Latimer Moves on Teen Liquor Problem. Lift Teen Driver’s Licenses.

Posted on April 2, 2005 by John Bailey

WPCNR LATIMER IN THE LEGISLATURE. From Assemblyman George Latimer’s Office. April 2, 2005: State Assemblyman GEORGE LATIMER (Dem, 91st A.D.) has sponsored two bills designed to reduce under-age drinking by attacking the problem at both ends: raising penalties for those who sell alcohol to minors, and to those minors who are in possession of alcohol.

“We must make a stronger effort to punish those who sell to minors…and we must raise the penalty to the young person who obtains the alcohol”, Latimer said. “We mean business. We’re not going to tolerate the continued incidence of auto accidents that ruin lives, or to accept the societal problem of young people who develop early alcoholism”.

Bill Seeks to TakeAway liquor/lotter licenses. Lift Teen Driver’s Licenses.

The two bills tie in as sanctions state licensing powers. When a business is found guilty of selling alcohol to minors, the proposed law could cost them their liquor license and their lottery license. When a young person is found be in possession on alcohol, they run the risk of losing their drivers license/permit – even if the offense does not occur behind the wheel.

“Driving may be the most important privilege a person at age 16, 17 or 18 possesses; that’s what at stake if they’re caught breaking the law”, Assemblyman Latimer noted. “The financial value of a lottery license – including Quick Draw – and certainly a liquor license – may be incalculable. People will think long and hard before they break the law
if this much is at stake”.

Latimer, who represents Westchester’s Sound Shore, indicated that numerous incidents of drinking at proms, at after hour locations around communities, and in other venues, must be addressed in a serious and significant manner.

“Our children’s lives are at stake. We can’t pretend ‘it’s no big deal’. Our laws on under-age drinking are in place for good reasons, and they must be enforced”.

Both bills will be sent to Assembly committees for review; both will likely need approval from the powerful Codes Committee. Senate companion bills are either submitted or in development.

WBT Presents ‘Summer Stock’ Program for Kids.

Posted on April 2, 2005 by John Bailey

WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From Westchester Broadway Theatre. April 2, 2005:

The Westchester Broadway Theatre, in Elmsford, Bob Funking and Bill Stutler those showmen who know theatre and have been turning a healthy profit at the bistro/theatre/showplace in Elmsford for 30 years are introducing an exciting new feature for Westchester residents with children this summer – the 2005 WBT Summer Theatre Workshop.

This is a terrific new summer venue for kids, where they learn all about the different aspects of the theatre; Acting, Dance, Voice, Staging….even Improvisation, in a fun and entertaining environment.

The Summer Theatre Workshop is offering 3 consecutive three-week sessions; June 27 thru July 15, July18 thru August 5, and August 8 thru August 26. All sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm, and are a great place for the kids to be entertained and instructed while school is out and the parents are still at work each weekday.

“Summer Theatre camps have become very popular in the Westchester area,” said WBT co-owner Robert Funking. “And many of our customers have asked, since we’re the longest running Professional Theatre in Westchester, why we weren’t providing one. Frankly, we didn’t have an answer for them, so we decided to give them what they wanted.”

Funking, and his partner, William Stutler, have hired John Fanelli as the Summer Theatre Workshop’s Artistic Director. Mr. Fanelli brings over 10 years of experience in the field of Children’s and Young Person’s theatre to the Workshop, having taught and directed thousands of youngsters throughout California, and even internationally in New Zealand. John has shaped an exciting and innovative educational approach that has inspired these kids to pursue their goals, theatrical and otherwise. Mr. Fanelli holds a BA from the University of California at San Diego, and has directed children’s and young person’s versions of such favorites as, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Secret Garden, Peter Pan, and The Fantasticks, to name just a few.

The Summer Workshop students not only learn the different crafts of the theatre, they actually learn, rehearse and perform a full-scale musical during each session. Performances are held on the mainstage at the Westchester Broadway Theatre on the Saturday following the last day of each session.

“We’ve been presenting Equity Productions for over thirty years,” said Bill Stutler. “And we’ve worked, and continue to work, with some of the most talented theatre people in New York City. And because of this, we’ll be able to bring in these top Actors and Directors as ‘Guest Lecturers’ every session, so the kids can learn from some of Broadway’s Best.”

