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City Hall Back In Operation. Internet, E-Mails Out. Hot Water Line Culprit.

Posted on December 4, 2007 by John Bailey

WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. By John F. Bailey. December 4, 2007: City Department of Public Works employees worked around the clock into the wee hours of this morning to bring City Hall back on line after a leak in the City Hall hot water line flooded the building’s sub basement, according to Melissa Lopez, City Hall spokesperson this morning.

City Hall yesterday was closed due to a hot water line break in its basement. City workers cobbling together parts and equipment from various sources replaced parts of the heating system, and all electrical panels to bring the Grand Old Dame on 255 Main Street back into action today in 24 hours.

Ms. Lopez reported that as of 9 this morning City Hall had heat and electricity and telephone service, but that internet and e-mail was still not working. All departments were back in operation. Lopez said that Deputy Commissioner of Public Works, Rick Hope said that as of 11 A.M. yesterday morning that if you had told him they would have city hall operational by this morning, he would not have thought it possible. Hope said that he was so impressed by the way all city personnel worked together around the clock to bring City Hall back on line, restoring heat and power within 24 hours after the flooding was discovered at 8 AM yesterday.

As of 11 A.M., Ms. Lopez said City Hall was operating on one boiler which Hope said was sufficient to heat the building.

Lopez said Commissioner of Public Works Joseph Nicoletti had isolated the pipe which failed, tracing it to the hot water line within city hall under the first floor, which filled the sub-basement containing the city’s boilers and electrical vault. The malfunctioning pipe was not the fire hydrant “spur” it appeared to be at first inspections yesterday. Lopez said the hot water line would be replaced Saturday, and a cost could not be put on the costs to do so. Lopez also reported the Commissioner of Public Works would be making a complete survey of the city hall piping infrastructure after the hot water line is replaced.

To get Back in the U.S.A. You Must Show Proof of Citizenship as of Jan 31

Posted on December 3, 2007 by John Bailey

WPCNR ON THE ROAD. Special to WPCNR From Department of Homeland Security. December 2, 1007: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of State (DOS) remind the traveling public that as of Jan. 31, 2008, all adult travelers will be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and proof of identity, such as a driver’s license, when entering the United States through land and sea ports of entry. DHS will be issuing a notice in the Federal Register formally announcing the change.

This change is a necessary step to prepare travelers and ease the transition to the future requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). WHTI proposes to establish documentation requirements for travelers entering the United States who were previously exempt, including citizens of the U.S., Canada, and Bermuda. As recommended by the 9/11 Commission, Congress enacted WHTI in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. WHTI will result in both enhanced security and increased facilitation across the border once implemented. During this transition, DHS and the Department of State are working diligently to minimize the impact on legitimate trade and travel.

Currently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may accept oral declarations of citizenship from U.S. and Canadian citizens seeking entry into the United States through a land or sea border. However, as of January 31, 2008:

Oral declarations of citizenship alone will no longer be accepted
U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older will need to present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate
Children ages 18 and under will only be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate
Passports and trusted traveler program cards – NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST – will continue to be accepted for cross-border travel

All existing nonimmigrant visa and passport requirements will remain in effect and will not be altered by this change.

DOS reminds the public that the current turnaround time for a passport is four to six weeks, so Americans planning international travel may wish to apply now. For information on obtaining a U.S. Passport visit www.travel.state.gov or call 1-877-487-2778. Specific documentation requirements for land, sea and air travel may be found at www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/ready_set_go/. To learn more about NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST, visit www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/trusted_traveler/.

Nicoletti: Hopeful Heat, Juice Back on at City Hall Tomorrow.

Posted on December 3, 2007 by John Bailey

WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. By John F. Bailey. December 3, 2007: Commissioner of Public Works Joseph Nicoletti told WPCNR shortly before 5 PM tonight that he expected to get City Hall heated and electrified by Tuesday morning.

City Engineers reparing boiler as of 5 P.M in the sub-basement where some 40,000 gallons of water (by WPCNR estimate) had flooded the area over the weekend.

At 5 PM Nicoletti told WPCNR repairs were being made to one of the boilers, bringing in spare parts “from every place” and from Fire Station 7. He said they only needed one to get heat flowing back into the building. The Commissioner said the electric panels were being replaced one by one, (having all been submerged under 8 feet of water by a main break “over the weekend.”)

The Commissioner said he has not isolated the source of the leak, but after investigation, he said, it appears to be coming from a fire hydrant “spur” on Main Street in front of City Hall. However, the Commissioner is not sure of that at this time, but that is where the problem seems to have developed.

