Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in White Plains public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues in taxes budget
Youth Bureau grants and library funding
A package of Youth Bureau agreements won approval: Jumpstart for Dads, college-credit courses with the College of Westchester, space at Calvary Baptist Church, county summer youth employment funding, SAMHSA alcohol-prevention money, Liberty Partnerships, and the Youth Police Initiative. Frei-Pearson called the Youth Bureau 'the secret sauce' of the city.
Council public-comment procedures
A resident asked whether council members should be allowed to respond or correct facts during Citizens to Be Heard, or whether that should happen in a separate process. The council is still figuring out its rules.
Disabled veterans tax exemption
A proposed local law would give seriously disabled veterans a property tax exemption under state Real Property Tax Law Section 458-A. A public hearing is set for November 2 before any adoption.
CDBG Staff Salary Schedule
The agency approved raises for Community Development Block Grant staff so their pay tracks the city's union salary schedule and step increases for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2026.
Property tax assessment refunds
The city settled assessment challenges from eight property owners, refunding about $115,000 in city taxes with no interest. That's money coming off the tax rolls, though the amounts are modest.
Sale of city-owned properties — 90 Lake Street and 49-51 Robertson Avenue
The city owns a useless, wedge-shaped 0.05-acre sliver across from Kensico Place that it picked up in a 2018 foreclosure. No department wants it, so it's set to be sold to the neighboring auto body shop for $15,000.
Fire Station 2 feasibility study cost
The city will spend $400,000 to figure out the future of the Ferris Avenue fire station that also houses parking and public works — renovate it, rebuild it there, or build on the Water Street parcel. The study will also look at other uses for Water Street if a new station doesn't pencil out.
Cost of America 250 street markings
A resident questioned the cost of painting 'America 250' on city streets and said he'll return each meeting until he gets an accounting.
Severe winter snow removal costs
The harshest winter in roughly a decade — 18 storms, 60.75 inches of snow, the coldest in 65 years — blew out DPW's snow budget, requiring a $643,529 transfer mostly for overtime and contractors.
Dish Wireless litigation authorization
The city is suing DISH Wireless, which stopped paying monthly fees for space on a city-owned cell tower since December 2025.
2026-2027 City Budget
The agency adopted its operating budget for the year starting July 1, 2026, covering the cost of running the urban renewal agency itself.
Downtown BID assessments
Downtown business district assessments are fixed for 2026-27, capped at $1.5 million, with a tax warrant to collect them.