Wednesday, July 31, 2019

***MEETING NOTICES AUGUST 2019***.


***MEETING NOTICES FOR AUGUST 2019***

Meetings will be held as follows:

Westchester County Solid Waste Commission
Thursday, August 1 at 1 p.m.
Michaelian Office Building
Finance Department Conference Room, 7th Floor   

Westchester Complete Count Board
Thursday, August 1 at 4 p.m.
Westchester County Board of Elections
2nd Floor Conference Room

Westchester County Planning Board
Tuesday, August 6 at 8:30 a.m.
Michaelian Office Building
Conference Room 420, 4th Floor

Westchester County Board of Acquisition and Contract, Public BID Opening
Wednesday, August 7 at 11 a.m.
Wednesday, August 14 at 11 a.m.
Wednesday, August 21 at 11 a.m.
Wednesday, August 28 at 11 a.m.
Michaelian Office Building
Conference Room 527, 5th Floor

Westchester County Board of Acquisition and Contract
Friday, August 9 at 11 a.m.
Thursday, August 15 at 11 a.m.
Thursday, August 22 at 11 a.m.
Thursday, August 29 at 11 a.m.
Michaelian Office Building
County Executive’s Office, Conference Room A

Westchester County Agriculture and Farm Board
Tuesday, August 13 at 5 p.m.
Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center
1275 Hanover Street, Yorktown Heights

Westchester County Taxi and Limousine Commission
Thursday, August 15 at 10 a.m.
3rd Floor Conference Room

Westchester County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Board
Thursday, August 15 at 4 p.m.
PRC Headquarters

Westchester County Airport Advisory Board
Wednesday, August 21 at 7 p.m.
Westchester County Airport
240 Airport Road, White Plains

Westchester County Police Board
Tuesday, August 27 at 4 p.m. 
Westchester County Department of Public Safety
Commissioner Gleason’s Conference Room

Westchester County Local Development Board
Thursday, August 29 at 8 a.m.
Michaelian Office Building
County Executive’s Office, Conference Room A

Westchester County Industrial Development Agency
Thursday, August 29 at 8:30 a.m.
Michaelian Office Building
County Executive’s Office, Conference Room A

***PRESS RELEASE*** COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER OPENS SPRAIN RIDGE COMPETITION POOL IN TIME FOR 2019 SEASON.


COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER OPENS SPRAIN RIDGE COMPETITION POOL IN TIME FOR THE 2019 SEASON

Watch the News Conference HERE.

(Yonkers, NY) – Upholding his promise to open the fully refurbished Sprain Ridge Competition Pool by the end of July, County Executive George Latimer declared the long-anticipated pool at Sprain Ridge Park officially ready for summer fun. This is the first time in at least eight years that the larger Competition Pool and the Activity Pool have both been fully open for the public’s use. Latimer invited kids from Young People’s Day Camp in Yonkers to be the first to jump into the Competition Pool. 

Latimer said: “The grand opening of the Sprain Ridge Competition Pool brings a long, challenging chapter to a close. For far too long children and families were unable to enjoy these beautiful pools, and I am thrilled to invite residents from across the County to enjoy this safe, family-friendly facility this summer, and for many years to come.”

Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “This is a fantastic day, and it is the culmination of a lot of people working really hard together. Because of the visionary leadership and the dedicated professionalism we have in County Executive George Latimer, the Parks Department and our Department of Public works, with our partners in the Board of Legislators, that is what makes today great. I am looking forward to everyone jumping in the pool today.”

The Competition Pool, which can accommodate 500 swimmers, features eight 50-meter racing lanes across the length of the pool, six 23-meter racing lanes across the width of the pool. A new feature is a zero-depth entry ramp that can be easily used by people in wheelchairs, in addition to a four-foot recreational swim area. In addition, two one meter high diving boards will open sometime in August. A larger, grassy area has been installed for spreading a blanket to enjoy the sunshine, which offers a quieter seating choice further away from the pool. When the pool is back in full use as a competition pool, portable bleachers will be rolled out onto the pool deck for spectators.

Deputy Commissioner of the Parks Department Peter Tartaglia said: “We are happy to welcome the community back to the newly refurbished competition pool at Sprain. These lap lanes and recreational swim area are a great addition to the activity pool we opened earlier this month. We look forward to a great future of exciting competition here, in addition to everyday use as a great place to beat the heat all summer long.”