Inside City Hall as of 5 PM there were no lights and no heat. Emergency lights were being lit by mobile generators, stringing powerlines into the building.

Arrangements for this evening’s Common Council Meeting were in place at the White Plains Public Library at 7:30 PM. There will be no Citizens to Be Heard segment. No television is available until the videotape on Wednesday at 7 on Government Access, Channel 75

1/4% Sales Tax Increase Passed. New Shopping Center Opp Bloomies Referred Out

Posted on December 3, 2007 by John Bailey

WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. December 3, 2007 UPDATED 11:45 PM: The Common Council voted unanimously tonight to ask the State Legislature to enact a 1/4% increase in the White Plains Sales Tax raising it to 8- 1/8%. This, according to Council President Rita Malmud, is a compromise negotitated with the city by Assemblyman Adam Bradley with the Mayor. Previously the Mayor had sought a 1/2% increase in the sales tax which had been delayed until Assemblyman Bradley had received financial backgrounding as to whether there was really a need for it. Malmud said she expected the 1/4% to pass unanimously and the Mayor was behind the 1/4% increase. The increase will possibly raise an additional $5 Million in sales tax for the city, bring 2008-2009 collections to the $50 Million plus level. Assemblyman Bradley was said by the Mayor to be open to asking for an additional 1/4% if the city should need it in the future. Only Assemblyman Bradley was allowed to speak on the issue from the audience. (See letter to the editor, above, which details the strange process by which the sales tax increase was passed.)

The Avalon Bay apartments were approved for a 14 unit increase in the number of apartments they are planning to build.

In another intriguing development plans were referred to departments for The Venue a 15 store plus restaurant shopping center at 120 Bloomingdale Road, across the way from Bloomingdale’s department store. It is described as a 46,000 square foot retail development to go on the parking lot of the former Nestle building (currently the offices of the New York State Department of Labor). The site is shown above, across from the entrance of Bloomingdale’s, looking West. The shopping center would be built on the parking lot.

PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: Hon. Glen Hockley

INVOCATION: Rev. Melanie Miller
Church in the Highlands

ROLL CALL: City Clerk

EMPLOYEE                                          Nick Puja
OF THE MONTH:                 Senior Code Enforcement Officer
                                            Department of Building

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

1. Public Hearing in relation to an application submitted by 169 White Plains Rest. Inc., d/b/a The Porter House, for a Special Permit for Cabaret Use at 169 Mamaroneck Avenue.

2. Communications from Commissioner of Building

3. Design Review Board

4. Commissioner of Planning

5. Planning Board

6. Commissioner of Public Safety

7. Commissioner of Public Works

8. Commissioner of Traffic

9. Traffic Commission

10. Environmental Officer

11. Environmental Findings Resolution

12. Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains approving the application submitted on behalf of 169 White Plains Rest. Inc., for a Special Permit to operate a cabaret at The Porter House, located at 169 Mamaroneck Avenue (Section 125.84, Block 6, Lot 11.1 and 12.1) subject to certain conditions contained herein.

13. Public Hearing in relation to an application submitted by DR & RD Inc., d/b/a Brazen Fox, for a Special Permit for Cabaret Use at 175 – 179 Mamaroneck Avenue.

14. Communications from Commissioner of Building

15. Design Review Board

16. Commissioner of Planning

17. Planning Board

18. Commissioner of Public Safety

19. Commissioner of Public Works

20. Commissioner of Traffic

21. Traffic Commission

22. Commissioner of Parking

23. Environmental Officer

24. Environmental Findings Resolution

25. Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains approving the application submitted on behalf of DR & RD Inc., for a Special Permit to operate a cabaret at the Brazen Fox Restaurant, Bar and Catering, located at 175-179 Mamaroneck Avenue (Section 125.84, Block 6, Lot 10) subject to certain conditions contained herein.

SECOND READING
ORDINANCE:

26. Ordinance authorizing the Corporation Counsel to enter into an agreement retaining the services of the law firm of Andrew S. Roffe, P.C., as Special Counsel for the period November 15, 2007 through November 14, 2008.

FIRST READING
ORDINANCES:

27. Communication from Special Counsel in relation to the settlement of tax review proceedings.

28. Ordinance authorizing the settlement of certain tax review proceedings.

29. Communication from Chairman, Capital Projects Board, in relation to Capital Project No. C5301, Hybrid Aerial Bucket Truck.

30. Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of White Plains to amend the Capital Projects Fund by establishing Capital Project No. C5301, Hybrid Aerial Bucket Truck.

