9 Applebee’s Restaurents Dedicate Proceeds to AIDS/HIV Research April 29

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WPCNR COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD. April 11, 2004: All nine Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants in Westchester and Rockland Counties will be leading the biggest dining out event in Hudson Valley, on Thursday, April 29th with their participation in “Dining Out for Life.”

“Dining Out for Life” is a14-year old international fundraising program taking place this year in 37 cities across North America to benefit local AIDS agencies.  Here in the Hudson Valley, the event will benefit the AIDS Related Community Services (ARCS). Based in Hawthorne, NY, ARCS is the largest organization solely dedicated to providing HIV/AIDS services, prevention education, and outreach to individuals and families in all seven counties in the Hudson Valley, including Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, and Sullivan.


 


On Thursday, April 29th, all local Applebee’s, along with other participating restaurants, will contribute an average of 25 percent of their proceeds to ARCS, which is taking part in the event for the first time.  Applebee’s is the lead restaurant sponsor and Zane Tankel, CEO of Apple-Metro, the local franchise owner, will serve as the honorary chair of the event.  Apple-Metro owns and operates 25 restaurants throughout the New York metro area.


 


“Apple-Metro will be providing the most restaurant sponsorships in the entire Hudson Valley area for this event,” said William Primavera, ARCS Director of Public Relations & Development.  “We are so grateful that they will be contributing their resources and proceeds on that night to people who are in great need here in the Hudson Valley.”


 


Local Applebee’s restaurants include: Airmont, Cortlandt, Cross County in Yonkers, Crossroads in Greenburgh, Hawthorne, Mamaroneck, Mount Kisco, New Roc City in New Rochelle, and White Plains City Center.


 


For more information on “Dining Out for Life,”  check the Website at www.diningoutforlife.com.   For more information about ARCS, check the Website at www.arcs.org.


 


Apple-Metro, Inc. is the New York Metro Area Franchisee of Applebee’s International Inc., owning exclusive franchise rights to Westchester and Rockland counties, as well the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island.  Apple-Metro also operates three Chevys Fresh Mex restaurants and has developed a new proprietary restaurant concept, Zanaro’s Italian at New Roc City in New Rochelle and coming to White Plains this Spring.  


 

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Feiner Urges Passing of Minimum Wage Increase

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WPCNR THE FEINER REPORT. By Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner. April 11, 2004: As you are aware, the State Assembly passed a bill to raise the minimum wage last month in the State of New York to $7.10 per hour over the next two years. Such a changes improves the livelihoods immediately of three quarters of million New Yorkers.

The State Senate has a bill, Bill 3291C, in committee to do the same. But our challenge is persuading the Senate leadership and Governor to release the bill from committee for action in this legislative session.

Further background on raising the minimum wage is available for the nonprofit alliance “$5.15 is not enough!” located at: www.515isnotenough.org

Many counties and municipalities are passing support resolutions to forward the Senate and Governor. To date local resolutions have been passed in City of Rochester, County of Monroe, Town of Brighton, County of Albany, County of Rensselaer, County of Tompkins, County of Rockland, Village of Haverstraw, City of Syracuse, County of Westchester (unanimous) and City of Rome. And now also so has the Village of Croton-on-Hudson.

I will be introducing the following resolution at the Greenburgh Town Board meeting on Wednesday, April 14th at 7:15 PM at Greenburgh Town Hall. I’m hopeful that other communities will adopt similar resolutions. ———-

 
Resolution in support of an raising the Minimum Wage in the State of New York.

WHEREAS, The federal minimum hourly wage, currently $5.15 an hour, is not indexed to preserve its purchasing power and has not been raised since 1997; and

WHEREAS, the State of New York has not altered its minimum wage since 2000 when it matched the $5.15 of the federal minimum wage; and

WHEREAS, The inflation-adjusted value of the minimum wage is approaching the lowest point in a half century and is 40% below the peak level reached in 1968; and

WHEREAS, Nationally low-wage workers (those earning the 20th percentile hourly wage) saw their wages increase 5.5 percent in real terms (inflation adjusted) between 1989 and 1999, while, in contrast, the State of New York’s low-wage workers’ wages declined 5.5 percent over the same period; and

WHEREAS, The poverty rate in the State of New York rose from 13 to 14.6 percent during the 1990s resulting in more than 2.6 million New Yorkers were living in poverty in 1999, while, in contrast, the national poverty rate fell from 13.1 percent to 12.4 percent in the same decade; and

WHEREAS, A higher minimum wage would help insure that work represents a path toward self-sufficiency and serve as part of a broader strategy to fight poverty; and

