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.

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WPCNR FOR THE RECORD. The State of the City 2008 Address Delivered by Mayor Joseph Delfino. April 7, 2008 UPDATED 2 PM WITH PICTURES: Here for closer review is the Mayor’s address to the Common Council and a citywide television audience Monday evening.

Mayor Joseph Delfino Delivering the Development Story at the Common Council Monday evening.

2008 State of the City

 

First on the agenda is the annual State of the City Address.

I’m very pleased to report that due to effective planning, efficient management and the collective efforts of my administration and the Common Council, the State of our City — in every respect – is sound and extremely strong.

 

Ten years ago, my administration put together a desperately-needed plan for the revitalization of White Plains.   Based on the principals of smart growth development, that plan has served as a blueprint for the benefits and successes we are now beginning to realize. 

 

 

 

By protecting the outlying neighborhoods and concentrating development in the downtown, and by working very closely with representatives of our City’s close-in neighborhoods, White Plains is now a vital and vibrant urban center while still maintaining the charming suburban quality of our residential areas.

 

I want to thank our neighborhood organizations for their input and cooperation in working to keep White Plains moving forward.  Their dialogue has been a major ingredient in the success of our revitalization.

 

White Plains is now in a fortified and solid financial condition.  Our City is now rated Aa1 by Moody’s Investors Service, the second-highest rating given by the investment community. 

 

White Plains is the only City in the State to enjoy such a rating.

 

The financial benefits of our new growth have been extraordinary.  In the downtown, once-vacant lots and abandoned buildings that previously generated less than $2 million in property taxes now generate close to $13 million in revenues, an increase of more than 650%.

 

White Plains has become the most desirable location in the region for major corporations and businesses.  This, from a city that in 1998, had an office vacancy rate of 34% — the highest in the nation!  Today, the rate has plummeted to less than 7%.  Vacant offices have been filled, raising the property values of these commercial buildings.  In fact, since 1998, the City’s full property value has increased an astounding 157%. (Editor’s Note: it was reported that the White Plains office vacancy rate has risen to 12.7% as of last week.)

 

Tonight, I can also report that for the first time in more than a half decade, White Plains assessment roles have increased, despite the fact that the majority of our new development – more than $19 million dollars – remains off our assessment roles because the City has still not been granted its own IDA.

 

I am convinced that millions of dollars in administrative fees that could have been used to offset property taxes for residents in the City of White Plains have gone to subsidize County government instead.  This is simply not acceptable.

 

I will continue to strongly advocate to higher levels of government that White Plains be granted its own IDA, just like Yonkers, New Rochelle, Mt. Vernon and every major community in Westchester.

 

Much of our new development has contributed to the diversity of our retail base, and that has had an enormous impact on our sales tax revenues which have reached a record high of $45 million.

 

In fact, the most startling statistic regarding sales tax revenues is the fact they have increased by more than 67% since fiscal year 1997-98, when I first took office as Mayor.

 

A report just released on the economy in Westchester by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli noted that while the County’s population growth of 2.5% through the years 2000 to 2006 outpaced the rest of the State, White Plains’ growth was a full 7% during the same period.

 

So here in our great City of White Plains, we are at the vortex of incredible, positive change in every facet of our life as a community.

 

Always, my primary concern has been, is, and will continue to be, you, the residents of our City.  I have fought to keep your City taxes as low as possible.   White Plains is a unique City. Having maintained the suburban nature of many of our residential neighborhoods, we have always stood out as the County Seat and a major retail and business center.

 

We have worked hard and tirelessly to ensure that all our new development benefits the residential property taxpayer. An enormous statistic:  White Plains property taxpayers’ contribution to our general fund budget accounts for only 28.6 percent of the revenues of our budget – the lowest property tax contribution to any budget in the State of New York.  

 

Tonight, I want to address, specifically, a question that I know is on nearly every resident’s mind.  What are the benefits of our new development and how does it affect your taxes?

