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WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. September 29, 2007: The Common Council will consider appointing Lloyd Tasch, Acting Assessor since December 2006, to the position of Assessor through September, 2013 Monday evening. Mr. Tasch, formerly Deputy Assessor ascended to the Acting Assessor  Role when Eyde McCarthy left the position to take the Town of Greenburgh Assessor job.

New Mr. Assessment. Lloyd Tasch is expected to be appointed Assessor at the Common Council meeting Monday night.

Tasch has brought personality and a dry sense of wit to his lucid policy presentations to the Common Council, treading gingerly through the landmines of the certiorari/assessment/sales tax issues in recent months. Assuming the full time position, he moves into the true hot seat at city hall as the city attempts to stop the certiorari bleeding that has shrunk the tax rolls from $337 Million in Total Assessed Valuation in 1998 to $290 Million today, a decline in total assessed value of  14% in ten years. Among the pressures Tasch faces will be assigning assessments to new properties as they come on the market, the timing and the amounts of increased assessments due, if any.

Other items on the agenda of interest are whether or not to grant Cappelli Enterprises a 4-month extension past August , 2008 to have the affordable housing completed that the firm owes before it opens the second tower at 221 Main; whether or not the council will continue to table the 1/2% sales tax increase requested by the Mayor, plus these items of interest:

A stipend to pay for staffing after midnight parking enforcement violations;

 Continuation of the Public Hearing on the hotel proposed for 1133 Westchester Avenue; 

Naming the new Court Street Extension Renaissance Square; 

Bonding for $2.2 Million in new street construction; $100,000 for work on the North White Plains Parking lot; and bonding for $225,000 for Library restrooms, and last but not least a $250,000 grant to Community Housing Innovations which is the developer of the Minerva Place affordable housing project, (the community development funds are to replace the money the federal government has denied Community Housing Innovations)

The agenda:

COMMON COUNCIL
AGENDA REGULAR STATED MEETING
OCTOBER 1, 2007
7:30 P.M.

PLEDGE TO THE FLAG:               Hon. Thomas Roach

INVOCATION:                                Rev. Gawain de Leeuw
                                       St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church

ROLL CALL:                                           City Clerk

RECOGNITION:                                 Service Awards

APPOINTMENT:

1.       Communication from the Mayor in relation to the appointment of Lloyd Tasch as Assessor of the City of White Plains to a term expiring September 30, 2013.

ADJOURNED
PUBLIC HEARING:

2.       Public Hearing in relation to the application submitted on behalf of 1133-399 Westchester Avenue LLC and 1133-300 Westchester Avenue LLC, the owners of the property known as 1133 Westchester Avenue (Section 131.20, Block 1, Lot 1.1), located in the C-O (Campus Office) Zoning District, for Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to construct a 142 room extended stay hotel, with accessory parking, and Special Permit/Site Plan Approvals to allow placement of a day care center, restaurant, bank and health club in the existing office building, in accordance with Sections 2.5.1, 5.2, 6.2, 6.7.7, 6.7.29, 7.2, and 8.3 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of White Plains.

3.                 Communication from          Commissioner of Planning

4.                                                            Planning Board

5.                                                            Conservation Board

6.                                                            Westchester County Planning Board

7.       Public Hearing in relation to establishing the extension of Court Street from Main Street through to Hamilton Avenue as a new City street and naming the new street “Renaissance Square” to be added to the Official Map of the City of White Plains in accordance with Section 29 of the General City Law.

8.                 Communications from        Commissioner of Building

9.                                                            Design Review Board

10.                                                          Commissioner of Planning

11.                                                          Planning Board

12.                                                          Commissioner of Public Safety

13.                                                          Commissioner of Public Works

14.                                                          Commissioner of Traffic

15.                                                          Traffic Commission

16.                                                          Westchester County Planning Board

17.                                                          Environmental Officer

18.               Second Reading Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of White Plains establishing the extension of Court Street from Main Street through to Hamilton Avenue as a City street and naming the street as “Renaissance Square” to be added to the Official Map of the City of White Plains in accordance with Section 29 of General City law.

