WHITE PLAINS WESTCHESTER DAILY NEWS SERVICE VISITS SINCE 2000 A.D. 25TH YEARl REPORTING THE NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW News Service Since 2000 A.D. 2026 WILL BE OUR 26TH YEAR OF COVERING WHITE PLAINS NEW YORK USA . John F. Bailey, Editor (914) 997-1607 wpcnr@aol.com Cell: 914-673-4054. News Politics Personalities Neighborhoods Schools Finance Real Estate Commentary Reviews Policy Correspondence Poetry Philosophy Photojournalism Arts. The WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER. TELEVISION: "White Plains Week" News Roundup, 7:30 EDT FRI, 7 EDT MON & the incisive "People to Be Heard" Interview Program 8PM EDT THURS, 7 PM EDT SAT on FIOS CH 45 THROUGHOUT WESTCHESTER AND, ALTICE OPTIMUM WHITE PLAINS CH 1300 Fighting for Truth, Justice and the American Way. TOP 10 VISITORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD :1. USA. 2.BRAZIL3.VIET NAM 4. CHINA 5. JAPAN 6.UK. 7.CANADA. 8.INDIA. 9.AUSTRALIA 10.IRELAND 11.GERMANY 12..ARGENTINA 13.BANGLADESH 14.RUSSIA. 15.NEWZEALAND. 16. FRANCE. 17.MEXICO. 18.UKRAINE. 19.SOUTH AFVRICA. 20. IRAQ.
WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. From the Westchester Department of Communications. (Edited). October 2, 2021:
Together with the Westchester County Office for Women, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, Westchester Medical Center, Pace Women’s Justice Center, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, members the New Rochelle Police Department and domestic violence advocates from across Westchester, County Executive George Latimer announced the success of the Domestic Violence High Risk Training (DVHRT) Program.
Latimer said: “The impetus for this program, as successful as it has proven to be in our local police departments, is borne out of tragedy. We have seen murder-suicides here in Westchester County, and we did not like what we saw. But – we are problem solvers and we are innovators, and serious family violence and domestic partner violence is something that just will not be tolerated.
We have introduced this program in an attempt to limit future high risk domestic violence, and we have seen this training pay dividends in the communities who are using it. Survivors who have been part of this extraordinary program are the best promoters of the program, and play an active role in the police training. With their help, we have been able to work towards establishing long-term safety and security for these victims.”
The training program, which was recently completed by officers of the New Rochelle Police Department, uses a multi-disciplinary team-based approach to identify, serve and support victims of domestic violence who may be at risk of serious harm or homicide by their offender.
Within the past year the program has been implemented in Dobbs Ferry, Hastings, North Castle, Peekskill, Tuckahoe, Yorktown, Rye Brook, Eastchester, Sleepy Hollow, White Plains and Westchester County Department of Public Safety.
Lewisboro, North Salem, Bedford, Pound Ridge and Somers have been using the program since 2017, and the County hopes to start training Yonkers PD, the County’s largest municipal department, next month..
DVHRT, which is gradually being implemented into Westchester County’s local police departments, involves training responding police officers in the Lethality Assessment Program (LAP), a danger assessment tool for law enforcement that they conduct at the scene of a domestic incident with trauma-sensitive interviewing techniques.
The County’s DVHRT Program is being used as a model for other counties across New York State, creating and solidifying a bond between law enforcement and domestic violence service providers to protect victims from harm and increase offender accountability.
The Westchester County Office for Women was just awarded a $1 Million dollar grant from the Department of Justice to continue implementing the high risk team over the next four years.
The current training team includes members of the Westchester County Office for Women, the District Attorney’s Office, police chiefs from Pound Ridge and White Plains, the senior director of Westchester Medical Center’s Sexual Assault and Crime Victims Advocacy Program, civil legal services including Pace Women’s Justice Center, and a domestic violence survivor.
HOWDVHRT WORKS ON A POLICE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CALL
When police officers respond to a domestic violence call, they are trained to use the lethality assessment tool to determine if the victim is at risk of being killed or seriously harmed by their partner. From the scene, responding officers call a 24/7 support line that is staffed by well-trained advocates at Westchester Medical Center.
The advocate will speak with the victim, offer safety planning and available resources, and make an immediate connection to the appropriate services. The Officer for Women schedules all training, reviews all LAP’s and monitors all DSVP referrals.
The New Rochelle Police Department most recently completed the training, and within the past year the program has been implemented in Dobbs Ferry, Hastings, North Castle, Peekskill, Tuckahoe, Yorktown, Rye Brook, Eastchester, Sleepy Hollow, White Plains and Westchester County Department of Public Safety. Lewisboro, North Salem, Bedford, Pound Ridge and Somers have been using the program since 2017, and the County hopes to start training Yonkers PD, the County’s largest municipal department, next month..
