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WPCNR ROVING PHOTOGRAPER. By Steve Cohen. May 6, 2007: Today’s Photos of the day are from Steve Cohen of the Cherry Blossom Festival in Turnure Park, White Plains, highlighting entertainment by Japanese drummers and children.
Strollers Listen to the Festivities, Turnure Park, Lake Street.
Kodomonokuni Nursery Schoolers of White Plains Charm the Crowd.
Young Taiko Drummers Impress.
Photos, Courtesy, Steve Cohen
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WPCNR VIEW FROM THE UPPER DECK. By Bull Allen. May 6, 2007: It was 42 years ago, and the New York Yankees had fallen into last place about this time of year. Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris got injured and just weren’t hitting. Johnny Keane the Yankee manager, could not do anything right. CBS had just bought the Yankees. The Bombers failed to win the pennant for the first time since 1959. The pitching staff was adequate with Mel Stottlemyre, Whitey Ford and Al Downing and Jim Bouton. The Yankees had even fired Mel Allen, their longtime voice. (For which they were cursed for eleven years before they won again. They finished sixth. Stood pat, and finished last in 1966. But they still had pitching. This year all they have is boppers, and rag arms, and lead gloves.
2003 World Series: Those Were the Days. Photo, WPCNR Sports Archive
2007 is looking really ugly in The Bronx. The madness reached a new high in yesterday’s announcement in grandstand fashion done over the public address system that the Yankees are bringing Roger Clemens in to save them is the most bush league thing the Yankees have done in some time.
That pathetic Yankee pitching staff was hiring Roger Clemens as a starter shows you just how low the Yankee farm system has sunk. They have nobody. Mount Vernon’s young pitcher could go down to Yankee Stadium and he would do better.
And, now Roger is going to take two weeks to get ready? This is a grand stand stunt. Maybe, just maybe, Roger can gives 4 good innings a game. I can hear John Sterling now: “Roger gave us a quality 4 innings, today, Suzyn” then look out!
Signing Clemens is like throwing in the towel. Heck, I’d sign Whitey Ford right now even though Whitey is 79 years old. Whitey had heart. And he is still in shape. Heck, I’d hire Whitey as my pitching coach and help these young hurlers and journeymen who have never been coached by anyone who ever got anybody out in a big spot.
Clemens has never won a big game in his life and is the most overrated 348-game winner ever in my opinion.
$187,500 a inning!
The Yankees signed him to a $28 Million contract — this for a pitcher who was 7-6 last year with Houston. They plan to start him June 1 against Boston. That should be fun
Prorated Clemens should make $18 Million for this “star turn.” He will, pitching once a week (every 5 days), start about 16 games. He will pitch 5 to 6 innings once a week. This works out to $1,125,000 a start — and $187,500 an inning– presuming Clemens lasts 6 innings a start.
The Yankees signed him to a $28 Million contract — this for a pitcher who was 7-6 last year with Houston. They plan to start him June 1 against Boston. That should be fun. And what if Roger gets injured? The Yanks may as well be taking $18 Million and burning it.
The trouble is the Yankees play 7 games a week. They need 4 other reliable starters. Emphasis on the word reliable.
Clueless Pitching Management
Ever since Mel Stottlemyre left as Pitching Coach, the Yankee pitching has gone in the dumpster. The persons who are making pitching decisions and managing them have not helped and the pitching is the worst I as a longtime Yankee fan have ever seen it. They overevaluate talent, and they do not coach it and develop it.
The Yankees have incredibly misjudged the depth and talent of their pitching staff, especially the flamethrowers in the middle relief corps. (Flamethrowers meaning they throw napalm on the fire. Or start one with the bases empty.)The Bombers are losing games because they have no one who can get anybody out consistently after the inconsistent starting pitchers have left the game. This was the problem last year that showcased itself quite clearly in the Detroit series.
The other weakness on the club is defense. The outfield in right with Abreu out there is weak. I never thought I’d miss Dave Sheffield, who was adequate. Abreu misjudges flyballs and Damien so far is undistinguished. Matsui cannot play all three positions. (Beware centerfielders used to short centerfields like Fenway Park). The defense on the right side of the infield is a pair of statues, and no one makes scoops at first base on bad throws. But can the pitchers make some good pitches in the clutch once in awhile? And stop with the walks?
The Yankees score runs and give up a lot of runs. They may wind up a lot like the 1930 Phillies who hit .315 as a team and finished dead last because their staff ERA was 6.71.
But, this Clemens signing is the last straw. Number one, you do not bring Pettite back. He’s not as good as he once was.
Number two, you do not bring back a guy (Clemens) who was giving you 5 to 6 innings a game, one good outing every other start, two years ago –and has no interests at heart except his own. He always has. This is stopgap fodder for the inane New York media – the most gullible press corps in the major leagues. Clemens has never been a real Yankee, nor was a real Red Sauk for that matter. He has always been about himself.
