Take a Message to Albany: Legislators Send Their Legislative Package

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Westchester County Board of Legislators. March 13, 2007: After spending two months preparing and debating it, Westchester’s legislature last night approved the County’s State Legislative Package, an annual wish list of critical measures it wants Albany to enact. The 13-item Package will be taken to the capitol today where it will be formally presented to Westchester’s State representatives.

This year’s Package emphasizes items that would reform how the State funds its major social and education programs.   In particular, the County is asking its State representatives to rein in the unfunded mandates that have caused local property taxes to increase.   



“We’re looking to cooperate with the State in providing more funding for its programs that would assist the County in lowering its tax levy,” said County Legislator Vito Pinto, Chair of the Board’s Legislation Committee that worked with the County Executive’s office to hone down the initial list of 70 items and come to consensus on the most critical issues. “Our major focus is on keeping property taxes stable. To do that, we need a dependable revenue base, predictable costs and more efficient, well-managed and contained state programs.”



Property Tax Relief


To provide property tax relief and reduce the drain on local coffers, the County is asking for a continuation of the Medicaid cap instituted in the last legislative session. The cap limits the growth in a County’s annual share of costs to a reasonable rate.


The County has also asked that the State limit County property taxpayer liability for the pre-school education (Pre-K) program, which Pinto said “is showing the unbridled growth reminiscent of Medicaid.” The County cost for the Pre-K program has tripled in the last ten years, from $25.9 million in1997 to an estimated $83.1 million in the coming year. Additionally, the County has asked for improvements in the way it recoups insurance monies for the Early Intervention Program which has witnessed a 700% increase in the first thirteen years of its existence.


“And we want the State to assume the financial burden for its prisoners and parole violators being held in County jails,” Pinto noted. “These state inmates represent about 5% of the County’s total inmate population and account for approximately $618,000 annually in health expenses borne by County taxpayers.”


 


To save taxpayers needless costs, the County is requesting that the State Legislature change the Wicks Law which requires multiple contracts on municipal government projects of $50,000 or more. Pinto said a recent study estimated that the Wicks Law increases the cost of construction contracts by 15-25%, and increases the time it takes to complete projects by up to 60%.


The Package contains a request that the state extend the County’s authority to collect a 1.5% sales tax. This was the only item that did not have unanimous backing but was approved as part of the package in a separate 13-3 vote. 


“Unlike the state and New York City which collect income taxes, the County and local municipalities and school districts have limited options to collect revenue,” said Pinto.  “Proceeds from the sales tax have been an important alternate source of revenue for almost 16 years now for local government, local schools, local services and programs.” He said that last year the 1.5% sales tax provided revenues of $80 million to the county, $69.5 million to municipalities and $26 million to school districts for a total of $175 million.


 


Additional Elements of the Legislative Package include:


 



  • Restoring the County’s ability to be reimbursed by the state for non-resident tuition for the Fashion Institute of Technology which would save taxpayers approximately $1.7 million annually;

 



  • Increasing the annual funding to the Westchester Regional Emergency Medical Services Council (REMSCO) Program Agency from $140,000 to $250,000 in the 2007-08 state budget;

 

·         Amending the social services law to allow for a demonstration project implementing a dual track child protective services system;


  • Calling upon the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) to permit smart meters and real time pricing as a way to lower the cost of electric bills and increase energy usage efficiency;


  • Enacting a civil commitment law to provide a mechanism whereby sexually violent offenders who are likely to engage in repeated acts of sexual violence be placed in a secure facility in lieu of release into the community;



  • Requiring that a violent predator or a level three sex offender register an address with a local law enforcement agency within 30, rather than 90, days;



  • Tracking employment information of Medicaid recipients and analyzing the cost to taxpayers of this health care subsidy to businesses;

·         Tightening licensing requirements for young drivers;


  • Suspending liquor and lottery licenses of businesses in violation of selling alcohol to persons under 21 years of age. 

Please note:  The legislative package in its entirety is available online on the Board’s website at www.westchesterlegislators.com

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Adam In Albany: Assembly Restores Funds to 5 89th District Towns

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WPCNR’S ADAM IN ALBANY. By New York Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley, 89th District. March 13, 2007: I am pleased that the Assembly restored the Aid to Municipalities (AIM) funding to six of the towns I represent that were slated to lose this source of revenue in the governor’s budget proposal.  I fought to have this funding restored and as we move forward and enter public joint conference committee meetings, I will work toward ensuring that this local aid is maintained in the final budget.


