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 THE LETTER TICKER.From Chris Burdick, Bedford Town Supervisor. August 25, 2020:

The three-part reforms include:

• Absentee ballot requests can be submitted to the Board of Elections immediately. You can access printable request forms here.
• The concern for contracting Covid-19 can be used as an excuse for voting by absentee ballot as was in June.
• Lack of a post mark will not invalidate your absentee ballot, and ballots will be counted as long as they are received by November 10.

Additionally Governor Cuomo, by Executive Order, is requiring all local Board of Elections to:

• Send out a mailing to all voters on or before September 8 regarding deadlines for voters (to register to vote, when an absentee ballot request must be made, and a completed absentee ballot received etc;
• Adopt a uniform, and simple, envelope in which the absentee ballot will be mailed, including instructions on use of that envelope; and
• Require all affidavit and absentee ballots be counted by 48 hours after the election.

Many people have voiced concerns about the USPS, and use of secure drop off ballot boxes as an alternative to using the postal service.  Every voter who wishes may drop off an absentee ballot at a ballot box at any early voting site or at the County Board of Elections located at 25 Quarropas St, White Plains.   

In-person Early Voting occurs from October 21 to November 1, and in-person voting  will be on Election Day, November 3.  During Early Voting you may vote at any of the Early Voting sites in the County as a result of new technology.  On Election Day you may vote only at your assigned voting place.  It is likely that the Early Voting sites used for the June primary will remain the same, however the BOE has not issued a final list of those sites.  If you want to vote in person I urge you to take advantage of Early Voting this year. Lines are short to nonexistent and we expect that Election Day will be very busy.   

If you wish to vote using an absentee ballot, we recommend you submit your absentee ballot request form as soon as possible.  Ballots will be mailed out in early October.

If you need to register to vote, you can do so until Friday, October 9.  Registration forms must either be postmarked by October 9, or delivered in person to the County Board of Elections office at 25 Quarropas St., White Plains before the close of business on October 9. Registration can also be done through the DMV, or you can access printable forms here.

For more information visit https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-signs-law-sweeping-election-reforms

Please forward this e-news to family and friends who may be interested in this information.

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WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From Governor Andrew M. Cuomo August 24, 2020a;

The Goverorn today announced the state has suspended liquor licenses for 14 additional bars and restaurants in New York State after finding egregious violations of pandemic-related Executive Orders, bringing the total number of liquor licenses suspended during the coronavirus pandemic to 162. This weekend, the state’s multi-agency task force — led by the State Police and State Liquor Authority — conducted 3,964 compliance checks, documenting violations at 34 establishments. Businesses found in violation of COVID-19 regulations face fines up to $10,000 per violation, while egregious violations can result in the immediate suspension of a bar or restaurant’s liquor license. 

“Over the last five months, New Yorkers have made great sacrifices to bend the curve, and today’s record-low infection rate shows that when we listen to science and take this virus seriously, we can make a difference. But too many bars and restaurants are still flouting rules in place to stop the spread and local governments need to step up — so we’ve beefed up enforcement with the state police and liquor authority to hold bad actors accountable,” Governor Cuomo said. “Now is not the time to lose sight of our goal, and if compliance slips, all of the progress we’ve made over the last five months could be undermined. These establishments put the health of their staff, their patrons, and all New Yorkers at risk — and their actions are simply unacceptable.”

State Liquor Authority Chair Vincent Bradley said, “We are seeing better compliance as a direct result of the hard work and time the task force is putting in, but there are still bad apples out there that need to be held accountable. As we head into the last couple weekends of summer, licensees need to continue to be vigilant and put the health and safety of New Yorkers on the top of their priority lists.”

The 14 establishments issued emergency orders of summary suspension from the State Liquor Authority Board are located in New York City, the Capital Region and on Long Island.

