THE FLASH December 1, 2008 11:35 P.M. EST:

Abinanti and Board Of Legislators Enviroment Committee Cancel Meeting on $234.7 M Sewer Correction, Meet for 55 Minutes on $300,000 Removal of Trees from Dams Study.

Councilman Tom Roach Assures White Plains He's In Good Health

Council Takes the Ritz Rock off the table, refers it to Commissioners.

Council approves Net $287,000 in city tax breaks to Longview Ave Senior Facilities; Developer Receives HUD Verbal OK -- Financing Next.

THE WPCNR

GEORGE W. BUSH

World Countdown Clock Center

issues this  Bye Bye Bush Bulletin

50

Days

To Go To

Inauguration Day, 2009

When President-Elect Obama Picks Up the Dropped Buck.

WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. From the Westchester County Association. December 1, 2008: The Westchester County Association (WCA), the county’s leading business advocacy group, today called for changes to the proposed 2009 County Operating Budget including the elimination of proposed salary and benefit increases for department heads and commissioners.

In response to the severity of the economic meltdown impacting the private and public sectors across New York State, the WCA said that it is incumbent that Westchester’s county government further reduce expenditures in its proposed $1,773,479,195 budget for 2009.  Under the proposed budget, the county tax levy would increase 2.97 percent, although the specific tax impact will vary from community to community.

WPCNR THE SEWER REPORT. By John F. Bailey. December 1, 2008 A meeting of the County Board of Legislators Environment Committee scheduled to discuss the $234.7 Million Department of Environmental Conservation mandated corrections to the Mamaroneck and New Rochelle sewage treatment plants  (first reported by WPCNR one week ago) -- estimated to be paid for exclusively by the White Plains (Mamaroneck Valley), Blind Brook, New Rochelle and Port Chester sewer districts was held Monday.

County Legislators Martin Rogowsky, left, Environment Committee Chair Tom Abinanti (center) and Michael Kaplowitz, right, at the moment  Monday afternoon, when they declared the committee would not discuss the $234.7 M Sewer plant upgrade legislation until Legislator James Maisano (from New Rochelle) could be present.

WPCNR PHOTOGRAPH OF THE NIGHT. By the WPCNR ROVING PHOTOGRAPHER. December 1, 2008: White Plains skies cleared Monday, enabling residents viewing the southwest sky at twilight to see the planet Venus (lower object), the crescent moon, and the King of the Planets, Jupiter,  in conjunction (their closest point). Astronomers believe that this event which occurred in June, 2 B.C. was the celestial event described as the Star of Bethlehem. White Plainsians got this beautiful view:

Star of Bethlehem? Conjunction of Venus and Jupiter observed in the White Plains skyline Monday at twilight. Venus is the lower brighter object, the crescent moon is at the left and Jupiter, the object in upper right. Ample evidence why Venus is known as "The Evening Star" at this time of year. Photo by the WPCNR Roving Photographer

WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. By John F. Bailey. December 1, 2008 UPDATED 2:00 A.M. E.S.T. December 2: Councilman Tom Roach Monday evening addressed the Common Council and a citywide live television audience, reporting he has undergone radiation treatment at White Plains Hospital Center Dickstein Center for a rare disease, Nasal Pharynx cancer the last three months. 

Councilman Tom Roach sharing good news with the city on television Monday night, (taken from the Council Chamber television monitor)

He said the treatment (completed in mid-October)  has been announced a success by his medical team and he has no more signs of the disease at this time. He thanked White Plains citizens for their understanding, his wife for her understanding and support, and had effusive praise for the doctors at White Plains Hospital who treated him. He said he first became aware of the problem due to hearing problems and swallowing difficulties. The  presence of  the disease was detected by MRI in August.  He said he would continue to serve on the Common Council as long as the city wished him to serve. 

In scheduled action, the Council surprised observers by untabling the controversial Ritz Carlton "rock" on the traffic island on Renaissance Square, and referring the LC Main request for licensing and lease of the space out to Commissioners. They also approved completing a financial package for the White Plains Kensington developer granting $1 Million in tax relief, at a cost of $287,000 to the city.

WPCNR HAPPY HOLIDAY. From County Legislator, James Maisano. December 1, 20062008: On Saturday, December 6, 2008, from 11 AM to 2 PM at On The Waterfront Restaurant (2 Pelham Road, New Rochelle, NY), I am sponsoring my annual Toys for Tots drive to collect toys for needy kids.

