Governor’s Econ. Development Council Awards $67 M to County: Castelli

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WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From Assemblyman Robert Castelli’s Office (A.D. District 89) December 8, 2011:


Assemblyman Robert J. Castelli (R, C – Goldens Bridge) reports Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that $67 million in funding has been awarded to the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council, continuing an effort to redesign the way state government works in order to drive economic growth and create jobs.


            Castelli called the $67 million funding award the capstone of a historic week in Albany, with yesterday’s passage of a tax reform deal. “Westchester County families, seniors and businesses have been hit hard by the state’s high taxes like the MTA payroll tax, which has stifled economic growth and eroded jobs throughout the lower Hudson Valley. While the legislation we passed is far from perfect, I am confident that by reducing the job-killing MTA payroll tax’s impact on Westchester County job creators and by reforming the state’s tax code, our state’s economy can begin to get back on track,” he said.


            “To further help promote economic growth, today’s funding awards will help rebuild our region’s decaying infrastructure and invest in high-tech job creation and education,” Castelli said. “Coupled with yesterday’s tax cuts, lawmakers have taken an important step to revitalizing New York’s economy. Now the Legislature must continue to work together to provide relief from unfunded mandates and reduce state spending in order to ensure that these investments are not undone by Albany’s tax-and-spend culture.”


A breakdown of some of the awards to the Mid-Hudson region follows:


 


Strategy for Investment in Region Resources and Emerging Bio-Tech Sector



The Mid-Hudson strategic plan was designed to take advantage of the region’s location and resources. The Mid-Hudson Region contains a diverse mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas, a full spectrum of businesses, local colleges and universities; a highly diversified and educated workforce; and proximity to New York City.



Biotech Incubator Center for Advanced Research at New York Medical College


$4 million will develop the New York Medical College’s Biotech Incubator Center for Advanced Research in Westchester County. This project, that Assemblyman Castelli worked on along with Assemblyman Steve Katz (R, I – Mohegan Lake), is part of a public-private effort to enhance job growth in the biotech sector and to enhance preparedness against chemical and biologic threats. This project will stimulate partnerships among scores of biotech companies not only in the Mid-Hudson Region, but also in Rochester, the Capital District and the SUNY academic centers.



Affordable Housing



More than $30 million will go toward the development of affordable housing and to community revitalization throughout the region, including $400,000 for construction of 10 single-family townhouse at Cockren Commons in the Hamlet of Armonk within the town of North Castle.



Industrial Development



More than $8 million will be invested in local manufacturing firms, including $5 million for San-Mar Manufacturing to upgrade its facility to develop the regulatory infrastructure requirements set by the FDA. An additional $950,000 will go to Silarx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to expand a manufacturing facility for quality generic liquid pharmaceutical products.  


Infrastructure Investments



Over $3 million will go toward critical infrastructure investments for local municipalities.


Announced in July, the Regional Councils represent a fundamental shift in the state’s approach to economic development from a top-down development model to a community-based, performance driven approach which empowers individual areas to develop comprehensive strategic plans that invest in regional solutions to create jobs and economic growth. As part of the Regional Council process, a Strategic Plan Review Committee had analyzed and ranked the strategic plans for each region competing for specially targeted economic development funding.


“Regional collaborations and planning is a roadmap to get New Yorkers back to work,” Governor Cuomo said. “The plans submitted by all ten regions were truly extraordinary. For the first time, we are putting the power of the State Government behind the innovation of our people, giving them the tools to rebuild our economy.”


“The Mid-Hudson Regional Council’s plan tapped into our region’s assets, its scenic beauty, highly educated workforce, and close proximity to New York City, which makes it the integral link between upstate and downstate,” Castelli said. “This plan will generate high tech jobs, revitalize our infrastructure, like the Tappan Zee Bridge, and continue Westchester and the region’s role as the economic engine of New York State.”


The plans are the result of months of consideration by the Regional Councils and input from the public in each region. The process included holding over 100 public meetings, forums and community workshops across the State. Thousands of New Yorkers contributed to the development of the plans through these events.


