Council Votes $50G from Community Dev. to Study Zoning of NYPH Land for Park Dev

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WPCNR Common Council Chronicle-Examiner. By John F. Bailey. June 8, 2004: In an untidy exchange of commentaries between Rita Malmud and Mayor Joseph Delfino that reignited longtime New York Presbyterian opponents to allege the city was paying for legal advice to pave the way for commercially rezoning the North end of the NYPH property in the heart of White Plains, the council voted 6-1 to pay the environmental lawyer, Michael Gerrard $50,000 to conduct a zoning study of NYPH land.


 


 


 


The expenditure was separated out by Councilperson Rita Malmud from the routine Community Development fund appropriations, so the issue of hiring Gerard could be discussed on the council floor. Mayor Delfino began the procedure by saying how well “informed” the council was. However, the council did not remember what the $50,000 expenditure was for. Malmud said she objected to hiring Gerard to conduct the study because she was unhappy with the way he represented the city on past matters. Just last week in a work session, Commissioner of Planning Susan Habel noted that Community Development funding grants had been cut by $109.000 over the last two years.


Alan Teck, Barbara Benjamin, and Marc Pollitzer all surfaced after many months of absence to protest the expenditure. Teck was cut short in his remarks by Mayor Delfino who said his remarks were not relevant to the topic, causing Teck to change direction and encourage the city to persuade the New York Presbyterian Hospital to consider purchasing the closed St. Agnes Hospital buildings that are being put up for auction by the New York State Dormitory Authority through a Request for Proposals process.


Teck said the hospital should consider purchasing that property for “50 cents on the dollar” (the property according to the Westchester County Business Journal has an outstanding debt of $36 Million), and use that for their planned research facilities. Mayor Delfino flatly, speaking for the Hospital, said, “I can tell you they are not interested.”


Benjamin said that a park consultant should be hired, not a zoning lawyer. Marc Pollitzer, long New York Presbyterian Hospital nemesis,  echoed Teck’s sentiments.


Commissioner of Planning Susan Habel was called in to explain. Habel said Gerrard was being hired because of concerns the city had that rezoning a portion of the NYPH land was “spot zoning,” and that the city simply wished to explore the implications for the municipality legally if they were to explore rezoning commercial medical in return for leasing park land. She said Gerard would not be making any recommendations on park design or usage.


After the “assurance” from the Commissioner, the Council voted 6-1 to approve the hiring of Gerrard’s law firm to execute the study.

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Binder Background on the Delgado Successful Quo Warranto Action

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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS VOICE. From Jeffrey Binder, (Counsel for Larry Delgado). June 8, 2004: The last time a Quo Warranto action was pursued by the AG was in 1988 in State ex rel. Ellis v. Eaton in Cattaraugus County. Before then, it was the early 1900’s…so there have been like two in the last 90 years or so.


While our legal journey in seeking to vindicate the will of the White Plains voters who elected Larry Delgado in 2001 is not quite over, we have reached an important turning point. Judge Nicolai’s decision has rightly cut through to the heart of the matter, namely: a jammed voting machine should not stand in the way of the constitutional right to have our votes counted.


We look forward to the next phase of this matter which we anticipate will include Larry Delgado’s assumption of office and resumption of work for the people of White Plains.

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Council Approves Cappelli Hotel,6-1, Conditional on Subdivsn, Affordable Housing

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WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. By John F. Bailey. June 7, 2004, UPDATED 12:21 A.M. E.D.T., June 8, 2004: The Common Council at 9:21 P.M. Monday evening officially approved by a vote of 6 to 1, the construction of a Louis Cappelli Hotel-Apartment and Condominium with Office Building project for the 221 Main Street property. Councilmen Arnold Bernstein, Benjamin Boykin, Robert Greer and Glen Hockley voted for the project along with Councilwoman Rita Malmud and Mayor Joseph Delfino. Thomas Roach, Council President, voted “No.” The project, according to Louis Cappelli, the “Super Developer” is to begin this summer and be completed by 2007. 



COMING TO MAIN STREET: The Cappelli Plaza. A model of the Cappelli Hotel-Condoplex approved Monday evening. Photo: WPCNR News Archive.



