Crusading Editor Chang Reaches Out

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WPCNR HEARTBEAT OF WHITE PLAINS. February 5, 2004: Susan Chang, embattled editor of the White Plains Watch is expressing cautious optimism that enough subscribers can be found to keep her monthly alive. In a letter to subscribers, she points to Monday, February 9 as the meeting that may very well determine The Watch’s fate. Here is a copy of that letter:


   Dear Watch Subscriber,

      I am writing to you to keep you informed about our progress in
converting the White Plains Watch from a free to a paid paper.  Your
support as one of our first paid subscribers has been critical to our plans
to strengthen the paper’s economic base and its independence.
      Although we did not receive a sufficient number of subscribers to
launch ourselves as a paid paper in January, we are optimistic that we will
be up and running again soon thanks to an energetic and determined group of
community leaders who have come together to reach out to the greater
community to encourage more people to subscribe quickly.
      I am attaching a copy of a letter, (previously presented on WPCNR),
 signed by some of these leaders, about a meeting to organize a subscription drive for the Watch. The meeting
will be held on Monday, February 9, at 8 pm, at Memorial Methodist Church.
We hope you will be able to attend and will forward this email invitation
to your friends and neighbors and business contacts in White Plains.
      If you have any questions please call the Watch at 914-421-1904 or
email us at wpwatch@whiteplainswatch.com.   Please be assured that
subscriber monies have been reserved in a bank account and will not be used
until we begin publishing again.

      Sincerely,
      Susan Arterian Chang
      Publisher & Editor

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Delfino & Connors Collaborate to Create “Club Excel” for White Plains Kids

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WPCNR CITY HALL BEAT. From The Mayor’s Press Office. February 5, 2004: Mayor Joseph Delfino and  White Plains Superintendent  of Schools, Tim Connors  announced the creation of Club Excel, Thursday —  a new, joint academic initiative that will be run by the City Youth Bureau and housed in the City’s two middle schools. Club Excel will provide White Plains middle school students extended learning opportunities for three hours a day, five days a week during the school year, for free. 

          


  “I have always believed that we need to give young people every opportunity to succeed in life, and


this program will help us do that,” Mayor Delfino said. “I cannot thank Superintendent Connors enough


for his support and expertise in getting this program started.”


Club Excel will be held in the City’s two middle schools and will include 100 students from the Eastview Middle School and 125 students from the Highlands campus- almost 5 times what the Youth Bureau’s after school program currently supports. 


The wide variety of programs that will be offered are designed to enhance the educational, social, cultural, and recreational needs of students and their families. A typical day will include academic support and elective – “academies” – during which students will learn about a wide range of topics including technology, the arts, life-learning skills, health and leadership training.  The program will also include recreational activities.


One aspect of the program that makes it even more unique is the inclusion of family participation. The families of the students will have the chance to attend workshops and sessions on improving their own computer, language, and basic life skills.


Club Excel has been made possible by a $1.575 million dollar grant that was awarded through the State Education Department’s “New York 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program”. The Youth Bureau, working with the City’s Grants writer Ted Lawson, Superintendent Connors, the Principals of the Highlands and Eastview Middle Schools, Diana Knight and Joseph Cloherty, Charles Celauro, Principal of St. John The Evangelist School, and Dr. Margaret Olson, a consultant for the City put together the proposal that won this major award. The funds from the grant provide for salaries, services, supplies and materials, transportation expenses and employee benefits.


For more information about the program, please contact the Youth Bureau at (914) 422-1411

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Pressures on 2004-05 School Budget Spelled Out for ABC Committee

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. February 5, 2004: The Annual Budget Committee that annually reviews and aids the City School District in creating the school budget convened for its first meeting Wednesday evening at Education House.


New Assistant Superintendent for Business, Terrance Schruers, took the School Board, assorted Assistant Superintendents, and the approximate 25 White Plains residents on a sobering financial tour of the new budget demands for the 2004-05 School Year. The Committee will meet again next Wednesday, February 11 at 7:30 P.M. in its continuing series of deliberations as the school budget choices are made.



