WP Council Considers Multimodal Transcenter, Energy Costs
Having received the $1 million funding for a grant from the New York State Energy Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) for preliminary planning, design and engineering related to the White Plains Transportation Center area, the Common Council voted Oct. 5 to enter into a contract with Parsons Brinckerhoff, the company that will be doing the study.
The goal is to complete the process within one year with a review and proposal for a new multimodal transportation center at the site of the current Metro North train station in White Plains to include redevelopment proposals for other properties in the immediate and adjoining area.
The Battle Hill neighborhood, existing bus station and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) included in the Tappan Zee construction plans are all to be considered in the multimodal plan.
Commenting on the funds provided, Councilwoman Milagros Lecuona noted that since New York State has determined that White Plains will be a major part of the BRT plan, additional funds should be provided and included with this study specifically for that purpose.
Mayor Tom Roach said that the property on the city side of the train station was all owned by White Plains and that property on the other side of the tracks was owned by the County and MTA. There are also several smaller sites owned privately.
“We want to develop something more than just a new train station,” Roach said. “We want to create a place that people will come to with open space and retail and other attractions.” By entering into discussion with the various property owners an exciting project could be developed.
Roach also noted that entering White Plains via the train was not very exciting because the livelier parts of the city were not in view. The goal is to link parkland as well as to make access to the center of White Plains more enticing.
Sub Head: Community Choice Aggregation (Energy) Program
Also on the Council’s agenda was unanimous acceptance of a Community Choice Aggregation (Energy) Program through Sustainable Westchester, Inc. that would allow White Plains residents to opt into an energy savings program through the city.
A representative of the program explained that energy billing consists of two parts: the transmission and distribution of gas and electricity and the actual cost of the energy supplied.
In Westchester, Con Edison is both the supplier and distributor of energy. Up to the Oct. 5 vote by the Council, New York State had determined that consumers who did not opt for an alternative energy supplier would default to Con Edison.
With White Plains joining the aggregation program, the default choice is made by the city and will result in a three-year contract with the suppliers chosen by Sustainable Westchester.
A “Brown” energy choice comprised of existing energy supplies and a 100 percent renewable choice will be made available to residents, who can opt to remain with Con Edison if they want.
Letters will be sent to residents and property owners explaining the program in detail with a 20-day deadline for residents to determine what they want to do. If they do nothing, then White Plains makes the default decision.