THE SUPER DEVELOPER WRAPS IT UP, WINS LONGHITANOS OVER: During a presentation-update to the Common Council, Cappelli said he had completed an agreement with the Longhitanos, the owners of the Bar Building to refurbish the North side of their Bar Building to match the faux gothic style on the South and West sides of the “historic” building, at his (Cappelli’s) expense. The Super Developer also disclosed he had a signed “letter of intent” with Starwood, the White Plains-based hoteliers, to build a Westin, perhaps a “W”-Hotel on the site. Mr. Cappelli said he would begin demolition within two weeks. Photo From WPGA-TV, Channel 75, Common Council Telecast by WPCNR News



LOUIS CAPPELLI, THE OFFICIAL DEVELOPER OF THE CITY OF WHITE PLAINS, points to the latest model of his 221 Main Cappelli Hotel & Condoplex Monday night. He said he had met all Council objections and reservations about his project and had adjusted his project to conform to Council wishes. He showed samples of the glass to be used on the three buildings. His short, compact presentation may be viewed on the recablecast of Monday’s Council meeting Wednesday evening at 7:30 P.M. Photo From WPGA-TV Common Council Telecast by WPCNR News



The lastest Cappelli Hotel Condoplex rendering as seen on TV: Mr. Cappelli’s baton points to the Bar Building and the corresponding first condominium tower which will be a light glass, the second tower, a bluer, darker glass, and the third office tower, a bronze glass. Photo From WPGA-TV Channel 75 Common Council Telecast by WPCNR News



THE MAIN & MAMARONECK AVENUE VISTA: Cappelli showcased the latest rendering of how the juncture of Main & Mamaroneck would look after the building of his hotel and condominium extravaganza. To the left is Renaissance Plaza. To the far right is Grace Church. The hotel entrance and restaurant facade is in lower center, the open space greenery is betweenthe church and the hotel. The Condominium glass tower soars skyward.Photo From WPGA-TV Channel 75 Common Council Telecast by WPCNR News


Councilman Glen Hockley called the project a milestone for the generations of White Plains residents to come. He said in his walkabouts around White Plains, most recently in the Southend of town along North Street  and Sparrow Circle, that he found no objection to the project or the pace of downtown development, and suggested the press accompany him on his walkabouts, where they could interview firsthand persons other than “a handful” of persons who regularly attend hearings and complain about projects.


Councilman Benjamin Boykin said he was going to vote for the project because Cappelli had addressed his (Boykin’s) concern for open space on the ground, and had reduced the density of the project from 1.1 Million square feet to 890,000 square feet. He also noted this was a “conditional” approval contingent on appropriate Planning Board approval of the subdivision request made by the Longhitanos, owners of the Bar Building, necessary for Mr. Cappelli to acquire and building on the annex portion of the Bar Building property. 


Councilwoman Rita Malmud said that “perfection can be the enemy of the good” and said that for decades no one had come forward to develop that area along Main Street.


Councilman Tom Roach said he was voting no because he felt the project was “too big” and he sharply criticised the Planning Department for not planning, but instead reacting and overcompensating to arrange legislation to the developer’s (Cappelli’s) advantage.


Councilman Robert Greer said the council  had improved the project considerably, lowering the density, and that the city had long wanted another hotel and that was why he was voting for the project.


Councilman Arnold Bernstein said “due diligence has been done,” and was pleased to support the project.


Mayor Joseph Delfino took his commentary moment to say that it was his and the council’s job to do things for the benefit of the majority of the city.


Opposition to the project came from attorney Daniel Seidel who cited a host of concerns: sewage, and alleged SEQRA violations; Robert Levine, an architect who expressed his disdain for the design of the project, and called it “too massive, and a long-term planning disaster,” and scolded the council for voting a conditional approval that might require a variance on a subdivision. (Mr. Cappelli in his presentation emphasized his work on the subdivision of the Bar Building would not require a variance.)


