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WPCNR STAGE DOOR. September 26, 2007:
SL GREEN readies Qualifications. Unsure It Will Submit. Seek Hub Presence
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WPCNR The Developer News By John F. Bailey. September 25, 2007 UPDATED 9:30 P.M.: Rick Matthews, a spokesperson for Reckson/SL Green confirmed today that the company was “preparing for a possible submission under the White Plains RFQ (Request For Qualifications), but they are not prepared to say they are going ahead and submit.”
This week, Matthews also confirmed what John McCarthy, of McCarthy & Associates in White Plains had confirmed to WPCNR last week that SLGreen had placed some key Westchester holdings on the commercial market.
Matthews said SL Green was offering for sale 100, 120 and 520 White Plains Road in Tarrytown, there major office complexes. He said they were shopping The Summit (100, 200, and 500 Summit Lake Drive) in Valhalla, and the Mount Pleasant Corporate Center, 115 and 117 Stevens Avenue.
Asked the significance of putting these properties on the market, Matthews said, ”This is further refinement of the portfolio following the Acquisition of Reckson earlier this year….these properties don’t fit the market as much as the other properties in the portfolio in terms of SL GREEN wanting to be in the more urban parts of the county where there are transit hubs like White Plains.”
Four members of the Common Council in an “opinion” expressed September 7 in the press said they were unwilling to entertain any provisions of the RFQ as it was sent out to potential developers approximately August 23.
No connection, but 115 Stevens Avenue is the headquarters of Cappelli Enterprises. Cappelli Enterprises is scheduled to move into the second tower at the Ritz Carlton Westchester when it is completed in August 2008.
Open Government Clears Boykin, Malmud Roach and Power of Violating Open Meetings
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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS LAW JOURNAL. By John F. Bailey. September 24, 2007 UPDATED 5:05 PM EDT: Camille Jobin-Davis, Assistant Director of the New York State Committee on Open Government, told the CitizeNetReporter today that the White Plains Common Council members, Benjamin Boykin, Rita Malmud, Dennis Power and Thomas Roach did not violate the Open Meetings Law Section 108 when they formulated an opinion on the Request for Qualifications, and published it in the White Plains Times September 7, 2007.
“These 4 councilmembers are opposed to this RFQ. They got together in their political caucus, in what they’re calling a political caucus, ” Ms. Jobin-Davis said today, “and drafted this document setting forth their opinions in opposition to whatever happened here. I don’t see they are making policy here. I’m still of the opinion that the Open Meetings law wouldn’t, that there isn’t a problem here with respect to the open meetings law because of that caucus exemption to the law.”
City Hall had complained that the Council was making policy in secret when they published the “opinion” without telling the Mayor’s Office, or two other Democratic Council persons.
“There’s no problem with respect to the open meetings law, ” Camille-St. John said, “I’m saying that this meeting where this letter (the RFQ Opposition Letter published by the four Councilpersons), was discussed and signed and decided upon, because this meeting has been characterized as a political caucus because they’re all members of the same party, because the action of them meeting together to agree on this letter would be again, exempt from the open meetings law as far as I can tell.”
WPCNR asked would the fact the 4 would be a majority make a difference?
“I don’t believe it does because they are meetings pursuant to the exemption of the Open Meetings law, the Open Meetings Law would not apply at all, because the exemption is broad, ” Ms. Jobin-Davis said.
She said the exemption was created after the original law was passed in 1985.
For the record, this is the exemption, supplied to WPCNR, by Ms. Jobin-Davis:
§108. Exemptions. Nothing contained in this article shall be construed as extending the provisions hereof to:
1. judicial or quasi-judicial proceedings, except proceedings of the public service commission and zoning boards of appeals;
2. a. deliberations of political committees, conferences and caucuses. b. for purposes of this section, the deliberations of political committees, conferences and caucuses means a private meeting of members of the senate or assembly of the state of New York, or of the legislative body of a county, city, town or village, who are members or adherents of the same political party, without regard to (i) the subject matter under discussion, including discussions of public business, (ii) the majority or minority status of such political committees, conferences and caucuses or (iii) whether such political committees, conferences and caucuses invite staff or guests to participate in their deliberations;
and 3. any matter made confidential by federal or state law.
Photographs of the Day
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WPCNR PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE DAY. By the WPCNR Roving Photographer. September 24, 2007: They stand like a jury of 3,798 persons, (about 700 more deaths than were caused by the World Trade Center attack they were sent to avenge). The little flags are maudlin lilies of the field today. Little white flags planted with the name of a U.S. Soldier killed in the Iraq War. Each was once an identity and loved, now each is a memory. The flags, arranged by the year the men and women were killed in action were planted as part of an anti-Iraq war demonstration at the Memorial United Methodist Church Sunday. This is the photograph of the day, more eloquent in its pathos than any vocal statement. The numbers maimed and wounded are in the tens of thousands. Too bad there are not flags for the wounded and maimed — victims forever.
