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April Sales Tax $$ Soft Off 3%. City Needs Boffo Finish to Avert $$ Shortfall
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WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. From the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. May 17, 2013:
White Plains Sales Tax Colllections were down 3% in April from the amount collected last year according to state Department of Taxation and Finance figures reported to WPCNR this week.
Two months ago, in March, receipts were $10,000 shorty of March 2012 receipts, and gave the impression an upturn in retail activity was beginning after the sales tax receipts had declined at a 2% pace for four straight months.
The city has earned $41.6 Million in sales taxes through April, 2% off last year's collections.
Westchester County,in contrast is up 4% through the first four months of 2013, about $6 Million ahead.
If the city equals the sales tax receipts it collected in May and June last year ($8.1 MILLION for the 2 months) the city will gross $49.8 MILLION about $1.1 to $1.2 MILLION less than it collected in 2011-12-producing a 2% decline.
If May and June are softer, the city transfer of $5 Million to the Fund Balance Stability Fund with which they used to cover salary and labor raises for 2012-13, and plan to do so in the 2013-14 and beyond, this may present a problem.
The city has been extracting money from the Fund Balance Stability Fund to cover city wage increases.
In a related development, Moody's after reviewing the city budget announced they have removed the Negative Outlook they have given White Plains bonds in their credit ratings, according to City Council President Beth Smayda. Smayda said the removal was based the city policy of not bonding for tax certiorari refunds and restoring the fund balance by devoting a portion of sales tax receipts each year to the stability fund.
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What's the Delay, Legislators Say? Children's Museum Should Take Possession
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WPCNR PLAYLAND NEWS. From the Westchester County Board of Legislators (Edited and incorporating WPCNR on the scene observations and interviews). May 16, 2013:
Several Democratic caucus members of the Westchester County Board of Legislators (BOL) called today on County Executive Rob Astorino to hand over the keys for the North Bathhouse at Playland to Westchester Children’s Museum officials so work can begin immediately and allow the much-awaited attraction to open by 2014.
“This wonderful museum will help transform Playland into a year-round destination,” said Legislator Judy Myers (D-Larchmont), chair of the BOL Budget & Appropriations Committee, at a press conference here at Playland. “The Westchester Children’s Museum is ready to move in to bathhouse and start all of the necessary work. It’s time for the Astorino Administration to follow the law—unshackle the Museum and let them begin building, bring in jobs, and bring in revenue!"
At the recent fundraising gala held last Friday for the Westchester Children’s Museum in White Plains, Astorino remarked that he was finally ready to fully back the effort for the new museum, after nearly four years of withholding his public support, but that he still feels work on the museum should wait until Sustainable Playland, Inc. (SPI) takes over management of the park in the fall. The BOL will have to approve any changes at Playland.
County Legislator MaryJane Shimsky, speaking at the news conference today at the Bathhouse said that Mr Astorino said that the keys would be turned over "as soon as the Board of Legislators approves Sustainable Playland." Sustainable Playland is Mr. Astorino's choice to redevelop the Playland amusement park. Approval of the Sustainable Playland proposal is now undergoing review along with three other proposals by the Board of Legislators.
Shimsky said "it is time to stop holding this museum hostage. This is a classic case hostage situation."
The Westchester County Department of Communications was asked whether Sustainable Playland had to be approved to release the keys to the museum was true by WPCNR, and this statement from Ned McCormack the Director Communications was issued to WPCNR in response:
"This is the same group of obstructionists Democrats on the board who turned off the lights and set off alarms when they walked out of the budget negotiations, complained when the tremendous damage to Playland's boardwalk from Hurricans Sandy was repaired on time and on budget for the season's opening(last Saturday), and are now trying to create controversy that does not exist.
This group (the Democratic legislators) has been operating in its own parallel universe of hyper-partisan attacks for so long, they seem to have forgotten what partnership, progress and the best interests of county residents look like.
"The county, Sustainable Playland and the Children's Museum are all working together to secure the best possible future for the park and their individual endeavors. We had a conversation Wednesday with Museum representatives that involved creating signage, programming and continuing access. The vision, plan and partnership in place will position Playland and the Children's Museum for success in the future."
Bill Haley, Treasurer for the Children's Museum said the group if given the keys, could have the museum open in 14 to 18 months. He said the group had raised $8 Million and had $2.5 Million on hand having spent $5.5 Million on administration and architectural plans for the space. He said the group needed to raise approximately $6 Million more.
Mark Oxman, a member of the Museum Board, told WPCNR, that not being handed over the keys to the building had had "a chilling effect on fund-raising activities."
