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.

Dan Rather, Anchorman Icon, Preserves Bronx River History.

Posted on July 22, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR GREEN NEWS. July 22, 2009: Dan Rather, CBS News Anchorman, legendary national convention reporter, Vietnam correspondent, the man on the scene where news was from the 50s to the 80s, introduced the unique audio Bronx River Walking Tour today at Kensico Plaza, Mr. Rather generously donated his prestige and talent to creating the 26 historical audio history lessons which starting today can be heard at various twists and turns on the Bronx River Walkway at each of the 26 stops. The project was conceived by Friends of Westchester Parks, headed by Liz Bracken-Thompson of Thompson & Bender who hosted the Opening Day Ceremony.

Liz Bracken-Thompson, Weschester County Executive Andrew Spano, Mr. Rather, County Legislator Ken Jenkins, Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, Joe Stout today at Kensico Plaza

Doing a “twist” on the statement that “history is another country,” Mr. Rather said that in America, “our country is its history.” He agreed to give his voice to the 26 key historical stops, including stops along the underground railroad during the Civil War, and key battle sites of the Battle of White Plains in 1776, (just down the Walking Path from Kensico Dam), because of his love for history. He congratulated County Executive Andrew Spano for Mr. Spano’s appreciation of parkland and the county’s history. Mr.Rather’s narratives create, for the first time, an historical destination in White Plains.

Executive Spano, Mr. Rather and Ms. Bracken-Thompson open the Bronx River Audio Tour today.

HOW THE TOUR WORKS: CALL UP DAN!

At each of the special signs along the walkway beginning at Kensico Dam and winding down the Bronx River Parkway rural walking and bike path, citizens wanting to learn the significance of each of the sites call a telephone number to listen to Mr. Rather’s familiar, urgent, and compelling narrative detailing the history of each of the 26 stations on the Walking Tour. Or, you can download all the audio to your IPOD.

Board Approves $862,636 for New HS Tennis Courts. Rehires 6 T.A.’s Extends KGD C

Posted on July 22, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. July 22,2009: The Board of Education authorized the expenditure of $862,636 for rehabilitation of the White Plains High School tennis courts Monday evening.

The tennis courts at the high school will be completely reconstructed beginning in August, anticipated to be completed by Spring 2010. The courts had in the past been considered as the site of a new field house for the high school.

The Board appointed Lisa Panaro, long-time language instructor at White Plains High School to the position of Interim Coordinator for the Language Other Than English program, created this spring to bring language to the Highlands Middle School.

The District also approved payment of $304,500 to Kaiser, Garment & Davidson, its architect for the $69 Million capital improvement project , in commissions for $3.4 Million of new projects that will be undertaken using bond issue money still available from the district Capital Improvement Program.

The Board reinstated six Teaching Assistants from the Preferred Eligible List, bringing the number of Teaching Assistants laid off from 20 down to 14, according to the School District Business Office because some staff have retired, others have taken maternity leaves, others have left the district for other jobs, allowing Teaching Assistants to be brought back on the payroll, and remaining on budget.

The cost of the tennis court construction is $862,636 to repair the tennis court surfaces of 11 high school tennis courts. Each of the 11 courts is laced with cracks and upheaves in the surface (illustrated in the above photograph). The funding is coming from the funds not used from the ongoing bonded capital project coming in under budget that included construction of Post Road School.

Included in the tennis court construction cost is $172,803 for asbestos-contaminated concrete, that Kaeyer Garment & Davidson’s Russ Davidson says has not been a health threat because the asbestos is under the surface.

The tennis team is expected to find courts elsewhere in the city to play.

The board also approved $28,000 for limestone maintenance at Highlands; $30,600 for air-conditioning the computer server room at White Plains High School; $43,704 for a fire pump to maintain pressure for the sprinkler system at the new Post Road School.

Original Model of Loucks Field 2002 –showing new dressing room facilities (gray side structure).

It should be noted that though the new $5.4 Million Loucks Field looks great and plays great, dressing for a game is still going to be done in the cramped, antiquated cinderblockhouse locker room the stadium has had for years. It had been estimated previously at the time the new stadium was being considered for the bond issue that adding new locker room facilities to the new Loucks Field renovation would have cost about $500,000 five years ago. The stadium was refurbished with synthetic turf, lights, and new aluminum bleachers seating 5,000 in hopes of attracting state competitions, but it was built without any improvements to the locker and dressing room facilities.

