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SATURDAY NIGHT AT 7 ON PEOPLE TO BE HEARD–JOHN VORPERIAN OF BEYOND THE GAME WPTV AND BULL ALLEN, VOICE OF BASE BALL ON THE 2023 BASEBALL SEASON WRAP UP SHOW

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“BULL” ALLEN OF   OF View from the Upper Deck  and JOHN BEYOND THE GAME VORPERIAN WRAP UP THE 2023 SEASON — THE NEW RULES HOW THEY WORKED OUT, IS ATTENDANCE UP? AND WHAT ARE THE YANKEES AND METS AND RED SOX GOING TO DO ABOUT THEIR ABYSMAL SEASONS? 

IT’S THE WRAP UP THAT PULLS NO PUNCHES–TUNE IN FANS ON FIOS CH 45 AND OPTIMUM CHANNEL 76 FOR THE FASTEST SMARTEST TALK IN SPORTS.

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SPECTACULAR “DISTRICT GALLERIA” “CONCEPT” DEBUTED BY PACIFIC RETAIL CAPITAL PATNERSl STUNS COMMON COUNCIL. ROACH: NOT A SITE PLAN, LONG WAY TO GO. PERHAPS A 2-YEAR REVIEW $2.5 BILLION DOLLAR PROJECT, 3,

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PACIFIC RETAIL CAPITAL PARTNERS, THE CAPPELLI ORGANIZATION AND S.L. GREEN  PRESENTED THE LARGEST  PROPOSAL FOR DEVELOPMENT EVER IN WHITE PLAINS, (OR FOR WESTCHESTER COUNTY) LAST NIGHT, PROPOSING 6 APARTMENT COMPLEXES  (7 BUILDINGS TOTAL)FROM 9 TO  41 STORIES,  NONE OF WHICH VIOLATE ANY HEIGHTS, BUT WILL ADD 3,200 RESIDENTIAL APARTMENTS.

PARKING WOULD BE UNDERGROUND. WEINGARTEN SAID THE PARTNERS WOULD BUY THE PRESENT GARAGE FROM THE CITY AND DEMOLISH IT AND REMEDIATE ANY CONTAMINATIONS THAT MIGHT BE THERE. HE ASSURED PARKING AVAILABILITY WOULD BE ESTABLISHED FOR THE LIBRARY ACROSS THE STREET AND OTHER WORKERS IN THE MUNICIPAL AREA.

WEINGARTEN SAID DISTRICT GALLERIA IS A CONCEPT AND PRCP WAS PRESENTING THE DESIGN TO SEE IF THE CITY WAS  ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT DIRECTION PRCP SEES FOR THE PROJECT.

RESIDENTS WOULD INCLUDE 12% AFFORDABLE HOUSING (384 OF 3,200).  MARK WEINGARTEN, OF DelBello Donnellan Weingarten Wise & Wiederkehr  REPRESENTING  THE PRCP GROUP SAID.

AN OVERHEAD VIEW OF THE 11-ACRE PROJECT. MR. WEINGARTEN SAID THE PROJECT WOULD ENERGIZE THE STREETS, LONG A MAYOR ROACH OF WHITE PLAINS DREAM, WITH STREET WELCOMING RETAIL  AND RESTAURANTS UP AND DOWN MAIN STREET AND MARTINE AVENUES, OPEN SPACE, A PERFORMANCE SQUARE AND A FOOD HALL, AND 7 RESTAURANTS, AS WELL AS UPSCALE RETAIL

 

The presentation began with ANNMARIE PLENGE, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF DESIGN, for PRCP) (pictured next to Mr. Weingarten introducing the project)  narrating a 12-minute flyover video of the concept, then the architect went into specific detail with still pictures from the video pictured above.

 This project reminded me of the old gray Rockefeller Center project in New York City which was started in 1931, funded by John D. Rockefeller. It was completed in 8 years and contained 19 buildings, and of course the Rockefeller Skating rink.

The design is  beyond contemporary, it has energy. is attractive, stunning.

Stunning is not always attractive to those who do not like change.

The sheer grandeur of the project  and design audacity  is highly unconforming to the downtown collection of buildings now under construction.