ABC IN ACTION: Superintendent of Schools, Timothy Connors, left, and Assistant Superintendent for Business, Terrance Schruers, right, make sense of budget pressures to the Annual Budget Committee Wednesday evening. Mr. Schruers, conducting his first ABC series, presented a tight, cogent, remarkably understandable overview of the demands by the state, contracts, and business conditions on the School District. Photo by WPCNR News.


Schruers defined the cost of the Board decision to make all kindergartens full day in all the district elementary schools, as $1, 453,245, which would be paid for by $125,000 in added state aid, and a tax levy increase of $1,217,245, and a “one-time” revenue of $111,000.


 


He said the District was required to pay a 700% increase in contributions to the New York State Teachers Retirement fund, but because of prior Board of Education setting aside funds for this expected increase, that impact would amount to an additional $726,600 in the 2004-05 budget. He outlined several ways this could be mitigated for the committee to consider.


 


An additional $1, 025,535 contribution is required by the state, Schruers said to be contributed to the Employees Retirement System, a 142% increase. However, Schruers said, several proposals are on the table by the state to “amortize” that impact by requiring only a $513,481 additional contribution in 04-05 and amortizing the rest at 8% interest to the state.


 


Health insurance, Schruers pointed out, was anticipated to rise 9.9%, resulting in  a $1,648,643 increase in next year’s budget. Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors allowed that this was an option in upcoming teacher and civil service employees negotiations, that he said would begin shortly. Currently, WPCNR was told by Board of Education member Peter Bassano, teachers and employees do not contribute to the cost of their health insurance. It is paid by the School District.


 


The need to allow for tax certiorari relief resources in next year’s budget was emphasized by Schruers in light of a decline in reserves for certiorari refunds to $243,820.


 


Schruers reported that the City Tax Assessor, Eydie McCarthy, was reporting to him at this time that she expected no increase in assessments. Schruers noted to WPCNR that this was not good for the School District because any budget increase would have to be made up by increasing the School Tax Levy.


 


The final significant factor referred to in Wednesday evening’s meeting was that the White Plains Teachers Union contract expires in June of this year and next year’s wage increase and its impact on the budget is unpredictable at this time.


 


Salaries make up  59% of the School Budget and will automatically increase the budget $868,141 for every 1% change in salaries.


 


Last year’s School Budget for 2003-2004 was $134,632,632.


 


Schruers  said in terms of state aid, he expected that to remain the same, however teacher center grants (that help train and improve teaching skills) would be cut from $100,000 to $66,000 under the Governor’s proposal.

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The Man Who Makes You Better Moves On. Spencer Ridenhour Signs with Penn State

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. By John F. Bailey February 5, 2004. Updated 2:43 P.M. E.S.T. UPDATED WITH MR. RIDENHOUR’S WHITE PLAINS RECORDS, February 5, 2004: Spencer Ridenhour, “The Pride of the Tigers,” signed a letter of intent Wednesday morning to attend Pennsylvania State University on a full four-year football scholarship to play under the legendary football coach, Joe Paterno. With many of his football teammates looking on, the halfback and defensive back who set many records, and scored 57 touchdowns in his high school career at Parker Stadium, signed for the full ride at 9:58 A.M., joining thousands of other high school players nationally in committing to programs, the first day under NCAA rules in which they could do so.



TIGERS FOREVER: Spencer Ridenhour (front row center, with the biggest smile)  was congratulated by his WPHS football  teammates after his signing this morning with the Nittany Lions of Penn State. Many teammates spoke emotionally of their love for Spencer, what he has meant to them, and that they would always be there for him, visibly moving their teammate. Spencer told WPCNR he chose Penn State because of Coach Joe Paterno’s emphasis on academics and his focus on developing the whole individual, “He develops not just the athlete, but focuses on making you a responsible adult young man.” Ridenhour will pursue a prelaw degree at Penn State. Photo by WPCNR Sports


 



TIGER RIDES WEST: Spencer Ridenhour has just signed his Letter of Intent to attend Penn State in the fall. His coaches, Mom and Dad look on. Head football Coach Marc Santa-Donato is at near right, seated, then right to left, Spencer, his mom, Lani, Dad, Al. WPHS Principal Dr. Christine Robbins, a Penn State graduate herself, is behind Coach Santa-Donato. Photo by WPCNR Sports.


