Downtowners Organize Monday, March 20.

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WPCNR NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH. From DRA. March 14, 2006: The White Plains Downtown Residents Association’s first ever organizational  meeting; will be held 7:30-8:45 PM  at The White Plains Coach Diner, 50 Westchester  Avenue.  Condo & co-op & home owners; also apt. renters are all welcome. For  more info., contact Rob Tamboia at 428-4477

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Watch on Battle Hill — Public Safety Sets Training Session.

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WPCNR West Side Story. From Battle Hill Association. March 14, 2006: The Battle Hill Association has announced that Battle Hill Neighborhood Watch Training Night will take place April 6 at 7 P.M. in the Community Room at 85 McKinley Avenue. Featured will be Captain Anne Fitzsimmons and Gus Fazzino of the White Plains Public Safety Department. For more information, contact 761-8050.

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White Plains Senior Housing Project on BOE Property Stymied in Legislature

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WPCNR County Clarion-Ledger. Special to WPCNR from County Legislature Majority Leader Martin Rogowsky. March 13, 2006: At tonight’s Board of Legislators meeting, County Legislator George Oros, the Board’s Republican Minority Leader, derailed, without explanation, the approval process for a proposed state-of-the-art affordable housing complex for senior citizens to be built in the heart of downtown White Plains



Proposed Senior Affordable Housing that George Oros blocked from consideration by the County Board of Legislators Monday evening, was planned to be erected on the Board of Elections Parking Lot below. Photos, WPCNR News Archive.



 


Oros took the unusual step of blocking a communication to the Housing, Planning & Government Operations Committee that would have initiated discussion on the project.

Rogowsky, in a statement, writes: “Because there is such a critical need for senior affordable housing and this project is designed to be a model for the County, the Minority Leader’s action is a slap to senior citizens not only in White Plains but throughout Westchester.  I’m deeply disappointed that Legislator Oros has acted with such callous disregard for seniors and their needs.


This project, which has so many pluses, including environmentally-friendly construction, should not be allowed to be hijacked like this.  Senior citizens deserve better. If Legislator Oros has concerns about the project, he should allow it to be placed into committee where he can publicly express those concerns.”


 

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Bradley Touts Assembly School Aid Totals for the 89th — $690G More for WP

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WPCNR ALBANY NEWS. From Office of Adam T. Bradley, Assemblyman, 89th District. (Edited)  March 13, 2006: Assemblyman Adam Bradley (D-White Plains) announced that the Assembly’s budget plan will provide over $39 million in total aid for schools in the 89th Assembly District, which is $1.4 million more than the governor proposed in his budget and $1.5 million more than last year. This will mean $325,513 more over Governor George Pataki’s budget request, and $690,156 more than last year for White Plains, should the Senate pass the assembly version of the bill.


                  


 




















































School Funding – 89th Assembly District


School District


Assembly Plan


Increase over Governor’s Budget


Increase over              last year’s amount


Bedford


 $      5,673,701


 $            139,589


 $      47,387


Byram Hills


 $      3,299,060


 $            166,969


 $    109,709


Chappaqua


 $      6,381,539


 $            146,420


 $    239,073


Harrison


 $      3,720,694


 $            127,894


 $    200,375


Katonah-Lewisboro


 $      6,797,627


 $            198,246


 $      22,259


Valhalla


 $      2,515,670


 $            350,612


 $    197,193


White Plains City


 $    10,621,051


 $            325,513


 $    690,156


Total


 $    39,009,342


 $         1,455,243


 $ 1,506,152


 


“I remain committed to investing in our children’s future,” said Bradley. “By providing necessary funds to Westchester schools, we are not only ensuring a secure future for our children but we are helping protect our local property taxpayers.”


 


The Assembly proposes the creation of a Foundation Operating Aid formula that will provide transparent, predictable school funding.  A foundation formula will provide the stability and predictability that school districts have been calling for and will ensure a functioning operating aid formula.  The foundation formula estimates the cost of providing a sound education, adjusts for regional costs, student enrollment, student needs and reflects school district fiscal capacity.  All school districts will receive a year to year Foundation operation aid increase of one percent through the new foundation formula.