Commissioner of DPW&T Hugh Greechan said: “The Department of Public Works and Transportation and its staff is proud to have been a part of this long awaited project and is honored to join with the County to celebrate the opening of the competition pool. This completes the last phase of the Sprain Ridge Pool renovations.”

New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh, who presented the New York State Assembly’s Agency of the Month Award to the Westchester County Parks Department, said: “I know that many of my constituents, our children and our adults, value Sprain Ridge Pool. Having the instability of the availability of the pool for a number of years was really detrimental to the well-being of our children. I am an educator, and when children have the opportunity to enjoy their summers, they go back to school ready to work hard and ready to learn.  Today is a proud moment of city and local and state governments working together, because it is in everyone’s best interest to ensure that the quality of life for our children is the best it can be.” 

County Legislator MaryJane Shimsky said: “After eight years of waiting, the Sprain Ridge Pool complex is finally complete! My thanks go out to County Executive Latimer and County DPW, for their tenacity in making sure that the job got done, and done right. I hope that the people in my region of Westchester will try out the new facility, and have a great time.”

County Legislator Chris Johnson said: “When we walked in to the complex today, we were greeted by the sounds of cheerful young people and their families enjoying this park, enjoying the water and enjoying their time here together. That is what happens when government works.”

At the start of the 2019 Beach and Pool Season, Latimer unveiled extensive repairs to Sprain Ridge’s Activity Pool, an updated spray deck, a brand new on-site playground and a renovated bath house. A new playground replaced a 20+ year old playground, located adjacent to the reserved picnic area. The playground features a poured-in-place rubber safety surface that feels ‘bouncy’ under foot, instead of an old-fashioned wood-chip safety surface. A colorful slide and two separate jungle gyms for different age groups have also been added, for 2 to 5-year-olds and 12-year-olds. The playground meets ADA accessibility codes as well as consumer product safety codes, and brings a well-used, aging facility into the 21st century. 

The Sprain Ridge bathhouse has also been renovated with a new floor that features a slip-resistant surface, and a coating that will make it easier to keep clean. A new walkway has also been paved between the bathhouse and the playground/reserved picnic area.


PRESS RELEASE Westchester County Parks events Aug. 13-18, 2019


WEEKLY EVENTS IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY PARKS.

August 13 through 18, 2019.


Playland Park, Playland Parkway, Rye: (914) 813-7000
Amusement park open. $20 nights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through Aug. 29: 5 p.m. to close.
Hours vary. playlandpark.org.
-and-
Boardwalk Memories: Art on the Beach: Wednesdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Ceramic jellyfish are suspended from the ceiling at varying heights, creating an engaging and interactive piece that adults and children can enjoy. In Playland’s South Bathhouse, through end of summer. Hours vary. playlandpark.org.


MONDAY, AUG. 12

Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Routes 35 and 121 South, Cross River: (914) 864-7317 

Connected by Nature: An exhibit celebrating friendship expressed through art.


At the W.P.A Gallery. Through Sunday, Aug. 18. Parking is $5 with a Westchester County Park Pass, $10 without the Pass.



TUESDAY, AUG. 13
Playland Park, Playland Parkway, Rye: (914) 813-7000
Port Chester Day: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Port Chester residents will receive discount coupons when they arrive at the park by going to the Fountain Plaza Administration Building and showing their I.D.

Westchester County Center, White Plains: (914) 995-4050
New York Liberty vs. Minnesota Lynx: 7 p.m.
Tickets and information at liberty.wnba.com or ticketmaster.com. Parking fees apply.


WEDNESDAY, AUG. 14
Playland Park, Playland Parkway, Rye: (914) 813-7000
Pound Ridge Day: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Pound Ridge residents will receive discount coupons when they arrive at the park by going to the Fountain Plaza Administration Building and showing their I.D.

Playland Park, Playland Parkway, Rye: (914) 813-7000
Sunset Yoga on the Beach Series: 6:45 p.m. – 8 p.m.
All levels welcome. Sign up at thewpf.org. Bring your own mat or towel. To register: thewpf.org/events.


THURSDAY, AUG. 15
Playland Park, Playland Parkway, Rye: (914) 813-7000
Rye (City/Town) Day: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Rye residents will receive discount coupons when they arrive at the park by going to the Fountain Plaza Administration Building and showing their I.D.