As a member of the Westchester Marine Corps League, I am proud to support this fantastic charity.  In the past 59 years, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program has distributed more than 370 million toys to more than 173 million needy children.  In this holiday season where many families are facing financial problems, Toys for Tots will surely bring some happiness to many kids in need in our area.

The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve has asked that we promote gifts for teenage children this year, which can include gift cards and monetary contributions.

If you cannot make it to On The Waterfront on December 6, please bring your toy or gift to one of our two drop box locations:

        à  goHEIDI Toys, 113 Wolfs Lane, Pelham, NY

        à  The Cut Above, 2122 Boston Post Road, Larchmont, NY

Thanks so much for your anticipated support.  If you have any questions, please call (914) 813-1402.

I also wish to send out a big thank you to On The Waterfront, goHEIDI Toys, and The Cut Above, and also to my wife Jean, who has done a great job of organizing our Toys for Tots drive this year!

We look forward to seeing you on December 6!

WPCNR WASHINGTON REPORT. From the Office of Senator Hillary Clinton. November 29, 2008: Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton issued this statement in the aftermath of the Mumbai attacks today:

“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families touched by these acts of terror in Mumbai. We still do not know the full measure of this tragedy, which has taken the lives of Indian citizens, Americans, and others who had traveled to Mumbai from around the world. Two New Yorkers, Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and Rivka Holtzberg of Brooklyn are among those who have died, leaving behind their young son. The young couple had traveled from Brooklyn to manage a small Chabad house, welcoming Jews from India and elsewhere to learn, pray, and serve the community.

There could be no sharper a reminder, nor a more poignant call to action, than the brutal and heinous violence visited upon the Nariman House and the Holtzberg family, living and working in Mumbai on a mission of peace, scholarship, and spiritual guidance.

As those responsible are brought to justice, as we aid and support the victims and their families, as we work to defeat radical extremism and the terror it spawns, let us find strength in knowing that in the face of those who seek to take lives, there are those who seek to give hope and comfort. In the face of those who wish only to destroy, there are individuals like Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and Rivka Holtzberg who travel great distances far from their homes to build a better world.”

WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From Governor David A. Patterson. November 27, 2008:

This is the time of year when we usually look back and reflect on the year that was, and give thanks for the blessings that we have received. I realize that for many New Yorkers that may seem to be a more difficult prospect this year, due to the challenges that our state is facing and, more importantly, the difficulties that I know families across the state are experiencing.

While these challenges are great, I am confident that we will overcome them.

As New Yorkers, our collective identity has been forged by the way we have responded to the tough challenges throughout our history. The story of New York is that of many diverse communities and individuals tackling problems head-on while maintaining a commitment to building a more secure and prosperous future. In the toughest of times, New Yorkers always come together, do what is right, and work our way back.

And so we will again.

So while Thanksgiving is often a chance to look back, I suggest to you that instead this year we, as a state, look forward. Next week, I will sit down with President-Elect Obama to discuss how his administration can help support what we in New York are doing to get back on the right track. Next month, I will deliver my budget to the Legislature, a month early, laying our clear priorities to guide us as we put New York's house in order. And early next year, I will deliver my first State of the State address, setting a bold new course forward for New York.

Yesterday, Michelle and I visited with volunteers working in the Empire Concourse here in Albany as part of the 39th annual Equinox Community Dinner. As I walked from station to station through the kitchens, I talked with the volunteers who were there spending part of the holiday ensuring that the neediest members of our community had a chance to celebrate Thanksgiving with a good meal and with good company. I witnessed each person, giving their precious time and energy, contributing to an effort larger than themselves, for someone other than themselves.

Moving New York forward will require that all of us embrace this unwavering commitment to building a brighter future and a willingness to help those members of our state who are in great need. It's what New Yorkers have always done, and it is that spirit that is going to see us through to a brighter tomorrow.

Today, I am thankful for many things, but I am especially thankful to be your Governor, because though the challenges we face may be great, we face them together as one New York.

Have a happy Thanksgiving.

