WHITE PLAINS, NY (March 2, 2026) — The Westchester County Board of Legislators marked Irish American Heritage Month on Monday evening with a ceremony honoring two community leaders and approved several major infrastructure and housing projects.
The Board recognized Sandra Feeney-Charles, executive director of the Aisling Irish Community and Cultural Center in Yonkers, and Pauline M. Galvin, chairwoman of the Yonkers Planning Board.
Chairman Vedat Gashi (D–New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown), who convened the ceremony and welcomed guests, said, “We’re proud to honor two extraordinary women whose Irish heritage and decades of dedication to community embody the very best of the Irish American tradition. Sandra Feeney-Charles and Pauline Galvin represent the work ethic and compassion that have driven Irish Americans to help build Westchester into the vibrant place it is today.
“Tonight, the Board also held a productive session, approving critical investments in affordable housing in Ossining, the reconstruction of a bridge connecting Bronxville and Yonkers, and major improvements to the Bronx River Pathway. We’re proud that today’s legislative achievements reflect the same commitment to community that has guided Sandra and Pauline throughout their remarkable careers.”
Legislator David J. Tubiolo (D–Yonkers, Mount Vernon) said, “I am delighted to have the opportunity to honor my good friend Sandra Feeney-Charles, Executive Director of Aisling Center. The Aisling Center has been a centripetal force at the heart of McLean Avenue, also known as ‘The Emerald Mile,’ and that is thanks to the dedication and hard work of Sandra and her entire team. As the legislator for District 14, it has been my privilege to work with Sandra over the years as she has helped organize toy drives, food drives, free luncheons and meal delivery programs for our seniors, assistance with navigating social programs, and so much more. Congratulations to Sandra for being our honoree for Irish American Heritage Month here at the Westchester County Board of Legislators, and we thank her for all that she does for our community.”
Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels (D–Mount Vernon) said, “I chose Pauline Galvin as my Irish Heritage Month honoree because she embodies the spirit of service, resilience, and community leadership that defines both Irish heritage and the best of Westchester. Her commitment to lifting others and strengthening our community has made a lasting impact that is deserving of this recognition.”
In addition to the ceremony, the Board approved several measures.
Lawmakers authorized a $6 million investment to create 25 affordable rental apartments at 80 Main St. in Ossining. The apartments carry a 50-year affordability guarantee. The plan also adds 35 new parking spaces to serve tenants and the surrounding downtown.
The Board also approved an $11.75 million project to rebuild the aging Pondfield Road West Bridge over the Bronx River, which carries more than 5,500 vehicles daily between Bronxville and Yonkers. The project will replace the below-standard structure with a modern bridge that preserves its historic character.
Legislators further authorized $11.13 million to reconstruct the Bronx River Pathway, a nearly 10-mile trail stretching from Kensico Dam Plaza to Greenacres Avenue. Upgrades include resurfacing the path, repairing footbridges, improving drainage and adding benches, signage and safety features.
Sandra Feeney-Charles is a native of Galway, Ireland. She graduated in 1996 as valedictorian with an honors degree in hotel and catering management from the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology and worked in hospitality management in Ireland, France, Switzerland and the United States. After five years on the management team of the Fitzpatrick Hotel Group in New York, she traveled throughout Southeast Asia and later worked for 10 years with Concern Worldwide, an international humanitarian organization supporting 40 of the world’s poorest countries. She has served as executive director of the Aisling Irish Community and Cultural Center since 2019 and oversaw the transition to the newly developed Aisling Center following a capital campaign and site redevelopment.
Pauline M. Galvin is a lifelong resident of Yonkers and the daughter of Irish immigrants from County Roscommon. She attended Our Lady of Fatima School and Maria Regina High School and earned degrees from Fordham University and New York Law School. She opened her own law practice in Yonkers, focusing on real estate transactions, lender representation, trusts and estates and guardianship law. Galvin has served as counsel to the Yonkers City Council, administrative law judge for Westchester County’s Taxi and Limousine Division, counsel to Assemblyman Michael J. Spano, civil service commissioner, and was a candidate for mayor of Yonkers. She also served 22 years as a Democratic state committeewoman and is chairwoman of the City of Yonkers Planning Board.
This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools under the direction and editing of Robert Cox.