2007: Making the Right Choices for White Plains
Members of the Common Council, honored guests, friends and family, citizens of White Plains, thank you for being with us tonight. I would like to thank our newest heads of community boards and commissions that are present here tonight:
I would like to thank my family, especially my wife Ellie, for putting up with all the long hours and time away from home. Thank you for your understanding.
I would like to thank my staff:
Executive Officer, Paul Wood
Coordinator of Economic Development, Melissa Lopez
Strategic Development Officer, David Maloney
Theresa Romano
Karen Costable
Thank you for all your hard work!
I would like to single out a few leaders here with us tonight:
Dr. Valerie Alcena, Chairman of the White Plains Cable Commission
John Garment, Chairman of the Planning Board
John Ioris, Chairman of the White Plains Performing Arts Center, and a member of the Planning Board.
I would also like to thank our professional staff for their hard work, professionalism, and their dedication to getting the job done.
On a personal note, this is the first state of the City that I have delivered since the passing of our friend and colleague Robert Greer. Bob was a gentleman and a statesman, and his steadfast determination, negotiation skills, his common sense approach and willingness to compromise are truly missed.
Mayors across this country have a responsibility to ensure that the basics are taken care of and then to build upon that strong foundation. St. Francis of Assisi once said: “Start by doing what’s necessary, then what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
We began the renaissance of White Plains nine years ago by focusing on doing what was necessary, and by focusing on one key point: rebuilding confidence in our city. We worked to keep people safe, we worked to attract investment, and we worked to make White Plains a place that people wanted to live, work, and visit.
Phases I, II, and III of my Economic Development Plan have transformed our Downtown, and helped make White Plains one of the hottest destinations on the entire east coast.
The new residential development has made White Plains a more sophisticated community. We have attracted a new type of resident to White Plains, one that desires retail opportunities, fine dining, and entertainment venues in close proximity. These new residents have been followed here by service oriented businesses seeking to meet their needs. What we now have Downtown is a mix that attracts residents of White Plains, as well as people from all over Westchester County.
We have also created an environment in which the corporate sector feels they need to have a presence. This is quite obvious by looking at our office vacancy rate, which has plummeted from 34% in 1998 to an estimated 9% by the end of 2006.
The revitalization of White Plains has brought in thousands of jobs, millions in revenue, and most importantly, has created an atmosphere that the City of White Plains is the place to be in Westchester County and beyond.
Despite all the momentum we have with us now, we are not done yet. The day we begin to think we have arrived is the day we begin to slide backwards. Cities continue to grow and change, or they deteriorate, it is as simple as that. Communities around this country spend millions of dollars annually to create the type of buzz and momentum that we have created here.
We cannot afford to be finished with this renaissance. Not with tax certioraris, unfunded State mandates and increased health and pension costs eating up more and more of the budget. In fact, healthcare and pension costs are at an all time high. Look no further than our own healthcare and pension costs, which have increased from $12 M to $25M, representing a 108% increase over just the past four fiscal years.
My administration will continue to explore ways to expand our tax base, there is no other choice. And over the next few months, I look forward to bringing a number of exciting opportunities to the Common Council and the residents of our city. If we are to be successful, now and in the future, we must continue this renaissance, we must continue our progress, with an eye toward creating a sustainable prosperity for future residents of White Plains.
The City has long been deprived of its own IDA which would have generated millions of dollars of revenue which could have been used to relieve the tax burden on our residents, create affordable housing and foster other creative programs. Instead, the revenues have only flowed to the County, since we are forced to use their IDA to induce new development.
White Plains must have the ability to control its own financial destiny. I am calling for the cooperation of our representatives at all levels of government to support White Plains as we continue to press for the creation of the City’s own IDA. In addition, I will be asking this Council to support two very important “Home Rule” messages to aid us in sustaining future budgets:
First, I will be asking the State Legislature to allow our City to increase our sales tax percentage by ½ percent. This measure will make the City consistent with all the other major Cities in Westchester that have their own rate. The total rate would be 8 3/8%. This is the same sales tax rate charged in Mt. Vernon, New Rochelle and Yonkers. Based on today’s revenues, this measure alone will generate more than $10 million annually.
I will also ask the Common Council to join me in a “Home Rule” message asking that the City of White Plains be granted the same kind of powers afforded to New York City under Real Property Tax Law Section 421-A, to enable the construction in White Plains of residential projects in which 20% of the units are affordable to people of low and moderate income. This program is critical to our goals for the revitalization of the Post Road/S. Lexington Avenue corridor, and to bring significant numbers of new affordable units into the City of White Plains.
Lexington Avenue/ Post Road Corridor
I would like to begin tonight by discussing the future of the South Lexington Ave. / Post Road Corridor which will be covered comprehensively in Phase IV of my Economic Development Plan. The recent approval of the expansion of the Emergency Room Department of White Plains Hospital Center, as well as the infrastructural upgrades to the Winbrook community by the White Plains Housing Authority are significant signs that reinvestment is already taking place within this corridor.
