City Assessment Drop Means School District Will Have to Raise Taxes 3%. Property tax of $650,000 home will go up about $300

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WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. By John F. Bailey. March 4, 2014:

If the school district continues with its policy of using all the tax levy it can legally impose on White Plains property owners under the New York State imposed tax cap, ($167 Million), the middle market priced home will pay an additional $280 to $300 in property taxes  to make up the difference caused by the drop in the assessment roll.

The million drop drop in the school district city assessment roll from $279.3 Million to $278.3 Million in 2014, just released by the City Assessor’s office Monday, automatically hits the White Plains property owner with a $17 increase in the school tax rate from $583.21 per thousand dollars of assessed this year to $600 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, if the school district levys all the taxes it can under Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s tax cap.

Currently that is the plan.  The district is figuring on levying $67.1 Million dollars on the district, pending delivery of the instruction budget next Monday that will show the final proposed budget. Of course some surprise state aid may be give a cash transfusion at the last moment limiting the damage.

The school district Monday reported the increase in the state-sanctioned levy is 2.53%, but because of the million dollar decline in the school district Assessment roll, the TAX RATE has to be raised $17 to make up the loss.

That is a 3% tax increase. Since the district is eager to stay within the 1.5% tax cap, and earn rebate checks for tax payers, the impact may be less.

The impact on the city tax rate to make up the shortfall of  $761,498,000 from last year is substantially less. The city tax rate will only have to go up 56 cents to make up the tax levy shortfall. But, obviously, we have no idea how much the city will have to raise the 2014-15 city budget. That will become clear in April when the budget currently being crafted in city hall out of the public eye is made public.

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For Whom the Roll Tolls. It Tolls for Thee: City Assessment Roll Down ¾ of a Million Dollars. School Assessment Roll Down $1 Million.

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WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. By John F. Bailey.March 4, 2014:

The Assessor’s Office of the City of White Plains released the 2014 Assessement Roll Monday and the assessed value of White Plains property is $276,979,095, down $761,498.

A certiorari filed by The White Plains Pavilion accounts for $625,000 of that figure according to the Asessor’s office, and another $250,000 is attributable to 10 Bank Street.

The 2014 Assessment Roll the School District uses to determine the school tax rate has declined $1,006,773 to $278,335,896. Assistant Superintendent for Business of the White Plains City School District, Fred Seiler, said he has not looked hard at the decline to determine how far the City School Tax Rate would go up to make up the million dollars in lost assessments.

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Assemblyman David Buchwald Marries Lara Samet

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WPCNR MILESTONES.From the Buchwalds. March 4, 2014:

State Assemblyman David Buchwald (D-Westchester)  announced his marriage to Ms. Lara Samet on Saturday March 1st at the Tarrytown House Estate in Tarrytown, NY.

Mrs. Buchwald, a litigation attorney at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, is a native of New Jersey and a graduate of Duke University (magna cum laude) and NYU School of Law (cum laude).

Assemblyman Buchwald is a native of Westchester County and a resident of White Plains, where he served on the City’s Common Council for three years prior to his election to the State Assembly in 2012. He represents the towns of Bedford, Harrison, Lewisboro, Mt. Kisco, New Castle, North Castle, North Salem, and Pound Ridge and half of the City of White Plains. Assemblyman Buchwald is a graduate of Yale University, the John F. Kennedy School of Government, and Harvard Law School (cum laude). For the six years prior to serving in the State Assembly, he was an attorney in the tax department at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP.

“Lara and I are thrilled to be married, and we feel blessed to have shared this special occasion with the people we love” said Assemblyman David Buchwald. “We are partners in every sense of the word, and Lara’s kindness and intelligence make me a better representative for the Westchester communities I serve.”

             Their wedding was officiated by Rabbi Alan Silverstein, and was featured in Sunday’s New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/02/fashion/weddings/lara-samet-and-david-buchwald.html

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City Settles 4 year contract with Teamsters through 2015. 2% magic number. City Retirement Health Contribution changed for workers hired after July 1, 2011

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WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. March 2, 2014:

The Common Council will vote Monday evening on whether to approve a negotiated settlement with Local 456 of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. There are about 58 teamsters employed by the city.

The settlement provides for no raise in the 2011-12 year, and 2% raises in 12-13,13-14, and 14-15, and creates a new schedule of health care insurance premium contributions by the city for workers hired after July 1, 2011.