 

Let me begin by explaining that we collect nearly $13 million in new property tax revenues generated by new development. Of that $13 million, $8.3 million goes to the school system and the remaining $4.7 million is split, nearly 50 – 50 between the County and the City with a little more than $2 million going to each.

 

And yet it is the City that provides all the services to you, our residents.  It is the City that provides you with police and fire protection.  It is the City that picks up your garbage, plows your streets, and removes your leaves. 

 

I must ask: What is the County doing with their share of this new revenue for you, our residents?

 

Let anyone who believes new development has harmed our City, consider this fact:  At $20,000 – considered to be the cost of education for a student for one year – new development in the City is paying for the education of more than 400 students per year!  Data from the school district shows that the new development has only generated approximately 30 additional students.

 

Our City’s new development, itself, has generated substantial revenues in property taxes.  But there are additional, financial spin-offs of our new development which dramatically add to our revenues.  These additional sources of revenue offset costs without it then we’d be forced to raise property taxes in order to maintain the same level of services that you, our residents have become accustomed to.  For instance:

 

Building permits and fees – fueled largely by new development – generated more than $7 million in the last two years alone.  In 1998, building department fees didn’t even reach $1 million.  Without this essential source of revenue, property taxes over the last two years would have been increased by an additional 5%.

 

Then there’s our mortgage recording tax.  In 1998, it was just over $1 million.  In 2007, our economic growth propelled this revenue source to over $5.6 million.  Without this revenue growth, over the past 10 years, property taxes would be as much as 9.5% higher than they are today.

 

 

 

Our new development has also brought in direct user fees, such as parking.  This past year, parking revenues generated over $19 million – an increase of  $3.3 million from the previous year.  Without this additional revenue, we would have been forced to raise property taxes by another 8%.  Keep in mind that more than 65% of parking revenue is derived from non-resident use. 

 

It’s clear, when you look at these numbers, that our Smart Growth development program has meant a tremendous savings to property owners. 

 

The sales tax has always been a revenue stream that has traditionally helped off-set the tax burden on our residents. In fact, sales tax revenues – even without the quarter percent increase – have surpassed property taxes as the number one source of revenue for our City. 

 

Think about that for a moment.  We’d have to raise taxes by more than 40%, over the last 10 years, to generate the same revenues from our current sales taxes.

Studies based on IRS statistics bear out the fact that 90% of our sales tax revenue is generated by non-residents. 

 

Last year, I proposed raising our sales tax rate by one-half percent to equal that of the other major cities in Westchester. In the spirit of compromise with our Assemblyman Adam Bradley – I settled on a quarter percent increase instead and I applaud Assemblyman Bradley for his diligence in getting the increase approved by the Assembly and I our the State Senate to pass this quickly as possible.

 

Assemblyman Bradley has also promised to review the City’s finances with me on an annual basis and I believe the budget we’re releasing tonight makes it clear that there is a demonstrated need for the other one quarter percent. 

 

Had we received the full one-half percent I originally advocated for, it would have prevented any property tax increase and would have provided a small surplus that would grow year after year.  The shifting of tax burdens from the shoulders of our residents should be foremost in the minds of all your elected officials.

 

With that full one-half percent the White Plains sales tax

would be equal to, and not a penny more than, any of the

other major cities in the County, all of which, by the way, have their own IDA’s to generate additional revenues.

 

Think of how much property taxes would have to be increased if we did not have these other sources of revenue from new development.  We should keep this in mind as we continue our Smart Growth Development Program while carefully considering new development in the downtown.

 

Now, let’s shift our perspective for a moment.  Earlier, I spoke about our uniqueness as a City – a dual City that combines what’s best of urban life with what’s most celebrated as suburbia. 

 

It is most important for me to point out that it is the failure or refusal of other levels of government to recognize our uniqueness that is forcing our residents to pay an enormous price.

 

Because State government refuses to recognize our uniqueness as a major commercial AND residential community we are forced to comply with a bizarre and inequitable formula that costs you, the taxpayer millions of dollars.

