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WPCNR STREETS OF WHITE PLAINS. February 18, 2007: Christopher Furey, Chief Operating Officer, Another 9, LLC, Tarrytown and Erica L. Martinson, Director of Risk Management Services of The Rollins Agency, Tuckahoe and members of The
The Old Helen Hayes is Born Again as Riverspace Arts in Nyack
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WPCNR STAGE DOOR. February 18, 2007: The Helen Hayes lives again. The old Helen Hayes Theatre Company on the brink of being turned into a CVS last year at this time has its footlights back and is back in business. The theatre has been saved by a grassroots community effort of money and concern and completely different local management which has announced its March events, highlighted by a Master Class for young violnists taught by the acclaimed violinist Mark O’Connor on March 10.
WPCNR is pleased to give Riverspace Arts a helping hand by showing our 10,000 regular daily readers an exclusive look at the Riverspace Arts March events:
March Family Events at Riverspace Arts in Nyack
As of February 15, 2007
Contact: Alice Kriz (845-353-3585)
Sat. March 17, 10am
Milk ‘n Cookies Playhouse
Musicians, jugglers, puppet shows and others will engage, entertain and teach young audience members through live performances. Milk and cookies served! Hosted by the Bossy Frog.
Bubblemania! featuring Casey Carle
Fabulously funny Casey Carle amazes with tricky undulations, manipulations and juggling with bubbles. Effervescent entertainment for all ages!
Tickets $9 adult, $7 seniors/12 & under
Sat. March 24, 10:30am
Saturday Morning Fun Club
A cartoon short and a feature film for the whole family
Come experience two magical worlds. First is the cutting edge computer animated short STICK FIGURES, in which musical instrument’s play themselves. Then the 1971 classic WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. Based on the story by Roald Dahl and starring Gene Wilder, this musical adventure is one of the best children’s films of all time.
Tickets $5
Sun. March 25, 1pm
Family Concert
Tom Chapin & Friends
Presented by Sundance Music
Multiple Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Tom Chapin comes home to Riverspace Arts in Nyack for his annual birthday concert! Accompanied by Jon Cobert and Michael Mark, Tom will present a program of engaging, witty songs from his award-winning family albums. Lend your voice, sing a round, learn a song in sign language and discover the music of a didjeridoo. Tom and the band will dazzle you with their versatility, rich harmonies, full sound, warmth and good humor. See why People magazine calls Tom “a uniquely appealing singer of children’s songs — funny, thoughtful and warm.”
Tickets:
Advance: $15
Day of Show: $18
Sat March 31, 2pm and 7pm
Sun. April 1, 2pm
Amazing Grace CIRCUS!
Amazing Grace CIRCUS!, the Tri-State area’s only year-round circus program performed entirely by youth. The 90-minute show will delight and astound you with jugglers, clowns, acrobats, trapeze artists, tissu dancers, gravity-defying human pyramids and a special guest performance featuring the antics of Dikki Ellis from the Big Apple Circus (and clown consultant of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade). The circus is under the direction of Carlo Pellegrini and Janet Hayes.
Tickets: $12.50 adult, seniors/18 and under $8
MUSIC IN MARCH —
Jazz in the Café at Riverspace
Sunday afternoons from 4pm-7pm
Tickets: $8, participating musicians: $4
March 4
March 11 – Lisa Sokolov, vocals & Cameron Brown, bass
March 18 – Matt Haviland
March 25 – Educational Event led by Mark Patterson featuring students from Nyack HS & other area schools
Sat. March 10, 8pm
Mark O’Connor will perform his Appalachia Waltz Trio
Mark O’Connor, violin; Gillian Gallagher, viola and Mike Block, cello
Acclaimed American composer and virtuoso violinist Mark O’Connor’s Appalachia Waltz Trio breathes new life into the music O’Connor created and performed with Yo-Yo Ma and Edgar Meyer in their Appalachia Waltz and Grammy winning Appalachian Journey projects. Mark O’Connor will be joined by violist Gillian Gallagher and cellist Mike Block to perform fiddle tunes, original compositions, caprices and more in a thoroughly engaging evening O’Connor calls “Crossing Bridges.”
Tickets:
Tickets: $20
Patron Tickets $50 includes premium seating and post-show reception with the artists
Fri. March 23, 8pm
In the Café at Riverspace: Songwriters by the River
To kick off the monthly series highlighting the songwriting talents of local songwriters as well as special guest songwriters. Songwriters by the River will provide a glimpse into the art of the songwriting by showcasing songwriters in performance and conversation in an intimate setting. Co-hosted by local singer-songwriters Joe D’Urso and Andy Krikun.