WHEREAS, Studies by public-health researchers of minimum wage increases and living wage laws in California suggest that a higher minimum wage results in better health for low-wage workers, and significantly improves the chances that their children will graduate from high school; and

WHEREAS, Twelve states plus the District of Columbia already have minimum wages above the current $5.15 federal level, including Connecticut ($7.10), Massachusetts ($6.75), California, Washington ($7.16), Delaware ($6.15), and Illinois ($5.50); and

WHEREAS, Increasing the minimum wage will not reduce employment opportunities for the working poor, as other states that raised their minimum wage did not suffered job losses related to raising their minimum wages; and

WHEREAS, A minimum wage increase would disproportionately help retail employees, like clerks and waiters/waitresses, because of those who would likely benefit from a minimum wage increase, 36 percent, or 380,000, work in the retail sector and more than 85 percent of those who would benefit from a higher minimum wage are non-union; and

WHEREAS, Over three quarters (79 percent) of the new legislation’s beneficiaries would be adults not teenagers, and more than half work full-time while another 27 percent work between 20 and 34 hours per week and a high percentage of minimum wage earners are the main breadwinners for their families, and 61 percent of the likely beneficiaries are women; and.

WHEREAS, Minimum wage legislation that increases the state minimum from $5.15 to $7.10 would directly benefit approximately 750,000 New Yorkers, and due to likely spillover effects, an additional 530,000 persons, those earning from $7.10 to $8.10, would also gain, and these 1.2 million beneficiaries of a minimum wage increase represent over 15 percent of New York State employment; and

WHEREAS, A 1998 survey of small businesses by the Levy Institute found that fewer than one-third of 1% reported having reduced employment because of the 1996-97 increases in the minimum wage; and

WHEREAS, In its 1999 Economic Report to the President, the Council of Economic Advisors concluded: “the weight of the evidence suggests that modest increases in the minimum wage have had very little or no effect on employment”; and

WHEREAS, A minimum wage increase partially pays for itself through improved worker retention, reduced turnover, savings in recruitment and training costs, and higher worker productivity; and

WHEREAS, A minimum wage this year that yielded the same earning power that it delivered at its peak in 1968 would be over $9.00 per hour; and the minimum wage was established to retain the dignity of work, so that working men and women could care for themselves and their families but it has not succeeded in this goal and the present minimum wage does not reflect the high cost of living.

WHEREAS, On March 1st, 2004 by a vote of 127-19, the New York State Assembly passed A09710, a bill that would raise the minimum wage from $5.15 an hour to $7.10 an hour after January 1, 2006; and

WHEREAS, the  Town of Greenburgh recognizes the value to its community in promoting a strengthened market for labor, now

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:  that the Greenburgh Town Board, meeting in regular session on the 14th day of April 2004, does hereby declare its support for raising the minimum hourly wage in the State of New York; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the Greenburgh Town Board supports State Senate Bill 3291C, which would raise New York State’s minimum wage to $7.10 an hour over the next two years; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the  Greenburgh Town Board urges timely passage of this bill in the 2004 legislative session.

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Historical Tapping Does Not Prohibit Owner of Bar Building from Destroying It.

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WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. By John F. Bailey April 10, 2004: The efforts of the White Plains Historical Society and the owners of the Bar Building resulting in the Bar Building on Main Street being recognized for listing on the New York State Register of Historic Places, and the current effort to have it recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, do not in the ultimate protect the Bar Building from its own owner.



 


THE BAR BUILDING NOW “HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT” BUT STILL NOT PROTECTED : The owners, whether they continue to be the Longhitano brothers, or ultimately, Louis Cappelli, (should the Super Developer eventually acquire the building), retain the right to raze the building, if they wish to do so. Photo by WPCNR News.


 



Media Spokesperson for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Catherine Jimenez, told WPCNR Wednesday that when Commissioner Bernadette Castro signs the request for the Bar Building to be recommended to  placed on the National Register that will be all that’s needed for the owners of the Bar Building to apply for the National Register, which is administered by historians and is part of the National Parks Service.


 


Maintenance Not Required.


 


WPCNR asked Ms. Jimenez if the owners are required to maintain their State Historically Recognized properties, she said they were not, though grants were available from the state for such maintenance should owners request them. WPCNR asked if the owners lost the right to raze such structures, and build something else, and Ms. Jimenez said no, that owners of historically recognized places retained the right to destroy the building.


 


On the National Parks Service web site, the section “Key Points about the National Register Process for Property Owners,” conveys the impression that recognition as an historical place is prestigious, but that is about all it does for a building, other than creating a public relations black eye if a developer or city attempts to tear it down:


 


“Listing in the National Register honors the property by recognizing its importance to its community, State or the Nation.”


