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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WPNCR THE PLANNING NEWS. By John F. Bailey. December 19, 2007: In a marathon five hour and 15 minute session, recalling The Mary Cavallero Era on the Planning Board, the Board and the White Plains Housing Authority  in simultaneous hearings, gave approval to the $8 Million leaseback bond arrangement, paving the way for Common Council approval of the renovation and preservation of senior low income housing at the Armory Plaza for the next 30 years. The deal, pending Council approval Thursday evening is scheduled to close Friday.

Enter The Venue. The view South along Bloomingdale Road of the proposed Venue retail complex for the 120 Bloomingdale Road property (below Hale Avenue.)

The Board also was introduced to the first public look at The Venue, a new retail high fashion & restaurant complex proposed for the parking lot adjacent 120 Bloomingdale Road opposite Bloomingdale’s. The project, described by the attorney for the owners of 120 Bloomingdale Road, hopes to present a pedestrian friendly retail complex with outdoor dining, landscaping with parking on two levels behind the complex shown above.  The Board Concerns about shared parking surfaced as retail parkers and parkers for the 120 office building would split the parking.

When a citizen suggested they buy the property to preserve it, John Garment,  Chair of the Planning Board, apparently wearying of Seidel’s questions and suggestions, suggested Seidel buy the property. Seidel again pressed his suggestion for an independent hydrology report, suggesting that the Planning Board by not commissioning one was “incompetent.” Garment, the Chairman bristled at this, noting the Planning Board served without pay and volunteered their time. Another member of the Planning Board acidly said to Seidel “to question our ability to evaluate this is inappropriate.” The Commissioner of Planning, Susan Habel, recommended a Draft Environmental Impact Statement be prepared on the project.

In the matter of 55 Bank Street, enhanced designs for the 536-residential, retail and office complex which will also supply 107 units of “affordable housing,” the Planning Board expressed concerns about the design not being creative enough as an effective visual introduction to the city; the Environmental Officer criticized the Bank Street garbage collection area for being outside in the back of the building, and several members of the Planning Board expressed concerns about the shared parking concept working, where “commuters” would use space vacated by residents of the buildings during the daylight hours.  They also did not want Bank Street closed down to a single lane to provide a lane of parking in front of 55 Bank Street. In the final moments, the Planning Board agreed to approve the project with the understanding that Bank Street would tweak the project design to allay their concerns. The approval was provided by the Planning Board,  in order that the 55 Bank proposal site plan could be placed on the Common Council agenda for February 4.

Peter Gilpatrick said he planned to go out for his financing the second quarter of 2008. The Commissioner of Planning, Susan Habel, also head of the Urban Renewal Agency when asked if the Urban Renewal Agency would be providing the bond financing for the project as was requested by LCOR, the developer – aid “We have not discussed it yet.”  WPCNR estimates the 55 Bank Street project would be about $250 to $300 Million.

In a related matter, Gilpatrick said LCOR was in negotiations with a hotel to go next door to the 55 Bank Street project, but declined to name the hotel at this time.

The Venue reverse angle looking North to the 120 Bloomingdale Road Office Building.

At 11:30 PM the owners of 120 Bloomingdale Road, last on the 10-item agenda, presented the first public views of The Venue, what they described as a complex of high fashion retail stores anchored by a 6 to 7,000 square foot restaurant, for which they were seeking a Special Permit. Their attorney an architect and engineering consultant explained how parking would be shared between the retail facility and the 120 Bloomingdale Road Office building. The complex was described as being pedestrian accessible with street ambience and outdoor café seating which they hoped would attract shoppers from the Fortunoff, The Westchester and Bloomingdale’s, and of course New York Presbyterian Hospital  which anchor the Bloomingdale Road strip.

The Overhead: Bloomingdale Road is at base of picture. 120 Bloomingdale Road is the tan building indicated by pointer. Venue would have two levels of parking in back of the complex. Hale Avenue is the street shown at top right of the picture.

Housing Authority Set to Buy Armory Property.

The White Plains Housing Authority- Related Preservation Management agreement whereby the Housing Authority is to issue $8 Million in closely-held bonds to finance both renovations to the Armory Plaza senior center and the 52 senior apartments within the Armory was approved by the Planning Board. The Common Council is expected to add its blessing to  this project Thursday evening and the two organizations, The Housing Authority and Related Preservation Management  will close on the project Friday. 

Joanna Rose of Related Preservation Management in New York had explained earlier this week to WPCNR that no residents would be displaced during the renovation, that the renovations will begin in January after the closing.  She said the major improvements will be to the lobby, main hall, dining area, recreation room, library, lounge, and hallways, and “critical improvements to the apartments include upgrading the bathrooms, and other interior spaces.”

