News You Can Useaaaa October 2024

Special Events this Month

Now it is your turn …. We want to hear from you!

White Plains Vision Zero Action Plan –

Public Meeting -- October 23 – 6 to 8 PM

Do you want to make the City of White Plains streets safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians? 

If so, please come join us for an interactive meeting on Wednesday, October 23 at the White Plains Public Library Auditorium between 6 and 8 PM where we will discuss the benefits of Vision Zero and why this plan is a critical document for the City of White Plains. 

We are looking forward to hearing your perspectives, which will help the City develop a Vision Zero Action Plan that meets the need of our vibrant, dynamic community. Learn more about Vision Zero here. Also please remember to take the survey. Click here to access the short survey.

This meeting is accessible and we welcome people with disabilities to attend. Spanish interpretation will also be available. If you need special accommodations please contact the Mayor’s office at 914.422.1411.

Most Important Day of the Year!

ELECTION DAY- Tuesday, November 5

Your chance to vote for:

• U.S. President & Vice President
• U.S. Senator
• U.S. Congressional Representatives
• New York State Senators & Assembly Representatives
• New York State Supreme Court Justices
• Westchester County District Attorney
• County & Family Court Judges
• State and County Proposals

Still More to be Done

City Recognized as a Climate Smart Community

Governor Hochul announced that White Plains has attained Silver status New York State’s Climate Smart Communities Certification program, which supports local efforts to meet the economic, social, and environmental challenges posed by climate change.

The requirements for Silver status, the highest level of achievement in the program are stringent – only 17 NY municipalities, including only 4 cities, have achieved this level of recognition.

The program acknowledges the work that the City has done in adopting a Government Operations Climate Action Plan, installing heat pumps, completing renewable energy feasibility studies, establishing recycling programs, and so much more.

"We can all be proud of this recognition," said Mayor Tom Roach, "but there is more more to be done." The greenWP component of the One White Plains Comprehensive Plan outlines strong initiatives to strengthen the City’s climate actions.

The City has also successfully secured grants that will further advance its climate smart efforts:

•  New York State Research and Development Authority funding towards the purchase of an electric garbage truck.
• Bloomberg Philanthropies funding for the Youth Climate Action Fund
• US Department of Agriculture funding for Urban and Community Forestry

White Plains Has Signed Up for

Clean Energy

As part of the City's commitment to combating climate change White Plains has joined Westchester Power to bring clean energy to White Plains.

Westchester Power is a community choice aggregation (CCA) program run by the local nonprofit organization, Sustainable Westchester. This electricity supply program increases access to renewable energy, caps electricity costs, and expands consumer choice.

White Plains has taken the biggest single action a municipality can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the clean energy transition by participating in Westchester Power. We encourage community members to participate and help build a healthier, more sustainable future!

Find out more and register here for renewable electric energy.

Apply to Be A White Plains Firefighter

Free Training to Prepare for Exam is Available

Firefighter Exam Application

Applications must be received by 5 PM on October 17.

Meet the New White Plains Public Library Director -- Laura Eckley

Laura Eckley will be the new Director of the White Plains Public Library starting October 28.

Ms. Eckley previously served as Director of the Larchmont Public Library, where she supervised a major renovation, since 2012. Prior to that she was Head of Children's Services and then Director of the Bronxville Public Library. 

She earned her Master of Library and Information Science at Long Island University in 1999 and a certificate from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Executive Program on The Future of Library Design in 2014. She was honored with The New York Times Librarian Award in 2004.  Ms. Eckley enjoys crossword puzzles, needlepoint and of course, reading. 

Click here to learn more about the White Plains Public Library.

Come on Out and Dig In!

Join the White Plains Sustainability Committee on

Oct. 5 at the Pollinator Garden

Bring your gloves, trowel, hoe, and shovel and help the White Plains Sustainability Committee maintain the Pollinator Garden at 85 Gedney Way on Saturday, October 5 from 10 am to noon. Open to all.

