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Bradley to Announce His Candidacy for Mayor on Monday

Posted on March 26, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR BACKROOM BULLETIN. March 25, 2009 UPDATED 10:22 A.M. E.D.T.: Through a Democratic City Committee E-mail today, WPCNR has learned New York State Assemblyman Adam Bradley will announce his candidacy for Mayor of White Plains on Monday at 11 A.M. on the steps of City Hall. Bradley can run for Mayor next fall without giving up his Assembly seat, so even should he lose the race, he will still have a job in the Albany statehouse.

Here is a copy of that E-Mail circulated to Democratic City Committee members in White Plains today:

March 25

To: Friends in White Plains

From: Paul Schwarz

Re:   An important announcement

The time has come to make a change in the government of White Plains. Please join us on the steps of City Hall on Monday, March
30th, at 11:00 a.m., as Adam Bradley announces his candidacy for Mayor.

We need audience members to arrive there by 10:50 for an event which will last no more than 30 minutes.

Where: City Hall (255 Main St.)
When:   Monday, March 30, 10:50 – 11:30
Rain or shine!

There is a great deal to be done, but we feel that this is the year. You may sign up to volunteer at the website:
www.BradleyForWhitePlains.org     which will be operational starting Monday 3/30.

[We are sending this out early. We have learned that an article will appear in tomorrow’s JN.]

Paul

Apologies – you may receive multiple copies of some form of this announcement. Please RSVP to me if you have not done so to another
committee member. Thanks – and hope to see you there.

It is a free pass year for Bradley to take a run at the White Plains Mayoralty without giving up the Assembly position. In the past when queried by WPCNR, Bradley has repeatedly said how he is focused on serving all his constitutents in the 89th Assembly District, now he will have to juggle that awesome responsibility with a Mayoral campaign.

Adam Bradley, October, 2008

Bradley, the lone Democrat who has the political recognition needed to unseat the incumbent Mayor, Joseph Delfino, (should he, Delfino, decide to run), has refused to commit that he is running for Mayor for weeks, despite repeated queries from the press. The Journal News reported today Bradley had made a committee filing with the Board of Elections reserving the ability to fundraise, but still would not commit he was running to Journal News reporter Keith Eddings.

The assumption of course is that Bradley’s opponent will be incumbent Mayor Joseph Delfino, who has not officially committed to running himself, though recent political policy maneuverings in city hall indicate Delfino is setting up campaign issues specifically aimed at Mr. Bradley’s vulnerability on the sales tax issue.

Bradley has set up a website for mayor at www.bradleyforwhiteplains.org. The website currently is not live, and only accessible by user name and password. Perhaps it will be live on Monday. Mr. Schwarz has confirmed to WPCNR that the site will be “live” Monday, timed to coordinate with Mr. Bradley’s announcement.

Drop In Shelter on Council Agenda Thurs. No Garages/Budget Discussion.

Posted on March 25, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. March 25, 2009: The agenda for the Thursday Evening Special Meeting of the Common Council has been released and features resolutions to extend access to homeless “drop-ins” at the Open Arms Shelter through May 31; a request by a private firm to install an electronic message board on the 14 Mamaroneck Avenue Building; a discussion of affordable housing, and discussion of Federal Stimulus money.

Conspicuous by its absence is any mention of discussion of the city hall budget balancing plan to lease the Library and Galleria garages to a private parking manager, touted just last week by Mayor Joseph Delfino as a source of funding ($9 to $12 Million upfront) to make up shortfalls in the budget. There is also no budget discussion on the agenda, not even a progress report.

A certiorari discussion will take place in Executive Session.

The Agenda follows:

March 26, 2009

6:00 P.M.

RESOLUTIONS:

1. Communication from the City Clerk in relation to the Samaritan House Emergency Shelter at 33 Church Street, and the Open Arms Overnight Shelter located at 88 West Post Road, and requesting that the City of White Plains extend its approval of the temporary expansion of the number of persons permitted nightly in these facilities.

2. Resolution of the Common Council modifying the maximum number of persons permitted nightly accommodation at the “Emergency Shelter” known as Samaritan House and located at 33 Church Street from March 31, 2009 through May 31, 2009.

3. Resolution of the Common Council modifying the maximum number of persons permitted nightly accommodation at the “Overnight Shelter for the Homeless” known as Open Arms and located at 88 West Post Road from March 31, 2009 through May 31, 2009.

DISCUSSION:

4. Goldfarb Properties, White Plains One Company, LLC, – exterior courtyard renovations at The Churchill Apartments, 345 Main Street.

5. Cameo House – alterations to the ground floor entrance courtyard, 300 Martine Avenue.

6. Request by Calano & Calano Realty Corp. and Keith J. Ahlers, 14 Mamaroneck Avenue, for an amendment to the White Plains Municipal Code to create an Electronic Message Board Ordinance.

