Legislature Offers Westchester Half Percent Sales Tax Increase. Spano Thankful.

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From County Department of Communications. February 9, 2004, revised midnight, February 9, 2004 E.S.T.: County Executive Andy Spano reports that the State Legislature has offered Westchester County a 1/2 % increase in the sales tax, instead of the 1% he requested. Executive Spano, in an initial statement noted this would leave Westchester $28.5 Million short, which he said would result in a property tax increase. Now later on Monday evening, Executive Spano amended his initial reaction statement, backing off his prediction that the county would have to raise the property tax. Here is County Executive Spano’s revised Statement in reaction to the legislature decision:



 



 


The 2004 County Budget that I signed provided for a property tax increase of 8.5% and a sales tax increase of 1% or one penny on the dollar, to cover a $75 million increase in the cost of State Mandated Programs. For the past three months, my administration and the Board of Legislators as well as individuals and organizations county-wide have lobbied Albany to give us the authority to raise this sales tax.


 


Today, I have received word that the bill introduced in the State Legislature gives us half that amount—or 0.5% and authorizes us to distribute a portion of it to municipalities and school districts. In addition, we have been given the authority for a 25% increase in the mortgage tax and an auto use tax increase.


 


Unfortunately, we did not receive the entire amount. However, I want to thank our state delegation as well as   Speaker Silver for reaching a consensus and working hard to achieve what they did. I look forward to continue working with them to identify other cost saving measures for the tax-payers of Westchester County including pension relief and Medicaid reform.


 

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Pothole Patrol: Salt, Heavy Rains Take Toll on Infrastructure

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WPCNR POTHOLE PATROL. February 9, 2004: Two snowstorms and two heavy rainstorms mixed with the salt and chemicals applied to keep White Plains roads clear have taken their toll on the roadways, main boulevards, and residential streets in the city, causing a number of washouts creating gaping potholes that slow traffic and are deep enough to break an axle. Not all roads pictured are White Plains responsibility, but motorists should be aware of  a few of the trouble spots.



THREE TRENCHES SLOW TRAFFIC ON WESTCHESTER AVENUE EASTBOUND. Photo by WPCNR News.



CRATER WESTBOUND ON WESTCHESTER AVENUE, Eastern Gateway. Another serious trench can be found at the fork some 100 feet west of this gaping hole. Photo by WPCNR News.



MORTER HOLES ON NORTH STREET SOUTHBOUND are deep enough to cause motorists to swerve in two-lane traffic. Photo by WPCNR News.



NORTH STREET WESTCHESTER AVENUE CUTOFF  DEPRESSION. Photo by WPCNR News



LUMPY MAIN STREET: The roughest street in the city is Main Street in front of City Hall. The three-block stretch from Mamaroneck Avenue to North Broadway, admittedly has been torn up by construction of City Center, however, the salt and chemicals appear to have made the street trickier to negotiate by depressing the temporary paveovers. Hamilton Avenue Westbound is smoother but has approximately 5 potholes in the West bound lanes. Photo by WPCNR News.



BRYANT WASHOUT at Grandview Avenue. Photo by WPCNR News



EXIT FROM THE WESTCHESTER…On WESTCHESTER AVENUE EAST is so deep, traffic backs up to avoid it. Photo by WPCNR News.

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WPCNR PHOTOGRAPH OF THE DAY

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WPCNR ROVING PHOTOGRAPHER. February 9, 2004: Today’s panorama is the eastern gateway looking West, revealing that the South City Center tower has risen above the skyline, you can see it just below the white construction crane. Meanwhile the health club atop the City Center garage is taking form.



Looking West: By The WPCNR Roving Photographer.

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Saturday Night at The Movies at City Center

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WPCNR MOVIE TRAILER. From National Amusements Public Relations. February 7, 2004: What’s rolling at City Center Cinema De Lux? WPCNR brings you the latest Coming Attractions of what’s up at the flickers.

