White Plains council closes DEIS hearing on District Galleria, extends written comment period to Feb. 14; rezoning hearing adjourned to May 5

The White Plains Common Council on Feb. 3 closed the public hearing on the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for the District Galleria redevelopment project and extended the period for written comment to Feb. 14. The council also voted to adjourn the separate hearing on a proposed rezoning to create a new Transit Development‑2 (TD‑2) district at 100 Main Street until May 5.

The DEIS hearing drew a string of public supporters who told the council the redevelopment would revitalize downtown, increase foot traffic and add affordable housing. Leo Torres, vice president of architecture and design at Ginsburg Development Companies, said the project will “allow sunlight to filter down onto Main Street” and create “a publicly accessible park and plaza” while adding “just under 400 entirely new affordable housing units.”

Why it matters: The District Galleria proposal would replace an existing mall and parking complex with a mixed‑use, transit‑oriented development near White Plains’ central transit hub. Supporters said that could boost downtown economic activity, public events and cultural venues while addressing the city’s need for affordable units.

Several business, arts and development leaders spoke in support. Kathleen Reckling, chief executive officer of Arts Westchester, said the project offers “incredible opportunity to create more moments for cultural engagement,” from outdoor public art to new destinations that could complement existing institutions such as the White Plains Performing Arts Center. Nick Trombetti of the White Plains Business Improvement District and other local business owners also urged approval of the rezoning, saying increased downtown residency would help restaurants, retailers and cultural venues.

Supporters framed the project as transit‑oriented development that would reduce car dependence. Gary Klein, a commercial real estate broker with Houlihan Lawrence, called the plan “a model for transit oriented development” that aligns with sustainability goals and helps attract workers and patrons to downtown businesses.

Council procedure and next steps: The council accepted motions to open the hearings, heard public comments and then voted to close the DEIS hearing. The body announced a written‑comment deadline of Feb. 14 (extended from the standard 10‑day window) and adjourned the zoning hearing to May 5 so that a possibly revised ordinance can be circulated and further public comment collected. The council noted that speakers who testified at the prior hearing could not speak again at this meeting but may speak in May.

Public commenters who spoke in favor included representatives of the Westchester County Association, local developers, business and arts organizations, and long‑time downtown business owners who described growing pedestrian activity and parking demand.

The council did not take a final zoning vote at the Feb. 3 meeting; the rezoning matter remains scheduled for further public hearings and review ahead of any final action.

Votes at the meeting on procedural motions were recorded as follows: the motion to close the DEIS hearing passed by voice vote; the motion to adjourn the zoning hearing to May 5 also passed by voice vote.

The council’s staff said written comments on the DEIS will be accepted through Feb. 14 and that the council will reconvene the zoning hearing on May 5 to receive additional public input and consider any ordinance changes.