Tickets: $10
Sun. March 25, 1pm
Family Concert
Tom Chapin & Friends
Presented by Sundance Music
Multiple Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Tom Chapin comes home to Riverspace Arts in Nyack for his annual birthday concert! Accompanied by Jon Cobert and Michael Mark, Tom will present a program of engaging, witty songs from his award-winning family albums. Lend your voice, sing a round, learn a song in sign language and discover the music of a didjeridoo. Tom and the band will dazzle you with their versatility, rich harmonies, full sound, warmth and good humor. See why People magazine calls Tom “a uniquely appealing singer of children’s songs — funny, thoughtful and warm.”
Tickets:
Advance: $15
Day of Show: $18
To purchase tickets:
All tickets available through Riverspace.org, in person at the Riverspace box office, or by calling 866-811-4111
Box office hours
Wed-Fri 4pm-7pm, credit and debit only
Sat. 10am -1pm, all forms of payment
Weather Scoop: The Hawk Is Out. Weather Expected to Produce Arctic #s 2Night
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WPCNR WEATHER SCOOP. FROM NOAA. February 18, 2007: A WEAK CLIPPER SYSTEM…JUST EAST OF LONG ISLAND THIS MORNING…WILL RAPIDLY INTENSIFY AS IT TRACKS NORTHEAST OF CAPE COD THIS AFTERNOON…AND INTO THE CANADIAN MARITIMES TONIGHT. A TIGHT PRESSURE GRADIENT WILL DEVELOP TONIGHT BETWEEN THIS DEPARTING LOW AND HIGH PRESSURE BUILDING IN FROM THE OHIO VALLEY…WITH NORTHWEST WINDS OF 20 TO 25 MPH AND GUSTS TO 40 MPH EXPECTED AFTER MIDNIGHT INTO MONDAY AFTERNOON.
MEANWHILE A STRONG COLD FRONT WILL CROSS THE REGION LATE THIS
AFTERNOON…USHERING AN ARCTIC AIRMASS INTO THE REGION FOR TONIGHT INTO MONDAY. TEMPERATURES IN THE WAKE OF THE COLD FRONT WILL DROP THROUGH THE 20S THIS EVENING AND INTO THE LOWER TO MID TEENS BY MONDAY MORNING.
THE BITTERLY COLD TEMPERATURES…ALONG WITH STRONG NORTHWEST
WINDS…WILL PRODUCE WIND CHILL VALUES FROM FIVE TO TEN DEGREES
BELOW ZERO LATE TONIGHT THROUGH THE MONDAY MORNING COMMUTE.
EXPOSURE TO COLD CAN CAUSE LIFE THREATENING HEALTH CONDITIONS.
AVOID SERIOUS CONDITIONS SUCH AS FROSTBITE AND HYPOTHERMIA BY
KEEPING WARM. IF YOU MUST GO OUTSIDE…WEAR LAYERED CLOTHING…
MITTENS OR GLOVES…AND A HAT. IF YOU OR A PERSON YOU SUSPECT IS SUFFERING FROM FROSTBITE OR HYPOTHERMIA…SEEK MEDICAL HELP
IMMEDIATELY OR CALL 911.
THIS WEATHER SYSTEM WILL ALSO PRODUCE SCATTERED SNOW SHOWERS ACROSS THE AREA FROM THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH THE EARLY PART OF TONIGHT.
THE COMBINATION OF WINDS AND SNOWFALL MAY CREATE LOCALLY POOR
VISIBILITIES AND ICY ROAD CONDITIONS. THE SNOW SHOWERS WILL NOT OCCUR IN ALL AREAS SO PLEASE BE WARY FOR CHANGING TRAVEL CONDITIONS.
STAY TUNED TO NOAA ALL HAZARDS WEATHER RADIO OR VISIT OUR WEB
SITE AT WEATHER.GOV/NYC FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND UPDATES.
Bob Hyland — Sports Page Impresario — Grand Marshall of St. Patrick’s Day Para
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WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. February 18, 2007: The White Plains St Patrick’s day Parade committee is happy to announce that the 10th annual White Plains St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on Saturday, March 10th at 12 noon on Mamaroneck Avenue & Main Street White Plains NY. A solemn mass will be held before the parade at Our Lady of Sorrows Church at 9:00 AM in White Plains.
Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, 2002. Photo, WPCNR News Archive.
Parade Grand Marshal will be Bob Hyland. Bob, a life long White Plains resident, has been a active member of the community and has been honored with induction to the Westchester County Hall of Fame, Stepinac Hall of Fame, the CHSAA Hall of Fame as well as the Boston College Hall of Fame.
Bob graduated from Stepinac High School in 1963, he accepted a full scholarship to Boston college to continue his education and football career. Bob was named All American his senior year and drafted #1 by the Green Bay Packers. Bob’s professional career spanned eleven seasons in the NFL [Packers , Bears, Giants, Patriots & Raiders] which included being the center on the champion Packers in Super Bowl II. Bob has been married to his loving wife Liz [O’Brien] since 1975 and has four wonderful children [Michael, Dennis, Kevin & Christine].
Bob also has enjoyed a long career in the restaurant business in White Plains. He has owned the Single Wing & the Sports Page Pub for over 30 years. Bob also is a Special Agent for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company.
The Parade committee will have it’s annual Installation of our Grand Marshal on Monday February 26th 2007 at Vintage Restaurant in White Plains at 6:30 PM.
The Aides to this year’s Grand Marshal are: Ann Bernstein, William Cuddy Jr., Austin Cunney, Mary Damico, Hon. Jo Falcone, and Chief Richard Lyman – WPFD. The WP Parade is co sponsored by the City of White Plains, WP BID, Heineken USA, Post Road entertainment & AOH Division 17
George Washington: The Peerless Leader
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WPCNR NEWS & COMMENT. By John F. Bailey. February 17, 2007: It is the birthday of our first President, George Washington, the father of our nation, coming up this Thursday. One cannot help be reminded of the snowy winter at Valley Forge, when the bedraggled, poorly equipped rebel army suffered but held together, and attacked the Hessians in Trenton on Christmas Eve, 1776, crossing the Delaware River at night. What kind of man was he that George Washington could inspire his troops against all odds?
Washington was a man of tremendous character. Where did he get this character? He specialized in self-control at an early age.
Reenacters Marching to Raise Old Glory at Purdy House in Honor of George Washington’s Birthday. Photo, 2003 WPCNR News Archive.
According to The American President, Washington, at sixteen, had formed a code of conduct. He had written a book of etiquette with 110 “maxims” to guide his conduct in matters. In this etiquette book he had written, Every action done in company ought to be done with a sign of respect to those who are not present. Sleep not when others speak; sit not whwn others stand; speak not when you should hold your peace; walk not when others stop;…Let your countenance be pleasant but in serious matters somewhat grave…Undertake not what you cannot perform but be careful to keep your promise.
According to the character sketch provided by the authors of The American President, this personal “rulebook” was a book that Washington wrote over the years and referred to it often, “for self-control, to avoid temptation, to elude greed, to control his temper. Reputation was everything to him. It had to do with his strength, his size, his courage, his horsemanship, his precise dress, his thorough mind, his manners, his compassion. He protected that reputation at any cost.”
Honor Guard Strikes the Colors to a Drum Roll. Photo, WPCNR News.
Earning respect by example. Quelling rebellion with a few words.
Washington inspired by example. He lived with his troops. He shared hardships with them, and so much was there respect for him that he was able to talk them out of armed rebellion at the end of the American Revolution. Washington had been asked by the army to join them to over throw the Continental Congress, and make himself King.
Washington had been asked by one of the officers of the rebels to join them, and he wrote them,
You could not have found a person to whom your schemes are more disagreeable. Banish these thoughts from your mind.
Hearing that the rebels who were planning insurrection against the new country due to not having been paid by the Continental Congress, Washington rode to Newburgh, New York, on March 15, 1783, to meet with the dissident insurgents. Washington spoke to the rebellious group, saying,
“Gentlemen, as I was among the first who embarked in the cause of our common Country; as I never left your side one moment, but when called from you on public duty; as I have been the constant companion and witness of your Distresses…it can scarcely be supposed …that I am indifferent to your interests. But…this dreadful alternative, of either deserting our Country in the extremest hour of her distress, or turning our Arms against it…has something so shocking in it that humanity revolts from the idea…I spurn it, as every Man who regards liberty…undoubtedly must.”
The would-be rebels fell silent, digesting what he had said. Then Washington withdrew a letter from Congress, but could not read the text, withdrawing some eyeglasses from his tunic, remarking,
“Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country.”