In New York City, the geographical breakdown is:

• Brooklyn – 7 
• Manhattan – 1
• Queens – 3

Outside of New York City the geographical breakdown is:

• Albany – 1
• Schenectady – 1
• Suffolk – 1

The emergency suspensions were ordered by Chairman Bradley, Commissioner Lily Fan and Commissioner Greeley Ford at special meetings of the Full Board on August 19th, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, conducted by a digitally recorded video under social distancing guidelines. Emergency Summary Suspensions are imposed when the SLA finds the continued operation of a licensed business threatens public health and safety. Suspension orders are served immediately and remain in effect indefinitely, with the maximum penalty including the permanent revocation of the license and fines of up to $10,000 per violation. Licensees subject to an emergency suspension are entitled to an expedited hearing before an SLA Administrative Law Judge.

The 14 bars suspended are listed below, along with information on their violations and the date of their suspensions.

“75 Main Group” at 75 Main Street in Southampton, on August 23, 2020
On August 22nd, SLA investigators and officers with the Suffolk County Police Department, the Southampton Village Police Department, and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office conducted a joint inspection of the premises. At approximately 6:00 pm, investigators observed a line of patrons waiting to enter the premises, ignoring social distancing, with most not wearing facial coverings. Investigators also observed two bartenders and three servers without facial coverings. Roughly an hour later, investigators returned to find multiple employees and patrons standing, mingling and drinking around the bar without facial coverings, with several patrons from nearby tables wandering up to the bar to mingle and consume shots — in violation of the Governor’s Executive Order prohibiting walk-up bar service. They also observed long lines at the restrooms without social distancing and with several patrons not wearing facial coverings. At least 27 employees were working at the time of the inspection, with none of them observed attempting to control the lines or prohibit patrons from consuming alcohol while standing near the bar. At approximately 11:00 pm, the joint inspection team entered the premises, observing two employees run to the kitchen to alert staff. Upon entering, investigators identified 25 additional violations — including serious health hazards — and four criminal court summonses issued. In addition, earlier in the evening, an 18-year-old underage agent was able to purchase alcohol on two separate occasions without being asked for identification. The business is a repeat offender, with the Village of Southampton Police documenting 75 patrons eating inside on June 13th, prior to indoor dining being allowed on Long Island, and investigators from the state taskforce observing three employees without facial coverings on July 28th. Charges from both previous incidents are pending with the SLA.   

 “Mark’s Grill” at 1051 Curry Road in Schenectady, on August 22, 2020

On August 21st SLA investigators found the premises to be operating a bar-only service with no dining, in direct violation of the Governor’s Executive Orders. Investigators entered the premises, observing that all fourteen bar stools were occupied, with no space between patrons, and with three additional patrons standing and drinking near the bar, all without facial coverings. Investigators ordered and were served alcoholic beverages without food from a bartender with a facial covering around her chin. Additional patrons were standing and drinking at high top tables and several patrons without facial coverings were milling about the premises.  

“Andy’s Place” at 605 New Scotland Avenue in Albany, on August 22, 2020

On August 21st, SLA investigators entered the premises and found the establishment operating a bar-only service with no dining, in direct violation of the Governor’s Executive Orders. A bartender was observed without a facial covering and four patrons — also without facial coverings — were standing at the bar consuming alcohol. Investigators ordered and were served alcoholic beverages without food, noting several patrons entering and exiting the premises without facial coverings. By the time the investigators departed, seven patrons were standing and congregating around the bar without facial coverings, consuming alcohol.  

“Esquina Tequila” at 40-01 Northern Boulevard in Queens, on August 23, 2020 
On August 20th, investigators with the state’s multi-agency task force and NYPD officers observed at least ten individuals drinking, congregating, and ignoring social distancing regulations directly in front of the premises. Only after the task force arrived did an employee attempt to confiscate drinks from the patrons outside.

“Mally’s Deli & Grocery” at 199 Knickerbocker Avenue in Brooklyn, on August 23, 2020 
On August 21st, investigators with the state’s multi-agency task force and NYPD officers observed numerous patrons standing and seated outside the premises, drinking alcohol without food. In addition, three patrons were found drinking inside and three employees were observed without facial coverings. Investigators also discovered brands of tequila not registered for sale in New York State being sold at the premises.    