Coach Mark Santa-Donato, opened the signing ceremony by saying “This is all something Spencer earned. It is an historic moment for us and our football program.” Santa-Donato who has coached Mr. Ridenhour for all four years, said, “We are very proud of you, and what you have achieved, and you have been very humble about it.”


 


Athletic Director of White Plains High School, Mario Scarano said he had been asked what Spencer has meant to White Plains High School, and Mr. Scarano said,  “Spencer represents what the White Plains “Student Athlete” is all about if you can get an athlete to learn and perform.” He said Ridenhour was a role model for what a student athlete is.


 


Lani Ridenhour, Spencer’s mom, said her son was smart, articulate and would be successful wherever he went, saying she was very proud of him. Al, Spencer’s Dad, said a beautiful thing about his son. Al Ridenhour played football too, he said,  and when Spencer asked him about playing football in seventh grade, Mr. Ridenhour said to “play football because you want to, not because I did it.”


 


Then Mr. Ridenhour, a fierce competitor himself, said some words every son would want to hear, he said “I couldn’t play with you if I were your age.”


 



SPENCER’S TEAMMATES  took turns recalling memories of him, praising him, saying how they loved him and would always be there for him as friends. Spencer was visibly moved by these emotional tributes, and there was not a dry eye in the Career Center. Photo by WPCNR Sports.


 


Mike Devere, the quarterback who put the ball in Spencer’s hands the last two years, recalled when he first met Spencer and his parents in Little League, when Mike was pitching. He reminisced about that day. He recalled that Spencer hit a long drive to right field off him, and “before I knew it he was home.”


 



THE QB TAKE: Mike Devere, Tiger QB said what playing with Spencer on the football field was like: “You get a lot from him. He’s a role model. He has good qualities, leadership qualities. You just feed off him. He makes you better.” Devere appeared to speak for all, telling Spencer: “We’re always going to be buddies, and you’ve been a true friend to me.” Photo by WPCNR Sports


 


Spencer Ridenhour who will always be one of The Prides of the Tigers talked to WPCNR as he was about to leave for class.


 


He said he selected Penn State because of its academics overall, and described the university as a place where he felt he could fit in. He said the tradition was “solid,” “the people nice.”


 


He said he did not know the role envisioned for him on Coach Paterno’s team, saying he would learn more during camp at the end of July. He said the team had talked possibly defensive back with him.



SPENCER RIDENHOUR’S LAST GAME AT PARKER STADIUM: The Pride of the Tigers at far right, poised to take the handoff. Blockers ready. Photo by WPCNR Sports


 


He described Coach Joe Paterno as “a legend, very down-to-earth, who tells it like it is.” Spencer said  “The biggest attraction (of Penn State) was that Coach Paterno was so solid on the classroom. Many coaches just concentrate on your athletic ability. Coach Paterno molds a good athlete into a well-rounded person, a well-rounded young man.”


 


Asked how he balanced his own academics with his football dedication, Spencer said “Discipline.”


 


Advice? Spencer said he would tell other young athletes to “believe in yourself, not necessarily being boastful. You have to have the feeling you can do it. “


 


He said you cannot concede that someone is better, you have to “keep working hard to be better and accept nothing less.”


 


A Coach Remembers


 


Coach Santa-Donato said in conclusion, “I feel terrific (about Spencer’s achievement). He’s unselfish. His parents have been so supportive of him.”


 


Santa-Donato recalled Spencer’s will to succeed, remembering the Mount Vernon game when Spencer had injured his ankle in the first half and was in great pain. In the second half he begged the coach to go back into the game, saying his parents had given him permission to return to the game. Santa-Donato tried to talk him out of it. But, Spencer insisted.


 


“He ran 70 yards for a touchdown, “ Santa-Donato recalled.


