JULY 25–FLASH! WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXPOSES NATIONAL PLANNING AND ZONING SCAM TARGETING RESIDENTS

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WESTCHESTER COUNTY URGES RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES TO BE ON ALERT FOR PLANNING AND ZONING EMAIL SCAM

Residents and Businesses Encouraged to Watch for Fraudulent Emails

(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County is urging residents and businesses to remain vigilant following a statewide alert from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services regarding a nationwide email scam targeting individuals and businesses involved in planning, zoning and land use applications.

According to state and federal officials, scammers are impersonating local zoning or planning departments by sending fraudulent emails requesting payment for land use application renewals or related fees. The emails often include invoices that appear legitimate and may contain publicly available information to make the requests seem authentic. Residents and businesses should be aware that legitimate correspondence will only come from official government email addresses, and should never rely on payment requests received through unfamiliar email domains.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said:

“Protecting our residents and businesses means keeping them informed about emerging threats.

While these fraudulent emails may appear convincing, a few moments spent verifying a request can prevent financial loss and protect sensitive information. We encourage anyone who receives an unexpected payment request to do their due diligence before taking any action.”

Westchester County Department of Planning Commissioner Blanca Lopez said:

“We want residents, property owners and businesses to know that scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to imitate government agencies. If you receive an unexpected email requesting payment for a planning or zoning matter, take a moment to verify its authenticity before responding.”

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

1.Westchester County encourages anyone who receives a suspicious email related to planning, zoning or land use applications to avoid clicking links, opening attachments or sending payment until the request has been verified.

A common indicator of this scam is an email originating from a “usa.com” domain rather than an official government email address, or payment requests via wire transfers. Municipalities normally require individuals go to their local building department in person to submit payment, or pay through a secure payment portal through their own website.

Anyone who believes they have been targeted or victimized should report the incident to local law enforcement and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

Residents with questions about planning or zoning matters should contact the Westchester County Department of Planning at wcdp@westchestercountyny.gov or by phone at (914) 995-4400.

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JULY 24– TONIGHT 7:30 PM EDT –WHITE PLAINS WEEK THE JULY 24 REPORT FIOS 45 AND OPTIMUM 76 AND WWW.WPCOMMUNITYMMEDIA.ORG WITH JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS

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FLOOD WEEK IN WHITE PLAINS NY USA- WITH LIVE VIDEO

WESTCHESTER, WHITE PLAINS  RAIN WIND WHIPPED  FROM 1 TO 6 TUESDAY.

GAS INFLATION! UP 20% IN WEEK

YOU’RE NOT PUMPING GAS IN YOUR CAR YOU’RE PUMPING CASH INTO THE OIL COMPANY

CELL PHONE SLOW? HARD TO ACTIVATE–YOU’VE BEEN SCAMMED

BY THE MEMORY BANDITS

JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS  PERSPECTIVE ’26

COUNTY TOWNS AND CITIES NEED TO COMMUNICATE CLEARLY IN STORM CRISIS

WHITE PLAINS WEEK THE NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW

EVERY WEEK ON WHITE PLAINS WEEK FOR 25 YEARS

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JULY 24 — TIME IS RUNNING OUT ON TEMPORARY STATUS DESIGNATION

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STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL ON IMPENDING EXPIRATION OF TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS

“For centuries, New York has been a refuge for people fleeing violence, persecution and instability. Generation after generation, they have strengthened our communities, grown our economy and helped define the character of our state. Our Haitian community proudly carries that tradition forward every day.

“Temporary Protected Status exists because people should not be forced back into danger. As dangerous conditions persist in Haiti and other TPS-designated countries, the White House must reverse course.

No administration should knowingly send law-abiding people back into harm’s way when the law provides a path to protect them.”

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JULY 24 — NY SOLDIER REMOVED FROM IRAN CASUALTY LIST. GOVERNER HOCHUL SHOCKED BY REMOVAL

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STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL ON SGT. ANGEL S. RAMPERSAD’S REMOVAL FROM PENTAGON’S IRAN WAR CASUALTY LIST

“Earlier today, I spoke with the family of Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad and heard stories about the remarkable young woman they loved. Their strength in the face of tragedy moved me deeply and reinforced what New Yorkers already know: Sgt. Rampersad served our nation with extraordinary courage and made the ultimate sacrifice.

“That is why I’m outraged to see her removed from the Pentagon’s official accounting of those killed in the Iran war.

The Trump administration does not get to revise the human cost of this war because it has become politically inconvenient.

Sgt. Rampersad gave her life in service to this country. Changing a website does not rewrite the truth of her sacrifice.