Westchester County District Attorney Mimi Rocah said: “The Domestic Violence High Risk Team and the Lethality Assessment Program are instrumental in our efforts to ensure victims of domestic violence are protected and that their abusers are held accountable in the criminal justice system. Through the LAP training, the District Attorney’s Office works with our law enforcement partners to train officers to evaluate the risk of danger present in a case, connect a survivor to resources immediately, use trauma-aware interview techniques to collect critical information, and possess a heightened sensitivity to the impact of abuse on survivors. The LAP training truly can make a difference in saving a victim’s life and I am so proud that our Special Prosecutions Division has played such a crucial role in this community safety initiative.”
Director of the Westchester County Office for Women Robi Schlaff said: “In the Office for Women, our utmost concern will always be protecting the safety of Westchester County’s residents and families, especially victims of domestic violence. We took a great deal of time investigating models that have been proven successful in assessing the gravest risk to families, and implementing enhanced safety protections. We are fortunate to have the most professional and competent partners in law enforcement, the District Attorney’s office and our service providers, all of whom are committed to this mission of protecting our most vulnerable residents and families.”
Police Commissioner Thomas A. Gleason of the Westchester County Department of Public Safety said: “The Lethality Assessment Protocol gives police officers a practical tool they can use when they respond to any domestic incident. It enables them to better identify offenders who are at high-risk for taking the lives of their intimate partners and even their children. There is nothing theoretical about the potential for this kind of violence. We know all too well that it can happen here because it has happened here. We were proud to be an original partner in bringing the Lethality Assessment Protocol to Westchester, and we have provided this training to our officers and made it a part of our Police Academy curriculum.”
Police Commissioner of the New Rochelle Police Department Robert Gazzola said: “The Domestic Violence High Risk Training Program recently conducted by the Westchester County Office for Women Collaborative Staff will ensure that our Officers know how to protect and serve victims of domestic violence, from identification and intervention on through to placement with specialized advocates.”
Executive Director of Pace Women’s Justice Center Cindy Kanusher said: “We are privileged to be a part of the DVHRT program. As a civil legal services provider representing victims of abuse, we understand the critical need for this training and for the LAP program in our county. There is no doubt that training police on high risk factors, combined with referral protocols that provide emergency safety planning and enhanced services for victims will help to reduce the risk of continued serious and lethal violence for victims of domestic violence and save lives.”
Executive Director of Hope’s Door CarlLa Horton said: “Hope’s Door is grateful for the work of our many partners in the Westchester County Domestic Violence High Risk Team. We collaborate with one singular goal – to save the lives of domestic violence victims identified as high-risk for lethality or life-threatening assault. From the trained police officer responding on the scene, to the advocate at the medical center, to the counselors providing on-going support, to the prosecutors in the D.A.’s office – all of us are working together across systems to hold offenders accountable, to enhance victim safety, and to save lives. Hope’s Door joins with our partners in acknowledging the commitment to this collaborative work demonstrated by the New Rochelle Police Department.”
WPCNR CANNABIS REPORT. From the Governor’s Press Office. October 2, 2021:
ALERT: New York State Cannabis Control Board Announces First Public Meeting of the Board to be held Tuesday October 5, 2021 at 1:30 PM
On September 22, 2021, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the final appointments to the five-member Cannabis Control Board. The Cannabis Control Board is charged with approving a comprehensive regulatory framework for New York’s cannabis industry. The Board will oversee licensing of cannabis businesses and the approval of various actions taken by the Office of Cannabis Management.
Tuesday, October 5, 2021 – The New York State Cannabis Control Board will hold its first public meeting of the Board at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, October 5, 2021. Members of the public are welcome to attend virtually via videoconference. The public is able to observe meetings from a mobile device or computer on our live webcast:https://players.brightcove.net/2886492229001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6193797864001.
Videos of each meeting are also posted on our website following the meeting.
Meeting agenda and additional information can be found here: https://cannabis.ny.gov/cannabis-control-board-meetings.
WPCNR UPCOMING.By Paul Feiner, Greenburgh Town Supervisor. October 2, 2021:
ARE YOU CONFUSED ABOUT FEMA? ABOUT SBA? MEETING TUESDAY AT 4:30 pm
Have you reached out to FEMA, SBA or your insurance company and been disappointed? Or, are you having good experiences, getting the financial help you need?
FEMA will also take applications at the Greenburgh Library Sunday 9 AM to 5 PM…Monday and Tuesday October 4 and 5 10 am to 6 pm
This Tuesday, at 4:30 PM a representative from the government affairs office of FEMA and SBA will attend a Town Board work session at Town Hall (177 Hillside Ave, White Plains).