In addition to the shows the kids learn and perform during the first two sessions, the Session 3 students will be able to take part in Fanelli’s exclusive “From The Page To The Stage” program, where the kids, themselves, utilizing the techniques they’ve learned during the summer, actually write the Script and the Lyrics to the final session’s production. It’s a truly unique program Mr. Fanelli developed in California, and in now bringing to the Workshop right here in Elmsford.

The daily classes will be held at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School, conveniently located on Rt. 119 in Elmsford, just minutes away from the Westchester Broadway Theatre. It is a terrific and easily accessible facility, which can be reached by all major roads and parkways throughout the area.

Session tuitions are $585 for a single session, with discounts for additional sessions, and discounts for additional family members. Tuitions include not only the 3-week sessions, classes and games, and the performances at the WBT, but also a special group trip to a mainstage performance at the Dinner Theatre, where the whole class will enjoy the professional production at no charge.

For information and reservations to the Summer Theatre Workshop, parents should call 914-592-2268, and ex. 842. John Fanelli will get them an application, and answer any questions regarding this fun, entertaining program for the kids this summer!

Times Man Addresses Purchase on Environment Apr 13

Posted on April 2, 2005 by John Bailey

WPCNR WORLD NEWS ROUNDUP. From Purchase College. April 2, 2005: The Environmental Studies program at Purchase College presents a lecture by “New York Times” environmental reporter Andrew Revkin, April 11 at 5:30 PM, Room 1008, Social Sciences Building. Mr. Revkin will discuss “The Daily Planet: A Journalist’s Search for Sustainability, from the Amazon to the Arctic.” The lecture is free and open to the public. Purchase College State University of New York is located at 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, NY.

Andrew Revkin, a prize-winning author and reporter, describes his 20-year (and counting) search for ways to mesh the human adventure with the planet’s limits. The quest has taken him to the Amazon, with the resulting book, “The Burning Season,” chronicling the life and death of Chico Mendes and grassroots efforts to extract value from living rain forests instead of torching them. Most recently, he has made three trips to the Arctic in two years to describe the extraordinary changes at the top of the world that appear to be driven, long distance, by the buildup of greenhouse emissions from smokestacks and tailpipes.

For more information, call 914-251-6632.

Budget Passes Both Houses On Time.

Posted on March 31, 2005 by John Bailey

WPCNR’S ADAM IN ALBANY. From Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley’s Office. March 31, 2005: Assemblyman Adam Bradley (D-White Plains) announced that the state Assembly and Senate have passed a budget plan that will provide over $848 million more in funding to public schools than last year – approximately $354 million more than the governor proposed.

The budget includes $26.6 million in operating aid for schools in the 89^th Assembly District, which is $787,000 more than the governor provided in his budget.

School District (SD)	05-06 Enacted Operating Aid	Increase Over Executive

WHITE PLAINS CITY	$7,178,387	$225,207
CHAPPAQUA	$3,806,420	$125,572
KATONAH-LEWISBORO	$4,030,266	$119,304
HARRISON	$3,034,849	$86,734
BYRAM HILLS	$2,165,234	$77,130
BEDFORD	$4,663,020	$117,752
VALHALLA	$1,721,294	$35,609

Total	$26,599,470	$787,308

“It’s incumbent upon us as state legislators to do our best to adequately fund our schools. I strongly urge the governor to accept this bipartisan compromise which secured substantially more for the education of our children.”

The Legislature restored the governor’s cuts for various expense-based aids, funds that local schools already spent and are entitled to state reimbursement for, including BOCES services, transportation costs, and educating students with disabilities.

To better ensure schools are spending tax dollars wisely, an additional $2.9 million was added to the state Comptroller’s office for additional school audits. The legislative budget also includes $4.5 million in additional aid to local libraries vetoed by the governor last year. Westchester’s library system will receive more than $2.5 million, which is a restoration of $128,000.[1]

“The governor has made it a point to cut funding to libraries year after year. The Legislature’s appropriation puts that funding back in the budget,” Bradley said. “Our communities depend on public education resources to thrive and it’s unacceptable to withhold funding to libraries.”

