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The Super Developer Leases Ground Floor of Bar Building To Posh It Up.

Posted on September 20, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. By John F. Bailey. September 20, 2004: Louis Cappelli confirmed to WPCNR today he has leased the street level floor of the Bar Building for 15 years, including frontage of the Bar Building, 199 Main Street, from its owners, Frank and Anthony Longhitano.

Meeting of the Minds on the Ground Floor: Cappelli told WPCNR Monday he made the lease agreement with the Longhitanos so he could control the ambience of first floor, and “control” the look of the store frontage adjacent to his hotel/condominium complex he is developing one doorway down. Entrance to the historic former headquarters of the Westchester Bar Association is at the far right. Photo by WPCNR News

The existence of the agreement came to light when LC Main LLC, Mr. Cappelli’s corporation developing the hotel/condominium (221 Main Street), filed Registered Agreement # 442460483 with the County Clerk’s office September 2 officially giving notice of an agreement with 199 Main Street Realty Corporation, the owners of the Bar Building.

LOUIS CAPPELLI pausing to answer questions from Reporters from Kids Xpress from the Slater Center at his most recent public appearance, the opening of Zanero’s, August 16. Photo by WPCNR News

Monday, Mr. Cappelli explained to The CitizeNetReporter what that agreement was. It signals the start of a new relationship between “The Superdeveloper” and Anthony Longhitano. Asked if this indicated a “thawing” of the relationship with the Longhitanos, Mr. Cappelli said, “He’s a great guy. It’s just busness. You can’t argue with a man who bests you in business.”

A Meeting of the Minds

Mr. Longhitano had held out from selling the Bar Building to Mr. Cappelli, and in an effort to protect his building from possible use of eminent domain proceedings by the City of White Plains, sought and received New York State Office of Historical Preservation designation as an historic building. Longhitano has steadfastly maintained the building was not for sale. However, he had never ruled out the possibility of a lease.

Cappelli said he has leased the space for $100,000 a year from the Longhitanos for the 1,900 square foot space, approximately $50 a square foot. Asked if he had a lease with an option to purchase, Cappelli said it was a lease deal, and that the Longhitanos would continue to own and rent the upper 19 floors.

Longhitano & Cappelli?

The SuperDeveloper said he and his company is currently in discussions with Mr. Longhitano on the details of refurbishing the existing South and West exteriors of the Bar Building, which Cappelli said would include removal of the window air conditioners and cleaning up the façade. Cappelli said the rear wall of the Bar Building will be fitted with a mirrored glass façade to harmonize with Mr. Cappelli’s glass architecture planned for his hotel fronting on Court Street. No work would be done on the East wall of the Bar Building, Cappelli said because that would abut his hotel and not be visible.

Asked if he planned to lease or buy the rest of the building, Cappelli said that would continue to be owned by Mr. Longhitano, and tenants of that space would be paying their rent to Mr. Longhitano.

Demolition of Main Street Derelicts to Begin within “A few weeks.”

Cappelli said he was awaiting the Department of Housing and Urban Development to approve him as the “designated developer” of the urban renewal portion of the 221 property and after that approval, demolition would begin.

Present Tenants on Ground Floor Will Not Remain.

Mr. Cappelli said he would begin negotiating with the present tenants of the first floor of the Bar Building, including a Subway Sandwich shop, a telephone store and a third leased space would be negotiated with to buy out their leases. The owner of one of those stores confirmed to another tenant of the building, who asked their name not be mentioned, that they have been advised by letter to pay their rents to LC Main LLC, Mr. Cappelli’s company.

A letter to this effect had been apparently been delivered to a tenant of the Bar Building on the seventh floor, leading WPCNR to check with the County Clerk’s office to see if Mr. Cappelli and Mr. Longhitano had been collaborating. Three other tenants in the upper reaches of the Bar Building have told WPCNR they have received no such letter advising them that Cappelli was now their landlord.

Trump Tower at City Center Marketing Showcase to Open Friday.

Mr. Cappelli said he was on target to open the sprawling Trump Tower at City Center sales office Friday next to Grace Church, after converting a portion of the 221 Main building. He said he has 480 private inquiries into the availability of the the TTCC condominiums in the South tower of the City Center.

Opening Friday for Private Clients by Appointment Only: The Trump Tower at City Center Showcase on Main Street. Photo by WPCNR News

“This (level) of interest is unheard-of,” Cappelli said, and speculated that he expected to sell out the South Tower “very quickly.”

Predicts Bar Building Cache Will Be Enhanced.

Asked what effect the interest in the City Center and hotel condomiums would do for the value of office space in the Bar Building, Cappelli said he expected rentals in the Bar Building to go up 30% or more. The Bar Building currently rents in the $18 per square foot range, and Cappelli predicts that after his hotel opens, office space in the Bar would rise into the “high $20s per square foot.”

More Cappelli News – Ginsberg Deal Off.

In a free-ranging discussion, Mr. Cappelli brought WPCNR up-to-date on East Main Street developments.

He said, he would contest the plans of A. J. Rotundi and Martin Ginsberg to build a 28-story apartment complex on top of the former A & P building adjacent to the City Center, because he said the building would obscure the Westward view of the City Center.