31. Bond Ordinance authorizing the issuance of $110,000 bonds of the City of White Plains, Westchester County, New York, to pay part of the $168,000 estimated maximum cost of purchase of a diesel/electric hybrid aerial bucket truck for use by the Department of Public Works, in and for said City.

32. Communication from Commissioner of Public Works in relation to proposed amendments to the White Plains Municipal Code the first repealing Chapter 7-7 and adding a new Chapter 7-7 entitled, “Prohibition of Illicit Discharges, Activities and Connections to the City of White Plains’ Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System”, and the second adding a new Chapter 3-6 entitled, “Storm Water Management and Erosion and Sediment Control.”

33. First Reading Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of White Plains repealing Chapter 7-7 of the Municipal Code of the City of White Plains and adding a new Chapter 7-7 of the Municipal Code of the City of White Plains entitled, “Prohibition of Illicit Discharges, Activities and Connections to the City of White Plains’ Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System.(MS4)”

34. First Reading Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of White Plains amending the Municipal Code of the City of White Plains to add a new Chapter 3-6, entitled, “Storm Water Management and Erosion and Sediment Control.”

35. Communication from Commissioner of Public Works in relation to a request submitted by White Plains Downtown Business Improvement District for closure of certain public streets and appropriate parking restrictions on December 31, 2007 to 2:00 a.m. on January 1, 2008 for the Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration.

36. Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of White Plains authorizing the closure of certain portions of public streets and appropriate parking restrictions on December 31, 2007 and January 1, 2008, for the City’s downtown New Year’s Eve Spectacular sponsored by the White Plains Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) and granting permission to the BID to cause the launching of fireworks from the upper level of the City-owned Galleria East Municipal Parking Garage in conjunction with same.

37. Communication from Commissioner of Public Safety in relation to a proposed amendment to Chapter IV of Section 4-15-71 of Chapter 4-15 of the Municipal Code, Taxicabs, in reference to a Temporary Surcharge.

38. Ordinance amending Article IV of Sections 4-15-71 of Chapter 4-15 of the White Plains Municipal Code, Taxicabs, with respect to Temporary Surcharge.

39. Communication from Commissioner of Public Safety in relation to an amendment to the General Fund Budget to reflect a Buckle Up New York Grant in the amount of $20,708 from the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, Department of Motor Vehicles.

40. Ordinance authorizing an amendment to the 2007 – 2008 General Fund Budget in order to reflect a Buckle Up New York Grant in the amount of $20,708 from the State of New York Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, Department of Motor Vehicles.

41. Communication from Commissioner of Public Safety in relation to a donation of $19,200 from the Fenway Charitable Foundation which funds will be used to purchase emergency defibrillators for the Police Bureau and rechargeable hand-lights for the Fire Bureau.

42. Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement, on behalf of the City of White Plains Department of Public Safety, with the Fenway Charitable Foundation, accepting a donation in the amount of $19,200 to be used to purchase certain equipment for the Police and Fire Departments.

43. Communication from Commissioner of Recreation and Parks in relation to an amendment to the General Fund Budget to reflect an award in the amount of $2,987 from AAA Transportation through Westchester County Department of Senior Program and Services which will pay for the senior citizens bus transportation service.

44. Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to direct the Budget Director to amend the 2007-2008 General Fund Budget in order to reflect an award in the amount of $2,987 on behalf of the City of White Plains Department of Recreation and Parks Senior Citizens Program.

45. Communication from Director, Youth Bureau, in relation to a grant from the White Plains Exchange Club in the amount of $300 to provide Junior USTA membership for youth in the Tennis Program.

46. Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to accept on behalf of the City of White Plains Youth Bureau, a grant from the White Plains Exchange Club, in the amount of $300 to provide Junior USTA membership for youth in the Tennis Program.

47. Communication from Director Youth Bureau, in relation to a grant from Commerce Bank in the amount of $500 in support of the After School Tennis Program.

48. Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to accept, on behalf of the City of White Plains Youth Bureau, a grant from Commerce Bank, in the amount of $500 to cover costs associated with the After School Tennis Program.

49. Communication from Director, Youth Bureau, in relation to a contract with the Child Care Council of Westchester, Inc., in order to receive an award in the amount of $550 to be used to develop a troop of poets and spoken word artists through the Youth Bureau After School Programs.

50. Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with the Child Care Council of Westchester, Inc., in order to receive an award in the amount of $550 to be used to develop a troop of poets and spoken word artists through the Youth Bureau After School activities.

51. Communication from Director, Youth Bureau, in relation to a grant from the White Plains Housing Authority in the amount of $2,400 to be used to support the Youth At Risk Program.

52. Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to accept, on behalf of the City of White Plains Youth Bureau, a grant from the White Plains Housing Authority, in the amount of $2,400 to be used to support the Youth Bureau’s Youth At Risk.

53. Communication from Commissioner of Parking in relation to the 2007 Holiday Free Parking Promotion scheduled from Monday, December 17 through Monday, December 24, 2007.

54. Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of White Plains authorizing Free Parking during a portion of the Holiday Season at downtown on-street parking meters.

55. Communication from Chairman, Traffic Commission, in relation to proposed amendments to the Traffic Ordinance at various locations around the City.

56. Ordinance amending the Traffic Ordinance of the City of White Plains in relation to No Parking, No Standing at Anytime, Traffic Control Signals, Overnight Flashing of Intersection Traffic Control Signals – Under Computer Control, Right Lane Must Turn Right, and Left Turn Must Turn Left.

RESOLUTIONS:

57. Communication from Corporation Counsel in relation to an application submitted on behalf of Fenway Golf Club for an amendment to a previously approved site plan and Special Use Permit to allow for the construction of two paddle tennis courts at 342 – 408 Old Mamaroneck Road.

58. Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains scheduling a public hearing for January 7, 2008 in relation to the application submitted on behalf of Fenway Golf Club for an amendment to an existing Special Permit and site plan to allow for the construction of two new paddle tennis courts.

59. Communication from the Mayor in relation to certification of a Home Rule Request for enactment of legislation supporting a one-quarter (1/4) of one percent (1%) increase in the City’s Sales Tax Rate.

60. Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains authorizing the certification of a Home Rule Request seeking enactment of State legislation to amend the Tax law in relation to authorizing the City of White Plains to impose an additional one-quarter (1/4) of one percent (1%) Sales and Compensating Use Tax.

61. Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains authorizing a Certification of a Home Rule Request seeking enactment of State legislation to amend the Tax Law in relation to authorizing the City of White Plains to impose an additional increase of one-half (½) of one percent (1%) Sales and Compensating Use Tax.

62. Communication from the City Clerk transmitting a request from LC White Plains LLC, requesting a proposed amendment to a previously approved site plan to permit development of 23 affordable rental units in the Air Rights Building above the City Center Municipal Garage.

63. Environmental Findings Resolution issued under the State Environmental Quality Review Act, Environmental Conservation Law Section 8-0101 et. seq. (SEQR), regarding an amendment to the previously amended site plan approved by the Common Council on September 20, 2001 and August 4, 2003, for the project known as the City Center to permit development of 23 affordable rental units in the Air Rights Building above the City Center Municipal Garage.

64. Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains approving the application submitted on behalf of LC White Plains, LLC (“Applicant”) for an amendment to the previously amended site plan originally approved by the Common Council on September 20, 2001, and subsequently amended thereto, for the project known as the City Center, including an amendment adopted August 4, 2003, relating to the initial approval for the portion of the City Center “Development Site” known as the “Air Rights Building” which had permitted the construction of approximately 60,000 square feet of retail space in two (2) levels on the northerly portion of the top of the City Center Municipal Garage and the construction of a deck over the remainder of the top parking level to be improved with, inter alia, a swimming pool and outdoor recreational amenities, to now permit construction of twenty-three (23) “affordable” residential apartments on residential two (2) levels in the first retail roof level of the “Air Rights Building”, totaling approximately 26,400 square feet within the existing envelopment of the “Air Rights Building.”

65. Communication from Commissioner of Building in relation to an application submitted by AvalonBay at Rockledge for an amendment to a previously approved site plan to construct a residential rental building at 27 – 29 Barker Avenue, and asking that the site plan be amended to add open space and an increase of fourteen dwelling units.

66. Communications from Design Review Board

67. Commission of Planning

68. Planning Board

69. Commissioner of Public Safety

70. Commissioner of Public Works

71. Commissioner of Traffic

72. Traffic Commission

73. Environmental Officer

74. Environmental Findings Resolution

75. Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains approving the application submitted on behalf of AvalonBay Communities Inc., (“Applicant”) for an amendment to an existing site plan for a multi-family residential rental building to be located at 27 – 29 Barker Avenue (Section 125.59, Block 9, Lot 1) to: (1) incorporate an approximately 5,000 sq. ft. adjoining lot into the site; (2) to permit 14 additional dwelling units to increase the total number of dwelling units from 393 to 407 units; and (3) to permit minor modification to the design of the roof dormer windows of the townhouse buildings to accommodate the additional studio units without an increase in the height or footprint of the building.