Under the Assembly’s one-house budget plan passed yesterday, the towns of Bedford, Pound Ridge, New Castle, North Castle, Harrison and Lewisboro will receive the same level of aid they received in last year’s budget.  State funding makes a difference and affects the ability of local governments to hold the line on property taxes and continue providing important public services.


 

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Public Hearing on $173.8 Million School Budget Monday

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. March 13, 2007: A Public Hearing on the Superintendent’s Proposed 2007-08 Budget for the White Plains City School District will be held on Monday, March 19, 2007, at 7:30 P.M. at Education House, 5 Homeside Lane.


 


            The Board will vote to adopt a final budget on March 26, 2007 at a Special  Meeting, also at 7:30 P.M. at Education House.


 


The public vote and election of two School Board members will take place on Tuesday, May 15th, from Noon to 9 P.M. at six voting locations.   For further information, please call 422-2000.


 


 

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Tigers of the Golden Ball

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. March 13, 2007: The Journal News has announced its selections for All-Section, naming White Plains basketball players Kim Adams, Liz Flooks and Angelei Aguirre to the League IA All-Section Team and naming Flooks an Adams Most Valuable Player. Sue Adams, their Coach has been named Coach of the Year for mentoring the Tigers to their third consecutive Section 1 Championship. To commemorate this unprecedented achievement, we turn to the bard of the pressbox, the Grantland Rice of White Plains, Hoops Hardwood:


Tigers of the Golden Ball


By Hoops Hardwood


 


Three times the Tigresses climbed to the Top


Thrashing all competition from Section to Section.


Three years they thrilled with last minute stop


Now we will no more to the gym again to see the cream of the crop.


 


 



 


For Adams and Flooks and Mcquire,


The Tigers of hoop savoire


Have made their last run


Their valiant effort has at last been done.


 


From the flamboyant crashing of boards


Convergence on cage


Of Flooks and Adams grabbing bound after bound


Popping in putbacks with grace and aplomb.


 



 


Three times they held Golden Ball


Of Excellence high holding us enthrall


With comeback and heart


In contests tempestuous, they now must part.


 


Gone separate ways to their futures they must,


Leaving behind pictures on WPHS walls.                                                          


Future Tigers will gaze upon and remember


When playing in the Tigers den caused Koala and Knight to Tremble.


 


 



Snapshots of glory unfold in minds eye


Of spectacular shot and clawing defense


Of unselfish play and pressure intense


As quintette of Tiger Cubs made us sigh and cry.


 


Denied supremacy at state


Three times by fickle twists of fortune late


Hearts hardened by the indifference of


The hardwood road they showed how to handle fate.


 



 


From swooping Kim with the long Texas reach and dagger jumper


Delivering the clutch run when the Tigers were in trouble


To Liz’s leaps to snare a tricky bound and burst the opposition’s bubble


To the Angel of the Glass – Aguirre the igniter – the backboard bumper


 


Teaming with the passionate Paige stepping up the tempo on a Spree.


With Bree and company stepping in, the Angel and the Paige


Inherit the Adams and Flooks legacy


To build anew the Tiger dynasty.


 


So here’s to the Tigers of the Golden Ball


Of memories in the hot gyms on cold nights,


Of musty practices and the bounce of the


Fickle orange rock, all who saw them remember the highlights.


 


To Liz and Kim, and Angelei and Paige and Lauren


Thanks for the memories for though you have fallen,


We remember the furious desire, the comebacks and the putbacks


The defense that would not quit, you have set the standard for Tigers All.


 


In our mind’s eye we will always see you in your glory:


The steal and the no-look pass. The second and third follows.]


The toughness, the heart. The come-out-and-get you dee.


Though we must part making way for future Tigers of the Golden Ball.


 


On some future day on a stroll down the WPHS Wall of Fame,


We shall look at your picture, seeing the bright promise, the supreme achievers.