BARBERSHOP 2: BACK IN BUSINESS — Calvin and his crew are back, still joking around and storytelling. However, this time Calvin is struggling to keep his father’s shop alive. A stylist named Gina has moved in next door and is trying to steal his customers. To make matters worse, urban developers have swooped down on the neighborhood looking to replace “mom & pop” establishments with name-brand chains. Ice Cube, Cedric the Entertainer and Queen Latifah star in this hilarious sequel. Rated PG-13

MIRACLE — In 1980, Coach Herb Brooks led the U.S. hockey team to victory at the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, NY. With a proud nation watching and despite overwhelming odds, a ragtag squad of college kids went up against the seemingly undefeatable Soviet Union and came back with the gold. Based on the exciting true story one of the great moments in U.S. modern history, Miracle stars Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Noah Emmerich and Eddie Cahill. Rated PG

CATCH THAT KID — Twelve-year-old Maddy and her father have always shared a love for mountain climbing. Their hobby has a disastrous consequence when an accident on Mount Everest injures her father’s spine, paralyzing him forever unless he gets an expensive operation. Determined to help him, Maddy recruits two of her friends to help her break into the super-high-tech bank, using her amazing climbing abilities and their ace computer skills. To complicate matters, Maddy’s mother works at the bank as the security chief. Kristen Stewart, Sam Robards and Jennifer Beals star in this funny family caper. Rated PG

GIVE YOUR SPECIAL SWEETHEART THE GIFT OF COMEDY, ROMANCE, DRAMA! Give MOVIE Gift Certificates Always accepted, no restrictions. Also available in all National Amusements Theatres.


Friday, February 06, 2004  
Miracle **(PG) –
12:10;3:10;6:30;9:30 pm;12:30 am. ;
Barbershop 2 (PG-13) –12:00;2:30;5:00;7:35;10:20 pm;12:40 am. ;
The Butterfly Effect (R) –12:00;2:40;5:10;7:40;10:25 pm. ;
Catch That Kid (PG) –12:15;2:25;4:40;6:55;9:25;11:35 pm. ;
You Got Served (PG-13) –12:30;2:50;5:15;7:30;9:50 pm;12:15 am. ;
Cold Mountain (R) –7:15;10:20 pm. ;
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (PG-13) –3:15;6:20 pm. ;
Big Fish (PG-13) –1:15;4:10;7:05;9:55 pm;12:40 am. ;
Win A Date With Tad Hamilton (PG-13) –1:00;9:15;11:30 pm. ;
Along Came Polly (PG-13) –12:50;3:05;5:20;7:45;10:10 pm;12:15 am. ;
Monster (R) –1:10;3:55;6:35;9:10;11:55 pm. ;
Teacher’s Pet (PG) –12:00 pm. ;
Barbershop 2 **(PG-13) –1:45;4:15;7:00;9:50 pm;12:10 am. ;
Miracle (PG) –12:40;3:40;7:00;10:00 pm;12:45 am. ;
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (PG-13) –12:05;4:00;8:00;11:40 pm. ;
The Big Bounce (PG-13) –12:25;2:45;4:55 pm. ;
The Perfect Score (PG-13) –12:35;2:55;5:05;7:20;9:35;11:50 pm. ;
Mystic River (R) –1:40;4:30;7:25;10:15 pm. ;

Saturday, February 07, 2004  
You Got Served (PG-13) –12:30;2:50;5:15;7:30;9:50 pm;12:15 am. ;
Barbershop 2 (PG-13) –12:00;2:30;5:00;7:35;10:20 pm;12:40 am. ;
The Big Bounce (PG-13) –12:25;2:45;4:55 pm. ;
Miracle (PG) –12:40;3:40;7:00;10:00 pm;12:45 am. ;
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (PG-13) –12:05;4:00;8:00;11:40 pm. ;
The Perfect Score (PG-13) –12:35;2:55;5:05;7:20;9:35;11:50 pm. ;
Miracle **(PG) –12:10;3:10;6:30;9:30 pm;12:30 am. ;
Monster (R) –1:10;3:55;6:35;9:10;11:55 pm. ;
Big Fish (PG-13) –1:15;4:10;7:05;9:55 pm;12:40 am. ;
Win A Date With Tad Hamilton (PG-13) –1:00;9:15;11:30 pm. ;
Along Came Polly (PG-13) –12:50;3:05;5:20;7:45;10:10 pm;12:15 am. ;
Mystic River (R) –1:40;4:30;7:25;10:15 pm. ;
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (PG-13) –3:15;6:20 pm. ;
Catch That Kid (PG) –12:15;2:25;4:40;6:55;9:25;11:35 pm. ;
The Butterfly Effect (R) –12:00;2:40;5:10;7:40;10:25 pm. ;
Cold Mountain (R) –7:15;10:20 pm. ;
Barbershop 2 **(PG-13) –1:45;4:15;7:00;9:50 pm;12:10 am. ;
Teacher’s Pet (PG) –12:00 pm. ;

