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 SCHOOL DAYS. From the Westchester Putnam Work Force Development Board April 28, 2019:

According to the National Skills Coalition, middle-skills jobs, which require education beyond high school but not a four-year degree, make up the largest part of America’s and New York’s labor market.

Key industries in New York are unable to find enough sufficiently trained workers to fill these jobs. Demand for these jobs is expected to remain strong through 2024 with 45% of openings to be in middle skills.

The Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board will host a high-level learning and panel discussion on Monday, May 20^th to address the shortage of middle and soft skills training, as well as illuminate options for mapping out sector specific career paths through stackable credentials as a viable choice for high school students. School board presidents, superintendents, guidance counselors, employers, higher education professionals, and others who work with students are encouraged to attend.

The event is free and will be held at White Plains High School (The Media Space inside the library, 550 North Street, White Plains, NY 10605). Breakfast and registration will take place at 8:30am and the program will run from 9:00am – 10:00am. Online registration is requested (https://career-pathway-breakfast.eventbrite.com).

The May 20^th panel will be moderated by Thom Kleiner, Executive Director, Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board, with panelists Dr. Michael Baston, President, Rockland Community College; Dr. Joseph Ricca, Superintendent of Schools, White Plains Public Schools; Dr. LaTasha Hamlett-Carver, Career Center Program Specialist; Teresita B. Wisell, Vice President, Workforce Development and Community Engagement, Westchester Community College; Carolyn Chieco, High School Guidance Counselor and Consultant, Daniel Bonnet, Deputy Executive Director, The Centers for College & Careers at the Guidance Center of Westchester, and Orane Barrett, Chief Executive, Kool Nerd Club.

“We are seeking to clarify the various options that exist for finding and pursuing a career while at the same time gathering information from those who work with students and parents. With the high cost of a 4-year college degree looming large for many families, we want to shed light on the alternatives and encourage students to consider careers they have a passion for and can gain credentials and experience in, without the expense of a traditional four-year college degree,” stated Thom Kleiner.

“At Rockland Community College we are totally committed to providing middle skills programs and stacked credentials through career pathways so that those interested in a career that doesn’t require a four-year degree, can get the training they need and get into the workplace sooner,” stated Dr. Baston. “We want to shift the mindset to one that embraces viable choices and options dependent upon the interests of the individual. No one should feel as though choosing a path that doesn’t require a four-year degree is somehow less significant. Our goal is to show that it is a better choice for many not simply based on cost, but also based on a swifter entrance into the workforce,” added Baston.

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WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER. From the Gedney Association April 27, 2019:

Dear Neighbors, Please see the letter below that was sent to the Common Council April 25, 2019 with regard to FASNY’s recent announcement to sell a portion of its property. The Gedney Association

