Carol Endres

The Design Review Board meeting addressed several applications primarily concerning the installation of wall signs at various locations, including Eve Milan New York, Jetson, and Frank's Cucina. Approvals were granted for Eve Milan New York (with conditions regarding wiring and electrical permits), Jetson (with conditions on sign face and mounting depth), Crooked Quill (with conditions on repairing holes from removed letters), and Frank's Cucina. The application for La Michoacana Ice Cream Shop and Barber Shop & Salon were not reviewed as the applicants were absent. Additionally, an extension request for an amended Site Plan approval for Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center was reviewed with no comment, and the application for exterior screening renovations at White Plains Hospital was not reviewed due to an adjournment request.

The Common Council meeting included several key administrative and capital project actions. The Council President recommended and the Council approved the appointment of Valerie Simmons to fill a vacancy on the Common Council. The Mayor recommended and the Council approved the appointment of Michael Peter Rubin as City Court Judge. A consent agenda covering items 3 through 68 was adopted, approving various ordinances and appointments. The Council also addressed capital projects: approving funding authorization and related SEQR findings for Renovations to City Facilities (Capital Project No. C5678) and the City Wide Alarm System Upgrade (Capital Project No. C5679), and authorizing issuance of serial bonds for Public Safety Building Interior Repairs (Capital Project No. C5681). The Council further approved funding authorization and SEQR findings for the Gas Boy Fuel System Replacement (Capital Project No. C5680) and budget amendments to cover property maintenance costs at the City Court funded by the NYS Unified Court System. An ordinance was adopted authorizing street closures and parking restrictions for the St. Patrick's Day Parade scheduled for March 14, 2026. The Council also authorized the execution of an agreement concerning the White Plains City Center Garage and approved the settlement of certain tax review proceedings involving Bryant Gardens Corp.

This Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the City of White Plains, NY, evaluates the City's use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds during the 2020-2021 fiscal year against the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan. The plan's strategic priorities encompass Administration & Planning, Home Rehabilitation, Code Enforcement, Public Facilities, Public Services, and Economic Development. Key outcomes include enhancing affordable housing, improving community infrastructure, and supporting vulnerable populations through grant funding and various programs.

The meeting agenda covered numerous items, beginning with appointments for a member of the Common Council, City Court Judge, acting Building Commissioner, and members of the White Plains Library Board. A significant portion of the agenda involved First Reading Ordinances related to budget amendments and establishing new Capital Projects, specifically Renovations to City Facilities FY26, City Wide Alarm System Upgrade, Gas Boy Fuel System Replacement, and Public Safety Building Interior Repairs. Further ordinances authorized the issuance of serial bonds for city-owned building construction/reconstruction, execution of agreements concerning the White Plains City Center Garage and tax review proceedings settlement, and authorization for street closures and parking restrictions for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Other ordinances addressed budget amendments for White Plains City Court property maintenance, acceptance of a donation from the Fenway Charitable Foundation, an agreement for bond financing advisory services, and authorization to receive various grants and enter into agreements for Youth Bureau programs. Finally, resolutions included scheduling the March 2026 meeting and declaring intent to serve as Lead Agency for the Environmental Review of the White Plains City Center Parking Garage acquisition. Information items included financial reports for the six months ended December 31, 2025, and the Capital Improvement Program Status Report for the quarter ended December 31, 2025.

The meeting included discussions led by the Commissioner of Public Works regarding several capital projects, specifically the City Wide Alarm System Upgrade, Gas Boy Fuel System Replacement, Public Safety Building Interior Repairs, Renovations to City Facilities FY26, and Check Valve Replacement at Central Avenue Pump Station. The Commissioner of Planning also presented a proposed Minor Amendment to an approved site plan for the development known as "Hamilton Green." The Council allowed the Building Department to proceed with processing this request as a minor amendment. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss a potential appointment of a particular person, followed by adjournment.