WPCNR WINBROOK TRIB. By John F. Bailey June 21, 2005: WPCNR has learned from a reliable source close to the Housing Authority, speaking on condition of anonymity  that the White Plains Housing Authority is in the process of making arrangements to bring in a new contractor to complete its new headquarters on Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard. The new contractor is in negotiations and is expected to be on the job “within a couple of weeks.” The name of the contractor could not be obtained by WPCNR.

Larry Sallee, Chairman of the Board of Directors, would not disclose any details on the work stoppage and contractor search, and referred WPCNR to the Housing Authority attorney, Greg Drummond,  for details “because litigation (against the former contractor) might be involved.” Mr. Drummond and WPCNR have not been able to make connections yet.

Mack Carter, Executive Director of the Housing Authority, was out of the office, according to Housing Authority personnel.

Previously, Mr. Carter has said that there was a problem with the contractor, White & Carr, of  New York City. WPCNR has learned from sources close to Mr. Carter that the project is about 60% complete, and that the contractor had a problem acquiring steel that partially slowed down the project. The contractor was also picketed by members of the carpenters’ union for using nonunion labor. Then work stopped completely about five weeks ago. Now, the Housing Authority has moved to engage another contractor.

A source has confided to WPCNR that the former contractor has been partially paid for work completed to date. The project had been budget for $2.5 Million. It is unknown at this time whether more Housing and Urban Development money beyond the budgeted amount will be needed to complete the project.