VoP Sustainability Advisory Board / Climate Smart Communities Task Force

10/09/2026

Help Make Pelham More Resilient!

Westchester County Government is updating its Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, which identifies natural hazards that affect our communities and actions we can take to reduce future risks and damage.

From flooding and stormwater challenges to extreme heat, severe storms, and winter weather, this plan is an opportunity to think ahead about how we can better protect our homes, neighborhoods, infrastructure, and natural resources.

Village of Pelham NY is part of this countywide planning process, and resident input matters! The draft plan is now available for public review, and community members are encouraged to share their feedback before it is finalized.

📍 Come talk with us at the Pelham Farmers Market on Sunday, October 25! Members of the VoP Sustainability Advisory Board / Climate Smart Communities Task Force will be there to answer questions, help you explore the draft plan, and assist you in submitting feedback to the County.

🔎 Learn more and review the plan at westchester.mitigateny.org, Jurisdictional Annex on the Village of Pelham.

Let’s work together to help make Pelham safer and more resilient. 🌳💧

10/09/2026

🍂🌳 Fall is a great time to plant trees in Pelham! Planting the right tree in the right place can provide shade, support wildlife, help manage stormwater, and reduce summer cooling costs. Check out these seasonal tree-care tips from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to help your trees thrive!

Is it already fall?! Leaves are changing, school is back in session, and a trip to the pumpkin patch sounds like the perfect weekend activity. That means it’s a great time to be thinking of your trees!

With cooler temperatures and rainy days ahead, the conditions are perfect for tree care and planting before winter. Now is the time for:
🍁 Assessing—check trees for potential issues or changes and contact an arborist for help.
🍁 Pruning—any branches that could be a hazard with heavy snow (but wait to prune oaks until November to help prevent oak wilt).
🍁 Mulching—make a donut shape around the tree.
🍁 Planting—add a new tree to your yard to save on future summer cooling bills!

10/09/2026

New York State is beginning a long-term planning process that will help shape future investments in our electricity and gas systems—with implications for energy affordability, reliability, and the transition to clean energy. Pelham residents will have opportunities to learn more and provide input; see below for details on the upcoming public meeting and how to participate.

The State Energy Planning Board is kicking off a new Energy Infrastructure Development Plan (EIDP) process. The process supports Governor Kathy Hochul's Climate Week directive as part of her Clean, Highly Affordable, Reliable Grid Expansion (CHARGE) agenda to advance affordable, abundant, reliable, and clean energy within New York State.

️➡️ The Energy Infrastructure Development Plan (EIDP) will show what should happen to steer electricity and gas system investments over the coming decades.

The State Energy Planning Board and supporting State agency staff will establish a transparent process to develop and release an interim plan in 2027 and finalize the first comprehensive EIDP by December 2029. The process will include multiple opportunities for energy industry stakeholders and the public to engage and provide input.

📍 The State Energy Plan Board meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on December 9 at the Albany Capital Center, Meeting Room 2B/2C at 55 Eagle Street, Albany, New York. The meeting is open to the public for listening, both virtually and in-person.

🔗 Learn more and register to attend: ⬇️

10/02/2026

🍂 Fall leaves are a resource, not just yard waste!

As you prepare for fall cleanup, consider leaving as many leaves as possible on your property. Mulch-mowing leaves directly into your lawn returns valuable nutrients to the soil, while using shredded leaves in garden beds provides natural mulch, protects plant roots, and supports beneficial insects and wildlife through the winter.

Less to haul away means more benefits for your yard, our environment, and our community. There’s an economic benefit, too! The less leaf material the Village needs to collect and dispose of, the lower its disposal costs, including tipping fees—helping save taxpayer dollars.

Village of Pelham NY does not allow gas-powered leaf blowers to be used from May 1st to October 14th and from December 16th to March 14th. Violations by a property owner or your lawn maintenance provider can result in enforcement action against the property owner, including a $250.00 fine, by Village Police. Please use the attached flyer to distribute to property owners or lawn maintenance providers.

10/01/2026

Sharing this free event for Pelham and wider Westchester residents interested in making their homes more energy-efficient, comfortable, and affordable to heat and cool—with practical resources and incentives to help get started!

Westchester renters and homeowners — mark your calendars!

October 22nd, our EnergySmart Homes team will walk you through programs from New York State, ConEd, and Sustainable Westchester that can help you lower your energy bills, weatherize your home, and electrify your appliances.

Join us at the White Plains Public Library for this free info session, and you'll also get dinner and a free D.I.Y. energy savings kit, including window insulation, a door sweep, LED light bulbs, and more (a $60 value).

Details:
WHERE: White Plains Public Library
WHEN: Thursday, October 22nd, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
COST: Free — dinner & D.I.Y. energy savings kit included
RSVP: https://bit.ly/energy10601

This event is part of Sustainable Westchester's continued work supporting White Plains residents in the transition to cleaner, more affordable energy. It is co-sponsored by the City of White Plains, Mayor Justin C. Brasch, the White Plains Sustainability Committee, Cornell Cooperative Extension (Mid-Hudson), and the White Plains Public Library.

