WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER SETS RECORD VISITS FOR YEAR 7,017,658 VISITS! 2,098,003 VISITORS MADE 6 VISITS A DAY EVERY DAY. 63,330 UNIQUE VISITORS MADE 133,730 VISITS IN DECEMBER. WPCNR AVERAGED 17,284 VISITORS A WEEK, VISITING 31,270 TIMES.

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WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE EXAMINER. May 5, 2003, UPDATED WITH PICTURES, 9:30 A.M. E.D.T.: The Common Council approved the creator of Clayton Park developer Frank Cantatore’s plan for a 71-unit, 11-story condominium, with 1 and 2-bedroom units starting at $800,000, at 10 Windsor Terrace Monday evening.

GENTRIFICATION OF EASTVIEW CONTINUES: The approval of “Condo Cantatori” planned for this site on 10 Windsor Terrace, was assured after Mr. Cantatori consulted with Windsor Terrace neighbors that he would pay attention to their concerns to mitigate noise, tightly control construction workers’ parking, address rodent irradication on the site, and work closely with the Building and Planning Departments to landscape the site to shield neigbors on either side.
Photo by WPCNR News

LUSH LIFE EAST OF NORTH BROADWAY: The elegant facade of the 71-unit luxury condominium approved for the 10 Windsor Terrace site Monday night. The building will be 11-stories, including rooftop penthouse, with 5 1-bedroom units, 57 2-bedrooms, 9 3-bedroom units with 146-parking spaces in an underground garage. Units start at $800,000 and go as high as $1,000,000. Call now.
Photo by WPCNR News

The approval deal was struck because Mr. Cantatore agreed to contribute $20,000 to distribute to potential purchasers of workforce housing (persons with income approximately $80,000 a year) in what is described as the city’s “Downpayment Assistance Program.”

Satisfying Council Concerns

This nominal contribution by Mr. Cantatore was in lieu of setting aside several of the condominium units for “affordable” housing. Mr. Cantatore said the economics of the project would not work if he lost the full market value of any of the units in the condominium complex. (The 6% affordable housing rule created by the City of White Plains for all new multiple dwellings only applies to the Centrual Business District.) The Common Council, specifically Mr. Boykin and Mr. Hockley felt strongly that Mr. Cantatore should address the affordable housing issue in some way as the project wended its way through the approval process

VIEW FROM EASTVIEW SCHOOL, AMHERST PLACE: The posh building will occupy this site, between the two existing apartment buildings 30 Windsor Terrace and 2-4 Windsor Terrace, fronting on Windsor, and also accessible from Amherst Place, foreground.
Photo by WPCNR News

BROADSIDE of the luxury building as it would appear to one of the two buildings on either side of it, 2-4 and 30 Windsor Terrace.
Photo by WPCNR News

Thomas Roach, Councilman, noted at the approval that it was important for the city to formulate a policy on affordable housing for all future developers so they knew where they stood.

BID weathers Hockley Criticism

In other action, the Council approved a resolution upping the Downtown Business Improvement District (The BID) budget to $450,000 from $400,000, despite commentary from Councilman Glen Hockley last week that the BID should take a more active role in economic development of the downtown.

The council also set terms for city court judgeships at 6 years and 10 years, and made it law that a city judge had to be a resident of the city.

Cappelli Gets His Higher Loft Request.

The council approved Louis Cappelli’s request for an increase in height of his loft condominium building on Martine Avenue in the City Center Project, allowing Mr. Cappelli to build the loft to a height of 115 feet, instead of 101 feet, and incorporating 20 to 30 units instead of 40 as originally planned. The dashing Mr. Cappelli swooped in at the very close of the Council meeting to present the details of the minor site plan ammendment personally.

Mr. Cappelli noted that Barnes & Noble had taken more square footage on the street level floor of the City Center, and that National Amusements was building theatres with coffee bars and high degree of luxury “a cut above” their Greenburgh and Hawthorne complexes. He said the City Center was on schedule to open in October of this year. He cracked a smile when it was suggested by this reporter that the opening of the City Center be televised live.

Kaye Named Employee of the Month

Christopher Kaye, a planner in the Department of Planning for 31 years was honored as Employee of the Month. The Mayor praised him as a man who has “the zoning code committed to memory,” and as the person who guides residents through variance requests. He said that Mr. Kaye will be sorely missed when he retires later this year.

