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 COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From the Westchester County Department of Communications. (Edits by WPCNR in Boldface))May 7, 2019:

Playland has been Westchester County and the New York Metropolitan areas’ great family amusement park and entertainment center since 1928.

This morning County Executive George Latimer speaking on the air at WVOX Radio 1460, on the Good Morning Westchester program in an interview with Bob Morrone. Latimer said he was awaiting Standard Amusements response to his decision to terminate the Standard Amusements contract to run Playland, effective May 28.

He also said he expected to be “in the courts” on the dispute. 

He said he wanted to bring in “outside management “– an expert to manage the park, an expert to promote ticket sales and group sales, and  one for promotion.

He told Morrone safety concerns raised about the park in 2016-17 (made public in the New York Post and The Journal News Saturday) had been corrected before the 2018 season began

He expressed confidence to Morrone that the county would increase park attendance over last year with a series of changes and promotions announced Monday

The county executive made the remarks on the radio this morning, after a news conference at Playland Monday in which he outlined the following plans for Playland this summer.

The county summarized yesterday’s news conference:

For the 2019 season, the Park is welcoming many new, exciting events and promotions – including a collaboration with ArtsWestchester and the Westchester Parks Foundation for a public art display, the first new commercial in 10 years, the welcoming of “Town Days” to promote community and 11 new musical acts. 

LINK TO NEW PLAYLAND COMMERCIAL

LINK TO NEWS CONFERENCE

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “This administration is committed to Playland. We plan to run this park with a level of energy and vitality that has been missing. On a beautiful day like today, you can envision what it has been like for 90 years, and what it will be during its 91st year.

This is a County park for County people – and whether you live in the far northwest corner of this county in Cortlandt, Peekskill or Buchanan, or down in the southeast portion near Pelham Manor and New Rochelle, or if you are in Yonkers in the southwest corner, or North Salem in the northeast section of the County – Playland is a park for you.”

Among the new features for the 2019 Season: a public art display, Westchester Town Days, the Westchester Loves to Read Program, laser shows, 11 new musical acts, a new coaster mascot, new social media campaign #HeyCoaster, Playland museum, updated commercial and updated webpage (playlandpark.org).

Latimer said: “We are supremely confident, as we get ready to open this park that it is ready to go for the new season. This park is safe, has been safe, and will be safe.”

Art

The public has come forward and requested that Playland have public art and more art displays.  The County has identified space on the Boardwalk to be used for an art installation.  With the assistance of ArtsWestchester, and with funding being provided by the Westchester Parks Foundation, the County will be issuing an RFP for an art display this summer.  The art creation will be available for public viewing and unveiled 1-2 weeks later. The art will remain at the park for the remainder of the summer.

Joe Stout, Executive Director, Westchester Parks Foundation stated: “The Westchester Parks Foundation believes that our parks are to be enjoyed and used by everyone. This public arts initiative is a perfect way to communicate that spirit of welcome and to add another destination at Playland for everyone to enjoy this summer.”

Town Days

Focused on building community and celebrating the unique towns, cities and villages of Westchester County this summer, the County will be featuring “Town Days,”  Tuesdays – Fridays, June 25-August 31 (except July 4).  From A to Z, Playland will celebrate each town, village and city with their own Town Day. With proof of ID, each resident will receive discount coupons when they arrive at the park by going to the Fountain Plaza Administration Building. Municipalities will also have a chance to display booths of information and proudly display what makes them unique at the Fountain Plaza on their special day.  Discounts include one free mini golf entry, two for one ride admission, one free beach or pool admission, $1 off of one food value meal and a $5 discount for parking on a return visit to the park. 

Schedule:

·         Tues, June 25        Ardsley Day

·         Wed, June 26        Bedford Day

·         Thurs, June 27      Briarcliff Manor Day

·         Fri, June 28           Bronxville Day

·         Tues, July 2           Buchanan Day

·         Wed, July 3           Cortlandt Day

·         Friday, July 5        Croton-on-Hudson Day

·         Tues, July 9           Dobbs Ferry Day

·         Wed, July 10         Eastchester Day

·         Thurs, July 11       Elmsford Day

·         Fri, Jul 12              Greenburgh Day

·         Tues, July 16         Harrison Day (Town/Village)

·         Wed, July 17         Hastings-on-Hudson Day

·         Thurs, July 18       Irvington Day

·         Fri, July 19            Larchmont Day

·         Tues, July 23         Lewisboro Day

·         Wed, July 24         Mamaroneck Day (Town/Village)

