Westchester County: PLANNING DEPT. HOSTS TRAINING FOR CENSUS BUREAU'S BUILDING PERMITS SURVEY.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING HOSTS

TRAINING FOR THE CENSUS BUREAU’S BUILDING PERMITS SURVEY.

Four Workshops to be held during the month of October across Westchester County.

(White Plains, NY) – In an effort to ensure that every housing unit in Westchester County is properly counted for the upcoming and future U.S. Census surveys, Westchester County’s Department of Planning will be hosting four Building Permits Survey Training sessions for building officials, clerks, municipal officials and planning and zoning board members. The workshops, which will be held in four different municipalities, were designed to make sure that all building permit data is reported correctly to the U.S. Census Bureau each month, and help municipalities better understand the use of that data.

Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Planning Norma Drummond said: “The Census Bureau asks municipalities to report each month on the building permits that they issue, and we all know that with the turnover within municipalities sometimes the staff lose sight of why they do things and what to do. This training will help municipal staff and board members better understand how to file their monthly building permit data, and how that data gets used at both the city and County level. Having a better count of all the housing units in Westchester will ultimately lead to a better count of our residents in 2020.”

The training sessions will be held as follows:

Tuesday, October 8 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in Tarrytown

Village Hall Main Meeting Room, First Floor

1 Depot Plaza, Tarrytown

Tuesday, October 15 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in New Rochelle

City Hall Conference Room B1

515 North Avenue, New Rochelle

Thursday, October 17 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in Port Chester

Port Chester Senior Community Center

222 Grace Church Street, Port Chester

Tuesday, October 29 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in Mount Pleasant

Town Hall Court Room

1 Town Hall Plaza, Valhalla

This program is co-sponsored by Westchester Municipal Planning Federation, and attendance may be used toward New York State training requirements for planning and zoning board members. Please RSVP to Ted Leimbach, Associate Planner, at eal8@westchestergov.com or 914-995-2412.

WEEKLY EVENTS IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY PARKS October 4 through 7, 2019.

WEEKLY EVENTS IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY PARKS

October 4 through 7, 2019

FRIDAY, OCT. 4
Playland Park, Playland Pkwy., Rye: (914) 813-7000
Hudson Horrors on the Sound: 7 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
This one-hour, timed-admissions event immerses you in three unique haunt experiences. It uses elements of live theatre and haunted houses to create physical, emotional and psychological experiences. Not recommended for ages 15 and under. No costumes or masks allowed; parental discretion advised. $39.99 and $49.99 per person: hudsonhorrors.com/tickets.

Muscoot Farm, Route 100, Somers: (914) 864-7282
Hocus Pocus Movie Trivia: 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Test your trivia knowledge and win prizes. Pre-registration required. $5 per person. Call (914) 864-7286 for more details.


SATURDAY, OCT. 5
Playland Park, Playland Pkwy., Rye: (914) 813-7000
Hudson Horrors on the Sound: 7 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
This one-hour, timed-admissions event immerses you in three unique haunt experiences. It uses elements of live theatre and haunted houses to create physical, emotional and psychological experiences. Not recommended for ages 15 and under. No costumes or masks allowed; parental discretion advised. $39.99 and $49.99 per person: hudsonhorrors.com/tickets.

Muscoot Farm, Route 100, Somers: (914) 864-7282

Hike: 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
A trek to learn more about the farm and its trails. Leaves from reception center.
-and-
Art Show: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Works on view from Hudson River Pottery, weekends through October.

Lenoir Preserve, 19 Dudley St., Yonkers: (914) 968-5851
Hawk Day: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Join the Hudson River Audubon Society from 10 a.m. to noon on the Great Lawn in front of the mansion to search for broad-wing hawks heading south on their 4,300-mile migration to South America. At 1 p.m. there will be a live hawk demonstration with hawks from Pace University.

Marshlands Conservancy, Route 1, Rye: (914) 835-4466
Submit Photos for the Photography Exhibit: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Photographs must have been taken at Marshlands Conservancy, and framed and wired for hanging. This is open to everyone! Also: Oct. 6.

Trailside Nature Museum at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Cross River: (914) 864-7322

Migrate, Hibernate, Adapt: 11 a.m.

The seasons are changing and winter is around the corner. Ever wonder how animals make it through the cold winter months? Through reading and activities, we will learn different ways animals have learned to survive. Geared toward younger ages.

Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Playland Park, Rye: (914) 967-8720

Live Birds of Prey: 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Join us for master falconer James Eyring and his birds of prey! Have a close encounter with hawks and owls and see them in action. Learn about the natural history of falconry and native raptors’ habitats and adaptations.