“La Fogata Restaurant & Café” at 1549 Gates Avenue in Brooklyn, on August 23, 2020
On August 22nd, investigators with the state’s multi-agency task force observed a patron sitting outside drinking without food. Inside, investigators documented two patrons drinking and playing pool – which has been prohibited in New York City since March 16, 2020 – and a bartender without a facial covering. 

“NY Pizza Café & Spanish Food Restaurant” at 1485 Myrtle Avenue in Brooklyn, on August 23, 2020
On August 22nd, investigators with the state’s multi-agency task force observed three patrons inside the restaurant consuming alcohol without food, two employees and the owner without facial coverings, and alcoholic beverages being sold to go without food. When questioned, the manager admitted the premises was not serving any food — in direct violation of the Governor’s Executive Orders.

“El Salvador Restaurant De Marina” at 1544 Myrtle Avenue in Brooklyn, on August 23, 2020
On August 22nd, investigators with the state’s multi-agency task force observed ten patrons inside the restaurant without facial coverings, consuming alcohol without food, and six other patrons drinking alcohol immediately outside the premises — all in violation of the Governor’s Executive Orders. Investigators also documented six employees without facial coverings. When the manager was told to tell the patrons to leave, she initially refused. 

“La Perla Del Ulua Restaurant” 354 Melrose Street in Brooklyn, on August 22, 2020

On August 21st, investigators with the state’s multi-agency task force heard excessively loud music as they approached the premises, finding an unauthorized DJ playing music in front of the establishment and at least 37 patrons standing shoulder to shoulder, drinking and dancing, effectively creating an illegal outdoor nightclub. When investigators arrived, a manager from the premises ran outside to distribute masks to patrons. Others  were observed drinking inside the premises, in violation of the indoor dining restrictions in effect since March 16, 2020.  All of the violations observed occurred after the NYC 11:00 p.m. curfew for outdoor dining.

“Noree Thai Bazaar” at 274 Grand Street in Manhattan, on August 21, 2020 

On August 19th, investigators with the state’s multi-agency task force observed three patrons consuming alcohol inside the premises and two employees without facial coverings, in violation of the Governors’ Executive Orders.

“Izzy’s Fried Chicken” at 262 Kingston Avenue in Brooklyn, on August 21, 2020 

On August 19th, investigators with the state’s multi-agency task force observed five patrons dining in an enclosed area that was illegally converted into an indoor space without the approval of the SLA or the NYC Department of Buildings. 

“Privileged Gentleman’s Club” at 49-14 Queens Boulevard in Queens, on August 21, 2020 

On August 20th, a security guard without a facial covering attempted to block investigators with the state’s multi-agency task force and NYPD officers from entering the premises. After gaining entry, investigators discovered 33 patrons inside a makeshift room constructed with a plastic tarp roof and four walls, consuming alcohol and ignoring social distancing guidelines. Investigators also documented two additional employees inside without facial coverings.    

“Palm Court Restaurant & Lounge” at 171-16 Hillside Avenue in Queens, on August 19, 2020 

On August 18th, investigators with the state’s multi-agency task force observed four patrons inside the premises — two drinking alcohol and two playing pool — in violation of the Governors’ Executive Orders in place since March 16, 2020 restricting indoor service. Investigators also documented two employees without facial coverings. 

“New Heights of NY” at 137 Schenectady Avenue in Brooklyn, on August 19, 2020 

On August 15th, investigators with the state’s multi-agency task force and NYPD officers observed two patrons standing and drinking directly in front of the premises without facial coverings. Investigators documented four additional patrons consuming alcohol inside the premises, in flagrant violation of the Governor’s Executive Order in place since March 16, 2020.

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WPCNR RECOVERY REPORT. From the Business Council of Westchester. August 24, 2020:

Westchester businesses from across all sectors of the county’s economy said they are slowly recovering from the pandemic but expect to struggle for some time, according to a survey released today by the Business Council of Westchester’s Economic Recovery Task Force.

The survey asked BCW members to answer 20 questions assessing their status and ongoing needs.