 

Equalization Rate

 

The State attempts to balance the values of commercial and residential properties together with what is called an equalization rate.  I’m not going to get into the convoluted rational to try to explain how this formula works tonight.  Anyone who wants to learn about this can access the City website and read an excellent explanation of it by our Assessor called “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Assessments.”

 

What I will say is that in communities where there is a fraction of the commercial properties that we have in White Plains, this formula might work.  It does not work, however when you consider that more than half, or approximately 59%, of White Plains properties are commercial.  With the current equalization formula, the State punishes White Plains for being successful.

 

We were forced to refund more than $4 million to commercial property owners in the last two fiscal years alone.  This is equal to an 11% tax increase. 

 

Does it make sense to anyone that we are forced to refund millions of dollars to corporations and businesses in a city where full values of properties have risen 157% and where vacancy rates have dropped by nearly 30%? 

 

The residential property taxpayer not only gets hurt by the fact that the City is forced to refund $4 million to commercial property taxpayers, but also because the assessed values of these commercial properties are then reduced as well. 

 

I stated earlier that the City assessment role grew for the first time in five years, and that’s clearly a remarkable achievement, considering that last year alone, we were forced to reduce our assessment role by more than $6.9 million due to commercial tax certiories caused by the State Equalization Rate. 

 

Tonight, I am releasing the City’s Budget for 2008-2009.  I am pleased to announce that there are no projected cuts in services to our City residents.  Spending this year is being held to a mere 3%, the majority of which is contracted salaries and benefits. 

 

Yet, despite that and the astonishing financial benefits of our economic redevelopment, there still remains a gap between revenues and expenditures.  This gap, largely brought about, unfairly, by the uniqueness of this great City, necessitates a 4.9% property tax increase over last year.

 

Despite the penalties of the State Property tax system, our redevelopment efforts have helped to off-set most of the negative impacts and fueled a number of quality of life initiatives that significantly benefit all our City residents.  Some initiatives began years ago, others in the past year. They include:

 

–         The creation and approval of 320 affordable residential units 

Our affordable housing program is one of the most aggressive in the region. White Plains was recognized by HUD as a national model program and this year we increased our required percentage of affordable units on new developments from 6% to 10%   My administration will continue to work innovatively for any opportunity to create even more affordable and workforce housing.

 

Our Computer Technology Centers at the Slater Center and the Youth Bureau where residents can learn computer technology and access the Internet have been enormously successful.

 

Throughout our downtown and in many neighborhoods we have worked to improve our public spaces. Our fountain plaza stands out as a model of what can be done through public/private partnerships.  In addition,

 

Our Streetscape Improvement Program has been a huge success.  I want to thank Senators Clinton and Schumer for their contribution of $1.5 million that enabled us to expand our downtown streetscape improvements to Lexington Avenue and Post Road. 

 

The White Plains Performing Arts Center, the result of another successful public/private partnership and now in its fifth year, has undergone a major transformation to become the County’s only professional regional theater. This year, the Performing Arts Center has successfully financed and produced three top quality Broadway level musicals, with its fourth and the season’s final show “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” opening April 24^th.

 

The Performing Arts Center, one of the brightest gems in the downtown district, highlights and celebrates the diversity that is White Plains by partnering with the City of White Plains, White Plains School District, the Juneteenth Committee, Shinnyo En, and other community organizations to bring the performing arts to all our residents. (Editor’s Note: the city will furnish about $400,000 to the White Plains Performing Arts Center in monies and services in the 2008-2009 budget.)

 

When you consider our vast redevelopment activity, it is no small achievement that we have acquired or dedicated more than 53 acres to be preserved as open space.  We have procured all five parcels identified by the original Open Space Acquisition Committee which I formed in 2001, and I have recently convened a new committee to identify more parcels for potential acquisition.

 

White Plains has always been at the forefront of the Green Technology frontier.  Whether it be through the City’s use of hybrid vehicles, the green building technology requirements we impose on new development or the opening last year of one of only three Hydrogen refueling stations in the State, our City’s commitment to the environment has remained steadfast. 