·         Thurs, July 25       Mount Kisco Day

·         Fri, July 26            Mount Pleasant Day

·         Tues, July 30         Mount Vernon Day

·         Wed, July 31         New Castle Day

·         Thurs, Aug 1         New Rochelle Day

·         Fri, Aug 2              North Castle Day

·         Tues, Aug 6          North Salem Day

·         Wed, Aug 7           Ossining Day (Town/Village)

·         Thurs, Aug 8         Peekskill Day

·         Fri, Aug 9              Pelham Day

·         Tues, Aug 13        Port Chester Day

·         Wed, Aug 14         Pound Ridge Day

·         Thurs, Aug 15       Rye Day (City/Town)

·         Fri, Aug 16            Rye Brook Day

·         Tues, Aug 20        Scarsdale Day (Town/Village)

·         Wed, Aug 21         Sleepy Hollow Day

·         Thurs, Aug 22       Somers Day

·         Fri, Aug 23            Tarrytown Day

·         Tues, Aug 27        Tuckahoe Day

·         Wed, Aug 28         White Plains Day

·         Thurs, Aug 29       Yonkers Day

·         Fri, Aug 30            Yorktown Day

Westchester Loves to Read Program

Open to students County-wide in grades Pre-K through 5, this reading initiative asks students to log their reading time beginning starting Oct. 1, 2018 and ending on May 5, 2019. Students who read 4,000 minutes during that time, or roughly 15-20 minutes a day, will receive a free pass to Playland Park’s Opening Day. It’s as simple as that. Read. Log. Win.

Laser Show

June 8- Sept. 2 the new laser show will be displayed every day at 7:45p.m. and 9p.m.  The show is a colorful, wonder-filled extravaganza of music and dancing laser lights that come to life every night.

Concerts

We are proud to be featuring 11 musical performances this season, a 60% increase over years past.  The musical performances include many well-known bands from across the tristate area. 

·         May 11 – Gilbert Band

·         June 16 – Mamaroneck’s School of Rock

·         June 22- Band Bedrock

·         June 28- Tramps Like Us, Springsteen Tribute Band

·         June 30 – East Coast School Tour, School of Rock

·         July 14 – Playland Palooza: Playland D.J., Penelope Robin, String n’ Skins, Genessa & The Selena Experience

·         July 26 – Voyage, Journey Tribute Band

·         July 27 – Brandi and the Alexanders

·         August 2 – Back to the Eighties Show, Jessie’s Girl

·         August 11 – Dr, K’s Motown Revue

·         August 23 – Amish Outlaws

Brandi Thompson lead vocalist of Brandi and the Alexanders said: “We are thrilled to come to Playland Park and perform with you guys this summer. We are a funk, soul and rock n’roll ensemble and we’re going bring that energy and vitality [that the County Executive] was talking about before to this park and bring back the glory days we all want to see here.”

Coaster – #HeyCoaster

The Playland mascot Coaster was refreshed this year to appeal to children.  Updated for the first time in more than 20 years, the new Coaster is a cartoon figure who children are naturally drawn to. He is being promoted with a social media campaign #HeyCoaster.  He can be found popping up all over Westchester County from May 1 until the end of the Playland 2019 season.

Museum

Playland has a rich history that is treasured by the people of Westchester County. The County has now created a special Playland Museum to showcase the park’s rich history.  Though small at the moment, the County plans to expand it’s showcase of the Park’s history.

Commercial

For the first time in 10 years Playland has a new television commercial.  Focused on promoting Playland as a full day destination, the commercial celebrates youth and joy and stars local children.  

Webpage – playlandpark.org

The new revamped webpage is easy to navigate and dynamic to look at.  The sliders are modern and will change throughout the season.

About Playland Park

Playland has been Westchester County and the New York Metropolitan areas’ great family amusement park and entertainment center since 1928. Playland has the distinction of being America’s first totally planned amusement park and prototype for today’s theme parks. Art Deco structures and symmetrical colonnades are the hallmark of Playland’s singular architectural flow. Playland was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987 and is owned by Westchester County and operated by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation. The park offers 50 major and Kiddyland rides and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each season. Playland operates seven original classic rides — the Dragon Caster, Derby Racer, Grand Carousel (currently under restoration, scheduled to reopen in 2020), Whip, Ye Old Mill, Kiddy Coaster and Kiddy Carousel, all of which are National Historic Landmarks. Playland also features lake boating, mini golf, games of skill, arcade games, a variety of food stands, fireworks on Fridays (July and August), laser shows, and concerts on the Music Tower Stage. The Pier Restaurant and Tiki Bar, the Westchester Children’s Museum, Playland Ice Casino, beach and pool and art gallery space are located on the Boardwalk. The Boardwalk is part of Playland’s Seaside Walk – the largest stretch of public parkland on Long Island Sound in Westchester County. Playland hosts parties for groups of 100 to 10,000 with catered events tailored to the needs of clients. Playland generates $28 million a year for the region through off-site spending, in-park spending and job creation.

