WPCNR MR. & MRS. & MS. WHITE PLAINS VOICE. July 7, 2006: Mayor Alfred Del Vecchio, long observer of White Plains development writes bitterly of the Common Council approval of the 221 Main zoning changes:
John,
With the common council's capitulation, giving legitimacy to Cappelli's zoning changes, (not the first time) to the massive 221 Main Street complex, the rape of the White Plains citizenry has now reached its supreme climax. As a precedent; now all developers are empowered to violate any zoning laws which, barring any constitutional conflicts, are under the absolute control of our elected officials. For the last 90 years zoning enforcement has been the only protection of our neighborhoods.
Simply put, it's like a local Judge establishing case law excusing rape and murder. Of course, that Judge would be removed by his superior because the act makes rape and murder acceptable. Laws are made to protect us, not endanger us.
Those who voted to change the zoning to comply with Cappelli's violations committed a heinous sin against the people of White Plains who depend upon them to protect their quality of life. By their act they have placed the citizens in harm's way. They have placed the desires of developers above the needs of White Plains people. Shame on them! Apparently the theme song of the common council is from the Broadway play "ANYTHING GOES"
(for the developers)
But if, by its silence, the White Plains voter accepts violating our zoning laws and having our elected officials voting them into law after the fact, then, I guess, "ANYTHING GOES" for the developer.
Alfred Del Vecchio
