WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. July 8, 2008: Last night the Common Council voted to extend the site plan for the 240 Main Street 42 units of affordable housing to April 9, 2009, giving Cappelli Enterprises another nine months to complete the project. The resolution was careful to say “does not supersede (et al.) the Applicant’s obligation to complete the construction of the twenty-four (24) affordable units attributable to the 221 Main Street Project by August 6, 2008.”
The Council deigned to vote on the resolution to license the Ritz Traffic Island to Cappelli Enterprises as that matter was still in litigation with Supreme Court Judge Susan Cacace, voting to table the licensing compromise, pending the Cacace judgment.
In other action, the Council approved tax certiorari refund settlements for a series of Mamaroneck Avenue property owners for the last four years, the proclaimed era of “the White Plains Renaissance,” totaling $236,795, which will mean an approximate $950,000 refund from the White Plains City School District (every $1 in city tax refunds, generates $4 in school tax refunds). The settlements and corresponding assessment reductions have already been deducted from the tax roll and will not result in any reduction in the tax roll next year according to City Assessor Lloyd Tasch.
The properties receiving certiorari settlements deserve attention because most are located adjacent to the White Plains "5th Avenue," Mamaroneck Avenue, the main business "drag." The assessments were reduced and refunds given based on results and business conducted during the "White Plains Renaissance."
Silverman 237 LLC, 235-237 Mamaroneck Aveue, $51.229, refund; $118,300 reduced assessment; Silverman 245 LLC, 245 Mamaroneck Avenue, $3,405.30 refund; $8,000 reduced assessment;
Silverman 222 Mamaroneck Avenue LLC, 222 Mamaroneck Avenue, 56 Waller Avenue, $44,498.55 refund; $98,980 reduced Assessment and 56 Waller Avenue, $1,584.87 refund; $3,520 reduced assessment.
The reduced assessments totaled $228,800 for the Silverman holdings, the refund $100,718.
48 Mamaroneck Avenue LLC (48-62 Mamaroneck Avenue), received a $34,072.25 refund; $85,000 Assessment Reduction.
76 Mamaroneck Avenue LLC (64-86 Mamaroneck Avenue), received a $25,463.60 refund; $60,000 reduced assessment.
Post 180, LLC (180 East Post Road) was granted a $14,375.20 refund; a $35,000 Assessment Reduction.
144 Mamaroneck Avenue LLC (142-146 Mamaroneck Avenue), a $4,982.01 refund, $7,500 assessment reduction.
110-122 Mamaroneck Avenue LLC, a $7,850.05 refund, a $20,000 assessment reduction.
Broadmar Company LLC, 277 Martine Avenue, a $53,812.80 refund (dating back through 2002-2003) and a $95,000 assessment reduction.
In other action, requests for site plan extensions for the Kensington Assisted Living Apartments and North Street Community senior condominiums were referred out to departments.
A total of $100,000 was added to the TransCare EMS contract to ease the higher cost of fuel for the ambulance service.
Lamb & Barnosky, LLP was hired as counsel for labor negotiations for the city at a cost of $158,000.
$1,500,000 in bonds was approved for Water main extension connecting the city’s pump stations at Central Avenue and Orchard Street.
$125,000 in bonds was approved to improve Chatterton Playground, including new playground equipment, fencing, safety surfaces and walkways was authorized. Another $50,000 in bonds was approved for rehabilitation work at Slater Center, replacement of steps, retain walls and installation of handicap accessible entrance doors.
The Council also authorized $301,065 from the Reserve for financing to pay for repairs to city hall when a water pipe burst on December 3, 2007, submerging the city hall boilers and electric system, as well as storm damage to 140 South Kensico Avenue and the upper level of White Plains Public Library. Approximately 1/3 of the $301,065 was overtime and payroll costs.
Signage for the Burlington Coat Factory was approved.
And finally the Department of Parking reported an additional $884,000 in revenues will be collection from “surplus revenues in the area of parking meter fees, permit fees, towing/scofflaw fines, parking meter bags and cashkey revenue /sales. The Department projects it will collect $19,986,000 for Fiscal Year 2007/2008, just ended.
Vintage was granted a Special Permit to operate another three years.
Elements Restaurant was granted a Special Permit for rooftop dining at 161 Mamaroneck Avenue.
