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(White Plains, NY) – The Westchester County Health Department has closed the Croton Point Park beaches until further notice due to bacterial contamination. A resample is being taken on Monday, August 4, and the County Health Department will reopen beaches after the water quality meets New York State standards.
The County remains committed to maintaining high standards of environmental health and safety across its recreational facilities. Visit the Westchester County website for updates.
Public Advised That There is No Emergency.
(Buchanan, NY) – The Westchester County Department of Emergency Services, in partnership with local fire departments, will be conducting a live training exercise at Indian Point in Buchanan on Saturday, August 2.
As part of the DES Hazardous Materials Team drill, a propane flare – potentially reaching 40 feet in height – will be safely ignited in the property’s lower parking lot. That propane flare may be visible to people near the plant or across the river in Rockland County. This is only an exercise. There is no emergency.
The training exercise is scheduled to occur between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. In addition to the DES and its Hazardous Materials Team, participants include the Indian Point Energy Center, Paraco Gas and officers from area fire departments.
The drill is part of ongoing training to enhance response capabilities to a propane emergency. Saturday’s training is designed to give first responders an opportunity to practice key skills in realistic conditions. The exercise will include transferring propane from an onsite propane tank to a Paraco Gas truck and using water injection to remove residual gas from that onsite tank.
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STATEMENT REGARDING DEADLY SHOOTING IN NEW YORK CITY.
Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the senseless loss of life in Monday's horrific shooting in Midtown Manhattan. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the four victims, including the heroic New York City police officer who died protecting innocent lives. Our thoughts are with his young family as they prepare to welcome their third child during this devastating time.
We also hold close the individual who remains in critical condition, and we stand with the entire NYPD community, our neighbors throughout Manhattan, and all New Yorkers as we process this tragedy together.
This violence, New York City's deadliest shooting in 25 years, was carried out with an assault rifle, the same military-style weapon that has inflicted devastation across America. This must stop here. While we grieve, we urge the federal government to pass common sense gun safety laws—measures that can help prevent these combat weapons from reaching dangerous hands.
We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to public safety throughout Westchester County and beyond and pledge to emerge from this tragedy stronger and more united than ever.
Cool off at the pool or beach!
[Ardsley, NY] —Westchester County pools and beaches will stay open an extra hour today, through Wednesday, July 30, to help residents beat the heat.
Glen Island Beach in New Rochelle, Playland Pool and Beach in Rye, Saxon Woods in White Plains, Sprain Ridge and The Brook at Tibbetts in Yonkers, and Willson’s Waves in Mt. Vernon will be open from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; last entry at 7 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, July 28, 29 and 30.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “With temperatures on the rise, we want to make sure all Westchester County residents have safe and accessible places to cool down. By extending pool and beach hours, we’re helping families stay comfortable during the heatwave.”
Westchester County Parks Commissioner, Kathy O’Connor said, “Our dedicated staff are going the extra mile to keep pools and beaches running smoothly during this stretch of extreme heat. Their commitment ensures our residents can stay safe, cool and continue to enjoy summer.”
(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins has introduced a proposed local law that would establish a civil penalty for the theft of services on Bee-Line buses. Currently, fare evasion is classified under New York State’s Penal Law Section 165.15 (Theft of Services), as a Class A misdemeanor, a “printable offense” meaning a person would be arrested and finger-printed which puts people at risk of having a long-lasting criminal record.
Westchester County is taking a more thoughtful and compassionate approach, one that promotes accountability without imposing a criminal record. In an effort to protect individuals—particularly young people, working families, and those already facing hardship—from receiving a criminal record for fare evasion, legal consequences for what is often a moment of financial hardship or simple mistake.
Jenkins said: “We know that a missed bus fare should never derail a young person’s future. This legislation is about compassion and common sense. Today, too many people—many of whom rely on the Bee-Line to get to school or work—are one mistake away from carrying a criminal record that could follow them for life. By shifting fare evasion to a civil penalty, we’re holding people accountable in a way that is fair and proportionate.”