Over the next four months the Yankees have to reconstitute their youthful prospects and throw them and decide whether they can build a rotation around them next year. But who is going to do that?
They apparently have no prospects other clubs want to trade for in return for name pitchers. They are in bad shape. They could perhaps throw in the towel early and package some high priced talent like A-Rod for some good up and coming young starting pitchers in walk years and one solid middle reliever – just one. And Mr. Riviera needs a new pitch.
The Yanks the last three years have lost pennants and not gotten to the World Series because of their defense, because in the crap shoot of the short series, pitching dominates and defense has to be tight, and if you do not have a pitching staff that can shut down a potent lineup (Detroit comes to mind), you may not be able to score enough runs to overcome the defensive lapses.
Now we are seeing this play out in the regular season. Please, let’s not blame the strength and conditioning coach. This is lousy pitching and lousy defense that’s losing the games. This was particularly evident against Boston.
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WPCNR SUNDAY BAILEY. Column By John F. Bailey. May 6, 2007: It’s quiet. Too quiet in the White Plains downtown. It’s time for another Super Developer Master Move blockbuster to dumbfound the Common Council.
White Plains Skyline. The Ritz Carlton is in center of picture. Photo, WPCNR News Archive.
While pundits’ attentions are being diverted by the City of White Plains lawyer-architect-engineer-consultant –developer welfare program known as the “Bank Street Job,” on the expressway to approval by the Common Council, the Super Developer continues to lurk seeing all on the vast chess board of opportunity in downtown White Plains.
Perhaps, unable to sleep at Trump Tower, he is at this moment sitting at his blueprint strewn desk (A Very Developing Place) punching out and adding up combinations of square footage, seeing what property combinations are needed to get up there where the profit is there (50 stories or more in the transit hub of White Plains), and adding and subtracting “affordable housing units,” putting the Super Developer’s final tweaks on yet another new bold initiative in the White Plains downtown.
The Alexander The Great of developers, the Super Developer, months away from opening the Ritz Carlton on Main Street – may be restless, bored. He may be in his complex plotting his next March to the West in White Plains with his trusty companion at his side, as he ponders and pressurizes his developer rivals on the vulnerable and so developable tracts of opportunity in White Plains.
Perhaps as he ponders Main Street, he may at this moment – as persistent rumors portray – be negotiating to add the White Plains Mall property to his portfolio (though this has been steadfastly denied by the Super Developer entourage). Perhaps he is looking at the vacant lot adjacent the bus terminal directly in front of the train station, or he may muse why not purchase the St. John’s school now up for sale.
Or as he cocks his head, eyes gleaming, why not acquire all three plots and really build something?
Should he acquire just the White Plains Mall…he could dispatch his legal lancers – to activate the city of White Plains tool he has used before – the transfer of development rights legislation to transfer the rights over the city center municipal garage over to the White Plains Mall since it is diagonally connected to his Ritz-Carlton complex and the City Center-City Center garage-Trump Tower complex. Perhaps, enabling him to transfer affordable housing from the Corner Nook site and the City Center Municipal Garage site over to the Mall, bus terminal parking area or St. John’s site.
The possibilities may intrigue him. Should I acquire all three developable sites or one? The idea of creating a swath of Cappelli inspiration all the way to the White Plains Railroad Station might appeal to his sense of cosmopolitan grandeur.
More to the point, should the Super Developer think on it – if Martin Ginsburgh decides The Pinnacle project is no longer something he wants to do – the Super Developer could acquire that site too – making most of Main Street “Cappelli Street,” and creating Trump Tower TWO to have a conversation with Trump Tower ONE and a meeting with Mr. Ritz and Mr. Carlton.
Yes, if I were Louis Cappelli, that is what I would be thinking and use the transferring of development rights on my existing sites to build on new sites I’d acquire.
He might even acquire The Pinnacle site – he could combine stories, housing units – and retail into a city super strip. Perhaps exceeding 50 stories and higher somewhere West of the Ritz Carlton, on either the White Plains Mall site, the bus terminal vacant lot (adjacent the bus terminal), even the St. John’s school site on Hamilton Avenue. The transfer of development rights is a unique mechanism that allows so many options.
The Pinnacle site, White Plains Mall, the Bus Terminal vacant lot, the St. John’s School his mind if the Super Developer is not tired of White Plains may be thinking a series of scenarios
What hasn’t the Super Developer yet built in White Plains?
A convention center with housing on top (to compliment the Ritz-Carlton property. Perhaps a gambling casino (far-fetched, maybe, but the state is going to need a ton of money in two years to balance the giveaways this year – and hey, the sales taxes would be great). A sports arena seating 10,000, (perhaps on the empty Centrex lot). Or, here’s a twist: He could build an affordable housing mixed use site on the St. John’s site.) An upscale mall to combat The Westchester.