Some findings of the survey included:

• Forty-four percent of businesses predicted that they would remain open but would continue to struggle over the next three months, with 17 percent saying they would thrive and 25 percent saying they would break even. Only 1 percent anticipated closing.
• About 53 percent of those surveyed said that business was down or significantly down compared with last year at this time, with 6 percent saying it was the same and 6 percent saying it was up. Thirty-five percent said it was not applicable or they didn’t respond.
• Forty-three percent of those surveyed said they were essential businesses and had never closed; 36 percent said they had reopened in phases 1-4. Only 3 businesses said they had not yet reopened.
• When asked what type of support would be most important, most businesses said obtaining grants and personal protective equipment, followed by marketing support.
• When asked if they needed PPE, a majority said they did with the most needed items being sanitizer and masks.

Those businesses sectors responding to the survey included Education, Energy, Health and Wellness (fitness, beauty salons etc.), Manufacturing, Not-for-Profit, Professional Services (PR/media, accounting, legal, finance), Real Estate/Construction, Retail, Technology, Transportation, Hospitality and Restaurants and Bars.

The survey is the latest communication from the Economic Recovery Task Force, a 47-member group of business leaders from across all sectors of Westchester’s economy. The Task Force recently released its second report to Governor Andrew Cuomo and County Executive George Latimer. The group’s findings are designed to provide guidance to state and county officials as they work to reopen New York’s economy from the pandemic.

“In addition to the two reports that the Task Force has issued since our formation in April, we will be providing officials with the results of this survey to help them better understand the state of Westchester business across many sectors and their continuing needs,’’ said Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester. “We hope this information will give our elected officials a glimpse into how our recovery is proceeding and what more they can do to assist the business community.’’

The reports and the latest survey results are available online at thebcw.org

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WPCNR THE POWER STORY. From Town of Greenburgh Supervisior Paul Feiner. August 20, 2020:

CON ED NOT PREPARED—CON ED, ALTICE, VERIZON DON’T COORDINATE WITH EACH OTHER. 

 Con Ed is not appropriately staffed for the type of storm that hit two weeks ago. As trees must be trimmed trees for safety, they should have had out of state crews in the area earlier. I realize that they are reluctant to do that because anticipated storms don’t always follow predictable paths.

The following is what I think must be done. Please keep in mind, the Town of Greenburgh continually sends complaints to the big three but they are very slow to respond.

Con Ed, Verizon, & Altice need to have a joint agreement or emergency arrangements for the removal and pruning of trees that have the potential to impact their lines.

The way it works now is Con Ed puts out  contracts for tree work  and it then  cuts what impacts its  infrastructure  while  branches that impact the same run of wires right below its wires remains untouched.

The big three need to work together during blue sky days to improve the condition of the existing infrastructure. (The Town has many examples if you need them).

Also, when Con Ed has their blue sky conference with our police dept. representatives from both Verizon and Altice should be required to be there.

The meeting now includes representatives from the Greenburgh Police & DPW, the local fire departments and Con Ed. Verizon and Altice never attend Why??

In Greenburgh, we have taken representatives from all three companies i to view some of their worst case areas in need of repair otherwise in an effort to have tree work done.

It’s time to form a countywide task force to deal with the issue so that the 3 entities do not just point fingers at each other.

All three should be responsible for working together to inspect their entire overhead wire  system.

POLICE CONCERNS

Our Police Headquarters was without power for approximately (7) days.

Multiple roads (35) throughout the Town were impassible and closed with many residents trapped with no egress for emergency vehicles. Con Ed was unable to provide ETA on cut and clear teams, making it difficult for police ns EMS personnel to respond to emergencies.

Liaisons that were provided to our EOC were very helpful but communications directly with Con Ed was not effective. It was frustrating to ascertain accurate information even with the benefit of a liaison with respect to status updates on work to be done, work being performed and when work was completed.

It took several days before any restoration was commenced.

Lack of Con Ed response led to several days of multiple calls to the department regarding status of power, inaccessible roads etc.

** Lack of coordination of effort / Communication shortcomings within Con Ed: Information provided to us showed areas still without power however, power had already been restored

During the height of the storm on August 4th and into the evening hours, more than 40 police department employees were involved in storm related r response, handling more than 375 calls in the first 24 hours.