The Commissioner of Planning, Ms. Habel, thanked the Housing Authority for moving to preserve the senior housing at the Armory for the next 30 years.  Matt Finkel, representing Related Preservation Management, said renovations would take nine months. Finkel explained that the Department of Housing and Urban Development had not renewed their contract with Related Preservation to continue the senior housing at the armory. Finkel reported that the Related, without the Housing Authority deal would have had the option of converting the senior low income housing to “market rate” housing. The Housing Authority bond leaseback arrangement preserves the property as senior housing.

Mack Carter, the Executive Director of the Housing Authority told WPCNR after the approval that the bonds to finance the project total $8 Million, and a portion of them, enable the Authority to purchase the Armory, then lease it back to Related Preservation Management who will continue to run the building and collect rent from the city.

Randy Mayer, the city’s bond consultant said he did not have a feel for what interest rate the tax-exempt bonds would command. He defined them as “closely held bonds” backed by the Authority, which would be issued to Related Preservation Management. Related would pay back the bonds to the housing authority from the resale of the closely held bonds with their tax exempt status  to other organizations or individuals.

Mayer said 15% of the bond proceeds, or $1.4 Million would, according to law, be used for the renovations and the balance for the purchase of the Armory from Related.

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WPCNR PHOTOGRAPH OF THE DAY. By the WPCNR Roving Photographer. December 18, 2007: Today’s Photos are the happiest shots of the year: The Ritz-Carlton Pre-Opening Pep Rally — hosted by Louis Cappelli in front of his sparkling new Ritz-Carlton Westchester and in the Grand Ballroom of the Ritz — prior to the the 70th Ritz-Carlton hotel opening tomorrow night.

The Job Creator, Louis Cappelli, the Man in the black suit, with 255 of the young futures he helped to start today by building the Ritz in front of his crowning achievement, The Ritz-Carlton Westchester.

The Super Developer mingled and appeared genuinely moved and proud of the young work force who were celebrating the end of two weeks of vigorous training in The Ritz Way.

The Grand Ballroom of the Ritz-Carlton Westchester carried 300 persons easily at the “pep rally” and had room for 200 more. The accoustics were beautiful, the rug and arched ceilings muting the cacophany of the enthusiastic crowd

The theme was 1970s in keeping with the fact that the Ritz Carlton Westchester is the 70th Ritz to open worldwide. The hotel is providing 255 new jobs plus 18 managers promoted from the Ritz Carlton chain to the White Plains hotel. The average age of the new hires is 28. They were hailed as being “Gems” by the Ritz Vice President for Personal Affairs. Jacqueline Sanders, the General Manager of the Hotel told WPCNR all the new hires were from Westchester and The Bronx.

Louis Cappelli gives the key to The Ritz to Jacqueline Sanders, while Bill Rhodes head of Ritz-Carlton operations in America looks on. Ms.Sanders told the new Ritz-Carlton work force there were three codes to live by in the start of their new careers: “Smile, Use Our Minds and Use Our Hearts.”

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WPCNR THE DEVELOPER NEWS. From The Governor’s Press Office. December 17, 2007:  Governor Eliot Spitzer and ITT Corporation (“ITT”) today announced that ITT, a global engineering and manufacturing firm, will invest $14.8 million to expand its world headquarters in a new White Plains facility. The company pledges to retain all existing 119 jobs and create 96 new jobs within five years of occupying the new space, adding to the thousands already in its workforce across the state.

Governor Eliot Spitzer Announcing the ITT grants today in White Plains at 1133 Westchester Avenue: At far left is Westchester County Deputy County Executive, Larry Schwartz; Mayor Joseph Delfino of White Plains, 3rd from left; Congresswoman Nita Lowey (4th from left), Governor Spitzer (at podium) State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer, State Assemblyman Adam Bradley; at far right, is owner of the complex, Robert Weisz. (Photo, the Governor’s website).

Instead of moving out-of-state, ITT decided to move its world headquarters across the street, to a leased 90,000 square-foot facility at 1133 Westchester Avenue. In recognition of its investment in New York, Empire State Development and ITT have agreed to a series of project milestones, through which the company will be eligible to apply for up to $1 million in Jobs NOW funds. Under the agreement, ITT will receive the full amount once it reaches project targets set by Empire State Development.

