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WPCNR SEAT-ON-THE- DAIS. June 10, 2008: The New York State Softball Officials — the men and women in blue who make the calls (without instant replay) experts in evaluating sportsmanship — honored White Plains High School softball player Sandra Mastrangelo, with their Softball Officials’ Sportsmanship Award, presenting Ms. Mastrangelo with a plaque saluting her “for her team spirit, good will and sportsmanship as a player on the White Plains High School Varsity Softball Team in 2008.”
Jack Lim, “The Man in Blue” (with microphone), former President of the NYSSO Hudson Valley Chapter, and Rita Marsella, far left, Board Examiner, reads the Sportsmanship Plaque presented to Sandra Mastrangelo ,at the high school spring sports awards dinner last week. Softball Coach Ted O’Donnell looks on with pride. Photo Courtesy, the Flooks Family.
Rita Marsella, congratulates Sandra onher award, as Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors and Board of Education member Terrence McGuire look on approvingly.
Mr. Lim, in a letter to White Plains High School Athletic Director Nick Panaro, wrote of Sandra’s play, explained the award is given annnually to a varsithy softball player in Section 1 who displays “team spirit, good will and sportsmanship.” He writes, “Sandra’s concern for her teammates, opposing softball players and her unselfish attitude demonstrates everything that is good in today’s teenagers. This twelth grader is a role model of whom we can all be proud. She is a gifted athlete and a bright young lady.
Ms. Mastrangelo was awarded a four year “full ride” Scholarship to Brown University where she will be attending in the fall. She will also continue her softball career there.
WPCNR WEST SIDE STORY. June 16, 2008: City Hall reported Friday that the White Plains Kensington LLC senior assisted living complex planned for Maple Avenue adjacent to the White Plains Hospital Center Dickstein Cancer complex is expected to break ground July 2, “as soon as the parking garage is completed,” according to city hall spokesperson Melissa Lopez. The parking garage is shown rising below. the assisted living complex is expected to be built in front of the garage.
White Plains Kensington LLC parking garage, approximately 700 spaces, which will be shared by White Plains Hospital Medical Center nears completion on Maple Avenue.
WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. June 14, 2008: Governor David Patterson, New York’s First African-American Governor drew applause and congratulations from citizens lining Mamaroneck Avenue from one end of the thorofare to the other today as he lead the White Plains Juneteenth Parade. Walking side by side with Mayor Joseph Delfino, Governor Patterson often stopped to shake hands with sidewalk viewers of all ages and nationalities.
Left to Right Celebrating Juneteenth today: County Legislator Bill Ryan, County Executive Andrew Spano, Mayor Joseph Delfino of White Plains, Governor David Patterson of the State of New York, Representative Nita Lowey and State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins.
Citizens turned out in large numbers, larger than St. Patrick’s Day Parades and they waited patiently in the sweltering 85 degree humidity to welcome the Governor. In an unexpected address on the steps of City Hall, Governor Patterson noted that the hills around Silver Lake in White Plains was one of the first places freed slaves dwelt. He also lauded Mayor Joseph Delfino for the Mayor’s reviving White Plains through development and invited the Mayor to come to Albany and serve on a committee to advise other communities and the state in what to do to get communities back on track.
Governor Patterson ( with State Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins, right) stopped to shake hands of many who came out to see him
Governor Patterson stirred the crowd with a short, strong speech without notes, pointing out that Juneteenth, a celebration of the freeing of the slaves during the Civil War, was more than just that, saying it was a day to celebrate “victories.” He noted that 2/3 of the children around the world are still in pursuit of their heritage and freedom, but that Juneteenth was “a day to celebrate our victories.” He recalled that Senator Robert Kennedy said in 1966 when asked when America might elect a black man President, said “in about 40 years.” Patterson noted that now, just 42 years later, that could happen. The Governor reflected that “an African-American man could be elected President, and what it can mean to so many young people.” He said one day a Hispanic could be elected Senator, or even a Republican could be elected Governor (making a well-received aside that drew many laughts) and that might be possible if Mayor Delfino ran for Governor.
Crowd Applauds Patterson’s Speech. Throng lined both sides of Main Street about 10 persons deep to hear Mr. Patterson.
He said the real significance of celebrating Juneteenth, was it represented not just “the achievements of any one group, but the height of what any person can do of importance in their life.”