“Unfortunately the (any new 28-story) building just blocks the view. In my building you’d see him, in his building, they’d see me. It would look horrible. We were actually going to do a deal with him, (selling the Corner Nook-Citibank-Main Street Book Store property owned by Mr. Cappelli), and let him do the building,” Cappelli said. But then he said, he had been admiring the view of the City Center Trump and City Center One citadels driving in on I-287 West, and he revised his thinking:

“But, after seeing that (the view from the eastern approach to the city) in the last week or so, we decided we’re not going to do it. Because I think low rise needs to be on that site. I have the highest regard for Marty Ginsberg and his company. They’re one of the top developers in the county. Unfortunately, I think we’re going to have a bit of a difference of opinion. ”

Cappelli said he did not expect Mr. Ginsberg and Mr. Rotundi to sell their property to him. “I think it’s just an issue of lawsuits filed back and forth. They’re trying to get control of the property I already own.”

Sees New Lowrise building on Corner Nook Site.

ATLANTA BREAD FACTORY READIES OPENING ON MAIN STREET at City Center. Photo by WPCNR News.

He said in view of the imminent opening of Atlanta Bread Factory, and the café in Barnes and Noble, that the Corner Nook was going to see increased competition. He said he would begin discussions with them soon to make them a settlement to leave the block. Asked what he planned for the block, which is adjacent to the entrance to City Center, Cappelli, said he planned a low-rise building with retail on street level, featuring another café “to activate the Center on both sides (of City Place.”

TRUMP TOWER AT CITY CENTER RISING. Mr. Cappelli plans a low-rise building with posh retail and a cafe to round off the City Place plaza, foreground to rise in the location at lower left of complex, where The Corner Nook cafe now does business. Building rising behind the traffic light is the City Center Garage. Photo by WPCNR News

Lining the Sewer to Begin in 7 days.

Cappelli announced American Water Systems would begin lining the Main Street Sewer next week.

Lutz, Oppenheimer, Torre– Crusaders Against Domestic Violence — to be Honored

Posted on September 20, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR WHITE PLAINS LAW JOURNAL. From Pace University. September 20, 2004 (Edited): The Women’s Justice Center (WJC) of Pace University School of Law will honor its former director Victoria L. Lutz, Esq., New York State Senator, Suzi Oppenheimer, and Cristina Torre, of the Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation at “A Celebration of Justice for Women,” the Center’s annual benefit dinner, to be held at Abigail Kirsch at Tappan Hill in Tarrytown on Wednesday, October 6, 2004.

“In the United States a woman is battered by a man – usually an intimate partner—every 15 seconds, raped every two minutes, and murdered by a spouse or boyfriend every six hours,” said Pace Women’s Justice Center Executive Director Susan L. Pollet, Esq. “We have become a national leader in addressing these problems and need financial support to build on our successes.”

The evening’s honorees reflect a range of approaches from legal advocacy and service to legislation to education.

Victoria L. Lutz, Esq., is now Executive Director of the Crossroads Safehouse in Fort Collins, Colorado. As Executive Director of the Pace Women’s Justice Center for twelve years, she provided the guidance and vision for the Center to grow from 1 1/3 staff members to a staff of over twenty.

A former prosecutor with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office and former Adjunct Professor at the Pace University School of Law, Ms. Lutz has created and conducted gender violence training programs for prosecutors, civil and criminal defense attorneys, judges, law enforcement personnel, advocates and other members of the community-response network since 1994.

Her training sessions have taken her from Congressional and New York State hearings to more than half of the 50 U.S. states and Tanzania. Her publications span books, law reviews and journals. Ms. Lutz will receive the “Creative Vision for Women’s Justice Award” for being the “visionary who continues to inspire us all in the fight against violence against women.”

For her dedicated work in the New York State Legislature on behalf of women and children’s issues, the Hon. Suzi Oppenheimer will accept the “Diane White Legal Advocacy Award.”

Senator Oppenheimer chairs the Senate Democratic Task Force on Women’s Issues and has remained a strong proponent of domestic violence legislation. Over the years, Senator Oppenheimer has initiated a variety of legislative grants for victims of domestic violence and made possible projects addressing domestic violence. Several recent projects include a dating violence video in conjunction with My Sister’s Place and the Junior League of Central Westchester, a video on Children and the Effects of Domestic Violence with the Pace Women’s Justice Center, and Victims Assistance Services projects.

Cristina L. Torre, of the Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation has dedicated herself to the prevention of domestic violence. A former Head Directress and educator in Montessori schools, Ms. Torre and the Joe Torre Foundation embody the ideal that every child has the right to be safe at home. The thrust of the Foundation is education aimed at breaking the cycle of domestic violence. Ms. Torre’s goal is to use education to eliminate the pain of abuse. Her work as an educator and through the Joe Torre Foundation is why Ms. Torre will receive the “Gail Katz Memorial Award.” (Gail Katz was murdered by her abusive husband almost twenty years ago. He was convicted in the year 2000.)

Before the dinner, the Silent Auction in the Pavilion Promenade will offer more than 100 donated items, including a stay at a beautiful country bed and breakfast, stays at a variety of four-star hotels, spa treatments, jewelry, private figure skating lessons, dinners for two at many popular Westchester restaurants, and enough tickets to sports events and signed sports memorabilia to keep attendees’ favorite sports fans happy for an entire year.