Black Fathers Back to School Night.
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WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. From Melissa Lopez, The Mayor’s Office. September 24, 2007: Mayor Joseph M. Delfino is pleased to announce that the White Plains Youth Bureau is sponsoring a Black Father /Black Men Back to School Night Program at the Highlands Middle School, 128 Grandview Avenue in White Plains, Thursday, September 27.
The Back to School Night Program is sponsored in part by a coalition of community agencies including the White Plains Ministerial Council and Vicinity, the African American Men of Westchester, area Greek Letter Organizations, White Plains School District, The Communities That Cares Coalition and other community organizations.
The purpose of the Back to School Night Program is to raise the level of involvement of African American men in our children’s education and promote educational excellence in our youth.
Adam In Albany: The Bradley Report on the 2007 Legislature
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WPCNR’S ADAM IN ALBANY. By Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley (89th District). September 24, 2007: Since January Governor Spitzer has signed into law a number of bills I authored, all of which are aimed at helping
Improving our economy and saving jobs
Additional new laws will penalize individuals or companies who install security or fire alarms without a license (Ch. 437 of 2007) and target thieves who steal metal from businesses and homes to cash them in at metal scrap yards (Ch. 302 of 2007).
Protecting our environment
Beginning this year, communities in
Helping families through tough times
Two new laws will help ease the obstacles families face during divorce proceedings. One measure requires that parties in divorce cases be notified of a potential health insurance loss when they have been covered by their spouse’s plan and allows judges to grant a 30-day continuance so parties have a chance to obtain their own health insurance (Ch. 412 of 2007).
Another measure changes the state’s existing law regarding prenuptial agreements and the time period when parties involved in an agreement can raise issues or concerns about the document (Ch. 104 of 2007). The new law adds a three-year statute of limitations from the moment actions are taken to dissolve the marriage. This measure replaces the previous law, which in many cases only allowed parties to challenge the agreement within the first six years of marriage.
Finally, a new law geared toward protecting families allows more child witnesses in court proceedings to testify by two-way closed-circuit television instead of subjecting them to the emotional stress of being in a courtroom (Ch. 548 of 2007).
I worked hard in
Lovin Spoonful and Grass Roots Launch Westco’s GOLD STAR CONCERT SERIES
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WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From Westco Productions (Edited). September 23, 2007: Westco Productions, the 28-year old White Plains based arts organization primarily known for its wide variety of programs for children and families, is launching a new program, Gold Star Concerts, offering top-rate artists in concert.
Westco began promoting concerts last season and has decided to expand the program due to the outstanding audience response received when Westco presented such artists as Judy Collins, Livingston Taylor, Lucy Kaplansky and Maura O’Connell. Although based in White Plains on the 4th floor of the Arts Exchange building, Westco performs at various venues, and stages its concerts at the Irvington Town Hall Theater and the Tarrytown Music Hall.
The Spoonful and the Roots start the season this Saturday to be followed in October by the legendary Kingston Trio and in November by another classic rock doubleheader featuring Gary Puckett and The Union Gap and The Association.
The Lovin’ Spoonful has been making music for more than 40 years! It was the first U.S. band to successfully challenge the ”British invasion” of the 60’s and land a top ten hit. Their hits are absolutely timeless – ‘Do You Believe in Magic,” “Daydream,” “You Didn’t Have To Be So Nice,” “Nashville Cats,” and “(Hot Town) Summer in the City.” Jon Sebastian no longer performs with the band.
The Grass Roots continues to thrill audiences with the music which kept the group on the Billboard magazine charts for an unbelievable 307 straight weeks! The Grass Roots still holds the record for the largest crowd to attend a concert by a single headline act when 600,000 heard them in concert in Washington, DC. Their classic tunes include: “Midnight Confessions,” “Let’s Live for Today,” “Sooner or Later,” “Temptation Eyes,” and so many more.
Westco Brings Back The Kingston Trio for their Annual Benefit Concert
On October 27th, Westco brings The Kingston Trio to the stage of the Irvington Town Hall Theater for their Annual Benefit Concert. Bill Zorn, George Grove and Rick Dougherty expect to sell-out wherever they perform, and all indications are that this exclusive Westchester appearance will be no exception. The annual gala will mark the beginning of Westco’s 28th season. Long-time Westco supporter Chester S. Day will be the honoree, and The Kingston Trio will join supporters at a special reception after the concert at the new Doubletree Hotel in Tarrytown.