David A. Paterson

WPCNR SPORTS. November 27, 2008: Stepinac High won its third straight Turkey Bowl, behind Maurice Easterling's three TDs before 5,000 plus fans at Loucks Field. After a  75 yard pass play James Bryant to James Briggs enabled White Plains  to close to within a 17-14 deficit in the third quarter, Caleb Gilligan-Evans' 45 yard run set up Easterling to score the fourth TD for Stepinac to cut short the Tiger rally, giving the Crusaders a 23-14 lead at the close of the Thired Quarter. Joseph Telesco scored the final Stepinac TD with 1:30 to go in the game, for the final margin of 29-14.  It was the third consecutive Stepinac victory in traditional Thanksgiving Game.

Loucks Field at kickoff, Thanksgiving Morning.

WPCNR THIS WHITE PLAINS LIFE. November 27, 2008:  The U of M “charter” flight (it might as well have been a charter for all of the U of M students on the flight) arrived discharging into the antiquated, dismal, underinformationed, dingy, dirty  Delta/ Northwest Orient Arrivals area at LAG, right on time and the three day Thanksgiving Tour year 2  had begun.

White Plains and the metropolitan area is swarming tonight with collegians zipping to and fro across White Plains, greeting old friends, heading who knows where.  Many will be meeting again later today for traditional football games (perhaps some with $104,000 scoreboards that actually arrived in time for the game!)

So tonight one such collegian arrived greeted by  her specially chartered ride at the airport, was whisked to her home for a fast pizza ("White Plains has the best pizza"), was assured her parents still bicker over who clears the table, tried out the new Hi-Def television, was overjoyed that the Spiderman Hi-Def Blue Ray trilogy had been purchased – said hello to her cats then within an hour was out and about on the town. It’s the Thanksgiving holiday – that break where we come home – see friends, eat turkey, and touch base, and assure the parents they still exist.

The official reaction on being home rolling up the Hutch: “I love New York. It’s so much more exciting.”

Who ever came back home from college successfully when there were no cellphones, I’d like to know.

So be careful out there, kids, drive carefully, and enjoy yourselves, we love having you back!

Chauffers were waiting at LAG for arriving collegians.

WPCNR ROVING PHOTOGRAPHER. Thanksgiving Portfolio: On this Thanksgiving, let us remember that band of hardy intrepid souls who crossed an ocean in a boat no more bigger than a large Chris Craft and settled in an unforgiving landscape and started a country in the cold landscape of New England. They were helped by Indians who welcomed them, without whom they would not have survived. A salute to this brave band. They sailed into a bay, dropped anchor and just carved out a living after living in incredible conditions in a ship's hold for weeks, crossing the storm-tossed North Atlantic. Here are some views of America's first hometown captured by the WPCNR Roving Photographer. Click on "Read More" for all the pictures.

Plymouth Rock Landing. Plymouth, Massachusetts. Photo, WPCNR News

The Mayflower II. Plymouth Harbor. Photo, WPCNR News

WPCNR THE SEWER REPORT By John F. Bailey. November 26, 2008: The $234.7 Million sewer project announced in postcard mailers to residents in the Mamaroneck Valley Sewer District throughout White Plains this week, could cost White Plains residents $150 more a year in sewer bills by 2014, based on preliminary estimates the county has run on the cost of the federally mandated project to upgrade the Mamaroneck Valley Plant (on Mamaroneck Harbor), and the New Rochelle plant.

GREETINGS FROM THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY SEWER BOYS.

The postcard from Commissioner Tom Lauro announcing $234.7 Million sewer plant rehab project -- the largest county capital project in history -- according to the County Legislature Press Office. Very preliminary estimates indicate White Plains residents in the Mamaroneck Valley Sewer District would see bills escalate $75 to $150 and up by 2014,  or sooner if the county does not get a bailout.

In 2008 the median White Plains home ($700,000) assessed at $18,475 a year paid $323 in sewer taxes. If the preliminary figures hold, sewer taxes for Mr. and Mrs. White Plains will go  up related to the project funding beginning in 2011 out to 2014, or perhaps all at once depending on how the project is financed by the County. 

WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From Pia Haas, Westchester Broadway Theatre. November  26, 2008: On Wednesday December 3^rd,  Westchester Broadway Theatre  will present this year’s Bob Fitzsimmons Award of $1000 to Brian Vega at the Press opening of WBT’S holiday show, “A WONDERFUL LIFE.” 