April 25, 2019 Members of the Common Council White Plains City Hall 255 Main Street White Plains, New York 10601 Re: FASNY Press Release Dear Members of the Common Council: The recent Press Release by the French American School of New York (FASNY) announcing its intention to sell approximately 48 acres of the former Ridgeway Country Club has caused considerable confusion and indignation by many residents in Gedney Farms as well as other adjoining neighborhoods.  In announcing its intention to sell a portion of its property, FASNY has contradicted the essence of its earlier assurances that it would not expand beyond the approved campus. During the Common Council’s final deliberations on the FASNY proposal, Councilwoman Hunt-Robinson expressed concerns regarding the development of Parcels B, C and D and the need to consider, if necessary, mitigation of any adverse impacts.  This question was entirely appropriate and essential under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), which mandates consideration of potential development of an entire property.  Segmentation or limiting review to only part of a property is prohibited under the law.  In response to Councilwoman Hunt-Robinson’s questions, FASNY proposed postponing any additional development on the property.  As a result, the Common Council’s approval letter stipulated that,  “An application will not be filed to expand the school use on any of the four former Ridgeway Country Club parcels for at least fifteen (15) years from the date FASNY receives a temporary or permanent Certificate of Occupancy for the School”.  This clever subterfuge did not go unnoticed by the Gedney Association which cited non-compliance with the SEQRA requirement in its lawsuit challenging the approval.  The announcement by FASNY to sell separate parcels clearly demonstrates how the SEQRA requirements were violated during the approval process. Regrettably, the City Administration permitted FASNY to obfuscate their real intentions. In fact, the City Administration was complicit in this deception.  For example, FASNY quietly removed the bike trail from Parcel C that previously was so integral to Mayor Roach.  Why was this removed other than to enable FASNY to sell this and other parcels for development? FASNY is now attempting to sell three parcels,  presumably for development.  One of the parcels slated for sale, Parcel D, is directly across from the entrance to the planned school on Hathaway Lane.  How would traffic circulation operate here with approximately 1,000 vehicles entering and exiting the school each day?  Furthermore, Parcels B and C front on Gedney Esplanade and Heatherbloom Road, two already heavily trafficked streets.  Doesn’t this highlight why the FASNY approval should only have been made after careful consideration of other potential development? So where does that leave us?  Instead of a carefully planned development of the former golf course we have a hodgepodge plan.  Since the approval, traffic on Ridgeway has measurably increased according to City studies.  FASNY appears to change its plans weekly.  Indeed, its own website suggested it might find a separate alternative location for its “unified” campus.  Also, the so-called Conservancy isn’t permanent, in that, if FASNY leaves, the Conservancy disappears.  In the meantime, the property continues to be very poorly maintained with fallen trees and beer cans and other refuse littering the property.  The City has lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes for what now appears as an investment speculation by FASNY.  Is the City Administration assessing the loss of another 48 acres of open space or will it again take a reactive stance? Last November, when reports of FASNY’s plans to sell all or part of the property became widespread, the Gedney Association wrote to the Mayor and Common Council requesting a meeting to discuss the neighborhood’s concerns and objectives for any new alternative development.  With the exception of Councilwoman Lecuona, no response has been received from the City Administration.  As residents and taxpayers, we would minimally have expected a response. Very truly yours, The Gedney Association Board

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WPCNR THE POWER STORY. APRIL 25, 2019 UPDATEDL 11:45 PM EDT:

In light of Con Edison announcement of new gas supply arrangements with Tennessee Gas Pipeline, WPCNR asked Con Edison why, if no new pipeline was needed, why not lift the moratorium on new natural gas connections in Westchester, especially since that capacity will be there in 2023, and it most likely will take three to four years to build the 1,600 Westchester projects that got in under the moratorium deadline.

Ann Marie Corbalis, speaking for Con Edison issues this statement:

“Demand for natural gas in New York City and Westchester County has grown significantly in recent years due to conversions of heating systems from oil, as well as economic growth, with developers preferring natural gas in new buildings. The lack of new gas capacity in our region has forced us to stop accepting applications for new firm (uninterruptable service) gas hookups until we have new capacity available. Once that capacity is secure, which is expected by November 2023, Con Edison will lift the current moratorium on new firm gas hookups in Westchester.

Ms. Corbalis referred WPCNR to Tennessee Gas Pipeline. Katherine Hill, a spokesperson for TGP, issued this statement to WPCNR on how TGP can deliver to Con Edison the new natural gas capacity Con Edison requires without building a new pipeline:

“The Tennessee Gas Pipeline project will only involve compression upgrades to facilities on the system upstream of New York. Additionally, the project will require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approval, and state and local approval as necessary.” 

WPCNR has for more details on what compression upgrades are 

required and what they are.

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WPCNR THE POWER STORY. From County Legislator Benjamin Boykin and Con Edison WITH REACTION from Business Council of Westchester. April 24, 2019

Con Edison said today that it has reached agreement with the owners of an existing natural gas pipeline that serves Con Edison’s facilities in Westchester County for additional natural gas capacity.

Once completed, this reasonable, low-impact solution will provide Con Edison with the natural gas capacity needed to lift the current moratorium on new gas hookups in Westchester County.