Jeanne Fogel, of the Museum Board told WPCNR potential donors had said that as soon as the museum received possession of the North Bathhouse, those angels would be forthcoming with donations. Ms. Fogel said there were grants the museum was expectant of receiving based on the turnover. The Friday fund-raiser in White Plains where Mr. Astorino appeared raised approximately $200,000.
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City Cancels Adoption of Budget Meeting Scheduled for Monday
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WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. From the City Clerk's Office. May 16, 2013:
The City Clerk has sent out a noticed cancelling the Monday evening that was scheduled for the Common Council to adopt the 2013-2014 Budget calling for a 4.2% Property Tax increase to fund a 3.1% increase in spending.
Common Council President Beth Smayda and Councilman Benjamin Boykin each told WPCNR it was because the Albany legislature had not passed the city sales tax extension yet and was not expected to do so until next week. Smayda was asked if the council was considering cutting the budget in view of the 3% sales tax decline just reported in April. Smayda only would say the Council was continuing to "review the budget."
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Police Charge Suspect in Attempted Burglary Thursday afternoon
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WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. By John F. Bailey. May 9, 2013 3:30 p.m. E.D.T.UPDATED FRIDAY MAY 10, 2013 2:15 P.M.:
White Plains Police have apprehended a suspect in a confirmed attempted burglary at 1090 Mamaroneck Avenue (slightly north of Amodios nursery).
According to Commissioner of Public Safety, David Chong in a statement to WPCNR Friday:
"Yesterday, Thursday May 9, at approximately 1206 in the afternoon, a homeowner returns to their residence @ 1090 Mamaroneck Ave. The homeowner hears banging coming from the rear of the house and immediately calls 911. White Plains Police Officer's arrive within seconds, set up a perimeter and PO's O'Sullivan and Suban check the home.
While checking the home they spot a male trying to push in the rear door. After a brief foot chase, Officers subdue the suspect in the rear yard. I want to commend the homeowner for their quick actions and doing what we advise people to do, and that is to call us immediately and not confront anyone. I also want to commend the Police Officer's for the arrest and their quick response.
Arrested and charged is Jesus Manual Rosario, DOB 5/30/1966, residing at 525 Faile Street Bronx, NY. He has a long criminal record and is currently on Parole. He is charged with Attempted Burglary 2, which is a felony. and Parole violation.
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District Attorney Announces Heroin Distribution Arrests
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WPCNR DISTRICT ATTORNEY REPORT. May 8, 2013:
Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore announced today that, after a seven month long investigation, five individuals have been charged with heroin trafficking in Northern Westchester County. The investigation in the Town of Cortlandt, Village of Croton and City of Peekskill was conducted by the Westchester District Attorney Narcotics Initiative (WDANI) along with the New York State Police, Croton-on-Hudson and Harrison Police Departments.
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PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICIERS MAY ADD ENFORCING QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUES.
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WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. May 7, 2013 UPDATED MAY 8, 2013:
AT THE MAY COMMON COUNCIL MEETING LAST NIGHT, THE COMMON COUNCIL WILL AUTHORIZE A PUBLIC HEARING IN JUNE TO DISCUSS A NEW LOCAL LAW EXPANDING THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARKING COMMISSIONER TO ENFORCE QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUES .
THE LEGISLATION WOULD AUTHORIZE MEMBERS OF THE PARKING ENFORCEMENT STAFF TO ISSUE “APPEARANCE TICKETS“ FOR LITTERING, NOISE, GRAFFITTI, REFUSE DISPOSAL, DUMPING, PEDDLING, BICYCLING/SKLATEBOARDING ON SIDEWALKS OR MUNICIPAL FACILITIES, SHOPPING CARTS, SIGNAGE, HANDBILLS, REMOVAL OF SNOW AND ICE, DIRT, DEBRIS, OR FOREIGN MATTER ON SIDEWALKS,OBSTRUCTING OR ENCUMBERING PUBLIC STREETS, HIGHWAYS, OR SIDEWALKS, AND CUSTODY AND CONTROL OF DOGS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUEANCE OF APPEARANCE TICKETS BY ENFORCEMENT STAFF ASSIGNED TO SAME.”
WPCNR ASKED A COMMON COUNCILMAN WHETHER THERE WOULD BE NEW VIOLATION FINES SET UP AND DEFINITIONS OF WHAT CONSTITUTES AN APPEARANCE IN COURT OFFENSE FOR THIS HOST OF ISSUES. THAT HAS NOT BEEN DISCUSSED YET, HE TOLD ME BUT WOULD BE CONSIDERED IN THE FUTURE.