About ten years ago,the tennis courts had beenconsidered a possible location for a new White Plains High School Field House. Should that project ever be resurrected another spot on the campus would have to be considered.

WPPAC TO ANNOUNCE FALL SCHEDULE—BATMAN IN CONTROL—FUNDRAISER FEATURES MAYOR

Posted on July 21, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR STAGE DOOR. By John F. Bailey. July 21, 2009: The White Plains Performing Arts Center will run a fall season of productions, according to John Ioris, Chairman of the White Plains Performing Arts Center Foundation, which manages the theatre on a long-term contract for about another two years. Ioris said subscribers should be receiving notifications of the new fall season within a week. The schedule is being put together by Jack Batman, former Artistic Director.

Mayor’s Fairwell Tour Kicks Off October 9 With Fundraiser for WPPAC, As Advertised on WPPAC website.

Ioris confirmed that the major fall fund-raiser for the WPPAC would be “Tribute to the Mayor” featuring Mayor Joseph Delfino under whose administration the White Plains Performing Arts Center was created.

Ioris told WPCNR “half the schedule has been set and the balance of the schedule has not been decided.”

Ioris said that Jack Batman, whose contract as Artistic Director expired in June, is working with the theatre on a consulting basis, organizing the fall productions. Ioris said the new fall series of productions “we need to get mailed and selling quickly,” saying he expected the schedule out next week. He declined to name the first productions because rights had not been secured as yet.

Mayor Joseph Delfino, the incumbent Mayor who is leaving office in 163 days after eleven years, 6 months and 21 days in office, will be honored for his achievements in a fall fundraiser for the benefit of the financially-in-need WPPAC October 9, as part of a continuing fund-raising effort for the theatre, Ioris said.

Ioris told WPCNR the Board of Directors has not decided how the proceeds from the “Tribute to the Mayor” will be used. Ioris said several uses of the funds raised are being considered: setting up an endowment for the theatre, funding the present schedule, programming, or purchase of equipment for the theatre.

New Post Road School On Schedule for September 9 First Day

Posted on July 20, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE DAY. By the WPCNR Roving Photographer. July 20, 2009: The Assistant Superintendent for Business of the White Plains City School District, Fred Seiler, told WPCNR Friday that the new Post Road School is on target for its September 9 “First Day of School” Opening. Seiler said the electrical was in, and that computer and networking installation was next on the schedule to be followed by furniture. He said the building was expected to be occupied about mid-August. Here are a look at the new school between Post Road, Sterling and Soundview Avenues, captured Sunday:

Main Entrance of New Post Road School, Sterling Avenue Sunday.

Main Entrance.

MAIN Entrance of New Post Road School viewed from Post Road

New School Connects to former Old Post Road School Gymnasium, right.

Rendering of Main Entrance as it is supposed to look September 9

New Post Road School left. Former Post Road School (to be demolished) at right. View is of former Post Road School Parking lot, to be turned into playing fields.

Demolishment of former Old Post Road School Cafeteria in progress.

View of Lower Soundview Avenue Side of the New School, showing connection to the former Old Post Road School Gymnasium and Parking Lot.

Soundview Avenue view of New School Sunday.

Rendering of Soundview Avenue view of the New School.

Former Post Road School is scheduled for demolition in November or December, after asbestos is removed from the premises. The Assistant Superintendent for Business,Fred Seiler said there are no plans to use the old school for any school activities in September,.

Salvestrini, Conneticut A.D. of the Year Appointed White Plains A.D.

Posted on July 20, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. July 20, 2009 UPDATED July 21, 2009: The Board of Education appointed Raymond A. Salvestrini, Jr., from the Danbury Connecticut school district, as the new Coordinator, Athletics and Physical Education, replacing Nick Panaro, Director, Scholastic Athletics and Jody Cole, Director, Health & Physical Education, both of whom retired at the end of the last school year.

The appointment consolidates control of scholastic athletic and health education curriculum under one individual, undoing the splitting of the positions four years ago based on the recommendation of former Athletic Director, Mario Scarano.

Ray Salvestrini, Jr. –New White Plains Coordinator of Athletics and Physical Education after his appointment by the Board of Education Monday Evening.

Photo, WPCNR SPORTS

Mr. Salvestrini was previously Athletic Director of Danbury School District ( home of recently retired Superintendent of Schools, Timothy Connors). In May he was named Connecticut High School Athletic Association “Athletic Director of the Year.” Salvestrini was appointed Athletic Director in Danbury, coming from Ridgefield High School, in 2001. Salvestrini resigned last Thursday to accept the White Plains position.