The Business Council of Westchester issued this statement, decrying the fact that the moratorium on new gas connections still remains in effect:

“Con Edison’s announcement Wednesday that it has reached an agreement with a gas pipeline company that currently provides natural gas to lower Westchester County to increase the capacity of the line offered a ray of hope for our increasingly energy-starved region.

Unfortunately, this potential increase to the available supply requires its own set of approvals. Con Edison characterized it this way: “The incremental capacity could be placed in service by November 2023.” That’s four and a half years, if the approval goes smoothly, and at least four and a half years more of the moratorium on new gas hookups in most of Westchester.

“We applaud Con Edison for this initiative and other actions the company is exploring to alleviate the crisis.  However, the underlying energy shortage remains a serious issue that is already taking a toll and will continue to loom over the region and threaten our economic viability.

“That’s why the BCW back in March formed the BCW Gas Moratorium Task Force, a cross-section of developers, business leaders of small, mid-sized and large companies, as well as planners and affordable housing advocates to propose solutions. New York State and others are calling for a shift to renewable energy sources.

“While this is a laudable goal, the realities are that implementation of virtually any of the technologies now being discussed are not going to be sufficient to meet the region’s energy demand. 

“The BCW will be holding an energy conference on May 10 with some of the top leaders in the energy field. In the meanwhile, the BCW Gas Moratorium Task Force will continue to work on assessing the overall situation, working cooperatively with all involved parties to understand and determine the best paths forward.”

The Con Edison news release continues:

“Under the agreement, Tennessee Gas Pipeline would provide the increased natural gas capacity to Con Edison’s distribution system in Westchester by upgrading compression facilities on its system outside of New York State.

These upgrades will enhance the capability of the existing pipelines to transport incremental natural gas supplies for Con Edison. Subject to the necessary approvals, the incremental capacity could be placed in service by November 2023. (Editor’s Note: 4 years from now).

This agreement supports continued economic growth in Westchester by supplementing existing natural gas capacity without the construction of a new pipeline. When combined with Con Edison’s continued efforts to advance renewables and alternative technologies, this approach will provide customers with clean, affordable heating and cooking solutions.

“This project offers a reasonable, sensible approach to allow an orderly transition to the renewable energy future we all desire,” said Tim Cawley, president of Con Edison.

“The solution provides the time needed to improve non-pipeline technology and make it widely available. The additional natural gas capacity will continue to support economic growth in our region, while reducing reliance on heating oil and the need for locally delivered compressed and liquid natural gas.”

Con Edison is continuing to implement the company’s $223 million Smart Solutions program for customers who are interested in alternatives to natural gas, including incentives to electrify heating systems, upgrade HVAC controls, install geothermal heat pumps or weatherize their homes. The increased gas capacity plan allows more time for technologies to advance, and for customer adoption to increase for alternative heating and cooking solutions.

Between the company’s announcement of the moratorium and its start on March 16, Con Edison received 1,600 applications for firm gas service in the moratorium area. Demand for natural gas in New York City and Westchester County has grown significantly in recent years. This has been due to conversions of heating systems from oil, as well as economic growth, with developers preferring natural gas in new buildings.

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FWPCNR THEATRICAL REVIEW By John F. Bailey. April 23, 2019:

 NEWSIES recent arrival of the 1992 Disney musical revival at Westchester Broadway Theatre has hit the streets!

The pretty Mary Beth Donahoe’s Katherine, inquiring pert reporter from the New York World(whom I’d spill the beans to in a typewriter click), covers the hardnosed labor leader from Brooklyn, USA  Jack Kelly  (the street smart Daniel Scott Walton), and cocky New Yawk “Newsies” are an EXTRA EDITION!

Your kids will love these kids. You romantic couples out there will get ideas. You solidly marrieds will remember when you met. You revolutionaries out there will haul out the picket signs and fight for truth, justice and the American way!