Retroactive payments covering the settlements for 2011-12, 2012-13, and 2013-14 will be paid from money set aside in the city Reserve for Financing, according to City Corporation Counsel, John Callahan.

The teamsters  have been without a contract since July 1, 2011.

The new settlement that still is pending a vote by the union calls for no increase in the 2011-12 year; and 2% increases in step levels in contract years 2012-13, 2013-14, and 2014-15.

Health Care benefits are  changed as follows:

For an individual hired after July 1, 1995, and before July 1, 2011 with 20 or more years  service, the city will continue to pay 100% of individual and family health care costs after retirement.

For retired individuals with 15-19 years  service, the city contribution is cut to 80% of an individual/family health care plan.

For retired employees  with 10 to 15 years of service, the city contribution will be 50% for an individual and 35% for a family plan.

For retired employees  with less than 10 years  service the city will pay no contribution.

The city contribution changes as follows for workers hired after July 1, 2011 the city contributions are changed:

For workers hired after July 1, 2011, after 20 years city service, upon retirement the city will contribute 85% of the health care premiums for individual and family health plans.

For workers with 15 to 19 years city service, upon retirement the city will pay 65% of health care premiums for individual and family.

Workers with 10-15 years of city service, upon retirement, the city will pay 50% of the premium costs for an individual plan and 35% of premiums for family coverage.

Workers with less than 10 years of city service, after retirement: the city will pay no contribution toward health care premiums,

The contract also increases pay $2 an hour for operators of the city new, one-arm side loader garbage trucks.

The complete agreement may be read at www.cityofwhiteplains.com by going to Common Council, clicking on Common Council agenda, and then clicking on Council Backup Agenda, and scrolling down to item 7, once you scroll past the main agenda.

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Mass Transit Committee Recommends “Streamlined” Bus Rapid Transit. Now Must Bell Cat. 5 Years Away. WP RAIL STATION 15 YEARS AWAY

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WPCNR IN TRANSIT. From the Mass Transit Task Force. (Edited)March 1, 2014:
The Governor’s  Mass Transit Task Force  is recommending a new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system to be in place when the new bridge is open in 2018. If all the recommendations are implemented, the new BRT system will increase transit ridership by 10,150 people per day in the region, cutting commuter travel times by 20 to 25 percent.

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Riders will enjoy a new, clearly branded BRT system with high-quality transit stations that will include passenger amenities such as seating, real-time bus arrival information, Wi-Fi at stations and on board, and protection from the elements. The system will be used to travel between or within both counties on the same vehicles with one fare card, one fare payment system and one identity. This achieves a key objective of the MTTF – to provide travelers with an easy-to-understand, simple-to-use and convenient transit choice to get more drivers out of their cars and to cut congestion.

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The MTTF, established at the request of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in December 2012, was tasked with making recommendations that are fiscally viable and meet the transit needs of the region, targeting major residential, commercial and employment corridors.

Short-term Recommendations (Next 5 Years):

  • New BRT Stations and Vehicles
  • High-Tech Transit Signal Priority Systems
  • Simple, Legible Routing
  • Dedicated Transit Lanes
  • I-287 Congestion Control: Ramp Metering
  • Traffic Signal Improvements
  • Route 59 “Smart Corridor”
  • White Plains Access and Station Area Study
  • Corridor Preservation Study
  • Interchange 10 Reconstruction / South Nyack Study
  • New I-287/87 Interchange 14X Study
  • Transportation Demand Management Programs
  • Transit-Oriented Development
  • West-of-Hudson Rail Improvements

Mid-term Recommendations (Up to 15 years after NNYB opens)

  • White Plains Station Redevelopment
  • Interchange 11 Reconstruction
  • West-of-Hudson Rail Improvements
  • In-Line BRT Station at the Palisades Center
  • New BRT Stations Along the Proposed Routes
  • Expanded Park and Ride Facilities in Rockland County

Long-term Recommendations (15 Years or more after NNYB opens)

  • Passenger Service on the West Shore Line
  • East-West Rail Options (Light Rail or Commuter Rail)

The MTTF met 12 times between late 2012 and early 2014 to develop its transit recommendations. In addition, 18 working sessions were held with local stakeholders to further refine the proposal.

The full Mass Transit Task Force report can be found here: http://www.newnybridge.com/documents/index.html

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WHITE PLAINS WEEK: BAILEY KATZ BENERFOFE NEWS BEDLAM on YOUR INTERNET

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The BEDLAM!