Invocation Liberties

Reverend Carol Simpson of First Baptist Church delivered the longest invocation of the new year exceeding the 5-minute speaker’s limit by several minutes, lobbying for the city to cooperate with the ministers of the city more extensively and use the men and women of the cloth as a resource. In her actual invocation, she spoke for 5 minutes noting a number of failings of present day society. (Speakers addressing the Common Council are limited to 5 minutes).

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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS VARIETY. From Westchester County Department of Recreation & Parks. (EDITED) April 21, 2003:Since 1928 when the park first opened its gates and became the first planned theme park in America, Playland has been providing the best in fun and entertainment for families in Westchester and throughout
the tri-state area. This season-long tribute to this National Historic Landmark will kick off with a parade, free entertainment, ride specials and a historic journey at each of the park’s original rides on May 10, Saturday, with a Rain Date of Saturday, May 17.
Opening Day festivities begin at the Fountain Plaza at 11 a.m. with performances by a strolling band and other entertainers, including a magician and mime. Visitors will be greeted by Coaster the Dragon and other favorite Playland costumed characters and vintage 1928 costumed characters throughout the day, and there will be an antique car display reminiscent of the early days of the automobile.

At 11:30 a.m., the Port Chester High School Marching Band will accompany dignitaries, staff, and Coaster the Dragon as they make their traditional march from Playland’s upper circle to the Fountain Plaza. The parade will be followed by an opening ceremony and ribbon cutting with County Executive Andy Spano. As part of National Tourism Week, County Executive Spano will present a proclamation to declare May 10 “See America Day” in Westchester County.

The gates to the park will open at noon, and the park will remain open until 11 p.m. Admission to Playland is always free.

As a 75th anniversary special, visitors can take advantage of purchasing a $7.50 unlimited ride wristband available for all rides from noon until 6 p.m. on opening day. Wristbands go on sale at 10:30 a.m. at the Fountain Plaza.

Throughout the day, a strolling band and other entertainers will be making the rounds in the park. Beginning opening day and throughout the season, 1928-style characters will entertain guests with historical facts and trivia at the park’s historical rides including the Dragon Coaster, Carousel, Derby Racer, the recently refurbished Old Mill, and the Whip.

Coming Attractions

Playland will introduce two new rides, a new train, new bumper cars and a state-of- the-art stage. Dates of ride openings and the stage will be announced.

New Rides

New rides this season will feature the Crazy Mouse Coaster at the north end of the main park. Reminiscent of Playland’s former Wild Mouse Coaster, this coaster will make riders feel as if they are approaching the edge of the track only to make sharp twists and turns. Children and adults will enjoy riding in the colorful mouse cars on this family thrill ride. The Jungle Jammin’ gorilla-themed ride will be added to Kiddyland for children and parents to enjoy.

The New Playland Express Train will premier this spring, with a locomotive that is a replica of an original 1863 C.P. Huntington. The train ride area will be themed to include special park locations as the train “leaves” Playland and “travels through” Westchester County and New York City. The ride is also accessible to the handicapped.

Over 50 new Auto Scooter (Bumper Cars) cars, which are replicas of old-fashioned cars and feature a comfortable lap bar instead of a strap, will premier this season.

Music Tower Stage

Playland’s new Music Tower Stage will also make its debut, featuring a new state-of-the-art stage that will include new sound, new seating, a professional stage and the high quality of family entertainment that has been a hallmark at the park for the past 75 years.

Walk of Fame

Corporations, families and individuals will have the opportunity to become part of the park’s history by purchasing an engraved paving stone for the new Playland Walk of Fame, located near the fountain at the park’s main entrance. Cost is $150, and proceeds will be used for additional programming and entertainment during the 2003 season.

The Tradition of Free Entertainment Continues

Playland will feature daily musical revues, puppet shows, strolling entertainment, and band and costumed characters, beginning June 13. Daily performances will be held through Labor Day.

Free weekly fireworks will be displayed every Wednesday and Friday evening in July and August, as well as July 3 and 4. All shows begin at 9:15 p.m.