Bradley: State to Give $540,000 More in Aid to White Plains

Posted on March 31, 2005 by John Bailey

WPCNR’S ADAM IN ALBANY. By District 89 Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley. March 31, 2005: We are well on our way to the first on-time budget in 20 years after we began passing budget bills yesterday. Included in the Legislature’s budget is an increase in municipal aid to cities, towns and villages. The Legislature’s budget will provide White Plains more than $4.7 million, which is $540,000 more than last year. The funding can be used to provide important services like police and fire protection. It’s a win-win situation that will help preserve our quality of life, while keeping local property taxes down. Our budget protects the services that matter most – and I urge the governor to join us in moving these bills forward.”

Detailed below are all of the cities, towns and villages receiving aid under the Legislative budget plan in the 89^th Assembly District. Overall, the Legislature’s budget provides nearly $450,000 more to municipalities in the 89^th AD than the governor’s executive budget provided.

Municipality 2005-06 Funding

Bedford $ 65,384

Harrison ⁽¹⁾ $ 148,095

Lewisboro $ 30,711

Mount Kisco ⁽¹⁾ $ 65,718

New Castle $ 71,123

North Castle $ 43,077

Pound Ridge $ 264,449

White Plains $ 4.7 million

Total $ 5,388,557

⁽¹⁾ Represents funding for both the town and village.

NPFS Fastpitch Femme Fatales — Juggernaut Open June 2 at Night

Posted on March 30, 2005 by John Bailey

WPCNR PRESS BOX. Special to WPCNR from NPF. (Edited) March 30, 2005: On the day when the White Plains High School softball teams play a pair of exhibition games at WPHS, National Pro Fastpitch, ball’s third major league the media don’t cover, don’t talk about, and ignored last season, announced its 2005 schedule. The league, featuring the champion NY-NJ Juggernaut will play a 48-game regular season schedule for each of the six NPF teams, including games that count against international champions from Canada, China, Venezuela, Russia, and Australia. Juggernaut Tickets are now on sale for their 2005 32-game home season featuring visits from the Chicago Bandits and Jennie Finch, the Venezuela and China national teams, their archrivals the New England Riptide and the Akron Racers with Krystal Bustos.

BALL BEYOND MEN! Johnny Vorperian, White Plains “Mr. Baseball,” interviews NY-NY Juggernaut star Carri “Lightening Leto,” secondbaser of the NY-NJ Juggernaut (center) and 1996 USA Olympic Champion and General Manager of the Juggernaut, Julie Smith on Beyond the Game at the WPPA-TV, White Plains Public Access Television Studio. The Juggernauts were in town to discuss the Juggernaut 2005 season last week. They open the season in Long Island on June 2 where they will be playing at a larger facility under brand-new lights with free parking. Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling the Juggernaut office at 212.907.6561 or gameday at the Ticket Office. General Manager Smith has put together a strong rotation and have UCLA and 2004 USA Olympic sparkplug, Natasha “Whackin” Wately batting leadoff with Lightening in the number two slot. The program will “cable” closer to the start of the season. Photo by WPCNR Sports.

Ms. Leto in her Business Suit, 2004 Season. Photo, Couresy NY-NJ Juggernaut.

Whackin’ Wately is coming to town. Ms. Smith figures to have America’s flashiest fastpitch legend hitting leadoff at the Naut’s new home. Photo, Courtesy NY-NJ Juggernaut.

The first riser of the season will launch the first week in June and run through August 21, 2005 with the exception of the Arizona Heat kicking off their season Memorial Day weekend. Regular season play will be followed by the Playoffs and Championships August 27–28, 2005. The six NPF teams include the Akron Racers, Arizona Heat, Chicago Bandits, New England Riptide, NY/NJ Juggernaut, and Texas Thunder. The California Sunbirds will also play a limited schedule in 2005 with plans to fully participate in the league again in 2006.

International Teams Hook Up with NPF — Da Best Play in Da NPF

NPF is excited to be able to include the Australia, Canada, China, Russia and Venezuelan National teams into the schedule. The New York-New Jerseyy Juggernaut open the season June 2 with the Venezuala ball club.

“Bringing in international teams to play NPF teams is the league’s way of promoting both NPF credibility and continuing the development of U.S. Olympic and international players simultaneously,” stated NPF President, Bill Conroy. “It is our hope that the league will build attendance and media coverage through the international team drawing power.”