IN ANOTHER MATTER, THE CITY IS GOING TO CHANGE THE ZONING OF THE WHITE PLAINS PAVILION MALL TAKING IT OUT OF THE ENCLOSED MALL ZONING DISTRICT. THIS FUELS SPECULATION THAT URSTADT BIDDLE THE OWNERS OF THAT VERY LITTLE OCCUPIED MALL (FORMERLY HOME TO DEFUNCT BORDERS, DAFFYS, WILL BUILD SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. (At Tuesday's meeting conceptual plans for a hotel and apartment complex were presented.)
THE CITY ALSO STAGED A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE CITY BUDGET, PROPOSING A 4.2% TAX INCREASE, WHICH THE BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF WHITE PLAINS IS COMFORTABLE WITH ACCORDING TO TIM SHEEHAN, A SOURCE ON THE COMMITTEE AND HE DOES NOT ANTICIPATE THE COUNCIL MAKING ANY CHANGE. WE ALSO UNDERSTAND A 2% RAISE IS IN LINE FOR MOST COMMISSIONERS.
ANOTHER PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED FOR JUNE ON A PROPOSED MORATORIUM FOR SIX MONTHS ON DEVELOPMENT OF POSSIBLE HISTORIC BUILDINGS ON WESTMORELAND AVENUE, PENDING A SURVEY OF THE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF BUILDINGS ON THAT STREET.
THE COUNCIL MEETING MAY BE VIEWED at www.cityofwhiteplains.com
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Injunction Denied: Was to Prevent HUD From Taking $7.4 Million Away
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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS LAW JOURNAL. From the Westchester County Department of Communications. April 26, 2013 UPDATED April 27, 2013:
With the backing of County Executive Robert P. Astorino and the Board of Legislators, Westchester County today went to court to block the Department of Housing and Urban Development from abusing its power by taking away $7.4 million that it had promised to Westchester two years ago, much of it for the county’s neediest residents to prevent homelessness and foreclosures and to improve neighborhoods.
According to County Legislature Chair, Kenneth Jenkins,
The Federal Judge hearing the case Friday, refused to grant an injunction delaying the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development taking away $7.4 Million in community development funds, Judge Denise Cote saying it was premature because the funds are not scheduled to be withdrawn until September and a new county zoning plan for targeted communities requiring affordable housing in HUD judgment still could be accepted by the agency.
Jenkins issued this statement on the stay of injunction:
“While I am not surprised by Judge Cote’s decision, I am pleased for the county’s municipalities and taxpayers, which will be hurt by the loss of these CDBG funds, that the Judge has left the door open for County Executive Astorino to submit an acceptable analysis of exclusionary zoning. This action would signal to HUD good faith and an understanding of the seriousness with which the County is moving forward with compliance of the settlement.
“Because the court-appointed monitor, James Johnson, recently informed the County that the analysis of exclusionary zoning that he is undertaking will be soon completed, I urge County Executive Astorino to immediately provide a statement that his Administration will develop a plan to address any zoning issues that reflects the monitor’s findings.
“County Executive Astorino responded with Source of Income legislation to prevent personal fines and jail time and throwing the County into contempt of court, so I’m confident he can make a statement providing assurances acceptable to HUD to protect this vital funding. The County Executive should stop playing chicken with Westchester’s CDBG funding.”
The papers served in federal court sought immediate injunctive relief to prevent HUD from giving away money allocated to Westchester County in 2011 to other communities around the country.
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County Executive Robert P. Astorino's State of the County Message For the Record
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WPCNR FOR THE RECORD. April 26, 2013:
On Tuesday evening, Robert P. Astorino, County Executive presented his State of the County Message to Westchester at the Westchester County Courthouse Jury Room.
He recapped his previous three and almost a half years as County Executive.
Here, for the record is the text of what he said:
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Bill Ryan Stays With His Decision Not to Run for Reelection Despite Loss
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WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2013. EXCLUSIVE! By John F. Bailey. April 25, 2013:
County Legislator Bill Ryan told WPCNR this afternoon he is staying with his decision not to run for reelection as Legislator from District 5, a position he has held for 15-1/2 years, being first elected in 1997 to represent District 5
Ryan told this reporter, he had told the White Plains and Scarsdale Democratic City Commitees and the county committee he would not run for reelection because he wanted to devote his full time to running for County Executive. At that time he endorsed White Plains Common Councilman Benjamin Boykin as a good candidate to fill his seat. Today he reaffirmed that decision to WPCNR.
Asked if he still supported Mr Boykin and would be working for Boykin's election, said "that is an accurate statement."
Ryan said it is his understanding three candidates from Scarsdale will be challenging Boykin for the nomination.