Proceeds from the dinner and silent auction support the Women’s Justice Center, a non-profit organization that annually conducts trainings for thousands of judges, law enforcement officers, attorneys, and law students.

The WJC has pioneered the 24/7 division of legal services to battered women by partnering with police departments and hospitals, so that victims of domestic violence can receive legal services when they need them most, even at 2 o’clock in the morning. Each year the WJC provides direct representation to more than 1,500 victims of domestic violence and their children.

Annually, the WJC conducts more than 100 domestic violence, elder abuse, sexual assaults, and other training programs. It also has produced public service announcements for the Violence Against Women’s Office of the federal government concerning domestic violence, written judicial training manuals, and published many articles on gender violence. Its help lines address over 1,200 calls per year.

Tables are available from $1500 to $100,000. Individual tickets are $150-$1,000. For reservations or more information about the dinner, please contact Helene Norton-Russell at (914) 422-4069.

Moviegoer Critiques Automatic Seating at City Center Cinema De Lux

Posted on September 20, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCREEN GEMS. WHITE PLAINS VOICE. September 20, 2004: Saturday was definitely a movie day, and a moviergoer relates his experience taking his daughter to the City Center De Lux, finding the consumer at somewhat of a disadvantage:
I took my 19 year old daughter, home from college for the weekend, to
the movies the other day. Without checking any times, we arrived early for
a 9:20P showing of Sky Captain. Seeing a long line at the register we went
to the machines on the opposing wall nearer the piano. Paying 24- for (2)
movie tickets is a little steep I’ll admit, but after all it
would be in the “directors hall”. We went to a restaurant on Mamaroneck Ave
for dinner and came back in plenty of time to see our chosen flik.

I must say, the directors hall is no big whoop. I mean I paid extra for
us to sit in this “special room” with what seemed like fake leather seating
with identical paper murals of San Francisco bay on each side of the room
and then had to sit according to our assigned seating while only two other
people were in the theatre.(three rows up from Center aisle and the extreme
left)

When you buy from the machines it doesn’t ask where in the hall you’d
like to sit based on the still available seating, apparently the machine
seems to give you what IT thinks is next. Maybe there’s a little more to it
than that because after all, we weren’t in the first row looking up but
based on the time the tickets around, where we would have chosen to be had
we been asked, were sold (ours were bought 2 hours before show time), the
two tickets we got were (sort of) arbitrary.

We waited for the show to start and just moved in on the many still
unfilled seats in the middle of the house in our aisle plopped down for a
good old fashioned adventure. Except for the woman seated near me who seemed
to have missed the part about suspending disbelief at the door and couldn’t
help herself from reminding the theater goers around her that she wasn’t
fooled or her male partner, we actually had a good time in spite of the
price gouging, the inappropriate seat assignments or some theater goers
incapable of shutting up.

Had I gone to the real live person with the long line, they would have
asked, of the still available seats, which seats did I want for 24 dollars
at 9:20P show. Being that a corporation is saving on personnel in this
exchange the machine purchase (with the arbitrary seating) should be less
expensive then with a real person at the register or be giving the same
options as the real person.

Movie theater goer

City to Honor Jerome Robinson by Putting His Name on Ferris Avenue

Posted on September 20, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR STREETS OF WHITE PLAINS. September 20, 2004: The city will officially rename Ferris Avenue for the friend of the city’s youth, the founder of the Jerome Robinson Drum & Bugle Corps, Graduate of White Plains High School, Jerome “Bump” Robinson, who died last spring unexpectedly. The ceremony will take place October 2 at noon on of course, Ferris Avenue, and be preceded on September 30 by a recognition and thank you dinner at 7 in the Community Room at Madison House, site of much of Mr. Robinson’s work.

JEROME BUMP ROBINSON REMEMBERED WITH A STREET WITH HIS NAME. Mr. Robinson was unofficially known as “The Mayor of Ferris Avenue.” Photograph from Thomas Slater Center.

The honor was announced Sunday evening by Ron Jackson, longtime community advocate, who has steadfastly supported creating a permanent memorial to Mr. Robinson who promoted youth self-esteem and steered them toward achievement through sports, music, and a charismatic rapport with the city’s youth for three decades. Through Mr. Jackson’s discussions with city councilmen, the Mayor’s Office, and community leaders who worked with Mr. Robinson, the memorializing of “Bump,” as he was nicknamed will become reality.

Former Larchmont Mayor Appointed County Planning Board Head

Posted on September 19, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Westchester County Department of Communications. September 19, 2004: County Executive Andy Spano has recognized the local government expertise of Cheryl Winter Lewy, the former mayor of Larchmont, by appointing her the chair of the Westchester County Planning Board.

Spano said, “To guide the future of Westchester County, we need a Planning Board chair with first-hand knowledge of how a municipality works — financially, physically and even politically. Cheryl served 10 years as mayor of Larchmont. She’s been on the Planning Board since last year and we’ve already benefited from her experience, energy and enthusiasm for public service. I’m confident that her leadership skills will serve the county well.”