ITEMS FOR
REFERRAL:

76. Communication from Commissioner of Building in relation to an application submitted by CorePlus Properties LLC and CPP Bloomingdale, LLC, for the construction of a mixed use development to be known as The Venue on Bloomingdale Road, and consisting of 42,000 sq. ft. of retail space, 6,000 sq. ft. of restaurant space with outdoor dining and 334 new parking spaces on two levels above the retail center and restaurant

77. Communication from Commissioner of Building in relation to a site plan application submitted on behalf of LCOR 55 Bank Street LLC, for construction of a residential project at 55 Bank Street consisting of two 280 ft. towers with 536 rental apartments, approximately 7,740 sq. ft of retail space at grade, 28,500 sq. ft. of office space, and 686 parking spaces below grade, to jointly serve the residents, retail customers and commuter needs associated with the premises.

78. Communication from Commissioner of Building in relation to a revised site plan application submitted by LC White Plains LLC, for a proposed eight (8) story affordable housing building at 240 Main Street

ITEMS FOR
INFORMATION:

79. Communication from Commissioner of Finance transmitting the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2007.

80. Communication from Commissioner of Finance transmitting the Interim Financial Report for the first quarter ending September 30, 2007.

81. Communication from Commissioner of Finance transmitting the First Quarter Capital Projects Status Report ending September 30, 2007.

Common Council Contacts

Hon. Joseph M. Delfino, Mayor jdelfino@ci.white-plains.ny.us

Hon. Rita Z. Malmud, Council President
7 Seymour Place 10605
914.946.0642
rmalmud@ci.white-plains.ny.us

Hon. Benjamin Boykin
78 Midchester Avenue
White Plains, NY 10606
914.328.7808
benboy78@aol.com

Hon. Glen Hockley
25 Linda Avenue
White Plains, NY 10605
914.629.0892
sharisong@aol.com

Hon. Arnold Bernstein
10 Stewart Place Apt 5AW
White Plains, NY 10601
914.997.1665
asbernstein1@optonline.net

Hon. Thomas M. Roach
18 Garretson Road
White Plains, NY 10604
914.946.8325
troach@thomasmroach.com

Hon. Dennis J. Power
7 Doyer Avenue
White Plains, NY 10605
914-906-0270
djpower@verizon.net

City Hall Half Pumped Out as of 11 AM.Closed for Day. Council Meeting to Library

Posted on December 3, 2007 by John Bailey

WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. By John F. Bailey. December 3, 2007: Commissioner of Public Works Joseph Nicoletti reported that as of 11 A.M. City Firemen and Con Edison teams had pumped out half of the flood in the sub basement of city hall — discovered this morning at 8 A.M. by a member of the Legal Department, Dan Spencer, when he arrived for work at 8 AM and found no heat in the building. Nicoletti said that as of 11 A.M., approximately 4 feet of water remained in the sub-basement.

Water Spews Out of City Hall Subbasement 10:15 A.M. as Con Edison and City Crews Use a batter of pumps to pump out waters from a main break over the weekend.

Commissioner Nicoletti attributed the flooding to a burst city water pipe within city hall. He did not state a cause and did not have an estimate of the damage. The Commissioner said the boilers and electrical systems had been submerged in about 8 feet of water. Lights were on in city hall generated by emergency power supply.

Pumping Continues as of 11 A.M. WPCNR estimates approximately 40,000 gallons of water had flooded the sub-basement based on area.

Pumping Tubes extend into the electrical vault and boiler room.

Mayor Joseph Delfino on the scene said city hall would be closed down for the day, but telephone service had been transferred to the Department of Public Safety where city hall personnel would be availabl to take calls.

The Mayor said tonight’s Common Council Meeting would be conducted at the White Plains Public Library beginning at 7:30 P.M. Citizens to Be Heard would not be conducted tonight.

Commissioner of Public Works Nicoletti said he hoped to get city hall operational by Tuesday morning, but it depended on the damage to the boilers located in the sub basement and whatever damage had occurred to the building electrical vault containing the electrical panels, which was reported submerged.

City Hall Floods in Subbasement. Damage Unknown. Flooding Isolated to CH

Posted on December 3, 2007 by John Bailey

WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. By John F. Bailey. December 3. 2007: Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety Daniel Jackson confirms to WPCNR City Hall is flooded this morning. Jackson as of 9 AM reports:

“Water in the sub-basement. Assessing now. Waiting for Con Ed to shut the power to the building. Believed to be isolated to City Hall at this time.”

Reports to WPCNR indicate no one is being allowed in the building.