The project was supported strongly by Carl Barrera and Richard Stout, who commended the council on what a good job they were doing. Doris Simons spoke cautioning Mr. Cappelli that his buildings posed a great danger to songbirds who, she said, based on recent studies, flew into reflective glass buildings, and she worried about possible massive bird kills as songbirds collided with Mr. Cappelli’s planned towers.


 


 



 

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Judge Nicolai SPEAKS: Larry Delgado Should Go Back On Council. Hockley OUT!

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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS LAW JOURNAL. By John F. Bailey. June 7, 2004: The attorney for Larry Delgado, former Councilman for the City of White Plains, announced to WPCNR Monday that Judge Francis Nicolai of the New York Supreme Court made a summary judgment decision Friday on the attorney general’s quo warranto action on Mr. Delgado’s behalf.


Binder said Judge Nicolai has ruled that Glen Hockley step down from the White Plains Common Council and Mr. Delgado be returned to his seat. Mr. Binder said the Attorney General is drawing up and order for the court to sign officially removing Mr. Hockley from the Common Council. He said, a stay, which applies in matters of government, does not apply to Mr. Hockley, since he is now a private citizen, a “usurper” who has been proven to be occupying Mr. Delgado’s seat illegally.



AT LONG LAST: After 31 Months of court wrangling and appeals, Judge Francis Nicolai has ruled that Larry Delgado was the real winner in the 2001 council election over Glen Hockley. The judge announced his decision Friday. Larry Delgado, center, is shown with Mayor Joseph Delfino on November 5, 2001, when Mr. Delgado thought that District 18 was going to bring him victory, instead it only produced 39 votes. He was shocked, impounded the voting machine in District 18, and the Delgado-Hockley election case was on. It would drag on for 31 months. Friday it entered another phase. The Attorney General will be drawing up a court order for the Supreme Court to sign officially ousting Glen Hockley from the Common Council shortly. Photo: WPCNR News Archive.



LARRY DELGADO: A Phantom no more. Photo: WPCNR News Archive


Binder said he felt “terrific” about the decision and that it “righted a wrong” that had been done to Mr. Delgado November 5, 2001 when a jammed voting machine in District 18 in White Plains cost Mr. Delgado 103 votes at least, which would have given him victory over Glen Hockley.


Because the machine jammed, Mr. Hockley was the apparent winner. Delgado contested the results behind lawyers Jeffrey Binder and John Ciampolli,  and Judge Nicolai ruled in favor of a special election to be held in District 18 between Mr. Hockley and Mr. Delgado. 


Mr. Hockley’s lawyer, Adam Bradley, appealed the decision to the Appellate Court in Brooklyn. That court ruled that the election Nicolai called for be held citywide, and not just in District 18.



GLEN HOCKLEY: Adovocating for Affordable Housing Units in the Cappelli Hotel May 26. Photo by WPCNR News


Hockley continued to contest the Nicolai Special Election ruling, taking it to the Court of Appeals in Albany on attorney Bradley’s contention that the courts did not have the authority under election law to decide elections.


The Court of Appeals found for Hockley and Bradley’s argument on March 14, 2002, ruling that Mr. Delgado’s only remedy was to initiate a quo warranto proceding through the Attorney General’s Office. Mr. Hockley was sworn in as councilman March 15, 2002, and has served 26 months in office as a councilman.



Adam Bradley: Took Judge Nicolai’s previous ruling to the Court of Appeals and won a reversal, setting the stage for the quo warranto action that has taken 24 months to happen. Bradley, now Assemblyman representing the 89th district has introduced legislation allowing judges to rule legally on election disputes. Photo by WPCNR News


Mr. Delgado did initiate a quo warranto proceeding  through Attorney Joel Graber of the Attorney General’s office, and 103 affidavitts from voters in the 18th Election District in White Plains, swore they voted for Mr. Delgado. After presenting the evidence, the quo warranto action pressed  for a summary judgment by Judge Nicolai on the matter.


Mr. Hockley and his attorney, Thomas Abinanti, asked  the appellate court to throw out the quo warranto on grounds it has passed the stature of limitations, and for Judge Nicolai to recuse himself, even suggested that the Attorney General’s Office was “judge shopping.” The Appellate Court rejected those contentions.



