WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. By John F. Bailey. September 12, 2005: Paul Wood, City Executive Officer, clarified the city's effort to help house victims of the New Orleans hurricane strike, saying that the city was open to other donations of apartments from landlords and homeowners. He said any White Plains  residents or other rental or condominium owners who wished to step up and offer housing for the disenfranchised homeless of New Orleans should contact Melisa Lopez in the Mayor's Office. Other White Plains citizens wishing to donate clothing, furnishings, and other services should also contact the Mayor's Office

Wood said Dionne Lewin, the city Section VIII officer is in Houston attempting to locate six families to come to White Plains and live in the 6 - two-bedroom apartments, two located in Bank Street Commons, two in Clayton Park (Eastview), and two in One City Place at the City Center. Asked if  the corporations owning those six apartments were entitled to tax deductions for the donactions, Wood said, "I think so."

Asked how the donation of the apartments might effect the benefits the families receive from the Federal Government, Wood said the city had spoken to FEMA, which told them that benefits would be balanced against donations and other aid, "on a case-by-case basis," according to Wood.

Melisa Lopez may be reached at 422-1411.