Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in White Plains public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 issues in environment
Buddhist temple on environmentally sensitive Sycamore Lane site
The proposed Buddhist Temple at 1 Sycamore Lane needs variances to build within the 100-foot wetlands buffer and to make up a 10-space parking shortfall. The case was pushed to October 7, so neighbors near the wetlands site will weigh in next month.
290 Ferris Avenue tree removal and site buffering
A resident says a county-sold forest at 290 Ferris Avenue was clear-cut, possibly in violation of the tree ordinance, and the light-industrial truck parking site ended up with minimal buffering despite council requirements.
Battery energy storage facility on Oakley Avenue
New Leaf Energy wants to build a standalone battery energy storage facility. The design review board approved the design as revised, moving the clean-energy project forward.
EV charging station expansion
The city added $200,000 for engineering on its EV charging station project, bringing it to about $1.49 million — roughly 75 new public charging stations are planned.
Energy affordability campaign for residents
Sustainable Westchester will run a free six-month program helping residents cut energy bills through home energy assessments, heat pumps, insulation, community solar, and demand-response programs — with a focus on low- and moderate-income households, renters, and landlords.
Smart Composting Initiative grant
The city is seeking $367,983 in state funds to build a network of food scrap drop-off 'Smart Bins' plus a dedicated collection vehicle, diverting up to 312 tons of food waste a year from the regular trash stream. The match is in-kind services, not new city cash.