Reminding us forever of the time when your Tiger five played the game,


Giving it all you had and setting a standard to which all would aspire.


 


 


 


 

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Adam In Albany: Clarification of Position on Health Care.

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WPCNR’S ADAM IN ALBANY. By State Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley. March 12, 2007: When Governor Spitzer presented his budget proposal in January, he proposed significant health care reforms.  He outlined an ambitious plan to rein in spending but, most importantly, to ensure that patients’ interests were placed ahead of special interests.  I could not agree more.

Putting patients first also guided the Assembly’s health care plan.  We built upon the governor’s goals to eliminate waste in the Medicaid system while ensuring that our state’s 400,000 uninsured children get health care coverage.


However, we included more funds for our hospitals and nursing homes.  Restricting vital funding to necessary health care facilities compromises patient care and that is not acceptable.  Our loved ones rely on facilities like Westchester Medical Center, White Plains Hospital Center and Northern Westchester Hospital and they cannot withstand any further funding losses.  Westchester County has already lost two facilities – St. Agnes and United Hospital – and any further hospital closings could have a negative impact on public health  and patient care.


I have been a strong advocate since my first days in Albany for HMO reform and this should be the starting point in any health care discussion.  Leveling the playing field between HMOs and health care providers will accomplish everyone’s goals of reining in health care spending while ensuring the highest level of patient care.


 

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Naked Westchester: Con Ed, Verizon Stripping Countryside: Feiner

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WPCNR THE FEINER REPORT. By Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner. March 12, 2007: Con Ed has begun to clear many trees throughout the area –a follow up to the power outages that took place last year. The tree cutting may be a necessary action to help reduce the possibility of future massive power outages.


The clear cutting of trees at different locations throughout the town and region is creating an eyesore and possible safety concerns. For example, on Ridge Road – north of Heatherdell – virtually all of the trees have been cut down along the Sprain.  The lack of trees at this location is changing the character of the community –making a part of Greenburgh much less green. I was driving on the Bronx River Parkway – north of the County Center today. A section of the park is also much more visible because of the recent clear cutting of many trees. Con Ed advised residents who attended a meeting in Edgemont a few weeks ago that the serious tree cutting effort will begin in Greenburgh during the 2nd half of this year —so we are just starting to learn what to expect.


In addition, there are safety issues. On Ridge Road the trees provided a little protection for cars in the unfortunate event that they skidded off the road so they would not fall several stories onto the Sprain. I suggest that smaller trees/bushes be planted at this location and have been asked by constituents to look into the possibility of placing a guard rail or fence behind it so drivers and passengers won’t fall off the edge onto the Sprain.


I feel strongly that Con Ed should appropriate funds for tree replanting programs. Last Friday I received an e mail from Con Ed advising me that Con Ed does not expect to replant the trees that are being cut.  I also believe that if the town,Verizon remove trees – that funds should be appropriated for smaller tree replantings. The cost should be assumed by the entity that removes the trees.


Greenburgh needs to keep the green in our name.


PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

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Wild West Gold Rush on Mamaroneck Avenue? Taller Buildings Realtor Predicts.

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WPCNR MAMARONECK AVENUE AMBLER. By John F. Bailey. March 12, 2007: A realtor quoted in this week’s Westchester County Business Journal today, has made a  provocative prediction that Mamaroneck Avenue was going to change “beyond imagination.”


Intrigued, WPCNR asked Martin Deitch of Aries, Deitch & Endelson –  the realtor — what he meant by that phrase. It means taller buildings up and down the avenue, he predicts.



Asked if he knew of any major behind-the-scenes developments, Deitch told WPCNR today he did not know of any specifically, instead,  he saw it as a natural outgrowth of the city Renaissance.


He predicts owners of properties along Mamaroneck Avenue down to the Post Road and beyond would enhance their properties by building them higher up to 5 stories or more to create mixed use office and retail space. The effect, he said  would be to offer more tenant possibilities and rental rates to reach the lofty rentals now being asked along the White Plains Renaissance Avenue.  The model for this is the Cappelli Ritz Carlton Westchester, but on a less grander scale, where residences, office space and retail  exist, Deitch observed.