Council Gives 4-2-1 Uneasy OK to churchcentered Drop-In Shelters in Deep Downtow

Posted on November 28, 2007 by John Bailey

WPCNR THE HOMELESS NEWS. By John F. Bailey. November 28, 2007: Before a packed gathering of 26 homeless advocates, clergy, and concerned neighbors from North Broadway, Reverend Carter Via of the Presbyterian Church asked a reluctant and skeptical Common Council directly for an answer as to what he should tell the County Executive when asked if the Council was supportive of selected churches in downtown White Plains housing undomiciled persons not enrolled in the county Department of Social Services homeless program.

Reverend Carter Via, with the “Discussion” on the homeless about to break up, with no movement and the Council refusing to render a decision on the warming shelter in White Plains, and only agreeing to another meeting, challenged the council for a decision. He got one.

The council, put on the spot, managed a 4-2-1 tentative position in favor of a church run shelter with conditions.

The Council, every one of whom had expressed grave concerns about security, threats to neighborhoods, and legality, but admired the group of White Plains Clergy for taking the initiative, then in an unofficial consensus indicated they could support it by a 4-2-1 vote.

Benjamin Boykin, Rita Malmud (who was the strongest supporter), Mr. Roach and Mr. Power were for. The Mayor was neutral. Mr. Hockley was against it unless a poll of the neighborhood was taken to gain the neighborhood consent in which the designated church was located. Mr. Bernstein said police presence and neighborhood buying in to the idea was essential.

The four councilpersons expressing positive attitudes, said they could tentatively support a church located warming shelter within the central downtown area, if it were temporary (the proposal is for a four month run rotated among 2 to 4 churches), if it were furnished with police presence, and well supervised by Grace Church Community Services, and complied with zoning and codes.

Via told WPCNR after the vote that was not a vote (as the Mayor said there would be no votes taken at the top of the meeting), he (Via) would seek a meeting with County Executive Andrew Spano tomorrow to confirm the commitment and the conditions under which the White Plains Common Council would seek approval. Asked by WPCNR when the shelter could become operational Paul Anderson Winchell of Grace Church Community Services said about a week or so.

However, there will be another meeting with the clergy and the council to report back on the Reverend Via’s meeting with the County Executive. Via promised Councilman Glen Hockley he would seek out a definitive answer as to whether the bus depot could be used as a shelter (located behind the train station), or possible other locations Hockley had suggested. Rabbi Lester Bronstein who said that the churches had a right to run the shelters without city approval, but would rather have the city behind the issue. Mr. Hockley chided Via and Bronstein for not getting county answers to his suggestions the shelter be housed at the abandoned Greyhound bus terminal, on executive park parking lots in tents.

Rabbi Lester Bronstein said the clergy and churches willing to host the Warming Shelter did not want to do it without city support, but were prepared to go it alone, since they were legally able to do so. The Council and the Mayor were going to check into that issue.

Via also said he would attempt to get an answer from the county as to why the airport drop in shelter was closed by the County in the first place.

Via said the leaders of four churches, two in the downtown, had secured church hierarchy approvals, but they also had to take a sense of the congregations as to whether the congregations wanted the churches to support a homeless drop in.

Paul Anderson Winchell of Grace Church Community Services, eased most council fears by explaining the potential clients served would gather at Open Arms, and be bused to the shelter whatever church it was located at, at 10 PM then picked up and bused back to Open Arms at 6 AM for breakfast. He also said that Project Trust would attempt to work with the drop in clients to get them into the county system.

He confirmed when asked that a major reason for drop-in users refusing county services was the requirement that most of their social security checks had to be turned over to the county. He also said many were mentally ill and unable to function, which meant a lot of them got sanctioned out of the system after having entered it, repeating the process many times. He said the proportion of drop -ins who were sexual offenders and felons was greatly exaggerated.

Anderson-Winchell said it was hard to tell how many homeless there were sleeping over night in the streets and alleyways of White Plains. The Mayor said there appeared to be about 11, based on White Plains Police experiences, riding about with Project Trust personnel who attempt to find homeless persons each night and talk them in to the DSS services. Police house homeless they pick up at Police Headquarters, the Mayor said.

It appears that the homeless shelter (with cots) would not be up and running for at least two weeks — and possibly three — deep into December. Tonight’s temperature at 10:30 P.M. is 40 degrees.

The Crowd, including Television News Coverage from RNN and News 12 overflowed the Mayor’s Conference Room and the “Discussion” was held in the Common Council Chambers.

