Board of Legislators - 2026-02-09
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Westchester County Board of Legislators approved the final payment of $519,294 in interest to Standard Amusements LLC, closing out the Playland dispute at a total cost of $36,519,294. The board also approved modification of the Peekskill Sanitary Sewer District to add two parcels in the Town of Somers for an affordable housing development, and settled multiple lawsuits including two Child Victims Act cases for $750,000 each.
Key Decisions (12)
Peekskill Sanitary Sewer District Modification
Added two parcels of property located in the Town of Somers to the Peekskill Sanitary Sewer District to support an affordable housing development by Ken Carney.
Bronx River Pathway Reconstruction Bond Amendment
Authorized issuance of additional $1,700,000 in bonds for capital project RBR07, bringing total to $11,130,000 to finance reconstruction of approximately 10 miles of asphalt pathway from Kinsco Dam Plaza to Greenacres Avenue and Crane Road to Scouse Field, including bridge railing replacement and landscape reforestation.
Worker Compensation Settlement - Former County Police Officer
Authorized settlement of $96,000 to former county employee for worker compensation claim involving multiple injuries, saving the county approximately $53,000 compared to future payments.
Berkshire Hathaway Insurance Settlement
Authorized settlement of insurance coverage dispute with Berkshire Hathaway Direct Insurance Company for $306,000, recovering funds related to a Child Victims Act case.
Shepherd Mullen Retainer Amendment - Custom Marine Litigation
Amended retainer agreement with Shepherd, Mullen, Richter, and Hampton LLP by $9,000, bringing total to $109,000 for completed litigation regarding Custom Marine Inc default under Public Works contract 12-517.
Child Victims Act Settlement - Jefferson v Westchester County
Authorized settlement of $750,000 inclusive of attorney's fees for lawsuit alleging knowledge by DSS employee of sexual abuse in a foster home.
Playland Infrastructure Capital Budget Amendment
Amended 2025 county capital budget appropriations for capital project RP056 (Playland infrastructure, rides, and site work) to add $519,294 in interest costs owed to Standard Amusements.
Playland Operating Budget Amendment
Amended 2025 operating budget to reclassify amounts originally booked to operating budget, moving them to capital budget for Playland infrastructure, rides, and site work.
Playland Bond Act Amendment - Standard Amusements Final Payment
Authorized issuance of $36,519,294 in bonds to resolve dispute with Standard Amusements LLC, including final interest payment of $519,294 at 18% rate. This closes the Standard Amusements chapter after arbitration found Standard in default.
Child Victims Act Settlement - Gabari v Westchester County
Authorized settlement of $750,000 inclusive of attorney's fees for final Child Victims Act case involving alleged knowledge by DSS employee of sexual abuse in a foster home.
Employment Discrimination Settlement - Pompey v Westchester County
Authorized settlement of $200,000 inclusive of costs and attorney's fees for racial discrimination and retaliation lawsuit alleging plaintiff was barred from promotion due to discriminatory practices.
Appointment of Joan McDonald as Deputy County Executive
Appointed Joan McDonald as Deputy County Executive of Westchester County effective February 1, 2026. She is the first female deputy county executive in county history.
Development Activity (1)
Affordable Housing Development - Town of Somers
Affordable housing development requiring sanitary sewer connection; developer is known for affordable housing projects throughout Hudson Valley
Market Signals (3)
Infrastructure
Westchester County is investing $11.13 million in Bronx River Pathway reconstruction covering 10 miles, indicating commitment to recreational infrastructure and potential property value enhancement along the corridor.
Housing Demand
Affordable housing developer Ken Carney is actively pursuing projects in northern Westchester (Town of Somers), requiring infrastructure extensions to support new residential development.
Sentiment
Playland amusement park dispute resolution totaling $36.5 million signals county's commitment to maintaining direct control of the facility rather than private management, with ongoing investment in rides and infrastructure.