 


The Assembly also restored cuts to several worthwhile programs, including:


 


o       $19 million for Building Aid;


o       $67.5 million for BOCES;


o       $16 million for transportation;


o       $112 million for special education;


o       $2.75 million to ensure library aid keeps up with local population growth;


o       $24.6 million to restore funding for Teacher Centers and Teacher mentors; and $6.5 million in new funding for teacher programs; and


o       $6 million for the Employment Preparation Education program.


 


-more-


 


The Assembly has also set aside $100 million in new money for a Universal pre-kindergarten opt-in program, on top of the current funding of $204 million.  For schools in the 89th Assembly District, that means an additional $410,400 for the following districts if they choose to opt-in:


 


·        $105,300 for Bedford Schools


·        $305,100 for White Plains City Schools


 


Importantly, under this plan, the White Plains City school district would receive an


     additional $4,964,599 in Capital grant funds.


 


To better ensure schools are spending tax dollars wisely, the Assembly’s budget


plan doubles the amount of money used to audit schools districts, providing an extra $2.8 million over last year to root out fraud and corruption. 


 


         “Westchester families will certainly benefit from the Assembly’s education plan,” said Bradley.  “I will continue working in a bipartisan fashion and hope that the governor and Senate will join us in helping address educational needs, while responsibly mitigating burdensome property taxes.”

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Scholar-Athletes Hailed. Math Program Publicity Set. Code of Conduct Considered

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WPCNR BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT. From The Board of Education, Compiled by Michele Schoenfeld. (Edited) March 13, 2006: In addition to last week’s budget considerations, the Board honored 86 students whose teams had averages of 90 or better. They represent Men’s Swimming & Diving, Men’s Track, Women’s Track, Ice Hockey and Wrestling. 


 



Scholar Athletes Listen warily March 6, as Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Services, Joseph Casbarro, explains the procedure for acceptance of the Student Code of Conduct planned for this fall. Code transcript is within this article.  Photo, WPCNR News.


 


         High School Principal Ivan Toper congratulated the Women’s Basketball Team for its second straight Section 1 Championship.  Athletic Director Nick Panaro recognized State Track Champions Whitney Ford and Donovan Haigler, and Jason McLaughlin, who swam in the State Championships and was named All-America.  Mr. Panaro also congratulated the Cheerleading squad, which earned two first place finishes in competitions and had six students with 90+ averages.  Five other students from teams which did not qualify also had 90+ averages.


The Board honored 86 students whose teams had averages of 90 or better. They represent Men’s Swimming & Diving, Men’s Track, Women’s Track, Ice Hockey and Wrestling. 


 


(More)


 


   .


 


In other Board of Education Matters:


 


BUDGET:  Mr. Connors and Assistant Superintendent for Business Terry Schruers presented new information on revenues received from the City.  They shared options for applying projected revenue from PILOTS and will present this to the Annual Budget Committee this week for reaction.  Mr.


Connors thanked the Mayor and the three City departments which have been very helpful. (See previous WPCNR Story.)


 


NEW MATH PROGRAM:  Math Coordinator Lee Weber presented the new sixth grade Math Program and invited parents to a program on March 22nd  at the Highlands School to learn more about it.  After realigning curriculum maps, a rigorous course of study has been prepared, along with professional development in the new curriculum and in Differentiated Instruction.  Sixth grade will have Advanced and Regular Math and criteria for entrance into the Advanced program will be clarified and expanded.  All students will be challenged and supported.  The Board Curriculum Committee has been discussing the project and supports this new direction to raise standards.  The approach has been found to be remarkably successful, with clear results.


           


China Exchange:  High School Social Studies Teacher Susan Altman provided background on a proposal for a foreign exchange trip to China.  With assistance from Foreign Language Cooridnator Joan Kass, and Social Studies Coordinator Lois Gordon, she has been working on a program with Suzhou High School, in a suburb of Shanghai.  The goal is to foster cultural under-standing and global citizenship, not only through the trip, but via videoconferencing.  Ten students  would travel to China in April, 2007, and Suzhou students would come to White Plains that fall.  The high school would also offer classes in the language for a larger group of students.  When details are finalized, the Board will be asked to approve the trip.


 


PERSONNEL:  JoAnn Doherty, Director of the New York Presbyterian Hospital Program, was awarded tenure.  Assistant Superintendent Joseph Casbarro described Ms. Doherty as “a very special administrator and leader who loves her students and respects parents, staff and colleagues.”  He added that no challenge is too great for her to tackle and she is committed to creating a stable environment for students who really need that. 


