WHITE PLAINS LINEN MOVE CREATES OPPORTUNITIES

White Plains Linen is one of the biggest employers in Peekskill, and has been for many years.  It was also, for many years, the bane of a neighboring residential area.  For over a decade Peekskill's elected leaders promised concerned residents they would fix this problem.  They all had meetings, discussions, negotiations, timetables, you name it, but they never produced a solution.

On Mayor Mary Foster's watch the problem was finally resolved, and in a way that did not lose Peekskill one job.  The Mayor helped negotiate its move into an appropriate industrial zone on John Walsh Boulevard.  No doubt this move will raise home values for every homeowner in the Monument Park area while finally restoring to them the peaceful enjoyment of their homes. 

The City, under Mayor Foster's leadership, also restored Monument Park, near the former White Plains Linen building.  New, improved lighting, more attractive fencing, and upgraded landscaping have turned it into a little jewel.  Enhanced community policing presence has rid the park of unsavory loiterers and continues to preserve it for the enjoyment of the neighbors and the honor of our city's war dead.

"I am glad we, as a council, were able to help this entire neighborhood" said Council Member Marybeth McGowan.  "Things are much better now."

More recently, White Plains Linen has begun to move in the direction of environmental responsibility with its agreement to use steam from the Wheelabrator garbage-to-energy plant, reducing its carbon footprint. 

"Two years ago, we started having discussions with industrial businesses on innovative projects that push for energy efficiency and alternative energy use and bring value to businesses," Foster said. "The upshot was that Wheelabrator developed a strategy for the steam that now goes to White Plains Linen. They said they could reduce the carbon footprint by 74 percent and reduce its reliance on gas to power up its facilities by 90 percent."  Win win.  The environment has that much less pollution and a longtime Peekskill business saves money."

Mayor Foster won New York State recognition of the former White Plains Linen property as an Opportunity Zone.  Under this NYS program, money will be available for redeveloping the old laundry.  Many ideas have already been brought forth, and our city government will be soliciting public input on best uses for the property in the coming months.   Some ideas already floated around town include business incubator space, housing for young professionals, arts facilities, and workforce training.

While some think such success is quick and easy, it is neither.

It takes vision, brains, and perseverance to make gains like these.  It takes a leader who takes the long view.