This is a spirited high-kicking romance-struggle-tap-tabloid of a Disney dazzler, edgey against-the-odds story of newsboys with heart who struck The New York World  and The New York Journal in 1899. Joseph Pulitzer cut their pay due to hard times (for Pulitzer)’s World is charming, filled with dancers flying high, suspense, great costumes.

 Mary Beth Donahoe is  Katherine, beautiful Reporter, Lois Lane of her time. She takes charge, tap dances, types and does a special on rugged newsie community organizer Jack Kelly (played to type by Mr. Walton) as he organizes his newsboys to fight back against a massive wage cut.

Yet Gibson Girl doll Donahoe, has a secret as she charms Mr. Kelly to trust her. Her secret? It’s one of the many surprises in store that turns da love story on its head.

They meet “cute” at a demonstration. (Don’t cha love that? I met my wife cute at a Prentice-Hall bridge club). The book is ripped out of today’s 72 point type headlines with cute kids with spunk, Brooklyn savvy, that bring home why unions are good things for workers.

From the first plaintive strains of the WBT musicians who evoke that ragtime era yet still delivering contemporary blues wail in the opening number Santa Fe, watching Jack and the heart-breaking Richie Tombs as “Crutchie” climb out of their rooftop beds—most of the newsies are orphans making a meager existence of pennies a paper. When they burst in Carrying the Banner in Newsies Square you get behind these charmers.

Then boom! To the office of Joseph Pulitzer at the World, who like today’s corporate titans, when times get rough they make it rough on you, cut wages, make layoffs, and keep The Bottom Line.

Stuart Marland is a “Snidely Whiplash” of Joseph Pulitzer  that amazes the audience with his cruel solution to the paper’s hard times.  (In fact after seeing this musical, I wonder why in God’s name journalists named a reporting prize after this nasty guy).

At Medda’s Theatre, Medda, hides Jack and fellow newsies are from pursuing police sent to break heads at the demonstration.

Galyana Castillo laughs up the audience, singing That’s Rich, that will remind you of Mae West’s show stopper’s of the past. The whole vaudeville theatre sequence is capped by Mr. Walton and Alec Cohen performing with the Bowery Beauties with high kicks, glamour and 1890s glitz singing I Never Planned on You/Don’t Come Knocking.

Ms. Donahoe delivers two great solos that lifts her heart and yours to the roof. She builds and builds, higher and higher with rippling mesmerizin soprano. the ballad Watch What Happens, inspiring Jack to greatness.

After the big demonstration is staged with the anthem Seize the Day in Newsies Square, we retire to the rooftop, with Jack heartbroken.

Second Act lifts you up out of your chair when Katherine returns to Jacobi’s Deli and the ballad of dreamers everywhere King of New York is belted, danced, tapped and taken to the next level. What a way to kick off Act Two. This number performs the same jump start that Too Darn Hot achieves in Kiss Me, Kate.

Jack is stunned by what he learns about Katherine after his demonstration is broken up by Pulitzer’s thugs and Crutchie is beaten.

Patrick Toombs sings a letter to his buddies, Letter from the Refuge, and this will stir your empathy no matter how deep you hide it.. A very believable performance that embodies the commitment of the newsies to truth, justice, and fairness. Solid, Mr. Toombs. Dead, solid perfect.

Jack is down in the dumps and does not want to see Katherine again, but she seeks him out. She tells him not to give up and wins back his heart with a gesture – can you guess what it is? Not going to tell you. It’s too good, and she seals it with the great love song of this musical, Something to Believe In.

Meanwhile the plan the newsies hatch with Katherine’s help to turn public opinion is about to happen.

The audience just loved this finale.

The second act soars into hearts, dreams, and makes you want to inspire your own special someone, and have a cause, damn it!

And it’s a true story. When kids turned things around like an Our Gang adventure; bad guys turn good; and love conquers time place and status.

Fire your dreams of the you you once were and can be again with the intrepid NEWSIES

EXTRA! EXTRA! NEWSIES plays through May 26.  Better hit www.BroadwayTheatre.com or call the box office 914-592-2268, tell ‘em Addison DeWitt sent you!