19.     Public Hearing in relation to the application submitted on behalf of RL & MC Industries, Inc., operator of Aura, for a Special Permit for Cabaret Use at Aura located at 107 Mamaroneck Avenue.

20.               Communications from        Corporation Counsel

21.                                                          Commissioner of Building

22.                                                          Design Review Board

23.                                                          Commissioner of Planning

24.                                                          Planning Board

25.                                                          Commissioner of Public Safety

26.                                                          Commissioner of Public Works

27.                                                          Commissioner of Traffic

28.                                                          Traffic Commission

29.                                                          Commissioner of Parking

30.                                                          Westchester County Planning Board

31.               Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains denying the instant application submitted on behalf of RL & MC Industries, Inc., operators of Aura, for a Special Permit to operate a Cabaret known as Aura at 107 Mamaroneck Avenue (Section 125.76, Block 5, Lot 18).

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

32.     Public Hearing in relation to the application submitted by L&M Caterers on behalf of BOE@324 Restaurant and Bar, for a Special Permit for Outdoor Dining located at 324 Central Park Avenue on the privately owned, front sidewalk premises.

33.     Public Hearing in relation to the application submitted by the Lazy Boy Saloon & Ale House and Lazy Lounge for a one (1) year Special Permit to operate a Cabaret at 152-154 Mamaroneck Avenue.

34.               Communications from        Corporation Counsel

35.                                                          Commissioner of Building

36.                                                          Design Review Board

37.                                                          Commissioner of Planning

38.                                                          Planning Board

39.                                                          Commissioner of Public Safety

40.                                                          Commissioner of Public Works

41.                                                          Commissioner of Traffic

42.                                                          Traffic Commission

43.                                                          Westchester County Planning Board

44.                                                          Environmental Officer

45.               Environmental Findings Resolution

46.               Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains approving the application submitted on behalf of J.N.J. Enterprises, Inc., d/b/a The Lazy Boy Saloon for a Special Permit to operate a Cabaret at 152 Mamaroneck Avenue (Section 125.84, Block 7, Lot 4) subject to certain conditions contained herein.                                                                                                            

FIRST READING
ORDINANCES:

47.     Communication from Special Counsel in relation to the settlement of tax review proceedings.

48.     Ordinance authorizing the settlement of certain tax review proceedings.

49.     Communication from Chairman, Capital Projects Board, in relation to Capital Project No. C5299, North White Plains Parking Lot Rehabilitation.

50.               Communication from Environmental Officer

51.               Environmental Findings Resolution

52.               Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of White Plains amending the Capital Projects Fund by establishing Capital Project No. C5299 entitled, North White Plains Parking Lot Rehabilitation.

53.               Bond Resolution authorizing the issuance of $100,000 bonds of the City of White Plains, Westchester County, New York, to pay part of the $100,500 estimated maximum cost of rehabilitation and improvement work at the North White Plains Parking Lot, in and for said City.

54.     Communication from Chairman, Capital Projects Board, in relation to Capital Project No. C5298, Miscellaneous Street Reconstruction FY 2008.

55.               Communication from Environmental Officer

56.               Environmental Findings Resolution

57.               Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of White Plains amending the Capital Projects Fund by establishing Capital Project No. C5298, entitled Miscellaneous Street Reconstruction FY 2008.

58.               Bond Ordinance authorizing the issuance of $1,757,800 bonds of the City of White Plains, Westchester County, New York, to pay part of the $2,259,125 estimated maximum cost of the reconstruction of various City streets or street segments and related improvements, in and for said City.

59.     Communication from Chairman, Capital Projects Board, in relation to Capital Project No. C5300, Library Interior Renovations – 1^st Floor Public Restrooms.

60.               Communication from Environmental Officer

61.               Environmental Findings Resolution

62.               Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of White Plains amending the Capital Projects Fund by establishing Capital Project No. C5300 entitled, Library Interior Renovations – 1^st Floor Public Restrooms.

63.               Bond Ordinance authorizing the issuance of $225,000 of the City of White Plains, Westchester County, New York, to pay part of the $226,125 estimated maximum cost of the renovation and rehabilitation of public restrooms on the ground floor of the White Plains Public Library, in and for said City.