Planning Commissioner Jerry Mulligan also praised the selection, saying, “In the time she has been on the Planning Board, Cheryl has worked closely with staff and local officials on a number of land use, housing and environmental issues. We have all been impressed with her abilities, interpersonal skills and her insights into planning issues. Cheryl has already led the way for the board to focus on urban design issues through formation of a committee focusing on county design policies and standards, and the role of architectural, design and historic review boards.”

Said Lewy, “I am honored and excited to be selected by the County Executive for this important role. I look forward to working with the other 11 members of the Planning Board and the Planning Department staff to continue the strong tradition of regional planning for which the board and the department are well known. My background in municipal government and my involvement in land use issues at the local and regional level have

NewRo Rocks Tigers, 35-0, in Display of Finesse, Power, Speed, Crunch and CLASS.

Posted on September 18, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR PRESS BOX. By John F. Bailey. September 18, 2004: New Rochelle, the New York State Class AA Champions, put on a clinic Saturday afternoon at Parker Stadium and showed their championship calibre. Scoring on the first play from scrimmage, on a routine countertrap to Ray Rice, who slipped a tackle in the linebacker zone, and lit out cross field and DOWN the sideline for a 65 yard touchdown run, NewRo was off! That was after Rice had returned the opening kickoff 32 yards.

After a New Rochelle fumble on a Pablo Siaba punt away, White Plains had a chance to answer the Rice shocker, but fumbled it back on their first play to give NewRo another great field position on the Tiger 48. Then the big and fast Huguenot line got busy, clearing away the interference on play-after-play. They went 48-in-6 with Rice scoring his second touchdown running right up the middle romping 20 yards to make it 14-0 five minutes into the game.

On the ensuing kickoff, the Tiger return man muffed the catch and a white shirt fell on it to give the Tall Fast Huge ones a first down on the Tiger 20. QB Geoff McDermott passed to David Richards for 19 yards to the 1, and McDermott took it on around the right end for the third and Tiger taming touchdown within six minutes it was 21-0. The score was 35-0 at halftime. New Rochelle moved to 3-0, and looking good, while the Tigers suffered their first loss of the season and stand 2-1.

NewRo Turns Turnover Around. McDermott rounds the corner, inside the fonton for a 20-0 lead in first 4 minutes: Geoff McDermott strings them out and gets into the endzone for the Tiger tamer, NewRo’s third touchdown. Photo by WPCNR Sports

Getting Ugly Early

This one got ugly early, folks. On the first play from scrimmage. After Mr. Rice took the Tiger kickoff and bounced, bulled, slithered and weaved through 9 of 11 Tigers, getting caught at the NewRo 45, he got the first handoff. QB Geoff McDermott faked handing off to the halfback coming across to the near sideline, while Ray Rice came back the other way.

The Tigers bought it, but still when Rice breached the line there was a Tiger to wrap his paws around Rice, wrapping him around the thighs. That did not stop the Riceman. Rice looked like he was stopped for a modest 3 yard gain. But, No! He bulled his way out of the tackle! Rice continued on the slant to the wide open far side, 15 yards, 20 yards, and no one was going to get him, the Tiger defense having swung right and in hot pursuit. Rice made it to the end zone the whole 65 yards.

“Oh, well, we just have to come back.”

That’s what the grandstand quarterbacks were saying. The Tigers three running plays, two with Mike Lane carrying, and one with Paul Scotman, ended up with a punt by Siaba. Pablo, standing on his goal line got a 42-yard punt to the 48 where the New Rochelle return man muffed the catch, and White Plains recovered for a first down on their 48. It looked like the Tigers were back in business.

PABLO PUNTS OUT OF TROUBLE (top photo) Justin McGhee fumbles the catch at the Tiger 45, and Mike Lee (23) recovers it, getting Tigers out of trouble momentarily. But it was fool’s gold. A fumble on the first play gave it back. Photos by WPCNR Sports

But, no. On the first play Mike Lane burst through the line picked up 3 yards and had the ball stripped, and NewRo recovered. Once again New Rochelle had the ball.

Moving it.

After a 10 yard gain by Justin McGhee to the 35, McDermott threw to Rice in the right flat behind the line of scrimmage and Rice got a first down at the Tiger 20. Justin Johnson carried for 4 to the 16, and then to the 14. After McDermoot was thrown for a loss back to the 20, Rice dashed 20 yards around left end, slipping a tackle at the 10, and into the endzone he went for the second touchdown, 13-0 it was now.

The Muff.

On the ensuing kickoff, the Tiger KO man Garry Morello muffed the kick off and New Rochelle recovered on the 20, resulting in McDermott’s touchdown two plays later, and the point made it 21-0.

Kevin Avery trying to pass the Tigers back into the game almost connected with Joe Henry on a long pass play, but the ball just went off Joe’s fingertips.

Then a blitz on Kevin Avery caused a fumble and a fourth NR touchdown.

STORM SURGE: TIGERS HANGING TOUGH DOWN 4 TDS: New Rochelle took all four plays with goal to go from the 4 before Dave Richards scored to make it 34-0 with six minutes to go in the First half. Photo by WPCNR Sports.

In the middle of the second quarter the Tigers showed great heart in almost stopping a Huguenot drive on their goal line on four plays, but Dave Richards got it in on the fourth try, to make the final score 35-0, with the point.