 

To carry this commitment even further, I recently convened a new Green Technology Committee comprised of business and construction representatives, energy officials and City staff to discuss ways to further our commitment to preserving the environment.  

More than a think tank, the Green Technology Committee is results-oriented and committed to having a measurable impact on our community and its growth in the near future as well as long-term. 

 

Recently my office began a new Neighborhood Association outreach program.  Regular meetings are now being scheduled with my office, City staff and neighborhood association representatives so that improvements and suggestions can be coordinated and implemented. 

 

A handbook for residents of each separate close-in neighborhood is currently being produced and I look forward to a number of new initiatives to come from these meetings in the coming year.

Recently a new form has been added to the City’s website for residents to use for inquiries, problems, questions or issues of concern.  It’s on the front page listed as Questions or Comments.

  

For some time now, it has been apparent that major changes are required in the regulation of the City’s taxi services.  I have recently formed a committee comprised of City residents, representatives from the Business Improvement District, my office, Public Safety and industry officials to look at ways to improve service and increase oversight of this vital industry. 

 

I am renewing, once again, my administration’s commitment to continue revitalization efforts in the downtown, particularly along the Lexington Avenue and Post Road corridor.  Although this process has been lengthy, I believe the results will be stellar.  There is a core group of residents and businesses who have a strong interest in seeing this area redeveloped and we will continue to work closely with them in the coming year.

 

In our first venture in this area, our public private partnership with White Plains Hospital and the Kensington Assisted Living Facility to construct a new garage is well underway with the structure scheduled to be open in November in time for the holiday shopping season.

 

Trolleys

I’m also happy to announce that through the enormous and tireless efforts of many, including Melissa Lopez of my office, we have obtained funding commitments from the federal government and from the New York Power Authority to purchase two green technology trolleys to be deployed within the City – hopefully as early as this coming year.

 

I’m not happy to announce that a flood caused by a leaking pipe recently shut down City Hall for a day bringing to the forefront a challenge we’ve all known about for some time.  The flood destroyed some of our most important technological equipment and caused more than $500,000 in damages. 

 

City Hall

The cost to the taxpayers and the inconvenience of shutting down City Hall for a day is completely unacceptable. Ten years ago we began looking at the renovation and expansion of City Hall and decided to wait.  I am asking my staff to once again begin the process of accessing what is needed and how best to accomplish it.

 

Although City Hall sits on one of the most valuable properties in downtown, I believe it is the most appropriate location for it.  I am asking my staff to think creatively, and to look at every creative possibility including public – private partnerships or public – public partnerships that might produce the renovation and expansion we sorely need at little to no cost to the taxpayers.    

 

As always, there is much more to be done to manage our City effectively and well.  I want to first thank my family for allowing me to make the commitment to work 24/7 as your Mayor – it is a privilege and an honor to do so.  But it requires great sacrifice, and I thank my family for their continued understanding and support.

 

I also want to thank all of our City staff who goes above and beyond the call of duty – on a daily basis – to make this City a leader in everything it does.  I am particularly proud of the compassion and caring my administration has for those less fortunate and those in need of special consideration. 

 

When I see the outreach and goodwill, the conscientiousness, professionalism and expertise of my staff at City Hall, it truly makes me very proud. 

 

I have tremendous gratitude for our men and women who serve on the City’s police and fire departments and who have done a truly outstanding job putting major crime at its lowest point since the 1960s. With all our growth, this is truly remarkable. I want to give them a special thanks.

 

And, of course, I want to thank this council for all their hard work.  There is no question about their commitment to making White Plains the greatest City it can possibly be.

 

Looking ahead, I’m eager to deepen my partnership with this Council to sustain and maintain the level of growth that has kept White Plains at the forefront of the State and region and that has benefitted our more than 57,000 residents who depend on our leadership to provide the very best of services at reasonable costs.