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From the Westchester County Department of Communications My 4, 2019:

With leaders in the business and labor communities, advocates who work on the front lines with domestic violence victims and lawmakers, Westchester County Executive George Latimer signed the ‘Safe Leave’ For Domestic Violence Victims bill into law.

Latimer said: “This is a major step forward for people who are victims of domestic violence to be able to get the support that they need in order to deal with that victimization and to know they won’t have to sacrifice their employment to do so. This again shows our willingness to be on the forefront of progressive action, to do it in a bi- or tri-partisan fashion, and to do it in concert with what we are hearing from the community.”

The measure, which unanimously passed the County Board of Legislators, with tri-partisan support (Democrat, Republican and Conservative) will give victims of domestic violence or human trafficking the ability to take “safe leave” from their jobs. This new law grants victims of domestic violence or human trafficking up to 40 hours of paid leave to attend or testify in court proceedings related to their situations, to move from an abuser’s residence or to speak with lawyers or other advisers. Employers may ask for reasonable documentation that ‘safe time’ has been used for these purposes.

Board of Legislators Chairman Ben Boykin said: “This law protects Westchester residents at the most vulnerable time of their lives. It assures people who have been victims of domestic violence won’t have to choose between safety and their jobs.”

Legislator Catherine Borgia, the bill’s main sponsor, said: “The most dangerous time for a victim is when they are leaving an abuser. That is when they need to act with speed and with a strategy that keeps them and their children safe. I believe this is a bill that will save people’s lives in Westchester County.”

Hope’s Door Executive Director CarLa Horton said: “Being a victim of domestic violence takes every ounce of strength and courage and support – more than you could ever imagine. One of the hardest things for victims is feeling that they are all alone, that no one knows or believes or cares. This sends a message to victims everywhere that they are not alone and that people do care – and that is worth much more than 40 hours of work.”

My Sister’s Place CEO Karen Cheeks-Lomax Esq., said: “I am proud to stand with County Executive Latimer, Legislator Borgia, Chairman Boykin and all the legislators that think this is such an important issue. This bill sheds light on safety – and at My Sister’s Place that is what we are looking at. I am excited on behalf of all the survivors we work with, and am proud that we are part of this new initiative that will change the lives of those seeking safety, protection and an economic future.”

Secretary/Treasurer Communication Workers of America Local 1103 Joe Mayhew said: “On behalf of CWA and the Community/Labor Coalition for Paid Sick Time, we thank the legislators for supporting this law and the County Executive for signing it today.”

Westchester Business Council CEO/President Dr. Marsha Gordon said: “The Business Council of Westchester is here because the Westchester business community is concerned, compassionate, and clear on standing with our employees during their time of need. This is an education, an awareness, and our members of all sizes in every sector are there and will help get this information out. Our businesses are always looking to support their employees – especially during a time of need.”

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WPCNR HEALTH ADVISORY. From the Westchester County Department of Health. April 30, 2019:

 

Health Department staff identify trends in Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis and other tickborne diseases through reports received annually from physicians and laboratories. These reports assure that the Health Department has an accurate picture of Lyme disease and other tickborne diseases in the county.

Other tickborne diseases, including ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Powassan/Deer Tick Virus and Borrelia miyamotoi, continue to spread in Westchester County. Education, prevention of tick bites and recognition and treatment of early signs and symptoms remain our best weapon in the battle against tickborne diseases.

The Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, is spread through the bite of infected ticks. The blacklegged tick (or deer tick, Ixodes scapularis) spreads the disease in the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and north-central United States. The western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus) spreads the disease on the Pacific Coast. Ixodes ticks are much smaller than common dog and cattle ticks. In their larval and nymphal stages, they are no bigger than a pinhead.

Ticks feed by inserting their mouths into the skin of a host and slowly taking in blood. Ixodes ticks are most likely to transmit infection after feeding for 36 to 48 hours. Ticks generally need to be attached for at least 24 hours before they can pass along infections such as Lyme disease, but are capable of transmitting some infections when attached for shorter periods of time. For this reason, you should bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks that are crawling on you. You can also tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors.

In additon, preventive measures such as the use of insect repellents, protective clothing, daily tick checks and proper tick removal are also necessary to prevent tickborne diseases.