 


There is no requirement to maintain the property, either:


 


“Owners have no obligation to open their properties to the public, to restore them, or even to maintain them, if they choose not to do so.”


 


The popular idea that if a property is designated historical that it is protected, and it is required to be maintained is simply not true.


 


There is also this significant statement on the National Parks Service website:


 


“Under Federal law, private property owners (of historically registered buildings) can do anything they wish with their National Register-listed property, provided that no Federal license, permit or funding is involved.”


 


There are some protections, Ms. Jimenez, said if Federal moneys are involved in the building. However, that is it.


 


Paul Lusignan, an historian with the National Park Service, in Washington, D.C., confirmed this to WPCNR saying that any owner of a historic property could tear down an historically registered place.


 


No Second Opinion on Historical Credentials and Significance


 


WPCNR asked Lusignan, in view of the fact that Commissioner Castro, will be signing The Bar Building into perpetual historical significance shortly (within two weeks, according to Ms. Jimenez) as being on the list of State Historically Recognized Places, if she has not already done so, does the National Register take another look at the building, or send representatives to inspect the building for its historical and architectural value.


 


Lusignan said the National Parks Service, as rule, did not do that.


 


He said they relied on the application for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places to the National Park Service, usually prepared, he said, by the owner of the property. Jack Harrington, of the White Plains Historical Society, is helping The Longhitanos, owners of The Bar Building submit their application, which Harrington lead WPCNR to believe was being submitted.


 


Lusignan said usually there are photographs submitted with the application to be included on the National Register, and that the Parks Service does not make an onsite visual inspection (in this case to evaluate the architectural value of the Bar Building).


 


45 Days to Eternital Significance?


 


 He said the Parks Service usually relies on the State Historical Preservation agencies to recommend, and will usually rule on an application within 45 days. He said most State Historical Preservation Agency recommendations are automatically accepted for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.


 


The knowledge that, though now being officially recognized as historical, the Bar Building still could be torn down by its owner by right, or restored, makes  


Super Developer, Louis Cappelli’s plea for upgrading of the Bar building façade to the Common Council last Wednesday evening significant.


 


The Cappelli Option.


 


Should Mr. Cappelli seek to acquire the Bar Building anew, he could conceivably buy it from the Longhitanos, and upgrade the historical façade  and the interior completely, creating a prestigious office building more aesthetically compatible with his “Triple Towers” project.


 


Or, he could purchase the Bar Building within the next 40 days, and take it down during his upcoming demolition of the remaining Main Street block up to Grace Church, planned to begin in May. He could do that, as owner of the Bar Building, by right, should he acquire the building, irregardless of its historical status, according to what Ms. Jimenez and Mr. Lusignan, and National Parks Service policy.


 


Grants Not a Large Sum of Money


 


Mr. Lusignan, the historian WPCNR spoke to at the National Parks Service, was asked if the Parks Service had grants available for restoration of historic buildings. He said the states handle the distribution of the grants, but said the grant money was not a large sum, and that it was an insignificant amount, and the Parks Service left it up to the states to parcel the meager money out.


 


The Longhitanos may be eligible for  federal investment tax credits for rehabilitation of the building should they wish to do so.

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ADAM IN ALBANY: Support for Tougher Finds for Intrusive Telemarketers

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WPNCR’S ADAM IN ALBANY. By District 89 Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley. April 9, 2004: There is nothing more annoying than receiving calls from telemarketers, especially after signing up for the “Do Not Call” registry. To combat this problem, I supported new legislation which more than doubles the fines for violating the “Do Not Call” law from $5,000 to $11,000 (A.10145). This bill will help protect consumers from unwanted telemarketing calls.


 



This legislation would send a message loud and clear that families do not want their homes invaded by calls from telemarketers. When someone has made the effort to place their number on the “Do Not Call” registry, they deserve reasonable assurances that they will not be called.


 


Since the creation of the state registry in 2001, over 3 million households across the state have signed up, and an estimated half-billion unwanted calls have been blocked from New York homes. Last year, New York became one of 15 states to merge the state’s registry with the federal registry – a move that saved taxpayers over $1 million in operating costs. The “Do Not Call” registry is available to personal numbers including cell phones, but not business numbers. Registration lasts five years.


           


“Do Not Call” means do not call. Creating stiffer penalties for violating New York’s law will better protect our families. Having a telephone line should not be an invitation for endless annoying calls from telemarketers. New York has been a leader in preventing this kind of harassment, and this bill gives some teeth to the protective measures we’ve put in place.


 


To report a violation, call the New York State Consumer Protection Board at 1-800-697-1220 or visit www.consumer.state.ny.us.