The District Galleria reflects  the glass and grandeur of the central  glass Opus hotel and the matching 41 story condominiums. It reaches out and connects to those glass towers that started the White Plains Renaissance.

I recalled Ayn Rand’s architect  character in The Fountainhead published in 1943.

Briefly Howard Roark,  as Wikipedia  describes the plot “is an intransigent young Architect who battles against conventional standards and refuses to compromise with an architectural establishment unwilling to accept innovation.

“Roark embodies what Rand believed to be the ideal man, and his struggle reflects Rand’s belief that “Individualism” is superior to “Social organization” “Collectivism_and_individualism.” 

“Roark is opposed by what he calls “second-handers”, who value conformity over independence and integrity.

 There is nothing ordinary, boring, or second-hand or conforming about “District Galleria”– it’s so out front and regal.

The Common Council, according to Councilman Justin Brasch, received the drawings Tuesday night, after the two presentations, commented avidly  one after another, eagerlt burst into spontaneous opinionated commentary

 Mr. Brasch objected to both the number of buildings and their heights. He called for  more affordable housing, and more local flavor.

Nadine Hunt-Robinson called for more connection to existing White Plains institutions, like the Thomas Slater Center, art from the White Plains Schools, the Youth Bureau inclusion, and called for reachout to minority and local contractors. Ms. Hunt-Robinson also said White Plains seeks to involve all the citizens in its endeavors and that District Galleria needed to balance that.

 Jennifer Puja, Councilwoman, echoed Ms. Hunt-Robinson calling for more city say in its development,as well as use of local contractors, and citizen merchants for what she called “Mom and Pop Popups.” She felt that affordable was definitely important and  as well as “affordable restaurants” and “affordable retail.”

 Mayor Thomas Roach spoke out three times reminding all in the room the concept was not yet a site plan, saying that a site plan had not yet been submitted.

But this baby was a splash!

Pacific Retail Capital Partners seeks a zoning change for the property at this time to change The Galleria to build residential buildings.

 In the  face of this barrage of Council concern, Mr. Weingarten (RIGHT) standing beside Louis Cappelli, assured the council that their concerns would be dealt with and could be worked out.

In a news release sent media this morning, the project details are described this way:

Nearly half of the project’s footprint is designated as open space, breaking down existing barriers and creating a quarter mile-long green promenade complete with pet playgrounds, pocket parks, and lush landscaping for community gatherings, outdoor events, public entertainment, and art. The District Galleria features a garden promenade designed to link the adjacent neighborhoods at eight different access points, providing a place for the public to live, shop, walk, play, engage and be entertained.

The redevelopment of the Galleria site would align with the city’s strategic plan to expand transit-oriented development. The project aims to enhance the city’s skyline with buildings of varied heights to maximize views and create a light filled and landscaped place of natural beauty and elevated design.

Annemarie Plenge, Executive Vice President of Design for PRCP, is the Master Architectural Designer of the project.

Plenge brings a wealth of more than 25 years of professional experience master planning large-scale mixed-use projects and is collaborating with world renowned architectural design and planning firm Gensler, along with Kimley Horn and Eric Rain Landscape Architecture to design this urban oasis.

“Experience driven mixed-use environments appeal to people’s desire for connection and belonging. They are poised to be the key in reviving our communities’ urban centers. The evolution of an enclosed mall to an open-air mixed-use development with the unified vision of The District Galleria is pivotal in evolving real estate for the next generation,” said Najla Kayyem, Executive Vice President for Pacific Retail Capital Partners.

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SEX TRAFFICKING IN WESTCHESTER: YWCA AWARENESS EVENT SUNDAY 0CT 1

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This Sunday, Oct. 1, join us for an interactive and informative program to learn about the realities of sex trafficking and how you can help.

Meet our panel of community experts, engage in group discussion and storytelling, and participate in creative reflections and a service project.

 

We are honored to hear from our guest panelists:

Amanda Mills, MSW, My Sister’s Place

Janmarie Brown, Hope’s Door

Kiki Jimenez

Viviana Espinosa, Westchester County DSS Safe Harbor Program

REGISTER HERE

A special thank you to Hope’s DoorMy Sisters’ Place and Westchester County DSS Safe Harbor Program for partnering with the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester on this important community event.