Free Big Band Concerts are held Friday evenings on the Boardwalk at the dance floor overlooking Long Island Sound, from July 11 through August 8, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Name entertainers take to the new Music Tower Stage for Playland’s Free Concert Series, Thursday evenings from July 31 through August 28 at 8 p.m. Entertainers will be announced.
Amusement Park Schedule

Playland will be open Saturdays and Sundays at noon, beginning May 10. On Friday, May 23, the park will open from 6 p.m. to midnight, with openings at noon on Saturday, Sunday and Memorial Day Monday. Beginning May 28, Playland will be open Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Fridays from 10 a.m. to midnight; Saturdays from noon to midnight; and Sundays from noon to 11 p.m. Beginning Saturday, June 21, the park will be open Tuesday through Sunday at noon and closed Mondays except holidays through Labor Day, Monday, September 1.

Ride and Parking Fees

Admission and entertainment at Playland are always free. Car parking is $5 Tuesday through Friday, $7 on weekends, and $10 on holidays. Ticket books are $21 for a 24-Ticket Book, $17 for a 16-Ticket Book and $9 for an 8-Ticket Book. Rides are 2 to 4 tickets each. Group sales of 20 or more are available.

Other Attractions

The Playland Boardwalk Museum features exhibits, photographs and memorabilia designed to enhance a visitor’s park experience. The Museum houses a vintage fire engine and old cars from the Caterpillar, the Flying Scooter and the Dragon Coaster, along with old steamship tickets, souvenir postcards and other items.

Other popular attractions at Playland include the Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary, lakeside picnic areas, rowboat and pedal boat rentals, kayaking, a boardwalk and pier that stretches the length of the park, a miniature golf course, many name brand food stands, outdoor seafood restaurant, and private catering facilities.

Beach and Pool

Playland Beach will be open weekends from May 24 through June 15. The Beach will open daily from June 21 through Labor Day. The Beach is open from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. with no admittance after 6 p.m. Beach admission is $3.25 for adults, $1.50 for children 5-11, and infants are free. Fees are reduced by 50% during twilight swimming from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Playland Pool will be open Saturday and Sunday June 14 and 15 and then daily from June 21 through Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. with no admittance after 6 p.m. Pool admission is $4.50 for adults, $2.50 for children 5-11, and infants are free. Fees are reduced by 50% during twilight swimming from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Camp Playland

The Camp Playland day camp program will be offered again this summer for 7- to 12-year-olds. Camp Playland utilizes all of Playland’s unique facilities including the amusement park, ice casino, pool, miniature golf course, Edith G. Read Nature Sanctuary and Playland Lake. Six one-week sessions begin July 14.

Playland is owned and operated by Westchester County and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Playland Park is known as America’s first totally planned amusement park and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1987. The park’s original art deco structures have been preserved, as are the park’s seven original rides that are still enjoyed by visitors today.

Playland is located in Rye, New York and can be reached via the New England Thruway (I-95), Playland Parkway exit 19. For more information, call 914-813-7010 or visit Playland at www.ryeplayland.org.
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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. May 1, 2003:At the special meeting of the Board of Education Wednesday evening, Richard Lasselle, Assistant Superintendent for Business, announced that the state legislature has restored $1,845,692 in school aid for the White Plains City School District.

Lasselle told WPCNR today this effectively cut the proposed tax rate for the 2003-04 City School Budget to 6.9% from the 7.8% projected last week.

The proposed City School Budget remains at $134,632,632, a year to year increase of 6.1% from last year’s $126.9mm budget.

Mr. Lasselle told WPCNR that the district has allocated $1,354,291 of that aid into the general fund, and $292,894 to pay for Pre-Kindergarten programs. He said that the district still does not know what percentage they will be expected to pay into the state employees retirement fund to make up for that deficit, which was previously estimated by the State Comptroller’s office to be 11.4% of City School District salaries.

Retirement Fund Payment yet to be Determined.

Money allocated for the district in advance to save the Pre-K programs, Lasselle said, ($350,000) is also being diverted to the general fund to cover the Retirement fund obligation, whatever the Comptroller’s office and the state legislature and Governor George Pataki decide it should be.

The Comptroller’s Office had previously suggested splitting the difference and charging statewide school districts a flat 4-1/2% to lessen the budget impact on many districts facing far larger increases than White Plains. The impact on White Plains at the 4-1/2% would be approximately $5 Million. ($80,644,847 is devoted to salaries in the White Plains proposed 2003-04 budget).