 Brian Vega of Stepinac 08, now attending Susquehanna University.

 In recent years Frank Portanova, Vice Principal of Stepinac High School has been extremely helpful and cooperative, making some financial donations to the fund to help ensure the life of the scholarship. He also is responsible for selecting the student winner for this highly competitive award. The annual scholarship in Mr. Fitzsimmons' name is WBT's collective way of keeping alive the memory of our its dear friend and former promotion director, Bob Fitzsimmons, a graduate of Stepinac High School in White Plains.

WPCNR THE PARKING NEWS. November 26, 2008, UPDATED 2 PM E.S.T.: White Plains Mayor Joseph Delfino and White Plains Hospital Center President Jon Schandler officially opened the $19 Million Longview Municipal Parking Garage, at a ribbon cutting ceremony, today. The garage holds 758 spaces of which 324 on the upper levels have been leased to the Hospital and will be open to parking for employees of the hospital Monday morning. 

It features chemical reductive energy efficient lighting,  roomy parking spaces with wide car clearances, among other amenities, and parkers pay using the central "Moroni Money Machines," familiar to White Plains residents, eliminating pay-as-you-exit booths currently used by the hospital at the Davis Avenue garage.

The new garage will be open to the public Friday, according to Commissioner of Public Works, Joseph Nicoletti.  The ribbon cutting marks the culmination of a 10 year process to construct the 758 space parking garage and provide critically needed parking to White Plains Hospital and area businesses and residents. 

Mayor Delfino, left, with Commissioner of Parking, Al Moroni, center and CEO of White Plains Hospital Center, Jon Schandler, right. at this morning's opening. The Mayor called the new garage "The First Step" in the hospital's planned $100 Million "Renaissance." 

The Mayor told WPCNR that the garage opening was the first step in the city's planned upgrade of East Post Road, which he said would possibly mean a redevelopment of a portion of the Sholz Buick property at Post and Lexington Avenues. The Mayor said he did not know the details but Sholz was looking for a developer for a portion of their property on the open car display lot. Sholz, the Mayor said, would possibly continue his car dealer on another portion of the site.

She's Open! The Stakeholders officially open the Longview Cromwell Garage Wednesday morning: Front: L to R, Paul Weissman, Chair of the Board, White Plains Hospital Center. Jon Schandler, Chief Executive Officer, Mayor Joseph Delfino, Councilpersons Rita Malmux and Thomas Roach. Standing on steps, Commissioner of Public Works, Joseph Nicoletti, builder of the garage, and Commissioner of Parking, Albert Moroni.

The garage will also be used by visitors to the Kensington Assisted Living Facility, to be built on the adjacent site to the garage. The White Plains Hospital Center $100 Million expansion plan  shows the Kensington preliminary design above (the building to the right next to the Longview Garage that opened today.

The White Plains Kensington  project currently awaits Housing and Urban Development Funding for that $30 Million project, in addition to over $900,000 in tax relief from the county and the city, without which the project, they indicated could not be built.

The Post Road Upgrade Possibilities.

Melissa Lopez, officer in charge of economic development for White Plains, told WPCNR that the city is willing to work with property owners of buildings on the side of Post Road opposite the possible towards improvement of their storefronts, but stopped short of saying the city would provide city dollars for the improvements.  The Mayor said the buildings fronting the street on Post Road involved five separate owners, and therefore it remained to be seen how any development could occur on that sector without the owners agreeing on  their property.

The Mayor said Winbrook, the public housing complex was there to stay and would not be touched, though the White Plains Housing Authority is entertaining a gradual rebuild of each building with Housing and Urban Development department funding, the details of which have yet to be finalized.

Moving Forward 

Melissa Lopez, spokesperson for the Mayor’s Office,  told WPCNR last July that the delay in the start of the White Plains Kensington assisted living project scheduled for groundbreaking this month, now delayed indefinitely, due to the Fountain Properties application with HUD to pay for the construction (due to the financial market malaise), would not begin possibly costing the city money until April 2009 when the first payment on the $19 Million bond for construction of the Longview Municipal Garage in the final stages of completion is due.

Lopez said last July,  it is expected Kensington will begin making the payments in April, 2009, on the garage debt service and that the city will not have to pay the debt service and principle.