The Tiger Run Continues With a Gritty Come From Behind Clawback.

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WPCNR COURTSIDE. Special to WPCNR By Tim Sheehan. March 11, 2006: The White Plains Girls Basketball team survived an abominable 3rd quarter to pull away from Section 9 champion Minisink Valley 42 -32, Friday night in Pleasantville. The final score does not reveal how close the Tigers came to missing the next playoff round.

White Plains built up a 23 -14 halftime lead doing what they have done well all season:  tough man to man defense (usually starting with a full court press), crisp passing and cutting on offense leading to short jumpers or lay-ups.  I didn’t keep track of who led the scoring, but with White Plains it usually doesn’t matter, as the scoring is spread around.


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The Press Stakes Tigers to Big Early Lead.

The White Plains press wrecked havoc on the Minisink Warriors, who had a capable (but not stellar) point guard.  Moreover, White Plains denied the inbounds pass, which led to a few steals and some easy buckets.  Minisink’s counter – bomb passes launched down court from out of bounds to streaking Minisink players – worked once or twice, but White Plains readjusted and stole or tipped more of these passes as the game wore on.  Even if Minisink broke the press, the half court man to man pressure, led from up top by Kim Adams or Nina Johnson, made it difficult to for Minisink to get the ball inside to their inside players, sophomore Jukie Tomesheski and 6’3” 8th grade (yes, 8th grade) center Stephanie Dolson. 


The Warriors Rally



Heading back from the halftime break, there was no reason to suspect that White Plains would not do what they did to North Rockland and New Rochelle: slowly and steadily pad their lead.  But Minisink had other ideas and went on a 14-0 run to erase the 8 point halftime deficit and build a 5 point lead.  White Plains went into a funk in all aspects of its game.  On offense, the team engaged in terrible passing, missed lay-ups or put backs and had inside shots blocked by Dolson.  Minisink dogged Tiger point guard Angelei Aguirre and kept a defender near enough to outside shooters Adams and Flooks to prevent easy launches.  Meanwhile, Minisink seemed ready for the double picks set up by the Tiger post players Bronzo and Covington in the paint, and even busted up one play by drawing an offensive foul on Danica Covington.

Meanwhile, on offense, Minisink seemed to get an extra half step whenever they needed it, picking up transition buckets off of steals, two three pointers from their guards and charity line points from unnecessary White Plains fouls to open a 5 point lead, 28-23.  Though Danica Covington broke the WP scoring drought with a free throw, she was soon headed for the bench for her third foul on a Tomesheski lay-up attempt.  Elise Bronzo, who for a good stretch of the game had lost her usually golden touch around the hoop, hop stepped into the lane to convert a three point play and lead the charge as White Plains crawled back into the game.  Further assisted by a rejuvenated full court press, White Plains headed into the fourth quarter with a three point lead.


The Clawback

Having survived Minisink’s run and their own terrible playing, White Plains got back to business in the final period, altered their offensive scheme and unleashed their scoring depth.  Nina Johnson began to drive along the baseline to create open looks or shots for others.  Angelei Aguirre, more often than not content to feed others, took her overplaying defender to the hoop for a short jumper, and Danica Covington came back to hit two more key lay-ups. 

Meanwhile, the Minisink offense began to wilt under the renewed Tiger effort on defense, and simply could not get any open looks.  In fact, after their masterful 3rd quarter run, they managed to score only 4 points thereafter.  Down by 6 with less than two minutes to play, Minisink had no choice but to foul.  Unfortunately for the Orange County champs, they chose to foul Angelei Aguirre, who calmly hit four consecutive free throws to seal the game for the Tigers. 


A Boo for White Plains “Sportsmanship”

The final relief of dodging a bullet and moving on to the next round was somewhat marred by the unsportsmanlike serenade offered up to Minisink fans by a far too large section of our visiting band of White Plains students.  Though the “Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey, good bye” song may be usual fare for the “dog pound” section of some professional sports arenas, it has no place in a high school playoff game.  Hopefully, for the next round, school administrators (and perhaps some of their parents) can encourage our student fans to cheer loudly for our team but not to taunt the opposing players or their fans.