It takes a mind like the Super Developer to conjure this march to the west. And he is far more seeing than I. If I can think of this — he must be thinking of something even better for White Plains if he gained these properties I mentioned.
Who knows what lurks in the mind of the Super Developer?
I believe we are about to find out soon — and it will be a wallapalooza.
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WPCNR TALK OF THE RITZ. From Cappelli Enterprises (Edited) May 10, 2007: The developer Louis Cappelli announced BLT Steak, one of Manhattan’s premier restaurants, will open a 102-seat restaurant in The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester hotel which is rising as part of The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester condominium complex. The new two-story glass “winter garden” restaurant, which will front on Main Street, is scheduled to open this fall.
Louis Cappelli introduces Laurent Tourondel (above), Manhattan steak sensation, as his first Ritz Carlton Restaurant, BLT Steak (for Bistro Laurent Tourondel). Photo, Courtesy, Cappelli Enterprises.
BLT, or Bistro Laurent Tourondel, is the personal stamp of acclaimed chef and restaurateur Laurent Tourondel. With BLT Steak, he elevates the classic American Steakhouse with his signature style, French training and all-around finesse. BLT Steak opened in Manhattan in 2004 as a revolutionary new Modern American Steakhouse and was named one of “the best new restaurants in America” by Esquire Magazine that same year. Following the restaurant’s overwhelming success, sister locations have opened in Washington, D.C. and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The White Plains restaurant will be the first suburban location.
“We are very excited to announce the arrival of BLT Steak at The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester. Laurent Tourondel has created a sensational concept in fine dining that has brought new excitement to the Manhattan restaurant scene. And now that same exciting dining experience is coming to downtown White Plains,” said Mr. Cappelli.
Mr. Cappelli said the debut of BLT Steak is yet another example of the remarkable renaissance under way in downtown White Plains. “To have a restaurant of this high caliber opening in White Plains is a testament to the vitality and strength of the city’s ongoing resurgence,” said Mr. Cappelli.
He noted that another new restaurant offering magnificent views of Manhattan, Long Island Sound and beyond will be located on the 42nd floor of Tower I. An announcement on this is expected shortly.
The opening of BLT Steak will further enhance the luxury lifestyle offered at The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester, an entirely new concept in residential living that combines the carefree convenience of a condominium with the amenities and services of a world-class hotel.
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WPCNR Eliot Spitzer’s Albany. By Governor Eliot Spitzer. May 5, 2007: Last month, a severe blow was dealt to reproductive rights in our country. In upholding the so-called “Partial-Birth Abortion Act” of 2003, the Supreme Court let the people of the United States know that we have come to a point where politics trumps science–that the dogma of recent political trends is more important than decades of precedent protecting the right to privacy, beginning with Roe v. Wade over 30 years ago.
This is a critical juncture for our nation. We must take action to protect the established, fundamental right of a woman to make her own choice and to determine her own course of action as regards her health. And
That is why I announced last week that I will introduce the Reproductive Health and Privacy Protection Act, a bill that will solidify the protections of Roe v. Wade into
Passing this bill will not be easy. Starting today, we must work together to make every New Yorker aware of what’s at stake. Many legislators in
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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Westchester County. May 5, 2007: Local governments, schools and certain non-profits affected by the April 15 Nor’easter can learn more about how to apply for FEMA storm recovery aid at one of two special briefings organized by Westchester County.
Two briefings will be held on Thursday, May 10 in the Little Theater on the second floor of the
Public Assistance grants from the FEMA can be used to reimburse eligible emergency work such as overtime and debris removal, as well as, the repair of damaged public facilities not covered by insurance. Certain private non-profits that provide governmental services are also eligible. FEMA funds 75 percent of costs. Gov. Elliot Spitzer announced today that the state will pick up all of the 25 percent not reimbursed by the federal government.
“We all know that this storm was very costly, not just for local residents and business owners, but also for governments, schools and non profit organizations,” said County Executive Andy Spano. “It is very important that applicants for public assistance attend one of these meetings and learn about the process.”
Anthony W. Sutton, commissioner of the county’s Department of Emergency Services, said county officials have been reaching out to local governments, schools and non-profit organizations, to inform them about these meetings
“It is very important that local governments, schools and non-profit organizations learn about the program and apply for aid,” said Sutton. “This is money that can help repair public buildings and protect them from future flood damage.”
On Thursday, FEMA announced that public assistance was approved for 12 counties affected by the April 15 Nor’easter. They are:
In addition, three new counties are eligible for Individual Assistance:
The announcement came after President Bush signed a major disaster declaration for
Further information will also be posted on the county’s website at www.westchestergov.com.