 

I look forward to working with our Albany representatives once again to get the recognition of the State government regarding the uniqueness of the City’s tax base and allow a more equitable formula to be applied to reduce the burden on our City’s finances and to stop punishing our residential property taxpayers in favor of our commercial ones.

 

A solution does exist.  The State already recognizes the fact that New York City has a uniquely split commercial and residential property base and it allows that City to tax each entity separately – commercial and residential.  White Plains should be allowed to do the same.

 

In a City where nearly 60% of its properties are commercial, and where retail and office uses are so prevalent, sources of revenue – other than property taxes – must be vigorously pursued.  We will continue to work hard and creatively to ensure that residents are not subsidizing those who visit here to shop, work or enjoy entertainment. 

 

I pledge to continue my advocacy on the County level and on the State level for what I believe to be clearly in the best interests of our residents.

Thank You and May God Bless America.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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WPCNR UPPER DECK. By Fastpitch Johnny. April 7, 2008:  White Plains Softball 2008 returned Monday afternoon and the Tigers after spotting New Rochelle an early unearned run, came from behind on back-to-back singles by  centerfielder Jackie Flooks and  hot corner picket, Christine Coppola in the Tiger 5th  to take the lead. They added an unearned tally in the sixth on an egregious messed up force play on catcher Sandra Mastrangelo at second by the New Ro shortstop who threw the ball too hard into right centerfield which allowed Sandra Mastrangelo to score the eventual third and winning run.

Fastpitch Nation: The Ladies In Black are Back with an all new infield: Kate Smayda at first; Christien Giansante at second, Christy Reina  at Short, and Christine Coppola at third. Sandra Mastrangelo is catching and Lauren Sputo is in the circle. That’s Kellie Washington on second base, who had New Ro’s only 2 hits.

Meanwhile in the circle, Lauren Sputo pitching strongly in the 40-degree temperatures fanned 10 Huguenots, walked 2 and struck out one allowing 2 hits, She closed out the game with a 1-2-3 seventh. The Tigers play Yonkers Friday in their next game.

 

The Tigers spotted New Ro an unearned run in the first and the Huguenot starter made it standup handcuffing White Plains until the fifth. In the fifth a lead off single in the hole by Sarah Lorden (2 for 3 on the day) started off the inning, then Sarah stole second her second of two steals on the day. After a strikeout and a walk to Laura DeMarte, Jackie Flooks  drove the ball on the ground sharply into the shortstop hole to send Sarah around with the tying run.

On the throw to the plate, DeMarte took second. Christine Coppola stood in and on a 1-2 pitch she blooped a Texas Leaguer pop into shallow left on the line. The Southeast wind drifted the ball into no woman’s land just beyond third base. The shortstop did not go for it. Indecision reigned. The leftfielder was too deep and the third baser did not go back for it. It fell and DeMarte came around to score to take the lead on excellent baserunning.

In the sixth, Mastarangelo singled sharply in the shortstop hole. After the next batter popped up, Sarah hit into a force play to short. Easy play. But no, the New Ro shortstop, formerly a thirdbaseperson threw too hard to second to get Mastrangelo on the force, nearly tearing the second baseperson’s glove off with her throw which sailed into right center. Mastrangelo got up and wheeled around third to score to make it 3-1.

Finishing them Off: Sputo wraps up her 2-hitter as Christine Coppola (No. 8) at third, who drove in the equalizer gets set.

Lauren Sputo needed that third run. In the sixth a wild throw into right center on an attempt at a double play from the plate allowed New Rochelle to climb within one. Ms. Sputo retired the next 4 Huguenots to close out the game and give the Tigers their first win.

 

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WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. By John F. Bailey. April 7, 2008: Mayor Joseph Delfino contacted WPCNR Friday to assure the public that the city Proposed Budget which will be presented to the Common Council this evening, could still change. Asked what the public could expect as the budget debuts this evening, the Mayor said, “I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”

The Mayor told WPCNR , in response to public criticism (by Councilman Benjamin Boykin, among others) that the Budget and Management Committee had not been consulted on the preparation of the budget, “The Administration (previously) has always presented the budget to the Common Council first then the Budget Committee, and they’ll five meetings to make any changes in the budget. Any changes they want to make, we’ll consider.”