Brakettes Lead Prestigious Clubs into NPF in 2006

NPF has also opened the pool of opponents to include potential teams and owners in 2006 and beyond. The nationally recognized Stratford Brakettes already announced their plans to join NPF in 2006. Additional teams include the Phoenix Flames, SoCal Schutt Hurricanes, Peoria Outlaws, Illinois Cougars, St. Louis Saints and the Long Island Angels.

“Due to the overwhelming demand for potential owners it made good sense to look at the teams’ viability in the league as well as allow them the opportunity to experience what it’s like to participate and compete at this level,” stated Conroy.

To make the competition even more interesting, all games against the international teams and potential expansion teams will count in the league standings and only the top four NPF teams will go on to compete in the Playoffs.

NPF enters into its third year as the Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball in the category of professional women’s fastpitch softball. The new alliance with ASA/USA Softball and the International Softball Federation (ISF) has helped tremendously with bringing the international teams into the fold.

ESPN Discovers NPF

Be sure to tune into ESPN this summer, the Worldwide Leader in Sports, as they will air a select number of NPF games in 2005, as well as, Comcast who signed an agreement to televise eight NPF games.

“This type of national exposure is exactly what the league and players need to continue to create awareness of this awesome sport and its female athletes,” stated Conroy. Agreements for radio broadcasts and webcasting are in the works.

Sponsor Lineup Grows for the League the Media Does Not See.

National and local NPF sponsors include Majestic Athletic, Schutt® Sports, JUGS, Adams USA, Inc., Mizuno, Anderson Bat Company, Louisville Slugger, Akadema, Gatorade, My Sports Warehouse, Softball Junk. Com, Infinity Pro Sports, Motion DNA, Fisher Nuts, AMI Graphics, Radio Disney, Softball Today Magazine, Marcus Theatres, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Tanel 360, Velocity Sports, Dominick’s Finer Foods (Safeway) Thilman Filippini, See’s Candies, Innovative Sports, Athletique Inc., TFC Bank, United Community Bank, Canandaigua Wine Company, National Baseball Softball Academy, Swing Town, American Hole-In-One and Jewel-Osco.

National Pro Fastpitch is headquartered in Denver, Colorado. The league, created to give elite female fastpitch players the opportunity to pursue a professional career in their chosen sport, has operated since 1997 under the names Women’s Pro Fastpitch (WPF) and Women’s Pro Softball League (WPSL).

To view the NPF Composite Schedule Click Here

Sin City, Beauty Shop, Upside Arrive at City Center De Lux

Posted on March 30, 2005 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCREEN GEMS. From National Amusements. March 30, 2005: The City Center De Lux welcomes the new Bruce Willis vehicle, Sin City this weekend, Queen Latifah’s new flick, and rolls Joan Allen’s comedy turn, Upside of Anger. The capsule rundowns and showtimes for the week:

BEAUTY SHOP — Queen Latifah stars in this comedy about the trials and tribulations of an Atlanta hairdresser who decides to open her own salon. Co-stars Alicia Silverstone and Kevin Bacon. Rated PG-13

OPENS FRIDAY, April 1st, EVERYWHERE

SIN CITY — Bruce Willis, Josh Hartnett and Clive Owen star in this visually stunning action thriller based on the successful Sin City comics about seedy underword characters. Written and directed by Robert Rodriguez. Rated R

UPSIDE OF ANGER — Joan Allen stars as a divorced woman raising several daughters. The plot thickens when she finds herself falling for her neighbor, played by Kevin Costner. Rated R

Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Hitch (PG-13) –1:30; 4:20; 6:55; 9:35 pm. ;
Robots (PG) –12:45; 3:00; 5:15; 7:35 pm. ;
Million Dollar Baby (PG-13) –12:25; 3:20; 6:30; 9:25 pm. ;
The Ring Two (PG-13) –1:20; 4:00; 6:40; 9:15 pm. ;
The Ring Two **(PG-13) –12:40; 3:25; 6:10; 8:50 pm. ;
Ice Princess (G) –1:00; 3:15; 5:35; 8:00; 10:20 pm. ;
Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous **(PG-13) –1:15; 4:10; 7:00; 9:50 pm. ;
Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous (PG-13) –1:45; 4:40; 7:30; 10:15 pm. ;
Beauty Shop (PG-13) –12:00; 2:25; 4:50; 7:20; 10:00 pm. ;
Robots: The IMAX Experience (PG) –12:15; 2:30; 4:45; 7:10; 9:15 pm. ;
Hostage (R) –1:40; 4:50; 7:20; 9:55 pm. ;
Be Cool (PG-13) –1:10; 4:15; 7:25; 10:10 pm. ;
Guess Who **(PG-13) –1:05; 3:45; 6:45; 9:20 pm. ;
Guess Who (PG-13) –1:35; 4:25; 7:15; 10:00 pm. ;
The Pacifier (PG) –12:00; 2:15; 4:35; 6:50; 9:10 pm. ;
Diary of a Mad Black Woman (PG-13) –10:05 pm. ;