The men present were reported to have tears in their eyes at this gesture of Washington’s and abandoned their plot out of respect for their leader.
Washington retired from the military, surprising the entire new country. His action surprised King George III of England, who was astonished that Washington had refused to hold on to his military authority and use it for political or financial gain. The defeated King of England, remarked, “If true, then he is the greatest man in the world.”
Members of Common Council: Tom Roach, Rita Malmud, Benjamin Boykin and Glen Hockley, (center of Picture) and observers of the ceremony salute the Colors. Photo, WPCNR News.
Seeker of Diverse Views
As President, George Washington invented the Presidential Cabinet, whom he referred to as “the first Characters,” persons who possessed the best reputations in fields and areas of the jobs he was filling. Washington said on political appointments, “My political conduct and nominations must be exceedingly circumspect. No slip into partiality will pass unnoticed…”
Washington tolerated the relentless clashes between Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State, and Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, but lectured them on the necessity for tolerance and moving beyond partisanship: “I believe the view of both of you are pure, and well meant. Why then, when some of the best Citizens in the United States, Men…who have no sinister view to promote, are to be found, some on one side, some on the other…should either of you be so tenacious of your opinions as to make no allowances for those of the other? I have great esteem for you both, and ardently wish that some line could be marked out by which both of you could walk.”
The Constitution Should be Protected
When George Washington left office after two terms, he made a farewell address which warned future generations of Americans about foreign entanglements and partisanship in the republic:
I shall carry to my grave the hope that your Union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the Constitution may be sacredly maintained; and that free government…the ever favorite object of my heart…will be the happy reward of our mutual cares, labors and dangers.”
Washington died in 1800, three years after leaving office in 1797. He was saluted on the floor of congress as being “First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen.”
The Jacob Purdy House where George Washington planned strategy at the Battle of White Plains, was scene of a gathering in honor of President Washington Sunday, hosted by the White Plains Historical Society. Photo, WPCNR News.
Note: The American President By Philip B. Kunhardt, Jr., Philip B. Kunhardt III, and Peter W. Kunhardt (Riverhead Books. Penguin-Putnam, Inc.,1999) is the source for this information on George Washington.
This article originally appeared in The CitizeNetReporter in 2003.
Fort Hill Stages Brit Comedy Farce, RUN FOR YOUR WIFE in MARCH
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WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From Fort Hill Players. February 17, 2007: Once upon a time, driving a taxi in merry old London, there was John. A loveable chap with an adoring wife. And practically right next door to John and his wife lived, well, John’s other wife.
The day John ends up in the wrong flat, his cab rides between secret marriages stop short. And you’ll be in the front seat, laughing every minute as you watch this wily cabbie pay his fare.
“Run For Your Wife” is some of the best of British comedy, right here at home— and presented by Fort Hill Players. Forget the ‘tellie’ for a night. Run for Your Ticket. You’ll be glad you did. Two weekends only.
Performances: March 16, 17, 23, 24 at 8 pm March 17 at 2 pm Rochambeau School Theater – 228 Fisher Ave., White Plains Free parking, Accessible Tickets: $15, Seniors/Students $12, Group rates available. Box Office: 914-309-7278 Online purchase: FortHillPlayers.com (beginning February 2007)
Aircraft Cannot Refuel at Westchester Airport. Delays Result.
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WPCNR THE TRAVEL SCOOP. By John F. Bailey. February 16, 2007 UPDATED 4:40 PM EST: Most air traffic out of Westchester County Airport is being delayed due to refueling problems, reports a WPCNR observer at Westchester County Terminal.
Susan Tolchin, Assistant to the Westchester County Executive and Director of Communications reports to WPCNR the problem is due to fuel trucks being delayed and unable to deliver fuel to the airport due to the weather over the last few days. She said the airlines all use the same vendor.
Ms. Tolchin reports that the airport expects to return to normal “within a couple of hours.”
One passenger reports passengers arriving for flights out of Westchester are not being allowed to board because aircraft cannot refuel. Persons expecting to depart should be advised to check with their air carrier. WPCNR has been advised that all Air Tran flights have been cancelled.
To illustrate the problem, our correspondent says that an announcement just made told passengers waiting to board a US Airways airliner to Washington, D.C. that the aircraft has enough fuel to make it to Stewart airport, take on fuel there and head on to Washington or passengers can wait until the next flight out which is in three days.. Something to do with the fuel trucks, our correspondent reports. WPCNR is attempting to get more information.
