WPCNR WHITE PLAINS WEEK NEWS ROUNDUP. March 28, 2005: Last week was another week like all weeks in White Plains, filled with those events that alter and illuminate our time:

Saint Patrick’s Day 25 Sit in Corner…

Approximately 25 Students detained by White Plains Police at the Eastview Middle School on Saint Patrick’s Day after they were observed to be congregating at a home on Baylor Circle (adjacent to the high school)  were meted out one-day in-school suspensions for their part in the off-campus incident March 17.

Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors stated to WPCNR News that alcohol was found on the premises where the “party” was to take place but there “was no proof that any student had been drinking.” The students he said were not arrested and were disciplined according to the School Code of Conduct for cutting class and leaving campus during the school day without permission. He said the party had been discovered by observations of Sergeant Howard Tribble, the White Plains Police School Liaison officer who directed the interdiction of the planned party that was to have taken place.

The Cappelli-Ginsburg News…

In the Common Council work session Wednesday, Louis Cappelli, of Cappelli Enterprises elaborated on his plans for building affordable housing at 240 Main Street. His rival developer for the Main Street block, Martin Ginsburg, made the council aware of his lawsuit seeking to have Mr. Cappelli’s deed to the 240 Main Street property rescinded. A Ginsburg attorney told WPCNR the suit was based on F & J Food Corporation’s suit involving F & J’s right of first refusal to purchase the 240 Main property. Cappelli told WPCNR that he had purchased F & J’s right of first refusal, and that F & J had sold their suit to Ginsburg who was continuing the suit.

 Cappelli explained his proposal for 240 Main Street where he would build 24 affordable housing units (either rental or condominium) as being his only way to assure he fulfilled his obligation to the Council  provide affordable housing without leaving the issue unresolved.

Ginsburg proposed building his Pinnacle condo tower to 290 feet (opposed by Mr. Cappelli), and offered the Common Council 16 affordable housing units in exchange.

Community Development Funds Down

Also in the work session, Commissioner of Planning Susan Habel announced the city’s Community Development Block Grants funding was reduced by HUD from 1,103,000 to $1,036,000  ( lower by $67,000) for the coming budget year in 2005-2006. The amount of that set aside for “Public Services,” was $266,000, (which would include the salaries of several building inspectors paid out of community development funds). Ms. Habel said this would result in cutting public service agencies grants across the board and the city faced tough decisions.

Theatre Expense Shift.

WPCNR has also learned that the salary of Kathy Davisson, Theatre Manager for the White Plains Performing Arts Center has been moved into the city's  Community Development budget.

Comprehensive Plan Review Committee Receives Little Direction.

The second meeting of the Comprehensive Plan Review Committee took place and featured much complaint about committee communication, but little statements of “vision” from about 60 attendees as to what they would like to see in the “close-in” transition neighborhoods adjacent to the downtown. Salient points made by citizens were the need to look at areas of the city as a whole, and not go on a project-by-project basis. Committee Co-Chair John Martin said when asked if the Review Committee could be expected to make visionary statements about how the city should develop, said “That’s a fair statement.” The next meeting of the Review Committee, open to the public will be Tuesday March 29,  at 7:30 P.M.

Martine Avenue Rip Up and Pipe Laying.

Commissioner of Public Works Joseph Nicoletti announced plans to install a 12-inch water main into Martine Avenue between North Broadway and Mamaroneck Avenue (adjacent the City Center), beginning approximately April 1. (Not a April Fool’s Joke). He also announced a 12-inch water main would also be installed on Gedney Way from Old Mamaroneck Road out to Mamaroneck Avenue (passing Sam’s of Gedney Way).

Gedney Grille Closed.

White Plains elegant bistro in the Southend, the Gedney Grille closed its doors.

Public Relations Agency Off and Running for Schools.

The City School District introduced Syntax Communications, a public relations firm, which would be developing a marketing/image program for the schools. The outfit said they would be conducting focus groups in the city to develop a character statement for the district and other materials. The cost to the district would be approximately $20,000 in fees after BOCES reimbursement for the $40,000 contract.