Bottom Line to Taxpayers: Tax per $1M, Lowers to $349.03

Mr. Lasselle calculated the new 6.9% tax rate to be $340.03 per $1,000 of accessed value. That means on a $15,000 accessed home, the White Plains homeowner would pay $5,235.45 in school taxes next year. Should Governor Pataki veto the legislature’s budget, throwing out the return of school aid, the tax rate would go back to 7.8%, or $352.05 per $1,000 of accessed valuation, computing to an extra $45 ($5,280.75 to $5,235.45).

Lasselle said the numbers of course are firm yet, and the district is sitting tight waiting for the full details. He said the district is working on its School Budget Report Card which is expected to be mailed out May 12.

The day of the new School Budget Vote and the Elections to the Board of Education is June 3.

Still Time to Run for Board of Education

In a related matter, Michelle Schoenfeld, Clerk to the Board of Education, reported to WPCNR Thursday that the deadline for submitting petitions to run for the Board of Edcucation has been commensurately extended to May 12. She reports four petitions have been received so far.

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WPCNR HOMESIDE LANE REPORT CARD. From Steven Rabinowitz, W.A.V.E. Public Affairs Office. May 1, 2003: The White Plains Alliance for Vision in Education (WAVE) has announced its endorsements for the 2003 Board of Education elections: Peter Bassano, Terence McGuire and Michael Seymour All of the endorsed candidates have stated their strong commitment to open and democratic governance of the education system, accountability by the Board to the community, and to maintaining and valuing diversity in the educational system. Here are the candidates’ backgrounds:
The candidates endorsed by WAVE for 2003 are:

Peter Bassano

Peter is an incumbent on the Board, having been appointed in July of 2002 to fill a vacancy due to the resignation of a former member. In his first few months on the Board, Peter has shown himself to be a highly effective member and in touch with the concerns of the community.

Peter is an attorney in White Plains, and has 2 children in the White Plains schools. Previous to his service on the Board he served for three years on the Annual Budget Committee that works with the Board to develop the school budget for the next year. He has also served on the Board of the White Plains Little League for a number of years.

Terence McGuire

Terry is a CPA who has not stood for election to the Board before, but who has served the community in a variety of ways, and is greatly concerned with community involvement with the educational system and sees himself as an advocate for children and parents.

He has lived in White Plains since 1992, and has 2 children in the White Plains schools. His family includes a number of accomplished educators, including a former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education. His background of over 20 years helping various organizations meet complex challenges would be an asset to the Board.

Michael Seymour

Like Terry, Mike has not stood for election before, but comes from a family that has been in and around White Plains for 3 generations. Michael is a graphics designer who has 3 pre-school children, the oldest of which is entering the White Plains schools in September.

Michael also shares with the other candidates a strong commitment to the betterment of the community, and is active in the White Plains Historical Society (currently as president-elect) and the annual White Plains Outdoor Arts Festival. He is very concerned with parental involvement in the educational process and if elected will work to find ways to improve on it in this district.

Budget Support

In addition to endorsing these candidates, WAVE supports passage of the proposed 2003-04 school budget as critical to the future of our children and the success of the district¹s educational efforts. WAVE urges all eligible voters to come out and participate in the election and budget vote on Tuesday, June 3.

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WPCNR BACKROOM BULLETIN. By John F. Bailey April 30, 2003: The Republican Party is planning to nominate three articulate, active players in city and state politics: Two attorneys, Tim Sheehan and Jeffrey Binder, and a possible third candidate, an Hispanic woman to give Mayor Joseph Delfino company on the all-Democrat White Plains City Council.

The City Democratic Committee Nominating Committee is staying with their incumbent warhorses, Robert Greer, seeking his fourth term on the council, and City Council President, Benjamin Boykin, seeking his second term as a Councilman. For the third seat, The Nominating Committee has chosen Assemblyman Adam Bradley’s campaign manager, Arnold Bernstein, a portfolio manager, for the Council nomination to replace incumbent councilman William King who chose not to run for reelection.

The Democrat Nominating Committee will present its slate to the City’s Democratic leaders on May 8. These suggested slates, however have proved controversial and can run into opposition.

Another Revolt?

In May of 2001, the Nominating Committee was overridden by District Leaders who supported Robert Greer’s angry challenge to the Nominating Committee’s nomination of William Ryan for Mayor. At that time, the Nominating Committee bowed to state Civil Service Employees Association management pressure to support William Ryan for Mayor based on a CSEA survey showing Ryan’s higher poll numbers against Mayor Joseph Delfino.