 


 


STUDENT PLEDGE DUE BY FALL:  Dr. Casbarro reviewed a revised Athletic and Co-Curricular Pledge, required  for student participation in activities, which the Board and administrators have been working on for many months.  Copies are available from Dr. Casbarro’s office and feedback from students, parents, coaches and administrators should be directed to him or to Board members.  The Board plans to adopt  a revised pledge in time for next fall. 


 


The Proposed Athletic And Co-Curricular Pledge:


 


The athletic and co-curricular activities at the Middle School and High School are integral parts of the overall educational program of the White Plains City School District. Participation in these activities is a privilege granted to students who maintain scholarship and citizenship within the rules and regulations of the District.


 


The District expects that you will uphold our high standards of academic eligibility and abide by the rules specified by your coach/advisor. As a participant in an athletic and/or co-curricular activity, I will comply with all the provisions of the District’s Code of Conduct, and I pledge as follows:


 


* I will not possess, consume, be under the influence of, and/or distribute alcohol*, tobacco and/or unlawful drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine or other controlled substances on school grounds or at school-sponsored events and trips;


 


* I will not possess, consume and/or distribute performance-enhancing drugs or steroids in any setting, whether on school grounds, at school-sponsored events and trips and/or in the community; and


 


* I will not enage in hazing, harassment, fighting, theft, vandalism or violent conduct on school grounds or at school-sponsored events and trips.


 


I understand that I am expected to conduct myself in a manner both in school and in the community which demonstrates personal integrity and positively reflects on me and the District.


 


I also understand that any violation of this pledge found after a proper investigation by school authorities may result in disciplinary action, including a warning, probation, a specified period of supension and/or permanent suspension from the athletic and/or co-curricular activity. I further understand that this process applies to any student who is the subject of a criminal investigation whether in school or in the community.


 


I have read the above and accept responsibility for my actions under this pledge.


 


 


 


 


 


Donations: The Board accepted a number of contributions for Project Early Read, an intervention program offered to 150 students on Saturday mornings to help develop reading skills.  The Ginsburg Community Fund of Ginsburg Development, LLC made a $5,000 grant to the program, and $5,000 was also received from the White Plains Housing Authority.  Pi Iota Omega Sorority gave $400 and Barbara & Robert Holland, $200.  Each of the following contributed $100:  Larry & Deirdre Cohen, John Coleman, Nellie & Bernard Gaughran, Suzanne Lasser, Rebecca Peters and Barbara Schwarz.  Contributions totaling an additional $380 were received from other donors.


            Lucy Roman donated three iPod shuffles, as prizes to students for participating in a technology survey; and Julie Parelli provided fabric for the Family & Consumer Science Program at the Highlands Middle School.


 



 


 


           


UPCOMING MEETINGS:      March 15:        Special Meeting, Education House, 7:30 P.M.


                                                                                    Final Meeting with Annual Budget Committee


March 20:        Public Hearing on the Budget and Capital Projects,


                                    Education House, 7:30 P.M.


March 27:        Special Meeting, Education House, 7:30 P.M.


                                    Board vote on $166.1 Million Budget and possible  Capital Projects


March 30:        Board meets with PTA Council, Education House, 7:30 P.M.


April 3:             Regular Meeting, Education House, 7:30 P.M.


April 5:             Meeting at Slater Center with Board, 7:30 P.M.


 


 


 

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Feiner Celebrates Sunshine Week in Gov. By Proposing Televising Work Sessions

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            WPCNR’S THE FEINER REPORT. By Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner. March 13, 2006: March 12-18 is Sunshine week in NYS. It’s an opportunity for governments to highlight the need for open government. Open government is vital to a healthy democracy. Public scrutiny of our government should be encouraged, not discouraged.


 




I would like to propose that work sessions of the Greenburgh Town Board be televised. I made the formal request at last Wednesday’s Town Board meeting. We, in government, should explore new ways of reaching out to our citizens. It’s important that residents understand that most decisions are not made at Greenburgh Town Board meetings but at work sessions.  We should install a camera in the conference room- the room the Board meets at.





  We never have more than a few people from the community out of a population of 90,000 at work session meetings. Televising work sessions will also provide the public with the chance to understand the give and take that takes place at meetings – the reasons why we make the decisions we do.