The following is a biography of Mr. Salvestrini, from Who’s Who in Ridgefield, detailing his early career

Chip Salvestrini has made his mark in two different aspects of Ridgefield athletics: as player and administrator. Before graduating from Ridgefield High, Mr. Salvestrini established himself as one of the school’s best all-around athletes, earning eight varsity letters in three sports. He was a two-year starter in basketball and a three-year starter in baseball, where he was named to the All-Western Connecticut Conference team as a junior and senior. But football was Mr. Salvestrini’s favorite sport, and also his best.

An intimidating offensive and defensive lineman, Mr. Salvestrini was twice chosen to the All-WCC team. As a senior, he received honorable mention All-State and made the All-(New York) Daily News team. Mr. Salvestrini continued his football career at Yankton College in South Dakota. A defensive tackle, he was named to the All-Conference team as a sophomore, junior and senior. Mr. Salvestrini received All-American honorable mention honors as a senior, when he was chosen one of the top 100 defensive tackles in the country. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers, but didn’t make the final roster. After playing minor league football with the Long Island Giants and New Jersey Rams, he was signed to a free-agent contract by the New York Giants in 1977. He attended training camp, but was cut before the season started. His administrative path started at New Milford High School, where he became athletic director after two years as head football coach. Two years later, Mr. Salvestrini was named athletic director at Lehman College in the Bronx. In 1993 he returned to his roots, replacing Bob Mark as athletic director at Ridgefield High. During his tenure, Mr. Salvestrini has helped expand the high school athletic program, making it one of the state’s most ambitious. Several club teams such as boys volleyball and girls golf became official varsity sports, and club programs were started in other sports.

Unemployment Highest in 17 years in White Plains: 2,300 jobless.

Posted on July 19, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR WHITE PLAINS ECONOMIST. July 19, 2009: The New York State Department of Labor reports in the month of June there were 2,300 persons living in White Plains reporting as unemployed out of a resident workforce of 32,300. June was the third consecutive month that the number or residents unemployed has increased.

White Plains has seen its jobless roll increase in 6 of the last 7 months, going from 4.8% unemployed in December, 2008 to 7.1% at the end of June. In December, 1,400 White Plainsians were without jobs (4.8% of the workforce). At the end of June 7.5% of residents, 2,300 were jobless.

The ranks of unemployed has reached its highest level in 17 years and the highest number of unemployed residents since that time. In June 1992, when the workforce totaled 26,600, 1,900 were without jobs, making the June figure the highest number of jobless White Plains has seen in 17 years.

In the Westchester-Rockland-Putnam County “Hudson River Valley” the job drain was worse. The unemployment rate for the 723,000 resident workforce was 7.5%– 54,100 resident persons had no work — the highest in more than 19 years – when the workforce fluctuated in the mid- 650,000s. Back in February of 1992—the unemployment rate was 7% the highest in Labor Department records available.

County Sales Tax Down 12% in 1/2 Fiscal Yr. Fed Stimulus Money Plugs Gap

Posted on July 17, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. By John F. Bailey. July 17, 2009: For the first six months of 2009, the Westchester County share of sales taxes it collects is down $23.3 Million from the 2008 sales tax pace off 12%. If the trend continues, the cumulative effect of a 12% annual decline could mean the county faces a $44 to $46 Million decline in sales tax for the year, and as high as $57 Million by rough WPCNR estimates of the present trend.

COUNTY SALES TAX

COLLECTIONS JAN TO JUNE 2009

$205,972,196.12

County’s Share (79%)

$162,718,034

COUNTY SALES TAX

COLLECTIONS JAN TO JUNE 2008

$235,448,377

County’s Share:

$186,004, 217

SALES TAX SHORTFALL:

JAN-JUNE 2009:

(-$23,286, 183)

COUNTY BUDGETED

SALES TAX COLLECTIONS 2009

$478,000,000

Projection Shortfall

if sales tax continues to be OFF 12%

2009:

(-$57,360,000)

Westchester County, according to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance figures released to WPCNR, was down 12.52% in sales taxes collected the first six months of the fiscal year. From January to June the county collected $205, 972,196.12 contrasted with $235,448,377 in 2008.

Of this $205,972,196, according to Donna Greene, Westchester County Communications Director, the county gets to keep approximately 79%.