The Roadblocks to Glory

So far in the playoffs, White Plains has not faced a team with a stellar point guard, like they did in the last two rounds of last year’s tournament.  Additionally, they have not faced a quality press in the last four games (Minisink never pressed at all).  Significantly, the Tiger 3 point shooting has been erratic.  They will need to hit the three pointer to keep other teams from packing the post against Bronzo and Covington.  And they will have to find a way to maintain stamina in the later rounds, keeping in mind that even Nottingham’s (with the short finals schedule) vaunted man to man defense broke down in the fourth quarter game against White Plains in last year’s finals.

Ultimately, the silver lining of Friday’s  game is that White Plains advances despite playing a sub par game.  If White Plains players can stay healthy, keep their talented post players out of foul trouble  and get their 3 point shooting untracked, they have a great shot of returning to the finals.

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Adam Bradley on the Environment

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WPCNR’S ADAM IN ALBANY. By Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley, 89th A.D. March 12, 2006: One of my highest priorities in the Assembly is fighting for a cleaner, healthier environment.  As a father, I understand that protecting our environment and preserving open spaces are among the greatest gifts we can give to our children. Since my election to the Assembly in 2002, I have been fighting to clean up our environment and protect New York’s open spaces.


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In addition to serving on the Assembly’s Environmental Conservation Committee, last year I was honored by being appointed chairman of the subcommittee responsible for Oversight of the Department of Environmental Conservation. Through this challenging position, I am fighting to preserve and improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers. As a tireless advocate for a cleaner New York and governmental reform, I have utilized this opportunity to ensure that DEC keeps its vital promise to our communities—to preserve and protect the indispensable resources we have for generations to come.


 


A record of protecting the environment


 


I have authored The Environmental Access to Justice Act (A.114) that passed the Assembly to make it easier for private citizens to file a legal claim and hold companies and developers that pollute accountable for violating State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) determinations.  Currently, the law bars individuals from access to courts in cases in which the public at large is harmed.  Individuals who may suffer harm from such violations should not be denied the right to have their cases heard. My legislation would provide impacted individuals the right to protect the environment.


 


To make sure Indian Point and other nuclear power plants properly notify the public of their emissions, I sponsored legislation that passed the Assembly creating standards for plants to follow (A.6110).  The bill would require nuclear power plants to make scheduled emissions public at least 24 hours beforehand via a toll-free telephone number and to tell the public about unscheduled releases, breakdowns or malfunctions no more than 24 hours later.


 


I have also fought for over $5 million for the protection of open spaces and I sponsor additional legislation to protect and preserve Westchester’s water and air quality, including:


 


·        The Community Preservation Act which allows municipalities to raise money through a Community Preservation Fund to be used for land conservation and historic preservation (A.6450)


·        The Clean Water Protection and Flood Prevention Act which increases protections of New York’s freshwater Wetlands – further protecting water resources and wildlife habitat (A.2048)


·        Expanding the bottle bill to include non-carbonated beverage bottles (A.2517)


·        Reducing emissions from electric generating facilities (A.4459)


·        Prohibiting the open burning of solid waste (A.3073)


·        Increasing funds available for environmental and conservation purposes through the Environmental Protection Fund (A.9283)


 


In the Environmental Advocate’s 2003 Voters’ Guide, I was described with three other Assemblymembers as those who “made a difference in their first year in Albany.”  And in the Environmental Advocates 2005 Voters’ Guide, I earned a perfect score of 100 for supporting environmental savvy legislation.  I remain committed to protecting our environment and preserving our open space. It is vital that we keep our communities strong and ensure New York continues to be a great place to live and raise a family.

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White Plains Tigers Finish off Minisink Valley, 42-32, move on UP in the States.

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. Special to WPCNR. March 10, 2006: The White Plains Basketball Girls Basketball team continue to take care of unfinished business, winning a berth in the final four for the New York State Class AA Basetball Championship this evening by pulling away late to defeat Minisink Valley, 42-32 at Pace University in Pleasantville. The team moves on to play two more big ones in the attempt to secure the title that eluded them last year in the last second.