WHITE PLAINS WEEK:

This week:

THE BIG CHILL

THE BIG HOLES

THE DOUBLE SHOCK:

EXPENSIVE TENNIS ANYONE?

WHITE PLAINS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER FOREVER.

CAN WESTCHESTER’S YOUTH BE SAVED FROM GOING TO BROOKLYN AND MANHATTAN?

INSIDE THE CAMBRIA SUITE HOTEL TO BE ON MAIN STREET

ON YOUR PERSONAL NEWS CHANNEL

www.whiteplainsweek.com

PLUS

YOU’VE GOT

DAVE BUCHWALD

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Assemblyman of the 33rd Assembly District, David Buchwald, center, bantering with Peter Katz left, and Jim Benerofe on the set of PEOPLE TO BE HEARD — where People who Have something to say, have their say.

ASSEMBLYMAN AT LARGE 

INTERVIEWED ON 

PEOPLE TO BE HEARD

on his first year in the Big Albany

see him interviewed at www.whiteplains.com

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Meanwhile, Robert Astorino is Still Thinking: To Be Governor or Not to Be, That is the Question.

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Robert Astorino, Running for County Executive last November — he will make the run-norun decision for Governor of New York next week.

WPCNR WATCH ON THE MICHAELIAN BUILDING. By John F. Bailey. A WPCR Exclusive. February 28, 2014:

A spokesman for Robert P. Astorino, the Westchester County Executive, told WPCNR Friday afternoon that Mr. Astorino will tell his staff tonight whether he is going to run for Governor of New York.

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William F. O’Reilly, from his November appearance on PEOPLE TO BE HEARD, the White Plains Westchester Talk Show Mondays at 10 and Wednesdays at 10:30 on FIOS CHANNEL 45 and CABLEVISION 76.

William F. O’Reilly, the Astorino strategist told WPCNR moments ago when asked if Mr. Astorino was committing Friday, or not, issued this statement:

“Not.  He is telling staff his decision tonight.  We will announce yes or no midweek, next week. “

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Con Ed Reports 240 still Out of Power from Friday Afternoon Underground Explosion.

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WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. From Con Edison and Town of Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner. February 28, 2014:

The Con Edison website reports 240 still without power as of 7:15 Friday morning as a result of  a Thurdsay afternnoon underground cable explosion. Paul Feiner reported as of late this morning all but 100 East Hartsdale Avenue had been restored.

Paul Feiner, Greenburgh Town Supervisor provided this description of the incident when it was in progress yesterday afternoon from Greenburgh Police Chief, Chris McNerny:

We are currently working with the Hartsdale Fire Department and Con Edison battling an underground fire in the area of 100 East Hartsdale Avenue. Several manhole covers were blown open during initial explosions and there is concern of additional as the fire spreads. Luckily we have no reported injuries. We have power outages reported from 160 East Hartsdale Avenue to Central Avenue. We are working to identify and treat residents that are on life sustaining equipment and we have made arrangements to transport residents to the community center and multi purpose center.
The Journal News reported this morning the fire was brought under control by 4 P.M. and 563 electrical customers were affected. Con Edison reported the explosion appeared to be caused by melting snow and salt infiltrating the under ground cables.
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Tennis Year Round comes to Delfino Park: Courts to be Expanded, Upgraded, “Bubbled” Clubhouse to be Built.

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Delfino Park showing Tennis Courts to be renovated by Tennis Innovators. The group with facilities around the New York City area will manage the tennis courts for the city in a new licensing agreement with the city, providing year round tennis to all.

WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE EXAMINER. By John F. Bailey. February 26, 2014:

The city has chosen Tennis Innovators, a national operator of tennis facilities to improve the Tennis courts at Delfino Park, adding three new courts, improving two for a total of 8 courts. The outfit will build a clubhouse,  provide a tennis professional and a pro shop.

Improvements and bubbling to the courts will be paid for in total by the developer and the city will be paid a million dollars plus 5% interest yearly in a ten-year contract.

The plan was presented to the Common Council Monday evening.

Tennis Innovators was the best deal submitted in response to a Request for Proposals put out by the Department of Recreation and Parks. Tennis Innovators, as part of the licensing agreement,( tentatively scheduled for Council consideration next Monday), will pay the city $100,000 plus 5% each year to operate the facility and Innovators will pay for the entire cost of the tennis operation. Six courts of the facility will be covered with a bubble from Labor Day to Memorial Day.