09/30/2026

What makes Pelham special?

The Pelham Chamber of Commerce is asking residents to help shape how we describe and celebrate our community—and they’d love to hear from Pelham residents. The anonymous survey takes about 10 minutes and is an opportunity to share what you value about Pelham and what makes it a great place to live, work, and raise a family. 🏡

👉 Take the survey: https://forms.gle/qhJDtwNpLA1hATco9

Please feel free to share with other current or former Pelham residents!

The Pelham Chamber of Commerce is working to develop a clear, compelling, and consistent way to describe our town. We created this survey to gather feedback from past and current residents on what makes Pelham special, and your answers will directly shape our thinking. It should take about 10 minute...

09/28/2026

There are so many ways to contribute to a more sustainable Pelham this October!

From getting your hands dirty along the Hutchinson River, to giving costumes a second life, learning more about our local waterways, or connecting with neighbors at the Pelham Market, there are lots of opportunities this month to take action, learn something new, reduce waste, and strengthen our community.

Here are four events we hope you'll check out:

🌊 October 4 — Sanford Sweep River Clean-Up
Join the Hutchinson River Restoration Project (HRRP) and community volunteers for a hands-on cleanup of the Hutchinson River and shoreline at Glover Field/Target in Pelham Manor, 9 AM–1 PM. Waders and boots are available to borrow, but supplies are limited, so advance registration is recommended.
👉 Details & registration: Hutchinson River Restoration Project Events Calendar

🎃 October 17–18 — Pelham's Annual Costume Swap
Have gently used costumes sitting around the house? Give them a second life! Drop-off is at 350 Eighth Avenue, and the free swap takes place Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM–4 PM. A great example of reuse in action!

🎬 October 22 — American River
Join HRRP and The Picture House for a FREE screening at 7 PM, followed by a conversation with filmmaker Scott Morris and local environmental advocates about the Hutchinson River and how our community can help support restoration efforts.
👉 Free tickets: Reserve tickets at Pelham Picture House

🎃October 25 — VoP Sustainability Advisory Board / Climate Smart Communities Task Force at the Pelham Market
Stop by our table during the Pelham Market, 9:30 AM–1 PM, for our Halloween Costume Swap. Missed the first swap? Here's another chance to pass along a costume and find something new-to-you. We'll also be there to talk about reuse, waste reduction, and other ways to make sustainability part of everyday life.

🌿 And don't forget: The Pelham Market is every Sunday, with the Food Scrap Recycling and Textile Recycling Drop-Off. It's a great way to support local businesses while keeping food scraps out of the waste stream.

We hope you'll join us! Sustainability isn't just about what we conserve—it's also about how we participate, connect, and care for the place we call home. 💚

09/28/2026

Check out the inaugural Pelham Fringe Festival at The Picture House!

The festival features five original short plays, along with live music, food, and drinks, with performances:
📅 Friday, October 2 at 7:30 PM
📅 Sunday, October 4 at 4:00 PM

At the VoP Sustainability Advisory Board / Climate Smart Communities Task Force, we believe that sustainable communities are built through opportunities to gather, experience the arts, support local organizations and businesses, and participate in the cultural life of our community.

The Fringe Festival is a wonderful new addition to Pelham—and a chance to experience original work by local and regional artists right here in our community.

And why not make a whole evening of it? 🍽️ Enjoy dinner or takeout from one of Pelham's many restaurants before or after the show and make a night of supporting local arts and local businesses.

🎟️ Learn more and get tickets:
Pelham Fringe Festival at Pelham Picture House

09/24/2026

🎶 🎭 Two Weekends, Two Great Ways to Enjoy Our Community

Looking for something fun to do close to home? The next two weekends offer two wonderful opportunities to gather with family and friends, enjoy the arts, and support our local community.

As the VoP Sustainability Advisory Board / Climate Smart Communities Task Force, we believe that strong, sustainable communities are built through opportunities for people to connect, enjoy shared experiences, support local businesses, and participate in the cultural life of our community.

🎶 THIS SATURDAY — September 26
Sunset Concert Series in Wolfs Lane Park — weather permitting

The Village of Pelham Council on the Arts is wrapping up its FREE Sunset Concert Series with an evening of live music featuring Ceylong Sailor and Pepper Fox, beginning at 6:00 PM at the southern end of Wolfs Lane Park. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy a beautiful fall evening together in the park.

🎭 NEXT WEEKEND — October 2 & 4
Pelham Fringe Festival at The Picture House
Pelham Fringe Festival makes its debut with five original short plays, along with live music, food, and drinks. Performances are Friday, October 2 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, October 4 at 4:00 PM. It’s a terrific new addition to Pelham's cultural landscape and an opportunity to experience original work created by local and regional artists.

🍽️ And why not make a whole evening of it?
Enjoy dinner or takeout from one of Pelham's many wonderful restaurants before or after the concert or Fringe Festival. Supporting local arts, gathering in our public spaces, and patronizing local businesses are all ways we help create a vibrant, connected, and resilient community.

Learn more:
🎶 Village of Pelham Council on the Arts
🎭 Pelham Fringe