If you have any questions about the financial assistance programs they offer or concerns please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com. We will ask the questions. You can also attend the meeting. Questions, problems people are having will be highlighted. Many residents have lost cars, suffered tens of thousands of dollars in property losses and our now struggling through government red tape. Some residents are staying in hotels and they still haven’t received any financial help or inadequate support.
If you need extra help we have a storm reliefs angel volunteer program and have been matching volunteers with residents. We hope to also give direct feedback as to what is working and not working with our congressional and state legislative delegation.
WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER. From the Gedney Association. October 1, 2021:
The most important issue on the current calendar is the beginning of the update to the Comprehensive Plan. The City has started the process that will take place over the next year. The Gedney Board along with the Council of Neighborhood Associations (WPCNA) are seeking refinements to the process that we believe will result in a greater number of residents being more directly involved. We hope to have a questionnaire for the residents of Gedney Farms soon.
In the meantime, outlined below is the preliminary Vision Statement of the Board. We ask for your input on this and any other recommendations you may have. Please email the Gedney Association at info@gedneyfarms.net with your input.
Regards,
John E. Sheehan
President
Gedney Farms Vision Statement:
Pertaining to Gedney Farms
Preservation of Low-density single-family zoning
Preservation of historic character of Gedney Farms
Encourage Open Space Preservation
Protection of Area Watercourses & Wetlands
Reduce Cut-through traffic
Preserve R-30 single family zoning on golf course properties
Pertaining to South End of City
Protect low-density single-family zoning
Prohibit Cut-through traffic on local streets
Prohibit Multi-family apartments on existing or former low-density office parks
Limit retail to community related needs and limit to existing local retail centers
Maintain requisite fire and police services and consider future needs
Pertaining to City-Wide Issues
Protect the delicate balance between Downtown and surrounding single-family neighborhoods
Return to lower height restrictions of residential and office properties in Downtown zoning
Limit multi-family housing to downtown
Evaluate the decreasing role of retail development downtown
Evaluate the decline and changes of the office market downtown
Study the limits of new development due to limitations on sewer capacity, traffic congestion, school capacity and parkland and other facilities and services
WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER GOOD NEWS COVID COVERAGE ON 25% DROP IN NEW COVID CASES, THOUSANDS GETTING VACCINATED, LESS SPREAD.
WHITE PLAINS SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS DR. JOSEPH RICCA ON THE START OF SCHOOL, NEW TESTING AND VACCINATING OPTIONS IN OCTOBER AND THE WPHS CAFETERIA SITUATION ON THE SECOND DAY OF SCHOOL
WESTCHESTER COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY MIMI ROCAH GIVES FIRST OFFENDERS A “FRESH START” WHITE PLAINS AND GREENBURGH WILL START THE PROGRAM
CITY CENTER PARKING GARAGE OR DEFAULT?: COUNCIL FACES COVID EFFECTS ON PARKING REVENUES
JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS MORE ON FASNY, THE GRECA OPENING ON THE OCTOBER 1 WHITE PLAINS WEEK
WPCNR Reporter About Town . By John F. Bailey. September 29, 2021.
White Plains added to its diverse collection of fine dining experiences last night with the grand opening of Greca Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar.
Renaissance on Renaissance Square in White Plains NY USA
What an opening!
It was the White Plains debut of Connecticut’s most honored new restauranteur, Constantine “Dino” Kolitsas ,Tuesday night in the most elaborate restaurant opening night this reporter has experienced in 18 years.
The press and Who’s Who of Mr. and Mrs. And Ms. Westchester sampled light tasty hors d’euvres unique to the house tastily light, precisely right; cocktails , mellow cabernet sauvignon Oenodea Greek wine with courses, and course after course featuring Greca specialties of the house.
Zucchini Kefetedhes–Croquettes with feta, fresh herbs, tzatziki and red pepper cuoulis. Delicious light luscious
Your reporter departed at 8 PM after the first serving but the courses kept on coming. Owner Dino Kolitsas said 40 guests were served 4 courses of 20 dishes. The most popular was roasted cauliflower
Ochtapoli: octopus grilled perfectly, tender, not chewy infused with flavor . The best octopus I have ever eaten.Owner Constantine “Dino” Kolitsas in front of the elegant new bar.
After Kylie and Louis Cappelli addressed the 40 invited guests, dishes were served in waves by the cordial efficient server staff who created a party atmosphere in a sweeping new décor themed in Greek turquoise and light blue with a splendid tiled bar that is seductive in its lure and fabulous original cocktails like the Socratic Method (bourbon, roots rakomelo and fresh sage).
Frankie and Amanda, Greca personalities behind the inviting bar.