In a brief meeting with reporters after his speech in the rotundra of City Hall, Governor Patterson said his reception was very meaningful and he took very seriously the obligation to live up to the faith the people have placed in him. He said he expected to resolve the OTB closing crisis in New York amicably with New York City to the satisfaction of both state and city.. The Governor also said when asked by WPCNR if he was personally going to review the Tappan Zee Bridge replacement decision said “Yes,” he would without elaborating.
Mayor Delfino bids Governor Patterson a handshake as the Governor left City Hall. Mayor Delfino, in introducting the Governor said Juneteenth was “the happiest of days” because it celebrates “the dignity and potential of all human beings.”
WPCNR Homeland Security News. June 13, 2008: The unfolding flood disaster in the Middle West is being responded to more quickly by the federal government. Here is an update of Federal Emergency Management Agency efforts now underway, taken from the Department of Homeland Security website:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to support the states impacted by tornados and floods.
In each case, state and local resources are addressing the most immediate needs as federal resources support their efforts. FEMA is coordinating activities in Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, and Kansas.
FEMA Administrator David Paulison noted these activities are an example of the New FEMA’s commitment to “Engaged Partnerships” between federal, state and local governments, volunteer organizations and the private sector. “I have reached out to governors and local leaders to make sure we are responding to them quickly and efficiently. I am personally visiting some of the affected areas to make sure they are getting the support they need,” said Paulison. Paulison was in Iowa this morning with Governor Culver, Office of Management and Budget Director Jim Nussle, Acting Small Business Administrator Jovita Carranza and members of the Iowa Congressional delegation. Paulison also will travel to Indiana and Wisconsin.
To date, federal representatives from the affected regions and across the nation have responded to deliver immediate aid and coordination efforts under the combined federal response led by FEMA. The American Red Cross is also deploying disaster assessment teams to flooded areas.
Specifically, efforts undertaken include:
In Iowa, FEMA and partners are providing for more than 4,000 evacuees in the Cedar Rapids area. The American Red Cross (ARC) opened 10 shelters which served 461 residents last night. More than 6,000 meals have been served, with more than 115,000 meals on-hand. FEMA has provided six truckloads of water, has 20 truckloads on-hand and an additional 10 en route to affected areas. Altogether, more than 738,000 liters will be delivered. Three trucks of meals (MREs) are also on the way to supplement current supplies. Through contracts with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), FEMA can provide additional water and meals as necessary. FEMA has 20 teams standing by to conduct Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs). FEMA is coordinating the efforts of a housing assistance task force to review emergency housing needs and available housing alternatives.
In Indiana, FEMA continues to coordinate the federal response to earlier flooding. The federal disaster declaration for Indiana has been amended to extend the incident period for damages to May 30 and expanded to include assistance for individuals and households in additional affected communities. The first Mobile Disaster Recovery Center opened this morning and residents are encouraged to register for assistance. FEMA is delivering over 100,000 liters of water to support the towns of Linton and Vincennes. Three USACE flood fighting teams are actively engaged in assessing levee/dam conditions. The ARC also continues to provide shelter, meals and snacks to the displaced populations in the state.
In Wisconsin, PDA’s are already underway. The state is also under a flood watch and additional flooding is possible. National Guard engineers continue to provide engineering expertise to other officials through aerial and ground assessments. The Guard completed delivery of 20,000 sandbags to Dodge County, and delivered 10,000 sandbags to Mukwonago.
In Kansas, Rapid Needs Assessments are underway or completed in communities hit by tornadoes in recent days. Most response activities are being conducted at the local and state level, though federal resources have been prepositioned to meet any request for assistance.
In Illinois, planning is being conducted in anticipation of flooding that may occur along the Mississippi River as waters from states already impacted flow through the state.
In Minnesota, PDA’s are underway in conjunction with state and local authorities following earlier flooding.
Federal agencies have responded in a coordinated fashion:
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working with state and local authorities to coordinate flood-fighting activities in Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, as well as Kansas, and Minnesota. A total of 1,816,700 sandbags and 82 pumps have been issued to support state requests for assistance. Currently, there are 151 employees are directly involved with flood fight efforts. The Corps is providing technical assistance for dam inspections, debris, and housing. In addition, the Corps is working with local and state officials in Iowa to provide temporary power to critical public facilities and to plan for commodity ordering, delivery and distribution. The Corps is monitoring river conditions in the affected area. Currently, seven locks and dams along the Upper Mississippi River have closed or will close in the near future, severely affecting navigation. With many rivers not expected to crest until tomorrow or later, the Corps anticipates more levee and dam over toppings and breaches.
