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. | WHITE PLAINS WESTCHESTER DAILY NEWS SERVICE VISITS SINCE 2000 A.D. 25TH YEARl REPORTING THE NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW News Service Since 2000 A.D. 2026 WILL BE OUR 26TH YEAR OF COVERING WHITE PLAINS NEW YORK USA . John F. Bailey, Editor (914) 997-1607 wpcnr@aol.com Cell: 914-673-4054. News Politics Personalities Neighborhoods Schools Finance Real Estate Commentary Reviews Policy Correspondence Poetry Philosophy Photojournalism Arts. The WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER. TELEVISION: "White Plains Week" News Roundup, 7:30 EDT FRI, 7 EDT MON & the incisive "People to Be Heard" Interview Program 8PM EDT THURS, 7 PM EDT SAT on FIOS CH 45 THROUGHOUT WESTCHESTER AND, ALTICE OPTIMUM WHITE PLAINS CH 1300 Fighting for Truth, Justice and the American Way. TOP 10 VISITORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD :1. USA. 2.BRAZIL3.VIET NAM 4. CHINA 5. JAPAN 6.UK. 7.CANADA. 8.INDIA. 9.AUSTRALIA 10.IRELAND 11.GERMANY 12..ARGENTINA 13.BANGLADESH 14.RUSSIA. 15.NEWZEALAND. 16. FRANCE. 17.MEXICO. 18.UKRAINE. 19.SOUTH AFVRICA. 20. IRAQ.

Cappelli Enterprises Exchanges New Roc for City Center. Hope for Concord

Posted on June 18, 2010 by John Bailey

WPCNR WHITE PLAINS LAW JOURNAL. From Cappelli Enterprises.(Edited) June 18, 2010:

Louis Cappelli and Entertainment Properties Trust, Mr. Cappelli’s partner in the City Center (White Plains) and New Roc (in New Rochelle) and at his Concord property in the Catskills where he is attempting to raise financing have settled their legal dispute of some two years standing.

Pending an official statement from Mr. Cappelli, WPCNR in reviewing the following release from Cappelli Enterprises it appears, in the settlement announced today, Mr. Cappelli assumes exclusive control of City Center in White Plains and Entertainment Properties (of Kansas City) takes over total control over New Roc.

Geoff Thompson, spokesman for Mr. Cappelli notes late Friday evening that “he (Mr. Cappelli) still owns the Marriott Hotel and the Lofts At New Roc and manages the parking garage. His residential properties are not affected by the settlement. EPT is not involved in those.”

Mr. Cappelli has also made a settlement with Entertainment Properties in settlement of a loan he owed Entertainment Properties on the vast Catskill casino-to-be site, ceding a portion of the property to them with an option to purchase it back in a specified period of time, not revealed in the news release. WPCNR observes the affect of this settlement on the Conoord property allows Mr. Cappelli to seek new financing for the project without the Entertainment Properties debt being an obstacle.

The terms effectively end the ongoing disputes. The settlements are:

· Mr. Cappelli’s affiliate, LC New Roc LP, exchanged all of its interest in the entertainment retail center in New Rochelle, New York, for all of EPR’s debt and equity interests in the entertainment retail center in White Plains, New York.

· Mr. Cappelli’s affiliate, Concord Resort LLC, transferred the Concord Resort property (pending the payoff of EPR’s $56.25 million dollar loan with a bank), consisting of approximately 1,500 acres adjacent to the Concord Casino property which a Cappelli affiliate owns or controls, in exchange for the release from its obligations under a Promissory Note, dated August 20, 2008, in the original principal amount of $225.0 million payable to EPR, as amended, with an outstanding balance of $133.1 million.

Additionally, EPR granted an option to an affiliate of Concord Resort LLC to re-acquire the property for a two-year period at a purchase price of $143.0 million, plus accrued interest going forward.

· EPR assigned to Mr. Cappelli’s affiliate, KBC Concord LLC, three additional Cappelli promissory notes with aggregate principal amounts of $30.0 million in exchange for an agreement by KBC to pay EPR up to $15.0 million from 50% of the available cash distributed to KBC from its minority interest in the Concord Casino project. EPR previously recorded a loan loss reserve of $28.0 million for the above-described promissory notes.