That 79% works out to $162,718,035 for the County Government, the balance of $43,254,161 going to communities who do not collect their own sales taxes (the county does it for them).

Ms. Greene issued this statement on how the county is attempting to compensate for the erosion of sales tax revenue as we write:

“For the 2nd quarter of 2009 (April May June) our sales tax revenues (the portion the county government keeps) were $79,639,549 This is down ($12,127,070) from $91,766,619 in 2008

Clearly sales tax revenue is down from where we had hoped. However, it is difficult to annualize these numbers and say if we are down X in the first 6 months we are down 2x in 12 months.

Having said that, we of course have to make adjustmens along the way to our 2009 budget.

So far the following:

1. We have $30 million in FMAP money (this is Federal Medical Assistance Percentage — from the federal stimulus program) … essentially more of our Medicad costs are being paid for by the feds.

2. Back in March a $7 million savings plan was implemented by the County Executive

3. We are continuing to slow down the filling of vacant posiitions and we will continue to look for ways to save money in every budget line possible.

Obviously, none this is easy, but it is essential.”

The savings and Federal Medical Assistance Percentage detailed here total $37 Million in hard cash, WPCNR notes,which would cover the $23 Million shortfall that already exists. Should the county economy remain on its 12% decline pace, the sales tax deficit would reach $46 Million by the close of the fiscal year.

Because the county has budget $478 Million in sales tax in its $1.7 Billion budget, if that $478 Million is off 12%, the sales tax shortfall actually could amount to $56 Million in funds that are not going to come in.

Should the county economy pace of purchasing deteriorate, the year-to-year sales tax deficit would grow beyond the $46 Million figure, assuming the county remains at its present level of consumption.

Twelve Consecutive Months of Job Losses in the Region

Posted on July 16, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR ECONOMIST. From Jonny Nelson, Analyst, The NYS Department of Labor Statistics. (Edited) July 17, 2009: The Hudson Valley economy continued to weaken in June, as the private sector job count declined over the year for the twelfth consecutive month.

Layoff announcements continue to mount, a clear sign that deterioration in the job market has not ended.

The over-the-year change in the region’s private sector employment (-2.4 percent) was slightly better performing than the state (-2.8 percent employed) and nation (-5.1 percent unemployed).

Private sector employment in the Hudson Valley decreased by 18,300, or 2.4 percent, to 746,400 for the 12-month period ending June 2009.

Employment gains were recorded only in educational and health services (+3,400).

The largest declines occurred in trade, transportation and utilities (-6,200), manufacturing (-3,600), professional and business services (-3,100), leisure and hospitality (-2,500), natural resources, mining and construction (-2,400), financial activities (-2,100), and information (-1,100).

The government sector added 300 jobs over the year.

City Runs $1 Million Red 2 Wks into Fiscal Yr.Sales Tax Misses 4th Q Projection

Posted on July 16, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. By John F. Bailey. July 16,2009 Updated with County Statement: According to official figures from the State Department of Taxation and Finance, two weeks into the new White Plains fiscal year, the city is running a $1 Million deficit. The city for the first time in eight years, failed to meet its own new budget sales tax projection despite a ¼% increase in the sales tax.

The City projects $47.3 Million in their new 2009-10 Budget, and at the close of 2008-09 just ended they only collected $46.4 Million. It means the city is in a million dollar budget hole which would mean a 3% property tax increase in next year’s budget already.

The April May June Sales Tax collection declined by almost $1 Million over last year, despite having a sales tax that was ¼% higher than in 2007-2008. The $10,531,308.27 was $954,022.24 less than was collected in the 4^th quarter of last year. That leaves the city with total sales tax collections for 2008-2009 of $46,310,748 that is $1,039,252 LESS than is budget for anticipated sales tax collections in the Summary Adopted Budget approved by the Common Council in May.

The Commissioner of Finance Gina Cuneo-Harwood had been very pessimistic about the 4^th quarter ability to sustain last year’s uptick which was a record. The softness of the city economy exceeded Ms. Harwood’s worst fears.

It is particularly noteworthy in that April May June was a shopping quarter, characterized by unusually rainy weather in the northeast, which results in more persons going to malls.

Sales tax collections declined in May $91,824 over last year, but took an astounding $910,876 nosedive in June from last year’s record June sales tax collections of $4.8 Million.