Tigers Stopped 7 times inside the New Ro 2.

As time was running out in the first have the Tigers, thanks to a personal foul penalty drive to a first and goal on the Huguenot 4. However two running attempts to breach the Huguenot line failed. A pass play caught NewRo holding and the Tigers got a fresh set of 4 downs to make 2. Three running attempts failed, and then Avery was thrown for a loss at the 10.

SACK ENDS THE BID ON 4TH AND GOAL: Kevin Avery under a wave of white at the NewRo 10 as pass protection could not handle the pass rush on the final down. Tigers could not push it across in 7 tries from the Huguenot two at the close of the first half. Photo by WPCNR Sports

It showed just how big and strong and tough the New Rochelle line is. Seven attempts to jam it in had been stopped.

Comments from the Granstand Quarterbacks noted that New Rochelle was hitting hard, and streaming into the Tiger backfield. Tigers were not picking up the right defensive men in the backfield blocking scheme, and that New Rochelle was dominating the line of scrimmage. They were both big and fast, and a very good team. The smaller Tiger line was getting surged and pushed back the entire first half.

Sportsmanlike Conduct. New Rochelle Displays a Classy Attitude.

The game out of hand, New Rochelle’s coach, Lou DiRienzo showed respect and sportsmanship towards White Plains, by refusing to run up the score in the second half.

This classy conduct by Coach DiRienzo stands in sharp contrast to another powerhouse team, North Rockland which made a deliberate effort to run the points up on the Tigers in the fourth quarter last season when White Plains played them.

What was most impressive about this game was that New Rochelle’s Coach played his second string offensive line to start the second half, and his second string backfield. He played the starting line when White Plains had the ball, though to preserve the shutout. White Plains reciprocated by playing its second string offense. It was a classy gesture by New Rochelle’s coach, and by both coaches really, one rarely seen on football fields any more. You know New Rochelle wanted this game badly, but they won with class and showed respect towards White Plains.

Parker Turf Job Holds Up. The scene out of “Four Horsemen of the Apocolypse” as the crowd of over 500 leaves the stands of the beautiful old Parker bowl in the Highlands. Photo by WPCNR Sports.

The star of this game was the Parker Stadium new turf which was in great playing shape and was not torn up at all by the cleatsters in this game. It took a pounding from the rains and stood up to the cleats. A terrific refurbishment of the turf. Interim Athletic Director Nick Pinaro said he was amazed at what good shape the field was in at 10 o’clock Saturday morning when he inspected it and decided to play the game. Pinaro said the Junior Varsity game scheduled on Astroturf in New Rochelle, could not be played because of the condition of the astrofturf.

Smoke Bomb Relieves Boredom on New Rochelle Bench.

The New Rochelle bench was enlivened by a small boom and a flash of light at the end of the New Rochelle bench on the East Side of the field. With one minute and 50 seconds remaining in the Third Quarter, what White Plains Police said was a smoke bomb was set off, by one of the New Rochelle players. Police said New Rochelle said they would “handle the problem internally.” Police on the scene said the device was not dangerous.

The Tigers will regroup and play Lincoln High School in Yonkers Thursday afternoon at 4 P.M. Ike Nduka did not play today, but it is hoped he will be ready for the Thursday contest.

BAND WINS! The WPHS Marching Band made its 2004 debut, sounding sharp on favorites like “Mr. Touchdown,” and doing a stirring, dignified National Anthem — kudos to the trumpets on that one. Photo by WPCNR BandCam.

Sky Captain Flies at the City Center Cinema De Lux. Wimbledon Plays

Posted on September 17, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCREEN GEMS. From National Amusements. September 17, 2004: The intriguing takeoff on 1930s serials, Sky Captain flies breathlessly into a booking at City Center Cinema de Lux in White Plains this weekend. He is joined by the well-reviewed Wimbledon tennis romance. Mr. 3000 is another baseball movie. The capsule reviews and the complete de Lux schedule follows:

OPENING NATIONWIDE ON FRIDAY, September 17th

MR. 3000 — Bernie Mac stars in this comedy about a talented but unpopular retired baseball star who must return to the game to get three more hits and thus qualify for a spot in the Hall of Fame. PG-13

SKY CAPTAIN AND THE WORLD OF TOMORROW — Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow star in this visually stunning adventure thriller as a pilot and reporter out to save the world from an evil scientist. PG-13

WIMBLEDON — A romantic comedy from the producers of FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL about two tennis pros, Kirsten Dunst and Paul Bettany, who fall in love amidst the pressures of the world’s biggest tennis tournament. PG-13