7. Sidewalk Café Fees.

8. Farmer’s Market Location.

9. Affordable Housing.

10. Ritz Carlton – Tower II and Additional Hotel Rooms.

11. Federal Stimulus Funds.

12. Entertainment of a motion to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing pending litigation in relation to tax certiorari proceedings, and other pending litigation concerning a land use matter.

Post Office Talks with City to Develop 4 Acres betw Fisher, Lex, Bank Sts

Posted on March 24, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR THE DEVELOPER NEWS. By John Bailey. March 24, 2009: WPCNR has learned and the Mayor’s Office confirmed today that the U.S. Postal Service has had two sets of talks with the city on possible plans for a massive redevelopment by a major developer of the Main Post Office site covering 4 acres of land, located between Bank Street and Lexington Avenues across from the United States Court House in White Plains.

Part of the 4 acres of Fisher Ave. Post Office site that the General Post Office is eyeing for development. U.S. Court House is in background at right. Our Lady of Carmel Church at left.

The Developer taking part in Talks with the City and the General Post Office is Handling Construction on this $860 Million Project on the Schuykill River in downtown Philadelphia for the Brandywine Realty Trust. It features the tallest building in Philadelphia, the Cira Centre at the far right, a major conference center) at 29 stories opened in 2005, and is beside the 30th Street Railroad Terminal at 437 feet. The Cira Centre South to the left is scheduled to be completed in 2011 and reach 937 feet.

The Fisher Avenue Post Office, the other portion of the Fischer Avenue Post Office site the Post Office is planning on redeveloping.

The developer involved is Keating Building Corporation, according to Paul Wood, City Executive Officer. Keating Building Corporation are construction managers of the $350 Million redevelopment of the 30^th Street Post Office site in downtown Philadelphia to house the Internal Revenue Service, and other government offices among other uses.

Wood said the city had two meetings with the General Post Office which showed the city some sketches of the plans. Wood described the plans for the development as “mixed use” and that we really don’t “have anything yet, it’s premature.” He described the developer as a specialist in working with the U.S. Post Office in developing post-office owned sites. Wood said he did not have another meeting scheduled yet, but the concept is definitely in post office plans. Height of buildings, number of buildings, and of course, uses are unclear at this time. Wood said the city would welcome the development.

Keating Building Corporation, a wholely independent subsidiary of the national construction giant, Perini Corporation, is currently the Construction Manager of the Cira Center post office redevelopment project in Philadelphia, scheduled to open in 2010. This project reshapes downtown Philadelphia, by renovating the historic 30^th Street Post Office building, and construct a skyscraper office complex, completing the Cira Center. But a quick look at their website indicates this is easily the most prestigious developer White Plains has ever had the possibility of attracting.

For a video on the Cira Center, click on http://www.ciracentre.com/default2.html

For the Philadelphia Business Journal Report on the Cira Centre South project now underway go to http://philadelphia.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/2007/11/19/daily2.html

Keating Building Corporation describes itself on its website, as

a private company based in Philadelphia. It has a significant presence in many markets, but is most prominent in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the District of Columbia. With in-house expertise in construction, environmental management, development and investments, The Keating Group possesses distinct advantages over other contractors and developers. Even clients who look to The Keating Group primarily for one particular type of service (for example, construction or development services) benefit greatly from The Keating Group’s wide-ranging expertise. And as a single source for a variety of specialized services, The Keating Group offers its clients and partners a large degree of project control that unquestionably filters through to the bottom line.

On the Keating website, www.keatingweb.com you will learn that Keating Building Corporation has developed, builty or is building diverse projects including: Bally Park Place Wild West Casino in Atlantic City; Lincoln Financial Field (Home of the Philadelphia Eagles), the Philadelphia Eagles Practice facility, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Pittsburgh Casino and the Sugarland Casino in Pittsburgh.

Police Identify Murder Victim as White Plainsian…Resident of Battle Hill

Posted on March 24, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. March 24, 2009: White Plains Police identified the woman found murdered at 14 Harmon Street, a home described as both being abandoned and under renovation, Sunday night. According to White Plains Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety, Daniel Jackson,

The White Plains Police are releasing that the victim in the homicide case is a Maria Tacuri a 40 year old woman that had been living at 8 School Street in White Plains with family members. Funeral arrangements are currently being made by the family.

The results of the medical examiners investigation are not being released at this time. At this time there will be no further information released today. We will release more information out at the appropriate time when we can.

Thank you for your patience.