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The School District Meeting Lineup for Budget Watchers.

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From Michele Schoenfeld. March 10, 2006:  Here are the  upcoming meetings of the White Plains Board of Education.   Please note that dates of Special Meetings, as well as topics, when listed, are subject to change.  It is advisable to confirm as dates approach.

 


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


                                                    


            Fourth Meeting of Annual Budget Committee — Bond Issue for Infrastructure Upgrade and Athletic Fields and Post Road School to be discussed.


 


                        March 16:        Special Meeting, Education House, 7:30 P.M.


                                                                          


                        March 20:        Special Meeting, Education House, 7:30 P.M.


                                                     Public Hearing on 2006-07 Budget and Capital Project Plan


 


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


                                                     Adoption of 2007-07 Budget and Property Tax Report Card


                                                     Decision on Capital Project Plan


 


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


 

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Police Reach Out to Neighborhoods to Form Watch Associations after 5 Break-Ins

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WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. By John F. Bailey. March 9, 2006: Captain Ann Fitzsimmons and Detective Gus Fazzino of the White Plains Police Department addressed the North Broadway Civic Association Thursday evening, offering to work with the neighborhood to set up a Neighborhood Watch organization. Captain Fitzsimmons told WPCNR the police department is standing by to work with other Neighborhood Associations to set up similar “Watch” systems. She said the Battle Hill Association and the Rosedale Association have also asked the police to work with them to set up the system.



Captain Ann Fitzsimmons and Detective Gus Fazzino addressing the North Broadway Civic Association Thursday evening at George Washington School. Photo, WPCNR News


Captain Fitzsimmons  address to the group, confirmed the report of a break-ins and a burglary last week that WPCNR had received from a North Broadway resident. She was invited by the Association to inform the neighborhood about the string of unusual incidents. 


Fitzsimmons said these incidents had occurred over the school winter vacation last week. She described the incidents as being 4 ransackings with nothing being reported stolen, and one burglary where things were stolen. Exact time and dates of the intrusions were not known, just the dates when they were discovered.


She said a home was ransacked on Montross Avenue (off Orchard Street) when residents were out for the day, and returned home to discover the intrusion. A vacant home on Harwood Avenue (off North Broadway and Brookdale) was ransacked and was discovered by a police officer checking the home on February 28.


A home on Holland (two long Broadway blocks south of Harwood the Rural Cemetary),  was discovered ransacked after being reported by a neighbor, also on the 28th of February.  A residence on McBride Avenue (off North Broadway), said to be in the vicinity of the home of the Chief of Police, was also reported ransacked  February 27. There was a burglary on Wardman Street (off Ferris Avenue), where goods were reported stolen.  Captain Fitzsimmons said there was also  “others” on the other side of town, but they did not appear connected. She did not reveal what was taken in the burglary.


Detective Fazzino said he was willing to work with North Broadway and any neighborhood Association to set up a Neighborhood Watch system. A neighborhood he said  had to elect a chairperson to head the Watch organization and a series of block captains. To organize “the watch,” he said the Block Captains would give police data on all residences, including who lived there and information the police would find helpful in investigating possible incidents involving a particular residence. Fazzino said the block captains would “network” with each other, reporting information through the Chairperson, watching and notifying police of goings-on in the neighborhood. Each block captain would have a special i.d. by which the police would recognize them. 


Fazzino said he was willing to go into the neighborhoods, conduct security checks on individual homes, making suggestions on how to make homes less vulnerable to being targeted by opportunists looking for signs of homes vacant during the day.


Fazzino noted that in the interim, when leaving your home vacant, lights should be on timers; arrangements made to take in mail; have cars parked in the driveway; and of course, make arrangements to have the driveway shoveled in case of snow.


Neighborhood associations intersted in forming Neighborhood Watches in White Plains should contact Detective Fazzino of the White Plains Police Department at (914) 422-6227, or Captain Fitzsimmons, for details.