Jeffrey Binder, shown this fall, preparing to vote in the Republican Primary at Ridgeway School, using one of the 50 year old voting machines, which a similar model jammed in 2001, costing Mr. Delgado 29 months off the Common Council. Photo: WPCNR News Archive.


Binder said Mr. Hockley could still appeal Judge Nicolai’s Friday ruling calling for the unseating of Hockley and the return of Delgado to the council as the “rightful winner,” however Binder said, in his opinion, a stay should not be granted in this case because Mr. Hockley is a private citizen “usurping the seat of the real winner of the election.”


Asked if Mr. Delgado was going to go after the approximately $70,000 in salary Mr. Hockley has been paid in his  29 months on the council that he has been there as “usurper,” Mr. Delgado’s attorney said “everything is on the table.”


Mr. Binder said he expected Mr. Delgado to be reseated in “a few days” as soon as the Attorney General fills out an order requesting the Supreme Court to do.

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Cappelli Hotel Up for Approval this Evening Along With WPPA Demise.

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WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. June 7, 2004: The White Plains Common Council meets this evening and is expected to vote upon the 221 Main Street Cappelli Hotel-Condoplex project, and related property-transfer orchestrations, after one year of hearings and 13 redesigns of the project, which saw the project change from a construction plan calling for two towers that razed the Bar Building, to the present configuration of three towers that builds around the Bar Building.


In addition the Common Council will vote on a home rule resolution to be forwarded to Assemblyman Adam Bradley and State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer in Albany who are poised to whisk through two bills through the legislature to dissolve the White Plains Parking Authority after 57 years of existence. In other parking-related matters, the Common Council will vote on a new resolution creating a Department of Parking setting a public hearing for it in July. They will also vote on purchasing an annuity to fund pensions for several police and fire widows to move approximately $600,000 from that pension fund into the general fund to meet the 2004-05 budget. The complete agenda may be found on the city website, www.cityofwhiteplains.com.

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WP Gets $250G Grant to Study White Plains Rapid Transit System. RFP’s Due July 7

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WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. From The Mayor’s Office. June 5, 2004: The City of White Plains announced Friday it had secured a $250,000 grant from the New York State Department of Transporation to conduct a study of a trolley bus service in the downtown. Mayor Joseph Delfino, in a memo to the Common Council members announcing the grant wrote it, “will make it possible for us to develop an implementation plan for the project and will provide us with some seed money for start-up costs, assuming we go through with the project.”


 


 


The city had committed approximately $20,000 in Community Development funds to start researching the “WPRT” system at last week’s work session. The $250,000 grant now apparently frees up this money.


Funding Sources Sought.


In his memorandum to the Common Council introducing the grant, Mayor Delfino wrote the city was undertaking “an implementation plan” that would “include cost and revenue projects so that we can know with reasonable certainty how much it will cost to fund such an operation and where we might be able to secure outside funding from.”


Light Rail Would Cost Millions. Bus System Contemplated: Lawson


Ted Lawson, the city’s Grant Writer on the staff of the Mayor’s office, said when asked by WPCNR if a light rail system or a bus-self-contained vehicle system was being considered, said that light rail cost $6 Million to $10 Million a mile, and would obviously have to have a source of outside funding. Lawson stressed the city was completely open to any proposals, expected a bus-trolley kind of system, but if a firm proposed light rail and a source of funding for it,  it would be considered.


Asked what kind of firms he was expecting to send in proposals, Lawson described them as “transportation consuting firms and economic development companies” with the contracting sources to execute the project.


RFP Suggests Bus/Trolley System: Feasibility, Costs, Funding Source.


The city RFP requires descriptions of who would do the work on any “White Plains Rapid Transit” system, fees for services.


The RFP is described as a “Downtown Shuttle Service,” and that the city is “not anticipated that the City will be providing significant funding for this service so providing funding mechanisms are a key component to the study and may also infludence the design of the system.”


The RFP asks respondents to “determine the market potential for a consolidated shuttle service,” including analysis privately run shuttle services already existing, to see if a new community shuttle service would be needed.