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ALAMO, ELLA ENCHANTED, GIRL NEXT DOOR Open at City Center De Lux

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WPCNR REEL-TO-REEL. April 9, 2004: The latest Hollywood remake of The Alamo opens nationally today and you can see it at the City Center Cinema De Lux in downtown, your town White Plains. Here’s the movie schedule for the Easter Holiday weekend, along with plot outlines of The Alamo, Ellla Enchanted, The Girl Next Door, and The Whole Ten Yards, from National Amusements:

 

THE ALAMO — Based on the dramatic true story of one of the most momentous battles is American history, The Alamo is the tale of a handful of men who stood up for their passion and ideals against an overwhelming force. Commanded by three men – Colonel William Travis, James Bowie and Davy Crockett – fewer than 200 ordinary men who believed in the future of Texas hold the fort for 13 days against thousands of Mexican soldiers. This powerful historical drama stars Patrick Wilson, Jason Patric and Billy Bob Thornton . Rated PG-13

ELLA ENCHANTED — Ella lives in a magical world where all children are given a “gift” from a fairy Godmother at the moment of their birth. Ella’s birthright is the gift – and curse – of obedience. As a result, she cannot refuse any command, and is often left at the mercy of unscrupulous personalities. In a bid to regain control of her life, Ella goes on a quest and must outwit a kingdom filled with ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, talking books and evil plots. This fanciful comedy stars Anne Hathaway, Joanna Lumley and Cary Elwes . Rated PG

THE GIRL NEXT DOOR — Eighteen-year-old Matthew Kidman is a straight-laced over-achiever with dreams of a career in politics. When a beautiful girl named Danielle moves in next door, he quickly falls head over heels in love with her. His life spins out of control, however, when Matthew and the rest of the town discover that Danielle used to be a porn star. Emile Hirsch and Elisha Cuthbert star in this raucous comedy. Rated R

THE WHOLE TEN YARDS — Retired hitman Jimmy “The Tulip” Tudeski is living the quiet life in a beachfront bungalow in Mexico, miles away from his former life. Thanks to falsified dental records supplied by his friend Dr. Nicholas Oseransky, Jimmy faked his own death and has taken up a new line of work befitting his newfound domestic tranquility. When Oz shows up on Jimmy’s doorstep begging him to help rescue his wife from the Hungarian mob, Jimmy couldn’t be less interested. However, when more unexpected visitors show up, Jimmy is forced back in to the life he left behind. Bruce Willis, Matthew Perry, and Kevin Pollack star in this hilarious sequel. Rated PG-13


Thursday, April 08, 2004  
Walking Tall (PG-13) –12:45;3:15;5:20;7:40 pm. ;
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (R) –1:40;4:25;7:15;9:55 pm. ;
Starsky & Hutch (PG-13) –1:30;9:20 pm. ;
Hellboy (PG-13) –1:20;4:15;7:10;10:00 pm. ;
Johnson Family Vacation (PG-13) –12:45;3:00;5:20;7:40;10:10 pm. ;
Taking Lives (R) –1:10;3:50;6:20;9:15 pm. ;
Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (PG) –12:10;12:50;2:30;3:10;5:00;5:40;7:30;9:50 pm. ;
Home on the Range (PG) –12:00;2:10;4:30;6:45;9:00 pm. ;
Jersey Girl (PG-13) –12:15;2:45;5:15;7:45;10:15 pm. ;
Secret Window (PG-13) –8:00;10:20 pm. ;
Dawn of the Dead (R) –1:15;3:40;6:30;9:10 pm. ;
The Prince and Me (PG) –1:25;4:10;7:00;9:45 pm. ;
Never Die Alone (R) –10:10 pm. ;
The Ladykillers (R) –12:00;2:25;4:50;7:35;10:05 pm. ;
The Passion of The Christ (R) –12:30;3:20;6:15;9:05 pm. ;
Hellboy **(PG-13) –3:45;6:40 pm. ;
The Ladykillers **(R) –1:50;4:20;7:05;9:35 pm. ;