Thursday, March 31, 2005
Diary of a Mad Black Woman (PG-13) –10:05 pm. ;
The Pacifier (PG) –12:00; 2:15; 4:35; 6:50; 9:10 pm. ;
Guess Who (PG-13) –1:35; 4:25; 7:15; 10:00 pm. ;
Guess Who **(PG-13) –1:05; 3:45; 6:45; 9:20 pm. ;
Be Cool (PG-13) –1:10; 4:15; 7:25; 10:10 pm. ;
Robots: The IMAX Experience (PG) –12:15; 2:30; 4:45; 7:10; 9:15 pm. ;
Hostage (R) –1:40; 4:50; 7:20; 9:55 pm. ;
Beauty Shop (PG-13) –12:00; 2:25; 4:50; 7:20; 10:00 pm. ;
Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous (PG-13) –1:45; 4:40; 7:30; 10:15 pm. ;
The Ring Two **(PG-13) –12:40; 3:25; 6:10; 8:50 pm. ;
The Ring Two (PG-13) –1:20; 4:00; 6:40; 9:15 pm. ;
Ice Princess (G) –1:00; 3:15; 5:35; 8:00; 10:20 pm. ;
Million Dollar Baby (PG-13) –12:25; 3:20; 6:30; 9:25 pm. ;
Robots (PG) –12:45; 3:00; 5:15; 7:35 pm. ;
Hitch (PG-13) –1:30; 4:20; 6:55; 9:35 pm. ;
Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous **(PG-13) –1:15; 4:10; 7:00; 9:50 pm. ;

Friday, April 01, 2005
Hitch (PG-13) –1:30; 4:10; 6:55; 9:30 pm; 12:10 am. ;
Robots (PG) –12:45; 3:00; 5:10 pm. ;
Million Dollar Baby (PG-13) –8:00; 10:35 pm. ;
Ice Princess (G) –12:00; 2:00; 4:00; 6:00 pm. ;
The Ring Two (PG-13) –1:20; 3:55; 6:35; 9:05; 11:50 pm. ;
Be Cool (PG-13) –1:10 pm. ;
Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous **(PG-13) –4:10; 9:50 pm; 12:20 am. ;
Upside of Anger (R) –1:40; 4:30; 7:35; 10:10 pm; 12:40 am. ;
Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous (PG-13) –1:45; 4:40; 7:30; 10:15 pm; 12:40 am. ;
Hostage (R) –1:20; 4:20; 7:05; 9:55 pm; 12:30 am. ;
Robots: The IMAX Experience (PG) –12:15; 2:30; 4:45; 7:10; 9:30; 11:30 pm. ;
Beauty Shop (PG-13) –12:05; 2:35; 5:00; 7:40; 10:25 pm; 12:45 am. ;
Fever Pitch (PG-13) –7:30 pm. ;
Guess Who **(PG-13) –1:05; 4:00; 6:40; 9:20; 11:55 pm. ;
Guess Who (PG-13) –1:35; 4:25; 7:20; 10:00 pm; 12:25 am. ;
The Pacifier (PG) –12:00; 2:15; 4:30; 6:50; 9:10; 11:25 pm. ;
Sin City (R) –12:50; 3:50; 6:45; 7:25; 9:45; 10:20 pm; 12:35 am. ;

Saturday, April 02, 2005
Sin City (R) –12:50; 3:50; 6:45; 7:25;