The proposal wants specifics on the type of vehicle, size, number of vehicles, routes, stops, frequency of service, hours of operations, personnel requirements, and a fare structure.


 

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Westchester Republicans Launch Fall Candidates

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WPCNR BACKROOM BULLETIN. From RoseMarie Panio, Chair Westchester Republican Committee. (Edited) June 5, 2004: At the Westchester Republican Committee Convention last week, the Republican Party nominated its slate of contenders for the County Legislative, Judgeships, and State Offices. Michael Gianatasio, a successful businessman from White Plains, will be the Republican candidate in the 37th Senate District opposing Suzi Oppenheimer; and Robert Castelli of Pound Ridge, who maintains an impressive career in law enforcement, will be the GOP candidate in the 89th Assembly District, opposing Adam Bradley. The GOP did not nominate a candidate to oppose Amy Paulin in the 88th Assembly District.


Chairwoman RoseMarie Panio, who was officially confirmed at the GOP gathering, called the November ticket a “diverse slate that is in line with the convictions of the Republican Party.”


 


Candidates were nominated for Judicial Delegate, Congress, New York State Senate and Assembly, as well as County Court.


 


Prominent Republican incumbents, such as Congresswoman Sue Kelly, Senators Nick Spano and Vincent Leibell, along with Assemblymen Mike Spano and Will Stephens received the nomination for re-election to their respective posts.


 


Panio called the Republican Delegation “an impressive team of public servants.”  She continued, “Here in Westchester, we are fortunate to have such dedicated representatives that truly work for the best interests of the people.”


 


In a unique turn of events, the Westchester Republicans embraced two Democratic Assemblymen for positions on the GOP line.


 


Assemblyman Stephen Kauffman of Bronx County was officially named the GOP’s choice to run in the 34th Senate District, a seat previously held by longtime Senator Guy Velella.


 


Panio called Kaufman “a seamless fit with the philosophies of the Republican Party.”  She pointed to Assemblyman Kauffman’s ten-year tenure in the State Assembly, and called him “a superior candidate to represent lower Westchester in the State Senate”.


 


            Additionally, incumbent Assemblyman Ron Tocci of New Rochelle was again nominated to run on the Republican line in the 91st Assembly District.


           


Both Democrats have long been recognized as conservative-leaning public officials.  Panio said Kauffman and Tocci have demonstrated that they are in-line with the policies and beliefs of the Republican Party, and that GOP voters will easily identify with them.


 


 


             In addition to touting their Republican incumbents, the GOP also focused its attention towards electing challengers to represent Westchester voters in Washington and in Albany.


 


            Mounting a formidable campaign in the 18th Congressional District is Richard Hoffman of Yonkers, who was praised by his Party as a smart financial executive who can truly make a difference in Washington.


 


 


 


            Rounding out the Republican 2004 ticket will be Irene Ratner of New Rochelle and William Gerstenzang of Yorktown.  Both were endorsed for the post of County Court Justice.  Ratner is currently a law secretary to the Westchester County Family Court, and was previously appointed as a County Court Justice by Governor George Pataki.  Gerstenzang is currently a practicing attorney in New York City as well as the Yorktown Town Justice.


 


            Chairwoman Panio said she is confident that Republicans will have a banner year.  “We have an impressive slate of candidates,” said Panio.  “Our Republican ticket maintains extensive experience, dedication and enthusiasm across the Board.  We, as Republicans, are focusing on the real issues that affect the residents of Westchester everyday.  Not only are we talking about issues, we are getting results.  Our incumbents maintain a superior record of getting the job done, and our challengers have really hit the ground running.  All of our candidates will be working tirelessly to get our message out to the public, and I am confident that the voters of this County will deliver a great Republican Victory come November.”