Playland Beach, Playland Parkway, Rye: (914) 813-7000
Movie Night: Big (PG): 8:15 p.m.
The 1988 Tom Hanks blockbuster, part of which was filmed on Playland’s boardwalk. Tickets, priced at $5 per person age 5 and older, go on sale at 7:30 p.m. Parking fees apply


FRIDAY, AUG. 16
Playland Park, Playland Parkway, Rye: (914) 813-7000
Rye Brook Day: noon – 11 p.m.
Rye Brook residents will receive discount coupons when they arrive at the park by going to the Fountain Plaza Administration Building and showing their I.D.


SATURDAY, AUG. 17
Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary, Playland Park, Rye: (914) 967-8720
Volunteer Corps Work Day: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Help with invasive plant removal, trail work, beach clean-up and more.


SATURDAY, AUG. 17 and SUNDAY, AUG. 18
Muscoot Farm, Route 100, Somers: (914) 864-7282
Art Show: Works by the Northern Westchester Watercolor Society.
On view weekends during August. muscootfarm.org


SUNDAY, AUG. 18
Muscoot Farm, Route 100, Somers: (914) 864-7282
Farmers Market: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Nearly 30 local farmers offer a variety of produce and other food goods Sundays through October. Vendors at muscootfarm.org.




PRESS RELEASE Sand Art Competition at Glen Island Beach.


SIXTH ANNUAL SAND ART COMPETITION AT GLEN ISLAND BEACH ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 3.

(Ardsley, NY) Grab some pails, a few shovels and put together a team to create your own “sand-made” masterpiece at Glen Island Beach’s Sixth Annual Sand Art Competition on Saturday, August 3, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date August 4). The contest is part of Glen Island’s Family Fun Day, which will run from noon to 4 p.m. and include DJ music, games and excitement for all ages.

The contest will be from 11 a.m. to 3:30, judging starts promptly at 3:30 p.m. and the winners will be announced at 4 p.m.

All entries will be judged on their creativity, uniqueness, height, technical difficulty and use of space. A trophy and other prizes will be awarded to the teams coming in first, second and third places.

To obtain the rules and registration forms, please email mqcp@westchestergov.com or rxa2@westchestergov.com.

The Sand Art Competition and Family Fun Day are free with paid entrance to the beach and parking.

Both events are sponsored by the Westchester County Department of Parks and Recreation. A Westchester County Park Pass or proof of Westchester residency is required for admission to Glen Island.

Glen Island Beach is on Weyman Avenue in New Rochelle.

For more information, go to parks.westchestergov.com.



Westchester County Legislator Chris Johnson: Do you know anyone between the ages of 14 and 25? Have them join me for my first annual Young People’s Assembly!



Tuesday, July 30, 2019

***VIDEO, PHOTOS, PRESS RELEASE*** COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER OPENS THE “DRAGONATOR” TO THE PUBLIC, PLAYLAND’S FIRST NEW RIDE IN OVER A DECADE.



COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER OPENS THE “DRAGONATOR” TO THE PUBLIC, PLAYLAND’S FIRST NEW RIDE IN OVER A DECADE.

Watch full ribbon cutting event HERE.

(Rye, NY) – As confetti cannons burst into the air with red, white and blue streaming down from the sky, Westchester County welcomed a new ride at Playland. County Executive George Latimer officially opened the “Dragonator” to the public. He was joined by numerous officials, “Coaster” – the park’s mascot and children from Briarcliff Manor, Putnam Valley, Mount Pleasant, Cortlandt and New Castle Day Camps.

Latimer said: “I live on the other side of this park and I have watched it for a long time when it felt like people have given up on Playland. I have never given up on Playand, we have never given up on Playland, because many of us here remember when we were young and enjoyed this park. I have been given a fortunate opportunity to have the authority to do something with this park and now the people of Westchester are showing we can save Playland and move it forward.”

“Dragonator” holds 24 riders and is designed with a back restraint which leaves both arms and legs free to move as riders are spun around and travel along a “U” shaped track.  The ride is part roller coaster and part spinning ride.

Deputy Parks Commissioner Peter Tartaglia said: “On behalf of myself, Park Commissioner Kathy O’Connor and the entire Parks Department – we are excited to welcome you all to the first new ride in many years. We also could not do this without our wonderful staff here at the Park and they all deserve to be commended.”

Westchester County Board of Legislators Majority Leader Catherine Parker said: “It is so wonderful to see so many Westchester residents enjoy the park that is the jewel of our parks system. I am so excited for the ride opening today, I can’t wait to get on, and I hope all my fellow elected officials here join me!”