In recent months the Town Board has worked extremely hard monitoring proposed legislation, reviewing recommendations, scrutinizing budget issues. Most of our work sessions, which begin at 3:30 PM, end after 11 PM –one meeting continued till 2 AM. Residents should know that this Board works hard – we may disagree at times—but we all are putting in the time. I think that televising meetings of our work sessions will give people a positive feeling.


In addition, if we televise our work sessions it will provide viewers (residents) with the chance to call elected officials before the actual votes take place to discuss various issues that we are reviewing — we might be able to get some additional input from residents about issues that we are reviewing before we cast our votes. This will help us avoid mistakes.


It’s important that we reach out and encourage the maximum number of residents of the town to participate in our decision making processes. In addition, I would like to suggest that we consider again the proposal to have live streaming of our Town Board meetings on the web. Currently, residents who do not subscribe to cablevision, cannot watch our Town Board meetings live on TV —they can watch archived meetings on the web. Inasmuch as we allow residents to call in during meetings (Dial democracy) – live streaming of Board meetings would provide more residents with the chance to observe their government in action.


PAUL FEINER


                       Greenburgh Town Supervisor

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Commander Corcoran Takes Helm of the Westchester Power Squadron.

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WPCNR ANCHORS AWAY. From Westchester Power Squadron. March 13, 2006: On March 12, 2006 at 1230, White Plains’  Candyce Corcoran was sworn in by District /Lt/C Suzanne Nentwich, AP, as the new Commander of the Westchester Power Squadron. This was the squadrons 68th Annual Change of Watch.  The Squadron consists of hundreds of local  boating enthusiasts from Westchester and CT.   The Change of Watch took place at the Valhalla Crossing Valhalla Train Station Valhalla, New York.



 Commander Corcoran’s new Bridge, (Lto R), Secretary : Lt/C Efrain Hernandez, White Plains, NY;Squadron Education Officer: Lt/C Frank E. Palmieri, AP,White Plains; Treasurer: Lt/C Douglas R. Ratford, AP,White Plains; Ms. Corcoran;  Executive Officer: P/C Ron Gabel, AP, White Plains, NY Administrative Officer: Lt/C Norwood Beveridge, Scarsdale; David Corcoran, and District /Lt/C Suzanne Nentwich.(Photo, Courtesy, Westchester Power Squadron

 


 

 



Commander Corcoran Takes the Westchester Power Squadron Colors from Ron Gabel . Photo, Courtesy, Westchester Power Squadron.


 

With the warmer weather just a few weeks ahead, Commander Corcoran notes  it is time to think about becoming a Member of one of the most prestigious Power Squadron Chapters:           

  


 The Squadron is made up of a Network of Friends and Families who:



  • Enjoy friendship and camaraderie on-the-water and off with fellow members who are skilled in boating.
  • On-the-water activities  include: Cruises and Rendezvous.
  • Activities ashore include: Marine Programs, Parties, Dinner-Dances, Picnics and Educational Programs.
  • All Westchester Power Squadron Members are entitled to further their education by taking courses on Seamanship, Piloting and Position Finding, Celestial Navigation, Marine Electronics, Weather, Sailing, Engine Maintenance, Cruise Planning and much more.
  • In addition, because of the excellence of their boating courses, members are entitled to discounts on most boat insurance policies and a membership in Boat/US.

For more information on the United States Power Squadron, or the many boat courses that the Westchester Power Squadron offers, contact  Candyce Corcoran at Aquamoon3@aol.com.

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Rocky Dell/ Reynal Park Will Fight Common Council on the Railside Ave Lot Sale.

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WPCNR RIDGEWAY REPORT. March 12, 2006: The Rocky Dell/ Reynal Park Association has filed this letter with WPCNR:


March 12, 2006



 


The White Plains CitizeNetReporter
1 Mansfield Road
White Plains, NY 10605


 


Dear Mr. Bailey:


 


A meeting of the Rocky Dell/Reynal Park Neighborhood Association was held on Wednesday evening (3/8/06) at Ridgeway School to discuss the pending sale of open space on Railside Avenue by the City of White Plains.  


 


As a result, the Neighborhood Association has taken a position to oppose the sale and is embarking on an immediate and active campaign to try and block the sale.  We respectfully ask for public coverage of our organization’s position on the Railside open space proposal.  