SUNDAY, OCT. 6

Playland Park, Playland Pkwy., Rye: (914) 813-7000
Hudson Horrors on the Sound: 7 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
This one-hour, timed-admissions event immerses you in three unique haunt experiences. It uses elements of live theatre and haunted houses to create physical, emotional and psychological experiences. Not recommended for ages 15 and under. No costumes or masks allowed; parental discretion advised. $39.99 and $49.99 per person: hudsonhorrors.com/tickets.

Bronx River Parkway: (914) 995-4050

2019 Westchester Medical Center Healing Half and 10k: 6:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Challenge yourself as you run 13.1 or 6.2 miles along the Bronx River Parkway. The northern portion of the parkway features some rolling hills, while the southern half has some steady inclines. A great closed course for experienced runners and first-timers. All proceeds benefit Westchester Medical Center. Registration and fees at genesisadventures.com.

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.
-and-
Story Craft: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Listen to a story and make a craft. $5; registration required (914) 864-7286.

Croton Point Nature Center, Croton Point Ave., Croton-on-Hudson: (914) 862-5297
Archaeology Day: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Dig in to archaeology! Explore and learn about the past with members of Lower Hudson New York State Archaeology Association. Participate in a dig, rub shoulders with professional archaeologists, see the collections on display. All ages, free to the public.

Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial, Route 35, Somers: (914) 864-7268

Guided Conservatory Tour: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Join Lasdon’s horticulturist for a tour featuring the Tropical Rainforest exhibit. Learn about rainforests and colorful tropical plants. Tickets can be purchased at the Shop at Lasdon for $7 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under.


MONDAY, OCT. 7
Muscoot Farm, Route 100, Somers: (914) 864-7282
Bird Walk: 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Come to the farm for an early morning bird walk with Anne Swaim, president of the Saw Mill Audubon. Wear sturdy shows and bring binoculars. Walk leaves from the parking lot.

Westchester County Legislator Margaret Cunzio: The Board of Legislators Celebrates Italian Heritage Cultural Month - Monday, 10/7.

My Westchester Newsletter – September 26, 2019.

https://emailblast.westchestergov.com/CE/whoknows/

Westchester County Legislator Margaret Cunzio: Household Recycling Day Coming to Yorktown and Rye.

Dear Friends and Neighbors, Westchester County’s Department of Environmental Facilities will be conducting a Household Recycling Day (HRD) on Saturday, September 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at FDR State Park, Rte. 202, Yorktown and on Saturday, November 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rye Playland, Playland Parkway, Rye. In addition to properly labelled household chemicals and other special wastes found in a typical household, residents can bring documents for shredding and expired or unwanted medications for disposal. Generally, the following items are accepted for safe disposal or recycling: Properly labelled household chemicals, such as: Household cleaning products Most automotive fluids (antifreeze, brake fluid, gasoline but not motor oil) Flammable liquids (kerosene, butane, lighter fluid, turpentine) Metal, jewelry, furniture polishes and waxes; wood preservatives Fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides Photographic and swimming pool chemicals Batteries – only vehicle, rechargeable, or button cell Fluorescent light bulbs & CFLs Fire extinguishers BBQ propane tanks (up to 20 lbs.) Mercury containing devices (thermometers and thermostats) Electronic waste (TVs, computer monitors and towers) Expired or unwanted medications, both over-the-counter and prescription Personal documents for shredding (limit of four file-size boxes per household) Tires Items that will not be accepted and should not be brought to the Household Recycling Day include paint (both latex and oil), non-rechargeable alkaline and carbon zinc batteries (they can be safely discarded in the trash), motor oil, smoke detectors, cell phones, explosives (flares, fireworks, ammunition), construction debris and hypodermic needles. Also, waste from businesses, schools or other institutions will not be accepted. For more information on what to bring to this event, visit www.westchestergov.com/recycling or call (914)813-5425. If you can’t make it to the HRD Events, you can still dispose of your hard-to-get-rid-of household waste by visiting the County’s Household-Material Recycling Facility (H-MRF), 15 Woods Rd., Valhalla.  The H-MRF is open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment, and accepts the same items that are accepted at the HRD events. For more information about the H-MRF or to make an appointment, visit http://environment. westchestergov.com/new-h-mrf or call (914) 813-5425. Sincerely,

WESTCHESTER COUNTY RELEASES FOURTH SUICIDE AWARENESS PSA.

                                                                            

WESTCHESTER COUNTY RELEASES FOURTH PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT 

IN SUICIDE AWARENESS MONTH CAMPAIGN.