The Department of Defense’s U.S. Northern Command has deployed a Defense Coordinating Officer and a Defense Coordinating Element to assess the impact of the flood conditions and to identify assets that could be used in mitigating the effects of that flooding. The Department of Defense anticipates additional support based on current and future weather predications, and is standing by to assist in local and state response efforts.
The American Red Cross is sheltering and feeding those impacted by the recent severe weather. The ARC has deployed 58 emergency response vehicles to support these activities. Through the “Safe and Well” Web site, accessible through RedCross.org, the Red Cross provides an easy way to assist people in locating loved ones who evacuate their homes or communities.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is surveying the interstate highways, bridges and other roads impacted by the storms. Five rail bridges have been identified as being damaged and one airport closed in Wisconsin due to flooding. A section of interstate highway between Chicago and Minneapolis/St. Paul is currently closed. Rail service may also be affected.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is providing forecast information and reviews and comparisons involving previous storms. NOAA aircraft, satellites and survey vessels on the great lakes are also supporting these activities. NOAA has personnel on the ground in key state locations to provide immediate forecast information and to support local actions.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has deployed seven Regional Emergency Coordinators to support initial and ongoing health needs assessments. The National Disaster Medical System Office has pre-identified teams that are on stand-by to deploy if the states request assistance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided approximately 10,000 does of tetanus vaccine to the Indiana. The CDC’s Emergency Communication System has reached out to senior public affairs and communication specialists in affected areas to provide a list of key public health information and messages related to floods and power outages.
The U.S. Geological Survey is using equipment to monitor flood levels. Of note, they are installing streamgages in the Cedar Rapids area in order to track water levels along the river.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has sent staff to the Duane Arnold nuclear power plant in Iowa and to the Kansas State University research reactor to ensure both facilities respond properly to the effects of recent storms and flooding.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a consumer alert to the affected region on keeping food safe during an emergency and issued a notice to field offices yesterday extending crop reporting dates and other extensions due in part to the Midwest flooding.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is staging resources and personnel and making full preparations for cleanup when the flooding abates. EPA will then work with its federal, state and local partners to ensure household and hazardous waste cleanup and assessment of possible impacts on drinking water and sewage treatment facilities.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is assisting state and local agencies in the performance of law enforcement functions within the affected areas. The FBI is also coordinating with the command post set up by the state and local agencies in terms of where they need assistance.
FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
WPCNR’S THE REAL DEAL By The Wedding Jeannie, Jeannie Uyanik of Cap and Gown Weddings, New York, June 14, 2008: When inviting friends and family to share in a special celebration or occasion, should it involve travel on the guests’ part, even in the age of priceline.com and thousands of miles and points, there are a few rules that every host should follow. This column explores how to arrange travel to an event for out of town guests, and provides two suggested itineraries of things to do between when they arrive and “the event!”
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No matter how lavish or how small the event, if you have more than 10 people coming in from out of town, it’s important to make sure that there is space for them to stay.Take the time to check out hotels (and the actual rooms) in close proximity to the location of the party.Set up an official block or group rate with the group sales team and notify guests about the rate.
Most importantly, boldly point out if there is an expiration of that rate (this is crucial because the majority of rates expire the month before the check in date and most guests call in the month before an event).Ideally, it’s always prudent to arrange two levels of hotels should the number of guest coming warrant it.Ideally, the differential between the two hotels should be $80-100 per night per room to allow for a wide range of guests to feel that their needs have been met.
If you have the means, arrange for a lovely welcome basket or at the very least, a check in letter.You can get as creative as you would like with the welcome letter and it’s a wonderful opportunity to help guests find their way around or give them a breakdown of the weekend’s festivities.Here are two examples of New York City welcome letters that used completely different styles.
Three proposed itineraries to enjoy your time in the city.
1)History and Home Cooking in Harlem
Harlem’s re-renaissance is in full swing and just waiting to be explored.Head up to 125th Street and explore Harlem past and present.Stop in at the StudioMuseum (144 W 125th Street), see the historic Apollo Theater or support local designers by stopping by the Brownstone at 2032 Fifth Avenue (at 125th Street).If you’re an architecture buff, don’t miss the beautifully restored row houses of Strivers Row (138th – 139th Street at Frederick Douglass Boulevard).Be sure to work-up an appetite before heading over to Amy Ruth’s for some authentic down-home cooking – try the deep fried okra and the Red Velvet cake! If you’re looking to stock your wine cellar, then be sure to visit Harlem Vintage at 2235 Frederick Douglass Boulevard (at 121st St.) say hello to owners Eric and Jai Jai while you’re there and enjoy a free tasting.