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JULY 24– 3:15 PM EDT:—SURF CLUB BEACH IN nEW rOCHELLE CLOSED BECAUSE OF BACTERIA COUNT

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SURF CLUB BEACH CLOSED IN NEW ROCHELLE

(White Plains, NY) – The Westchester County Health Department has closed the Surf Club beach in New Rochelle until further notice.

Beach patrons are advised to avoid the water there due to a bacteria count that exceeds New York State standards.

The beach will be resampled and once the water quality meets state standards, it will be allowed to reopen. Visit the Westchester County website or call the club for updates.

The County remains committed to maintaining high standards of environmental health and safety across its recreational facilities.

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SENATOR GILLEBRAND INTRODUCES BILL TO REFORM IMMIGRATION

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GILLIBRAND, DURBIN INTRODUCE TWO BILLS TO REFORM AMERICA’S BROKEN IMMIGRATION SYSTEM

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced two bills to reform America’s broken immigration system.

The Protection of Kids in Immigrant Detention (PROKID) Act would provide a new, stronger layer of oversight to protect immigrant children in government custody. The Real Courts, Rule of Law Act would decrease political influence in the immigration system by transitioning the immigration court system into an independent judiciary.

“For far too long, cruelty, politicization, and a lack of transparency have defined our immigration system. It’s time to make commonsense reforms,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The PROKID Act would establish essential accountability measures to make sure that children seeking safety are treated with the compassion they deserve. At the same time, the Real Courts, Rule of Law Act would insulate our immigration courts from political influence, restoring integrity and due process to the system. These bills are meaningful, long-term solutions to complex challenges, and I will do everything I can to get them passed.”

“All Americans should agree that immigration judges need to be neutral and fair, not subject to the whims of the Administration in power. Our Real Courts, Rule of Law Act would transition the nation’s immigration court system into an independent judiciary, restoring due process in our deeply flawed immigration court system,” said Senator Durbin. “And as the Trump Administration continues their cruel treatment of immigrants—including children—we are also introducing the PROKID Act to protect immigrant children in government custody. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support these two common sense bills.”

Over the past several years, hundreds of thousands of migrant children fleeing violence, oppression, or persecution have arrived in the United States without a parent or legal guardian in pursuit of a safer future. Once apprehended at the border, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) transfers these children to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) in the Department of Health and Human Services. Children are then held in ORR’s congregate care shelters while they wait for ORR to identify a family member or sponsor to care for them, which can take months. Currently, the primary form of oversight of those shelters, as well as of CBP custody, is provided by independent lawyers.

To provide stronger oversight and protect children in custody, the PROKID Act would codify an office under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) responsible for ensuring that immigrant children are detained in the least restrictive setting, advocating for quick and safe release, and encouraging family reunification when possible. That office would also be responsible for investigating any claims of abuse, neglect, or mistreatment of immigrant children while in either government custody or foster care.

The text of the PROKID Act can be found here, and a one-pager about the legislation can be found here.

Another persistent issue with America’s immigration system is the politicization of immigration judges. Currently, immigration judges are appointed by the U.S. attorney general and employed by the Department of Justice, meaning they are often charged with adjudicating cases in accordance with the policies and priorities of the governing administration. Since January 2025, the Trump administration has mounted an unprecedented attack on the rule of law by firing over 100 immigration judges for political reasons, severely worsening the strain on overburdened courts. By firing experienced judges, this administration has crippled court efficiency and compromised the public’s trust in judicial neutrality.

To solve these problems, the Real Courts, Rule of Law Act would establish an independent immigration court system, helping to ensure that immigration judges are free from political pressure and can deliver just decisions in accordance with the law.

The text of the Real Courts, Rule of Law Act can be found here. A one-pager about the legislation can be found here.

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JULY 22 — BEACHES CLOSE AGAIN ON THE WESTCHESTER SOUTH SHORE.

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BEACH CLOSURES DUE TO RAIN IN NEW ROCHELLE, MAMARONECK AND RYE

(White Plains, NY) – The Westchester County Health Department has closed the following beaches for today, July 22, due to 0.73 inches of rainfall yesterday:

NEW ROCHELLE: Hudson Park Beach, Davenport Beach Club, Greentree Country Club and Surf Club on the Sound

MAMARONECK: Harbor Island Park, Beach Point Club, Orienta Beach Club and Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club

RYE: Coveleigh Club

Beach patrons are advised to avoid the water at these beaches due to bacterial contamination from road runoff into drainage outfalls near these beaches. These beaches are allowed to reopen on their own on Thursday, July 23 unless significant additional rainfall occurs.

The County remains committed to maintaining high standards of environmental health and safety across its recreational facilities.