You can also join a group of White Plains advocates for native plants in a seed and seedling native plant swap. For more information click here.

We've got lot's of news this month. Be sure to scroll al the way down. Thanks!

OktoberFest - Sunday, Oct. 13 - 1-6 pm - Prost!

It’s back! Bring your Lederhosen and Dirndls and join thousands of residents and visitors in the heart of Downtown White Plains as we celebrate the return of White Plains OktoberFest. Enjoy German festivities, a variety of beers, seasonal food, and live music from an authentic Oompah band, Melina & the Oompahs. There will be fun competitions, games, and family activities. Come join us and sing along to “Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit!”

To purchase beer and cider outside, you must purchase a wristband and be 21+ with valid photo ID. All ID's will be verified at the entrances.

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Carve Out Some Time to Visit the

White Plains Farmers Market

Court Street - Wednesdays 8:30 am to 2:45 pm

Now through Thanksgiving Wednesday, dozens of local farmers and vendors offer a wide assortment of fresh produce (including pumpkins!), plants, baked goods, breads, honey, fish, prepared foods, and more.

Halloween Safety Tips

Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but not when it comes to the safety of those little trick-or-treaters. Fortunately, there are lots of easy things parents and kids can do to stay safe on the spookiest of holidays.

Click here for Halloween safety tips from the White Plains Public Safety. Have a fun and

safe Halloween.

Celebrate the 248th Anniversary of the

Pivotal Battle of White Plains

Sunday, October 27, 10 am - 4 pm

Jacob Purdy House - 60 Park Avenue

Commemorate the important 1776 Battle of White Plains and visit the 303-year-old Historic Jacob Purdy House. Experience a Revolutionary War Encampment and see General Washington and his troops in action. Enjoy the Young Colonials Fife and Drum Corps.

Free family fun event!

Info at 914.328.1776.

Attend the WP Public Safety Civilian Academy

Tuesday Evenings Starting October 15 - Free!

The White Plains Department of Public Safety is pleased to announce the continuation of the Public Safety Civilian Academy. This special and exciting five-week program is intended for the residents of the City of White Plains who want to learn more about current police/firefighting/EMS issues and the latest White Plains Public Safety Department procedures.

This Academy is offered FREE of charge and is a hands-on, interactive, behind-the-scenes program that is taught by experienced police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. Classes are held from 7 pm to 9 pm on Tuesday evenings beginning October 15. Click here for more information and enrollment application. Applications must be submitted by October 8.

Did You Know?

You May Be Eligible for Home Repair Assistance

The Neighborhood Housing Rehabilitation Program provides financial assistance to qualified homeowners in White Plains for home repairs. For more information or an appointment to discuss the program call 914.422.1300 or email planning@whiteplainsny.gov.

Need Eager Young Workers?

Contact the Youth Bureau Job Bank

The White Plains Youth Bureau (WPYB) offers a unique opportunity for local business & community members to connect with talented high school and college-aged students who are eager to join your workforce.

The WPYB Job Bank has successfully facilitated partnerships between employers and young job seekers, filling positions such as retail/sales associates, clerical/office assistants, tech assistants, event assistants, and much more. Enthusiastic and motivated young individuals are ready to join your team.

Best of all, there is no fee for posting a position with them!

Don't miss out on this chance to find and hire dedicated, energetic, and skilled candidates for your open positions. Email Janet Spencer or call her at 914.422.2617 to learn how the White Plains Youth Bureau can benefit you and your organization.

Ten New Firefighters

Join Department

On September 6 ten new White Plains firefighters were sworn in at a ceremony in the Common Council Chamber at City Hall.

The new firefighters, pictured here with the Mayor and senior members of the Department of Public Safety, are James Briggs, Jr., Brandon Brown, Domenico Cappello,Torre Hibbert, James Jimison, Carlos Murillo, Ryan Racioppo, Joshua Siwek, Richard Thomas and Steve Vanderheof.

City Apps Make Living in White Plains Better, Easier & Safer

All City of White Plains Apps are available, for free, on Google Play or the App Store.

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