WPCNR THE DEVELOPER NEWS. By John F. Bailey. September 13, 2007: Louis Cappelli, President of Cappelli Enterprises, announced to WPCNR that he is launching a Save the Corner Nook Campaign to let the Nook stay in business. Telling WPCNR  he was touched by columnist Phil Reisman's impassioned commentary in The Journal News today about the imminent Corner Nook demolition expected November 1 -- Mr. Cappelli announced he has asked Common Council President Rita Malmud and the White Plains Common Council to extend the August 8, 2008 deadline for completion of the affordable housing units  Cappelli Enterprises is obligated to open prior to receiving Certificate of Occupancy for the Residences at Ritz-Carlton second tower.  

Cappelli Asks Council to Let Him "Save The Nook"

Cappelli told WPCNR Wednesday evening he is obligated to finish the affordable units by August 8, which in order to do so, he would have to start building on The Corner Nook, Continental Deli site in November to meet that deadline. In order to do so, he would have to demolish the Corner Nook as soon as possible after The Nook and the delicatessen business vacate the premises. "This way (if the council extends the completion date)," Cappelli said, "The Nook can stay in business, while I can work with them to find a nice place (to relocate). Everybody wins. "

Cappelli said he would work with Mr. Reisman on a "Save The Nook" Campaign.

When Mrs. Malmud was telephoned by WPCNR to get her reaction to the Super Developer's request, her answering machine was on. WPCNR awaits her reaction. The Nook and the Delicatession have until October 31 to vacate the premises according to the court order of Justice Barbara Leak. But Mrs. Malmud and the Council appear to hold the fate of the Nook in their hands now.

Here is the text of Mr. Cappelli's request to Mrs. Malmud and The Common Council on The Corner Nook behalf, reprinted with permission:

Rita there has been a lot of sentiment around town and certainly in the
newspapers especially that heartfelt piece today written by my good
friend Phil Reisman about the future of The Corner Nook a family
business that has been a staple in White Plains for 25 years!

They are a represenation of the American Dream and have no other place in White
Plains to go.

I for one would love for them to stay except I have an
affordable housing obligation which can only be satisfied in time on
this 240 main site.

Can you as Council President help The Corner Nook in
their plight by extending my August 08 completion date for one more
year?

This way The Corner Nook can stay in business and no one thinks
that I am the bad guy here hurting the "little guy" who is
representative of the "American Dream"!