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| WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. From the White Plains Library.May 1, 2017: | |||
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Hundreds all in for Immigrants in Downtown WP
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WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. From the 32BJ SEIU. May 1, 2017:
Hundreds of immigrants from around Westchester county gathered in front of Westchester County Government building late Monday afternoon, joining with labor organizations, community groups, and elected officials to declare that all Hudson Valley immigrants and refugees are “Here to Stay.”
The White Plains gathering was part of the largest national mobilization of immigrants and supporters since Donald Trump’s election. Channeling momentum from “day without an immigrant” events around the country, tens of thousands of diverse supporters rallied throughout the day for immigrant rights at events across the nation, all calling for an end to the Trump administration’s inhumane deportation strategy.
“The Trump administration’s systematic attempt to criminalize all undocumented immigrants is a threat to everyone’s civil liberties and this nation’s ideals,” said John Santos, 32BJ SEIU Hudson Valley Vice-President. “Today, immigrants and allies stood against the administration’s cruel assault to proclaim that we will not back down in the defense of immigrant rights, worker rights and human rights — this administration will not take away the promise of America for a nation of immigrants.”
Local immigrants shared short, forceful stories, backed by declarations of support from community leaders and the region’s elected officials.
“The City of White Plains is a diverse, vibrant and welcoming community,” said White Plains Mayor Tom Roach. “As Mayor, protecting the rights of all those who live, work and visit here is paramount. I stand with our brothers and sisters at SEIU 32BJ in support of those who are working hard in our community to make a better life for themselves and their families.”
“Today we honor all of our brothers and sisters in labor who paved the way for the rights workers now have,” said Westchester County Board of Legislators Majority Leader Catherine Borgia. “To do this, we must carry on their fight. We live in an era when workers’ rights are under constant attack — now is the time for us to all work together to support legislation that enhances fair and just labor protections, wages, and benefits. Among these rights is humane treatment of our immigrant neighbors, this is why in Westchester we are working on comprehensive Immigration Protection legislation. This bill is aimed to forge trust between our immigrant communities and local police departments while standing up for the values we as Westchester residents hold.”
“It is time to stand up, to raise our voices with dignity,” said Luis Yumbla, Active Executive Director of Hudson Valley Community Coalition “In this present moment in which we are criminalized, our unity is urgent to stop this machinery of hatred, intolerance and attacks on our immigrant community. Only our action will sow this land of unity and solidarity for all. Together we are more, and together we will see the light of a dawn of justice.”
The theme was echoed by Jirandy Martinez, from the Community Resource Center: “We come together on this May Day in Westchester to demonstrate the important strength and power of collaboration and solidarity for the rights of our immigrant communities in this critical time in our nation. Today, we especially unite for the dignity and rights of all workers regardless of immigration status. It is together that our fight for justice will hold with grit and perseverance despite the divisive political creed this current administration stands by. Unidos and here to stay!”
The importance of the rally was summed up by 32BJ member and Peruvian immigrant Esther Ramirez: “When my daughter was a little girl and she came to union rallies with me, she’d ask me, ‘Why do we have to protest in the streets? ’I told her that we cannot win better wages without a fight; everything in this life that is worth having is a struggle. She understood this. Now all of us must understand that it’s time to speak up for immigrants and defend their families. It’s now our turn to stand up and speak out for justice for all.”
COUNTY BOARD WANTS FACETIME WITH THE NEW HUD WESTCHESTER COUNTY AFFORDABLE HOUSING MONITOR
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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From the Westchester County Legislators Democratic Caucus. May 1, 201
Members of the Democratic Caucus are calling for an open “Committee of the Whole” meeting with the new Housing Monitor to discuss what the Board can do to move forward with complying with the consent decree to end any further fiscal obligations of the County.
“To save taxpayers from thousands of dollars in fines, we have no choice but to explore all actions we can take due to the County Executive’s ‘total obstructionism’ – which were the Court’s words, not mine,” said Majority Leader Catherine Borgia (D-Ossining)(picture, above).
“For years, our Caucus has called for funding of a countywide housing needs assessment to figure out where and what exactly our needs are. Now is the time for all stakeholders to get to work on solutions, like this assessment, that can pull us into compliance and end the County Executive’s money-wasting crusade for a political talking point,” added Borgia.
A Committee of the Whole meeting is a meeting of the entire Board of Legislators and is typically called to so all members can ask questions of a certain guest on a pressing topic. In light of last week’s ruling, Democrats feel that this the perfect time to bring in the new Housing Monitor so all sides can get to work.