Outers, Gateways, Corridors Addressed by Graessle

Posted on March 29, 2005 by John Bailey

WPCNR MR. AND MRS. AND MS. WHITE PLAINS VOICE. March 29, 2005: Mike Graessle, former Commissioner of Planning delivered the following commentary at the Comprehensive Plan Review Committee’s Third Public Meeting this evening, delivering a planner’s “take” on housing and neighborhood issues in the surrounding “donut” area of the city. Here is the text of his statement:

Affordable Housing

The Comprehensive Plan should include a statement that supports the
current program for creation of affordable rental units as part of new
multiple-family rental apartment buildings. The six percent set-aside
for affordable housing in newly-approved rental apartments has worked
to provide additional affordable units for rent. The City should
formalize and continue this process. The location of the units ––Core
Area or Close-in Neighborhoods––depends on the applicant and is
desirable in both areas.

The Comprehensive Plan should also deal with affordable housing
purchase units. This is a more difficult issue than rental affordable
housing since the cost of building affordable housing in what are often
high-end luxury buildings presents an entirely different set of
planning constraints. Developers are not likely to want to market
affordable units in a luxury building since it could discourage
high-end buyer interest.

Also, if amenities in a luxury building are
uniformly included in the monthly maintenance, the monthly costs would
likely be too high for the typical first-time affordable housing buyer,
thereby undermining the basic rationale. Further, affordable purchase
housing is best situated in areas that provide the public amenities
that appeal to young first-time home buyers with families; for them,
parks and schools are important. Still further, Core Area land values
are usually too high–– it would make economic sense to consider
Close-in Neighborhoods for locating affordable purchase housing.
Whether in a townhouse format, low- or mid-rise building, these units
would have the advantage of lower land costs and would likely be more
compatible with surrounding residences. Areas such as the Eastview
Neighborhood are experiencing new development and could support new
affordable housing. The opportunity to raze older houses in need of
extensive repair and replace them with new affordable housing would
benefit many of the Close-in Neighborhoods.

Comments on Core Area and Close-in Neighborhoods

Community Development Block Grants

The Federal Government is considering changes in block grant programs
and the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) is among those
being considered for elimination or major change. Since this CDBG has
been a life-line for many of the programs in White Plains it is likely
that some alternative plans may be in order for:
The Core Area: Funding changes could have a deleterious impact on the
downtown neighborhood. Mitchell Place, Winbrook, Slater Center,
sidewalk improvements, etc. Can the Post Road improvement proceed
without CDBG funds?

The Close-in Neighborhoods: The City should take a pro-active stance on
the Housing Rehabilitation Program (HRP) that has been a life-line for
the Close-in Neighborhoods. Although a revolving loan fund was wisely
created years ago, the staff that administers the Housing Rehab Program
is supported by the CDBG; without their expertise the program wouldn’t
work. The Comprehensive Plan should recognize the importance of HRP
and recommend its continuation to help keep the Close-in Neighborhoods
vital.

Traffic

The Comprehensive Plan should recognize that traffic affects
neighborhood quality of life. Traffic continues to be a significant
concern to many of the Close-in Neighborhood residents. During the
rush hours many drivers seek faster routes to and from their work
places downtown; slow-moving traffic on the major streets encourages
the use of neighborhood streets as alternatives. A suggestion that
might discourage the cut-through traffic is to move traffic better on
the major arteries. For example, when cars are parked on major streets
during rush hour, travel lanes are frequently reduced to one as cars
pull into and out of parking spaces. Therefore in the morning rush
hour, eliminate parking on the in-bound side of major streets between
7:30 am and 9:00 am, and, in the evening, eliminate parking on the
out-bound side of major streets between 4:30 pm and 6:00 pm. This
regulation should increase the carrying capacity of major streets and
should reduce traffic in the Close-in Neighborhoods.
.
Parking

Another problem is the overflow of commercial Core Area parkers seeking
to avoid the meters by spilling into Close-in Neighborhood streets,
e.g., Linda, Smith, Davis and Oakwood Avenues. This problem could be
resolved by limiting parking time or some similar program. Here, again,
the Comprehensive Plan should encourage better regulations and
enforcement programs to protect the quality of life for these areas.

Code Enforcement

Residents of the Close-in Neighborhoods have reason to be concerned
about violations of the City’s Zoning Ordinance and Building Codes for
economic benefit of a few. Recent fires and discoveries of significant
code violations make this a very high priority.
The Comprehensive Plan should spell out the critical importance of
vigorous code enforcement to protect the residents’ quality of life.