· EPR provided a binding commitment to The Union Labor Life Insurance Company to acquire a $30.0 million participation from The Union Labor Life Insurance Company in the first mortgage construction loan for the Concord Casino project, under the proposed Amended and Restated Master Credit Agreement, subject to certain closing conditions, including, but not limited to, a requirement that a major gaming company contribute not less than $100.0 million of equity into the project prior to any disbursements under the loan. EPR’s commitment expires on December 31, 2010.

· EPR paid cash and assumed liabilities totaling $3.7 million for the interests acquired, the acquisition of certain equipment and the payment of certain property obligations.

· EPR and Mr. Cappelli, together with their affiliates, mutually released and settled all claims, obligations and liabilities, including all pending litigation.

Press Barred Contacting City Officials Directly. Must Go Through Press Officer

Posted on June 18, 2010 by John Bailey

WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. By John F. Bailey. June 18,2010:

A new policy in dealing with media inquiries has been issued at city hall, unannounced.

As of today Friday, all media inquiries from any outlet for information and news information from city officials must be directed through the city communications director, Antoinette Biordi.

WPCNR became aware of this policy when I put in a call to Michael Genito, Commissioner of Finance to ask a question on the AIM funding from the state, a $5 Million plus chunk of change that was in the present budget, now winding down. I was told by the person answering my call that from now on all questions for commissioners and officials of any department must be directed to the Communications Director, Ms. Biordi.

Previously in the first five months of the new administration, commissioners Joseph Nicoletti (Public Works), Albert Moroni (Parking), Mr. Genito, Susan Habel (Planning) and Chief of Staff John Callahan have been very accessible during the first five months of the new Bradley administration had been very free and accessible answering timely and returning calls. Now the timely advantage and ability to contact a commissioner directly has been terminated.

WPCNR called Ms. Biordi and asked for details on this new policy and why it was instituted, and for a statement from the Mayor or Mr. Callahan on the reason for the policy. Ms. Biordi issued the following statement:

“It was decided that this is the best and most effective way to answer media inquiries”

Presently all questions WPCNR left with Ms. Biordi yesterday afternoon have not been answered, one of which was since the Common Council has defunded Ms. Biordi’s position as Communications Director, effectively in two weeks is who would be the press contact wrangling the routine daily calls from the news-hungry media, unless there is a plan afoot to retain Ms. Biordi in another capacity by the administration. That question was also asked and Ms. Biordi said she did not know at this time.

During the campaign,the Adam Bradley message has promised an administration of transparency and an open administration.

Jobs continue to Decline in Hudson Valley.

Posted on June 17, 2010 by John Bailey

WPCNR LABOR LETTER. From New York State Department of Labor Analyst Johny Nelson. June 17,1010:

Private sector employment in the Hudson Valley decreased 14,900, or 2.1 percent, to 711,200 for the 12-month period ending May 2010. Employment gains were focused in educational and health services (+2,300).

Meanwhile, the largest job losses were centered in natural resources, mining and construction (-5,900), professional and business services (-3,100), manufacturing (-2,900), trade, transportation and utilities (-2,800), financial activities (-1,000), and information (-900). The government sector shed 2,100 jobs over the year.

The region’s job market continues to offer some hope for local job seekers as private sector employment decelerated by only 2.1 percent for the 12-month period ending in May 2010. This is a significant improvement over May 2009 when the region posted an over-the-year loss of 4.1 percent.

Although improvements are seen throughout most industry sectors, but continued weakness in the construction industry is a concern. Construction is currently the region’s leading industry decliner.

Cohen Opens Fire on Oppenheimer. Chides $9.2 B from Pensions to Balance BUDG

Posted on June 17, 2010 by John Bailey

WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2010 From the Cohen Campaign June 17,1010:

New York State Senate candidate and small business owner Bob Cohen, today condemned Senator Oppenheimer for the failure of the legislature to pass a budget over two and a half months past the deadline. The 2010-11 deadline for adoption was April 1, 2010.