High School Students Strike Over Controversial Football Coach in New London

Posted on March 24, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. March 24, 2009: WTNH-TV New Haven reported that dozens of New London High School students went on strike yesterday to protest the rumored firing of the New London High football coach who has been cited for breaking state of Connecticut school practice rules. . The outgoing New London Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Christopher Clouet characterized the strike this way, according to WTNH-TV.

“There were a number of adults who acted in what I think was a shameful manner by manipulating the kids into doing this (the student strike),” Superintendent of Schools Christopher Clouet is quoted as saying by WTNH. “I think that’s a shame but I want to say I think the kids handled themselves very well.”

Dr, Clouet will be the new Superintendent of Schools for White Plains starting in July. To see WTNH’s story, go to: http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/news_wtnh_newlondon_coach_students_walk_200903231800_rev1

Lake Street Overpass dropping debris on Roadway: Motorist.

Posted on March 24, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR BUMPER TO BUMPER. Special to WPCNR. March 23, 2009: Motorists should use caution traveling under the Lake Street overpass over I 287. A White Plains Fireman reports to WPCNR:

John , Stone debris is falling from the Lake St. overpass deconstruction zone eastbound. My vehicle windshield has been hit twice in one week. Had to have it repaired once.

Superintendent estimates just 12 District Employees Will Lose Jobs

Posted on March 23, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. March 23, 2009: Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors told WPCNR today that he expects as this time 12 current employees will lose their jobs of the 51 positions being elimated to get the school budget for 2009-10 down to $185.9 Million. He said most of the positions affected will not be filled due to attrition, people leaving, going back to school, or retiring.

As of Monday afternoon, the Superintendent said 4 Clerical positions would eliminated, 20 Teaching Assistants, 3 Security Guards, and 20 Certified Positions (which he defined as any position requiring state certification, such as social workers, or teachers), and 4 Administrators. He declined to identify the Administrators who are currently employed. He estimated that about 12 persons total would actually lose jobs.

Asked if the district since it has determined these jobs did not have to be filled and could be eliminated whether the positions were not needed to begin with, Connors said, “They are needed. We are continuing at this time to minimize the impact (of such cuts) on the quality of education on the school district.”

He said the effort is continuing. He also said he urged persons currently employed in the district contemplating retirement or leaving the district for any reason to advise the administration so jobs could be saved now.

Police Group: Microstamping SemiAutomatics. Extended Repeater Sentencing

Posted on March 23, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. From the Law Enforcement Council. March 23, 2009: The New York State Law Enforcement Council (LEC) unveiled its legislative agenda for 2009.

The legislative priorities are 1) requiring that all new semi-automatic weapons be equipped with microstamping technology, 2) providing stricter penalties for identity thieves, 3) expanding the DNA database 4) enhancing protections for police officers, and 5) creating a felony for serious repeat misdemeanants.

The Law Enforcement Council is mindful of the budgetary constraints that the state is operating within and has developed these legislative priorities accordingly. “The legislative proposals provide ways to safeguard our citizens without expending substantial resources,” said Robert Morgenthau, District Attorney for New York County and counsel to the Law Enforcement Council.

Microstamping

Microstamping is an inexpensive tool that will help law enforcement solve and deter gun crimes. By etching a code onto the firing pin and barrel of a semi-automatic pistol, microstamping provides an easy-to-follow trail back to the purchaser of the weapon. The Law Enforcement Council supports the requirement that all semi-automatic pistols manufactured by, or delivered to, any licensed firearms dealer in New York State be capable of microstamping.

Identity Theft

In 2008, the New York State Legislature passed a set of measures designed to provide consumer protection for New Yorkers targeted by identity thieves. The Law Enforcement Council now asks the Legislature to enact laws that will help deter — and effectively prosecute — identity thieves. Some of the enhancements to the identity theft laws include:

• Enhancing penalties for Identity Theft and Unlawful Possession of Personal Identification Information by creating B and C felonies for these crimes based on the dollar-value of the theft/fraud and the number of victims affected.

• Expanding jurisdiction for crimes committed in connection with identity theft, such as Grand Larceny, Forgery, Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property.

• Including Identity Theft and Unlawful Possession of Personal Identification Information as predicate crimes for Enterprise Corruption prosecutions.

DNA Database

DNA is the modern-day fingerprint; crimes are solved by matching DNA recovered at a crime scene to DNA taken from a known individual. Yet while fingerprints are taken from all suspects on arrest, DNA can only be collected for a specific subset of crimes — and not until after conviction. Expanding the DNA database to include DNA samples from suspects of all crimes at the time of arrest serves two critical purposes. First, it helps pinpoint suspects, reducing false leads and saving critical, limited resources. Second, it helps eliminate mistaken identification and speeds the exoneration of wrongfully convicted individuals.