The correspondent reports the terminal is crowded and “a madhouse, people camped out on the floor.”
Con Edison Details Its Plans for Future for Greenburgh to Prevent Outages.
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WPCNR THE FEINER REPORT. By Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner. February 16, 2007: On Thursday evening I sponsored a community meeting in Edgemont with representatives of Con Ed and residents who experienced a number of power outages last year. The meeting was very informative.
Con Ed promises an aggressive plan to reduce the potential for massive outages. $107 million in infrastructure enhancements will take place. Among initiatives: infra-red inspections…analyzing transformers…replacement of wires…replacing transfer stations…building a new Elmsford substation…underground feeder distribution improvements…more tree trimming.
The tree trimming initiative is designed to open up more space between branches and power lines. The tree trimming should reduce the number of power outages — although it won’t prevent them. Residents will be notified before the tree trimming initiative takes place in their neighborhood. The program is scheduled to begin in Greenburgh around the 2nd half of this year.
Con Ed studied the reasons why there were so many outages on Edgemont streets and provided residents with an analysis.
Con Ed is also studying the costs, benefits and negatives of placing power lines underground. The company indicated that they hired 1,300 new employees in 2006. More hiring will take place.
I hope that these proactive measures will reduce the potential for major power outa
ges in the future.
Con Ed representatives who participated in the meeting indicated that many of the trees that fell were planted in the 1930s. These trees have a life span of about 70 years. The insides of the trees that fell were rotten.
Some additional bits of information: 8.47% of the outages were caused by animals: squirrels jumping on a transformer, for example, causing an outage. 1.50% were caused by lightning strikes. 1.07% of the outages were caused by traffic accidents.
If your neighborhood would like me to organize a similar meeting, please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
Action Committees Next in School Planning. Priorities Not Disclosed
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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS by John F. Bailey. February 16, 2007: The Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors in a statement said that the Strategic Plan Core Planning Committee had had a successful three day conference last week, and now the process would begin to develop Action Committees of citizens to define the actions needed to implement the 5 Strategies created by the Core Planning Committee at the Crowne Plaza Hotel “retreat” last week.
Connors said the process was expected to be completed by November when the 10 Year Strategic Plan would be presented to the Board of Education. He made the remarks at the Board of Education meeting Monday night. Photo, WPCNR News
There was no statement on the directions the Strategic Plan is going to take, and what issues they considered the district had to address. There was no indication, for example, whether the Core Planners considered budget containment, administration structure, new building possibilities, demographic shifts, adding bilingual teachers, reaching out to obtain corporation financial support were to be pursued, just a few of potential directions a school district with a budget rising twice the rate of inflation yearly with an eroding assessment role might address.
Peter Bassano, Board member made a statement saying the Core Planning Group had identified 5 Strategies “which define the priorities of the planning process that will be addressed by the action Planning Teams.” What the priorities and objectives are was not announced by Mr. Bassano, either.
Bassano a member of the committee announced the 5 Strategies were
1. Curriculum and Programs;
2. Communications;
3. District Resources (including finances, infrastructure, personnel);
4. Developing leadership, and
5. Commitment to Implementation of the plan.
Bassano assured the public there was a great deal of controversy during the three days with the “Core Planning 30:”
“Some of the comments we received from the community echoed my own initial skepticism. As the action teams are formed and begin the detailed planning work, I hope some of these community members will take an active part in the process.”
The board member told the audience “This first phase was not easy. Difficult and occasionally uncomfortable issues were open aired in a bold and constructive manner. The process was not a self-congratulatory, “feel good” exercise.”
He said that the experience was a very good one that they left with a very positive feeling about the district.
Bassano told the CitizeNetReporter that persons wishing to be on the Action Teams being formed to construct strategies to implement the undisclosed priorities should contact the Superintendent’s office, 422-2019.
Three parents, Sheryl Brady, Charlie Norris and Jerry Rosen members of the Core Planning Committee addressed the meeting saying what a great experience it was, and how participation of the students on the committee, Randy Patterson, Ana Montoya and Victor Brady made all so proud of the school district that the students were able to bring so much to the table
Mr. Rosen, one of those parents told WPCNR on leaving the meeting that no specific objectives had been set by the five Strategies. He said no problems or situations had been identified by the Core Planners either, and he said setting objectives to achieve the “Strategies” was up to the Action Committees.
Public will be informed.
