I Live Here Westchester NY

I Live Here Media
  • 5.0 (2)
  • NEWS

“I Live Here” is a hyperlocal podcast that explores the stories, people, and events shaping life in Westchester, NY. Each episode dives into what’s happening across our towns and neighborhoods—highlighting small businesses, community voices, local culture, and can’t-miss happenings. Whether you’ve lived here forever or just moved in, this podcast keeps you connected to the place you call home.

  1. 11H AGO

    The Westchester Brief | 2.19.26: Rye Drone Rescues Swan Frozen in Pond

    Send a text On February 13th, Rye police and firefighters used a drone to rescue a mute swan that had become partially frozen to a pond. Instead of risking a dangerous ground approach, responders sent up an aerial view, guided the rescue safely, and transferred the bird to Animal Nation for rehabilitation. It is a small story with a bigger point: this is what competent, resourced local government looks like in practice. Support the show I Live Here Westchester is a production of I Live Here Media. We spotlight the voices, visionaries, and stories that make Westchester County more than just a place to live—it’s a place to belong. Have a guest suggestion or want to partner with us? Email: jimjockle@iliveheremedia.com Website: www.iliveheremedia.com Follow us on Instagram: @iliveheremedia Subscribe, rate, and share to support local storytelling.

    4 min

  2. 1D AGO

    The Westchester Brief | 2.18.26: Back to the Bond Market

    Send a text One story. Three infrastructure projects. One pattern you need to understand. The County Keeps Going Back to the Well Westchester County is seeking additional bonding authority for three infrastructure projects this week. The projects are necessary. The costs keep rising. And the financing mechanism is debt backed by your property taxes. The biggest number: the Pondfield Road West bridge over the Bronx River. Built in 1911, it needs a full superstructure replacement. The County is proposing to increase bond authorization by $10.72 million, bringing the total to $11.75 million. The original authorization was roughly one million. That is nearly a twelve fold increase, driven by what the County describes as increased construction costs. Next, the Bronx River Pathway reconstruction between Kensico Dam Plaza and Green Acres Avenue. The County is adding $1.7 million in bonding, bringing the total to $11.13 million. Documents cite construction market volatility and the remote location of the site as cost drivers. Construction is estimated at 18 months after contract award. Third, a storage and maintenance building at Kensico Dam Plaza. The County seeks an additional $2.5 million in bonds, bringing the total to $10.35 million. Documents reference dramatic cost increases over time. The project also includes adding solar panels, a positive addition that also signals scope expansion. The pattern matters more than any single project. When the County repeatedly returns for additional bonding authority, residents should ask whether original estimates were realistic or whether there is a structural tendency to underestimate upfront so projects clear the initial approval hurdle. Construction inflation is real. But routine cost escalation across the full capital slate has cumulative fiscal consequences that show up in your tax rate. One more thing worth tracking: debt service transparency. The Bronx River Pathway documents include an anticipated annual cost estimate for principal and interest. Residents should ask whether that visibility is consistent across all bonded projects or whether some get more scrutiny than others. Sources County bond act packets and project descriptions for Bronx River Pathway, Pondfield Road West bridge, and Kensico Dam Plaza storage building Westchester County Board of Legislators February 9, 2026 meeting agenda Connect Website: iliveherewestchester.com Got a story? Reach out. Support the show I Live Here Westchester is a production of I Live Here Media. We spotlight the voices, visionaries, and stories that make Westchester County more than just a place to live—it’s a place to belong. Have a guest suggestion or want to partner with us? Email: jimjockle@iliveheremedia.com Website: www.iliveheremedia.com Follow us on Instagram: @iliveheremedia Subscribe, rate, and share to support local storytelling.

    4 min

  3. 3D AGO

    The Westchester Brief | 2.16.26: Playland

    Send a text One story this week. It's about Playland. Not the rides. Not the beach. The money. Story: The Playland Arbitration Tab Westchester County is closing out a dispute with Standard Amusements, the private operator that was supposed to manage Playland. The relationship collapsed. It went to arbitration. The arbitrators found Standard in default, found they had effectively abandoned Playland, and yet under the terms of the contract the County still owed liquidated damages. The total bill: roughly thirty six and a half million dollars. The County has already paid thirty six million in two installments across 2025. The remaining balance of $519,294 is described as interest on the liquidated damages. The February 9 Board of Legislators agenda included three linked actions to close the books: a 2025 operating budget amendment, a capital budget amendment increasing the Playland appropriation from $12 million to $39.7 million, and a bond act amendment raising authorized bonds to $36.5 million. These are general obligation bonds, payable by a tax levy on property owners. Two details worth your attention. First, the original contract included an 18 percent interest rate compounding annually if payment wasn't made within the contract window. The County says it moved quickly to reduce exposure, and the math supports that. But the question stands: who approved those risk terms, and what prevents similar traps in future vendor disputes? Second, the budget mechanics involve reclassifying costs from operating to capital accounts to enable bonding. That's not unusual for governments, but it changes how the budget reads going forward, and residents should understand when it's happening. Board meeting minutes from this session are not yet finalized. Treat this as the financing phase, not the final word. We'll stay on it. Sources Westchester County Board of Legislators February 9, 2026 meeting agenda County transmittal letter, bond act documents, and budget amendments for Playland arbitration County bond act referencing general obligation status and interest rate terms Connect Website: iliveherewestchester.com Got a story? Reach out. Support the show I Live Here Westchester is a production of I Live Here Media. We spotlight the voices, visionaries, and stories that make Westchester County more than just a place to live—it’s a place to belong. Have a guest suggestion or want to partner with us? Email: jimjockle@iliveheremedia.com Website: www.iliveheremedia.com Follow us on Instagram: @iliveheremedia Subscribe, rate, and share to support local storytelling.