A Focus on Westchester County’s Business Community and Mental Health.

(White Plains, NY) – Upholding Westchester County’s Commitment to suicide prevention, awareness and the importance of overall mental health, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, the Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) and several community partners launched a month-long Suicide Prevention and Awareness Campaign. The month-long campaign, which includes a series of public service announcements (PSA’s), was created to help educate Westchester County residents on the appropriate ways to discuss mental health crisis in identified communities, and the resources available to them. The fourth PSA places a focus on Westchester County’s business community, and the importance of ensuring mental health and wellness in a business setting.   

Watch the Public Service Announcement Here.

PRESS RELEASE - LATIMER STRENGTHENS HEALTH DEPARTMENT'S ABILITY TO PREVENT VACCINE-PREVENTABLE DISEASE.

COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER STRENTHENS HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S ABILITY TO PREVENT VACCINE-PREVENTABLE DISEASE.

 

Watch the full News Conference HERE.

 

(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County Executive George Latimer signed a bill to strengthen the County Health Department’s ability to prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.

 

Latimer said: “We hope that we will not face the threat of an infectious disease, but we must ensure that our Health Commissioner and our Board of Health will have the authority they need to protect us, based on professional public health decisions, and not the political decisions made under duress of a crisis.”

The amended law empowers the Westchester County Board of Health and the Commissioner of Health to issue orders, adopt provisions of the health code and take other measures to prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases. The law goes into effect immediately.

 

Latimer continued: “This is not a debate over vaccinations. This is not the expansion of vaccinations. I invite anyone to get the actual law that was voted on unanimously by the Board, read it and you will see very clearly what it does and does not say.”

 

Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD; County Legislator Alfreda Williams, who is a Board of Health member; and County Health Department physicians, nurses and staff at the County Health Department Clinic in White Plains, joined Latimer.

 

Amler said: “This allows us to be proactive and not to have to wait to declare a state of emergency to take action in case of an emerging infectious disease. The measles outbreak brought to light a shortcoming in our Code that could prohibit the Board of Health from acting in a timely manner, and this bill corrects that.”

 

Board of Legislators Vice Chair Alfreda Williams said: “It is so very important for our Health Department to get out in front of unexpected outbreaks of infectious diseases, especially when they appear to be happening more frequently.  These changes to the law give our public health officials the legal resources they need to act quickly and effectively to keep Westchester residents safe.”

 

Supervising Public Health Nurse of Clinic Operations Lori Smittle said: “As nurses, we are all about prevention. This bill will help us to prevent an outbreak by allowing us to act very quickly during an emergency situation.”

 

Dr. Amler and the Board of Health sought the change to improve their ability to limit the spread of disease, following the largest statewide measles outbreak in decades.

 

 

**Gun Violence Prevention Advocates & Lawmakers to Sign Symbolic Woodstock Stage Panel in Support of Common-Sense Gun Laws**

**Gun Violence Prevention Advocates & Lawmakers to Sign Symbolic Woodstock Stage Panel in Support of Common-Sense Gun Laws**

 

 

Panel from Original Woodstock Stage Showcased in Sen. Carlucci's Office to be Delivered to Washington D.C.

 

 

 

(White Plains, NY) – Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America along with State, County, and local Hudson Valley lawmakers will gather in White Plains to sign a panel from the original 1969 Woodstock stage.

 

Thursday, September 26

3 p.m.

148 Martine Avenue

White Plains, NY

*on the steps outside the County Building on Martine Ave.*

 

The signing is in support of federal common-sense gun reforms, including background checks on all gun sales and red flag laws. Steve Gold, who acquired the original stage, is using it for social activism and as a symbol to inspire people to be like the fans at Woodstock who wanted to make the world a better place. After collecting hundreds of signatures at Woodstock’s 50th Anniversary events, he has now partnered with Senator David Carlucci to garner more signatures before the stage panel is delivered to Washington D.C.  

 

The stage panel will be displayed in Senator Carlucci’s office for the public to sign through mid-October, before Gold delivers it to U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell.  An online petition is also available for people to sign.

 

Coffee and Conversation with your County Executive - Saturday, 9/28.

News from Westchester County Legislator, Gordon Burrows, 15th District.

Dear Neighbors,

PALMER ROAD BRIDGE UPDATE

We are almost at the completion of phase one:

September 27, 2019: Stage 1 will be completed and Phase 2 will begin. The road closure will reverse and the current sidewalk that is closed will reopen and the south sidewalk will close.

November 27, 2019: The day before Thanksgiving the bridge will be reopened for two-way traffic.
North side sidewalk will remain open - south side sidewalk will remain closed.