Draft Strategic Plan to Be Presented to School Board Monday at High School. Pub

Posted on November 28, 2007 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From Michele Schoenfeld, Clerk to the Board of Education. November 28, 2007: The White Plains Board of Education will hear a presentation of a Strategic Plan for the district at a special meeting on Monday, December 3^rd, 7:30 P.M. in the White Plains High School Media Center. Teresa Niss, district internal coordinator of the project, Superintendent Timothy P. Connors and several High School students will provide background and lead the Board through the plan. The Board will then decide whether to approve it for implementation. The public is

welcome to attend.

The Strategic Plan was developed over the last year with the participation of several hundred community residents and staff members who provided input on the future of education in White Plains. A core committee, comprised of 30 members, then developed statements on Core Values and a new Mission for the district. Following this, Strategic Objectives were formulated for the next five years, along with strategies to implement those objectives. They cover the areas of curriculum, leadership, resources, culture and communications.

The process was guided by Dr. Steven V. Barone from Transformation Systems, Ltd.

The evening will begin with a reception at 7 P.M. to celebrate the completion of the

planning process.

Man of La Mancha Poses Musical Question: Does White Plains Want Real Broadway?

Posted on November 27, 2007 by John Bailey

WPCNR STAGE DOOR. By John F. Bailey. November 28, 2007: When Jack Batman heard the “Leading Man of the 90s” Robert Cuccioli’s Lone Star Love show playing in Seattle was closing in September, Mr. Cuccioli told the CitizeNetReporter the new Artistic Director of WPPAC contacted him to take the lead in the White Plains Performing Arts Center debut musical production Man of La Mancha, which opens Thursday night. C uccioli did not hesitate. He took it and it was the beginning of the fulfillment of his “Impossible Dream.” It was a coup — for the theatre and the actor.

Robert Cuccioli has not only a role he has always wanted to play – but by sheer magnetism of his performance – has the opportunity to give the White Plains Performing Arts Center the cache, the professionalism, and charisma it needs.

Cuccioli said he decided to do La Mancha in WP, because he had always been fascinated with the dream of doing the show. The fascination began when he saw Robert Goulet play the lead, when Cuccioli was a child.

The dashing leading man’s cross country move gives WPPAC genuine star power in its lead show of the season. The massive set created by an Emmy-winning designer, the dream tenor role created by Cuccioli, the synergy of key, expensive talent has been assembled to put White Plains to the test.

Cuccioli came to stardom playing Javert on Broadwy in Les Miserables in the early 90s, and followed that up with his Tony-nominated Jekyl lead role in Jekyll and Hyde in 1996, says he will be bringing his own feel to the role of Don Quixote.

Actors in Rehearsal Tuesday afternoon at White Plains Performing Arts Center. Two days to Opening Night.

Cuccioli told WPCNR the massive set is conducive to a more intimate Man of La Mancha experience than audiences are used to experiencing. He likes the chemistry with fellow leads and promises the audiences who know the show will experience the inspiration of the famous show more powerfully than before because of the all stops out, Broadway style of production.

Mr. Batman has spared no expense to give his star the production backup needed to win over the fickle and demanding White Plains audience who have Batman they wanted Broadway musicals. Well this Man of La Mancha is a gamble, that Mr. Batman appears to be giving every chance.

Man of La Mancha 2007 White Plains style is a distinct departure from previous WPPAC productions.

Mr. Batman is hoping this Broadway style production is the theater White Plains has been missing and has not seen previously at the WPPAC.

He commissioned Michael Hotopp, winner of 5 Emmies for set design, who has created a set of towering blue ramparts of grays and blues representing the Spanish Inquistion prison where the show takes place.

He has hired Carrie Robbins as Costume Designer who has designed the wardrobe for 33 Broadway Shows, and the lighting which was being rehearsed Tuesday afternoon with the cast in costume was created by Tom Weaver, who just “lit” the production of Frankenstein (not to be confused with Young Frankenstein.

The brief sequence WPCNR saw in run-through Tuesday afternoon created atmosphere. Even without mikes,the acoustics of the WPPAC were crisp and electric. The number I heard briefly a cappella to get the lighting shifts right was entertaining, the cast together and if a mere snip of the show grabbed my interest.

Mr. Batman may have a very appealing first gambit towards winning back White Plains and Westchester theatre aficionados .

The towering ramparts of the set evoke the sixteenth century, the costumes were intricate, realistic. The stage foreboding and soaring simultaneously. Definitely not the sets and bare bones productions WPPAC has been known for in the past. Man of La Mancha, WPPAC reckons is going to overwhelm the audience. It will be big, up close and personal, classy and Broadway.

The show is 63% sold out as of this time, which is a feat in and of itself. It runs through December 19.