Captain Fitzsimmons said last year the Police Department had cut crime 33%, and to date in 2006 they were down another 27%, but they needed neighborhood help to keep this performance improving.

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North Broadway Rejects Avalon Bay Project. Desires City Buy Land for Park

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WPCNR NORTH END NEWS. By John F. Bailey. March 9, 2006: The North Broadway Civic Association Board voted unanimously, 10-0 to ask the city to acquire the AT&T-owned parking lot at Church Street and Barker Avenues and turn it into a 3-acre public park instead of approving the Avalon Bay apartment-townhouse project of 381 apartments and townhouses on the site.



The Avalon Bay Project, seen from Barker and Church. Photo of rendering, WPCNR News Archive.






Avalon Bay Seen from Church Street hill, looking South into the downtown. Project was rejected as not good for the neighborhood last night. Photo of Rendering, WPCNR News Archive.


 



Dolf Beil, President of the association informed the 32-persons in attendance at the regular NBCA meeting last night that the Association committee, after one presentation from Avalon Bay and two meetings with the developers of Avalon Bay, the latest of which was held Tuesday evening,  said to the members, “There are concerns with Avalon Bay and it (the committee) decided to focus on the greater good — the creation of a park on a 3-acre prime location at relatively low cost.” Photo, WPCNR News


Beil said that the committee carrying neighborhood concerns to the Avalon Bay development group was thankful for the organization offer to create a 7,500 square foot park at the Northwest corner of the property, as part of the development.  


He said the committee reasoned that asking for a 3-acre park was “their best shot” at influencing the Common Council to listen to neighborhood concerns. Beil stated that the Board would draft a statement and present it to the Common Council on March 21, stating the position, and at the public hearing on the Avalon Bay project at the Common Council April 3.


Jerry Levine a resident of the North Broadway area said he was confident he could raise $10 million with which the city could purchase the park through his connections with philanthropic personalities and foundations. 


Tom Roach, White Plains Common Councilman in attendance said “It was not that simple. The city would have to negotiate for the purchase of the property. I think it would be a great place for a park.”


Glen Hockley, another White Plains Common Councilman in attendance had no reaction to the decision.


Avalon Bay, as proposed would consist of —

393 units, 14 story building fronting Barker, 49 units of 3-4 story townhouses, a 6 level 539 space garage.

A Special Permit needed from the Common Council to go from zoned 6 stories to proposed 14 stories, height of 125 feet permitted.

Unit breakdown: 39 studios, 255 one bedrooms, 73 two bedrooms, 41 three bedrooms, completion date: 2008  Avalon to comply with 6% affordable housing component

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ABC Committee Meets Does Not Protest Too Much.

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WPCNR MR. & MRS. & MS. WHITE PLAINS VOICE. March 9, 2006: A reader who is a member of the Annual Budget Committee who attended the Wednesday night meeting of the ABC at Education House files this correspondence with analysis:


March 9, 2006

The Annual [School District] Budget Committee (ABC) has met three times in a month and has yet to deal with the tough questions that surely  need consultant guidance but which we, ultimately must answer.


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At last night’s meeting:

        •  Determined to put the nagging issue of class size to bed, the Superintendent (of Schools Timothy Connors),  gratuitously showed a chart with across-the-board K-5 section cuts which, naturally, result in classroom sizes of 25 or so.



What we actually needed was the same format showing how we can accomodate an additional 300 (elementary school children) or so in the next few years, probably  resulting in an average increase of 1-2 children per class. You can bet that any consultant worth his salt would have this sliced  and diced in short order.
       
        • The Board asked for opinions regarding an accounting change which would allow greater flexibility in utilizing a portion of the available budget contingency (Fund Balance.) They offered no suggestion that they had previously followed any standard in this regard–say, a percentage of the total budget – in which case there would be little
to discuss.  Resolution indeterminate.

        • A considerable number of people voiced their satisfaction with affairs as they are, ” This is what we came here for and we’re willing to pay for it .”
        Still, when asked “when do we get to talk about  additional things we’d like to see ?”  the Superintendent’s response in effect, was, “just now there’s no money, but I’m optimistic that we’ll get to it.”
  In other words, we’ll wing it.