64.     Communication from Commissioner of Public Works in relation to the closure of certain public streets and appropriate parking restrictions on Sunday, October 21, 2007, for the Annual White Plains Hispanic Day Parade and Festival.

65.               Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of White Plains authorizing the closure of certain public streets and appropriate parking restrictions on Sunday, October 21, 2007, for the Annual White Plains Hispanic Day Parade and Festival.

66.     Communication from Commissioner of Public Works in relation to the closure of certain public streets and appropriate parking restrictions on Sunday, October 7, 2007, for the Annual Columbus Day Parade and Festival.

67.               Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of White Plains authorizing the closure of certain public streets and appropriate parking restrictions on Sunday, October 7, 2007, for the Annual Columbus Day Parade and Festival.

68.     Communication from Commissioner of Public Works in relation to the closure of a certain public street and appropriate parking restrictions on Sunday, October 28, 2007, for the second Downtown White Plains Walk for Diabetes.

69.               Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of White Plains authorizing the closure of a portion of a certain City street and appropriate parking restrictions on Sunday, October 28, 2007, for the second Downtown White Plains Walk for Diabetes sponsored by the American Diabetes Association.

70.     Communication from Commissioner of Planning in relation to an application submitted by Community Housing Innovations, Inc., for a grant of $250,000 from the Affordable Housing Assistance Fund for twelve units of low and moderate income ownership housing and two units of middle income ownership housing at 5 Minerva Place.

71.               Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of White Plains granting the application submitted by Community Housing Innovations, Inc., under Section IV of the City’s Affordable Home Ownership Program for a grant of $250,000 from the City’s Affordable Housing Assistance Fund for an affordable housing project to include twelve (12) units of low and moderate income ownership housing and two (2) units of middle income ownership housing at 5 Minerva Place.

72.     Communication from Commissioner of Planning in relation to the appropriation of Fund Balance in the Community Development Rehabilitation Program Revolving Fund.

73.       Ordinance amending the Community Development Fund Budget by appropriating Fund Balance and allocating such increase to the Rehabilitation Revolving Fund Program.

74.     Communication from Director, Youth Bureau, in relation to a contract with the Drug Free Communities Support Program of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration Center for Abuse Prevention to receive funds for the continuation of the program.

75.        Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with the Drug Free Communities Support Program of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, Center of Abuse Prevention in order to receive an award in the amount of $100,000 for the continuation of the Drug Free Communities Program.

76.     Communication from Deputy Director, Youth Bureau, in relation to a contract with the Regional Partnership of Schools and Colleges Great Potential Program to receive funding.

77.       Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with the Regional Partnership of Schools and Colleges Great Potential Program to receive an $8,000 Award to operate the Great Potential Program.

78.     Communication from Deputy Director, Youth Bureau, in relation to a contract with the County of Westchester Office of Workforce Investment to receiving funding for an Out-of-School Youth Employment Program.

79.       Ordinance amending an ordinance entitled, “Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with the County of Westchester Office of Workforce Investment to receive up to $247,352 in funding for an Out-of-School Youth Program under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA).”

80.     Communication from Deputy Director, Youth Bureau, in relation to a contract with the Westchester/Putnam Workforce Investment Board to receive a two year grant for an In-School Youth Employment Program.

81.      Ordinance amending an ordinance entitled, “Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with the Westchester/Putnam Workforce Investment Board in order to receive a two year grant.”

82.     Communication from Director, Youth Bureau, in relation to a contract with the Westchester Clubmen to receive funding to operate The Clubmen Higher Aims Program.

83.               Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with the Westchester Clubmen to receive funding in the amount of $35,500 to operate The Clubmen Higher Aims Program for the period of October 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008.

84.     Communication from Commissioner of Recreation and Parks in relation to leasing space at Ebersole Ice Rink for a skate shop.

85.      Ordinance providing for the leasing of space for the purpose of maintaining and operating a skate shop at the Carl J. Delfino Park Building – Ebersole Ice Rink in the City of White Plains.