Zamperla, the ride manufacturer, describes the ride as “running on an approximately 92 m. long track reaching a maximum speed of 70Km/h and drawing different trajectories at any time. From a top height of 15mt., the vehicle starts its wild run along the track concave section at a variable speed of 30 to 70 Km/h. In less than a second, the vehicle reaches the top of the central hump at approximately 40 Km/h and gives passengers a strong ‘negative’ acceleration for an incredible weightless sensation.”

President, Central Amusement International Alessandro Zamperla said: “It is a great honor to be here, it is a super fun day to open up the first ride at Rye Playland in 11 years. We are a family owned business and there is nothing better than to be here to provide memories for all of the families here.”

***MEDIA ADVISORY, TOMORROW 7/31 AT NOON*** COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER TO MAKE MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT ON SPRAIN RIDGE COMPETITION POOL.


COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER TO MAKE MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT
ON SPRAIN RIDGE COMPETITION POOL.

(White Plains, NY) – Upholding his promise to open the Sprain Ridge Competition Pool by the end of July, County Executive George Latimer will announce that the long-anticipated Competition Pool at Sprain Ridge Park is officially ready for summer fun.

Wednesday, July 31
12 p.m.
Sprain Ridge Park

The new Competition Pool, which can accommodate over 500 swimmers, features eight 50-meter racing lanes across the length of the pool, six 23-meter racing lanes across the width of the pool, and two one-meter high diving boards.

Latimer opened the Sprain Ridge activity pool and spray deck at the start of the 2019 summer season.

Monday, July 29, 2019

***Press Release*** Inert Hand Grenade Found on County Property.


INERT HAND GRENADE FOUND ON COUNTY-OWNED PROPERTY IN TUCKAHOE.


(Hawthorne, NY) – A hand grenade found on County property in Tuckahoe this morning contained no gunpowder and did not pose any safety threat to the public.

The Westchester County Police Hazardous Devices Unit removed the grenade from property near Tuckahoe Road and Garrett Avenue that is part of the Bronx River Parkway Reservation. The item was a rusted, inert training hand grenade that contained no explosive material.

A search of immediate area did not reveal any other similar items. 

The incident began about 9:30 a.m. when County maintenance workers discovered the device while mowing the property. Westchester County and Tuckahoe Police patrol officers secured the area while HDU, known more informally as the Bomb Squad, responded.

The device was examined, found to be non-hazardous, and removed. The scene was cleared about 10:30 a.m.

Upcoming Events in Westchester County Parks - 8/6 - 8/11.


WEEKLY EVENTS IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY PARKS.

August 6 through 11, 2019.

Playland Park, Playland Parkway, Rye: (914) 813-7000
Amusement park open. $20 nights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through Aug. 29: 5 p.m. to close.
Playlandpark.org.
-and-
Boardwalk Memories: Art on the Beach
Ceramic jellyfish are suspended from the ceiling at varying heights, creating an engaging and interactive exhibit that adults and children can enjoy. In the South Bathhouse, through summer. Hours vary. Playlandpark.org.
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Routes 35 and 121 South, Cross River: (914) 864-7317
Connected by Nature: An exhibit celebrating friendship expressed through art.
At the W.P.A Gallery, daily 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Aug. 18. Parking is $5 with a Westchester County Park Pass; $10 without the Pass.

TUESDAY, AUG. 6
Playland Park, Playland Parkway, Rye: (914) 813-7000
North Salem Day: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
North Salem residents will receive discount coupons when they arrive at the park by going to the Fountain Plaza Administration Building and showing their I.D.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 7
Sprain Ridge Park, 149 Jackson Ave., Yonkers: (914) 231-3450
Family Film Frenzy Series: Incredibles 2 (PG), 7 p.m.
Enjoy an evening swim and a great family movie. Admission $5 per person over ages 4 and under. $5 per person over age 5. Rain date: Aug. 8.
Playland Park, Playland Parkway, Rye: (914) 813-7000
Ossining Day (Town/Village): 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Ossining residents will receive discount coupons when they arrive at the park by going to the Fountain Plaza Administration Building and showing their I.D.

THURSDAY, AUG. 8
Playland Park, Playland Parkway, Rye: (914) 813-7000
Peekskill Day: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Peekskill residents will receive discount coupons when they arrive at the park by going to the Fountain Plaza Administration Building and showing their I.D.