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County Exec. Releases Controversial Source of Income Legislation to Legislature
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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From the Westchester County Board of Legislators. April 25, 2013:
With a deadline from the U. S. Department of Justice only a day away, Westchester County Board of Legislators (BOL) Chairman Ken Jenkins (D-Yonkers) acknowledged that County Executive Rob Astorino submitted Source of Income legislation to the BOL today for consideration in regard to the fair and affordable housing settlement between the County and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
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Lagrangeville Woman Charged with Defrauding IRS
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WPCNR FBI WIRE. Special to WPCNR from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. April 24, 2013:
Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; George Venizelos, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Toni Weirauch, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), today announced the arrest of Melanie Ferreira for engaging in a series of frauds, which included cheating the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of nearly half-a-million dollars and perpetrating a bank fraud scheme.
Ferreira was arrested by FBI and IRS agents this morning at her residence in Dutchess County, New York, and was presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisa M. Smith in White Plains federal court.
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Astorino: No Tax Increase. Preserve Essentials. Defend Zoning.
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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From the Westchester County Department of Communications. April 23, 2013:
No property tax levy increase next year, continued protection of essential services and promotion of economic growth and resisting federal efforts to dismantle local zoning – these were among the pledges from County Executive Robert P. Astorino Tuesday, as he delivered his fourth State of the County address.
In the almost hour-long speech delivered in the Westchester County Courthouse in White Plains, Astorino reflected on the accomplishments and challenges he has faced since taking office in 2010 and talked about his priorities ahead. The speech was delivered to the Board of Legislators and the general public, and was broadcast live on News 12.
“From day one, our goal has been to deliver results,” he said. “The public wants and deserves results. But results don’t come easy. Priorities must be set. Hard choices must be made. Partisanship must give way to partnership. Rhetoric must yield to leadership.”
His priorities remain what he calls the “three Ps” – Protecting taxpayers, preserving essential services and promoting economic growth. “Westchester County continues to move forward carefully and steadily. We pledged to protect taxpayers, and we did just that. We pledged to preserve essential services, and we did just that. We pledged to promote economic growth, and we did just that. And working together, we will continue moving Westchester County toward an even brighter future.”
In his speech, he detailed how he has kept focused on these three priorities.
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Posted by jfbailey on Tuesday, April 23 @ 22:36:15 EDT
Read More... | 15046 bytes more | Score: 3.55
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Ralph Lauren Clothing Agrees to Pay Penalty for Bribing Argentine Officials
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WPCNR FBI WIRE. Special to WPCNR from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. April 22, 2013:
Ralph Lauren Corporation (RLC), a New York-based apparel company, has agreed to pay an $882,000 penalty to resolve allegations that it violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) by bribing government officials in Argentina to obtain improper customs clearance of merchandise, announced Mythili Raman, the Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division, and Loretta E. Lynch, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.
According to the agreement, the manager of RLC’s subsidiary in Argentina bribed customs officials in Argentina over the span of five years to improperly obtain paperwork necessary for goods to clear customs; permit clearance of items without the necessary paperwork and/or the clearance of prohibited items; and on occasion, to avoid inspection entirely.
RLC’s employee disguised the payments by funneling them through a customs clearance agency, which created fake invoices to justify the improper payments. During these five years, RLC did not have an anti-corruption program and did not provide any anti-corruption training or oversight with respect to its subsidiary in Argentina.
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Police Press on to Binding Arbitration on any New Contract with City
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WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. By John F. Bailey. April 22, 2013:
The President of the White Plains Police Benevolent Association told the CitizeNetReport today that the police union, currently without a contract with the city since 2009-10, entered binding arbitration with the City of White Plains last Friday.
Officer Robert Riley told WPCNR that the union presented their positions to the arbitrator Friday, and they would have two more meetings, after which the arbitrator would present his or her findings that the city and the police would have to abide by.
Riley said the union chose to take their chances in arbitration rather than forgo pay increases voluntarily in contract years 2009-10 and 2010-11 as they White Plains Professional Firefighters chose to do last week.
The firefighters union, according to its President, Joseph Carrier approved a five year contract last week.
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White Plains Firemen Settle Contract Before Arbitration Begins. 2% Raises Next 2
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WPCNR LABOR NEWS. April 20, 2013:
The President of the White Plains Professional Firefighters, Joseph Carrier announced to the Journal News in the Sunday edition that the firefighters without a contract for two and a half years have settled with the city on a five year contract.
Carrier told The Journal News the union settled for no raises in the contract years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2% raises in the current year, 2012-13, and 2% raises in 2013-14, 2014-15. Carrier told the newspaper in an article by Reporter Richard Liebson firefighters active and retired also agreed to pay 15% of their health care insurance
The deal came, according to Liebson just before arbitration between the city and the union was about to begin.
The White Plains Police union has yet to settle.
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