“The fact that the legislature has not yet passed a budget speaks to the height of Albany’s dysfunction,” said Mr. Cohen. “We are quickly approaching the end of the first quarter of the year without a spending plan and no agreement is even in sight. A business could never operate that way and our government shouldn’t either. It’s abhorrent that Senator Oppenheimer and her colleagues have had to pass 11 emergency spending bills and nearly caused a catastrophic shutdown of state government.”

Mr. Cohen also blasted the Senate Majority’s support for the proposal to borrow money in an attempt to reconcile a $9.2 billion deficit.

“Any borrowing plan to plug the deficit is like trying to put a band aid on a gunshot wound,” Mr. Cohen continued. “Kicking the can down the road again just allows legislators to continue spending at rates the state cannot afford, but the bill will eventually come due. We need leaders in Albany who will make the tough choices to put New York back on solid fiscal ground.”

Mr. Cohen, 56, owns and operates a small real estate and construction company in Manhattan and is a 17-year member of the Scarsdale Volunteer Fire Department. He resides in Scarsdale with his wife Barbara. They have three children Adam (25), Jessica (22) and Haley (17).

The 37^th State Senate district includes the towns/villages/cities of Briarcliff Manor, Ossining, Chappaqua, New Castle, North Castle, Port Chester, White Plains, Rye, Rye Brook, Harrison, Mamaroneck, Larchmont, Scarsdale, and New Rochelle.

The incumbent state senator has served 13 terms, and has held public office since 1977.

Commissioner of Public Safety Eulogizes Detective Perry

Posted on June 17, 2010 by John Bailey

WPCNR MILESTONES. June 17,2010:

At the funeral for Detective Michael Perry of the White Plains Police Department, who died Saturday afternoon in the line of duty, Commissioner of Public Safety delivered this eulogy honoring the officer, who died at age 43:

Dear Perry Family,

Theresa, John, David,

Mom-Patricia, Dad-Patrick

Brothers and Sisters

Nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends,

And all of his fellow brothers and Sisters in Law Enforcement

It is indeed my honor to be asked to represent the City of White Plains, and to say a few words about Detective Michael Perry.

First and foremost, I speak for the entire City of White Plains, the Mayor, the Common Council and each and every Department Head and Employee, when I extend to you, our deepest condolences.

Michael Perry is a member of the White Plains family and his presence in the City and in the Police Department was larger than life itself.

Michael personified what a public servant was all about. He wore his uniform with pride, he took his oath to protect and serve seriously, he loved his profession, and above all, at work, he loved his fellow officers and the residents of White Plains.

Anyone who had the opportunity to come in contact with him knew that he was a “rising star” with unlimited potential.

Michael was a man who was always there, always present at a call, always backing up, always the first to “kick in” and contribute to his fellow cops. Always vigilant, always protecting the City and the people he loved. He had a great attitude, a great work ethic and a great smile.

He was the ultimate team player, a VIP or a superstar on a winning team. I guess the best comment I have heard over and over again about Michael, comes from his fellow police officers, each and everyone have said, if I ever needed a backup, Mike would be the guy that I hope would come.”

Words alone can never express just how much he will be missed.

To his sons, John and David,

Always remember your father as a hero, always know that he loved you dearly and shared you in his own special way with us in the police department. He was so very proud of you. Know that you have our commitment as your father’s brothers and sisters in blue, and as your extended police uncles and aunts, that we will always be there for you, we will watch you grow and we will also be proud of you, we will never forget you, and we will never forget your loving father.

To Theresa, his wife, Mom-Patricia, Dad-Patrick, Brothers and sisters and the entire extended Perry family, we thank you for sharing Michael with us. He was truly special. We are forever grateful that he was a part of our lives. When you leave the church today, just take a moment to look at the sea of blue that is standing outside. This is our family, your family, Michael’s family. These officers from all jurisdictions are there for you and are there to honor Michael.

We will miss you Detective Michael Perry, you left us too soon, May you rest in peace, knowing that the White Plains Police Department will watch over your family.

Councilman Roach Endorsed by Working Families, Independence Parties for the 89th

Posted on June 16, 2010 by John Bailey

WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2010.From Tom Roach, White Plains City Councilman. June 16, 2010:

White Plains Common Council President Tom Roach announced today that he has been endorsed by the Independence and Working Families Parties of Westchester County. Roach has also demonstrated his overwhelming support within the Democratic Party as he has been endorsed by six of the eight Democratic committees in the 89^th Assembly District. To date the committees choosing Roach as their candidate are the Bedford, Mount Kisco, New Castle, North Castle, Pound Ridge and White Plains Democratic Committees.