2)Boats, Bridges and the City’s Best Pizza in Brooklyn
Manhattan’s true beauty is best enjoyed from the water, so hop on the New York Water Taxi and enjoy the view (check web-site for times and locations).While you’re at it, take the taxi to the Fulton Ferry Landing in Brooklyn and head a short distance up Fulton Street to number 19 and visit Grimaldi’s Pizza.For six years running, Grimaldi’s has been voted the best pizza in New York City.There’s usually a line, but don’t worry it moves quickly and we can attest that it is worth the wait!If you have room for dessert head back to the water to the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory and enjoy award winning ice creams.Wear-off your lunch and enjoy Manhattan from above the water – walk back over the BrooklynBridge.Follow the signs to the footpath and your efforts will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the best city in the world.
It’s no secret that Central Park is the jewel of New York City.The 843 acre park provides endless opportunities to enjoy a perfect day.We suggest starting your day with a hearty brunch at the brasserie Rue 57 (6th Avenue and 57th Street) and then head three blocks up 6th Avenue to Central Park.While in the Park, stop by the Loeb Boat House where you can rent a boat and have a casual ride around the lake, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, sign-up for one of their 3 hour bike tours of the park.If you just want to relax, then hail a horse and carriage on Central Park South and enjoy a leisurely ride through the park.
The second letter is an example of how you can fill your guest’s days with multiple activities.
Welcome to New York City!We are honored that you have come from near and far to help us celebrate our very special day, and we have provided some goodies to make your trip away from home more enjoyable (including freshly- picked Empire apples from Dr. Davies’ Farm in the great State of New York!).
In addition, here are some of our favorite places to eat, see and explore while in NYC:
PLACES TO EAT:
Sarge’s Deli – Traditional NYC Deli
548 Third Avenue, between 36th Street and 37th Street.(212) 679-0442.
Wu Liang Ye – Chinese
36 West 48th Street, between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue.(212) 534-8899
Yama 49 – Japanese/Sushi
308 East 49th Street at 2nd Avenue.(212) 475-0969
Piccolo Angolo – Italian
621 Hudson Street at Jane Street.(212) 229-9177
Sarabeth’s – The “ladies who lunch” crowd
40 Central Park South, between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue.(212) 826-5959
Serendipity 3 – The famous frozen hot chocolate place
225 East 60th Street, between 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue.(212) 838-3531
Dylan’s CandyBar – A sweet-lovers dream!
1011 3rd Avenue, at 60th Street.(646) 735-0078
PLACES TO SEE:
MetropolitanMuseum of Art
Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street
Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)
11 West 53rd Street, between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
The Frick Collection
1 East 70th Street at 5th Avenue
WhitneyMuseum of American Art
945 Madison Avenue at 75th Street
New YorkBotanical Garden
Take Metro North railroad from Grand Central to the Botanical Gardens stop, about a 20 minute ride.The gardens are beautiful, and the Chihuly exhibit (closes October 29th) is lovely.
SHOPPING!
Fancy Schmancy
Walk west from the hotel to Madison Avenue or 5th Avenue and head uptown.Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel, Barney’s New York, Cartier, Tiffany, Hermes, Jimmy Choo and any other high-end shop you can imagine are all along this route.
Downtown Chic
Head downtown to Soho or Nolita for great boutiques and fun cafes.Good places to eat in the area include Balthazar, Café Habana, Blue Ribbon, Ideya and Café Colonial.
WestVillage Cool
The WestVillage is filled with cute boutiques and charming, tree-lined streets.Stop in at the Marc Jacobs store on Bleecker to view some of Monica’s favorite handbags, and don’t forget to pop into Magnolia Bakery for one of their famous cupcakes!The wine bar at Paris Commune (Bank Street at Greenwich Street) is a nice place to rest after a busy shopping day or, if you’re feeling like you need something stronger on a brisk fall day, try a steaming cup of hot chocolate from Chocolate Bar, located at 48 Eighth Avenue between Horatio and Jane Streets.