“The County’s analysis of impediments, a document needed to be discharged from the housing settlement, has been rejected by administrations of both political parties a total of ten times,” said Legislator MaryJane Shimsky (D-Hastings-on-Hudson). “It is time for the County Executive to stop using affordable housing as a political football, and get to work on a document that will end the County’s risk of more fines. Sometimes it seems as if the County Executive does not want the lawsuit to end.”
“First, the County Executive blamed ‘President Obama’s radical HUD’ for ‘accusing the County of racism when it was only trying to enforce Home Rule.’ Now, his golfing buddy President Trump’s HUD is still rejecting County Executive Astorino’s plan to combat racially exclusionary zoning; what is his excuse now?” asked Legislator Alfreda Williams (D-Greenburgh). “From the sad attempt at the court ordered public education campaign of fair and affordable housing opportunities, which the Court found woefully inadequate, to the combative rhetoric from his Administration, the County Executive has again put Westchester in danger of steep financial penalties,” concluded Williams.
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News from the City of White Plains May 2017
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Leaf Blowers – Helpful … but Noisy.
Do You Know When to Use Yours?
The City of White Plains leaf blower ordinance is geared toward reducing loud, unnecessary and unwanted noise in our neighborhoods.
These gasoline powered blowers are only allowed during the Spring and Fall clean-up seasons. Check here for the specific dates and hours these blowers may be used.
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Be Part of the Inaugural White Plains Memorial Day 5K Run/Walk to Honor Fallen Soldiers
The City of White Plains in conjunction with the White Plains BID will host a 5K Run/Walk on Memorial Day, May 29th, to commemorate those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Join as a walker, runner, marcher or spectator to honor our Fallen Soldiers.
A charitable donation will be made to the Veterans Administration Hudson Valley Health Care System-Montrose Campus. The day starts with a moment of silence and the playing of the National Anthem in front of City Hall at the start line at 8:10 am.
Sponsors include Dannon, Orangetheory Fitness, Westchester Road Runner, White Plains YMCA and Whole Foods Market. Learn more and register.
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White Plains Pavilion Project Underway
Demolition has begun at the White Plains Pavilion, located at 60 South Broadway. Re-development of the property will include two 24-story residential towers with 707 rental apartments, 43 of which will be dedicated as affordable under the City’s Affordable Housing Program.
The $275 million project at the site of the now-vacant Westchester Pavilion will also include 93,840 sq. ft. of commercial space, 77,340 sq. ft. of retail and 1
6,500 sq. ft. of restaurant space with six outdoor dining areas. The pr
oject will enliven the South Broadway
and Maple Avenue streetscapes and create an inviting pedestrian environment with a linear park and grade level access to retail.
The project will also include a four level internal parking structure containing 1,036 spaces, 714 spaces dedicated for residents and 322 for retail and restaurant patrons. Construction will begin immediately following completion of demolition.
Did You Know? — You can get the latest on proposed and approved projects in White Plains by clicking here.
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Summer Jobs Available for White Plains Teens
Summer employment applications for year-round White Plains residents ages 14-21 are now available through the White Plains Youth Bureau’s Youth Employment Services office.
Check here for complete employment information and to apply by the May 25th deadline.
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Give These New Stores in White Plains a Try
Over the past year many new stores have opened in downtown White Plains. Support all the small businesses in White Plains, including these new establishments.
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Governor Cuomo Annonces Cashless Tolling on the Rockaway Bridges. Whitestone, Throgs Neck, Triborough(RFK) Bridge to Follow
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WPCNR STOP AND GO. From the Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. April 30, 2017:
Open road tolling will be completed at all MTA bridges and tunnels by the end of this year. The schedule is as follows:
- RFK Bridge – Summer 2017
- Verrazano-Narrows Bridge – Summer 2017
- Throgs Neck Bridge – Fall 2017
- Bronx-Whitestone Bridge – Fall 2017
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CITY OF WHITE PLAINS
WHITE PLAINS WEEK FOR FRIDAY APRIL 28 ON INTERNET NOW
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WHITE PLAINS WEEK THE APRIL 28 PROGRAM
has been posted WORLDWIDE ON THE INTERNET — the youtube link is
the whiteplainsweek.com link is
JOHN BAILEY, JIM BENEROFE AND PETER KATZ:
REAL NEWS IN A WORLD CONTEXT
ON
A 1980 COUNTY CONSENT ORDER RAISES QUESTIONS ON WHY INDIAN POINT CLOSING ISN’T GETTING A SEQRA ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
PLUS PETER KATZ’S WEEKLY TRUMP UPDATE: THE ONLY WEEKLY ROUNDUP OF THE TRUMP PRESIDENCY.