For more information, please contact Lesley Mazzotta, Director of Youth Leadership at lmazzotta@ywcawpcw.org.

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WE HAVE BREAKING NEWS: SUN RISES AFTER 7 DAYS.

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THE SUN RETURNED TUESDAY AFTERNOON AT 2:10 p.m.REVEALING ITSELF AFTER A WEEK OF OVERCAST SKIES AND 4 INCHES OF RAIN IN WHITE PLAINS NEW YORK USA. THIS MORNING IT MADE A DAZZLING SECOND APPEARANCE. DIDN’T YOU MISS IT? I KNOW I DID! WE ALL LIVE FOR THE SUN

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MUST SEE TV: TELEVISED TONIGHT CH 75 OPTIMUM, CH. 44 FIOS: NEW GALLERIA “CONCEPT PLAN” TO BE INTRODUCED WEDNESDAY NIGHT 6:30 IN SPECIAL MEETING

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CITY HALL ANNOUNCED A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL FOR WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT 6:30 P.M (this evening)when the new Galleria  “concept” is scheduled to be unveiled. The notice was circulated at 5:30 p.m Tuesday.

THE MEETING WILL BE TELEVISED ON WHITE PLAINS GOVERNMENT ACCESS, CH. 75, AND FIOS CH. 44. IN ITS ENTIRETY WITH THE GALLERIA MATTER LAST.

The highlight will be the long awaited “concept plan” for the reconstruction of the defunct Galleria pictured at lower right in the picture above taken last week by WPCNR.

Previously, a site plan for the vacant city block was featured on the  website of the owners which was quickly removed when pointed out by the Westchester Business Journal.

As described at the time of the Business Journal article  the project was going to feature 4 high rise buildings with mixed use retail at street level which will compliment the Gateway II apartments (upper left hand picture under construction, and upper right picture) and the Hamilton Green development  of 4 other towers, plus first floor retail, replacing the White Plains Mall (lower left hand picture)

The city has been asking for compensation to be paid the city to allow the builders to use the city parking garage in any way they see fit in the “new concept” they will introduce tomorrow night.

Previously Governor Kathy Hochul signed a piece of legislation that cleared the way for  the City of White Plains to sell the City parking garage (attached to the Galleria shell) without putting it out for public bidding.

The Galleria is currently owned by Pacific Retail Capital Partners and Aareal Bank which announced a partnership with The Cappelli Organization and S.L. Green Corporation November 3, 2022, to redevelop the mall.

The Galleria was closed last spring.

The city has been awaiting a design since then.

 

 

 

 

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MARTINE 1 (MARTINE AND BANK STREET NEW GALLERY OPENS IN WHITE PLAINS NY USA

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One Martine Gallery Now Open

Contemporary art gallery in White Plains, NY

One Martine Gallery, a gateway to the vibrant world of contemporary art in our local community. Located at 1 Martine Avenue nestled in the heart of White Plains, NY, the gallery is a dynamic space where creativity knows no bounds. Our mission is to celebrate the diversity and innovation of local artisit while providing a platform for the exploration of contemporary art in all its forms. Here, you’ll discover an ever evolving collection that showcases the pulse of our community’s artistic expression.

We are proud to support a diverse group of emerging and established artists from the local and tribal-state area. We believe that art has the power to transcend boundaries and connect people from all walks of life. Our gallery is a place where you can experience the rich tapestry of artistic voices which make our community unique. More than just a space to view art; it’s become a hub for our community’s creative energy.

By visiting our gallery and collecting works from our artists, you’re not only enriching your life with beautiful and thought-provoking art, but you’re also contributing to the sustainability of our local art scene. Your support helps these talented artists continue to create and thrive.

The gallery is also available to host your next private event. Please contact us for more info at: info@onemartinegallery.com

Reza Torabi

Life In Motion – Times Sq

Mixed Media on Canvas

60 x 30 in.

Srinjoy

Glamour Series – Marilyn

Mixed Media on Board

44 x 48 in.

 

Sandhi Schimmel Gold

Venus

Mixed Media on Canvas

27 x 18 in.