86.     Communication from Commissioner of Recreation and Parks in relation to leasing space at Ebersole Ice Rink for a food concession.

87.       Ordinance providing for the leasing of space for the purpose of maintaining and operating a food concession at the Carl J. Delfino Park Building – Ebersole Ice Rink in the City of White Plains.

88.     Communication from Commissioner of Recreation and Parks in relation to an agreement with the County of Westchester for the operation of nutrition programs under the Older Americans Act.

89.        Ordinance amending an ordinance entitled, “An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into agreements with the County of Westchester for the continuing operation by the City of White Plains for programs for years 2007 and 2008 under Titles III-B and III-C-1 of the Older Americans Act.”

90.     Communication from Personnel Officer in relation to a proposed amendment to the Municipal Code by establishing and abolishing certain positions and amending the Table of Organization.

91.        Ordinance amending Section 2-5-81 of the White Plains Municipal Code by establishing a certain position title, and amending the 2007-2008 Table of Organization by adding and abolishing certain positions.

92.     Communication from the Mayor in relation to a proposed agreement between the Department of Parking and the Civil Service Employees Association with regard to a stipend for a parking enforcement midnight tour of duty.

93.        Ordinance approving a tentative agreement between representatives of the Parking Department and the Civil Service Employees Association with regard to a stipend for a parking enforcement midnight tour of duty.

94.     Communication from Chairman, Traffic Commission, in relation to proposed amendments to the Traffic Ordinance at various locations around the City.

95.       Ordinance amending the Traffic Ordinance of the City of White Plains in relation to Designated Handicapped Parking Spaces – Streets.

RESOLUTIONS: 

96.               Communication from Commissioner of Planning in relation to the discontinuance of a portion on the easterly side of the right-of-way of Longview Avenue, and scheduling a public hearing for November 5, 2007.

97.               Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains scheduling a public hearing for November 5, 2007 in relation to the proposed discontinuance of the portions of street right-of-ways on the easterly side of Longview Avenue, between Maple Avenue and East Post Road pursuant to Section 152 of the White Plains Charter and Section 29 of the General City Law.

98.     Communication from the City Clerk transmitting a request from LC White Plains LLC, requesting a proposed amendment to a previously approved site plan to permit development of 23 affordable rental units in the Air Rights Building above the City Center Municipal Garage.

99.               Environmental Findings Resolution issued under the State Environmental Quality Review Act, Environmental Conservation Law Section 8-0101 et. seq. (SEQR), regarding an amendment to the previously amended site plan approved by the Common Council on September 20, 2001 and August 4, 2003, for the project known as the City Center to permit development of 23 affordable rental units in the Air Rights Building above the City Center Municipal Garage.

100.             Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains approving the application submitted on behalf of LC White Plains, LLC (“Applicant”) for an amendment to the previously amended site plan originally approved by the Common Council on September 20, 2001, and subsequently amended thereto, for the project known as the City Center, including an amendment adopted August 4, 2003, relating to the initial approval for the portion of the City Center “Development Site” known as the “Air Rights Building” which had permitted the construction of approximately 60,000 square feet of retail space in two (2) levels on the northerly portion of the top of the City Center Municipal Garage and the construction of a deck over the remainder of the top parking level to be improved with, inter alia, a swimming pool and outdoor recreational amenities, to now permit construction of twenty-three (23) “affordable” residential apartments on residential two (2) levels in the first retail roof level of the “Air Rights Building”, totaling approximately 26,400 square feet within the existing envelopment of the “Air Rights Building.”

101.   Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains authorizing a Certification of a Home Rule Request seeking enactment of State legislation to amend the Tax Law in relation to authorizing the City of White Plains to impose an additional increase of one-half (½) of one percent (1%) Sales and Compensating Use Tax.

ITEMS FOR
REFERRAL:

102.   Communication from Commissioner of Building in relation to a request submitted by LC Main LLC to extend the obligation to complete the affordable housing units in relation to 221 Main Street for 120 days.