 


2004 Republican Slate


 









































U.S. Congress – 18th District

Richard Hoffman


U.S. Congress – 19th District

Congresswoman Sue Kelly


State Senate – 34th District

Assemblyman Stephen Kaufman


State Senate – 35th District

Senator Nick Spano


State Senate – 37th District

Michael Gianatasio


State Senate – 40th District

Senator Vincent Leibell


State Assembly – 89th District

Robert Castelli


State Assembly – 91st District

Assemblyman Ron Tocci


State Assembly – 93rd District

Assemblyman Mike Spano


State Assembly – 99th District

Assemblyman Willis Stephens


Westchester County Court

Irene Ratner


Westchester County Court

William Gerstenzang


 


 

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WPHS CEREBRAL TIGERS TAKE 2ND AT NEW ORLEANS ACADEMIC TILT.

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. From Les Roby, White Plains High School. (Edited) June 5, 2004: The WPHS Academic Team participated in the New Orleans phase of the National Academic Association National Tournament, May 28-31, and finished second in the national competition, coming from behind in the Final round to finish Number 2!

WPHS was the #14 seed after going 2-2 in preliminary rounds but had more points than the 4-0, #4 seed Irmo squad from Irmo, South Carolina, and pulled out the Number 2 finish. Here’s how the brain play went:


Round of sixteen:  defeated #3 seed Byram Hills (Armonk) 305-275


Quarterfinal Round:  played Chaska (Minn) team that had just defeated
        Irvington (NY) 415-305 and in sudden death overtime came away
        with the victory 315-310—Soumya Sanyal answered that the Mekong
        and the Red rivers were the two major river deltas of Vietnam


Semifinal Round:  played Holland Hall (Oklahoma), a team that had
       defeated WPHS 410-345 in the prelims.  WPHS wins 345-270 with
        Asuka Nakamura leading the way with 80 points


Final Round:  WPHS leads 120-95 at the half, trails after 3 quarters as
        East HS (West Chester, Pa) takes lead with Chemical Compound
        category while WPHS struggles w Crazy Xmas Carols.
        East prevails 335-275 as WPHS settles for second honors

Team:  Asuka Nakamura–senior
        Connie Hsiung—junior
        Dan Pasternack—junior
        Alex Park—junior
        Sarah Wolfe—sophomore
        Soumya Sanyal—sophomore

Finalist—New Orleans—May 28-31
National Semifinalist for 2004—-top 6 teams in the Nation

WPHS has qualified for the National tournament for 15 consecutive years placing second in the nation in 1990, and has top-15 finishes 4 other times.

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Saturday Night at the Cinema De Lux — Harry Potter’s In Town

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WPCNR SITTIN’ IN THE BALCONY. From National Amusements. June 5, 2004: The new Harry Potter movie has opened at the White Plains City Center De Lux. Here is the schedule for the week for the movies in White Plains:


Saturday, June 05, 2004  
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (PG) –12:30;1:00;2:50;3:45;4:15;6:00;7:00;7:30;10:10;10:40 pm. ;
The Day After Tomorrow (PG-13) –10:45;11:15 am;1:05;1:25;2:05;3:55;4:25;4:55;6:55;7:25;7:55;9:50;10:25;10:45 pm;12:30 am. ;
Shrek 2 (PG) –11:00 am;12:00;12:30;1:30;2:15;2:45;3:45;4:30;5:00;6:05;6:45;7:15;8:15;9:05;10:35;11:25 pm;12:20 am. ;
Troy (R) –12:05;3:30;7:05;9:35;10:30 pm. ;
Soul Plane (R) –10:35 am;12:45;3:00;5:15;7:35;10:00 pm;12:15 am. ;
Mean Girls (PG-13) –12:10;2:30;4:50;7:20;9:45 pm;12:15 am. ;
Raising Helen (PG-13) –10:30 am;12:00;1:15;4:10;7:10;9:10;9:55 pm;12:00;12:35 am. ;
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban **(PG) –12:00;3:15;6:30;9:40 pm;12:40 am. ;
Shrek 2 **(PG) –1:00;3:15;5:35;7:45;10:05 pm. ;