The Nominating Committee using those numbers, handed the nomination to Ryan, only to have Robert Greer mount a challenge among district leaders and outpoint Ryan, wresting the nomination in an embarrassing floor fight. Greer called in his markers in more heavily “weighted” election districts, drawing on his substantial prestige among District Leaders and seized the nomination. Greer, his momentum possibly compromised by the internal party primary, ran second to Mayor Delfino in the general election.

Hispanic Community is Dismissed.

Now, it appears that the Nominating Committee may have another challenge on their hands from a shocked Hispanic community as they learn of Mr. Bernstein’s candidacy. Mr. Bernstein has long yearned to run for the Common Council. However, the selection of Mr. Bernstein, no matter how much he deserves it and is qualified for it, delays the long promised and awaited Democratic overture to the Hispanic community.

The Nominating Committee of Adam Bradley, Howard Glassman, Jim Payne, Barbara Schwartz, and Bob Wall has apparently made the judgment that they do not need Hispanic support to win that William King council seat.

An overture rejected.

About a week ago, members of that Nominating Committee, District Leaders, and members of the Democrat Party Executive Committee approached Ms. Eridania Camacho-Quinn to run for Council, saying they would support her. Over the past weekend she agreed to interview.

Eridania Camacho Quinn, a mother in her 30s, said she was willing to give up her job to be a fulltime Councilperson, and was interviewed by the Nominating Committee for the Council seat they chose to give to Mr. Bernstein. Camacho Quinn is currently fundraising executive with the Young Women’s Christian Association, and currently organizer of the YWCA Salute to Women and Racial Justice Dinner in June.

By way of background, it should be noted that Ms. Camacho Quinn was one of the leaders of a cadre of Hispanic activists and labor leaders who worked relentlessly for Adam Bradley’s upset election primary win over Naomi Matusow. Camacho-Quinn was interviewed by the Nominating Committee and was rejected in favor of Mr. Bernstein, due to “her lack of political savvy.”

What Hispanics?

The proposed Democrat slate of Boykin, Greer and Bernstein leaves the party without a bridge to White Plains’ dominant minority, the Hispanic community. The Republican Party is moving quickly to exploit this gaffe. The Republicans were the first to run an Hispanic candidate, Larry Delgado, (who immigrated to the U.S. from Cuba in 1960). The city Republicans are now exploring Hispanic candidates.

The Republicans are also tapping a high profile, charismatically Cappelli-esque White Plains Republican, to mount a challenge to three-term County Legislator William Ryan “to begin the Republican take back of the County Legislature” in our source’s words.

A Dilemma for the Nominating Committee.

Had Mr. Greer chosen not to run for his council seat again, this would have left the way clear for nominations of Boykin, Bernstein, and a Hispanic candidate, making the choice easier.

Mr. Bernstein could have chosen to step aside in favor of a Hispanic candidate in the best interest of the party, (which it is reported by our source that he did not offer to do so), to balance the minority appeal of the ticket. Though there is no reason to expect Mr. Bernstein to step aside. Such a gesture by Mr. Greer or Mr. Bernstein would have enabled the Nominating Committee to present a slate more representative of the city’s makeup, had they wished to do so.

A Replay of the Green-Ferrer Miscalculation?

The Nominating Committee choice is eerily similar to what happened in New York City. A very powerful Jewish candidate Mark Green battled Fernando Ferrer, a Hispanic candidate for the Mayoral nomination. Green ran an anti-minority campaign in Williamsburg Brooklyn that alienated many Hispanics, traditionally Democratic, and that backfired on him in his contest with Mr. Bloomberg. The Hispanic community virtually on mass voted for Bloomberg instead of Green. Solidly Hispanic districts, traditional Democrats voted for Bloomberg.

Presently only the Board of Education in White Plains has a racial makeup representative of the city’s population, with an African-American, an Italian, three Caucasians, and an Hispanic. Candidates for the school board can run at large without having to be selected for suitability by party organizations.

Delgado Awaits in Exile.

Larry Delgado, former councilman who was deposed by a voting machine which jammed in the Republican stronghold District 18 costing him the 2001 Council election to Glen Hockley, is not running. Mr. Delgado fully expects to be restored to the Council through the quo warranto action brought by the New York State Attorney General on his behalf, according to sources.