The million deficit could be handled by the 1% Contingency Fund set aside for unexpected expenditures ($1.582 Million)

County is down 13% in Sales Tax

The State Department of Taxation and Finance reports that Westchester County has collected $29 Million less in sales tax the first six months of their fiscal year. They are 12-1/2% off projections. Last Year the county collected $235.5 Million in the first half sales tax receiptsand this year the first six months saw the county take in $206 Million. If that trend continues the county may be off 25% in sales tax collections and need to make up $68 Million from somewhere. Donna Greene, Director of Communications for Westchester County pointed out to WPCNR that the city collects sales tax for small communities and villages, and the deficit should not be as high as that $68 Million.

She said this year 2009 the county budgeted $478 Million in sales tax collections. Presently, according to Department of Taxation and Finance projections, the county if the present 12% lag continues, the county will collect $410 Million in 2009 — $68 Million less.

Ms. Greene said the county constantly monitors its numbers and makes adjustments. Asked about those adjustments, she said she would talk to county budget analysts and try and get a handle on how much of an impact the real sales tax dollar decline will have on the present county budget.

Open Government: Housing Auth Should Disclose Winbrook Wanna-Be’s. Apps In Fall

Posted on July 16, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR THE HOUSING NEWS. By John F. Bailey. July 16, 2009: According to New York State Committee on Open Government Office, commenting on the WPHA refusal to disclose the developer-wanna-be’s of Winbrook there “doesn’t seem to be any harm in disclosure of the names of all entities.”

The White Plains Housing Authority declined a WPCNR request last week to disclose the identities of development companies (stated publicly as from anywhere to 12 to 30 firms) who have submitted their credentials for consideration by the WPHA to be the developer who will construct the half-billion to a billion dollar Winbrook Revitalization Zoning approved last week in record time by the Common Council.

Junked? Conceptual Plan a Concept Only. Real Winbrook Revitalization Could Be Completely Different (within zoning confines).

Hurry Up Pass it and Wait. Applications, not ready to go. Awaiting Developer

The Housing Authority also revealed to WPCNR last week that there are no applications for HUD money and other grants “bureaucrat-ready” to submit this month because the developer to be selected from the list of first-responders to the White Plains Housing Authortity Request for Qualifications is expected to execute all the applications, documents, and mounds to HUD and other grant agencies.

Asked if the developer names were submitted in connection with presentation of credentials and qualifications to develop only and no bids, if the WPHA should disclose all the developer identities, Camille Jobin-Davis, Esq., Assistant Director of the NYS Committee on Open Government, said “I would agree.”

In the case of requests for proposals, which have not been sent out by the WPHA, She commented that if the Housing Authority narrowed the field to a handful of developers for consideration and submission of bids, and in an effort to negotiate the best deal for the Housing Authority from among the three, caselaw agrees that the Housing Authority could withhold the elite three or four selections.

Mack Carter, Executive Director of the White Plains Housing Authority, explained the WPHA refusal to divulge the names of firms that have responded to the Request for Qualifications promulgated last spring, saying, “that’s not the way we do business.”

Carter, asked if applications to HUD for stimulus funding would be going out this month which had been publicly stated as being the impetus for swift Common Council approval of the Winbrook “Rezoning Package” paving the way for the Winbrook Revitalization, Carter said no applications or paperwork would be going out until after the developer has been selected. Carter said the designated developer would be making the application, drawing up the site plans, and working with the White Plains Housing Authority on the protocols and paperwork on the project.

Mr. Carter said the WPHA hoped to winnow from the list three developers, than select from one of those three, based on their proposals. However, the Request for Qualifications does not specifically ask for proposals for the site with the applications or bids of any kind. Carter said the three to be selected would be picked by the WPHA Board. The WPHA, Carter said would be solely responsible for selecting the developer. The Common Council would not have final approval of the developer but eventually would have input on whatever project is selected.

Carter said the preliminary concept designs shown Winbrook residents in two recent public meetings attended by less than 100 Winbrook residents (17 attended the one WPCNR observed).were “conceptual” only and the new project submitted by the selected developer could turn out to be completely different.

The decision on the developer is expected to come in September.

Fot those students of law, Ms. Jobin-Davis refers to the following cases in defining disclosure rights and protocol on the part of the developing agency in Requests for Proposals:

http://www.dos.state.ny.us/coog/ftext/f8937.htm (See paragraph “In the case of RFPs…”)

http://www.dos.state.ny.us./coog/ftext/f8669.htm (See paragraph “When an agency…”)

http://www.dos.state.ny.us/coog/ftext/f9439.htm ( See paragraph “In the case of RFPs…”)