Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Port Chester public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
18 issues with high priority
Building heights and form-based code reform (CD-5, CD-6, CD-6T)
The Board will explore potential changes to the form-based code in the CD-5, CD-5T, CD-6 and CD-6T districts, which govern development standards in key parts of the village. Any changes could shape what future buildings look like downtown, so residents watching development should pay attention as this evolves.
Site plan deadline extensions for stalled projects (Portview, 155 Irving, 157 Westchester)
Two big downtown projects — the former Compare Foods site and the tower next to the Capitol Theater — got their approvals extended after three years of visible inactivity. The board demanded financial proof before extending again, and set a November 16 decision date.
Willet Avenue/Highland Street pedestrian crossing safety
A mom asked for a crosswalk or stop signs where her third-grader crosses to Edison School — a busy county-road intersection with no crossing at all. She also wants the village to publish how the traffic-request process actually works. Trustees promised updates and a discussion item.
Code Enforcement operations and officer safety
The department's turnaround got credit from most trustees, but Trustee Ford pressed hard on illegal dwelling units, weak data tracking, and the unfilled zoning officer position. He wants more enforcement muscle and better numbers to guide decisions.
Potential sale of KTI synagogue woodland on King Street
Residents fear the sale of roughly 2.8 wooded acres behind their homes will mean clear-cutting, flooding, and lost wildlife habitat — repeating what they say happened on King Street. The village manager said the synagogue hasn't decided and the village is exploring conservation options like parkland or a land bank purchase.
E-bike and scooter safety
The Mayor and a trustee wanted the board to talk about e-bike and scooter safety around the Village. This could lead to new rules or enforcement affecting riders and pedestrians.
Residential parking, traffic circulation, and public safety study (RFP 2026-07)
The Village planned to hire a consultant to study parking and traffic in the Edison/Brooksville/downtown area — how many spaces exist, how they're used day and night, and whether emergency vehicles and pedestrians can move safely. Findings could eventually change parking rules and street design.
Outstanding parking ticket collection IMA with Town of Rye
The board was due an update on the agreement with the Town of Rye for collecting unpaid parking tickets. Unpaid fines mean lost revenue for the Village.
Graduated parking fines local law
A proposed local law would set graduated fines for overnight parking and street cleaning violations, with minimum fines for other parking violations. A public hearing was to be scheduled before any adoption.
Costco expansion at 1 Westchester Avenue
Costco wants to square off its building's southeast corner with a ~7,000-square-foot addition housing new escalators and moving bottle return inside, adding some retail space. The village wants renderings, lighting/landscaping plans, and stormwater details before a public hearing.
Westchester and Bowman Avenue intersection safety
Paving bids are out and due June 18, with award expected in July. Viola committed in writing to resurface the Hawley Avenue side streets by July 31. The county is re-reviewing the village's Complete Streets application for a Bowman Avenue traffic light after three recent crashes there.
Putnam Avenue sewer project grant award
The village is fixing storm sewer problems on Locust Avenue with a $75,000 capital project and a $65,500 construction award to Legacy Supply LLC.
Waterfront bulkhead sinkhole
A 16-foot void was found behind the 1991 steel sheet-pile bulkhead at the waterfront. Divers will inspect the river side this week; the waterfront opening could be delayed and remaining bulkhead capital funds may be redirected to the repair.
Non-Profit Grant Program launch
Port Chester nonprofits can now apply for LDC grants of up to $10,000 each for capital purchases and workforce programs, with applications accepted on a rolling basis through May 2027. The board is deliberately keeping the rules light to reach smaller nonprofits that don't usually win big grants, and requiring quarterly outcome reports from grantees.
Comprehensive plan progress
The second public workshop drew decent attendance and mostly positive feedback; a draft plan is expected by year-end with possible Board of Trustees action as soon as February.
Port & Main job shortfall
Port & Main is still well behind on promised jobs even after being given breathing room. The board will meet with the developer and may trigger its new employment verification policy.
Westchester Crossing (United Hospital site) redevelopment approvals
The IDA upgraded the hotel's tax break from 15 to 20 years and assigned benefits to RMS Companies. Supporters say the enhanced term is needed to make the risky boutique hotel viable and bring jobs and visitors downtown.
Workforce Development and Nonprofit Collaboration
The LDC's first grant funds a food safety certification program expected to train about 96 adults and young people over four cohorts, targeting youth and women. Members viewed it as a clean, verifiable use of grant money tied to equipment.