District 10 Update: November 14, 2024

This past week, we witnessed a troubling wave of escalating behaviors — hateful, disrespectful, bullying, and even violent — that reverberated here in our own community, across the nation, and around the world. For many of us, it was deeply unsettling. Most recently, we saw pogroms in Amsterdam, racist text messages throughout the region, attacks in Brooklyn, and open threats by white supremecists at protests right here in our own county. While these incidents may seem unrelated, I see them as interconnected. They represent the worst in people. They represent things that most Americans, and I believe most people, simply would not do, and would never condone. I also believe that these events still only represent a small segment of the population. The vast majority of us want to get along. I was reminded of this sense of unity when I had the honor of celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights, at the Westchester County Center this week. It was a joy to share a few thoughts on the holiday and its connections to other major religious festivals that honor the triumph of light over darkness — whether it's Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or Eid-ul-Fitr. How is it that cultures around the world can be so divided, when we celebrate and believe in many of the same basic principals? How did we go so far off course that we would rather bully or harm our neighbors over minor differences than find common ground and share in each other's joys and celebrations? Darkness is not itself an entity. It is simply the absence of light. Push the darkness away by focusing on those things that shine brightly for all of our communities. Bring light to extinguish the darkness. And if you witness or experience acts of hate or discrimination, please report it to the Westchester County Human Rights Commission or my office. Together, we can work to ensure that everyone in our community is treated with respect and dignity. As always, please scroll down for more news and updates on upcoming events. Sincerely, Judah Holstein Legislator, 10th District Westchester County Budget Public Input Sessions As we continue to review the 2025 Westchester County budget, the Board of Legislators invites residents to participate in two upcoming public input sessions. These sessions provide an opportunity to share your views on budget priorities and help shape the County's services. Public input sessions will be held on Thursday, November 14 in Ossining and Wednesday, November 20 in Elmsford. For more details, including meeting schedules and proposed budget information, visit the Budget Dashboard. Westchester County Urges Water Conservation Amid Ongoing Drought Watch New York City issued a Drought Watch that affects Westchester County water supplies, and residents are urged to conserve water. The County's Department of Environmental Facilities recommends actions like limiting lawn watering to early morning or evening, fixing leaks, and using dishwashers and laundry machines only with full loads. Residents can visit the following sites for drought conservation measures: Water Saving Tips - DEP WaterSense | US EPA In response to dry conditions, an open fire ban is now in effect in all county parks, with only fixed charcoal or propane grills allowed for cooking. For more tips and detailed guidelines on conservation and fire safety, visit The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's website. Join Us for the Next Board of Legislators' Meeting Please join us on Monday, November 18th before our regular board meeting for our annual celebration of Albanian Heritage Month, streaming live from the BOL Chamber at 7 p.m.  In addition to the regular board meeting, two public hearings will be held on: Proposed Local Law authorizing Westchester County to enter into a lease agreement with MG Martine SPE LLC, or owner of record for approximately 57,266 sq. ft. in the building located at 11 Martine Avenue, White Plains, New York including 229 reserved parking spaces, inclusive of 40 electric vehicle charging stations for use by the Department of Health. More Info   Proposed Local Law amending Chapter 277, Article XV of the Laws of Westchester County relating to the plumbing licensing law. More Info Learn how to watch or speak here Thanksgiving Diversity Breakfast On Thursday, November 21st, join the annual Thanksgiving Diversity Breakfast to stand together as a united community to support and learn from each other. As we unfortunately see and experience more divisions than unity in our communities, the need to come together, learn about each others' challenges and actively engage in discussions to counter those barriers is more critical than ever. Learn More New Rochelle Thanksgiving Parade The New Rochelle Thanksgiving Parade is on its 60th year! The parade will be taking place on Saturday, November 23rd at 10 a.m. along North Avenue. There will be balloons, floats, and groups from the community marching in it. "Burn Off the Bird" Holiday Hike at Ward Acres Park The 2nd annual Burn off the Bird will be taking place Saturday, November 30th and Sunday, December 1st at Ward Acres Park. There will be 2 sessions each day, one from 10:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m. and another from 12 p.m.-1:45 p.m. Registration is required. For more information and registration, please contact Michael West at (914) 654-2088 or mwest@newrochelleny.com. New Rochelle's Annual Turkey Giveaway A Turkey Giveaway will be taking place on Tuesday, November 26th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the City Hall Rotunda in New Rochelle. You must be a New Rochelle Resident and registration is required. This event is first come first serve. To register, contact the New Rochelle Youth Bureau at (914) 654-2045.