Saturday, September 18, 2004
Mr. 3000 **(PG-13) –1:55;4:30;7:05;9:40 pm;12:10 am. ;
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow **(PG) –1:10;3:45;6:35;9:20 pm;12:00 am. ;
Hero (PG-13) –1:50;4:25;7:10;9:45 pm;12:05 am. ;
Napoleon Dynamite (PG) –1:00;3:20;5:35;7:55;10:25 pm;12:30 am. ;
Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2 (PG) –12:10;2:05 pm. ;
Collateral (R) –12:05;2:20;10:05 pm;12:25 am. ;
Paparazzi (PG-13) –12:30 pm;12:20 am. ;
The Manchurian Candidate (R) –4:40;7:20;10:00 pm;12:30 am. ;
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (PG) –1:40;4:15;7:00;9:50 pm;12:20 am. ;
Vanity Fair (PG-13) –4:35;7:15 pm. ;
Cellular (PG-13) –1:45;4:05;6:30;9:05;11:25 pm. ;
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (G) –12:00;2:20 pm. ;
Mr. 3000 (PG-13) –12:00;2:25;5:00;7:35;10:10 pm;12:35 am. ;
Wicker Park (PG-13) –2:30;9:55 pm. ;
Resident Evil: Apocalypse (R) –12:10;2:35;4:10;4:50;6:40;7:25;9:10;10:00;11:30 pm;12:15 am. ;
The Bourne Supremacy (PG-13) –4:55;7:30 pm. ;
Wimbledon (PG-13) –12:15;2:40;5:05;7:40;10:15 pm;12:30 am. ;
Without a Paddle (PG-13) –12:00;2:30;5:00;7:30;9:55 pm;12:15 am. ;
Criminal (R) –12:50;3:10;5:30;7:45;10:05 pm;12:25 am. ;

Sunday, September 19, 2004
Criminal (R) –12:50;3:10;5:30;7:45;10:05 pm. ;
Wimbledon (PG-13) –12:15;2:40;5:05;7:40;10:15 pm. ;
The Bourne Supremacy (PG-13) –4:55;7:30 pm. ;
Wicker Park (PG-13) –2:30;9:55 pm. ;
Without a Paddle (PG-13) –3:30;5:55;8:10;10:35 pm. ;
Resident Evil: Apocalypse (R) –12:10;2:35;4:10;4:50;6:40;7:25;9:10;10:00 pm. ;
Cellular (PG-13) –1:45;4:05;6:30;9:05 pm. ;
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (G) –12:45;3:25 pm. ;
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (PG) –1:40;4:15;7:00;9:50 pm. ;
Mr. 3000 (PG-13) –12:00;2:25;5:00;7:35;10:10 pm. ;
The Manchurian Candidate (R) –9:30 pm. ;
Vanity Fair (PG-13) –4:35;7:15 pm. ;
Paparazzi (PG-13) –12:30 pm. ;
Napoleon Dynamite (PG) –1:00;3:20;5:35;7:55;10:25 pm. ;
Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2 (PG) –12:10;2:05 pm. ;
Collateral (R) –12:05;2:20;10:05 pm. ;
The Village (PG-13) –1:00;7:00 pm. ;
Hero (PG-13) –1:50;4:25;7:10;9:45 pm. ;
Mr. 3000 **(PG-13) –1:55;4:30;7:05;9:40 pm. ;
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow **(PG) –1:10;3:45;6:35;9:20 pm. ;

Monday, September 20, 2004
Mr. 3000 **(PG-13) –1:55;4:30;7:05;9:40 pm. ;
The Village (PG-13) –1:00;7:00 pm. ;
Hero (PG-13) –1:50;4:25;7:10;9:45 pm. ;
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow **(PG) –1:10;3:45;6:35;9:20 pm. ;
Napoleon Dynamite (PG) –1:00;3:20;5:35;7:55;10:25 pm. ;
Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2 (PG) –12:10;2:05 pm. ;
Collateral (R) –12:05;2:20;10:05 pm. ;
Paparazzi (PG-13) –12:30 pm. ;
The Manchurian Candidate (R) –9:30 pm. ;
Vanity Fair (PG-13) –4:35;7:15 pm. ;
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (PG) –1:40;4:15;7:00;9:50 pm. ;
Cellular (PG-13) –1:45;4:05;6:30;9:05 pm. ;
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (G) –12:45;3:25 pm. ;
Mr. 3000 (PG-13) –12:00;2:25;5:00;7:35;10:10 pm. ;
Wicker Park (PG-13) –2:30;9:55 pm. ;
Resident Evil: Apocalypse (R) –12:10;2:35;4:10;4:50;6:40;7:25;9:10;10:00 pm. ;
The Bourne Supremacy (PG-13) –

Wal-Mart in Final 5 “Big Boxers” Negotiating for Space in Old Sears Complex.

Posted on September 17, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. By John F. Bailey. September 17, 2004: The property management firm handling the leaseup of the former Sears property on Main Street in White Plains has confirmed that Wal-Mart, the nation’s largest retailer is in a flight of 5 “mid-price” retailers negotiating with Stauback Retail Services, handling the lease-up of the Sears building for Ivy Equities the owners of the property WPCNR has learned.

THE WAL-MART WATCH: Target’s archrival is in the final stage of negotiations for space in the former Sears location across the street from City Center, home of Target. The rumors of Wal-Mart eyeballing the space first surfaced in August. Mayor Joseph Delfino went on record at the time as saying he preferred Wal-Mart, (an arch competitor of Target) not rent the space. Photo by WPCNR News.

Rumors of Wal-Mart flared up strongly again this week in a letter to WPCNR from a union executive, lamenting Wal-Mart personnel policies. That executive said he had been advised by members of the White Plains Common Council at a recent cocktail party that Wal-Mart appeared to be coming in, that they did not like it, but there was nothing they could do about it. Today, Staubach Realty comfirmed the Wal-Mart presence in the hunt.