 


Later in that game, Ridenhour ran for first downs on three consecutive crucial third down plays to run the Purple Knights out of time, on the same bad leg.


 


He has a Tiger’s pride, and already has a Lion’s Heart.


 


 


 



NUMBER 33 Photo by WPCNR Sports


 


These are the 9 career or season records that Spencer broke or tied at White
Plains:



Total Overall Career Yards – 3,796
Total Career Rushing Yards – 3,676
Most TD’s In A Career – 57
Most Points In A Career – 344
Most Rushing TD’s In A Career – 54
Most Points In A Season – 144 (2003)
Most TD’s In A Season – 24 (2003)
Most Rushing TD’s In A Season – 23 (2003)
Most Points In A Game – 30 (2003), Tied With Marcus Walton (1999)


 


 


 



 


 

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Citizens Bring Your Torches: All Asked to Join at New Meeting to Save The Watch

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WPCNR FRONT PAGE DISPATCH. From Committee to Save The Watch. February 3, 2004: White Plains citizens concerned about a free independent press voice in the city are holding another strategy meeting February 9 at the Memorial Methodist Church on Bryant Avenue at 8 P.M. Though the White Plains Watch continues to send reporters to certain city events (one covered the Council meeting Monday evening), the future of the paper continues in doubt. The following letter  signed by Jack Harrington, Saul Yanofsky, Toni Cox-Burns and Carlos Mejia ciruculated Monday, throwing open the appeal to save The Watch and inviting all to help:

   February 2. 2004


 


Dear friends in White Plains:


 


We are writing to enlist your help in trying to save an institution which we feel has already made a tremendous difference in making White Plains a stronger, healthier, more vibrant and better informed community:  The White Plains Watch.


 


For the past few months, the staff of The Watch and many community-minded residents have been working diligently to develop a paid subscription base to ensure the continued publication of this important community resource.  Your help is now urgently needed.


 


We are trying to generate a broad grassroots effort across White Plains to develop financial support for this independent newspaper, which is the only publication available whose primary purpose is to highlight local news and community activities in the City of White Plains.


 


All around us, there are communities whose civic and cultural lives are enriched by the existence of such a newspaper.  There certainly is no reason why White Plains – much bigger, livelier and more diverse than these other communities – cannot support a similar publication.


 


To advance this grassroots effort, we are organizing a meeting to discuss strategies to transition The Watch from a free newspaper to a more viable paid subscription newspaper.  The meeting is scheduled for this coming Monday evening, February 9 at 8:00 P.M. at the Memorial Methodist Church on Bryant Avenue in White Plains.


 


Your input and support are welcome in this effort to keep The Watch alive.  Please join us and bring your friends and neighbors who share these concerns about the future of this important community newspaper,


 


Sincerely,


 


Jack Harrington


Toni Cox-Burns


Carlos Mejia


Saul Yanofsky


 


P.S.  If you cannot attend this meeting, please help our efforts by subscribing to the Watch and encouraging your friends and neighbors to do so.   The cost is $25 a year ($45 for two years) if you are a White Plains resident; $35 a year (or $65 for two years) for out-of-towners.  Checks can be made payable to the White Plains Watch and mailed to:  White Plains Watch, P.O. Box 348, White Plains, 10602.

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WHITE PLAINS ROVING PHOTOGRAPHER

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WHITE PLAINS ROVING PHOTOGRAPHER. February 3, 2004: Today’s Photograph of the day comes from Bruce Berg of Cappelli Enterprises, showcashing the new Cappelli Hotel and Office Complex as presented at Monday evening’s Common Council meeting. The Photograph of the architectural rendering shows how the Super Developer’s new design integrates the Bar Building into the proposed $375 Million center city hotel complex.



“WHITE GRANITE COMPROMISED” By Cappelli Enterprises

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Lost White Plains Week to Cablecast tonight at 8:30 P.M. on WPPA-TV, Channel 76

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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS VARIETY. From WPPA-TV. February 3, 2004: White Plains Week was not cablecast on “The Spirit of 76,” White Plains Public Access Television Monday evening at its 7 P.M. timeslot due to a programming error, and will be cablecast instead,  this evening at 8:30 P.M on Channel 76. John Bailey, Alex Philippidis, and Jim Benerofe will discuss an old White Plains memorabilia game called “Downtown White Plains.”