VIDEO REPORT ON THE HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL SERVICE IN WHITE PLAINS
DAVID BUCHWALD CREATES BILL TO SPRING TRUMP TAX RETURNS
VIDEO REPORT ON THE TRUMP TAX PLAN
AND MORE
DEMOCRATIC CITY COMMITTEE NOMINATES JOHN MARTIN, JOHN KIRKPATRICK AND JUSTIN BRASCH TO RUN FOR COUNCIL
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WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2017. APRIL 28, 2017:
The Democratic Party of White Plains formally announced their Common Council Candidates yesterday at a news conference nominating John Martin and John Kirkpatrick to run run and newcomer Justin Brasch, a lawyer and member of the City Planning Board for a first time run for the Council. Barsch is pictured below at a recent Planning Board meeting.
The three are expected to be primaried in September by Michael Kraver, Alan Goldman and Saad Siddiqui. Milagros Lecuona is expected to challenge Mayor Tom Roach for the Mayoral nomination.
AMAZED COUNTY DEMOCRATS ARE BACKING GOVERNOR ON INDIAN POINT CLOSURE AND DENYING ASTORINO SEQRA REVIEW SUIT
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WPCNR LETTER TICKER. April 27, 2017:
John:
Just read again the statements of the Westchester County Board in your piece – I am amazed at their ignorance and inability (willful?) to understand SEQRA. What they said is EXACTLY what SEQRA is for.
Did you read the Settlement Stipulation (of 1981)?
There is a legal doctrine called “collateral estoppel” – what the County committed to the Stip (following SEQRA) is exactly what they stepped into (they had no choice – it’s the law) 36 years ago – that commitment to follow SEQRA continues until that SEQRA law is repealed.
The Board is estopped from claiming SEQRA does not apply to the decommissioning (of Indian Point) when such a major impact will be 1) an elimination of 35% of the area’s electricity at contracted for rates- the literal economic vitality of this region depends upon that plant; 2) there is no Plan B presented 3) a spike in electricity rates forcing businesses to close and Citizens to leave; 4) etc……
SEQRA is a mandate in this instance – There are also federal concerns. This is truly disgusting that our Bd will evade an environmental law meant to inject public participation in a meaningful and organized fashion. Piece meal does not cut it – that went out with slavery thing.
Dan Seidel
(Attorney,part in the 1981 case)
Immigrant Support Rally Planned at County Offices Monday 4 to 6 PM in WP
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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION LEDGER. From the 32BJ Service Employees International Union. April 26, 2017:
At 4 PM on Monday, May 1, hundreds of immigrants from across the region will join with labor, community, legislative and business allies outside the Westchester Government Building 148 Martine Avenue in White Plains to participate in part of the largest mobilization of immigrants and supporters since the Trump election.
Channeling momentum from “day without an immigrant” events around the country, the event will coincide with immigrant rights marches from Boston to Miami, all calling for an end to the Trump administration’s divisive and destructive deportation strategy
32BJ SEIU, community, and immigrants’ rights organization will make clear that the Trump administration’s systematic attempt to criminalize immigrants not only assaults the civil rights of communities of color, but opens a dangerous path of intolerance that is already having dramatic consequences in communities across the country, as hate crimes against immigrants and those perceived to be foreign continue to spread.
“Our coalition demands that the Trump Administration end its attack on immigrant, refugee and Muslim populations,” said John Santos, Vice-President of 32BJ SEIU Hudson Valley. “Families in our community are being destroyed; American-born children are being separated from their parents. We call on Congress to pass a federal budget that reflects our priorities for the rights of workers, and that doesn’t include a single dollar for a border wall or unjust immigration enforcement.”
Hundreds of immigrants and workers, with speakers including local elected officials, community and labor leaders. Speakers at the event will include event emcee John Santos, Vice-President 32BJ SEIU Hudson Valley;
Thomas Roach, Mayor of White Plains; Kevin Sheil, President of CWA Local 1103; Esther Ramirez, a member of 32BJ SEIU; plus other elected officials, community leaders and local immigrants.
SPONSORS OF THE WESTCHESTER MAY DAY RALLY:
- 32BJ SEIU Hudson Valley
- Community Resource Center – Mamaroneck
- Hudson Valley Community Coalition
- Neighbors Link
- New York Immigration Coalition
- OCA – Westchester & Hudson Valley Chapter
- WESPAC Foundation; Westchester Hispanic Coalition
- Working Families Party