WPCNR’s source close to the negotiations would not name the other four retailers involved. He described them as “big box” retailers. Negotiations are expected to be completed within two weeks, he said, by which time, the source said the three floor complex will be leased to either two major tenants or all five.

Each floor is only 82,000 square feet, he explained, saying that no one tenant would take all three floors, that he could foresee a mix of one retailer taking two floors and two more splitting the third floor. He said anything could happen, and no mix was decided on yet, but he expected to be announcing the final lineup in two weeks.

He said heating and air conditioning systems were being upgraded, as well as escalators and the electrical system.

WAL-MART BLUE? Not necessarily, our source said. The entrance from North Broadway Plaza to the old Sears, with a fresh coat of blue, very similar to the Wal-Mart trade color. Photo by WPCNR News.

Asked if the fresh blue paint in the entry halls was “Wal-Mart” blue, the source said absolutely not, that this was the colors of the construction company, Pavarini Construction Managers of Stamford, Connecticut.

“The Shoppes at Main,” the name of the new stackmall was envisioned at that time by John A. Saraceno, Jr., Ivy Equities Chief Investment Officer to be “one of the county’s finest multi-tenant retail developments.”

WPCNR’s source said today that finding tenants had taken longer than expected. When ground was broken symbolically last October, Stauback Retail Services expected tenant signings by the end of 2003, with tenants in by Spring, 2004.

Neighborhood Market Makes Sense for location.

Checking the Wal-Mart website, www.walmartstores.com , WPCNR notes that Wal-Mart plans to open 50 to 55 new discount stores and 220 to 230 new Supercenters in fiscal 04-05. They have introduced a new concept called Neighborhood Market, and their plan is to open 25 to 30 of those.

Wal-Mart Discount Stores are huge with some 36 departments, selling clothing, electronics, toys, fabrics & crafts, lawn & garden, jewelry and shoes. A store like that might fill two floors of The Shoppes on Main Street.

A ” Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market,” though appear to be just the right fit for one of the 82,000 square foot floors in “The Shoppes on Main Street.” And, at this point there is no immediate food market within walking distance of the North Tower apartments and planned Trump condominiums in the South Tower of City Center. A custom Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market might just fill that need.

The Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market is described as 42,000 to 55,000 square feet, and features fresh produce, deli foods, fresh meat and dairy items, health and beauty aids, one-hour photo and traditional photo developing services, drive-through pharmacies, stationaery and paper goods, pet supplies and household chemicals.

However, the kind of Wal-Mart the organization envisions for “The Shoppes On Main Street” at this time is pure speculation.

Family Writes Lamenting Athletic Director’s Departure. Lauds His Contributions.

Posted on September 16, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR WHITE PLAINS VOICE. September 16, 2004: A parent with first hand experience with the White Plains High School Athletic Program, comments on the Board of Education decision not to rescind Mario Scarano’s retirement. Here is his letter:

Dear Mr. Bailey,

In reading your coverage on the ousting of the athletic director Mr. Mario Scarano at our White Plains High School. I’m compelled to comment on the leadership of our very own Board of Education decision-making policies, or lack of, and the one and only published comment-opinion of one of your readers.

“CAUSE & EFFECT”

Leadership has a very qualitative and quantitative predisposition intrinsically native to the gifted personality of those who are fortunate to possess or are born with such wisdom and vision. Such a gift is bestowed on such a person unconditionally for the soul purpose to unconditionally have a cause and effect on humanity. Hopefully, to be used for the better of all mankind unselfishly for all to share, embrace and embellish.

Mario Scarano possessed that soul purpose unconditionally, unselfishly to share, embrace and embellish our children and youth with in each and every athletic program at the White Plains High School.

Mr. Scarano’s leadership, the staff of coaches, assistants, parents and youth he so effectively touched left a profound positive impact on all. Profoundness achieved through the cause and effect I personally admired through the direct impact the “White Plains Wrestling Team” has had on my own son in just two short years under the leadership of Mr. Mario Scarano and the athletic staff at “our” White Plains High School!

In just four or five (six)short years Mr. Scarano with the assistance of concerned motivated parents like the O’Keefe family and others, resurrected the White Plains Wrestling team after a long absence from the athletic program at the high school.

In just four or five short years the wrestling program has developed, cultivated, influenced and shaped the character and values of our children to become the leaders of the future. I have had the honorable experience to stand side by side with Mr. Scarano, to stand side by side with the coaches, parents and each and every child who benefited phenomenally through the leadership of the White Plains Wrestling Team.

When I read comments dismissing the values of any athletic program insinuating athletic programs are insignificant to the intellectual educational development of an individual, I have to dismiss such comments as ignorance and arrogance.

Intellectual achievement is based on leadership, the influence such leadership has on formulating role models, character and values instilled through those who are gifted as teachers, parents, scholars, and yes “Athletic Directors”!

My child has excelled in just two short years; his greatest leaps are intellectually through maturity as a direct result of the exposure and leadership of every individual leader on the White Plains Wrestling Team! Those leaders are every single teammate, coach, parent, competitor and event that has given him the exposure to diversity, cultures, social involvement and the understanding and respect for humanity.