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Mayor Calls White Plains ”National Model for What People Can Accomplish”

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WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER.Text of Mayor’s State of the City Address. February 3, 2004: Mayor Joseph M. Delfino of White Plains delivered his sixth annual State of the City address last night at the Common Council meeting, citing as his goals for 2004: a makeover plan for Lexington Avenue, the building of a senior housing complex (proposed by Clayton Park Developer, Frank Cantatore) on the Post Office property behind the Board of Elections headquarters;  the approval of the Cappelli Hotel project, and acquisition of 55 acres of park from New York Presbyterian Hospital, urging the council to resist as “a handful of extremists attempt to block this effort.”  The complete transcript of the Mayor’s State of the city address follows:



MAYOR DELFINO DELIVERING STATE OF THE CITY MONDAY EVENING. He prepared White Plains citizens for what he said were  “tough decisions to be made as we complete our budget,” warning of White Plains facing “huge increases in employee pension fund costs mandated by the state that will put a strain on our budget in the coming year.” Photo by WPCNR News.


The first item on our agenda tonight is the annual State of the City Address. And it is with great pleasure that I report to you tonight that the State of our City is stronger than ever.


 


To put it simply, White Plains had an amazing year! In 2003, history was made over and over again. Goals that all of us had been dreaming about for decades were realized in a grand fashion. Ideas and Proposals that were debated on this very floor took form and rose from the ground before our eyes. Promises that were made were delivered above and beyond expectations. Bi-partisanship flourished and this government became a national model for what people can accomplish if they work together. Optimism rose to an all time high and the future of White Plains becamse brighter than ever. Indeed, 2003 was a great year.


 


In 2003, we made history by building the first waterfront park in White Plains. All of us who visited Liberty Park for the first time were amazed not only by the stunning views of St. Mary’s Lake but by the overall beauty of the park. New recreational opportunities that never existed in White Plains before are now available to all including boating, fishing, and lakeside picnicking. For those who have not yet visited Liberty Park, I would encourage you to do so next spring. It is truly one of the most beautiful spots in White Plains.


 


In 2003, we also made history by opening a spectacular 15-screen multiplex theater in the downtown. For almost two decades, there was plenty of talk about the need for a movie theater in White Plains but nothing got done. Many had lost hope. Some even believed that our downtown was too far gone economically to be able to attract a movie theater chain. But I never lost hope and the City stayed focused on its economic development plan and today the movies are open.


 


The theater’s grand hall is a fitting tribute to this region’s most magnificent movie theater. This cornerstone of our downtown revitalization effort is the beginning of a new renaissance for our downtown and I am very pleased that Developer Louis Cappelli and National Amusements chose to invest in our community and take a chance on White Plains.


 


In 2003, we also made history again when we opened the doors to our new White Plains Performing Arts Center. This new 417-seat live theater is unquestionably the best community theater in Westchester County and provides us with unlimited opportunities to bring the arts and entertainment into our downtown. Best of all, the theater was built without using one penny of money from City property taxes.


 


All of us on the Council are extremely pleased with the job our theater managers, Tony Stimac and Jeff Rosenstock have been doing. Our gala opening weekend, which was kicked off with the help of comedy legend Bob Newhart was a smashing, standing room only success and has been followed by a number of other quality shows. The theater is also providing our local community theater groups with an opportunity to showcase their talent. The Playgroup Theater just recently premiered Tom Sawyer, a children’s musical which filled the house four nights in a row and many more local groups are scheduled to grace the stage this spring.


 


The upcoming schedule has something for everyone, including the family fun performance by Avner on February 7, a one-week run of It Had to Be You starring Renee Taylor and Joe Bologna beginning March 9 and a major production of the musical comedy Fashion which begins March 20. You can get more information about upcoming performances at the center by calling 888-977-2250. Once again, I encourage everyone to support the arts in White Plains.