Harris noted that the theatre is being programmed to appeal to The Ritz Carlton residences across the street. He said that many of the new residents of the Ritz-Carlton residences had purchased season subscriptions for the productions coming up, Ragtime, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Ain’t Misbehavin.

Man of La Mancha is a quarter of a million dollar gamble. To break even it has to sell out the show.

Mr. Cuccioli expressed regret this was such a short run, and said he would be developing the part with each performance as he had never done the role before. Asked how he saw his career going at this stage of his life –whether he would continue to perform or take on more of a producing or directing role, he said he loved to direct, but liked the whole of the theater experience, performing, acting, directing and that he was not concentrating on heading in any one direction.

Mr. Cuccioli, though has perhaps has never played a role with more consequence for the venue in which he is playing than the one he creates personally for the first time tomorrow night.

Man of La Mancha would appear to have everything going for it. The mannerisms of the technicians observing the run-through, the cast’s intricacy and concentration onstage, and the concern of the executives’ hopes were palpable. There was electricity in the air.

But that’s the glamour and the glitz of show business. You never know. You give it all to the show and maybe, just maybe you click.

For Man of La Mancha is not only a drama on stage of the significance of hope, its very production in the little theatre in the City Center is a drama of hope for the theatre born again.

Will Jack Batman’s Man of La Mancha be the smash production WPPAC needs to bring back the public?

Will Robert Cuccioli be the catalyst for a WPPAC renaissance?

It’s the drama within a drama.

See for yourself, for more information go to www.wppac.com.

District Approves $1.4 Million Certiorari Refund; Budget Pressures Explained

Posted on November 27, 2007 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. November 27, 2007: In its biweekly meeting last night, the Board of Education, approved in Executive Session a certiorari refund of $1,424,204 to Hillside Village Condominiums, Reckson Properties and T&J Realty following up its share of the certiorari settlement approved by the Common Council November 5. The city refund of $429,716 granted November 5, translated into a $1.4 Million refund out of the School District coffers Monday night, showing that for every $1 the city refunds in settling certiorari suits, the school district has to pay back about $3 to $4.

The City granted certiorari, dropped T & J Realty Company at 4 Quarropas Street assessment relief from $170,000 to $86,000, and agreed to a $44,395 refund over 5 years.

It dropped Reckson Properties at 140 Grand Street from $1,220,000 in assessed value to $1,050,000, granting a $166,023 refund over 7 years.

It lowered the assessment on Hillside Village Condominiums from $950,000 to $575,000, agreeing to a $219,298 refund.

Assistant Superintendent for Business for the School District, Fred Seiler told WPCNR today, said part of the school district $1.4 Million pay back would come out of the district reserve for certiorari and another part of it from the bond the district executed last year for the certioraris but has not tapped yet. Seiler said the city has scheduled certiorari settlements up for approval next week and in months following on a consistent basis, and Seiler expect more refunds to come.

In other budget news, Mr. Seiler wrote the Board of Education a memo about pressures on the 2008-2009 budget. Seiler said budget matters that would hit the 08-09 spending hard were the new teachers contract for 2008-2009, (the teachers are currently on a stopgap one-year contract that expires in June), the district self-insurance contract, and the health benefits package he said would cost the district 10-1/2% to 12% more. Other factors WPCNR envisions are increased energy costs, the beginning of paying off the school construction bond (the first $20 Million which has not been offered to the financial markets yet).

Last year the school district kept its budget to a 4.4% increase to $174.1 Million—it’s lowest year-to-year increase since 1998-99 when the budget was increased 3.43%

Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors said the administration was going to school administrators next week to start formulating budgets, and he had told them “no new programs.” Sheryl Brady, a new member of the Board of Education raised the issue of adding more teachers to high school honors programs which she said often had 30 students in them. Connors said, in his 28 years experience as a Superintendent of Schools, it has always been his experience that schools will ask for more personnel, and it is his job to hold the line and say “No.” He said he would have the actual student totals in the honors classes at the high school to see what the facts were. He did not rule out an adjustment in honors course staffing. No one asked if perhaps too many students were being placed into the Honors courses.

Donna McLaughlin said she did not want to say that new programs would not be considered, but that the question was what the tradeoff was, what the district would cut to start new programs.

Connors said the board would want to consider whether or not to present a Superintendent’s rollover budget to the Annual Budget Committee prior to the first public meeting with the ABC Committee February 6.

The Board expressed concern about what the Equalization Rate was (2.69% — a major .50 Drop from last year, which adversely affects the city assessment roll). Donna McLaughlin said it was not the city’s fault that the rate drops, and said it was important the School District explain to the public the effect Equalization Rate had on lowering the Tax Roll.