Planning
The Department of Planning consists of a team of professionals dedicated to promoting orderly development that protects and improves the quality of life and physical environment of Westchester County. The department works with a wide array of citizen boards to carry out its work.
We hope you will explore our varied projects and resources. The subjects range from protecting water quality and natural habitat to advancing housing opportunities, promoting smart growth and reviewing development proposals. We also provide extensive census and research data.
What's new at the Department of Planning?
A lottery was held to select applicants for the new fair and affordable rental units at Roundtop Commons in the Town of Cortlandt. The development includes 46 one-bedroom and 45 two-bedroom units in four buildings.
Devries Park in Sleepy Hollow, originally opened in the 1970s, will soon have a playground designed to accommodate youth of all ages.
An all-day event “Stabilizing Stream Banks: An Introductory Workshop” was held in November at the County Center. The workshop was attended by 131 professionals and addressed issues such as natural channel design and the methodologies for stream bank stabilization.
The Planning Board approved a resolution supporting the acquisition of a conservation easement over the 58-acre Gilbert property. Legislation was introduced to the Board of Legislators to advance this initiative.
Westchester 2025
What should Westchester look like in 2025? As we face issues that are changing and evolving – from flooding to traffic to housing to climate change – we are required to rethink how we make decisions, big and small.
Westchester 2025 aims to provide a solid foundation for constructive conversation about maintaining our quality of life and how to work together on shared goals. Learn more
Housing
Housing provides funding to assist in the development of new fair and affordable housing as well as the rehabilitation of existing housing stock. We also provide affordable housing and rental assistance to homeowners and tenants who are income eligible.
The county, working in concert with each municipality, addresses its local housing needs, as well as its share of regional affordable housing deficits. Learn more
Environmental Protection
Planning provides assistance to municipalities with zoning and local development initiatives.
It also reviews referrals from local municipalities for the county Planning Board and recommends best planning practices that work to promote economic growth and protect the environment. Learn more
Watershed Protection
There are six major drainage basins in Westchester - Upper Hudson River, Croton River, Lower Hudson, Upper LI Sound, Bronx River, and Lower LI Sound.
Watershed protection is a major concern so the county oversees a variety of programs to protect county water quality. These reservoirs provide drinking water for residents of Westchester, NYC and Connecticut while others rely on wells. Learn more
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