 


In 2003, we also made history in the downtown by creating a one-of-a-kind fountain plaza which has become a regional attraction while generating funds for open space acquisition. For those of you who have not yet seen it, I urge you to join us in the spring as we turn the fountain back on at Renaissance Plaza for our second season. It really speaks for itself and is a major centerpiece in the amazing story of the rebirth of downtown White Plains. Like our Performing Arts Center, Renaissance Plaza was built without using a penny from city property taxes. Even the plaza’s beautiful glass café was built by the City without using taxpayer money. Furthermore, through a very unique agreement with Starbucks, the City will receive rent payments from Starbucks which have been earmarked for the acquisition of additional open space. And so, not only will Renaissance Plaza create new life in our downtown, it is literally a park that creates more parks.


 


Other elements of our economic development effort became a reality in 2003 as well. Fortunoff’s opened its doors this fall to rave reviews. Fortunoff’s hired hundreds of White Plains residents and is expected to generate millions of dollars in revenue for the City. Its neighbor, the Cheesecake Factory, has been so successful that wait times for dinner regularly exceed two hours.


 


We have also seen amazing progress on our new downtown residential apartment complexes. Ten Bank Street, formerly known as the Hole in the Ground, has been a resounding success. The first building is almost entirely leased and the second building, which had initially been scheduled for construction to start in 2005, is nearly complete 2 years early and will be ready for tenants in a few months. Clayton Park on Canfield and Main Street is also leasing up ahead of schedule with more than half of the building already leased. The first of the apartment buildings at the City Center will be ready for tenants this spring and the second tower is already under construction. The Jefferson at 300 Mamaroneck Avenue is also under construction and making substantial progress.


 


Phase 3 of my economic development plan was released this year and several new initiatives have already been implemented including our Gum Busters initiative to keep our downtown sidewalks free from gum and our Downtown Street Ambassadors Program, through which senior citizens and young adults provide directions, information, helpful hints about places to shop and dine and other useful information to visitors.


 


I have also presented a plan for a downtown children’s museum and sports complex which a developer has expressed interest in building, and my administration is working on a plan for an international outdoor market. The City is also working on a feasibility plan for a downtown trolley bus system. Special thanks to our Business Improvement District for all of their efforts and for their partnership in making our downtown the best it can be.


 


In 2003, our public safety department made significant strides in crime prevention. Our already low crime rate went down a significant 13.8%. We have also targeted the quality of life concerns that are so very important to our citizens.


 


Patrols are up 26.4%


 


Speeding summonses are up by 35%


 


Seatbelt summonses by 75% and


 


Cell phone summonses have increased by 132%


 


I would like to thank all the fine men and women in our Public Safety Department, both Firefighters and police officers, for the continued commitment to the safety and security of our residents.


 


In 2003, we also made history by striking a tentative agreement with New York Presbyterian Hospital for a 55-acre park at no cost to the city. The 55-acre park would be three times larger than any other public park in White Plains and would include significant opportunities for active and passive recreation including numerous ballfields and walking trails.


 


Under the agreement, the City would rezone a portion of the hospital property to allow for commercial medical activity at the northern side of the property while guaranteeing that no development would take place near any residential neighborhoods.


 


This agreement is likely the last chance this City will have to acquire a large block of open space on the New York Presbyterian Hospital property. It is vitally important not only because it will enhance the quality of life for our current residents but because it will create an important legacy for our children, and for their children as well.


 


Unfortunately, a handshake agreement will not be enough to bring our dream for a central park to fruition. It will require public support and strength from this Council as a handful of extremists attempt to block this effort. And I ask for that strength this year as we move forward with the approval process.


 


The year 2004 will offer a series of other challenges as well. The fact is that, even though 2003 was a great year, a great City cannot remain great if it simply rests on its laurels. If we do not keep moving forward, we will fall behind and repeat the mistakes of the past which cost White Plains almost a decade of stagnation.


