THE WORLD READS WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER — 8,324,077 VISITS IN ONE YEAR | 2,905,611 VISITORS VISIT 8,324,077 TIMES 3 TIMES EVERY DAY IN ONE YEAR. HIGHEST ACTIVITY IN WPCNR HISTORY.White PlainsCitizeNetReporter lifted its worldwide visits from unique visitors to wpcnr.com to 8,324,077,a 1,306,419 increase in visits in one year from 7,017,658 visits to the site last year which covers White Plains and Westchester County. The 8,324,077 visits were made by 2,005,611 unique visitors who visited wpcnr an average of 3 visits a day. ON JULY 20- -2026 visitors have accessed wpcnr and made 3,072 visits an average of 1.6 visits. In the last week 33,495 individual vistors made 54,458 visits, averaging 1.6 visits. In the last month, 152,940 visitors recorded 229,338 visits (1.5 visits)

Joan Meyers Departs as Director of Special Education for City School District

Posted on February 10, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. February10, 2004: Monday evening Four key retirements were announced affecting the administration of the City School District. They were: Dr. Linda Ocsher, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources; Alexandra (Sandi) Cangialosi, Elementary Principal and Principal on Special Assignemnt; Alan Walowitz, Coordinator of English, and Joan Meyers, Director of Special Education.

Joan Meyers, particularly, will be missed by the parents of disabled children in the school district. A tireless, thorough, fair and passionate advocate for the best educational environment, her career in White Plains spanned three decades. Dr. Joseph Casbarro, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Services, characterized her commitment to the disabled this way Monday evening at Education House:

What do the following have in common?

· The films Easy Rider and Midnight Cowboy playing at the movies

· President Nixon ordering the secret bombing of Cambodia

· Americans landing on the moon

· Woodstock

· Joan Myers beginning her career in White Plains as a special education teacher at the Rosedale School

The Year was 1969

All of those events have lasting memories – but none have had a more positive impact on the education of students with special needs in our district than the hiring of Joan Myers.

She taught during the turbulence of the late 1960’s – She experienced, first hand, the implementation of the original authorization of IDEA in 1975. She successfully negotiated our district through a sea of challenges including the development of IEPs, Committees on Special Education and the era of inclusion.

In education, we are often measured by what impact we have had on the children placed under our care, on the contributions that we have made to our field and on the legacy we have left for those who follow in our footsteps.

For the last 30+ years, Joan has excelled in all three of those areas. We thank her on behalf of the students and families who were so greatly helped by her leadership and we wish her the best that life has to offer in the years ahead.

Her departure is filled with many mixed emotions, but Joan leaves us with great pride and with the knowledge that she has left the White Plains Public Schools significantly better as a result of her being here.

POTHOLE PATROL: City Doctors Hamilton, North Street. Main Gateways, Exits Worst.

Posted on February 10, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR POTHOLE PATROL. February 10, 2004: The city has been moving around town with patching crews taking care of major holes previously sited on Hamilton Avenue (2 left to go) and North Street. A spot patrol by WPCNR reveals that most neighborhood roads are in good shape on their surfaces with the main roads into and out of the city taking the brunt of the punishment plagued by deep holes and uneven surfaces: Old Mamaroneck Road, South Post Road, the well-traveled section of North Street opposite the high school, and the entrance to I-287 on North Broadway are the roughest roads spotted today. WPCNR Pothole Photographer highlights today’s troublespots motorists should be aware. WPCNR reminds readers that city, county and Department of Transportation crews cannot fix all the axle-busters right away.

POTHOLES OF THE DAY: CRATERS ON ENTRANCE TO I-287-EASTBOUND: North Broadway & I-287.Photo by WPCNR News.

HOLE IN BRIDGE Northbound: I-287 Overpass, North Broadway. Photo by WPCNR News.

RUT IN BRIDGE SEEM, NORTHBOUND I-287 OVERPASS, North Broadway. Photo by WPCNR News.

100 FEET OF BAD ROAD, OLD MAMARONECK ROAD AT SOUNDVIEW AVENUE. Photo by WPCNR News.

PITTED POST ROAD AT Post Road School. Photo by WPCNR News.

MOGULS ON MAPLE AVENUE EASTBOUND OPPOSITE CROWNE PLAZA. Photo by WPCNR News.

NICKED UP NORTH STREET SOUTHBOUND, OPPOSITE WPHS. Photo by WPCNR News.