NOTE: The stone facing on the bridge WILL BE reattached but dependent on temperature will determine when that will take place

Best,

Gordon A. Burrows

Press Release: BOARD OF LEGISLATORS CHAIRMAN BEN BOYKIN ELECTED TO NYSAC BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

BOARD OF LEGISLATORS CHAIRMAN BEN BOYKIN ELECTED TO NYSAC BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

White Plains, NY —  Chair of the Westchester County Board of Legislators Benjamin Boykin was elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) at the Association’s Annual Meeting in Sullivan County this week.

 

“We are fortunate to have Chairman Boykin’s leadership and perspective on the NYSAC Board of Directors,” said NYSAC’s newly-elected President Scott Samuelson, Sullivan County Legislator.

 

Ben is a financial executive with more than 40 years of professional experience. He has been a CPA for 46 years and is currently President of Ben Boykin & Associates, a financial consulting firm. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with a B.S. degree in Business Administration with an Accounting concentration. He received his MBA with distinction from the Kellogg Business School of Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.

Ben was re-elected in November 2017 to his third term on the Westchester County Board of Legislators for District 5 (serving most of White Plains, all of Scarsdale and West Harrison). At the January 8, 2018 organization meeting of the Board of Legislators, he was elected Chairman of the Board.

Mr. Boykin has a long and distinguished career as a government leader and business executive. During his first term on the County Board, Boykin was Chair of the Appointments Committee, where he worked to increase the transparency of the County’s Ethics Board to ensure that its members were legally appointed and confirmed.

During his second term, Ben served as Chair of the Public Safety & Social Services Committee and served as Vice Chair of both the Budget & Appropriations Committee and the Appointments Committee. He was Co-Chair of the Minority Affairs Task Force. In addition, he has served on the Infrastructure, Legislation and Environment & Health Committees.

“I am very pleased to join the NYSAC Board of Directors, which has a commitment to working together in the best interest of the counties of New York,” said Boykin, “I look forward to working with my fellow board members on behalf of New York’s counties.”

 

"We are honored to have Chairman Boykin on the Board of Directors. His experience and guidance will be an asset to the Association as we continue to address the critical issues facing counties and property taxpayers across the state," said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario.

 

NYSAC represents New York’s 57 counties and the City of New York in Albany and Washington on matters germane to county governments and informs county officials and the public about issues that impact county governments across the state.

Westchester County Legislator Gordon Burrows, 15th District: Upcoming Events in Westchester County Parks - 9/21 - 9/23.

WEEKLY EVENTS IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY PARKS.

September 21 through 23, 2019.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 21 and SUNDAY, SEPT. 22

Playland Park, Playland Parkway, Rye: (914) 813-7000
Westchester’s legendary amusement park extends its season with two bonus weekends!
Also: Sept. 28 and 29.
1 p.m. – 7 p.m. each day.
$15 ride admission and no spectator fees. Parking: $10 per car.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 21

Saxon Woods Park, 1800 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains: (914) 995-4480
Saxon Woods Garage Sale: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Browse the vendor booths for great deals on clothing, household items, furniture, toys, sports equipment, books and more. Admission and parking for shoppers are free.
Rain date: Sunday, Sept. 22.

Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Playland Pkwy., Rye: (914) 967-8720
International Beach Cleanup Day: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Join this worldwide volunteer activity and help clean up the shoreline. Tools, gloves and refreshments will be provided.

Lenoir Preserve, 19 Dudley St., Yonkers: (914) 968-5851
Giant, Wild and Crazy Bubbles: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Make bubble wands for you to take home to blow bubbles that are bigger than you. Registration required. $5 per child.

Trailside Nature Museum at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Cross River: (914) 864-7322
Legends and Lore of the Little People: 2 p.m.
Dress up and join storyteller Jonathan Kruk at this annual event for tales of leprechaun lairs, elfin dens, faerie eyries and a troll bridge. Make a nature fairy mask and enjoy some fairy face-painting.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 22

Bronx River Parkway, White Plains to Yonkers: (914) 995-4050
Bicycle Sundays: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Also: Sept. 29.
Bike, jog, ride, walk or skate the parkway from the Westchester County Center in White Plains to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers.

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.

MONDAY, SEPT. 23

Croton Point Park, 1 Croton Point Ave., Croton-on-Hudson: (914) 862-5290
Fourth Monday Bird Walk: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Bring binoculars and join members of Saw Mill River Audubon at the ballfield parking lot. Beginners welcome.

More info at parks.westchestergov.com.