by Clifford Blau

October:  The White Plains Common Council held its regularly-stated monthly meeting on October 3, 2022.  The two public hearings that were scheduled to be held were postponed to November 7.   The council also set public hearings for that date for an outdoor dining permit for Medi Bistro and cabaret licenses for Sundance Kitchen, Whiskey Creek Lounge, and Lazy Boy Saloon.

The council approved:

• Receipt of two grants and gifts totalling nearly $7,000 for public safety and Youth Court
• A capital project and the related borrowing of about $91,000
• Two union contracts
• Property tax refunds of $29,700
• A law suit settlement in the amount of $1,200,000 for a personal injury claim

The mayor mentioned that food scraps will now be accepted at the farmers' market.

The Common Council also held a work session on September 28, 2022, and discussed a capital improvement project at Gillie Park, heard a presentation from ArtsWestchester on the upcoming Serious Fun Arts Festival, and went into executive session to discuss a law suit against the city and union contract negotiations.

At the Citizens to be Heard session several people spoke about 5G.

November:  The White Plains Common Council held its regularly-stated monthly meeting on November 7, 2022.  Public hearings were held on:

1. An amended site plan and special permit for 80 Westchester Avenue (formerly known as The Collection) due to potential flooding and a reduction in retail space.  These were granted.
2. An amended site plan for 1133 Westchester Avenue allowing solar panels atop the parking garage. This hearing was continued until December 5.
3. An outdoor dining permit for Medi Bistro at 50 Main St., which was granted.
4. A cabaret permit for Sundance Kitchen and Cantina, which was granted.
5. A cabaret permit for Whiskey Creek Lounge, which was granted.
6. A cabaret permit for Lazy Boy Saloon, which was granted.

Only one person from the general public spoke at these hearings, suggesting the 80 Westchester project needed more parking.

The council approved:

• Receipt of grants totalling nearly $133,000 for public safety
• Receipt of grants of more than $338,000 for Youth Bureau programs
• A capital project for Gardella Park replacing the pool
• Extended site plan approval for 1 Water St.
• Approved a development at 39 Westmoreland Ave.

The Common Council also held a work session on November 1, 2022, and heard presentations on the Gardella Park capital improvement project at Gillie Park, an amendment to the site plan at 200 Hamilton Avenue and the police outreach team which helps people in crisis.

At the Citizens to be Heard session several people spoke about 5G, including two who spoke about its role in social equity, and development downtown.

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The calendar of upcoming meetings for the various boards and agencies can be found at  https://www.cityofwhiteplains.com/853/Common-Council-BoardsCommissions-Mtgs-Ca
 
Meetings and Citizens to be Heard can be viewed at http://whiteplainsny.swagit.com/live/ or
on your government cable access channel.