Fare evasion is costing taxpayers about $1 million a month, and threatens the long-term sustainability of the Bee-Line system. The legislation—submitted for adoption to the Westchester County Board of Legislators—would amend the Laws of Westchester County by adding a new Chapter 643, creating a non-criminal enforcement mechanism for individuals who fail to pay the required fare to ride the Bee-Line.
Key provisions of the proposed local law currently before the Westchester County Board of Legislators include:
• A civil fine of up to $50 for a first offense of fare non-payment.
• A fine of up to$100 for each subsequent offense.
• Authorization for County and local law enforcement to issue appearance tickets.
• The option for violators to either pay the fine or appear in local court.
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Watch the News Conference Here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBu9CwACkCA
WESTCHESTER COUNTY ISSUES REMINDER ON NEW HVAC AND POWER WASHER LICENSING RULES.
HVAC and Power Washing Professionals Now Required to be Licensed as of July 1, 2025.
(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County is reminding local businesses and contractors that as of the first week of July 2025, all HVAC professionals and power washing operators must also be licensed through the County’s Department of Consumer Protection. The requirement is part of a broader update to Westchester’s Consumer Protection Code, passed earlier this summer, aimed at increasing accountability and protecting residents from fraudulent and unqualified service providers.
Jenkins said: “This law is about protecting Westchester families and ensuring that residents can trust the professionals working in and around their homes. By requiring HVAC and power washing contractors to be licensed, we’re holding businesses to a higher standard and giving consumers more peace of mind.”
Director of Consumer Protection Jim Maisano said: “These new legal requirements helps us prevent bad actors from taking unfair advantage of homeowners and gives our inspectors better tools to protect the rights of consumers.”
The new legislation, passed unanimously by the Westchester County Board of Legislators and signed into law in June by Jenkins, strengthens consumer protections by expanding the County’s licensing requirements, including HVAC and power washing services. To operate legally in Westchester County, all Home Improvement Contractors must complete the licensing process as set forth in the Westchester County Consumer Protection Code, and the necessary requirements can be found on the Department’s website: Consumer.WestchesterGov.com. These measures are designed to ensure a safe and reliable service, while also providing recourse for consumers in the event of disputes.
The licensing requirement is part of a larger overhaul of Westchester’s Consumer Protection Code, which also includes enhanced enforcement through stronger legal standards to combat abusive and unfair actions by contractors, as well as increased penalties to hold contractors accountable for law violations. As always, the County greatly appreciates the assistance of municipal building departments and officials in enforcing this law by ensuring no permits are issued to unlicensed contractors as outlined in Article XVI of the Consumer Protection Code.
If you have questions about the licensing status of a contractor working in your municipality, please contact the Department of Consumer Protection at (914) 995-2155 or conpro@westchestercountyny.gov
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Heat Advisory Remains in Effect Through 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 30.
(White Plains, NY) – The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Westchester County through Wednesday, July 30 at 8 p.m. During this period, heat index values are expected to reach in the upper 90s to lower 100s.
Beginning Wednesday, isolated thunderstorms may form and could bring the potential of flash flooding, with temperatures predicted to be around 97 degrees. Rain is expected to last through Friday afternoon, with scattered thunderstorms over the three-day period.
The Westchester County Health Department is cautioning residents to drink lots of water, avoid over-exertion, check on vulnerable family, friends and neighbors, and to be sure any animals housed outdoors have ample access to shade and water. Residents should never leave children or pets in a closed car, where temperatures can soar to dangerous levels very quickly.
Seniors, children and those with chronic health problems are at an increased risk of heat illness. Those who lack air conditioning can visit a cooling center if their home becomes too warm. To find a location, visit https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/weather/cooling/
BEACH CLOSURE AT CROTON POINT PARK. (White Plains, NY) – The Westchester County Health Department has closed the Croton Point Park beaches...
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