 

The Truncating of the Process

WPCNR notes that under the previous budget director, Anne Reasoner, the Budget & Management Committee had always been able to make comments on budget conditions and forecasts before the Proposed Budget was printed. This process of forecasts took place under Budget Director Eileen Earl prior to Ms. Reasoner assuming that position. The Budget Director has since been eliminated. 

 It has only been since Ms. Reasoner’s requested departure in June of 2006 that the Committee has been receiving the  proposed budget after it is printed.

 The Budget Book will be presented to the Common Council tonight, which has made no effort to advise the Mayor what kind of tax increase (if any) would be acceptable; how much departments should be requested to cut the budget; and what discretionary projects should be funded or not funded. Previously the Budget & Management C ommittee had weighed in on these matters as the budget was being put together. The Capital Projects Board, in fairness, which includes members of the Common Council has previously met to discuss budget requests by department –on key projects — but had not general operating expenses.

Mayor Will tell Common Council First

Asked if the Mayor planned a budget in line with last year’s increase of 5% in spending and 7% in City Property Tax , the Mayor said he could not reveal that. He  described the budget as “a bare bones budget.” Asked if the 5% – 7% spread between expenses and tax increase was a barebones budget, the Mayor declined to comment.

The  Mayor said the council was well aware of city projections of the budget, made to  apply and comply with the requirements to apply for the AIM  (Aid & Incentives to Municipalities) grants the city was awarded over the next three years. The Mayor said he gave those projects to Assemblyman Adam Bradley when Mr. Bradley was considering the sales tax increase of ¼% now working its way through the State Senate.

A 5% – 7% Spread

In those forecasts, the Mayor projected the city General Fund would grow to $148.1 Million in 2008-2009. The General Fund was $144.8 Million this year (2007-2008). The overall city budget, including the Water Fund, Library Fund and Self-Insurance Fund and last year’s administrative salaries the budget was $154.5M.

Over the next two years the City Property Tax is projected to grow 7% each year.

In 2008-2009 according to the projections issued to the Department of Budget for the State of New York,  exclusively published by WPCNR in October, 2007,  at www.whiteplainscnr.com/articles6090.html the Mayor was calling for a General Fund Budget of $148.1, and projected salary increases in 2008-2009 to be 5% ($70.7M in 2007-2008 moving to $73.9 Million in 2008-2009).

Forecasts Submitted to the State One Year Ago.

 

Adding inflation to the mix, 3.3% to this year’s budget, you come up with a figure of $160 Million for a city budget. Add to the $160 Million a 1.5% increase over inflation, and the figure builds to 161.6 Million. Increase benefits by 5% — the school district estimate of health benefit increases and the budget builds $1.7M more to $163.3 Million. Add $500,000 in Administrative Salary increases and it inflates to $163.8 Million.  Add possible open space purchases in the neighborhood of a million dollars, and a 40% approximate increase in  electric energy costs, you might expect a city budget to come in about $165 Million and up.

The Schedule for Budget Surgery.

There is an opportunity  for the Budget and Management Committee to cut, of course, eliminate administrative salary increases – or negotiate a tougher contract with the unions, or get some givebacks.

Asked why the Budget and Management Committee could not have been given a “walk through” of the budget in Mid-March, the Mayor said, “We didn’t know where we were, John.”

For citizens interested in following the budget vetting process in the coming weeks, here is the schedule:

 April 15, 2008 – Tuesday, 6 PM, Mayor’s Conference Room

Overview of 2008-09 Proposed Budgets Joint Meeting with Budget & Management Committee.

