White Plains, NY—The Westchester County Board of Legislators celebrated Women’s History Month on Monday night with a ceremony honoring two outstanding community leaders: Katherine “Kate” Pringle, attorney, dedicated community volunteer and Chair of Bread for the World, a nonprofit advocating for policy changes to end hunger locally and globally and Suki van Dijk, author, activist, passionate advocate for women and families, and longtime member of Westchester County Women’s Advisory Board.
Board Chair Vedat Gashi (D- New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) convened the ceremony, welcoming guests and the Board’s honorees. “In celebration of Women's History Month, we are honored to recognize two exceptional Westchester women. Kate Pringle has combined a distinguished legal career with tireless community service, from local efforts in Pelham to impactful board leadership with Bread for the World. Suki van Dijk, a passionate advocate for social justice and citizen participation, played a key role in launching programs to reduce food insecurity and connect families with mental health resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are grateful for these women who have made a lasting impact on our community.”
Majority Whip Terry Clements (D- New Rochelle, Pelham, Pelham Manor) presented the first proclamation to Kate Pringle and said, “Kate Pringle is an invaluable member of our community and a fitting honoree for our Women’s History Month celebration. Her achievements speak for themselves and her community service exemplifies the strength and resilience we are celebrating all month. A leader through temperament and example, we are proud to honor her tonight.”
Legislator Catherine F. Parker (D- Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Rye) presented the second proclamation to Suki van Dijk and said, “I am pleased to recognize the contributions of Suki van Dijk to Westchester County during Women’s History Month. Suki has been tireless in her work to improve the lives of women and children. I am so grateful that she has been a force for good and I know that the Women’s Advisory Board loves having her as a contributing member because of her determination and endless energy.”
View Monday night’s event program here.
Immediately following the celebration, the Board of Legislators convened a regular meeting in which it invited the people of Westchester to share their voice during public hearings about several initiatives, both of which were approved.
New Riverfront Park in Yonkers The Board of Legislators approved a local law authorizing the County to partner with the City of Yonkers on a new 3.8-acre Hudson River waterfront park in the Ludlow Section. The County will convey a ½ acre of unused, vacant land to Yonkers and contribute $15 million toward its construction, improvements and land remediation. In exchange, Yonkers will operate and maintain the park, will include a boat launch, playground and green space, offering free parking and entry to all county residents.
A local law to enhance the oversight and safety of non-residential Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in Westchester. While these can be beneficial to local economies and the environment, they carry a risk of toxic fires that are difficult to extinguish and require firefighters to wear and carry special equipment. The local law establishes a central location within the County’s Department of Emergency Services (DES) to identify all locations where non-residential BESS are located or planned to be located. Local municipalities would be required to notify DES within 30 days of learning about any existing sites in their community or after approving applications for new ones.
Watch the full meeting here.