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WPCNR THE DAILY BAILEY. By John F. Bailey. September 27, 2007: It was a drizzly day at Playland last Saturday, with showers closing some of the outdoor rides. So I took my companion on two rides that are on Playland’s “endangered rides list:” The Zombie Castle and The Flying Witch.

 

 

I rate the Flying Witch as the scarier of the two rides, and both it and its companion, The Zombie Castle are living history—actual odes to the past when the concept of horror and gore was new brought on by the motion pictures of the thirties which introduced America to the chills of being threatened by the supernatural. Frankenstein, The Wolfman, Dracula, from the crypts of Universal Studios created  this need on the part of the public to be scared.

 

The Flying Witch Ride: You ride in a cart into the dark encountering horrors at every lurch and turn.

 

The two rides are the direct result of that era – and also were great romantic aids at the time. It was not easy to find places to hold your girl tight in the 1930s except in balconies of movie theatres and backseats of Packards. The Flying Witch and Zombie Castle were a means to that end. As you and your main squeeze rounded a corner in the dark and a scene of absolute bloody gore of goblin, vampire, torture master raised their menacing swords or held out severed heads with a hideous roar this would have the desired effect on the female.

 

The scenes encountered on these cart rides in the dark are classic creations of crypts, graves, graveyards, torture chambers, electric chairs at work, creatures of lovingly chilling detail with green skin, red eyes, dripping blood. They rear up at you out of the dark. They are masters of marionette artistry in the days before digital. The tableaus are especially giddy to small children, creating many a nightmare.

 

These two “houses of horror” are apparently classified as anachronisms now by the Playland Management and are on Playland’s Endangered Rides List because they are not listed as historical landmark rides, according to Playland Director Peter Tartagila.

 

Tartaglia told WPCNR that no decision has been made as to whether the Flying Witch and the Zombie Castle were going to be shut down. He declined to name the rides under consideration for replacement.  He said they were “in the process of discussion, and negotiations (with manufacturers of other rides).”

 

When asked if  the facades of the rides could be preserved and interior scenes saved, Tartaglia said no decision had been reached as to whether the rides would “go.”

 

The Fabulous Ice Casino and Collonades at Playland.

 

 

There are only 7 rides that are designated Historical Landmarks at Playland: The Dragon Coaster, The Derby, The Carousel, The Old Mill, The Whip, the Kiddie Carousel and Kiddie Coaster, Tartaglia said. Tartaglia explained  Playland received its Landmark status based on its art deco era architure that consists of the Tower, the Ice Casino, the Collonades.

 

The Dragon Coaster, Playland,  Circa 1928. Photo, WPCNR News

 

That raises a question in this reporter’s mind: Part of the joy of Playland is that it takes you back in time and treats its patrons of all races, ages, creeds, and income levels to activities of pure fun in an atmosphere of architectural design and old time honky tonk midway ambience that puts every one who goes in a good mood.

 

When a child stumbles and falls, people come up to you and ask if you’re o.k. Everybody is smiling. Part of that is the outlandish art and murals that dazzle the senses.

 

The Murals of the Flying Witch and the Zombie Castle are part of that history. Replacing old rides just to bring in supposedly more profitable rides, I think defeats the purpose of the County running Playland.

 

One could make the case that the only essential good thing that County Government does that is successful is Playland. The County consistently complains about the deficit Playland runs, which I believe was $3 Million at last look. Well that is $3 Million well spent for the happiness Playland provides every year and has since 1929.

 

If the Witch, and the Castle must go, their art and interior displays should be saved at the very least. But should they? Should the County even be looking at changing the Playland ride mix at the expense of this living historical amusement park, the only one of its kind left in the country?

 

Playland is a museum of the past and closing old rides just because they are old does not preserve that legacy. It takes away from the je ne sais quoi, the Playland mystique.The Custard’s Last Stand, the refreshment stands, Funnel Cakes, cotton candy stands are part of the experience. I can go to Burger King (at Playland) any time, but a funnel cake – that’s eating.

 

And another thing, the Witch and Castle, along with the wonderful KiddieLand Train are inexpensive rides. (2 tickets each). Bringing in more expensive thrill rides, if this is the plan does not appear constructive to me, and makes the park that much more expensive. Is the the county plan to gouge more money from the public with more expensive rides?