WPCNR PHOTOGRAPH OF THE DAY

Posted on February 10, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR ROVING PHOTOGRAPHER. February 10, 2004: Today’s White Plains “glamour shot” is of Highlands Middle School, formerly the high school, perched in its Gothic Splendor above Parker Stadium in the heart of the Highlands.

Higher Learning. Photo by WPCNR Roving Photographer

Adam In Albany: Bill Passed to Bird Dog Arrogant Authorities

Posted on February 10, 2004 by John Bailey

WPNCR’S ADAM IN ALBANY. From District 89 Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley’s Office. February 9, 2004: Assemblyman Adam Bradley (D-White Plains) announced Assembly passage of reform legislation aimed at ending abuses of the public trust by state authorities and public benefit corporations (A.9010).

“Public authorities exist enjoy the benefit of taxpayer funding with little or none of the oversight and accountability we demand from government,” Bradley said. “The public deserves to know that authorities are held accountable, and that’s exactly what this legislation does.”

The legislation that Assemblyman Bradley supported creates a public authority inspector general to make sure that authorities are given the kind of oversight they’ve been lacking.

“Last year, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s fare hike fiasco showed the entire state what happens when authorities think they have no one looking over their shoulder,” Bradley said. “We’re still paying for the MTA’s public deception and similar things have happened at other public authorities. With a strong inspector general, we can prevent these kinds of scandals from happening.”

The measures restrict certain lobbying practices. They ensure that there is no undue or improper influence when it comes to awarding authority contracts or spending taxpayers’ money, and require each authority to create a central procurement office to oversee procurement contracts. “Even the appearance of impropriety undermines the public’s trust,” Bradley said. “We can’t allow that to happen. Lobbyists and other outside interests need to be kept at arm’s length from the decision-making process.”

The bill would establish an Independent Budget Officer for public authorities and public benefit corporations as well. The IBO would be required to collect, distribute and assess information about the budget for each authority. The IBO would also make reports and provide information to the public and elected officials.

“Authorities operate with the public’s money. Their decisions have already cost taxpayers millions of dollars, this will ensure that public authorities budget decisions will be scrutinized by independent experts,” Bradley said. “Rigorous analysis would go a long way toward warding off problems.

“We’ve seen way too many examples of abuse from public authorities over the past few years. Authorities need to be reined in and made accountable,” Bradley said. “The Assembly has taken the lead in making sure that these so-called shadow governments are brought into the open. I call on the governor and Senate to join us in making sure that public authorities are held accountable. We must prevent them from misspending taxpayer dollars, again.”

Watch on The Watch Continues: April Publication Aimed For.

Posted on February 10, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR CITIZEN REPORT. February 10, 2004: A meeting among neighbors and friends of The White Plains Watch was held Monday evening and a CitizeNetReporter who attended that meeting said the monthly that suspended publication in January is still in the same position. He said that Watch publisher Susan Chang says she still needs 500 more subscribers before she will resume publication. At this point, our observer says that Ms. Chang has 1,500 subscribers and says she needs a paid circulation of 2,000 to resume publication of the paper. He reports she hopes to gain the 500 new supporters by March and resume publication in April.

Donahoe Youngster Says “I’m Doing O.K.”: Scarano

Posted on February 10, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. February 10, 2004: White Plains High School Athletic Director, at the request of the Board of Education, delivered good news about injured WPHS Freshman, Brian Donahoe Monday evening at the Board of the Education meeting.

Mr. Scarano said he visited Brian Monday afternoon at Westchester County Medical Center, and reports that Brian said to tell his friends, “I’m doing O.K.”

Scarano reported that Brian had suffered a skull fracture behind the right ear, and a broken wrist, and that he expected to be in the hospital for another 5 days. The WPHS A.D. said that personnel at the high school at the time when Brian hurt himself last Wednesday afternoon were “instrumental” in saving Brian’s life. Scarano added that Brian’s doctors at the Medical Center said “it’s a miracle he’s doing as well as he is.”

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

Posted on February 9, 2004 by John Bailey

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.

Pothole Patrol: Salt, Heavy Rains Take Toll on Infrastructure

Posted on February 8, 2004 by John Bailey

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.

WPCNR PHOTOGRAPH OF THE DAY

Posted on February 8, 2004 by John Bailey

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.

Saturday Night at The Movies at City Center

Posted on February 7, 2004 by John Bailey

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;