Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino pledged not to raise property taxes for the seventh-straight year during his State of the County speech Thursday night.

The Republican executive also spoke about a plan for a new development in Valhalla that is expected to create thousands of jobs.

"When finished, the new center will feature more than 2 million square feet of biotechnology and research facilities alongside space for medical offices, shopping, a hotel and a children's living science center," Astorino said.

A vote on the development, called North 60, is before the County Legislature. So is a revamped financial plan for saving Rye Playland, where the county will invest less while Standard Amusements, the entity chosen to operate the county-owned park, will invest more.

Astorino also explained the county's progress in creating more affordable housing units, an issue that has led to a court battle with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

"Westchester will always follow the law," he said. "And as long as I am county executive, I will never give up our rights under the law."

That statement triggered a standing ovation for Astorino, his second of the night after honoring a fallen war hero, Technical Sgt. Joseph Lemm, of West Harrison.

Harrison was killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan in December. His daughter Brooke and son Ryan were presented with the county's highest honor, the distinguished service award.