1133 Westchester Avenue, shown under renovation last March. (Photo, WPCNR)

Pat Foye, downstate Chairman of Empire State Development, said: “Westchester has long been a magnet for corporate headquarters, including more than a dozen Fortune 500 firms, and we are pleased with ITT’s decision to remain among the more than 170 major corporations calling Westchester home. In selecting New York over its other options, ITT has affirmed how hard our administration fights to convince companies to locate here and to help existing businesses grow in New York.”

Steve Loranger, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of ITT, said: “We are pleased to have found a new home for our world headquarters here in White Plains and to remain in New York. We’ve got a rich history in the state and owe a lot of our success to the very talented people who live and work here. We’re grateful to the State of New York for its continued partnership and look forward to a bright future here.”

ITT Corporation is a world-wide supplier of pumps, systems and services to move, control and treat water and other fluids. The company is also a major supplier of sophisticated military defense systems and provides advanced technical and operational services to a broad range of government agencies. With 2006 revenues of $7.8 billion, ITT employs more than 3,700 people in New York State and approximately 35,000 worldwide. In addition to the company headquarters in Westchester, ITT maintains facilities in Monroe, Seneca, Cayuga and Wayne Counties.

New York has been host to the company’s world headquarters since 1995. After recognizing the need for a new world headquarters, ITT considered alternative sites in Connecticut, New Jersey and Colorado, where it has existing facilities. New York State and Westchester County took a proactive role in working with ITT, leading to the company’s decision to expand in the State.

ITT also expects to receive sales tax abatements from the Westchester County IDA worth $500,000 over a three-year initial period for eligible construction expenses and approximately $25,000 to $30,000 in energy cost abatements through a Con Ed Business Incentive Rate (BIR) contract over a seven to ten year period.

Congresswoman Nita Lowey said: “ITT’s decision to expand its operations in Westchester is good news for the State of New York. This decision will allow ITT to benefit from New York’s highly educated and skilled workforce, and will create job opportunities for New Yorkers in a highly competitive global industry. I commend Governor Spitzer and Empire State Development for their efforts, and I will continue to do everything I can to make New York an even greater place to live, work, and do business.”

State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer said: “Hearty congratulations go to Governor Spitzer’s economic development team, County Executive Spano and ITT for keeping and expanding the company in White Plains. This is just one indication that state government is working to bolster New York’s economy.”

Assembly Member Adam Bradley said: “I am delighted that ITT is not only staying in White Plains, but expanding its world headquarters in the City. Their commitment to the City of White Plains and the State of New York is a testament to our efforts to maintain a vibrant economy in the Region. I am particularly pleased that Empire State Development has played such a vital role in making this happen.”

Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano said: “We are proud and pleased that ITT has chosen to keep Westchester as its world headquarters. I want to thank Governor Spitzer for his efforts which show, once again, that by working together, we can benefit our residents, businesses and our economy. ITT will not only remain in Westchester, but will also be increasing its workforce here. This is an example of the successful economic development partnership between the State and the County.”

White Plains Mayor Joseph M. Delfino said: “When ITT approached me about their desire to remain in Westchester County and about their interest to move their world headquarters into the City of White Plains, I was pleased to help them. The theme of my administration is that of working together. This is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when we work together to reach a desired goal. This partnership between the private and public sector is helping New York State continue its economic growth with the creation of 96 new jobs. It’s is a win-win situation for the City of White Plains and the ITT Corporation.”

Westchester County Board of Legislators’ Chairman Bill Ryan said: “ITT’s decision to remain in Westchester and expand its operation is good news for area residents. Westchester will realize more jobs, a stronger tax base and an enhanced corporate community. These will benefit the county both immediately and in the years to come.”

The Spitzer administration has taken steps to improve the state’s business climate by confronting what the Governor calls “the perfect storm of unaffordability” – a mix of high taxes, burdensome costs, and regulations that have hampered growth. This year, the administration succeeded in obtaining a historic workers’ compensation reform that will reduce businesses’ premiums by more than $1 billion while increasing benefits for injured workers. Also this year, the administration cut business taxes by $150 million and reduced property taxes by $1.3 billion.

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WPCNR THE DEVELOPER NEWS. December 15, 2007: ITT will be the prime tenant in Robert Weisz’s White Plains makeover of 1133 Westchester Avenue, the former IBM cite. The Governor’s Press Office has announced that Governor Eliot Spitzer would hold a news conference at 10 AM Monday at 1133 Westchester Avenue, the executive park owned by Robert Weisz’s RPW Group, to provide details of the tax incentives the state is awarding ITT Corp to stay in New York.