 

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JULY 21–6 PM EDT WESTCHESTER IN TORNADO WATCH UNTIL 9 PM THIS EVENING

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TORNADO WATCH, FLASH FLOOD WARNING ISSUED FOR WESTCHESTER COUNTY

(White Plains, NY) – The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for Westchester County through 9 p.m. tonight, July 21.

A Flash Flood Warning has also been issued through 6:45 p.m. tonight, July 21. During this period, Westchester County could see severe weather conditions including heavy winds and rain, severe thunderstorms and flooding.

Tornadoes are capable of destroying structures, uprooting trees and causing significant damage.

If you are in a Tornado Warning area:

  • Know your safe location – ideally an interior room or a basement, unless it is susceptible to flooding.
  • Stay away from windows.
  • If you are outside, seek shelter inside of a sturdy building if a tornado is approaching. Sheds and storage containers are not considered safe structures.
  • Know the signs of a tornado including dark or green skies, a rotating, funnel shaped cloud, and loud or roaring sounds. 
  • Be ready to act quickly if the Tornado Watch is upgraded to a Tornado Warning, or you suspect a tornado is approaching. 

If you see a tornado and you are in a car, it is important to pull over and seek the nearest shelter immediately. If you cannot exit your car, pull over, lower your head as best as possible and try and stay away from car windows.

If you are in a Flash Flood Warning area:

  • Remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
  • Never attempt to drive through flooded streets or barricades.
  • Avoid flood-prone areas, such as the Bronx River Parkway, Saw Mill River Parkway and Sprain Brook Parkway.
  • Keep emergency alert notifications turned on at all times, and continue monitoring weather alerts as conditions can change quickly.

In a true emergency, dial 911.

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JULY 21- 5:51 PM EDT– Additional ROAD CLOSURES IN WESTCHESTER

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  • Closure due to flooding on the Bronx River Parkway, in both directions at Exit 22 – NY 119 – Tarrytown Road; NY 100 – Central Avenue (White Plains) all lanes blocked at mile marker 15.6.

  • Alternate lanes blocked on Route 9A southbound at Payn Street in Elmsford due to flooding.

  • Closure due to flooding on the Taconic State Parkway, both directions

    — NEW YORK TRAFFIC 511

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JULY 21 5:30 PM — TRAFFIC SITUATION IN GREENBURGH FROM TOWN SUPERVISOR PAUL FEINER

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I just got off the phone with the Greenburgh police.

Sprain Valley Road is closed due to live wires. Con Ed is on the scene and residents are asked not to leave their homes or go back home until Con Ed (which is on the scene) is able to reopen the road.

Tarrytown Road and Knollwood Road overpass –road closed.  Five feet of water.

9A SAw Mill River Road near Payne street. One lane closed due to floodiing.

Grasslands and Legion closed due to partial road collapse.

Residents in E Irvington -Taxter Rd- sent me photos of flooding conditions.

The county closed Bronx River Parkway and Saw Mill River Parkway.

Heavy thunderstorms moved through Greenburgh today bringing intense rainfall, flooding, damaging wind gusts and severe thunderstorm activity.

Please stay off flooded roads – just a few inches of moving water can sweep away a vehicle. Avoid walking through floodwaters, which may hide hazards or be contaminated. Report flooded roads, downed trees, or dangerous conditions to the police. The phone of the Greenburgh police is 914 989 1700.

Our town has experienced significant flooding during heavy rain events in recent years, particularly in low lying areas and neighborhoods near streams.

During intense storms flooding is a problem. We have been trying to address flooding conditions around town and have improved some conditions –but not all.

We will continue to address flooding  problems.

Many communities, including Greenburgh have storm drainage systems that were not originally designed to handle the most extreme rainfall events that are occurring today.  

Many parts of the northeast have experienced an increase in the frequency of intense downpours, putting additional stress in drainage systems.

Completely rebuilding a town’s drainage network to handle every possible storm will be very expensive.

It’s difficult to prevent flooding from every storm.

Engineers design stormwater systems to handle storms of 10,25 or 100 year design storms. 

Rainfalls that exceed those design assumptions can overwhelm even well maintained systems.

We will continue to take additional measures to reduce flood risks although they cannot eliminate it entirely during exceptionally severe storms.

PAUL FEINER

Greenburgh Town Supervisor

Stay informed. Sign up for email alerts about the Town of Greenburgh by clicking https://www.greenburghny.com/list.aspx There is a new “Public Hearings Alert” solely to notify you of all public hearings scheduled by the Greenburgh Town Board, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals. Enter your email address and click on “Public Hearings Alert” on the list to get the public hearing alerts.

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