RP
Richard Payne
Council Membermonth-level start: January 2022 per City Archivist list "White Plains City Council Members 1916 to 2026" (cityofwhiteplains.com DocumentCenter 12107, 3-11-26) (Year Started 2022; elected Nov 2021, Examiner 11-9-21). Re-elected Nov 2025 and took the oath Jan 5, 2026 (agenda + minutes: "newly reelected Richard Payne"), then absent Jan 26 and off the Feb 2 roll call; resignation (employment abroad, announced Dec 2025 per WPCNR May 5, 2026) effective date unpublished. 2026-03-04 is the date his seat was filled by Thomas Caruso (Mar 4 minutes), recorded as term_end for that reason; the city list shows Final Year 2025, which the Jan 5 minutes contradict.
No biography on file yet.
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Filtered to Environment
Top issues during term (5)(Environment)
high→Jan 2026[32]
Buddhist temple on environmentally sensitive Sycamore Lane site
Landscaping companies will have to shell out cash to upgrade their gear to electric models, which might mean slightly higher lawn care bills for residents.
low↓Feb 2026[1]
Electric vehicle purchase rebates
medium↓Jan 2026[1]
FCC proposals on cell tower siting and environmental review
high↓Jan 2026[1]
Unauthorized tree clearing and site work at 101 Hillair Circle
Replacing dozens of mature trees will cost the property owner a significant amount, and the board signaled replacement is non-negotiable.
medium↓Jan 2026[1]
Preservation of specimen trees at 459 Ridgeway
Decisions during term (9)
Recorded while Payne was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
approved4-0Feb 24, 2026
Resolution 02-2026 — SEQRA environmental review of the garage transaction
approved6-0Feb 2, 2026
Communication from the Environmental Officer F/S
approved6-0Feb 2, 2026
Environmental Findings Resolution ADOPTED
approved6-0Feb 2, 2026
Communication from the Environmental Officer F/S
approved6-0Feb 2, 2026
Environmental Findings Resolution ADOPTED
approved6-0Feb 2, 2026
Communication from the Environmental Officer F/S
approved6-0Feb 2, 2026
Environmental Findings Resolution ADOPTED
approved6-0Feb 2, 2026
Communication from the Environmental Officer F/S
approved6-0Feb 2, 2026
Environmental Findings Resolution ADOPTED 6-0
Voting record (0)(Environment)
No votes found matching Environment.