Kingston Trio songs are part of the foundation of American folk and folk-pop music, including: “Tom Dooley,” “M.T.A.,” “Scotch and Soda,” “Molly Dee,” “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?,” “Greenback Dollar,” “A Worried Man,” and so many more.
Rock Class Double Bill Number 2 — Gary Puckett and The Union Gap and The Association
Gary Puckett with his hits Young Girl, Lady Will Power, and Over You
On November 17th, Westco brings two music legends to the Tarrytown Music Hall: Gary Puckett, and The Association. Gary’s golden voice of romance, six consecutive gold records, and unforgettable songs defined a generation. Gary’s a concert, television and Las Vegas favorite and even had a command performance for British royalty among his credits. Among Gary’s hits are: “Young Girl,” “Woman, Woman,” “Lady Will Power,” “Over You,” “This Girl Is A Woman Now,” “Don’t Give In to Him.”
Many songs by The Association have become American classics, from radio play, record sales, and movie soundtracks. Just a few of the group’s great hits: “Along Comes Mary,” “Never My Love,” “Everything That Touches You,” “Windy,” “Cherish,” “Time For Livin’,” “Goodbye, Columbus.”
“Susie the K and her Swingin Soiree” — White Plains own Susan Katz — First Lady of Westchester Theatre is bringing the stars you love back in the Gold Star Concert Series.
Susan Katz, Executive Director of Westco, says the Gold Star Concert series will continue in the spring 2008. “We’ll be announcing our spring talent line-up in a couple of months, and it’s shaping up to be quite spectacular,” she says. “Westco’s concerts are unique,” Ms. Katz notes. “In addition to enjoying an evening of great entertainment, concert-goers are helping support Westco’s various programs through their ticket purchases,” she adds.
For concert tickets or a free brochure with details on Westco’s shows for children and families, call (914) 761-7463. Their web site is www.westcoproductions.org.
Downtown Residents Association Meets Monday Evening
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WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. September 23, 2007: The White Plains Downtown Residents Association will meet Monday evening at Vintage Restaurant from 7:30 to 8:45 P.M. The Board Meeting starts at 7 and is open to the public. The agenda includes I-287 construction, parking, the Ritz-Carlton, Franklin Avenue litter, the Homeless Task Force, and Crosswalks, and Quality of Life Issues.
Hockley: Council should not Drag Its Feet on the Sales Tax Increase Proposed
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WPCNR FOR THE RECORD. By White Plains City Councilman Glen Hockley. September 23, 2007: The people of White Plains deserve a yes vote tonight in favor of a home rule request to The New York State Legislature for an additional 1/2% sales tax.The people of White Plains need this 1/2% increase badly and should know that the Common Council is supporting them.This increase will benefit our resident property owners because it will slow up the increase in property taxes tremendously for the near future.The additional 1/2% sales tax increase should bring into the coffers of White Plains approximately 11 million dollars the first year.Taking the property tax burden off of our residents is a major priority to me.It’s ‘Government 101’.
This sales tax increase will also benefit the approximate 1000 employees that are great union labor and it will provide our city government the funds it needs to pay them so that our services are continued with the wonderful professionalism that our citizens and businesses love.Service is one of the fundamental functions of city government.
The vast majority of sales taxpayers comes from outside of White Plains…..Visitors,shoppers,employees,medical patients,theater buffs, tourists,etc.
I am still surprised that this issue was tabled at the last council meeting.Whether it happens at our city legislature or at the state assembly,dragging our feet only stalls the decision and does not help our citizens.
While studies are important,it depends on the issue. This one is simple,not complex.Government works too slowly as it is. We do not need to slow it up even more.Please move on this useful 1/2% sales tax increase,don’t delay anymore.Let us vote yes together.
(The above statement was delivered at Wednesday evening’s Special Meeting of the Common Council at which the Common Council tabled the home rule request. Councilmen Hockley, Arnold Bernstein, and Mayor Joseph Delfino voted for making the home rule request of Assemblyman Adam Bradley who was in attendance at the meeting, while Councilpersons Rita Malmud, Thomas Roach, Benjamin Boykin, and Dennis Power voted to table it. Prior to the tabling vote, Councilman Hockley delivered the above plea. The tabled until such time as the Mayor and city administration defined the financial circumstances causing the projected deficit which the Mayor feels requires the $10.7 Million the 1/2% sales tax increase would deliver to the city coffers.)
