WPCNR MR. & MRS. & MS. WHITE PLAINS VOICE. August 4, 2006: A reader sharply critical of the county post office land lease deal to build a senior housing project suggests:
John,
Just wanted to address the recent statement made by Mr. Seidel regarding the County and the Post Office site.
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Just a clarification for Mr. Seidel: The only reason that Bill Ryan has moved to a lease is because he had no support for his attempts to circumvent established law with regards to the White Plains "right of first refusal". I am saddened to see that Mr. Seidel, who as an attorney, has shown a commitment to the environment that is admirable, is so eager to allow the County to compromise legal precedent to benefit a developer, which is what this deal is. Call it what you will, but how can you change the law to justify a 65 year lease?
It seems to me that if the County is really about helping communities, then they should start with using their real estate holdings to benefit the cities, towns, and villages that they tax the life out of. How can White Plains, or any other Westchester community, be protected from the reach of County gov't.? The point is not about senior housing or the need for it, its that the County has shown nothing but contempt for their own laws, and their own charter in attempting to get this project rammed through.
Years ago this issue would never have even made it to the floor of the Legislature because it is a clear violation of the County charter. Home Rule, or the right of each community to do their own planning, must be protected at all costs.
Brian Thomas