    5 min

  4. FEB 10

    The Westchester Brief | 2.10.2026: ICE in Mount Kisco, EPA Wetlands Rollback

    Send a text Two stories. One about federal agents on the ground in your town and the trust that erodes after they leave. One about a federal rule change that could strip protections from eighty percent of American wetlands and what that means for a county that floods. Story 1: ICE in Mount Kisco On February fifth, ICE agents conducted a targeted operation in Mount Kisco, seeking a single individual on a federal arrest warrant. They were on the ground for roughly two hours. Mount Kisco police did not assist, operating under the Westchester County Immigration Protection Act. But in a community with a significant immigrant population and home to Neighbors Link, the ripple effects went far beyond those two hours. School districts sent reassurance letters. Rumors outpaced official communication. And the real questions remain unanswered: who is responsible for informing the public when federal agencies operate locally, what are the cumulative effects of repeated operations across Westchester, and what happens to public safety when communities stop calling the police? Story 2: The EPA Wetlands Rollback The EPA and Army Corps of Engineers have proposed a rule that could remove federal Clean Water Act protections from nearly eighty percent of American wetlands. The rule narrows protection to wetlands with a continuous surface connection to navigable waters, excluding seasonal and isolated wetlands, exactly the kind that act as natural flood buffers across Westchester. The county’s own 2026 budget includes nine million dollars for flood mitigation. Wetlands are baked into those infrastructure assumptions. Remove them, and the cost transfers to insurance premiums, municipal budgets, and basement remediation. New York has state-level protections, but federal oversight provides a backstop that’s about to disappear. The question for Westchester: has anyone mapped which local wetlands lose protection and what that means for stormwater management? Connect Website: iliveherewestchester.com Got a story? Reach out. Support the show I Live Here Westchester is a production of I Live Here Media. We spotlight the voices, visionaries, and stories that make Westchester County more than just a place to live—it’s a place to belong. Have a guest suggestion or want to partner with us? Email: jimjockle@iliveheremedia.com Website: www.iliveheremedia.com Follow us on Instagram: @iliveheremedia Subscribe, rate, and share to support local storytelling.

    12 min

  5. FEB 5

    The Westchester Brief 2.5.26: $3 a Month Won't Fix This: The Real Story Behind Westchester's 2026 Budget

    Send us a text County Executive Jenkins signed a $2.5B budget with 180 job cuts and 8% department slashes. Jim Jockle breaks down what the tax hike actually buys you. FULL EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Three dollars a month. That's what the county says your property taxes are going up. Sounds manageable until you see what they had to cut to get there. This week, County Executive Ken Jenkins signed Westchester's 2026 budget after staring down a $197.7 million hole. The causes? A $17 million annual revenue loss from MGM's casino withdrawal and federal policy chaos that made long-term planning nearly impossible. The solution? Slash every department by 8%, eliminate 180 positions, and still raise taxes. Jim Jockle unpacks what this budget actually means for the services you rely on, why the Board of Legislators deserves partial credit, and what happens when next year looks even worse. Also in this episode: Westchester housing inventory hits a historic low with just 455 single-family homes on the market. Playland's future grows more uncertain as the county launches a nonprofit to shore up the park. And the new Westchester Economic Alliance signals long-range thinking about the county's competitive future. This is local news that affects your wallet, your property value, and the services your family depends on. Support the show I Live Here Westchester is a production of I Live Here Media. We spotlight the voices, visionaries, and stories that make Westchester County more than just a place to live—it’s a place to belong. Have a guest suggestion or want to partner with us? Email: jimjockle@iliveheremedia.com Website: www.iliveheremedia.com Follow us on Instagram: @iliveheremedia Subscribe, rate, and share to support local storytelling.