Marginal Lots

Developers’ submissions to create buildable lots out of marginal
properties, many with wetlands, steep slopes and similar features, are
a unique problem, particularly in the Close-in Neighborhoods where
smaller lot size requirements contribute to difficult lot
configurations which affect neighboring properties. This can also
result in more requests for variances since owners must locate proposed
structures in areas that do not meet existing zoning requirements.

New York Hospital Property

This key property continues to be a topic that provokes discord within
the community. While everyone seems to agree that some part of the
land should be made available for public open space and/or park use,
public efforts to acquire a portion of the property for this purpose
have not coincided with the Hospital’s development proposals.
This Comprehensive Planning process might furnish an appropriate method
for exploring alternative possibilities. Not considered so far has
been the process used to acquire Liberty Park with land from the
County of Westchester, that is, to lease a portion of the New York
Hospital property. Such an arrangement might establish a more workable
format for both the City and the Hospital.

The Comprehensive Plan should recommend the Bryant Avenue frontage and
the wetland area as the two sectors of the property most likely to be
of interest to City residents.

Andy in the Orient:

Posted on March 28, 2005 by John Bailey

.WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Lyn Bedell, Westchester County Department of Communications. (EDITED) March 28, 2005: County Executive Andy Spano is working with the two leading executives of Lenovo, the world’s third largest computer company, attempting to convince them to open their U.S. headquarters in Westchester

Executive Spano has also facilitated Pace University in White Plains in concluding formal exchange agreements with two Chinese universities.

Mr. Spano and his entourage are expected to return to White Plains Wednesday or Thursday according to the Department of Communications.

Tomorrow’s meeting with the chairman and vice chairman of Lenovo, the first Chinese-born multi-national company, is also of major significance. Lenovo, which has become the world’s third largest PC company, following its acquisition of IBM’s personal computer business, plans to establish a global headquarters in the U.S. and Spano is lobbying for a Westchester location.

Setting the Pace.

One of the trip’s other primary goals was to help Pace set up partnerships and/or joint degree programs with several universities. The county paved way for the arrangements in a Spano-led networking trip to China two years ago and was recently instrumental in assisting the school in obtaining official certification to offer educational programs to Chinese students.

Five days into the trip, results are already being seen on the Pace initiative.

Pace University President David Caputo signed formal agreements with the presidents of both Yangtze University in Jingzhou and Northwest University in Xi’an. The agreements call for establishing cooperative relations, faculty and student exchange programs, and joint academic and cultural programs. Details still have to be worked out, and additional universities may also be involved, but Pace hopes to offer business and technology courses in China by 2006.

Tech Companies Courted.

The delegation also met with several technology-related companies currently doing business with U.S. firms and discussed their expectations for further American involvement and trade. Spano and Carrera also talked about the possibilities Westchester can offer and discussed construction projects that might have mutual benefit.

Spano also met with the mayor of Westchester’s sister city, Jingzhou, to discuss possible joint projects such as having a Westchester firm manage a waste water treatment plant and using U.S. technology for wood manufacturing. These options came about through previous networking with Chinese officials who traveled to Westchester to interview various engineering companies. Officials also talked about getting Westchester-based companies involved in the redevelopment of Jingzhou’s historic district.

So far, the delegation has visited five cities and met with dozens of municipal and foreign affairs officials. Members have met with the presidents and faculty representatives of six universities, toured a waste water treatment plant and met with local businesses that do business with American companies.

The County Posse.

The trade delegation led by Spano, Pace University President David A. Caputo and Westchester County Association President Bill Mooney has spent the past week meeting with mayors and university officials in several major Chinese cities. They are pursuing various economic development initiatives.

The delegation includes Board Chairman Bill Ryan; Norman Jacknis, the county’s chief information officer; Salvatore Carrera, Westchester’s head of economic development; Daisy Yau, director of the county’s Asian American Affairs and Business Development; Pace Associate Provost for Academic Affairs Beverly Kahn; and the school’s deans of business and information technology.