Friday, April 09, 2004  
The Passion of The Christ (R) –12:30;3:20;6:15;9:05 pm;12:00 am. ;
The Ladykillers (R) –1:50;4:20;7:05;9:35 pm;12:15 am. ;
Dawn of the Dead (R) –11:15 pm. ;
The Prince and Me (PG) –1:00;3:45;6:30;9:15;11:50 pm. ;
Ella Enchanted (PG) –12:10;2:30;4:50;7:10;9:30 pm;12:00 am. ;
Jersey Girl (PG-13) –12:10;2:55;5:25;7:50;10:20 pm;12:40 am. ;
The Girl Next Door (R) –1:45;4:40;7:20;10:05 pm;12:30 am. ;
Home on the Range (PG) –12:00;2:10;4:30;6:45;9:00 pm. ;
Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (PG) –12:00;12:40;2:20;3:15;5:40;8:00 pm. ;
Taking Lives (R) –4:45;7:35;10:10 pm;12:30 am. ;
Johnson Family Vacation (PG-13) –12:30;2:50;5:10;7:30;10:00 pm;12:30 am. ;
Hellboy (PG-13) –1:20;4:10;7:00;9:40 pm;12:25 am. ;
Starsky & Hutch (PG-13) –10:25 pm;12:35 am. ;
The Whole Ten Yards (PG-13) –12:15;2:45;5:15;7:45;10:15 pm;12:35 am. ;
The Alamo (PG-13) –12:50;3:50;6:50;9:50 pm;12:40 am. ;
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (R) –1:40;4:25;7:15;9:45 pm;12:25 am. ;
Walking Tall (PG-13) –12:45;3:00;5:20;7:40;9:55 pm;12:10 am. ;

Saturday, April 10, 2004  
Walking Tall (PG-13) –12:45;3:00;5:20;7:40;9:55 pm;12:10 am. ;
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (R) –1:40;4:25;7:15;9:45 pm;12:25 am. ;
The Alamo (PG-13) –12:50;3:50;6:50;9:50 pm;12:40 am. ;
The Whole Ten Yards (PG-13) –12:15;2:45;5:15;7:45;10:15 pm;12:35 am. ;
Starsky & Hutch (PG-13) –10:25 pm;12:35 am. ;
Hellboy (PG-13) –1:20;4:10;7:00;9:40 pm;12:25 am. ;
Johnson Family Vacation (PG-13) –12:30;2:50;5:10;7:30;10:00 pm;12:30 am. ;
Taking Lives (R) –4:45;7:35;10:10 pm;12:30 am. ;
Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (PG) –12:00;12:40;2:20;3:15;5:40;8:00 pm. ;
Home on the Range (PG) –12:00;2:10;4:30;6:45;9:00 pm. ;
The Girl Next Door (R) –1:45;4:40;7:20<

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Police Officer Daniel Murphy Named Employee of the Month for Kidnapper Collar.

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WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. April 8, 2004: Department of Public Safety Police Officer Daniel Murphy, son of  a former White Plains Police Officer, Joseph Murphy, was named Employee of the Month, and in the typical professional, self-effacing manner of  the prototype White Plains Police officer thanked the Mayor and the community in about 9 words. Patrolman Murphy earned the award for his apprehension of the man who had attacked a woman at the former Kraft property at 333 Westchester Avenue, March 27, and was fleeing the scene. The Mayor said Patrolman Murphy concentrated on escape routes the prepetrator might take and was able to find and corrall the suspect on the Hutchinson River Parkway,  saving the young lady who was attacked considerable future anxiety had the perpetrator escaped. The Mayor hugged the officer.  The Council chambers resounded to a standing ovation for his professionalism, bravery, and achievement. Routine for White Plains police.



Patrolman Daniel Murphy: The “Employee of the Month.” His recognition for his key arrest of the kidnapping suspect was another chapter in Patrolman Murphy’s distinguished tour of duty with the White Plains Police. Mayor Delfino commented that Patrolman Murphy has had great success in reclaiming stolen goods, and lost items in fires, and rescued a 6-year old child in an auto accident in 1997. The WPCNR hat is “off” to Patrolman Murphy. Photo by WPCNR News

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Cappelli Hotel Wraps Around Bar Building. Approval Expected May 3.

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WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. April 8, 2004. Updated with New Pictures 11:20 A.M. E.D.T. :  Louis Cappelli presented the new site plan for his Cappelli Hotel Condoplex, “The Triple Towers” Wednesday evening in the leadoff spot on the Common Council agenda. The Common Council approved their Environmental Findings Statement on the project and will hold a hearing on the site plan in May, after discussion and tweaks to the site plan in the next four weeks.



WHY WRAP THE BAR BUILDING? Super Developer Louis Cappelli introduced plans to wrap his hotel facade up flush to the 20-story height of the Bar Building to obscure the view from the 34 story condominium towers of the East and North sides of the building, which he said presented a poor view. He said he hoped the Common Council since it has paid so much attention to the appearance and size aspects of his hotel project, would make an effort to assure the facade of the Bar Building would be maintained, perhaps removing air conditioners, and upgraded since The Bar Building is the first thing that is seen coming down the Main Street block.  The above photograph was taken April 3, 2004.  Photo by WPCNR News. 