The facility, if the licensing agreement is approved will be operated by Tennis Innovators this year. It will be open to anyone wishing to play, with White Plains residents receiving a 15% discount.

Tennis Innovators operates facilities at the New Rochelle Racquet Club, John Jay Tennis Court, the Chinatown Y, Kips Bay Tennis Court, Westend Church, Montclare School, Hunter College Sportsplex and the River School

They describe themselves on their website as ” provid(ing) top to bottom assistance to help take your tennis business to the next level. We are focused on helping you attain a level of optimal revenue generation while providing five-star customer service and effective tennis programs to position your business for success and growth. Our 15 years of experience and “winning” philosophy will enable your business to reach a higher standard both on and off the court.

“Our group of world class professionals create superior programs for all ages and levels; each program is modified to meet the needs of the players. High quality training with continuous updates on programs to further engage your players as well as encouraging membership growth is what Tennis Innovators provides

“Tennis Innovators focuses on developing a growth strategy through coordination and sales to increase membership and court revenue. Customer segmentation strategies are the key ingredient to making your tennis programs and business more successful than the average tennis club. Tennis Innovators has experience with all surfaces and specializes in hard-tru and red clay court maintenance. Our team of experts are able to tackle any surface challenges that may arise.

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White Plains Performing Arts Center Asks City to Extend Operating Contract 5 Years. “Most Optimistic, I’ve ever been going into a new season” says Foundation Leader.

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WPCNR STAGE DOOR. By John F. Bailey. February 26. 2014:

The White Plains Performing Arts Center Board of Trustees asked the Common Council Monday evening to extend its current contract to run the City Center-based community theatre for five years to June 2019.

John Ioris, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, told WPCNR  Tuesday the new theatre leadership under Jeremy Quinn, Producing Artistic Director has cut its production costs and renegotiated its contract with Actors Equity, the performers’ union. The resultant cost savings has put the 11 year old center very close to breakeven this year.  Mr. Ioris did not specifiy what the current operating loss is.

Ioris said the contract that appearently will be presented for approval by the Council next Monday evening does not change the existing terms of contract. The city will still pay the utilities for the theatre, but no additional funding is being  added nor is WPPAC requesting any.

Ioris said extending the contract for five years instead of the current three year contract enables potential sponsors for the WPPAC to enjoy more of a benefit to sponsoring (funding) theatre operations (4 to 5 years of exposure). Mr. Ioris said the WPPAC is seeking joint sponsors for shows and events as part of programming funding strategies.

Jeremy Quinn, the Producing Artistic Director of the theatre since 2011, told WPCNR, the 2014-2015 season plans to stage 100 to 150 events, “a healthy mix of produced and presentation events.”

He said the programming will  expand to present concerts, cabaret (he is currently beginning negotionas with Below 54 a cabaret production company in New York, comedy (Gilbert Gottfried is coming up_ , in addition to 4 WPPAC produced and directed performances, that he sees being three musicals and one play. He plans a Summer  Theater Festival to be staged by  the Music Conservatory, now in residence at the WPPAC. (Quinn formerly was Artistic Director at the Conservatory). Quinn said there would be a Play Reading Series and a Musicals in Concert Series, and plans two fund-raising galas, in addition to other fund-raising performances.

“Art is not free,” Quinn told me. ”We have to raise the money to buy the art we love.We have gotten the cost of art under control  to where we are much more realistic and affordable (to the public)  All it takes is a commitment of the community to rally around it.”

He pointed to the WPPAC productions of  Cats and Les Miserables, as evidence WPPAC is producing professional entertaining theatre (the show was reviewed very favorably).

Ioris said costs have been trimmed by working out a contract with Actors Equity where WPPAC is only required to have two Actors Equity members in any staged production. He said Mr. Quinn’s contacts in show business have enabled Quinn to attract artists, designers, and production and lighting personnel who are performing services for the White Plains theatre at reduced costs “to where we can produce a show for approximately $75,000.

Quinn said he is concentrating  on producing works that can be staged without great expense. He noted that the attempt to produce a musical for Broadway several years ago by the  original artistic director of the theater (that ran up approximately $400,000 in production costs)  is a burden the WPPAC is still dealing with.

In tax year 2011, the most current filing WPPAC has on file on the Guidestar non-profit organization databank, at the end of 2011, had total revenue of $593,878 (including $478,051 programming revnue) and expenses of $714,850, for a loss of $120,972.

 

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