Deitch said the banks are paying rents of $40 a square foot, which, in Deitch’s opinion is too hefty for the storefront  retail-space buildings now existing on Mamaroneck Avenue. “The retailer cannot afford that,” Deitch said.


Deitch believes the Mamaroneck Avenue future is for owners to either sell their properties out or enter into partnerships to tear them down and build higher on their properties using air rights. Deitch noted he did not think owners would have to build much higher than 5 stories  to put together offices, perhaps even residences that would enable retail to take spaces at affordable rates with additional upstairs office space making up the difference, enabling owners to capitalize on the new boom town.


 


Parking Shortage a Deterrent to Going Up.


Deitch noted the distinct lack of parking in the White Plains downtown is a roadblock to  owners/builders going up with their buildings, since landlords have to provide parking spaces for all tenants and expected traffic generated by the site. That would have to be addressed in any owner/builder “build up.”


What Mr. Deitch sees is interesting, considering the City of White Plains has perhaps envisioned this need as multi-story parking garages have been contemplated for the Maple and Waller Avenue lot, (behind Dooley Mac’s) and the city is currently about to build a $17 Million public garage for White Plains Hospital Center use and the Sunrise assisted living facility, and the public.  The Waller Avenue and Maple Avenue, one level lot expanded to multi-stories, would sharply increase the parking available on Mamaroneck Avenue and facilitate owner-builder expansion. The garage adjacent the Coachman Hotel could be expanded on the Maple Avenue side that is at street leve, and street level lots on Mitchell Place, and on Quorroppas and Court Street could also lend themselves to multi-decking. As Jim Benerofe of White Plains Week said, “If you build a parking lot, the cars will come.”


East Post Road Homeless Facilities Must Go: Realtor.


Asked about the East Post Road corridor, Deitch said it was essential that for the area from Mamaroneck Avenue  West up East Post Road to White Plains Hospital Center to be redeveloped, that the city would have to relocate the Coachman Homeless Shelter and the  Sheltering Arms homeless shelter on East Post Road run by Westchester County.


 Deitch said there was no question that the homeless shelters had to be relocated in order to interest developers in that esthetically challenged stretch of street.  WPCNR remembers that the children’s furniture store had left the area when the Coachman arrived. Karl Ehmer departed, and Maison Castellano closed. Tango  located on Court and East Post Road is the only upscale restaurant on that street.  Deitch said there was no getting around the fact that the homeless shelters are holding back that street.  He currently represents a property in Mount Vernon that is very attractive, except for the presence of a methadone clinic on the same block. That has really hurt the marketability of that property, he said.


Pinnacle a Plus — Expects a Settlement


He said once The Pinnacle arrives the stretch of Main Street will bustle with upscale retail and housing making Mamaroneck Avenue real estate even more attractive than it is now. WPCNR asked, despite that the two partners are suing each other? Deitch said he expected Martin Ginsburg and Mr. Rotundi to settle with one selling out to the other, and that The Pinnacle would proceed. Deitch helped broker the deal for The Pinnacle property originally with Ginsburg and Rotundi, he said.


 

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Adam In Albany: Spitzer Health Plan Costs Med Ctr $9.2M, WPHC, $1.8M

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WPCNR’S ADAM IN ALBANY. By State Assemblyman Adam T. B radley (89th District) March 12, 2007: On Wednesday, health care advocates rallied in Albany to oppose the health care plan in Governor Spitzer’s budget proposal and I met with representatives from the Westchester Medical Society to listen to their concerns.   Many health care groups have come out against the governor’s plan because they believe it will severely jeopardize the quality of patient care and place even more financial burdens on the state’s already struggling hospitals and nursing homes.  These facilities are the backbone to the health of our communities and they take care of our children, parents, husbands and wives. 


 






 


The governor has proposed various reforms to combat the escalating costs of Medicaid in this state.  Savings from his restructuring of Medicaid payments to health care facilities will be directed towards important proposals, such as insuring New York’s 400,000 uninsured children and lowering the costs of prescription drugs.  I absolutely agree with these proposals.  And I share in the governor’s belief that our state’s health care system must put patients first, not special interests. 


 


However, I am very concerned that parts of the governor’s plan will harm patients.  I fear that by terminating vital health care funds that facilities such as Westchester Medical Center, White Plains Hospital Center and Northern Westchester Hospital rely on, our families will be put at substantial risk of not getting the quality care they ultimately deserve.  There are ways to reform our health care system without compromising patient care. 