Greca is every bit its owner’s motto: “Enter as strangers, leave as friends.”
Greca warms up a truly original dining venue in White Plains, 189 Main Street, overlooking the lights of Renaissance Square.
Connecticut Magazine named Mr. Kolitsas’ restaurant in New Milford, opened in 2019 “Best Overall Excellence,” “Best New Restaurant” and ‘Best Mediterranean/Greek Restaurant.”
The restaurant fills the space left by the departure of Mediterraneo, that had been there for 8 years. Mr. Cappelli said the former restaurant had closed due to covid.
Kylie Cappelli with Mr. Kolitsas at the ribbon-cutting ceremonyLouis Cappelli addressing the guests. Mr. Cappelli said White Plains on the move and growing and said he and his wife 11 year residents of White Plains love the city.
Mr. Cappelli gave his wife Kylie credit for bringing Mr. Kolitsas into White Plains. (“Why don’t we do a Greek restaurant,” he quoted her) for suggesting a Greek restaurant because of her Greek ancestry. He said they first met Mr. Kolitsas at the New Milford restaurant and the partnership developed from there.
The result is a mix of dishes that are light and tasty with an upbeat (like the refreshing bright interior of positivity and vibrance), that makes you look forward to the next mouthful. The opening ribbon cutting added a unique touch with a prayer by Father Alex Karloutsos asking for blessings and success for the staff of the restaurant, praying “may all our guests love this restaurant.”
The spectacular upper deck.Overlooking Renaissance SquareDine with art.The secluded private room grotto for private parties
Greca has seating on the main floor, and a unique upper deck giving you sweeping views of the elegant Opus hotel and the glitter and glamour of Renaissance Square presenting a leisurely unpretentious vibe.
Mr. Cappelli calls Greca “a world class Greek restaurant.”
Mayor Thomas Roach at the ribbon cutting, praised Mr. Cappelli as the man who gets things done. He noted that when The Mitchell announced the loss of their contractor, with a week, Mr. Cappelli was on the job.Louis Cappelli with Geof Thompson and Liz Bracken-Thompson of Thompson & Bender who put together the evening.
If you enter as friends, you’ll be friendlier before the night is over!
WPCNRCORONAVIRUS REPORT. From the NYS WORKBOOK Covid-19 Tracker. With reporting by John F. Bailey. September 28, 2021:
The Third Wave of Covid-19 in Westchester County is at low tide after 7 weeks of high tide infections of 1,000 new Covid cases a week
The 8 weeks of a steady rise of over 1,000 new cases of new Covid-19 cases in Westchester stopped when the third week of September (September 19 through September 25) recorded 973 new cases of Covid last Saturday, 27 short of 1,000 new cases which had been steady for 7 weeks. The previous week of Sept 12 to 19, 1,164 new cases were reported for the week , 166 a day.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer confirmed this in his covid briefing Monday say number of positive cases had declined 25%.
This has been followed by three days of new cases of 81, 116 and yesterday, 96 new cases, meaning this week if the present rate of new positives continues will mean 679 new cases in Westchester this week, which would mean a 30% drop in the number of new cases this week.
Tuesday the average infection rate dropped to 1.3% of those tested the lowest since September 21. The previous week September 12 to 18 the infection rate averaged 2.4%. From September 19 to 25, the infection rate dropped to 2.0 persons infected of those tested. The trend appears to be lowering.
Testing numbers have been lower which is also encouraging, but when fewer tests are done you get lower number of positive cases. This lowering of testing could mean either people are afraid to get tested for fear of being quarantined even if they have symptoms, or are not feeling symptoms so do not go in to get tested.
Another factor that can be encouraging is new cases from two weeks ago are not passing on the disease as much, which may indicate they are not getting as sick. The two week infection rate from 177 persons testing positive on September 14 on the first 3 days of this week is .6, .7 and .five –infecting less than one person for every 2 persons testing positive. That is below the covid spread containment growth rate of 1 person infecting 1 other person.
Mr. Latimer in his covid briefing Monday pointed out 11,000 persons were vaccinated in Westchester last week, probably as a result of the approval of a third booster shot for over- 65s. He also said hospitalizations for Covid were down to 60, this week.
The number of new infections will be watched closely as schools are starting, socializing is growing, restaurants are opening, entertainment is opening
The new infections since Westchester (and the whole state) relaxed restrictions on July 1 is sobering. Westchester stopped getting vaccinated to a great extent. We socialized. We went out. We did not mask, and the numbers grew.
In the month of July, there were 786 infections in the countyl
In August, in 4 weeks, there were 5,545 new infections.
In September, in three weeks, there were 4,139 new infections
The total new infections in the third wave since July 1: 10,470.
