - Minutes: Minutes from April 27, 2026 and May 4, 2026 (Budget) and April 13, 2026 (Litigation) were approved. - CBAC Reappointments: Chair noted the reappointment of nine members to the Citizens Budget Advisory Committee for the 2026-2027 term. - All votes were unanimous unless otherwise noted. The meeting adjourned at 1:29 PM.

The Westchester County Board of Legislators Committee on Health met on May 13, 2026 at 11:05 AM in the Michaelian Office Building, White Plains, NY. Chair Jewel Williams Johnson presided. The committee considered proposed legislation to ban camouflaged vaping devices and to establish a rebuttable presumption for flavored nicotine vapor products. After discussion with Department of Health officials, the committee continued all four agenda items and directed further research into a county-level tobacco retail permit system modeled after other New York counties. The meeting adjourned at 11:44 AM. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes from the April 29, 2026 and May 6, 2026 Health Committee meetings were approved unanimously on a motion by Legislator Pierce, seconded by Legislator Barr. Public Comments & Testimony - Spencer Hallman (Scarsdale High School senior): Stated he has not personally seen camouflaged vaping devices but acknowledged that vaping is a problem in schools. He supported a ban on flavored vapes, noting that many students believe vaping is safer than smoking, a perception he described as incorrect. He reported seeing vapes on school grounds (floors, parking lots, urinals). - Anonymous student (Scarsdale): Corroborated that many peers use marijuana, cigarettes, and vaping products. Discussion Items - Camouflaged Vaping Devices (Items 2026-43 & 2026-44): Chair Williams Johnson introduced the proposal, which originated from the County Executive’s summer interns. Dr. Sherlita Amler (Commissioner of Health) and Susan Guercio (Assistant Commissioner) reported that inspectors have conducted approximately 400 inspections and have not found camouflaged vaping devices in retail stores. The devices are believed to be sold primarily online. The committee discussed the difficulty of enforcement because the law does not allow inspectors to search storage areas. State legislation that would ban storage of flavored vapes on retail premises was mentioned as a potential solution. The committee agreed the camouflage ban is a “no-brainer” but needs to be coordinated with the flavored vape law and needs clarification on inspection authority from the Law Department. - Flavored Nicotine Vapor Products – Rebuttable Presumption (Items 2026-212 & 2026-213): This local law would create a rebuttable presumption that any flavored nicotine vapor products found on a retailer’s premises are intended for sale, shifting the burden to the retailer to prove they are for out-of-state online sales. Dr. Amler explained enforcement challenges: retailers claim products in storage are for internet sales, and inspectors lack authority to access storage areas. The committee noted that Ulster, Cayuga, and Dutchess counties have implemented tobacco retail permit systems that grant inspection rights. A legislative aide (Diana) distributed a comparison of existing county permit programs. - Proposal for a County Tobacco Retail Permit: Several legislators, including Legislator Pierce and Chair Williams Johnson, strongly supported creating a local permit system for tobacco and vape retailers. Such a permit would allow the Health Department to inspect storage areas, revoke licenses for noncompliance, and impose fines. The committee discussed modeling a permit after Ulster County’s program, with a fee around $200 (comparable to Cayuga at $100, Dutchess at $215, NYC at $200) and requiring a state certificate number. The Chair noted that this was not originally on the agenda but emerged from discussions with Bob Bellot (Director of Environmental Health). The committee directed staff to prepare draft legislation. - Other Topics: The committee briefly discussed the impact of potential FDA authorization of flavored vapes and preemption issues. Chair Williams Johnson also raised the issue of tianeptine (often called “gas station heroin”), noting a recent police award related to an incident involving tianeptine. She praised the committee and Health Department for bringing attention to dangerous products. Key Outcomes - All four agenda items (2026-43, 2026-44, 2026-212, 2026-213) were continued without a vote. The committee will seek legal opinions from the Law Department on: - The authority of Health Department inspectors to search storage areas under the rebuttable presumption law. - Whether the camouflaged vaping ban should be included in the flavored vape law. - Preemption questions related to FDA approval of flavored vapes. - Directive to draft a separate local law establishing a tobacco/vape retail permit system in Westchester County, modeled after Ulster County’s program. The Chair requested that staff prepare a proposed resolution to submit to the Law Department. - There was consensus to move forward with both the camouflaged vaping ban and the permitting legislation. The committee aims to complete work within the year.

The Westchester County Charter Revision Commission met on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 6:11 PM in the Committee Room of the Michaelian Office Building. The meeting included reconsideration of prior votes on the Sanitary Code and a Department of Environmental Facilities request, review and editing of the draft commission report, and scheduling of a public hearing and final vote. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes of the April 28, 2026 meeting were approved on a motion by Alpert, seconded by Rae Long. The motion carried. Members Kollarmail, Cardwell, and Marchese were absent. Discussion Items - Sanitary Code Request (Health Department): The Commission revisited the Health Commissioner’s proposal to rename the County Health Code back to the County Sanitary Code. The Law Department confirmed that despite Section 261.41(1) of the Laws of Westchester County (LWC) designating it as the Health Code, Part XI still refers to the Sanitary Code, causing internal inconsistency. Common parlance uses "Sanitary Code." The Commission initially did not approve this request but upon reconsideration voted to approve it to eliminate the inconsistency and align with common usage. - Department of Environmental Facilities (DEF) Request: The Commission reconsidered a prior approval of DEF’s request to amend Sec. 836.11(5) regarding competitive bidding for public work contracts under the state threshold ($35,000 for public works). Counsel to the Commission noted that Act No. 2023-160 (not on the county website) already accomplishes this via the Procurement Policy. The Law Department opposed the duplicative change. The Commission voted to change the recommendation from approved to not approved. - District Attorney’s Office Requests: The Commission discussed the DA’s several requests, which involved budgetary and administrative autonomy. Chairman Lyndon Williams emphasized the need for respectful language and noted that many requests would require a fundamental realignment of the county’s separation of powers framework, as set out in the LWC. The Commission decided to maintain its prior position of not recommending those requests, but directed Counsel to soften language in the draft report (e.g., replace "unpersuaded" or "no evidence" with consistent “does not approve” or “not recommended”). - Draft Report Edits: The Commission reviewed and approved edits to the draft report, particularly regarding the DA’s requests, to ensure consistent language and avoid implying evidentiary standards. Counsel will incorporate changes and circulate a clean version. - Public Hearing Resolution: The Commission approved a resolution to hold a public hearing on the draft report on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 7:00 PM in the Board of Legislators’ Chambers. Notice will be published in newspapers and on county websites. The resolution passed unanimously. - Meeting Schedule for Final Report: The Commission set a meeting for adoption of the final report on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM in the same Committee Room. The final report will be submitted after adoption; the statutory deadline for submission to the County Executive is August 25, 2026. Key Outcomes - Sanitary Code: Voted to approve the change (reconsidering prior disapproval). - DEF Request: Voted to not approve (changing from prior approval). - DA Requests: Maintained not-approve position; language in draft report to be revised for consistency. - Public Hearing: Scheduled for June 9, 2026 at 7:00 PM. - Final Report Vote: Scheduled for June 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM. - Draft Report Edits: Approved with instructions to make language consistent.