Sunday, June 06, 2004  
Raising Helen (PG-13) –10:30 am;12:00;1:15;4:10;7:10;9:10;9:55 pm. ;
Shrek 2 **(PG) –1:00;3:15;5:35;7:45;10:05 pm. ;
Mean Girls (PG-13) –12:10;2:30;4:50;7:20;9:45 pm. ;
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban **(PG) –12:00;3:15;6:30;9:40 pm. ;
Soul Plane (R) –10:35 am;12:45;3:00;5:15;7:35;10:00 pm. ;
Shrek 2 (PG) –11:00 am;12:00;12:30;1:30;2:15;2:45;3:45;4:30;5:00;6:05;6:45;7:15;8:15;9:05;10:35 pm. ;
Troy (R) –12:05;3:30;7:05;9:35;10:30 pm. ;
The Day After Tomorrow (PG-13) –10:45;11:15 am;1:05;1:25;2:05;3:55;4:25;4:55;6:55;7:25;7:55;9:50;10:25 pm. ;
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (PG) –12:30;1:00;2:50;3:45;4:15;6:00;7:00;7:30;10:10;10:40 pm. ;

Monday, June 07, 2004  
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (PG) –12:30;1:00;2:50;3:45;4:15;6:00;7:00;7:30;10:10;10:40 pm. ;
The Day After Tomorrow (PG-13) –1:05;1:25;2:05;3:55;4:25;4:55;6:55;7:25;7:55;9:50;10:25 pm. ;
Shrek 2 (PG) –12:00;12:30;1:30;2:15;2:45;3:45;4:30;5:00;6:05;6:45;7:15;8:15;9:05;10:35 pm. ;
Troy (R) –12:05;3:30;7:05;9:35;10:30 pm. ;
Soul Plane (R) –12:45;3:00;5:15;7:35;10:00 pm. ;
Mean Girls (PG-13) –12:10;2:30;4:50;7:20;9:45 pm. ;
Raising Helen (PG-13) –12:00;1:15;4:10;7:10;9:10;9:55 pm. ;
Shrek 2 **(PG) –1:00;3:15;5:35;7:45;10:05 pm. ;
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban **(PG) –12:00;3:15;6:30;9:40 pm. ;

Tuesday, June 08, 2004  
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban **(PG) –12:00;3:15;6:30;9:40 pm. ;
Shrek 2 **(PG) –

Playland Ride Death Accidental. No Ops Error.Voluntary Steps Announced.

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Westchester County Department of Communications. June 5, 2004: Westchester County Department of Public Safety has released its findings from an accident on a ride at Playland on which a young girl died on May 22. The police report has concluded that the cause of death was accidental and not due to mechanical problems or ride operator error.


 The New York State Department of Labor, which inspects and issues permits annually on rides, also released a report today that said there were no mechanical violations or ride operator errors which contributed to the accident.  They did recommend that any additional safety changes be made to the Mind Scrambler ride.


Although not cited by the Labor Department or required to make any improvements to the ride, Westchester County has decided to take a number of its own precautionary steps to further ensure the safety of the ride. 



“The death of Stephanie Dieudonne was a tragic accident that we never want to see happen again,’’  County Executive Andy Spano said today at a press conference held at Playland. “For 76 years Playland has been known as a safe, clean, family amusement park. As a father I took my children there. As a grandfather, I take my grandchildren there. However, today we are taking additional safety measures that go above and beyond what we already have to reassure families that Playland is, and continues to be, the safest park of its kind.’’


Changes have already been made to the ride and include the following:


 


·        Seat belts have been added to all cars in addition to the safety bar.


 


·        More lighting has been added to give the operator better visibility during the ride.


 



 


·        Safety instructions have been painted onto the back of the rides in day glow paint so that they will be visible even when the lights are off.


 


·        The size of the window in the operator’s booth has been doubled to increase visibility.


 


·        An additional employee will be placed at a newly constructed station within the ride to serve as an additional set of eyes and will have an emergency stop button.


 


·         The lights will be left on at the start and end of the ride.


 


·        The ride entrance and exits paths are more clearly marked with bright yellow paint.


 


Playland Director Joseph Montalto said other safety measures are also being pursued. “We will hire an industry ride safety specialist to review all rides at Playland.  We are also developing a ‘Partnering with Parents Safety Guide,’ which will give guidelines for monitoring children at amusement parks.”


 

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