The Real Deal: How to Start Planning a Wedding
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WPCNR’S THE REAL DEAL By The Wedding Jeannie. September 22, 2007: How much do you have to spend? Simple enough in theory, but there are many issues at play in setting a budget. The first is more often than not what the disposable cash is for an event. We often see the primary constraint is simply what people have in the bank. If that’s the issue, then make sure you speak with all related parties BEFORE setting a final budget – that includes parents (in terms of a wedding) and anyone else who might be contributing. It’s very common to not want to have such a candid conversation early in any planning process, but since it can materially affect the entire event, it’s an important one to have upfront.
And I assure you, it will be much more fruitful than doing it once the planning has started. We recommend that couples be open and honest with family immediately – to avoid a situation where anyone is uncomfortable about brining up the topic. Don’t tell parents what you “need”, rather focus on suggesting that if they are open and willing, it would be great to have their support – financially and otherwise. If one side is paying for the event in its entirety, then determine what is available to the couple up front – it’s always better to have the parents raise the issue early and leave no question as to what the participation will be.
How many guests? That’s the second question you have to answer in planning anything. And of course there is a differential between how many are invited and how many will actually come. We generally assume that there will be a 20-25% attrition rate from the guest list as a whole. For holiday weekends, that number will run between 30-35%. If you have a number of out of town guests and you are planning for a Sunday wedding on a non-holiday weekend, we expect attrition around the same as that for holiday weekends. Determining your actual attendance number is key for two reasons; budget and minimum guarantees.
Imagine that you have an initial guest list of 200 people. We assume that roughly 160 will actually attend. From a budgeting perspective, there is large gap between costs for 200 versus for 160. Many couples find that they cannot afford a particular wedding or venue for 200 guests, but that they can afford it for 160. It’s important that this be determined early on. There are of course certain fixed costs that wont change, regardless of the guest list (music, hair/makeup, dress, and videography) but all others from invitations to favors, will be recalculated down if the guest list is lower.
Some photographer for instance will shoot 150 guests alone and feel comfortable that they will be able to cover the whole event. Others will have a second shooter present if there are 200 guests and or if you want photographs of each table. And of course, the per-person costs vary widely with or without 40 extra people. Remember that in addition to the dollar amount for each guest at a venue, you also have to calculate almost 30% extra to incorporate the costs of tax (depending where you are about 8%) and service (usually anywhere from 18% to 22%). Even your flowers will be slightly lower if you have 40 less guests – assume that you are seating 10 guests at a table and all of a sudden you need 4 less tables. Calculations per table can add up quickly if each arrangement is going to be around $200 (this is a VERY rough figure) then you can save almost $1000 if 40 less guests are coming.
In terms of your minimum numbers when you lock in a venue, pricing is often set based on how many people you expect to attend. If you lock in at 200 and sign a contract before you make your guest list and then realize that the list is lower – I guarantee that no venue is going to be sympathetic. And as suggested above, the costs for that are pretty high. Do you really want 40 people there that you had not planned on inviting just because you locked in at that rate? The answer across the board is always no.
Once you have your guest list set you can begin looking for the perfect location. And please note that by “set” we mean lists that are in WRITING and that include all guests from both families as well as the couples’ own list. We could write a lengthy chapter on how guest list calculation without family lists and not in writing have been as bad as not doing a list at all. Finding the venue before any other vendor is important for the process for a host of reasons. The venue sets the tone of the wedding – whether you choose it because of outdoor space, high ceilings, capacity or food. Additionally, venues do tend to get booked farther in advance than all other event related services, so checking that off the to do list is huge. Finally, the reception or party portion of your budget is always the largest and once that is confirmed, you can go start backing out all the other pieces of your wedding or event more easily from a financial perspective.
The most popular thing for brides to do before guest list, budget or venue search – is hunt for a dress. And while we don’t mean to minimize the importance of this – it can wait. In a perfect world, it’s always best to give a store or dress maker 8 months advance notice in ordering or purchasing a wedding gown. But, if you do that at the expense of weighing all the other details, it can decrease the joy of finding the perfect dress (especially if you can’t afford it OR if it does not end up fitting the venue/time of year that you select during the location process). Hold off on buying the dress until you are sure of the larger pictures – specifically the financials of the entire event, how many people are coming and where it will be happening. We often see couples that are thinking of holding an event in a ballroom and then fall in love with a vineyard instead. The dresses for these two occasions might be the same, but wouldn’t it be great to make that decision knowing all the details?
Next week we will go through a few options for what you can do with your dress after the wedding is over – just in case that makes a difference in the decision making process as well (hey, it never killed anyone to know that if they could resell their dress, they would have spent more on it!).