CLASSIC NYC SIGHTS:
Broadway/Times Square
For same-day discounted theater tickets, visit the TKTS booth, located in the Marriott Marquis.
Central Park
Walk uptown to 59th Street and take a left.Wear comfortable shoes, as the park is enormous!
EmpireStateBuilding
Fifth Avenue at 34th Street.Ride the elevator to the top for a great view of NYC.
GETTING AROUND:
Subway – You are right near the 51st Street entrance to the Lexington Avenue (green) line.
WPCNR REAL ESTATE REPORT. From Cushman & Wakefield. June 13, 2008 (Edited): RPW Group, the firm owned by the well-known White Plains renovator of commercial office properties, Robert Weisz, and Cushman & Wakefield today announced the completion of the sale of Harrison Court Medical Center, a five-building complex located at 220, 222, 226, 230, and 244 Westchester Avenue in Harrison, NY. RPW Group sold the 189,197 square-foot property to Pro Med Properties for $53.3 million.The transaction is the largest commercial property sale year-to-date in Westchester County.
Built between 1967 and 1983, Harrison Court Medical Center is situated on 14.3 acres and located on the perimeter of downtown White Plains. There is also a pad site with the approval to build a 71,854 square-foot, four-story building located at 250 Westchester Avenue (adjacent to 244 Westchester Avenue).
“The final results of the sale demonstrate the fact that pricing is still moving upward for good quality assets,” said Robert Weisz, president of RPW Group.“In a real estate market where there is simply not an abundance of product available for purchase, the offering drew strong interest from the investment community.”
Andrew Merin, vice chairman, and Gary Gabriel, executive vice president, of Cushman & Wakefield’s Capital Markets Group, together with Glenn Walsh, senior director and Tom O’Leary, senior director, in Cushman & Wakefield’s Westchester/Fairfield County region represented the seller and procured the purchaser.
“It is extremely gratifying to execute on behalf of our valued long term client in the midst of a challenging market for investment property sales,” said Mr. Merin.
“This sale process demonstrated strong investor demand for well located medical office buildings in the post credit crunch environment,” said Mr. Gabriel. “RPW successfully repositioned the park and brought it up to full occupancy, while the acquisition enabled Pro Med to meaningfully expand its footprint in the suburban tri-state area.”
Collectively 97% occupied, the buildings range from a multi-tenanted four-story building to a single story, single-tenant building. Each building is unique which adds to the attractiveness of the offices for doctors and their patients, such as 220 Westchester Avenue with individual entrances for each of its six tenants.
The property offers frontage on I-287 and is located across from a 276 bed division of one of the region’s largest hospital systems, the New York Presbyterian/Cornell Medical Center. In addition, the site is two miles from the White Plains Hospital Center with 292 beds.
WPCNR BACKROOM BULLETIN. By John F. Bailey. June 12, 2008: WPCNR has learned and Democratic leaders confirmed today that there is revolution in the air in the White Plains Democratic Party.
Councilman Glen Hockley speaking at Flag Day Thursday morning in White Plains, a city celebration which he helped inaugurate.
Supporters of Councilman Glen Hockley are fanning out across the city, carrying petitions door to door in an effort to sign up enough registered Democratic voters in White Plains 43 Districts so that a new cadre of district leaders supporting Mr. Hockley can unseat the current district leaders.
The effort WPCNR has learned, is an organized strategy by Councilman Glen Hockley to orchestrate his being nominated for Mayor to run on the Democratic ticket in the fall of 2009.
WPCNR was informed of this today by a district leader who became aware one of the Hockley supporters carrying a petition seeking to challenge their district leadership position.A highly placed member of the Democratic City Committee told WPCNR he was aware of the Hockley campaign, but did not know the extent of it.
The district leader who informed WPCNR, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the strategy is for Mr. Hockley supporters to gather enough signatures to unseat current district leaders in enough “weighted” districts to sway the nomination for Mayor to Mr. Hockley next spring.
Cracking the Lineup, Securing “Delegates”
With Mayor Joseph Delfino possibly not running in 2009, the lineup of Democratic personalities to take his job(and nomination assures election in Democrat-heavy White Plains), is long: Councilpersons Benjamin Boykin, Rita Malmud and Dennis Power are ready to go. Bill Ryan, despite current public relations problems, could go. Assemblyman Adam Bradley could decide to run. The only name not on Democrats’ leaders lips is that of Mr. Hockley.