 


HMOs and pharmaceutical companies are the real winners in New York State’s health care system.  Year after year these businesses post record profits while hospitals and nursing homes fight to keep their heads above water.  It should not be this way and that is why I have sponsored numerous measures to level the playing field between insurance companies and health care providers.  Reforming HMOs is the step we should be taking to rein in health care spending while ensuring the highest level of patient care.  The funding cuts in the governor’s budget proposal could have negative impacts on patient care:


Ø Westchester Medical Center ————————–$9,236,000


Ø White Plains Hospital Center————————–$1,799,000


Ø Northern Westchester Hospital————————$1,405,000


Ø Cedar Manor Nursing Home ————————–$697,000


Ø St. Mary’s Rehabilitation Center for Children——$294,000


 


Patients should not shoulder the burden of health care reforms when other steps can be taken.  I will fight during budget negotiations to make sure our facilities are sufficiently funded.


 

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Who Would You Nominate for Common Council for Dems?l

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WPCNR MR. AND MRS. AND MS. WHITE PLAINS VOICE. March 12, 2007: Since the negotiations and the interviews of candidates in the Democratic Party smoke-filled backroom are in full swing, WPCNR thought it would be interesting to test the public mood and see who they want to nominate for the Democratic Council ticket in November 2007. Bearing in mind, that being a Democrat virtually assures election to the Council or any position in White Plains due to the 3/4 registration of Democrats, it means that a nominating committee, which has refused to reveal who is being considered for Common Council to their own party district leaders, is selecting the city’s leaders, not the voters.


So who would you pick based on your knowledge of past performances by the incumbents, Mr. Bernstein, Mr. Boykin,  and Mr. Power — or one of the insurgent newcomers: Ms. Corcoran, Ms. Eisenstadt, Mr. Hughes and Mr. Stackpole? For a brief few lines on each of the hopefuls, read the commentary “Blood in the Backroom”. Since the Nominating Committee does not issue any official bios and credentials for their decisions, and finds this out by interviews, and it is alleged, in some circles, “political connections and willingness to cooperate and be a team player, and do as they are told,”  we thought we would let you the people decide who should run in our poll. You may vote for three, one each day…so come back early and often.


Contrary to popular belief, incumbents are not automatically assured renomination. It is up to the Nominating Committee.


What about Republican challengers, you ask? The low number of registered Republicans in the city makes it well nigh impossible to win against the Democrating registration numbers.

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County Establishes Global Warming Site for Task Force

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WPCNR Environmental Epitaph. From Westchester County Department of Communications. March 12, 2007:  Westchester County has a new section on its website to focus attention on what people, governments and businesses can do to decrease greenhouse gases that cause global warming.


The new web pages are part of County Executive Andy Spano’s broad initiative, announced in October, to produce a countywide action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable development in Westchester. Noting that the county has a long history of effective grassroots advocacy on the environment, Spano appointed the Climate Protection: Westchester Global Warming Task Force, which has begun work to develop this plan.



“Our new website will be a resource for the task force and for all or our residents and businesses that care about the environment,” said Spano. “It is a way to share ideas and information. I hope people reading these pages will see what ‘action steps’ of their own they can take.”


The website can be accessed from www.westchestergov.com


As the website says, “Climate change is the greatest environmental challenge facing the world today. It will bring changes in weather patterns, rising sea levels and increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. How we respond to the issue of climate change now will determine the shape of our future – our economy, environment, and communities. The debate is no longer about whether climate change is happening, but on what we do about it.” 


The website includes information on what things Westchester County and the public and private sector have done to deal with global warming. It includes links to many outside resources, so people can become better informed about the problem – and solutions. An “action section” will be developed that will give specific suggestions on things individuals and groups should do.


Reese Berman, co-chair of the county’s Global Warming Task Force, said of the new website: “With such an overwhelming amount of material available on the issue of global warming, this website will save an incredible amount of energy for action-oriented people who don’t want to re-invent the wheel. People in this county sense the urgency, and this will help us move forward in developing action plans that fit Westchester, now.”


 

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