Unique into itself, athletic programs foster and cultivate the diversity of all mankind coming together collectively! Understanding the values and differences of all working together not just to participate in the sport but to participate in the social activity of achievement, partnership, admiration, respect, and leadership.

Hundreds and thousands of our children have passed through the athletic programs at our White Plains High School to become outstanding community citizens, contributing parents, teachers, professionals, leaders through the White Plains Public High School and its athletic programs.

We have lost one of our most effective leaders, Mr. Mario Scarano. I thank Mario for having the opportunity to stand side by side with him, for having the opportunity to stand side by side with my son, teammates; parents, families and youth who have had the wonderful opportunity to see the success the White Plains Athletic Programs have had on our children.

What ever is the cause and effect of Mr. Scarano’s departure, I could only hope that the BOE moving forward for the future puts the interest of our children and students first and politics last! I’m personally disappointed that the BOE could not recognize the necessity and value of a wonderful devoted leader in our school system and retain such leadership!

I thank you Mario and the entire athletic staff at the White Plains High School for enriching the lives of so many!

“Tiger Pride”

The Albanese Family
Ellen, Kristoff, GianCarlo, Carl

P.S. Apparently once again, the BOE disgracefully puts its own personal political agenda before the needs and necessity of our children and leadership!

Two strikes and your out, BOE, not three! Stop playing politics with the values of correctness and integrity.

National Pro Fastpitch Announces National Tryouts for its Elite 8

Posted on September 15, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR PRESS BOX. From National Pro Fastpitch, Denver, Colorado. September 19, 2004: National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) has announced that the 2005 National Tryout for its elite professional teams, and the only U.S. major league of fastpitch softball would be held on Saturday, December 4, 2004 from 9 a.m-2 p.m. PDT at Desert Bloom Field (8405 S. Maryland Parkway) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jump to Tryout Forms

The National Pro Fastpitch Championship, Akron Ohio, August 29, 2004: The New York-New Jersey Juggernaut and the New England Riptide at gametime. Photo, Courtesy, Nick Leto & the NY-NJ Juggernaut.

Team representatives from all eight NPF teams, the World Champion NY-NJ Juggernaut, New England Riptide, Texas Thunder, California Sunbirds, Akron Racers, Arizona Heat, and its two new teams in Chicago and Omaha, will be on hand searching for the best fastpitch talent to invite to spring training in May.

The tryout will again be held in conjunction with the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) national convention, which will also host the 2005 NPF Senior Draft, Sunday, December 5 at 6:00 p.m.

All interested women’s fastpitch players who are at least 21 years of age (no later than 5/1/05), and have completed their collegiate fastpitch softball eligibility at a four-year college or university are encouraged to register for the invitation only tryouts. Tryout registrants will be reviewed based on their application materials and an invitation to participate will be sent to only those athletes who qualify.

NAUTS Courtney Scott behind the plate as Carri “Lightning” Leto at second anticipates the play. Photo, Courtesy Nick Leto & NY-NJ Juggernaut.

Players must be prepared to demonstrate a wide variety of skills including, but not limited to, hitting, fielding and base running. All equipment, with the exception of a personal glove, bat, cleats and catcher’s gear, will be provided.

All tryout materials, including the $60 pre-registration fee, must be received in the NPF office no later than November 19, 2004. On-site registration will not be allowed at this year’s tryout.

NPF athletes are gifted athletes who possess great softball skills and present a resume of outstanding softball accomplishments including, but not limited to the following: collegiate All-American, conference MVP, leader in one or more NCAA statistical categories, U.S. National Team or Olympian.

Most NPF players have the educational background to pursue other careers in the off-season or after their playing days are over. That education also allows for a certain level of sophistication and judgment that serves them well in negotiating endorsement deals, interacting with fans and dealing with the media.

Current NCAA athletes should keep in mind that if they participate in a professional tryout, even if unsuccessful, they risk the loss of amateur status and the loss of current or future collegiate softball scholarship opportunities.

To find additional information about NPF players, the game, the season, spectators & media, team staff, etc. visit the FAQ section of the NPF website.

Please read all of the forms completely! If you are having difficulty downloading the registration materials in PDF, the materials can be mailed or faxed to you by emailing a request to Danielle Cox at daniellec@profastpitch.com.

NPF, the world’s premier professional fastpitch softball league for women, consists of eight teams located throughout the United States and features former USA Softball Women’s National Team members, collegiate All-Americans and all-conference selections. The 2004 season featured the inaugural NPF All-Star Game, the first-ever NPF Championship Semifinal and the first NPF Championship Game, won by the New York-New Jersey Juggernaut.

National Pro Fastpitch is headquartered in Denver, and has been in operation since 1997 under the names Women’s Pro Fastpitch (WPF) and Women’s Pro Softball League (WPSL).

2005 Tryout Forms
2005 Tryout Registration Form
2005 Tryout Waiver

CHAMPIONSHIP OUTFIELD of the New York-New Jersey Juggernaut celebrate first ever NPF Championship, after Kellie Wilkerson, (center) grabs the final out in Amanda Scott’s 10-1 victory over the Riptide. Left is Lauren Bauer, at right is Venus Taylor. Photo, Courtesy, Nick Leto & NY-NJ Juggernaut.