The site, 1133 Westchester Avenue is undergoing renovations and will also be the location of an extended stay hotel approved for the site. Previously, the developer had requested and been approved a Payment In Lieu of Taxes agreement with the city to limit his property tax payments out to 2016 in order that he might make an attractive rent to secure “a major tenant.” That major tenant happens to turn out to be the giant ITT. Weisz good-naturedly  had advised the Common Council that he felt he was over assessed even still after the PILOT agreement was arranged.

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WPCNR MR. AND MRS. AND MS. WHITE PLAINS VOICE. December 15, 2007: Well it has been two weeks since the 208 West Post Road Fire that has sent over 50 persons into the street, and that city agencies and the Red Cross have had to house. The city has confirmed to WPCNR that 1.) The 208 West Post Road building was over occupied. 2.) the owners were cited in the past, the last time in April, 2007. 3.) There were not any active violations on the property at the time of the fire but there has been in the past. 4.) The building did not have a sprinkler system, but the owner, if they rebuild will have to install a sprinkler system. 5.) The city, as a result of the fire is conducting an ongoing series of meetings to “prevent this from happening again.”

Last Tuesday, the Building, the Law and Public Safety Departments met to discuss the issue of overcrowded, among other things, illegal housing. Further meetings will occur before anything is decided.

WPCNR, in light of the new “freedom of information obtainment” granted by the Patriot Act for security reasons, has come up with some ideas in the survey at the right, which could possibly rein in the slumlords who allow properties to exceed code occupation limits set by the state, among other things.

What does Mr. and Mrs. and Ms. White Plains think? And feel free to drop us a line with your own suggestions. Click some of the enforcement ideas that appeal to you.

The next overcrowded house that goes up — well, they may not be fortunate to escape with their lives. 

Here’s an explanation of each one.

1. Fire Survey Multi-Family Homes Quarterly: Exactly what it says. Currently fire department does conduct safety inspections…but perhaps not often enough. Stepping up the inspections on a floating basis at least once or twice each quarter would prevent many violations from being entrenched. And pile up the court dockets which would pile up the ante for future measures against the slumlords. Fire Bureau personpower would be taxed BUT this is one way of dealing with the problem without setting up or legislating new policies. (The city told me that “The fire Department does a yearly inspection. We wouldn’t arbitrarily try to gain access again unless we had suspicion of illegal occupancy.” I say, why not?  What do YOU say?

2.Audit Survey Water and Electric Bills of All Multi-Family Home Owners for Irregularity. This could pinpoint overcrowding based on spiking electric or water usages. It could highlight the big gulpers and frequent flushers, and electric heater users. Match up the high spikes with the addresses that happen to be multi-families and you may have a good handle on where to concentrate investigations.

3. Require All-Resident Names in Buldings owned by Multi-Family Owners on a monthly basis to be filed with the Building Department. This is so obvious. This will pile up the paper work on the Slumlords, and give the Building Department another reason to verify the list. Remember this is not targeting residents it is designed to isolate persons who have been conducting slum operations for years.

4. Begin a Tenant Complaint Anonymous Hotline.  This is also obvious. If the tenants hate their conditions, they should call it. If they are afraid to be discovered in the conditions, then they won’t call. Nonetheless if they have nothing to hide, it should go a long way towards cleaning up the slumhouses.

5. In Winter, Summer make Heat and Overheating Inspections for Health Reasons. (Self-explanatory.)

6. Compare School Bus Dropoffs and children’s addresses to Identify Crowded Homes. This has been suggested for years. The only reason I can think why it has been utilized as a tool by the city and school district is that they do not want to. The pickup rosters exist.

7. Require new residents when they go to live in Multi-Family Buildings to register with the Building Department/City. This way the city can monitor Multi Family activity.

 8. Audit cable and sattellite television, radio hookups billings by multi-family address. These should be easily obtainable from the cable licensees.

9. Audit Telephone/Cellphone bills issued to multi-family addresses. Police, building department can run  multi-family addresses against the bill addresses. (This could also apply to car registrations, too.)

10. Require Multi-Family Homes to Be Licensed annually under the provision that they guarantee to uphold the codes and if they do not they are fined automatically $250,000.  If they do not want to license they can sell the property. This takes the courts out of it. (Just holding a hearing on a law like this would easily identify all slum lords in the city, because they would fight it to the death. Meanwhile, police, fire departments could take notes and inspect their homes the next day.

11. Audit Housing Agencies who Aid in placing persons in housing as to where the housing-aided are placed, and keep tallies per house they are placed. (If you know what the occupancy levels are, you can tell when a house goes out of compliance. it’s all about keeping numbers.)

12. Eminent Domain Multi-Family Owners on Third Offense. Depriving the Slumlord of his golden goose is something the city has for decades been very reluctant to do. Why?