For more information, visit www.fema.gov
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WPCNR THE SEWER REPORT. From County Department of Health. May 4, 2007: Westchester County has issued an alert to boaters and marinas on the Hudson River that a sewage break involving a major sewage line at Greystone Train Station in Yonkers has resulted in the discharge of untreated sewage into the river. Efforts are underway at this time to repair the broken line and expectations are that the discharge willbe stopped by early Saturday morning.
As a precaution, boaters and people who use the water for recreational purposes should avoid doing so this weekend. An advisory is being issued to marinas located on the
It is estimated that the flow rate is approximately four million gallons per day and that this break may result in the release of two to three million gallons of sewage.
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WPCNR HIGHLIGHT REEL. May 4, 2007: Rishawn Johnson, the White Plains High center and big man extraordinaire signed a letter of intent to attend Canisius College in the MAC conference for a full 4-year basketball scholarship today. Mr. Johnson, with his parents and grandmother and teammates looking on is the third White Plains High basketball player to be awarded a four year Division Scholarship this year. The others are Liz Flooks and Kim Adams, who joined Mr. Johnson on his big day. The scholarship is the 12th full ride NCAAA Division I scholarship to be earned by White Plains athletes in five years.
Rishawn Johnson, hands over the pen to his Dad, Richard Johnson, reenacting Rishawn’s acceptance of the Canisius Scholarship. His Mom, Lisa, is at left. Mr. Johnson’s teammates and friends spoke eloquently of how hard he worked to improve his game and academics and his ability to comport himself and overcome adversity. It was a happy day. Rishawn’s Dad said he taught Rishawn how to play at the age of 5 and spent most of the last dozen years taking him everywhere to play and improve his game. Rishawn told WPCNR he plans to study computer engineering at Canisius — that he liked the fit on the campus — and that was why he chose the school.
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WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. From News Reports. May 5, 2007: The Journal News reporting in their roundup of Westchester Industrial Development Agency activities reported this morning that LCOR, the favored developer of the Bank Street commuter parking lot, has been approved by the IDA for tax relief of $6.51 Million. In the report, the Journal News notes that LCOR, in addition, seeks $39 Million in “local tax breaks” over fifteen years (possible PILOT?) from White Plains, which works out to $2.6 Million in forgone revenues per year, $39 million total. It is the first public mention of the amount of tax relief the city is possibly considering granting LCOR to build the 538 unit double towers on the city commuter parking lot. The tax writeoffs are in addition to the $6 Million discount the city is giving LCOR on the purchase of the land. Previous media requests of the city for details on the PILOT LCOR seeks for the project were not responded to.
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WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From Westco Productions. May 3, 2007: Two seniors, Helen Hess and Kirsten Smayda, from White Plains High School have been selected as the first recipients of “Sonny Katz Scholarship Fund” awards from Westco Productions, the White Plains-based non-profit professional theater company. The awards will be presented on Sunday, June 10, at noon, during the organization’s First Annual Awards Brunch at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in White Plains.
Kirsten Smayda, Divine Voice
Ms. Hess, (Left) and Ms. Smayda, right, plan to pursue college-level studies in the performing arts. Each will receive $1,000 to use in order to further their studies. The scholarship awards will be presented by New York State Assemblyman Adam Bradley and New York State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer. The award recipients were chosen through an application process which included talent auditions judged by performing arts professionals. Photos, Courtesy Westco Productions.
The scholarship fund is named in honor of Seymour “Sonny” Katz, who was a founding Board Member of Westco. Sonny is well-known throughout Westchester County for his more than 35-years of service as City Marshall for the City of White Plains, a position he still holds. Photo, Courtesty Westco Productions
Kirsten Smayda is a senior at White Plains High School, where she has been involved in five musical theater productions, with lead roles in three of them. She performs with the school’s Symphony Orchestra, Choir, Mixed Ensemble, and Honors String Ensemble. She owes much of her musical talent to Claudia White, her voice teacher of four years, and Rebecca Eckfeld, her violin teacher of ten years. Kirsten plans to major in vocal performance at Syracuse University.
Helen Hess has studied violin and viola with Rebecca Eckfeld. A senior at White Plains High School, she is concertmistress of the Symphony Orchestra and performs with the musical “pit” orchestra and the Honors String Ensemble. Helen has performed with the Greater Westchester Youth Orchestras, in Area-All State Orchestras, and with the chamber music group YNOS. Helen will be pursuing a degree in viola performance at Boston Conservatory.
Co-chairs of the Awards Brunch are Westco Board Members Sarina Russell and William Van Vlack.
Members of the community are invited to attend the event, which will feature the Crowne Plaza’s renowned all-you-can-eat Sunday Brunch of more than 200 culinary delights. Tickets are $50, and can be obtained by contacting Westco Productions at (914) 761-7463. Proceeds benefit the scholarship fund, and are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. For information about Westco and it’s programs visit their web site at www.westcoproductions.org.