New district leaders favorable to him would assure Mr. Hockley of either being renominated for Common Council in 2009 or ultimately, the Mayor position, and make him a player rather than a discard like Mr. Bernstein was in the spring of 2007.
The more populated districts in White Plains are being targeted by the Hockley Intitiative. In 2001, the late Councilman Robert Greer, denied the Mayoral nomination by the party nominating committee which recommended Bill Ryan to district leaders, was able to win the nomination on the floor by secret ballot over the chosen nominee, Bill Ryan, by winning the more populated districts to his side.
WPCNR attempted to reach Mr. Hockley to confirm this Hockley grass roots effort, but was unable to leave a message.
As WPCNR’s source explains it, on the floor of the Party caucus next September, when district leaders are elected, anyone living in a district, a registered Democrat, who has the amount of petition signatures more than the present District leader can win that leadership position by presenting the petitions.
Disillusioned with District Leadership in Spring 2007
District leaders fell in line behind party leadership, much to the unhappiness of challengers for Common Council seats last year. Claire Eisenstadt, Don Hughes, Robert Levine, and Robert Stackpole challenged the party nominees for Common Council: Milagros Lecouna, Benjamin Boykin and Dennis Power.
Despite being told by District Leaders that the district leaders supported them, the actual floor vote fell in line overwhelmingly for the party line nominees: Boykin, Lecouna and Power. Incumbent Arnold Bernstein denied renomination for a seat he was elected to,challenged in the Democrat primary only to lose. Mr. Stackpole and Mr. Levine elected to challenge the party trio of Boykin, Lecouna and Power in the November general council 2007 election and lost.
Preempting a Preemption
Our armchair analyst of the Democratic Party sees that Councilman Hockley – who has for months incurred the wrath of party leadership for his support of Mayor Joseph Delfino positions, as did Mr. Bernstein – sees he has no possibility of winning the Mayoral nomination unless he can take over the party leadership. His strategy is to change the leadership district by district. Our source notes that the Hockley Initiative has about three months to make their play.
Our source dismisses the possibility of Mr. Hockley changing parties and running on the Republican ticket : “He knows his only chance is to change the leadership of the party.”
WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. June 11, 2008 UPDATED JUNE 12, 2008 5:25 P.M. E.D.T.: The City of White Plains is advertising for a Budget Director, a position that has been vacant since June 2, 2006, when Anne Reasoner left the position and later took the position as Depurty Budget Director (in August, 2006)and then became Budget Director with the County of Westchester in the Andrew Spano administration. The advertisement appeared June 4, 8 days ago on the government employment website of the New York State Government Financial Officers Association.
In a statement to WPCNR, the Mayor’s spokesperson, Melissa Lopez confirmed the search was on, but whom any new Budget Director would report to, should they be hired, has not been determined. Ms. Lopez wrote: “As for the budget director, no decision has been made on the structure of the department yet. We are testing the waters to see if anyone qualifies. “
Asked if Gina Cuneo-Harwood, the Commissioner of Finance was leaving the city, Ms. Lopez said “No, absolutely not.”
The advertisement does not indicate whom the Budget Director will report to. The last two years, Gina Cuneo-Harwood, the City Commissioner of Finance and currently Chief Financial Officer has prepared the budget. Previously the city has taken the position that they would attempt to consolidate services in the interest of saving money, but had not made a firm decision to abolish the budget department. The current 2008-2009 City Budget passed by the Common Council May 27, states that the Budget Director is to be paid $130,396.
The advertisement reads:
BUDGET DIRECTOR, City of White Plains, New York
The City of White Plains is currently seeking an experienced Budget Director to direct
the preparation, execution, and control of the City’
s Budget (all funds) and six year
Capital Improvement Program. The City’
s operating budget is in excess of $161
million. Must also be knowledgeable of grant accounting, GAAP, and special revenue
funds. Incumbent provides budgetary guidance to the Mayor and Common Council, is
responsible for the allocation and expenditure of funds, and formulates long and short
term budgetary policies. Position requires interaction with department heads, elected
officials and members of the public. Knowledge of GFOA best practices, distinguished
budget award criteria, and performance based budgeting a plus.