CAPPELLI WRAPAROUND:  Here is how the Wraparound works according to this preliminary Cappelli rendering presented Wednesday night. Note how the white hotel entrance runs up the entire height of the Bar Building, flush on the East side of the Bar Building (the brown block). View is looking North of the Triple Towers on Main. In foreground is Renaissance Plaza Fountain. Bar Building is on the corner. Grace Church is at far right. Extension of Court Street is at left. Photo by WPCNR News.


Cappelli proposed a collonade entrance to the hotel-retail complex on Main Street that would wrap around the bland East and North walls of the Bar Building, sparing hotel guests and condominium owners views of the ancient brick walls. He also showcased his open space plan which generated 23.1% of open space on the ground, and added rooftop greenery to the hotel.


Bruce Beck, the Super Developer’s right-hand man, said the project was on schedule to be approved in May. Mr. Cappelli said he had completed negotiations with the Bar Building owner for the annex that he is planning to acquire that would enable the new site plan to be executed. Cappelli said he is not negotiating with Mr. Longhitano on The rest of the Bar Building at the present time.



CLOSE UP OF COLLONADE ENTRANCE: The Super Developer said more detailed views of how the Colonade would look would be coming soon. Photo by WPCNR News.



HOTEL CARESSES THE BAR BUILDING: The overhead detail of how The Super Developer intends his hotel to ease up flush to the Bar Building. Main Street is at right. Note the closeness of the Hotel lobby entrance Colonade on East Side of Bar Building (the light square on lower corner of the plan), and how the Hotel slides around the North side of the Bar Building. Entrance to parking is on the left. Green is landscaping. Cappelli said the Hotel lobby should open to a plush “whisky bar” as you enter the colonade to posh retail (in yellow), on the right. Mr. Cappelli said more renderings with considerably more detail were to follow. Photo by WPCNR News.



OPEN SPACE PARKS ON ROOF OF HOTEL BETWEEN “THE TRIPLE TOWERS:” Mr. Cappelli said more open Space would be usable for guests and residents of the “Triple Towers” on the roof of the hotel complex, shown in green here. The Bar Building is at lower right corner. The Main Street “Tower” is slightly above it. The middle Tower is of course, in the middle, the office complex, or residential building if office does not fly in the market conditions, is at far left. Photo by WPCNR News.


 

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City Budget $110.5 Million IF Hevesi Cooperates & Sales Tax Rev Hits 37.8M

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WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. By John F. Bailey. April 8, 2004: The Proposed 2004-05 City Budget “bomb” dropped Tuesday night, but nobody noticed because there were no comments by the Mayor, or any of the Common Councilpersons to the public during Common Council meeting on what the budget was, what it meant for the city, and why it was lower than Budget Director Anne N. Reasoner indicated in meetings just scant weeks ago. The proposed budget is $110.5 Million.  To keep the budget down, rolling stock has been removed from the budget and will be reinstituted in 05-06, or bonded for at that time.



WHITE PLAINS BY THE NUMBERS: The 2004-05 Budget was delivered to the Common Council Wednesday night. Photo by WPCNR News.


WPCNR had projected a budget of $120 Million at the outset, and $115 Million on the low side, and when handed the budget book at the end of the Common Council meeting, it was found to come in at $110.5 Million. For the $110.5 Million figure to hold, without further budget increases or services cuts, the city is projecting a sales tax collection in the current fiscal year 2003-2004 of $37.8 Million, according to Budget Director Reasoner’s message. 


The budget also assumes State Comptroller Allan Hevesi will go along with legislation to allow cities to limit their debt to the state pension fund to 6.5 % of salaries though other communities like Port Chester, are not counting on it.  (White Plains owes $7.8 Million to the state pension fund for 04-05). The 6.5% of salaries proposal has yet to happen, and would limit the White Plains check to the pension fund to $3.7 Million instead of the $7.8 Million, and that is why the budget is $110.5 Million and not $114.5 Million. The 6.5% of salaries idea is Governor George Pataki’s solution to budget relief on the pension hit to municipalities. However, it is not guaranteed at this time.


If that does not happen, according to Ms. Reasoner’s budget message, the city would have to come up with an additional $4 Million, (increasing the budget to $114.5 Million, or requiring a 12% tax increase, or a cutting of the budget by $4 Million).


Another option discussed to handle the extra $4 Million if the 6.5% of salary solution is not passed to handle the pension funds, (in Ms. Reasoner’s budget message) is bonding the difference over 5 years, resulting in a 2.7% tax increase for each of the five years of bondings


Sales Tax Revenues Are Down to the Wire.


However the other dicey factor in the $110.5 Million rosy scenario is that as of the end of February, sales tax revenues for the city were running behind 2003-2004’s projection of $37 Million, projecting at $34 Million. White Plains needed about $8 Million the rest of the year to hit the $37 Million mark.


