WPCNR MR. & MRS. & MS. WHITE PLAINS VOICE. July 31, 2006: Cass Cibelli of the White Plains Planning Board addressed the hearing the Westchester Board of Legislators held last night on the County's plan to "lease" the former post office property. Mr. Cibelli notes the long-term implications of the new proposed legislation use in the future:

PRIME WP REAL ESTATE LEASED FOR A SONG? Court Street and Quarropas Site where County proposes a $55 Million Senior Housing Project, leasing the project to developers. Michaelian Building is in Background, Board of Elections(former Post Offices) at left.  Photo, WPCNR News Archive.

Dear Mr. Bailey,

This evening I addressed the Westchester Board of  Legislators during a public hearing concerning the proposed Local Law amending Section 104.11(5)(f) of the laws of Westchester County to, in short,  allow the county to enter into a lease with HANAC, Inc. and the Bluestone Organization for a term of “ sixty five” years. This deal will enable the construction of affordable rental housing for seniors, an intrinsically good thing.

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However, the site in question is on the southwesterly corner of Court and Quarropas Streets, the site of the old post office, in the heart of our city, and the city is totally out of this deal. The county Charter stipulates that Home Rule, with the city’s Right of First Refusal allows the municipality, White Plains, to enter into the deal and purchase the said property. This particular parcel is appraised for approximately 9 million dollars. County is selling this to HANAC for roughly 1/10 the price. White Plains, under the law may purchase this property, sell it for affordable housing development at a substantial profit, roll this profit into the tax roll, offer relief to her citizens and provide the much needed affordable housing for seniors.

There are a number of issues here if the amendment passes: Firstly, Westchester will no longer need to go to her municipalities for development approval. The hallmark of this great county has been its Home Rule. Throughout the United States, Westchester has set this standard and enabled her cities to govern their own destinies. Secondly, this proposed amendment will destroy the identity of the municipalities. White Plains is easily becoming the premiere small city on the eastern seaboard. If the amendment passes, she as other County municipalities will be at the mercy of Westchester County. Today it’s an ill conceived development, tomorrow a 300 bed homeless shelter for level three sex offenders on loan from the big five throughout New York State.

Case in point: Was White Plains given the opportunity to speak against or in favor of the downtown homeless shelter? Was our county legislator, Bill Ryan given an opportunity to represent our concerns at the Board? Was there a public hearing; of course not. The county acted recklessly, politically and undermined our elected officials and citizens.

The long term deal is a de facto sale. What’s next: the grasslands, the county airport? Are we destined for a LaGuardia Airport so we can watch and smell the larger carriers loom over our backyards because Purchase may not invoke Home Rule? This is an issue that transcends partisanship. Every citizen of White Plains needs to contact the County and members of the Common Council to voice their vehement dissent for this dangerous precedent. Let White Plains build the affordable housing and manage her own destiny.

Respectfully,

Cass V. Cibelli