Police Protection

Police officers knowingly put themselves in physical danger every day. And when suspects intentionally disobey the lawful commands of an officer or subject officers to unwanted physical contact, there are often serious ramifications to officers and bystanders. Yet, in those situations prosecutors may not have the appropriate laws needed to prosecute offenders. The Law Enforcement Council supports penalties for individuals who fail to heed or obey a police officer’s lawful command; subject police officers to unwanted physical contact while they are performing their official duties; or attempt, while driving, to elude a police officer’s order to pull over and comply.

Repeat Misdemeanants

Career criminals know how to work the system. And repeat misdemeanants — people with 20, 60, or more than 100 misdemeanors on their rap sheets — know exactly how much money they can steal, illicit substances they can possess, or other crimes they can commit before their crimes rise to the level of a felony. Misdemeanors are only punishable by up to one year, but more likely only a matter of days, in local jails. There is no commensurate increase in punishment for numerous successive misdemeanors, as there is with predicate felons. The Law Enforcement Council recommends that serious repeat misdemeanants be subject to a felony charge to close the revolving door of justice.

_ _

Woman Found Murdered in Renovated Home on Harmon Street in Battle Hill

Posted on March 23, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. Special to WPCNR. March 23, 2009 UPDATED 10:30 A.M. E.D.T.: Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety Daniel Jackson confirmed to WPCNR moments ago that the body of a woman, considered a homicide, who has been identified, was found in a home being renovated on Harmon Street in the vicinity of School Street on Battle Hill late Sunday night. The Commissioner reports:

The White Plains Police are investigating an apparent homicide victim located in a house under renovation at 14 Harmon St. shortly before 10 p.m. last night. The identity of the female victim is known but not being released at this time. As details become available for release, we will do so.

Lectric Message Board will be Proposed to Common Council

Posted on March 23, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. (News Release). March 23, 2009: White Plains Message Center will be proposed to the Common Council shortly, for installation on the façade of 14 Mamaroneck Avenue. It will enable the City of White Plains, community organizations, and businesses to be on the forefront of communications technology in reaching the 50,000 daily visitors that pass by the property each day. Long time White Plains resident and attorney Keith J. Ahlers and his business partner and White Plains attorney, Michael A. Calano, will be meeting with the Common Council this spring to discuss a code amendment that will accommodate the installation of White Plains Message Center.

A Computer Message Board similar to the new $104,000 Loucks Field Scoreboard installed at the high school in December will be proposed by local businesspersons to overlook Main Street and Mamaroneck Avenues in Renaissance Square.

White Plains Message Center will position White Plains among the few cities in the country with cutting edge mass communication resources. The Message Center will offer residents, workers, and visitors a new medium for getting up-to-date information, news, live feed performances, and emergency notifications at a convenient location in downtown White Plains. People looking for details on concerts, performances, and special events can look toward White Plains Message Center rather than going through several different sources for the information they need.

The project would be of great benefit to White Plains Police and Fire Departments, the White Plains Business Improvement District (BID), White Plains Performing Arts Center, Westchester Arts Council, and other non-profits/charities who will be able to use the White Plains Message Center.

White Plains Message Center would utilize a transparent LED (light emitting diode) latest technology media system called Mediamesh® and will be powered by solar energy. Made of stainless-steel architectural mesh with embedded LED lights, Mediamesh® can display high-definition still and moving text, graphics and full-color video imagery that are clearly visible to passersby during daytime and evening hours.

The message center proposed size is 65 feet wide by 33.5 feet long (2,000 sq. ft.) and will be installed flush with the building and 18 feet off the ground, at the second-floor level of the building. (It will be able to withstand adverse weather conditions, including wind, rain, and extreme temperatures.) Proposed hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 6:00am to 10:00pm; Friday, 6:00am to midnight; Saturday, 8:00am to midnight; and Sunday, 8:00am to 10:00pm.

“White Plains Message Center is a winning proposition for White Plains,” says Charlie Norris, a longtime White Plains resident. “It will be an unrivaled resource for reaching people with up-to-the minute news and information.”

The Message Center will be sponsored by advertising and not cost the city anything for operation or maintenance. The City of White Plains will be allocated time to communicate with residents, the downtown workforce, and visitors; broadcast cultural performances; and coordinate messages from community organizations. Additionally, White Plains BID members will be offered special co-op advertising. With summer just around the corner, White Plains Message Center offers the city and cultural organizations a way to publicize activities at Renaissance Square and add to the vibrancy of the Renaissance Fountain Plaza as the gathering and focal point of downtown White Plains.

The White Plains Message Center project is being spearheaded by business partners Keith J. Ahlers, and Michael A. Calano, both located at 14 Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains.

A demo video is available on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44gTcPwBqAM