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RETURN OF THE MASK?: YOUR LOCAL EPIDEMIOLOGIST EVALUATES

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LWVWP: HEADS UP FOR THE NEW YORK STATE ERA AMENDMENT VOTE COMING UP 2024

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New York State Equal Rights Amendment
by Diane Tabakman

Did you know that an Equal Rights Amendment to the New York State Constitution will be on the ballot in 2024?

In 2022 and 2023, the State legislature passed a constitutional amendment that creates new protections against discrimination based on a person’s ethnicity, national origin, disability, age and sex – including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy.  Since it passed twice in the legislature, NYS voters will be able to vote on the measure in November 2024.

The League of Women Voters of NYS (LWVNYS) has joined a coalition of organizations supporting the increased protections for New Yorkers provided by this amendment. In addition, LWVNYS has organized a Task Force that meets monthly to share information with local leagues about efforts to coordinate education on this issue. You can expect to hear more about the amendment and how to spread the word after the 2023 election.

In the meantime, if you are registering voters, you can remind them to always turn over the ballot. In fact, there are two propositions on this November’s ballot related to indebtedness for sewage construction projects and debt limits for small city school districts.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND LINKS
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NEW WESTCHESTER COVID POSITIVE PERSONS INFECTING 7 PERSONS A WEEK. SINCE LABOR DAY: 3,764 NEW COVID CASES. CASES RUN UP INFECTIONS IN MIDDLE OF WEEK

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WPCNR COVID SURVEILLANCE. Statistics from NY Covid Tracker. Observation and Analysis By  John F. Bailey. September 25, 2023:

The 167 Persons in Westchester County newly infected positive with Covid in 7 days since  Thursday, September 14 spread the very infectious new strains of covid to 1,260 persons in 7 days meaning that each person spread their covid infection to 7.5 other persons. Considering that the disease in the area is infecting 7 persons for every person testing positive within 2 days this is cause for concern. 

Covid is spreading fast, fast, fast.

The 2 week infected person spreading their covid to others in  the first two weeks in September  was one person infecting 2 persons, figured by  919 infections August 20 to 26 infecting 1,991 persons August 27 through September 9, a rising rate from the containing 1 to 1 infection rate in early August. Since September 9th infections have risen in midweek to approximately 194 a day the first 5 days September 17 to  21.

You contact someone within 2 days you come down with symptoms perhaps cold symptoms or a slight fever, chills. The persons you saw within 24 hours to 48 hours you may have given the disease to.

In  a week September  14 to 21, 167 covid infections on the 14 have accounted for   1,260 new covid cases.

This week Westchester is on track for 1,358 new cases, the  7th week of rising covid infections in a covid environment infecting faster at the rate of  186 cases a day (18.6 new cases a day for 100,000 segments of Westchester’s population, 10,004,000.) The 186 cases a day computes to 1,302 cases for this week; and if the spread rate continues at a 1 person newly infected infecting 7 other persons the disease will  spread exponentially.

The disease is spreading in the boroughs of New York City at the rate of  1,537 new covid cases a day.

Nassau and Suffolk are spreading at  a total for the two counties of 700 new cases a day.

The Mid-Hudson Region has Westchester leading infections with 161, Orange and Rockland with 78, Dutchess, 48, and Sullivan, with 11 and Putnam 7 for a total of 383 cases a day..

The number of antigen (home test positives) lab verified is running 33% of new covid cases in New York City.

In Westchester the antigen test verified cases  as part of the  161 Westchester total is 32%.

In Nassau and Suffolk County people are getting covid at the highest rate of all 7 counties and New York City.  Of  700 total covid positives in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, 52% of the cases, 361 were verified antigen positives. That says to me people are getting sick, going for antigen tests, testing positive with the ominous “+” sign and going for treatment.

If my extrapolations are on target based on the state numbers, the spread is not lessening. The disease is quick-spreading as shown by 200 a day infections in Westchester at midweek.

People are not being careful, not masking, and well the disease is exploiting their behavior.

The unknown factor are the infections of covid among school children going back to school districts not paying attention to infections, verifying covid cases in students, and not reporting them. If they are school as usual this will inflate cases among children and their parents and that is impossible to tell of the extent of what the “Invisible School Spread” will be.

 

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