This summer, the City of White Plains will begin to undertake our own approved reinvestment projects, beginning in the spring with the installation of new streetscape and curbs on Lexington Avenue. The new streetscape, funding for which was obtained by my office from Sens. Hillary Clinton and Charles Schumer, represents an effort to link neighborhoods, and extend our already walkable downtown to the Lexington Avenue corridor.
In 2006/07 the Capital Projects Board approved a capital expenditure for the construction of a parking garage on Longview Avenue to assist with the parking crunch that is negatively impacting the employees and patients at White Plains Hospital Center. The construction of the Longview Garage is critical to increasing the capacity of the hospital, as well as to assist the local residents and businesses within this corridor.
On February 7 we held our first public meeting on Lexington Avenue/ Post Road Revitalization, and it was a tremendous success. Nearly 100 residents came together to share ideas, concerns, and voice their opinions about the future of the corridor. My sincere hope is that the greatest number of residents within this corridor will participate in this process, so that we can incorporate all of their comments and ideas into the overall redevelopment strategy.
Public Safety
My administration has worked to create effective programs that have made our Public Safety department more receptive to both the men and women in uniform, and to the citizens they serve. Nothing makes people feel better than knowing the streets of White Plains are safe, and that we can feel secure in our homes.
The men and women of our Public Safety department continue to impress so many of us with their desire to serve and protect everyone in our city. I want to say thank you for a job well done!
A recent Journal News story cited the drop in crime in our city as a clear sign that we have created a formula that is working. Part 1 crimes have decreased by nearly 6 percent over the past year, and are down a remarkable 37% since 2002.
Do any of us believe that the tremendous gains in the safety and security of our citizens would have happened with fewer police officers on the street? Of course not, and soon, we will be adding 13 new police officers and 5 fire fighters to fill vacancies on the force. We will also be hiring fire fighters to fill vacancies. Citizens and visitors should not have to worry about their safety, and the focus of my administration will be on keeping the officers on the street.
Open Space/ Smart Growth
Although the overall population of New York State is declining, our region is expected to continue growing. We must make smart choices about how to prepare for that growth. The most important thing that the City of White Plains can do is to continue to encourage “smart growth” in our downtown. What does “smart growth” mean? It means putting housing, retail, and mass transit within close proximity, so that we can make better use of our walkable streets and public transportation. My strategy focuses on attracting people to live within our downtown, but it’s also about preserving designated open space for future generations.
In January we announced the acquisition of the Grieco property, another parcel of open space targeted by the Open Space Acquisition Advisory Committee and now under city control. Since 1998, my administration has preserved 45 acres of open space for future generations of White Plains residents.
Much to my dismay a recent proposal to acquire six acres of much needed City controlled parkland/ open space was defeated by a majority of the Common Council. This acquisition would have preserved a total of 19 acres on the New York Presbyterian Hospital site. Despite this setback, my administration will continue to seek out opportunities to add strategic parcels of open space/ parkland to our City’s stock.
There are many who believe that we will never have enough open space, but we must also realize we may not have enough parkland, or enough ball fields. The answer to solving this problem is getting creative in the way we approach opportunities. If we can continue to make wise choices our future will be filled with promise.
“GREEN” TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
In the review of new projects and in the recent recommendations for changes to the City’s 1997 Comprehensive Plan, the use of emerging “green building” construction and maintenance techniques that lessen the impact of development on the environment have been explored and recommended.
As I have already stated throughout my administration, I have been committed to the principles of “Smart Growth.” Since I took office we have:
- Concentrated new development in the downtown core, where existing infrastructure, including roads, can be used and improved, and without consuming previously undeveloped land. All of the new development in the downtown has been the result of redeveloping previously developed land;
- Not displaced any existing residents while building new residential housing to bring life to the downtown;
- Required new landscaped open areas to be provided with new development, and upgrading existing public open space, such as the creation of Renaissance Fountain Plaza and the Library and Tibbits Park Sculpture Gardens; and
- Established a Construction Management Protocol that requires that the environment and surrounding land uses be protected during the construction of any new project.
“Smart Growth” also incorporates the concept of “Green Growth”, which involves constructing buildings with methods and technologies that reduce their impact on the environment, and designing the buildings to be more environmentally friendly over the life of the buildings. There are many aspects to “green building technology” and some elements are more easily implemented than others.
To understand how “green building technology” could be best implemented for construction in White Plains, I am establishing a “GREEN TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY COMMITTEE.” I will be asking representatives from the development and finance community, those involved in developing affordable housing; architects, and representatives of the White Plains business community, to join with myself, designated Common Council members, and City professional staff to develop a report to the Mayor and Common Council on how best to develop programs and regulations to implement “green technology” in ways that preserve the economic viability of development and also provide the greatest possible benefit to our environment.
Affordable Housing
The City’s Affordable Housing Program requires that developers of new market rate and luxury housing make at least 6% of their project affordable for individuals and families at an average of 80% of median income, or pay a substantial buyout fee.
It is satisfying that we have been able to achieve an average of 9% affordable units from our approved residential projects, and we will continue to review our guidelines on a project by project basis. As I have said in the past, we must be cautious not to arbitrarily select a percentage that could deter new development opportunities in our City.