 


A proposal for a beautiful four star Westin Hotel, luxury condos, and an office building in the heart of our City is a necessary part of our plan to fix the downtown. We need to finish what we started. We need to build on the momentum that we created otherwise we risk undermining our own creation. Over the next few months, we need to put our finishing touches on the project and get it done. It means millions of dollars in revenue to the City, which will help ease the burden on our property taxpayers and it will be a substantial upgrade to the downtown. The current string of vacant and rundown stores on Main Street are a blight on the downtown and need to be addressed.


 


This year, we also need to expand our economic development efforts to the Lexington Avenue corridor. My administration is currently working on a Lexington Avenue Improvement Plan which will focus on some key initiatives to help improve the area and I hope to begin a dialogue on the plan with the Council and residents in the next few months.


 


I am also hoping to see approval of affordable homeownership legislation which I proposed to the Council recently. This legislation is aimed at providing financial assistance to lower and moderate income individuals who need help making the down payment on a co-op or condo.


 


I am also looking forward to the approval of a joint venture project that I proposed to the Council for Longview Avenue that will provide a needed service for senior citizens, needed assistance to White Plains Hospital, and needed parking in our downtown. Under the proposal, an outside developer would construct a roughly 100-unit assisted living center for senior citizens and a multi-level parking garage for White Plains Hospital and the White Plains Parking Authority. This proposal is a win/win/win solution to a variety of different issues that have remained unresolved for years.


 


In 2004, I will also push for a project that I proposed to the County several months ago to create new affordable senior housing at the site of the old post office downtown. This site, which is currently owned by the County, is a perfect location for senior housing, since it is within walking distance of so many things. With hundreds of seniors on waiting lists for affordable housing, there is no doubt as to the need for such a project. My plan would involve the County turning the property over to the City and the City soliciting proposals from developers to build a project that will make us proud.


 


This year, my administration will also be working on a variety of other new initiatives that will be aimed at improving the City’s quality of life and continuing current programs that are vital to many of our residents. These efforts will not go without their challenges. For example, White Plains faces huge increases in employee pension fund costs mandated by the state that will put a strain on our budget in the coming year. Sadly, White Plains is not alone. Cities, towns, and villages throughout New York State are facing similar problems, with significant tax increases necessary to make up the shortfall.


 


Over the next few months, tough decisions will need to be made as we complete our budget and as always, I ask our residents for their understanding and support. While property taxes in White Plains are among the lowest in Westchester County, we are always facing important choices in dealing with financial burdens not necessarily created in White Plains.


 


Speaking of outside events not within control of our City, the recent closure of St. Agnes Hospital has created a real question as to the fate of the St. Agnes property. With the state having control over the property, I am very concerned with the possibility of State decision-making without local community input. As the State begins to address the question of what will happen to the property, we will be watching very carefully and calling on our State representatives to work with us to ensure that all local zoning laws are respected and complied with and that a good use for the site is found.


 


To my colleagues on the Common Council, I would like to once again thank you all for your service to this community. Each of you in your own way, has put in a tremendous amount of time and effort, and I am sure that you will all agree that we had an amazing year. One thing I have noticed in the six years I have been the Mayor is that when we unite and rally behind a common cause, we get things done. When we put aside partisan politics and do what’s best for our community, great things happen. When we look at each other as colleagues and not as competitors, we foster an environment of progress and positive change. I would encourage each and every one of you to stay focused on our joint objectives without being distracted by the same handful of partisans who prefer political infighting and animosity over progress. There is no question in my mind that if we stand united, we will continue to break new ground and flourish as a City.


 


I would also like to thank each and every member of the City’s staff. We are very fortunate to have terrific employees. Their dedication and hard work has been instrumental in past successes and will be vital for our future success.


 


I would like to recognize my wife Ellie for her continued sacrifice and for putting up with my crazy schedule.


 


Finally, I would like to thank my fellow White Plains residents for the continued support for our efforts.

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Longhitanos to Sell Annex, Clears Way for Cappelli Hotel. Bar Bldg. Saved

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WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. By John F. Bailey. February 2, 2004, Updated with new Photo Evolutionary Design Sequence 12:29 P.M. E.S.T.: Dorothy Finger, representing Frank and Anthony Longhitano, owners of the Bar Building on Main Street, announced Monday evening  to the Common Council that Louis Cappelli and the Longhitanos had reached an agreement on dollar amount, “an understanding” where  Mr. Cappelli will acquire the annex behind the Bar Building.