 

And another thing: Playland is one of the safest places you can go. I am tired of Playland being hammered for accidents that are essentially due to the misjudgments of individuals, not necessarily the safety of the rides. Major for-profit amusement parks have serious accidents every summer and they open the next day. No media write hand-wringing editorials asking for the big commercial parks to close. When did the Orlando papers call for shutting down Disney World?

 

The County has a gem in Playland. One thing that makes Westchester County unique. It does little to advertise it. Does not promote it like they should. Remember the old time ads for Palisades Park (“Palisades has the rides, Palisades has the Fun, so Come on over…”). Where are those spots on New York radio?  

 

(A reader reminds of the rest of the Palisades Park jingle…

 

Ride the coaster get cool in the waves in the pool!

You’ll have fun! so come on over! Doo doo doo doo doo!

Palisades Amusment park—swings all day and after dark!

 

And another thing. The county charges too much to park at Playland. $7 is too much, when you also have to buy your ride tickets.

 

The County should stop considering Playland a liability – and consider it a treasure to be preserved, not dismantled piece by piece because they can.

 

 

 

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WPCNR AUTUMN IN WESTCHER. September 26, 2007: The Hudson Valley will soon be awash in majestic colors as the 10-county region takes on the brilliant palette of fall.

 

Along this 150-mile stretch of the Hudson River, just stepping outside on a crisp autumn day can be a breathtaking experience. And while countless places exist to view the ever-changing show, Hudson Valley Tourism is recommending ten top leaf-peeping destinations that are sure to heighten the exhilaration.

 

 

The scenic Hudson Valley offers several weeks full of color from late September, when the foliage begins changing in the Albany area, through Columbus Day Weekend, when the leaves peak in the southerly reaches of the region — and the relaxing nostalgia of Fall Ball in daylight as shown by the White Plains Explosion in 2004.

 

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WPCNR The Developer News  By John F. Bailey. September 25, 2007 UPDATED 9:30 P.M.: Rick Matthews, a spokesperson for Reckson/SL Green confirmed today that the company was “preparing for a possible submission under the White Plains RFQ (Request For Qualifications), but they are not prepared to say they are going ahead and submit.”

This week, Matthews also confirmed what John McCarthy, of McCarthy & Associates in White Plains had confirmed to WPCNR last week that SLGreen had placed some key Westchester holdings on the commercial market.

Matthews said SL Green was offering for sale 100, 120 and 520 White Plains Road in Tarrytown, there major office complexes. He said they were shopping The Summit (100, 200, and 500 Summit Lake Drive) in Valhalla, and the Mount Pleasant Corporate Center, 115 and 117 Stevens Avenue.

Asked the significance of putting these properties on the market, Matthews said, ”This is further refinement of the portfolio following the Acquisition of Reckson earlier this year….these properties don’t fit the market  as much as the other properties in the portfolio in terms of SL GREEN wanting to be in the more urban parts of the county where there are transit hubs like White Plains.”

Four members of the Common Council in an “opinion” expressed September 7 in the press said they were unwilling to entertain any provisions of the RFQ as it was sent out to potential developers approximately August 23.

No connection, but 115 Stevens Avenue is the headquarters of Cappelli Enterprises. Cappelli Enterprises is scheduled to move into the second tower at the Ritz Carlton Westchester when it is completed in August 2008.

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WPCNR PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE DAY. By the WPCNR Roving Photographer. September 24, 2007: They stand like a jury of 3,798 persons, (about 700 more deaths than were caused by the World Trade Center attack they were sent to avenge). The little flags are  maudlin lilies of the field today. Little white flags planted with the name of a U.S. Soldier killed in the Iraq War. Each was once an identity and loved, now each is a memory.  The flags, arranged by the year the men and women were killed in action were planted as part of an anti-Iraq war demonstration at the Memorial United Methodist Church Sunday. This is the photograph of the day, more eloquent in its pathos than any vocal statement. The numbers maimed and wounded are in the tens of thousands. Too bad there are not flags for the wounded and maimed — victims forever.