Sunday, February 08, 2004  
Teacher’s Pet (PG) –12:00 pm. ;
Miracle **(PG) –12:10;3:10;6:30;9:30 pm. ;
Barbershop 2 (PG-13) –12:00;2:30;5:00;7:35;10:20 pm. ;
Mystic River (R) –1:40;4:30;7:25;10:15 pm. ;
Catch That Kid (PG) –12:15;2:25;4:40;6:55;9:25 pm. ;
Cold Mountain (R) –7:15;10:20 pm. ;
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (PG-13) –3:15;6:20 pm. ;
You Got Served (PG-13) –12:30;2:50;5:15;7:30;9:50 pm. ;
Big Fish (PG-13) –1:15;4:10;7:05;9:55 pm. ;
Win A Date With Tad Hamilton (PG-13) –1:00;9:15 pm. ;
Monster (R) –1:10;3:55;6:35;9:10 pm. ;
Along Came Polly (PG-13) –12:50;3:05;5:20;7:45;10:10 pm. ;
The Perfect Score (PG-13) –12:35;2:55;5:05;

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WPCNR PHOTOGRAPH OF THE DAY

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WPCNR ROVING PHOTOGRAPHER. February 7, 2004: Citizen Photographer Terri Popiel submits this Photograph of the Day, depicting the building just saved this week when Super Developer Louis Cappelli agreed to build around the 1926 structure. The Photograph of the Day:



“BAR FOREVER” By Terri Popiel, WPCNR Roving Phtographer

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Adam in Albany: Home Heating Relief Passed for Residents

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WPCNR’S ADAM IN ALBANY. By District 89 Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley. February 7, 2004: Bitter temperatures this winter caused a sudden increase in home heating costs – wreaking havoc on family budgets.


 


To give Westchester relief, I helped pass a resolution urging President Bush and the United States Congress to provide additional funds for the federal Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Thankfully, the federal government acted quickly to provide more aid.


 


HEAP provides grants from $40 to $400 to help eligible low-income seniors, those with disabilities and families pay their heat bills. New York’s program provides regular and emergency benefits to eligible renters and homeowners alike.



 


Eligibility is based on variables including household income, living arrangement, heating expenses, young, old or disabled family members, and type of heat. For instance, a family of four that pays for its heat directly and has a gross monthly income of less than $3,325 could receive between $150 and $400. An elderly couple that doesn’t pay directly for heat and makes less than $2,261 monthly could save between $40 and $50.


 


Skyrocketing home heating costs are a real emergency – especially in a winter with near-record lows. Through the end of January, 640,000 households received assistance – an increase of 39,000 over the same period last year. In an effort to fight the devastating cold, the additional funding helps New Yorkers avoid choosing between heating their homes and cutting back on basic necessities such as medicine or food – or worse, resorting to unsafe heating sources. The additional aid will help keep Westchester families safe and warm.


 


To receive an application or find out if you are eligible for HEAP benefits, contact my District Office at 686-7335 or call the HEAP hotline at 1-800-342-3009. You can also visit www.otda.state.ny.us and download an application off the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Web site.


 

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Methodists Present a Vampire Romance: “Blood and Kisses” March 6

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WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From Innovative Stages. February 5, 2004: A glamorous vampire from the ancient past falls in love with a brilliant young doctor – the first romantic affair in her long, long life. It’s the premiere of “Blood & Kisses,” a musical by John Driver and Ed Weissman, to be presented at Memorial United Methodist Church on March 6 at 8 p.m.

With an edgy style and contemporary music, the new work explores the intrigues of romantic passion with wit and insight. The four-character work is presented by Innovative Stages, the non-profit organization committed to the development of diverse, innovative theatrical works.

An open discussion follows the performance. Suggested donation for admission
is $5, and $3 for senior citizens and students.

Innovative Stages is attracting growing audiences to attend monthly
script-in-hand productions of plays and musicals by emerging playwrights,
composers and librettists. The group is sponsored by Mamaroneck Council for
the Arts.

Memorial UMC, in addition to monthly theatrical works,  presents regular
“Music at Memorial” concerts and a biannual art show.  The church is located
on Bryant Avenue between North Street and Mamaroneck Avenue. The
congregation of Memorial strives to welcome and respect persons of every
race, ethnicity, national origin, physical or mental ability, gender, family
status, sexual orientation, age, theology, and economic circumstance. Its
pastor is Rev. Joe Agne.


The show will also be presented on Friday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m., at the
Bronxville Library, 201 Pondfield Rd., in Bronxville, and on Sun., March 7,
at 2 p.m., at Mamaroneck Library, 136 Prospect Ave., in Mamaroneck.

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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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