 


Very truly yours,


 


 Anthony Solimine, Vice President


Rocky Dell/Reynal Park Neighborhood Association


 



Lots on Railside Avenue adjacent the Greenway (not visible) the city plans to sell to meet 2005-2006 budget revenue projections. Photo, WPCNR News.

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Syren Dance Company Performs at WPPAC

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WPCNR STAGE DOOR. March 11, 2006: The Syren Modern Dance company, an “emerging” New York City Company will present “a lushly physical evening of dance, featuring Guest Artist Megan Williams on stage at the White Plains Performing Arts Center Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25 at 8 P.M. For information, contact the WPPAC at 914-328-1600



“The Weight” Photo Courtesy, Syren Modern Dance


The choreography of Co-Artistic Directors Kate Mehan and Lynn Peterson will be presented in the ninety-minute concert. The concert will include six pieces performed by the eight members of the company. Through highly physical and musical choreography, the directors explore human themes and translate them into honest and forthright dances. The music for the concert will include works by Dave Brubeck, Antonin Dvorak, Keith Jarrett, Moondog, Otis Redding, as well as original music performed live by composer Lauren Cregor.  

 


“Geography”  Courtesy, Syren Modern Dance Company


 

Guest artist Megan Williams will premiere a new solo, “Half Full”, to Shostakovich’s Trio No. 2 for Violin, Cello, and Piano. Best known as a former member of the Mark Morris Dance Group, with which she performed worldwide from 1988-1997, she is currently on the faculty of the Conservatory of Dance at SUNY Purchase.  

 

The mission of SYREN is to create, produce, and share dance with the public. SYREN’s goal is to produce and perform dance as a means of true human conversation. The company is dedicated to creating high caliber dance to spark and continue an interest of the public in modern dance. The directors believe modern dance can be understood by all who choose to witness it, both dancers and non-dancers alike. It is to create, produce, and share dance that drives SYREN to exist.  

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Bradley Introduces Assembly’s Tax Cut Plans for Mr. & Mrs. & Ms. New York.

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WPCNR DAILY CAPITOL. From Assemblyman Adam Bradley’s Office. March 11, 2006: Assemblyman Adam Bradley announced Friday a $2.4 billion tax-cut package that will be contained in the Assembly budget plan.  At the heart of the package are proposals that will provide real and direct tax relief to more hard working families throughout New York State.


 


“Under the Assembly’s tax plan, 90 percent of the benefits will go to 90 percent of the taxpayers,” said Bradley, “The governor’s budget on the other hand would benefit the wealthiest 13 percent of New Yorkers.”


 





 


Cutting more Taxes for more New Yorkers


 


The Assembly proposal would provide a personal income tax credit equal to the amount of property taxes paid that exceeds 7.5 percent of income.  The credit, ranging from $200 to $400, when fully phased in, would be available to taxpayers earning less than $150,000.   The credit is also available for renters, as long as their property tax equivalent (25 percent of rent) exceeds 7.5 percent of their income.


 


The Assembly plan provides nearly $900 million in tax relief.  In total, 2.6 million homeowners and renters throughout the state would benefit from a program designed to directly assist those who pay a disproportionate amount of property tax or rent in relation to their household income.


 


Child Tax Credits for Every Child Under 17


 


Another key component of the Assembly’s budget is $620 million in tax relief to families with children by providing a refundable child tax credit for every child from newborn to 17.  Under the Assembly’s plan a typical family earning between $24,000 and $110,000 would receive a $300 per child tax credit when fully phased in.  The plan, modeled after the federal child tax credit, would gradually phase-out the benefit for those with incomes above $110,000.


 


Sales Tax Deductible on Clothing.


 


In addition, the Assembly plan calls for the elimination of state sales tax on clothing and footwear under $110 as scheduled on April 1.  Rejecting the governor’s attempt to extend the state clothing sales tax will save shoppers approximately $600 million a year. 


 


Increases Standard Deduction.


 


The Assembly is also seeking to eliminate the marriage penalty tax and increase the standard deduction for head-of-household to equal that of a married jointly filing – raising the head-of-household deduction from $10,500 to $15,000.  These two proposals would save New Yorkers $230 million annually with the benefit to the typical head-of-household taxpayer amounting to $300. 


 


“Westchester families will certainly benefit from the Assembly’s tax cut plan,” said Bradley. “I will continue working in a bipartisan fashion to ensure key elements of the Assembly’s tax cut plan are included in the final state budget.”

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