As a result, $29,159.42 was spent on overtime, responding to, mitigating and recovering from the storm.

SUGGESTED COMMUNICATION AND EDUCATION RECOMMENDATIONS

Areas for improvement are continuing with communications – internally between our “boots on the ground” and the utility “boots” can be improved so those of us in the EOC can make more informed decisions.  I recommend a Con Ed filed crew leader be part of the liaison program so our liaison and  the Public Works Commissioner can have a more direct line to know where a Con Ed crew is, what capabilities the crew has and when they will be working (9 to 5 / overnight) The Town is fortunate that we have a large labor force and can staff work crews overnight as needed.  We did this during the last event with success, enabling our road clearing to continue 24 hours per day.  The best productivity occurs when a Con Ed work crew is attached to a Town crew so we can support each other’s efforts.  Con Ed should work with the municipalities and match crews with municipal crews so they can work together.

Having a GPS ability to Con Ed and out of town work crews so we can all better see where crews are and what the work tasks are will help understanding the operations.  Too many times we hear of municipalities “commandeering” a Con Ed crew.  Not effective, but this shows how the need resides with a crew to be aligned with a municipal crew.

Education – Con Ed should offer to qualified municipalities, training to enable municipal crews to identify live wires and dead wires.  We all treat any wire as live.  The Town is again very fortunate that we have a worker trained and qualified to work around high voltage wires.  This affords the Town of Greenburgh greater flexibility than most other municipalities.  Con Ed should develop a program to offer training to qualified workers in municipalities with the proper equipment a level of safety to work near the wires in emergencies.

Reporting – Continue to improve the communication from filed crews for cleared wires and cleared work sites.

SUGGESTION; GIVE  OUR GOVERNOR EMERGENCY POWERS TO ORDER CREWS FROM OUT OF STATE IN ADVANCE OF STORMS OR TO ORDER PROACTIVE MEASURES – Con Ed  SHOULD PAY COSTS

We have had prolonged outages… And, after every storm the same thing happens–investigations, apologies, recommendations, promises. And then the next storm is followed by power outages and hearings. I think the Legislature should provide the Governor with emergency powers to order crews from out of state in advance of storms and to order proactive measures if Co Ed doesn’t take them. The cost should be assumed by Con Ed for any action the Governor orders.

I’m sick and tired of the blame game. Everyone is. The Governor took control of COVID 19 and he should have the power to handle this. . Another alternative: create a task force that could override Con Ed if you don’t want to give provide the Governor the ability to order appropriate staffing bu these entities. .

CON ED INTENTIONALLY TURNS POWER OFF IN SOME NEIGHBORHOODS TO HELP RESTORE POWER ELSEWHERE – RESIDENTS SHOULD BE NOTIFIED

If Con Ed intentionally turns off power in some neighborhoods to help restore power elsewhere, it   should provide residents with notification as to –what they are doing and an estimate when power will be restored. 

ELDERLY AND DISABLED

Although Con Ed encourages people with significant medical problems to contact  it in advance of a storm, it doesn’t   do anything to expedite service once there are power outages. During the recent storm, I was unsuccessful in persuading Con Ed to expedite service restoration for a resident with brain cancer. A woman called me – her husband is in a hospice bed at home and had no power for almost a week. Another resident depends on oxygen to live. Coned did nothing for any of these residents.

SUGGESTION: CON ED SHOULD OFFER RESIDENTS WITH LIFE THREATENING MEDICAL ISSUES GENERATORS AT COST

My suggestion: Con Ed should be required to offer residents with severe medical issues generators at cost- they could install and maintain them. There will always be power outages. This could save lives.

CON ED MAPS OF OUTAGES WERE INACCURATE

Speaking personally, my family had no power for almost a week. The Con Ed map of outages claimed there were only a few outages when more than 150 homes were out.  It also sent incorrect text messages as to restoration dates.

CON ED REFUND POLICY NEEDS TO BE IMPROVED

After an extended outage, there should be automatic credits. Everyone who has no power for more than 48 hours lost food and/or medication.

PAUL FEINER

Greenburgh Town Supervisor