Superintendent Connors said that once the Action Committees had set policies to achieve the “priorities” (whatever they may be), he would be glad to explain them and a report would be available to the community. There was no timetable set for the Action Committees to report.
Another committee that will be formed would be an Evaluation Committee to report on how successful the actions of the “Action Plans” were being executed. The Superintendent is picking the members of the Action Committees.
Bassano, in his remarks said, “We have already gotten constructive input from a broad cross section of our community, ranging from parents, educators, representatives from our City government and community members, even from a former mayor and former school superintendent. Going forward, we are gong to take advantage of these community assets as we put together the action teams who will work over the next several months to gather and analyze data and develop specific plans of action to recommend to the Board.”
The Superintendent of Schools reported that he would bring the district up to date on the Stadium renovation (a $9.5 Million expenditure), and the Post Road School project (a $39 Million expenditure), part of the $69.6 Million project on Monday, February 26 at the next Board of Education Meeting.
Peter Bassano mentioned that the architect, Kaeyer, Garment & Davidson had already met with the
Connors told WPCNR that final design plans had not been sent to the State Education Department for approval, and did not expect the plans would go to
No mention of Court Order and Settlement of WPHS Renovation Court Case
Connors did not make any public mention of the status of the Court Order that Judge Charles Brieant of the U.S. District Court of the Southern District handed down to the district January 25. Judge Brieant found, in a non-jury trial, that the district owes Travelers Casualty and Surety Company approximately $2 Million in fees and services stemming from the high school renovation. The Judge also found the architect as having engaged in constructive fraud on the White Plains High School renovation project which Kaeyer, Garment & Davidson, the architect on the new Capital Project oversaw.
Minor Cert & Transportation Contract Settled.
On other matters – Assistant Superintendent for Business Fred Seiler said that the White Plains Mall was approved to receive a $101,501.35 certiorari payment. Seiler also reported the district had reached a five year contract with the White Plains Bus Company for transportation services for the district which will be pegged to the rate of yearly inflation, estimated to be about 3.2% for each of the next five years (through 2012).
Cappelli Seeks to Build Rentals on top floor of City Center Garage.
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WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. By John F. Bailey.
Cozy Drive-Ups: Top Floor of the City Center Parking Garage, Trump Tower at City Center looming at the left. The floor houses the New York Sports Club (lit windows in background), which will remain. Cappelli Enterprises seeks a site plan amendment to add 23 Rental Apartments to the structure. The configuration has not been made public yet, but may be introduced Friday morning. The scene here is the White Plains Hospital Center gala in September of 2005. Photo, WPCNR News Archive.
Mr. Berg previewed the idea for The CitizeNetReporter Thursday evening, explaining that they had originally planned to put in retail there in the form of The Fountain Spa. “That deal fell through,” Berg said, and now they want to amend the site plan for the garage to allow 23 rental apartments. Berg did not indicate what the rental rates would be.
Sources contacted by WPCNR this evening observed that the new rental apartments could, should the Cappelli organization choose, be converted into affordable housing fulfilling the 24-units required of the 221 Main Street Ritz-Carlton as a condition of receipt of its Certificate of Occupancy, should for any reason The Pinnacle Project not be built, thus enabling the Cappelli Organization to step in and meet its affordable housing commitment on the 221 Main Ritz-Carlton Westchester project, scheduled to open in seven months.
Delay in The Pinnacle financing for its 52 units of affordable housing on Main Street convinced the Council to grant Ginsburg Development Corporation an extenstion until April to execute a Guarantee that they would build the 52 units, 24 of which were to satisfy Mr. Cappelli’s obligation to provide 24 affordable units as condition of receiving his Certificate of Occupancy of the Ritz-Carlton.
At that Common Council meeting, Corporation Counsel Edward Dunphy noted to Ms. Malmud the following observation that the “likelihood” of the Pinnacle affordable housing being built by “late 2007”, the time when 221
Councilperson Malmud asked what would happen if the Pinnacle failed to cobble together its financing by April. Dunphy said the responsibility for the Cappelli portion of the affordable units would revert back to Mr. Cappelli. Where Mr. Cappelli would build that affordable housing was not conjectured by Mr. Dunphy.
Malmud said at the time she would do “everything in her power to withhold the certificate of occupancy from Mr. Cappelli until his “share” of the affordable housing was built.
Dunphy suggested to Ms. Malmud that short of that stance, the council could withhold Certificate of Occupancy from the second tower, as means of enforcing the affordable housing piece.