In addition to the strategic planning grants made available through the Regional Council initiative, a Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) was created to give businesses and other entities streamlined and expedited access to economic development funding from nine state agencies and 29 existing programs.


 

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$100M Typo in Astorino Budget Release — Or a Clever Built-in Surplus?

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WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. By John F. Bailey. December 8,2011:


As the County Board of Legislators prepares to restore jobs and programs to the county budget proposed by County Executive Rob Astorino, in a Legislators meeting at 1 P.M. today, it has come to light that the original Astorino news release on his budget projected a sales tax revenue of $364 Million in 2012, however, Astorino’s actually proposed budget projects the sales tax figure of $464.8 Million — a $100 Million difference 


This would of course, if Astorino job cuts and program cuts were passed as is in the 2012 budget,  build in a hefty surplus in the 2012 budget for Mr. Astorino to point to in his reelection bid– perhaps even promise a tax cut in his 2012 reelection bid.


In the county press release distributed on the 2012 budget the figure was $100 Million less. WPCNR queried this at the time with the Westchester County Department of Media Relations, noting that the sales tax had already hit $364 Million through October. WPCNR was told by a press spokesperson that the County Executive was being conservative.   Note the original press release:


http://www3.westchestergov.com/news/3102-astorino-proposes-2012-budget-with-zero-increase-in-county-tax-levy


The $464.8 Million Sales Tax projection  in the County Executive’s proposed 2012 budget may be found at


http://www3.westchestergov.com/images/stories/budget/2012/2012ProposedOperating_SectionB.pdf 


WPCNR pointed out previously that the $364 Million sales tax projection was way low considering that even if the county sales tax revenue was the same as last year’s November and December figures they would hit $450 Million. Instead, the Astorino budget for sales tax actually exceeds WPCNR’s “conservative” prediction.


 

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After 6 Years of Planning, DEC Says Approval for Gedney Dump Closure in Sight

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WPCNR GREEN NEWS. December 7, 2011:


The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation today issued a statement to the CitizeNetReporter to the effect that the agency will approve a closure plan for the contaminated city dump, under review by the DEC for the last six years will be approved by the end of the month. The statement from the DEC press office today:


“The Department is performing a technical review of the final draft of the Landfill Closure Plan for the Gedney Way Leaf and Yard Waste Compost Facility (Gedney Way Landfill).  The Plan provides the detailed design information for the closure of the landfill under the state’s Part 360 Solid Waste regulations.  


Formal approval of the plan has not yet been conveyed to the City of White Plains,  but it is the department’s expectation that the Closure Plan can be approved by the end of the calendar year. 

 

After approval, the City can then proceed to procure consultant and contractual services to perform the work outlined in the plan.  “

 

Previously, Commissioner of Public Works for the City of White Plains, Joseph Nicoletti has said that he would not put the closure plan out for bid until after the DEC had signed off on the closure plan.

 

The clean-up and closure procedure, necessitated by the contaminants of TCE within the landfill is expected to cost the city approximately $10 Million.

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70 Years of Infamy. Pearl Harbor

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Out of the Sun


 



The Arizona engulfed December 7, 1941 Pearl Harbor


 


Out of the sun on the quiet Sunday they came


Birds of death blazened with red suns raining fiery havoc on Battleship Row.


One by one, ruthless planes dove, destroyed to their nation’s shame.


Thunderous explosions scattered fiery death on Sunday dawn’s glow.


 


Flames belched from bowels of stricken Arizona, America’s pride,


On Hicham Field pilots raced to planes to defend


As their birds were crippled on ground by Zeros’ glide


Gunners in turrets on ships floundering filled skies with flack’s din.


 


In search of carriers, marauders could not find


Ruthlessly strafed and bombed leaving Pearl


In smoking ruin. Ships sunk, burning as raiders flew into the Sun


The day of infamy had been ignited in the Zeros’ swirl.


