WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL-CHRONICLE EXAMINER. February 4, 2008: The Common Council approved the start of construction of 23 units of "affordable housing" at the "Air Rights" building over the City Center Garage, with exterior design pending in a routine procedure at the close of the evening. The action would appear to clear the way for Cappelli Enterprises to start construction on the first of  23 "affordable housing" units owed the city of 65, relating to obligations Cappelli Enterprises agreed to in exchange for approval of the City Center and Ritz-Carlton projects. 

Councilman Benjamin Boykin asked City Corporation Counsel Edward Dunphy what was the actual date all 65 affordable units had to be built after which Cappelli Enterprises would not be issued Certificates of Occupancy for the second condominium tower at the Ritz-Carlton Westchester complex at 221.

Dunphy said the date was August 6. This is a departure from the impression left last month when the Mayor's Office said Cappelli Enterprises need only open 24 affordable units in order to begin issuing Certificates of Occupancy. The "finish or else" date appears to be a distinct shift in policy coming about as a result of Cappelli Enterprises announcing Sunday it was suspending development in White Plains. The Cappelli organization had indicated as late as December they had hoped to put some of the 65 units in another building they were considering developing in White Plains.

In other action,  a hearing was held on The Venue, the retail complex planned or the 120 Bloomingdale Road property and after pleas from several neighbors saying the comprehensive plan called for protection of outer neighborhoods, the hearing was held over until next month.

The home rule resolutions on the 1/4% increase in the sales tax and the 3% hotel tax were approved, clearing the way for Assemblyman Adam Bradley to present them to the state legislature for approval. Councilman Glen Hockley read a statement criticizing "the majority of the Council" for bowing to the wishes of "the cautious management of the asssemblyman" in settling for 1/4% sales tax hike instead of 1/2%. Dennis Power leapt to the defense of the majority decision saying "it was not a badge of honor to have the top sales tax in the county," pointing out the $11 Million in revenue Hockley spoke of  with a 1/2% raise was not guaranteed. He instead promised "a better approach to budget management and to concentrate on our budget and what we need to do."

The Mayor announced the appointment of Michael Filardi as City Marshall, whom political insiders have connected with Basil Falardi, formerly a leading figure in the Republican Party in White Plains.