WPCNR MR. AND MS. WHITE PLAINS VOICE. By Louis R. Cappelli. January 5, 2005: The "Super Developer" Louis Cappelli has crafted a detailed, reasoned response to the WPCNR 2004-2005 City of Masks end-of-the-year commentary, and takes a "bullish" stance on what he sees for White Plains' future. Herewith, is Mr. Cappelli's letter:

LOUIS R. CAPPELLI, The Super Developer in a recent television appearance. Photo, WPCNR Video Capture from News12.

"City of Masks"

In response to the aforementioned article, I submit the following information, which should not be confused with the negative innuendo and conjecture, emobodied in your "Report":

221 Main Street

This project has taken more than a year and one half to receive its final approvals. Not quite the "Site Plan in Progress" made to order approvals that were referred to in your report. Further, the 221 Main Street Project was subject to a complete Environmental and Site Plan review process including numerous public hearings and debate. Since the disposition of a portion of this project is designated as a Federal Urban Renewal parcel, this mandated the need for additional public hearings.

Yes, we are requesting an additional 50 feet of height for our project, which will result in a reduction of the approved project from a three-tower project to a two-tower project, but you also neglect to mention the significant increase in open spaces that will be achieved as a result of the proposed change.

THE SUPER DEVELOPER PRESENTING "The New 221 Main" December 23. Photo, WPCNR News.

The affordable housing that we are proposing on street in the middle of downtown is glossed over as some sort of ploy rather than a significant concession and benefit to the community particularly for city volunteers, municipal workers, teachers, firefighters and or policemen.

The other glaring omission in your report is any mention of the jobs created, tax revenues created, and all the new disposable income this project would bring. The on-street merchants will benefit greatly as well as the community at large.

Obviously, for many years, Main Street was not a place that developers were willing to risk hundreds of millions of dollars, particularly with the proliferation of dollar stores and vacancies. I took a chance on this great City because you have a progressive City Council and a courageous Mayor. I call that leadership. This is why the renaissance of White Plains is the envy of New York, not because someone has given the store away.

The New 221 Main Cappelli-Plex to the left, looking Eastward down Main Street. The City Center is on the right. Photo, WPCNR News.

Why do you think so many other quality investors are coming into downtown White Plains now? This negative kind of talk is just fodder for the nay sayers and local news reports. Ask the people who walk the new downtown near Renaissance Plaza on a Saturday night how they feel about the new White Plains.

I choose to be bullish on White Plains notwithstanding the skeptics; White Plains needed a community theater and it got one. White Plains needed a luxury multiplex theater and it happened. White Plains needed a new plaza and it got one. White Plains needed more quality restaurants and they are here. White Plains needed people living and investing in their downtown and it is becoming a reality. I still believe White Plains' best days are ahead of us.

In the future, I would hope that you return to the more balanced reporting that you've done in the past.

Louis R. Cappelli

Chairman, Cappelli Enterprises

Valhalla, New York