It was amazing to hear people who had volunteered to sit on a budget committee  complain that,  “all we talk about is money.”   Right.

Who says that  all current programs and services are essential and that, if they are, they are being efficiently run?  And, if the answers we get, perhaps with outside help, are less than positive, what can/should be done to change, eliminate or supplant them?

As it stands, the ABC is a charade. If we keep this up only the small number who are oblivious to financial constraints and those who have nowhere else to turn will be left to pick up the pieces. The big middle––already in jeopardy–– will be gone, possibly for good.

Robert H. Levine
   

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Rocky Dell Association Aghast at Railside Ave Sales Proposed.

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WPCNR SOUTHEND TIMES. By Don Hughes. March 9, 2006:  There were about 30 people at the Rocky Dell Neighborhood Association meeting yesterday. There was universal disappointment over the Mayor’s, Councilmen Boykin’s and Hockley’s comments during the last Common Council meeting  that the city already had plenty of open space.


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Councilman Roach, (Pictured in August 2002)  and Assemblyman Bradley attended and spoke about the  importance of maintaining open space; as well as it being poor policy  to sell public assets to fund operating expenses.  Assemblyman Bradely  also indicated that White Plains was less concerned about, and had less, open space than any of the other municipalities in his district. Photo, WPCNR News Archive.


 



Adam Bradley at City Hall, 2003. Clarifies Statement.Photo, WPCNR News Archive


Amplifying his remarks in a telephone to WPCNR Thursday afternoon, Assemblyman Bradley told WPCNR that his being reported as saying White Plains was less concerned about…open space, was incorrect, that he never said that.  He told WPCNR this was an “unfair representative of his remarks. Bradley said Thursday, “that there is concern because White Plains has less open space than other municipalities,” and that he felt that the policy of selling the Railside Avenue land “is a tremendously misguided policy in light of that (that White Plains does not have much open space.”  He told WPCNR “that remark  does not support that White Plains is less concerned.”



Alan Teck, President of CCOS, (Picture from August, 2002) refuted the Mayor’s statement that the Open Space Committee had recommended the sale of the Railside property, indicating that the Mayor has not even called a meeting of the committee in over two years, and that, at most, what that they had done was to prioritize the various parcels of open space. Photo, WPCNR News Archive

The association will be mounting a petition and letter writing campaign as well as a door-to-door sweep to counter the notion that ‘most’ people don’t know what the Greenway is and couldn;t care less.


  It was suspected that ‘most’ people don’t know about Councilman Hockley’s dog park either.  They started work on sample notices and letters at the meeting.

It also came out that the immediate neighbors to the parcels that have already been sold did not all receive notification of the sale, and that the one neighbor who did, received it the day before the bids were due – in spite of the fact that he had expressed interest to the city in purchasing the property over a period of several years. 


There was disparagement of the Mayor’s comments that the vacant land was costing the city money in the form of taxes.  It was suspected that this is, in fact, a rather small number.  It was also commented that any additional property taxes paid by future purchasers would be offset by service costs.  The group will research the issue.



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St. Patrick’s Day Festivities Coming Up This Weekend in WP

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WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. From David Maloney of The Mayor’s Office. March 9, 2006: Begorra!  Come paint the town green!  The 9th Annual White Plains St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2006 in Downtown White Plains.



St. Patrick’s Day Parade, 2003: Time to tune up that Irish Jig this weekend. Starting at Noon this festive community celebration will begin at the junction of Mamaroneck Avenue and Old Mamaroneck Road, then continue north up Mamaroneck Avenue, right onto Main Street and will end at White Plains City Hall. (Photo, WPCNR News Archive)



The parade will include over 19 bands and many community marching groups as well as four floats. One of this year’s floats will host the White Plains High School Girl’s Basketball team. As winners of the Section 1 Championship for both 2005/2006 these women will have much to celebrate along with the parade.