 April 24, 2008 –Thursday, 5 PM, Mayor’s Conference Room

Parking Department Budget and Revenue

April 28, 2008 – Monday,  6 PM, Mayor’s Conference Room

Recreation and Parks/White Plains Performing Arts Center Budgets & Revenue

 May 1, 2008 –  Thursday, 6 PM, Mayor’s Conference Room

Public Safety Budget, Fees

May 5, 2008, Monday, 7:30 PM Common Council Chambers

Public Hearing on the Budget

May 7, 2008 –Wednesday, 6 PM Mayor’s Conference Room

Public Works, Water Department Budgets & Revenue

May 13, 2008 – Tuesday, 6 PM Mayor’s Conference Room

DECISION NIGHT

May 22, 2008 – Thursday, 5 PM Mayor’s Conference Room

Special Meeting to Adopt 2008-09 Budget and Non-Union Employees, Administrators, Common Council Salary Increases for 2008-2009

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WPCNR Certiorari Times. By John F. Bailey. April 5, 2008: The Common Council will vote to approve $457,740 in tax refunds in settlement of certiorari petitions from 12 commercial and condominium properties. The Certiorari cases the city and school district have agreed to sell. Nine of the properties receive refunds covering some of  the last five years back to 2002-2003. The refunds result in reduction  to the assessment roll of $1,287,237. (WPCNR will check with the City Assessor to determine if this is reflected in the recently released new Tax Roll – now at $291,802,226.)

The City School District based on a WPCNR rough estimate will be forced to refund  the 12 petitioners a total refund of approximately $600,000 based on the tax rates in effect at the time.

The largest refund is being paid to the Four Seasons Condominum Owners: $325,458 and that luxury building assessment has been reduced $809,937 from $2,559,850 previously. The Seasons is now assessed at $1,749,913.

 

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WPCNR NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS. April 3, 2008: A private citizen has shared this e-mail protest with WPCNR, being sent to many persons in White Plains, urging them to protest at the city Common Council meeting Monday about the recent budget increases of the county taxes, the school taxes and the city budget, which the flier declares has been prepared in secret.

The Monday evening Council Meeting will feature the annual State of the City Address by Mayor Joseph Delfino, and be highlighted by presentation of the city budget book to the council for the first time. Council President Benjamin Boykin said two weeks ago he had not been consulted on the budget and that the Budget and Management Committee had not been made aware of the city’s budget projection.

The flier is being circulated via e-mail with a cover letter by longtime activist, Marc Pollitzer, and reads:

Dear Fellow White Plains Residents-
 
As a 32 year resident of WP, a ten year member of the School District’s Annual Budget Committee and a neighborhood association activist, I believe that unless we as citizens express our concerns about ever escalating property taxes, many of our neighbors may very well not be able to continue living in the community.
 
As taxes approach dollar to dollar assessments, we have an opportunity to express our concerns and ask questions of the Mayor and Common Council on Monday, April 7, as they consider the adoption of the City’s 08/09 budget.
 
I suggest each of us make an effort to attend and express your feelings.  Additionally, please consider forwarding this email to your friends, neighbors and associates in White Plains.
 
Regards,
Marc

The flier reads as follows:

 

WHITE PLAINS CITIZENS-

BE ALERT TO

 

STAGGERING PROPOSED

CITY, COUNTY, SCHOOL

TAX INCREASES

 

 

• PREPARED AND PROPOSED IN STEALTH

• REGULARLY EXCEEDING ANNUAL ESCALATION NORMS,            DESPITE DOWNTOWN “RENAISSANCE”   DEVELOPMENT

• WHAT IS OUR FISCAL PLAN? DO WE HAVE ONE?

 

 

IN THE FACE OF TOUGHER ECONOMIC TIMES, WE RISK MAKING OUR CITY “UNAFFORDABLE” FOR MANY IF WE DON’T BITE THE BULLET NOW. CONSIDER CUT-BACK OPTIONS:

·       OPERATING COSTS

·       CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

·       PERSONNEL SALARIES / BENEFITS

       

  

LET OUR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES HEAR US

 

AT THE

BUDGET MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL

MONDAY, APRIL 7^th, 7:00pm  AT CITY HALL

“Citizens To Be Heard”

Council Meeting: 7:30 P.M.