 



The Attack Begins 8 AM December 7, 1941


 


As America listened a world away,  somber FDR


Spoke of  this day that will live in infamy.


America must never forget that  Pearl Harbor Scar


When an unsuspecting America slept in complacency.


 


To the 2,403 perishing that day under merciless bombs


Hails of bullets,  terror of torpedos out of nowhere


America must remember forces against our freedoms


Relentlessly work always to surprise with deadly bombs’ glare.


 


Vigilence is the price of freedom always to be defended


Against those who would destroy our republic from within


By dark forces in far off places we have offended.


The answer is not curtailing freedom at home rather it to champion.


 


The USS Arizona lies in Pearl’s waters, bleeding the lives


Of her men through the eerie eternal slick marking the rusting hulk.


Beneath Pearl’s waters, the blood of free people oozes from the shadowy bulk,


Bleeding forever, freedom’s spirit living eternally in lost lives remembered.


 


She never rests.


 


 



Note: The Pearl Harbor attack which took place 69 years ago today and its aftermath is dramatically depicted at http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/events/wwii-pac/pearlhbr/pearlhbr.htm

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Central Ave Spa Robbery Suspect Apprehended, Charged

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WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. From the White Plains Department of Public Safety. December 6, 2011:


On November 11  at approx 1837 hrs, a male black subject entered the Bluebay Spa, located at 239 Central Avenue 3rd floor, brandished what appeared to be a handgun and demanded cash from the owner.


The victim turned over approximately $800 in cash and the unknown gunman fled on foot in an unknown direction.


During the subsequent investigation, Detectives were, with the assistance of NYPD Detectives from the 112 Precinct, able to positively identify


Andrew Tate, 9/9/81 of 66-23 Austin St #2C of Queens, NY as the subject responsible for the Bluebay Spa robbery. Tate was subsequently arrested and charged with Robbery in the First degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon.

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CSEA VP Reads Off Alleged Astorino Patronage Appointments, Protesting C.E. Cuts

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. SPECIAL TO WPCNR FROM WESTCHESTER COUNTY ROVING CORRESPONDENT NANCY KING.  DECEMBER 6, 2011: 


Some 500 CSEA union members descended on the Michaelian Building this evening for the last County Legislature hearing on County Executive Rob Astorino’s proposed 2012 budget. Ms. King reports the hearing was “a circus,” highlighted by a CSEA official reading off the names of alleged Astorino political hires over the last two years as a way of  protesting the over 100 layoffs of union employees that Astorino has proposed in his $1.7 Billion budget. 


King reports that the legislators have already restored a number of job cuts but does not specifics yet.


More detailed report from Ms. King later on WPCNR.

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City Honors 25-year Employees of the City

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WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. December 6, 2011:


The city took the time Monday evening to honor employees of the city, employed for 25 years..


They are:


City of White Plains


25 Year Service Award Recipients


City Clerk


Elisa Parisi Principle Clerk


Finance Department


Carol Endres Deputy Commissioner


Housing Authority


Edward Robinson Maintenance Mechanic


Parking Department


Patricia Colucci Account Clerk


Planning Department


Susan Habel Commissioner


Department of Public Safety


Kevin Heffernan Fire Lieutenant


Lawrence Toglia Fire Lieutenant


Margaret Motts Police Officer


Joseph Palmiotto Police Officer


Kenneth Smith Police Officer


Department of Public Works


Joseph Nicoletti, Jr. Commissioner


John DiPilato Street Lighter


Thomas Amadeo, Jr . Assistant Engineer


Harry Bozier Skilled Laborer

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Great Gift Idea! City Creates Off-Peak Parking Pass for Residents for Garages

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WPCNR THE PARKING NEWS. December 6, 2011:


The Common Council Monday night created the first parking relief  for long-suffering White Plains residents in years at the mercy of White Plains crack team of vigilant White Plains Parking Enforcement Officers.