Police/WPHS Brass Counseled Teens-Parents in St. Pat’s Beer Interdiction

Posted on March 28, 2005 by John Bailey

WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. By John F. Bailey. March 28, 2005: Captain Ann Fitzsimmons of the White Plains Department of Public Safety brought WPCNR up-to-date in an exclusive interview today on how the Saint Patrick’s Day drinking party interdiction resulting in the one-day suspension of approximately 25 students was handled by the school district and the police March 17. Students cut class and left grounds of White Plains High School without permission to attend a Saint Patrick’s Day beer party at a student’s home adjacent to the high school on Baylor Circle, adjacent to the school’s tennis courts.

Captain Fitzsimmons reports an arrest has been made, citing a White Plains establishment, the Tu Pais Deli Ltd, 107 Fisher Avenue, which allegedly sold the beer to the host of the party who used a false I.D. to purchase beer for the party, according to the Captain. Tu Pais is due in city court April 6.

Tu Pais cited for third alleged violation.

This is not the first time Tu Pais has been associated with selling alcohol to minors. According to Fitzsimmons, Tu Pais was cited in July of 2004 and in September, 2003 on similar charges. Captain Fitzsimmons did not have information as to whether the establishment was convicted, or what penalties they received, if any. Asked if there was any penalty to an establishment for repeated liquor law violations, Captain Fitzsimmons said WPCNR would have to check with other authorities.

Student Roundup.

Fitzsimmons explained how the morning beer party was stopped before it began. She confirmed what Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors told WPCNR last week: no student was caught drinking. Beer was the alcoholic beverage on the premises. Fitzsimmons was not sure of how the beer was packaged.

“Sergeant (Howard) Tribble, (school police liaison officer), and the school administration found out about the party. They quickly acted upon and were able to stop it,” Fitzsimmons said. She described what happened after students were transported by school bus to Eastview:

“As you know already the kids were transported over to Eastview (Middle School), and I think it says a lot about our community. We set up the gym. We had chairs for all the students to sit and chairs for all the parents (of the children) to sit, who had to come and pick up their child.

Police and Administration Go Over the Territory.

“We had two tables set up. We had one table for (officials from) the school administration and one table (of officers) for the police department. Each child had to meet with someone from the School District, and then that child had to go and meet with the representative from the police department. Then each parent had to do the same thing.”

“I think that cooperative effort showing a united community is probably the most important thing that happened through this whole thing. That message that was sent to the children and their parents that we’re all working together is probably the most important thing we can send throughout our community. I am so happy that we have this that everybody can act quickly together and stop these things from happening,” Fitzsimmons said.

WPCNR asked if there was a high level of illegal drinking parties in the city. Fitzsimmons said that she did not expect the number to be high right now. “We have to constantly monitor them. Once school lets out we have to keep on working on that.”

Anonymous Tip Line: 422-6256.

Fitzsimmons said anyone with any information on illegal party stagings or consistent illegal sales to minors by establishments should call 422-6256, no questions asked, to report relevant facts and suspicions.

The Captain said information and counseling efforts have been and will continue to be “ongoing,” mentioning a recent PTA meeting where the Police Department discussed responsibilities of parents and their children when having a party in your home was discussed, and also mentioned the Safe Driving Task Force initiative. Fitizsimmons noted the consequences for a parent in whose home a party is held where alcohol was consumed:

“If they did not know the party was going on, it is unlikely they would have a criminal case upon them, but they have potential for a civil liability (case) brought upon them.”

Beer in the morning?

Fitzsimmons said the alcohol available at the March 17 party was beer. She said it was purchased by the student hosting the party, using a false I.D., which the student had purchased somewhere in New York City. Fitzsimmons noted that the I.D. used to purchase the beer read “Non Government Issue,” and establishments are required to rely on “government-issued” I.D.’s. “It’s very clear (the government issue),” Fitzimmons said.

The students, according to information WPCNR has received, were required by the School District to serve a one-day In-School Suspension for cutting classes and leaving school grounds without permission. Those were the only penalties the district imposed.

Fake I.D. the Method of Choice. 21-Somethings Also Resell.

Fitzsimmons told WPCNR that the primary method White Plains teens use to get liquor is the “fake I.D.” Asked if young persons over age twenty-one offer to supply underage teens with alcohol for possible parties, Fitzsimmons did not rule it out. WPCNR knows of one college in Newark where students over the age of twenty-one have been known to “retail” alcohol to underage students on their campus and elsewhere.