Citing Roach’s effectiveness as a longtime City leader, White Plains Democratic Chair Elizabeth Shollenberger stated, “Tom’s experience in controlling spending, his knowledge of government, together with his record of leadership and standing up to fight for what’s right makes him exactly the type of representative that we need in Albany during these chaotic times.”

Party workers are now working to gather voter signatures on nominating petitions to ensure that Tom Roach appears on the ballot as the candidate of the Democrat, Independence and Working Family Parties.

“I am honored to receive the endorsements of the Independence and Working Families Parties and six Democratic committees in the 89^th Assembly District,” said Roach. “I’ve only been in this race a short time, so to receive their wholehearted support so quickly is a real validation of the work I’ve done in White Plains, and the work I plan to accomplish in Albany. I am thankful for their support and fully committed to this race”

The 89^th Assembly District includes the towns of Bedford, Harrison, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, New Castle, North Castle, Pound Ridge and most of the City of White Plains.

Pirro Represents Retired Police Officers Against City Benefit Premiums Grab

Posted on June 16, 2010 by John Bailey

WPCNR WHITE PLAINS LAW JOURNAL. From The Pirro Group. June 15, 2010:

In a case that could affect municipal employees statewide, 128 retired White Plains Police officers have moved to sue the City of White Plains to block its attempt to force them to pay 15 percent of their health insurance costs.

Albert J. Pirro of the Pirro Group, who is representing the officers pro bono, said that the City of White Plains was violating its municipal code by retroactively requiring these officers to pay the 15 percent by July 10 or face the loss of their health insurance.

On Monday Pirro filed a notice of claim putting the city on notice that he will file for an injunction to block the city from implementing the change on July 1 until the court can rule on the lawsuit.

Pirro said the city was abandoning these officers – many who are now elderly and on fixed incomes – for a very small annual savings at a time when it was granting raises to city commissioners who have personal ties to the mayor. He estimated that the move would save the city only about a $120,000 a year from its $100 million budget.

“These are officers who on a daily basis risked their lives to protect the public for salaries which, at that time, were relatively low,’’ said Pirro. “This was with the anticipation of future security for themselves and their families. Now the city is going back on that promise, a promise that was granted as a part of their collective bargaining agreement and guaranteed by the city’s own laws. To now abandon these public servants for a minuscule sum is disgraceful.’’

At a press conference Tuesday at Pirro’s White Plains office, several retired officers spoke about how the city’s action would affect them.

Joseph Borelli, a former PBA president who retired from the White Plains Police Department in 1985, said that during contract negotiations the city repeatedly received salary concessions from the union by pointing to the fact that the officers would have full health benefits for life.

“I wanted to ask Mayor Bradley and the Common Council, ‘Where were you when we walked the beat on those long midnight hours or in the freezing cold and on holidays protecting our city and, doing our jobs.’ We were promised this, and now they are breaking that promise,’’ said Borrelli.

Pirro said that section 2-5-54 of the city’s Municipal Code guarantees retirees their pensions and any benefits that were in force as part of their collective bargaining agreements. The case could have implications for Westchester County’s more than 40 municipalities, as well as, municipalities statewide, he said. “If the City of White Plains is successful, it will set a precedent that would embolden other municipalities across the state to take similar actions against their retiree’s health benefits. Clearly, the outcome of this case has implications that carry far beyond the boundaries of White Plains.’’

Pirro said that a website – www.honoryourpromise.com – would go live in the next week to keep the public and parties to the lawsuit up to date on the latest developments.

Approximately 800 city employees were notified by the city on June 3 of the change in policy. For many, it was the first that they learned of the city’s May 24^th decision to require the 15 percent contribution, giving them a little time to adjust to this substantial personal financial impact. The change would require them to pay up to $2,395 a year toward their health insurance costs.

