WPCNR THE HOMELESS NEWS. December 7, 2007 UPDATED 5:35 P.M. E.S.T.: County Executive Andrew Spano, according to the Mayor's Office, could not attend a meeting with the Common Council and the Mayor and the White Plains clergy prepared to run a Warming Shelter in White Plains. The meeting was tentatively scheduled for Wednesday to settle the issue of where and who would operate and fund the proposed Warming Shelter for the drifting homeless outside the county Department of Social Services system who continue to sleep in doorways, in the woods, and around White Plains in sub freezing temperatures. The Mayor sent this urgent letter to Mr. Spano today. Donna Greene of the Westchester County Department of Communications said that the County Executive would be responding to the Mayor's letter.
The Honorable Andrew J. Spano
Westchester County Executive
900 Michaelian Office Building
148 Martine Avenue
White Plains, NY 10601
Dear Mr. Spano:
I was disappointed that you could not attend an Open Public Meeting that I tentatively had scheduled for Wednesday, December 5th with the City of White Plains Common Council to address the issue of the non-conforming housing population that has been without shelter since the closing of the 85 Court Street facility in White Plains. As you are aware, this situation is of deep concern to me, the Council, many clergy and others in our community. The situation is obviously now exacerbated as temperatures continue to drop.
As the Council and I are anxious to address this situation as soon as possible in a public forum, in lieu of your attendance, would you be kind enough to respond expeditiously to advise what, if any plans the County has, or is considering implementing, to address this grave issue. It would be of tremendous help to us, as the policy makers of the City of White Plains, to have this information as soon as possible.
Thank you for your timely attention to this matter.
Very Truly Yours,
Joseph M. Delfino
Mayor, City of White Plains