Our “buyout” payments allow us to remain flexible, and permit us to help the greatest number of White Plains residents. In the coming months I will ask the Common Council to include down payment assistance for existing units in the Affordable Housing Program, so that we may expand the opportunities for home ownership to an even greater number of White Plains families.
In addition, the Home Rule legislation we are asking for will enable the Urban Renewal Agency and the City to partner with LCOR to create an “80/20 project” at the Bank Street site, creating more than 100 new units of affordable housing.
Traffic
As Mayor, it is not often that I hear about the good things that are happening within our city. Traffic is one such area. We hear about the increases in traffic and congestion, but according to recent traffic analysis, despite all the new development and retail opportunities, we have experienced just a 2 % increase in traffic from this time last year.
I am also proud to announce that the City of White Plains was honored twice by American Automobile Association at the close of 2006. The city received the Best Practices Award for our green “LOOK” markings that many of you may have seen throughout the City. We also received the 2006 Platinum Award for Community Traffic Safety.
To achieve both the objectives of a well managed vehicular traffic system and maintaining a truly “walkable” city, I am appointing a Pedestrian/Traffic Management Advisory Committee to provide advice and ideas to the City on how to enhance the pedestrian experience and best manage vehicular traffic in and around the downtown.
This Committee will consist of downtown residents and business owners, development entities, the BID, and City staff from Planning, Public Works, Traffic, Parking, and the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development. The committee will prepare a report for the Mayor and Common Council consisting of ideas for making White Plains an even more pedestrian friendly, more welcoming, “walkable” city.
Youth Bureau
The City of White Plains Youth Bureau is unquestionably one of the best youth agencies in the State of New York. The Youth Bureau services more than 6,000 children and young adults each year. Close to 800 children per day are enrolled in our after-school programming which we recently expanded to include grades K through 8.
Our award winning Youth Bureau continues to expand its outreach to our community, for example:
The Youth Bureau is now open on Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., offering a number of activities for our children and young adults.
Step Up! Youth Development Program – is a a new initiative which is offers at-risk youth positive support, training, team building and increased communication.
Our Youth Employment Program continues to be a huge success. Our employment fairs are business driven, and our students dress as though they are being interviewed for a position with a Fortune 500 Corporation. Currently we are providing more than 600 employment opportunities per year to White Plains students.
Our Entrepreneur Program realized international acclaim in 2006, as White Plains’ own Laura Delucia was a National Foundation for Entrepreneurship Award Winner. Laura won for creating Healthy Hearts, a business that creates heart healthy treat baskets for individuals with heart disease. Congratulations to you, Laura.
We are also the recent recipient of a United States Tennis Association Grant of nearly $3000 dollars. The purpose of the grant is to provide tennis education and instruction to underserved White Plains youth.
To the staff of the Youth Bureau, Thank You.
Recreation and Parks
Our recreation and parks department had another banner year in 2006, and 2007 promises to be even better:
We will continue the ongoing renovations at Delfino Park, which include upgrading the picnic area, basketball courts, and existing ball fields.
A Capital Project has been approved which will allow us to renovate the Chatterton Playground located in the Battle Hill Neighborhood at the corner of Chatterton and Harmon Avenue.
We are also planning an expansion of our family centered events throughout our neighborhoods and in our downtown area.
In 2006 the Senior Center received new computers and an overhaul of the physical space of the existing computer lab. In 2007, the Center will receive a renovation of the physical plant and increased afternoon and evening programs.
Finally, we look forward to another expansion of our Arts Walk throughout the downtown area.
Efficiency and Service Capability
Locally, we must rethink how we provide services to our citizens. Technological advances have changed how we work and how we communicate with one another. My administration has committed to a plan to make more and more services available through electronically accessible government, or what is commonly called e-government.
We must emulate, when and where we can, the best practices of the most successful businesses in a few key areas: using the most advanced technology to better manage information and resources; and to work toward a paperless workplace, where citizens can obtain permits, licenses, apply for jobs, obtain records and information from city departments.
I am pleased to announce that very shortly the City of White Plains will launch a new City of White Plains website that will continue the theme of a more open and responsive government. Our residents will not only be able to access information from all departments, but will also be able pay their city taxes online.
White Plains Live and Local is the newest program about the city playing on cable channel 75. This original programming brings the City of White Plains to the residents in a fun and informative way.
Our city is a growing city, and under my administration we will continue to provide the very best services available in this County. The path we have taken has created jobs, grown our tax base, given much needed income to our school district, and helped keep our property taxes among the lowest in Westchester County. For White Plains families it has created jobs, created affordable housing, and has allowed us to preserve nearly 50 acres of open space since 1998.
Unfunded mandates, rising healthcare and pension costs, and decreases in aid to our community continue to present challenges to our government. The development opportunities that continue to be presented to us represent our best chance to create a successful community.
To rest on any perceived laurels or progress would be a tremendous mistake for my administration, the citizens of White Plains, or any elected official. A great city can only be attained by the work of its great citizens.
The state of our city is strong, and by continuing on this path we can only increase our position as the finest community in all of Westchester County.