Appointment to this position is made by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the
Common Council. Requires: BA or MA in business or public administration, political
science, accounting, economics or related financial field, and six (6) years experience in
public budget management or governmental finance at the supervisory or administrative
level. Salary DOQ. Send Resume to: Elisabeth Wallace, Personnel Officer, City of
White Plains. 255 Main Street, White Plains, New York 10601
WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Westchester County Department of Communications. June 11, 2008: The Westchester County Department of Transportation is conducting a study to determine whether a high capacity rapid transit system could run along one of the county’s major commercial strips extending from White Plains at the north end to Yonkers and the New York City subway in the Bronx. BRT would offer many of the advantages of rail transit but at a lower cost.
“With gas well over $4 a gallon, improving transit service is critical to giving people more feasible travel options,” said County Executive Andy Spano. (Pictured above is a Bus Rapid Transit System station in Bogota, Columbia)
A public open house will be held that will consist of informal discussions and viewing of project presentation boards from 5:30 to 8 pm, and a formal project presentation at 6 pm at the Will Library in Yonkers Monday.
It is intended to show residents how BRT components can speed up bus service on Central Avenue. Some features of BRT that could be effective are a dedicated bus lane between Sadore Lane in Yonkers and the Yonkers/Greenburgh border, transit signal priority that would give buses an early green light or extended green light, fewer stops, more service and enhanced station amenities. An earlier public meeting to introduce the project was held in June last year to obtain initial feedback from the public.
“Enhancing the Bee-Line system to encourage more people to ride the bus will reduce the number of cars on the road and cut down on greenhouse gases – an important piece of the county’s Global Warming Action Plan,” said Transportation Commissioner Lawrence C. Salley.
From 2003 to 2007, the number of local bus riders on Central Avenue increased by more than 20 percent, mainly due to the introduction of MetroCard, opening of Empire City at Yonkers Raceway and the development of downtown White Plains. With over 10 percent of all Bee-Line customers riding buses on Central Avenue — on the local Route 20, limited stop Route 21 and the Westchester-Manhattan Express Route BxM4C — the corridor shows the potential for BRT.
The open house will be conducted at the Will Library, which is located at 1500 Central Park Avenue in Yonkers, at the corner of Tuckahoe Road. For more information, contact Naomi Klein, Principal Planner, nkk3@westchestergov.com or (914) 813-7758.
WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From Westco Productions. June 10, 2008: Seniors from White PlainsHigh School and Port ChesterHigh School have been selected as this year’s recipients of “Sonny Katz Scholarship Fund” awards from Westco Productions, the White Plains-based non-profit professional theater company. The awards will be presented on Saturday, June 21, at 11:30 am, during the organization’s Awards Brunch at The North End restaurant, 577 North Broadway in White Plains.
Deborah Villalba , White Plains High School 2008
Michelle Altmann, Port Chester High School, 2008
The recipients, Deborah Villalba of White Plains and Michelle Altmann of Port Chester, both plan to pursue college-level studies in the performing arts. Each will receive $1,000 to use in order to further their studies. The award recipients were chosen through an application process which included talent auditions judged by performing arts professionals.
The scholarship fund is named in honor of the late Seymour “Sonny” Katz, who was a founding member of Westco’s Board of Directors. Sonny also was well-known throughout WestchesterCounty for his 37-years of service as City Marshal for the City of White Plains. He was a graduate of Port ChesterHigh School.
Members of the community are invited to attend the event. Tickets are $50, and can be obtained by contacting Westco Productions at (914) 761-7463. Proceeds benefit the scholarship fund, and are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Michelle Altmann is graduating from Port ChesterHigh School and has been dancing since the age of five. She has worked with choreographers who danced with Jose Limon Dance and Paul Taylor Dance. She performed in “The Nutcracker” at SUNY Purchase, the Knicks pre-game show at MadisonSquareGarden, and has participated in the annual Dancers Respond to AIDS benefit show for four years. She is a member of the award-winning WestchesterDanceAcademy. She plans to major in dance performance in college.
Deborah Villalbais an honors student at White PlainsHigh School. She is an experienced flautist. She is assistant director of the Youth Choir at St. Bernard’s Parish in White Plains, and a member of the Westchester Brassmen Drum and Bugle Corps in Harrison. Deborah has a fine lyrico-spinto soprano voice and plans to pursue opera and music. With the high school choir, she performed in an African-American Spiritual Concert at PennStateUniversity.
Scholarship fund co-chairs are Westco Board of Directors members Sarina Russell and William Van Vlack.
The awards will be presented by last year’s winners, Kirsten Smayda and Helen Hess, both White PlainsHigh School graduates.