    5 min

  6. FEB 2

    The Westchester Brief | 2.2.26: What Westchester is paying for power—and how federal action could prevent the region’s most costly traffic failures

    Send us a text Two stories. One about your electric bill and where that money actually goes. One about preventable crashes and the federal legislation trying to stop them. Story 1: The ConEd Fight Your electric delivery charges are climbing 37 percent over the next three years. But here's the number that matters: 96 percent of Con Edison's proposed infrastructure investment goes to New York City. Four percent goes to Westchester. Same rates. Fraction of the benefit. Over 40 Westchester municipalities have now banded together to challenge this before the Public Service Commission, with County Executive Ken Jenkins making Westchester an official party to the fight. Story 2: The Bridges Not Bumpers Act Congressman George Latimer has introduced bipartisan legislation targeting overheight vehicle crashes, the trucks that slam into bridges and snarl traffic across the region. The bill would regulate GPS routing software, create a national bridge strike database, fund state-level research, and require rental truck companies to label vehicle heights. It's unsexy work, but these crashes are 100 percent preventable and cost millions annually. The trucking industry and the railroad industry both back it. Now it's in committee. Support the show I Live Here Westchester is a production of I Live Here Media. We spotlight the voices, visionaries, and stories that make Westchester County more than just a place to live—it’s a place to belong. Have a guest suggestion or want to partner with us? Email: jimjockle@iliveheremedia.com Website: www.iliveheremedia.com Follow us on Instagram: @iliveheremedia Subscribe, rate, and share to support local storytelling.

    9 min

  7. JAN 26

    The Westchester Brief 1.26.26: Housing Wars in Irvington & Indian Point’s Nuclear Comeback

    Send us a text This week on the Westchester Weekly Brief, two stories dominate the conversation—and both reveal how local decisions can ripple far beyond village lines. First, we look at Irvington’s proposed North Broadway housing development, a 53-unit apartment project that has ignited a fierce debate over growth, affordability, and village identity. Supporters say the project is a long-overdue step toward creating rental housing for teachers, first responders, and young families. Opponents argue it bends zoning rules, threatens historic preservation, and could overwhelm local infrastructure. As similar battles play out across Westchester—from Pleasantville to New Rochelle—Irvington may become the next test case for how the county handles development pressure. Then, we turn north to Indian Point, where a controversial proposal to reuse the former nuclear plant site has reopened old wounds. Holtec International has floated the idea of a small modular nuclear reactor to power a large AI data center—sparking immediate backlash from local officials, environmental groups, and longtime plant opponents. While no formal plan has been filed, the proposal raises serious questions about energy demand, land use, public trust, and who gets a say in the future of one of Westchester’s most sensitive sites. Together, these stories highlight a central tension facing the county: how to balance growth, sustainability, and community character in an era of rising housing demand and massive energy needs. 🎧 Listen for context, consequences, and the bigger picture behind the headlines—without the noise. I Live Here Westchester is a production of I Live Here Media. We spotlight the voices, visionaries, and stories that make Westchester County more than just a place to live—it’s a place to belong. Have a guest suggestion or want to partner with us? 📩 Email: jimjockle@iliveheremedia.com 🌐 Website: www.iliveheremedia.com 📸 Instagram: @iliveheremedia Subscribe, rate, and share to support local storytelling. Support the show I Live Here Westchester is a production of I Live Here Media. We spotlight the voices, visionaries, and stories that make Westchester County more than just a place to live—it’s a place to belong. Have a guest suggestion or want to partner with us? Email: jimjockle@iliveheremedia.com Website: www.iliveheremedia.com Follow us on Instagram: @iliveheremedia Subscribe, rate, and share to support local storytelling.

    5 min

  8. JAN 19

    Gas Ban Delayed, Transit Fares Up, and Sumo Hits White Plains

    Send us a text This week on The Westchester Brief: A statewide gas hookup ban for new buildings has been delayed by a federal court challenge. We break down what that means for developers, climate goals, and building costs in Westchester. MTA fare and toll hikes are now in effect. From Metro-North to Bee-Line to bridge crossings, we look at how much more commuters are paying—and why. And finally, sumo wrestling is coming to the County Center in White Plains. A world championship event, right in our backyard. This episode focuses on the systems shaping Westchester County—from energy and infrastructure to a surprising cultural moment. Support the show I Live Here Westchester is a production of I Live Here Media. We spotlight the voices, visionaries, and stories that make Westchester County more than just a place to live—it’s a place to belong. Have a guest suggestion or want to partner with us? Email: jimjockle@iliveheremedia.com Website: www.iliveheremedia.com Follow us on Instagram: @iliveheremedia Subscribe, rate, and share to support local storytelling.

    5 min
See All (39)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

“I Live Here” is a hyperlocal podcast that explores the stories, people, and events shaping life in Westchester, NY. Each episode dives into what’s happening across our towns and neighborhoods—highlighting small businesses, community voices, local culture, and can’t-miss happenings. Whether you’ve lived here forever or just moved in, this podcast keeps you connected to the place you call home.

Information

  • Creator
    I Live Here Media
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 I Live Here Westchester NY
  • Show Website
    I Live Here Westchester NY