Tickborne Disease Education and Resources

• Tickborne Disease Prevention Fact Sheet 2018 (WCDOH)
  
  
• Prevención para las Enfermedades transmitidas por las garrapatas en el 2018 (WCDOH)
  
  
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
  
  
• New York State Department of Health
  

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WPCNR PLAYLAND GO ROUND. From the Westchester County Department of Communications. April 28, 2019:

Westchester County has notified Standard Amusements’ legal counsel that the County has elected to terminate the agreement with Standard Amusements. This decision comes after an extended review and discussion of the provisions of the agreement made by the prior Administration three years ago, and more recently, after extended negotiations between counsel for the County and Standard Amusements. 

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said:

“We are unhappy with the way this has all turned out; we never wanted this kind of conflict. However, we are simply not satisfied with what we have been seeing.  We wanted to see the energy, excitement and drive in Standard Amusements’ vision for Playland – we didn’t want just a real estate deal.

“This Administration believes in Playland and its future; we are not looking to liquidate the park as a liability, as some feel. We want what is best for Playland – to see it succeed and thrive.

“At the heart of that assessment is whether this arrangement developed three years ago, under different decision makers and that ends County management of the park, will somehow deliver that energy and excitement. After 16 months, we believe this arrangement will not deliver a better tomorrow for Playland.

“The County has been negotiating with Standard Amusements in good faith, seeking to recast our arrangement into a different focus, one where Standard’s professed commitment to the park’s future would be manifest by its ability to help shape a management and marketing commitment, not primarily a capital commitment, followed by management of the park.

“We are unhappy that instead, we have seen leaks of false information to the press; the hiring of a high-priced public relations firm and the hiring of a legal firm committed to defending the company’s corporate interests rather than spending those resources delivering a detailed marketing plan.

“The energy spent by Standard to influence lawmakers to defend their original agreement could have been better spent in a more wide ranging effort to win over those in the community that did not want to see a corporate entity take over a public park facility. 

“But, at the core of the County’s election to terminate isn’t emotion – it is the fact that Standard Amusements is in material breach of our contract. 

“Standard Amusements has improperly claimed that it invested money in Playland, when in reality that money was not spent on purposes allowed under the agreement.  Standard Amusements is wasting taxpayer dollars at the end of the day.” 

While the County said ( in the official county statement issued 6:30 PM E.D.T.) has been negotiating in good faith to restructure the agreement, Standard Amusements has been operating with an agenda that led the County to conclude Standard Amusements was not interested in renegotiating the terms of their relationship in a way that makes sense for the County. 

The election to terminate is based on Standard Amusements’ failure to cure its various material defaults under the contract that were laid out in the County’s letter to Standard Amusements on December 7, 2018.  Those defaults included:

• Manager’s Investment
  • Standard Amusements has improperly claimed millions of dollars as part of its contractually defined Manager’s Investment obligation, which is supposed to represent capital improvements at Playland.
  • At the time of our letter to Standard Amusement, the company had claimed it invested over $5.7 million in the park, but an audit had proven otherwise.  Instead, this money was spent on salaries, meals, travel, advertisements, marketing, consulting fees, and legal fees (including fees to raise investment capital it claimed to have at the time it negotiated the agreement with the County). 
  • Since receiving our December letter, (the county alleged in the statement) Standard Amusements has continued to claim expenses that do not qualify as part of the Manager’s Investment (including its legal expenses related to our negotiations), for a total of $7.7 million according to its last monthly report.  
• Audit
  • The County is entitled to an annual audit of Standard Amusements’ books and records under the agreement; however, Standard Amusements has prevented the County from completing the audit and has refused to provide necessary documentation.

Latimer said:  “This agreement has Westchester taxpayers on the hook for $125 million dollars with Standard committed for $27.5 million.  My job is to make sure Westchester taxpayers come first.The County’s relationship with Standard Amusements must come to a close. We cannot have confidence in Standard Amusements based on its actions. The company has not proven it has been serious about Playland succeeding.”

While there have been claims by Standard Amusements that the County has been in breach of the contract, the reality is ( the county statement continued) the County has performed under the agreement and done everything it reasonably could.  

As the County has explained to Standard Amusements, the company’s interference in the design process and underestimation of the costs of capital improvements, upon which the County relied, directly caused the County not to timely meet its required level of capital investment.

Furthermore, the County has never indicated to Standard Amusements that it intended not to meet its obligations under the contract.

As required under the agreement, the County is giving Standard Amusements 30 days’ written notice.  May 28, 2019 has been selected as the date the agreement will terminate in all respects.