White Plains, NY - On Monday, March 4th the Westchester County Board of Legislators delivered a host of legislative items that will have a tangible impact on local residents in areas such as infrastructure, environmental protection, economic development, housing, public safety, and transportation.

Board Chair Vedat Gashi (D- Ossining, New Castle, Somers, Yorktown) said, “Our sixth Board meeting of 2024 was a very productive one. We passed substantial legislation including an inter-municipal agreement (IMA) to combat human trafficking; infrastructure bills like the Glen Island Bridge rehabilitation which will improve safety and provide new jobs, and a rehabilitation project for 100 bus shelters; the approval of 95 hybrid and electric buses to protect our environment; and land acquisition to develop 528 new affordable housing units in Mount Vernon. And we’re just getting started.”

INFRASTRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENTS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Glen Island Bridge Rehabilitation

The Board joined the County Executive to propose the Glen Island Bridge Rehabilitation and Temporary Easement Act. This will allow the County to obtain a temporary easement from the City of New Rochelle to facilitate the rehabilitation of the Glen Island Bridge, a critical infrastructure providing access from the mainland to Glen Island. The Amended Bond Act will secure funding for the bridge's rehabilitation for removing and replacing the bridge deck, sidewalk, handrails, lighting, traffic warning signs and gates; painting the bridge superstructure, and electromechanical and counterweight systems. This work is expected to generate an influx of new regional jobs and improve the bridge’s structural integrity.

Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson (D-Elmsford, Greenburgh, Tarrytown, White Plains), Budget and Appropriations Committee Chair said, “This bridge goes from Neptune Island to Glen Island. It’s a bridge built in 1930; its last update was over 20 years ago. Structural engineering reports indicate there’s an urgent need to rehabilitate. During this construction, which will create several new jobs, the city of New Rochelle will provide a temporary bridge and a construction base. There will be no significant impact on the footprint or design of the bridge. Updates include traffic railings, crash railings, barrier gates, a sidewalk, handrails, bridge painting, and new electromechanical work. The cost of construction and construction management will also be included in the cost. At the Board of Legislators, safety is of tantamount importance. This is a wonderful access point to a wonderful park in the county, and we look forward to making access to the park safe for everyone to enjoy.”

Port Chester Road Improvements

A bond act was approved to finance the rehabilitation of approximately 0.6 miles of roadway from Bowman Avenue to Oak Street. The work will include milling and resurfacing the roadway, curbing and drainage repairs; new traffic signal loops; new pavement markings and associated work. The Department of Public Works and Transportation has advised that this project is divided into two phases to coordinate with a sewer rehabilitation project.

Legislator Nancy Barr (D-Harrison, Rye Brook, Port Chester) said, “Westchester Avenue is a main thoroughfare for residents and others who come to Port Chester to work, play or commute. The average daily traffic count is well over 16,000 vehicles. Shortly after joining the Board, I advocated for much-needed repairs and rehabilitation of the parts of the road that the County owns. Tonight, we approved a bond to begin the rehabilitation, which will be completed in two phases. Phase one will be completed this year and the second phase will be completed after the Village does important sewer infrastructure improvements.”

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT & TRANSPORTATION

Replacing Bee-Line Buses

A Bond Act to was passed to replace 95, 40-foot Bee-Line Buses, which is required as the existing model year 2009 hybrid buses are approaching the end of their useful lives. The replacement buses will include a combination of new hybrid and all-electric models that enhance the efficiency and environmental sustainability of the public transportation system for the Westchester community. The movement towards an all-electric fleet is a big step towards a cleaner, greener Westchester County.

Bus Shelter Renovations

A bond act of $1,250,000 was passed to finance bus shelter improvements, including installing solar-powered bus shelters, ADA accessibility, and other bus stop-related improvements. For the thousands of County residents who depend on the Bee-Line bus system as their mode of transportation, these improvements will positively impact the experience and safety of their daily commutes.

Legislator Erika Pierce (D- Beford, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers), Chair of the Public Works & Transportation Committee said, “We are nearing the end of an important nine year-long project to transition our fleet of buses away from a diesel-based fleet to a fleet comprised completely of hybrid and electric vehicles. This is a critical investment in our environment and the health and well-being of our residents, particularly in our more traffic-heavy environmental justice communities. This work goes hand in hand with the approved bus shelter improvements in terms of improving the quality of life for the many residents who rely on the Bee-Line bus system.”

PUBLIC SAFETY

Anti-Trafficking Task Force Program Act

The Board and the County Executive unanimously passed legislation to assist the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office and local law enforcement with their investigations targeting human trafficking in Westchester County. The proposed inter-municipal agreements (IMAs) will allow the grant funding from the United States Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, awarded to the District Attorney’s Office for their work with local law enforcement and community partners, specifically for the Westchester County Anti-Trafficking Task Force.

This Task Force uses the grant funding to identify human trafficking victims, enhance investigative and intelligence-gathering methods, improve information-sharing with victim service providers, and strengthen prosecution strategies. The DA's Office partners with federal, state and local police departments to investigate human trafficking complaints at locations like massage parlors and hotels, gather evidence of illegal activities and identify those responsible.

Legislator Colin Smith (D - Cortland, Peekskill, Yorktown), Chair of the Legislation Committee said, “These inter-municipal agreements enable local law enforcement to receive necessary funding, more readily identify human trafficking victims, gather crucial intelligence, and prosecute offenders. This vital step is essential in ensuring the safety of our community and protecting the most vulnerable among us. We can make our neighborhoods safer and more secure by working together.”

Majority Whip Terry Clements (D - New Rochelle, Pelham, Pelham Manor) said, “This IMA allows the DA’s Office to be able to reimburse local police departments in connection with their proactive investigations targeting human trafficking in Westchester County, which is a difficult crime to detect. Collaboration between local police departments, the DA’s Office, and members of the County Human Trafficking Task Force will help support victims of this crime. This IMA can help the Task Force eradicate human trafficking in our County.”

HOUSING

In keeping with the Board’s commitment to provide more affordable housing in Westchester in 2024, the Board passed legislation authorizing the purchase of two lots in Mount Vernon, as proposed by the Department of Planning, on North and South MacQuesten Parkway to create a total of 528 Affordable AFFH Units for rent. They will be marketed and leased in accordance with an approved affordable fair housing marketing plan to eligible households earning at or below 40% and up to 80% of the Westchester County area median income. This housing will remain affordable for no less than 50 years.

Legislator Shanae Williams (D – Yonkers) Chair of the Housing & Planning Committee said, “Westchester County is home to a diverse population, including seniors and residents with limited financial resources who will benefit from access to affordable housing. This year, the Board’s steady progress continues as we deliver on our promise to provide access to affordable places to live in Westchester, for everyone.”

Majority Leader Tyrae Woodson-Samuels (D – Mt. Vernon) said, “We at the County Board, in tandem with County Executive Latimer and his team, are prioritizing these two affordable housing projects that are set to introduce nearly 530 affordable housing units to the city of Mount Vernon and the County as a whole. This initiative, supported by the timely allocation of County funds, represents a critical measure in combating the shortage of true affordable housing that plagues our area. It is a testament to our commitment to ensuring every resident can access safe, affordable, and quality housing options. The city of Mount Vernon proudly continues to shoulder its share of responsibility in addressing this housing crisis and encourages other municipalities within the county to follow suit. By joining forces and contributing to the expansion of affordable housing, we can collectively make significant strides toward a future where everyone in our community has the opportunity to thrive in a stable and supportive environment.”

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