If the 2003-04 sales tax revenues do not meet the $37 Million after three quarters, the city will have to account for that difference in the 2004-05 budget, or  replace or cut the difference between that and the $37.8 Million they hope for in sales tax revenue in 2004-05.  (Sales tax revenue total can be added to up until May 27, the budget adoption night). If they don’t make the $37.8 Million figure the city may be forced to lower their sales tax projection they can budget to below $37.8 Million, and make up the shortfall in the 03-04 budget.


Hopefully the real figures coming out in two weeks will bring good news.


 To keep the budget at 110.5 Million and not have it go up to $119 Million ( $4 Million to the pension fund, plus a $1Million  to $5 Million sales tax revenue shortfall), Mr. Hevesi has to accommodate the pension fund relief legislation , and the city has to collect $37.8 Million in Sales Tax actual revenues during the first three quarters of 2003-2004 (ended 7 days ago).


WPCNR has learned that the actual sales tax revenues entitled the city for the third quarter of 2003-04, the current year, will be reconciled with the state in two weeks at which time, the amount of sales tax the city is allowed by law to include in the budget, will be determined. The estimated figures as of the end of February were running behind 2003-04. If the reconciliation does not equal $37.8 Million, a further tax increase or budget cutting would be called for.


It also marks the first time in memory that White Plains has submitted a budget crossing their fingers. There is no fund balance to back them up if they are wrong.


Dig for about $125 more a year in City Property Tax if All’s Well That Ends Well.


A 7.9% tax increase is an $8.28 increase per $1,000 of taxable evaluation. For a $600,000 home, assessed at $18,000  that is a $150 annual tax increase. The $110.5 Million Operating Budget is a 6% increase over the 2003-04 budget of $104.3 Million.


If the pension fund payment relief  reduction of  $4 Million does not happen , an additional 12% one year increase in the tax rate may result.


Savor that Water, Bring Change.


During the council meeting, the council passed Water Rate increases unanimously, hiking consumers water bills 15%, and excess users’ rates 85%, to meet rising water costs,  while also voting to increase parking fees and fines to add $4.9 Million to the city revenues, thus saving a  tax increase on top of the 7.9% increase called for by the $110.5 Million budget presented the Common Council last night.


On the telecast of the Common Council Meeting, in the last two hours, you will see Eileen Earl’s presentation on the water rates, and Albert Moronie’s presentation of parking rate increases. They are riveting.


Sunrise Assisted Living Facility is Approved.


The Common Council also approved the Sunrise assisted living facility on Maple Avenue, for 85 units. It is anticipated to be built in 13 months or so from the time construction starts.


Windsor Terrace continues. Expects Zoning Change.


The Council approved the revised site plan for 10 Windsor Terrace, paving theway for another redesign of that condominium project by Frank Cantatore. Cantatore said he expected the council might institute a zoning change allowing him to go back to longer balconies as proposed in his first design, when it was discovered the balaconies violated current zoning.

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Chang to Fans: Watch Back May 14.

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WPCNR CITY DESK. April 8, 2004: Susan Chang the Publisher of the White Plains Watch notified friends and subscribers of her paper that she will officially be back in print with White Plains Watch May 14. She introduced various new contributors to the paper in a citywide e-mail obtained by WPCNR. Here is Ms. Chang’s message:

Dear Friends of the Watch,
      I am delighted to let you know that the White Plains Watch Community
Newspaper will resume publishing on May 14 after a four month hiatus. I
want to thank our loyal readers and friends who worked so hard to help us
raise our subscriber levels and who believed so strongly in the importance
and value of a local, independent community newspaper. You made our “come
back” possible.



      I am also very pleased to tell you about new and returning Watch
staff members. Jean Bello will be back as Associate Editor and Lisa
Tarricone as our city reporter.  Elaine Massena will be joining us again
with her popular column “Living History,” and John Locascio’s “Live Action”
sports photos will again grace our pages. Tom Durkin will again be
monitoring mass transit and pedestrian issues and we look forward to
contributions from  Watch writers David Aquije, Renee Marks Cohen (“Notes
from a True City Dweller”), Mary Harnett, Elizabeth Rapoport (our “Let’s
Eat Out” columnist), Peter Gregg Slater, Judy Zendell Souede, Steve Vernon,
and Craig Younkin (“Movieland”). The contributions of these writers and
editors have been, and will continue to be, essential to the heart and soul
of the Watch. We are so pleased to have them back!



      We are also very excited to tell you about new staff members.
Patricia Casey will be joining us as Editor of the Watch’s new “White
Plains Living” section. Toni-Cox Burns will assume the position of the
Watch’s new Director of Subscriber Services. Pam Trapasso King joins the
paper as Director of Advertising Sales.  Pat, Toni and Pam bring
professionalism, energy and, most important, a sense of “community mission”
to the paper. We are so fortunate to have them joining our team.