Officer Perry Promoted to Detective Posthumously

Posted on June 14, 2010 by John Bailey

WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. From The Mayor’s Office. June 14, 2010:

White Plains Mayor Adam Bradley and Public Safety Commissioner David Chong announce the posthumous promotion of Michael Perry to the rank of Police Detective. Perry died in the line of duty on Saturday June 12, 2010 while processing an arrest at White Plains Police Department. He served the City of White Plains for 7 and ½ years and was highly regarded in the Department.

Public Safety Commissioner David Chong says, “The Detective’s badge is one of the most recognized and coveted honors in Law Enforcement. It is typically rewarded to an outstanding officer who has displayed commitment, perseverance, and dedication over a period of time.” All of these qualities exemplify Detective Michael Perry. He will forever be known as Detective in the history of this Department.

Mayor Adam Bradley who made the official announcement at the city’s Flag Day Ceremony today says, “Detective Perry put his life on the line for the safety of our residents, now it’s time for us to make sure he is recognized for his time and service. He will be fondly remembered as a hero and referred to as Detective Michael Perry from this point forward.”

Funeral Arrangements for Detective Michael Perry:

WAKE:

Clark Funeral Home

2104 Saw Mill River Road (Route 118)

Yorktown Heights, New York 10598

(914) 962-3333

Tuesday June 15, 2010

2PM – 4PM – Family & Friends

7PM – 9PM – Family & Friends

8PM – Police Line-up

SERVICE: Wednesday June 16, 2010 – 10AM (sharp)

Saint Patrick’s Church

137 Moseman Road

Yorktown Heights, NY

BURIAL: (Immediately following Service)

Hillside Cemetery

1033 Oregon Road

Cortlandt Manor, NY

(914) 737-2929

Eleanor McDonald, Long Member of the Budget & Advisory Committee, Dies.

Posted on June 14, 2010 by John Bailey

WPCNR MILESTONES. From Brian Maloney. June 14, 2010:

Brian Maloney of the Republican City Committee advised WPCNR of the death Saturday of Eleanor McDonald, 71, of White Plains, longtime member of the White Plains Mayor’s Budget and Advisory Committee.

Eleanor McDonald,2008,

at a Budget & Management Committee Meeting. WPCNR News Archive.

She died, according to her obituary, after a brief illness. She was the first woman Comptroller of Greenburgh, appointed in1988,and in 1992, became the first woman Comptroller of the Town of Harrison. She was White Plains leader of the Conservative Party. She was an active parishioner of Our Lady of Sorrows for 30 years.

Services will beheld at Our Lady of Sorrows Tuesday at 11 A.M.

Despite Sunny May, City Sales Tax Sluggish. County Up 2.5% in 5 Months.

Posted on June 14, 2010 by John Bailey

WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. From NYS Department of Taxation & Finance. June 14, 2010 UPDATED 12:15 P.M. :

Susan Burns of the State Department of Taxation & Finance reports White Plains Sales Tax declined ¾ of a percent year to year in May.

Westchester County has been consistently up in sales tax receipts the first five months of the fiscal year, but not by much only 2.5%. The first five months of 2010 have seen the county draw down $14.2 Millon more sales tax than the first five months of 2009, $171.8 (rounded to nearest $100,000) Million against $167.6 Million last year.

The county pace as of the end of May, projects the county to hit $425 Million in sales tax for 2010 — $10 Million ahead of the 2009 pace, still substantially off the $462 Million the county received in sales tax in 2008.

The $425 Million projection for the county is based on the present pace of sales in the county is at 2005 levels,when the county tallied $415 Million in sales taxes.

With one month left in the city fiscal year 09-10, the city stands at $39,460,140 in the till. They had budgeted for $47.3 Million. Should the city continue at the present pace in June, they will tally $3,883,546 in sales tax in June, for a total of $43,343,686, meeting Commissioner of Finance Michael Genito’s projection of several months ago, a $4 Million deficit from what was projected for the 2009-10 budget by the previous administration ($47.3 Million.

In May, the city is reported to have received $3,295,841.08 compared to $3,319,821.21 in 2009 in the depths of last spring’s recession, a year-to-year decline of .72% Westchester County as a whole was 1.24% ahead of the May 2009 pace, generating$600,000 more sales tax than last year.