The Grand Marshal of this year’ St. Patrick’s Day Parade is Michael  Foley. The aides for the parade are Sharon Andrew, Geraldine Buckley, Bill Delanoy, Judy Donohue, Vincent Finnegan, Debra Keating, Rory O’Brien, and Gregory Powell.

This year’s St. Patrick Day Parade sponsors are Heineken USA and Post Road Entertainment. Gold sponsors are Benfield Electric and Simone Development Company. The Silver sponsors are A&A Maintenance, Commerce Bank, Healy Electrical Contracting, Houlihan Parnes I-Cap, and Pavarini Construction Company. The Bronze sponsors include Arthur Gallagher & Co., Citibank, Cuddy & Feder, Ginsburg Development, Hudson Valley Bank, McDonald/Derderian Family, Reckson Associates Realty, and Scully Construction. Additionally, the Parade has the cooperation of The Ancient Order of Hibernians (Charles M. Smith Division), The City of White Plains, and the White Plains Business Improvement District.
 
After the parade there will be an Irish Cultural Tour sponsored by Heineken and Murphy’s featuring Irish music, dance, bar sports and food at eleven downtown White Plains pubs.  Free transportation will be provided along the Cultural Tour route by White Plains Bus Company.

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Attorney General Office Upholds Approval of Hayes Theatre Sale Despite Secrecy

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WPCNR STAGE DOOR. By John F. Bailey. March 8, 2006 UPDATED 12:05 P.M. E.S.T.: Mayor John Shields of Nyack reported to WPCNR tonight that the Attorney General’s office, upon further review has affirmed its approval the private, off-the-market sale of the Helen Hayes Theatre Company building to Milbrook Acquisitions of Manhasset for $3.7 Million.


A news report  today also reveals the Attorney General  office stuck with their original approval even though Mr. Shields, Thom Kleiner, (Orangetown Supervisor) and Harriet Cornell, the Rockland County Legislator, presented an appraiser’s criticism of the  appraisal Helen Hayes Board used to justify the $3.7 Million sale price. The independent appraiser’s critique pointed out the lack of specific, important information missing in the appraisal according to the news report. 


The reaffirmation of the approval, clears the way for the Milbrook Acquisitions to close on the property March 26. Milbrook is owned by the Pikus family which has contributed over $27,000 to the Democratic Party since December of 1999, according to Federal Election contributions records.



 



The Attorney General’s Office upheld its previous approval, despite learning that the deal was arranged by the Helen Hayes Non-Profit, without their advising the Village of Nyack or the Rockland County Board of Legislators who have provided substantial funding to the theatre, and without offering the building for sale on the open market.


The rationale for the quickie sale in private with a firm that was recommended by a member of the Board of Directors who had done extensive work for Milbrook Properties, the parent company, was that Helen Hayes could save approximately $200,000 in debt if they could pay off a note within 5 days, and save $200,000 in a commission.


At the meeting Mayor Shields had with Assistants Attorney General Gary Brown and Tom Hoffay in White Plains today,  the objections of Orangetown Supervisor Thom Kleiner, Rockland County Legislator Harriet Cornell, and the Mayor were detailed to the  Attorney General team who refused to block the sale.


The three officials argued that the property was not offered to the general market, and that a firm offer of $5 Million and $500,000 in improvements was turned down by the Helen Hayes Board  in order to meet the lower $3.7 Million contract. However, Mayor Shields tonight reports the attorney genral found nothing “illegal” about the sale and Shields says the sale will take place as a result.


Shields said he is asking the Helen Hayes Theatre Company Board of Directors to add an addition 4 members to their Board to bring the Board of six  up to full strength (10 persons) before any more decisions are made about what proposals would be accepted from groups seeking to run the theater.


The “outgoing” Helen Hayes Theatre Company Board has a 30-day option to rent the building from Milbrook after the closing and is also reported by Shields as having the right of decision as to what proposals from entrepreneurs would be best to run the theatre.


Shields told WPCNR, “We’re going to ask them to do that (fill out the Board).”


Shields said last week the Village has no other legal option to stop the sale, and it was up to the Attorney General alone to block the sale and give the public a chance to bid to the Board.

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