      The Watch has also formed a new Advisory Board. A big thank you to
board members Mitch Achiron, Toni Cox-Burns, Stan Greene, Jack Harrington,
Alan Himmelstein, Carlos Mejia, Sarina Russell, Dr. Saul Yanofsky and Janet
Younkin who have so generously offered their time and talents to advise us.



      The Watch promises to be, like never before, the city’s “must read”
paper.  Board member Mitch Achiron has redesigned the masthead to evoke the
paper’s vibrant “urban village” focus.  The new Watch will encourage more
reader feedback, and will work hard to present a diversity of viewpoints
including lively point/counterpoints on issues “at the top” of the news.
The first “White Plains Living” supplements will focus on outdoor eating
and recreating, and will include a White Plains dining guide.



      For bios on the Watch’s new and returning staff, contributing
writers, and Advisory Board members visit www.whiteplainswatch.com.
 


 

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There is Hope in Metville.

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. VIEW FROM THE UPPER DECK By John “Baseball” Bailey. April 7, 2004: It was only one game, and it may be the best game the Mets play all year, but last night’s Metroplitans’ opener in their personal torture chamber, Turner Field, was about as good as it gets for a Metropolitans’ fan.


We saw the second coming of Rodan — Kazuo Matsui — Hitting a line drive opposite field jack like Ricky Henderson used to do, and the first coming of the greatest centerfielder in 40 years, Mike Cameron, racing incredibly fast into the gaps and snagging doubles off the bats of Braves. We saw the reincarnation of George Theodore, Jason Phillips, the Buddy Holly-lookalike whose 2 doubles gave punch to the lineup  and long reach at first base gave hope. Pitchers Scott Erickson and Al Leiter were watching the game from the dugout with a glow in their eyes.



OLD COMISKEY PARK, CHICAGO’S SOUTH SIDE .1975. Photo From WPCNR Sports Archive


And…that’s not all. Tom Glavine threw over 80 pitches and gave us six innings, something unheard of.


But, what looked good last night was the Metropolitans’ “DEE.”


First let’s start with the kid from Seattle, Mike Cameron. This guy is easily the best centerfielder in New York since Mays. No question. In the sixth inning last night, he tracked down three balls in the roomy Turner centerfield gaps and made it look easily, quite frankly keeping Tommy Glavine in the game. Last year’s Metropolitan outfield would have turned it into three straight doubles and the score 7-4 with nobody out.


Cameron is off at the crack of the bat and runs to the spot where he knows the ball is going to land, and in full stride simply outruns the ball the way “Willie” used to do….and yes, he “over-the-shoulders” the ball, then grins. It’s so nice to see a real outfielder playing in a New York centerfield again. At the plate Cameron scored two runs — but he saved two.


Karim Garcia, the former Yankee actually dove for a ball and caught it. Something you did not see too many Met outfielders do in recent years, simply because they were no where close to the ball.


Rodan (Kazuo Matsui) played an aggressive shortstop, too. The Mets made no baserunning mistakes, were patient at the plate, all those good things, and scored 7 runs.


It’s only one game. But, you’re going to like this kid Cameron. He is worth coming out to see, and the Mets haven’t had a player like that since the 80s.


Meanwhile, across town


The Yankee pitching continues to manifest itself as an unproven quantity.  As George Steinbrenner returns to the 1980s and loads up with hitters, he let his pitching go.


Mike Mussina had another lousy outing. Perhaps it’s early, but if your Number One starts out lowly against the Devil Rays, and you have to rely on even older guys…we are going to see a lot of “out of it early” Yankee games.


The Yankees have no pitching. They have no middle relief. 


Their offense is strong on paper, but they have returned to the Whack & Jack offensive style. It does no good to hit solo shots, and strike out when there are men on base. 


Throw Out the Staggered Opening.


For the first time in decades, I was not excited by Opening Day…because there were too many of them.


Baseball has to lose this early opening in venues other than the United States. It does not work. Then for the Yankees to go back and play exhibition games in Florida after they open the season? That was braindead. It made the early opening meaningless.


I understand major league baseball is considering opening the season in Baghdad next season to prove that Iraq has been civilized.


A more sensible opening place would be San Juan, Puerto Rico where the Montreals now play some of their games.


But seriously, the busted continuity of the baseball openers…which only served to focus attention on the Final Four, is not in the best interests of baseball.


I loved the Kansas City royal 7 run rally in the ninth on Opening Day to beat the Pale Hose. That’s why you stay to the final out. You never know.


 

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