They voted to create the Residential Off-Peak Parking Permit that enables residents of the city to park in city municipal garages free from 6 PM to 12 midnight Monday through Friday; on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 A.M. to 12 Midnight. The fee for the permit is $75 per vechicle and may be used in all city garages, except the City Center garage.


The Off-Peak Permit holders may only park in spaces marked “Permit-Only,” except in the Library Garage


The garages free with the permit evenings are Chester-Maple, Hamilton-Main, Lexington-Grove East and West, Longview-Cromwell, Trans Center  and the White Plains Library Garage.


Mayor Thomas Roach issued this statement: “This new permit is designed to give our residents more affordable parking options within their own city, By significantly reducing the price of parking, we are encouraging residents to patronize the businesses, restaurants and theaters in our downtown. We believe this will have a positive impact on our local economy as well.”


Proof  oF residence, proof of vechicle registration is required to purchase a ROPPP (RESIDENTIAL OFF PEAK PARKING PERMIT).


They are available at city parking offices at Chester-Maple Garage; Hamilton-Main Garage, Lexington-Grove-West and East Garages,


 

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Mayor Introduces Lights Eternal Holiday Tree to White Plains

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WPCNR PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE DAY. From the WPCNR ROVING PHOTOGRAPHER STEPHEN SISLER. December 5, 2011:


Mayor Tom Roach and his Family and Assemblyman Robert Castelli switched on the city holiday season Sunday afternoon by introducing  and lighting a living holiday tree that will grow and be lit for many holidays to come. A festive community crowd in Tibbetts Park enjoyed songs, refreshments and the incandescent magic of the holidays.



Multitudes bask in White Plains Living Holiday Tree.


 



Mayor Roach Arrives with Santa for the Sunday afternoon ceremony.



Mayor Roach is joined by Assemblyman Robert Castelli, second from left and Mr. Roach’s family for the official beginning of the White Plains Holiday Season.



Mayor Roach and his Family Light up White Plains. turning on the living tree below.



White Plains Living Holiday Tree


(All Photos by Stephen Sisler)


 


 

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Ohio Wesleyan Wins Division III NCAA Soccer Championship in San Antone

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WPCNR VIEW FROM THE UPPER DECK.  Reprinted from editions of the San Antonio Express and Grand Rapids Press.  December 4, 2011:



The Ohio Wesleyan Battling Bishops (The CitizeNetReporter‘s alma mater)  helped their coach, Jay Martin, notch a spot in NCAA men’s soccer history Saturday night at Blossom Soccer Stadium in San Antonio after capturing the NCAA Division III men’s championship with a 2-1 victory over the Calvin College (Michigan) Knights.



2011 NCAA DIVISION III SOCCER CHAMPIONS, OHIO WESLEYAN UNVERSITY. (From the Ohio Wesleyan website).


Martin became the winningest coach in men’s college soccer history — in all divisions — with 608 career victories. He tied the record Friday in the semifinals as Ohio Wesleyan (22-2-0) defeated Montclair State 4-0. Martin, in his 35th season, led Ohio Wesleyan to its fourth NCAA final and to the national crown in 1998.


“I guess this means something to me, nobody else has done,” Martin said. “But, right now, I am just so happy for my team.”
Read more: http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/article/Ohio-Wesleyan-s-title-has-historic-touch-2342778.php#ixzz1fcGam6GC


Ohio Wesleyan largely controlled play in the first half. The Battling Bishops had multiple scoring chances, but were turned away by Calvin’s defense.

Zach Willis was a sparkplug for the Calvin Knights on offense, utilizing his speed to create scoring chances, but none materialized.

Just as Calvin appeared to be gaining an advantage, Ohio Wesleyan broke through at the 38:25 mark of the first half when Travis Wall knocked home a shot after a good ball in from the corner from Paolo Bucci.

Just two minutes later, Bucci gave Ohio Wesleyan all the scoring it would need on an unassisted goal.


Calvin attacked furiously throughout the second half but the Bishops stood firm, to win Coach Martin’s second national crown.

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