FRIDAY, AUG. 9
Playland Park, Playland Parkway, Rye: (914) 813-7000
Pelham Day: noon – 11 p.m.
Pelham residents will receive discount coupons when they arrive at the park by going to the Fountain Plaza Administration Building and showing their I.D.
Muscoot Farm, Route 100, Somers: (914) 864-7282
Muscoot Movies: 7:30 p.m.
Visit the farm for some pre-historic action and watch Jurassic Park. Fee: $6 per person. Registration is required at (914) 864-7286. 
Playland Park, Playland Parkway, Rye: (914) 813-7000
Fireworks every Friday at 9:20 p.m. through Aug. 30.

SATURDAY, AUG. 10
Muscoot Farm, Route 100, Somers: (914) 864-7282
Morning Farm Chores: 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Learn what it takes to be a farmer by helping out with farm chores. $6 per person or $20 for a family of 4. Registration required at (914) 864-7286.
-also-
Seed Bomb Workshop: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Learn about and create interesting ways to plant wildflowers in your own back yard. $10; registration required at (914) 864-7286.
Playland Park, Playland Parkway, Rye: (914) 813-7000
Playland Beach DJ Day: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. 
Enjoy great tunes provided by the DJ as you chill on the sand. Free with paid entrance to the beach and parking. Rain date: Aug. 11.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, AUG. 10 AND 11
Muscoot Farm, Route 100, Somers: (914) 864-7282
Art Show: Works by the Northern Westchester Watercolor Society: noon – 4 p.m.
Weekends during August. muscootfarm.org

SUNDAY, AUG. 11
Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla: (914) 231-4033
Jewish Music and Arts Festival: noon – 6 p.m.
Music, entertainment, crafts and food vendors.
Playland Park, Playland Parkway, Rye: (914) 813-7000
Dr. K’s Motown Revue: 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. (two shows)
Free with admission to park.
Muscoot Farm, Route 100, Somers: (914) 864-7282
Farmers Market: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Nearly 30 local farmers offer a variety of produce and other food goods Sundays through October. Vendors at muscootfarm.org.

More info at parks.westchestergov.com.

Traffic Advisory-Lane Closure-Orchard Street-City of White Plains.


WESTCHESTER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
TRAFFIC ADVISORY
ORCHARD STREET, C.R. 149
CITY OF WHITE PLAINS
ROADWAY REPAIRS


ROADWAY: Orchard Street.

LIMITS: North Broadway to Beech Street.

WHAT: Roadway repairs.

IMPACTS: Orchard Street will be reduced to a single lane of alternating traffic controlled by flag persons within the above limits.

WHEN: Tuesday, July 30, thru Friday, August 9, 2019 between the hours of 7:30 AM and 3:30 PM.

WHO: Westchester County Department of Public Works & Transportation Contract #19-511.

For additional information please contact Westchester County Traffic Engineering Division at (914) 995-2555.

Join Us Tomorrow.


Be one of the first to experience the spinning twists and turns of the new Dragonator!
Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at 12 p.m.
Park admission and parking fees apply.

***MEDIA ADVISORY TOMORROW 7/30 AT 12PM*** COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER OPENS “DRAGONATOR” TO THE PUBLIC, PLAYLAND’S FIRST NEW RIDE IN OVER A DECADE.

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER OPENS “DRAGONATOR” TO THE PUBLIC, PLAYLAND’S FIRST NEW RIDE IN OVER A DECADE.

Tuesday, July 30
12p.m.
Playland Park

For the first time in over a decade, Westchester County will welcome a new ride at Playland as County Executive Latimer will officially open “Dragonator” to the public.

After 409 submissions from the public, Latimer was joined by 1st through 6th grade children attending the County’s Nature Camp at Cranberry Lake Preserve last week to choose the name “Dragonator” from five finalists.

“Dragonator” holds 24 riders and is designed with a back restraint which leaves both arms and legs free to move as riders are spun around and travel along a “U” shaped track.  The ride is part roller coaster and part spinning ride.

Zamperla, the ride manufacturer, describes the ride as “running on an approximately 92 m. long track reaching a maximum speed of 70Km/h and drawing different trajectories at any time. From a top height of 15mt., the vehicle starts its wild run along the track concave section at a variable speed of 30 to 70 Km/h. In less than a second, the vehicle reaches the top of the central hump at approximately 40 Km/h and gives passengers a strong ‘negative’ acceleration for an incredible weightless sensation.”

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: WESTCHESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT SHARES SUMMER CAMP TIPS.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT SHARES SUMMER CAMP TIPS.   (White Plains, NY) – As families look forward to the start of the summer sea...