CAPPELLI-LONGHITANO DETENTE ANNOUNCED: Dorothy Finger announces historic agreement preserving Bar Building negotiated between Super Developer Louis Cappelli and Anthony and Frank Longhitano, by which Mr. Cappelli will acquire the annex behind the Bar Building. Photo by WPCNR News.


This surprise announcement appeared to clear the way for the “Super Developer” to erect his 221 Main Street Westin Hotel and Office complex around the Bar Building. Ms. Finger said, and Mr. Cappelli later confirmed that the annex acquisition had a 90-day time frame to be consummated. Ms. Finger in addition said that Mr. Cappelli would work with tenants displaced by the annex acquisition to find other office space in the city. The figure Mr. Cappelli will pay Mr. Longhitano was not disclosed.



NEW CAPPELLI HOTEL & OFFICE COMPLEX NOW INCORPORATES THE BAR BUILDING: Louis Cappelli unveiled his granite-faced hotel and office design for 221, which will take the Bar Building annex, but preserve and blend with the ambience of the 1920’s home of the Westchester County Bar Association, and the City Club, the beloved Bar Building.  Bar Building is on far right. Street on right is Main Street. Street in front of the hotel is the new 4-lane Court Street Extension. New skyscraper hotel and condominiums rises above the Bar Building. Office Building rises on left.  All parking is “below grade.” Photo by Cappelli Enterprises.


 


Mr. Cappelli presented a new design for his hotel complex which works around the Bar Building. It projects a compatible granite front that appears to blend with the Bar Building landmark. The Super Developer remarked  that the idea of razing the Bar Building had become too polarizing an issue for both the citizens of White Plains and the Common Council.



ANNEX TO GO: The Bar Building Annex (white addition at rear of the Bar Building). Looking South towards Starbucks, will be acquired and demolished by Louis Cappelli if he concludes an understanding with the Bar Building owners. Mr. Cappelli has agreed to help tenants relocate within the city of White Plains. Photo by WPCNR News



REJECTED: Mr. Cappelli said he refused to build around the Bar Building Annex, as shown in this rendering, going to the “White Granite Compromised” shown previously. Photo by Cappelli Enterprises.



LOST: Mr. Cappelli compromised, bowing to the wishes of the city, the Common Council and concerned citizens, choosing not to build this design of his hotel and office complex which would have razed the Bar Building and its annex. Photo by Cappelli Enterprises.


 


 


Cappelli urged the council to now move ahead with the approval process swiftly and to close the public hearing. Mayor Joseph Delfino noted that the issues of the Bar Building, eminent domain had now been eliminated as roadblocks to the project. Mr. Cappelli said the agreement with the Longhitanos was reached Monday.


Asked by WPCNR in the rotunda when relining of the Main Street sewer would happen as part of the Nicoletti Bypass proposal negotiated to handle the 221 Main project sewage,  Cappelli said that would happen when construction was started on 221, then later, amended that comment to say he would line the sewer “if required (by the city).” 

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Captain O’Keefe Returns to Duty Today.

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WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. By John F. Bailey. February 2, 2004: The White Plains Police Department announced today that police veteran, Captain Dennis O’Keefe, after an “extensive internal investigation,” by the police department, and by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, has returned to active duty on the force today after a two-month suspension from duty, “fully exonerated,” Deputy Police Commissioner David Chong said.



Captain Dennis O’Keefe.  May 2003. Photo From WPCNR News Archives.


Captain O’Keefe, Chong said,  has been reassigned from the Detective Division to new administrative duties “on special assignment, reviewing administrative procedures involving new computerized and technical programs that need a senior staff member to take a look at them,” according to Commissioner Chong.


Chong said he would not comment on the allegations brought against Captain O’Keefe. He said “no charges are forthcoming. He’s back on duty today.”

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