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 THE SUNDAY BAILEY. News & Comment By John F. Bailey. July 29, 2007: I was hanging around the television studio after Friday’s White Plains Week, when in jest it was suggested that, with the 85 Court Street Drop In Shelter closing August 6, why not house them at the City Dump?

Then another studio observer of the show, said why not get some spare FEMA Trailers to give each homeless person their own space, so to speak.

Typical FEMA Trailer.  Could house two to three White Plains Drop In Homeless after August 5. Ten would house the remnant homeless who will be given the County boot August 5 out of the 85 Court Street Drop In Shelter. What better place to house these unfortunates than the spiffed up dormant City Dump (below), under watchful eye of the White Plains Police?   Photo, RV Exchange.

It is not so far-fetched. After all, the Department of Environmental Conservation has forced the city to remove all the excess compost pile. The dump is not being used for dumping – all that may be left are the TCE’s that have been there for years – and, as far as anyone knows – those TCE’s haven’t killed anyone that we know of.

In the 30s, the hobos, the down-on-their-lucks, the drifters camped out near city dumps and railroad yards in shanty towns called Hoovervilles.

However, given the new sensibilities of 2007, rather than simply turn the thirty or so homeless who have not yet accepted the county’s generous offer of enroll in the Department of Social Services homeless program, turn over your disability checks and attend programs or else that takes effect August 6, the solution lies right under our noses – or specifically between Gedney Way and Ridgeway.

You’ve got acres of land fenced in – the City Dump. You can call up FEMA and grab some trailers – it should only take a month to get them here, or have some car dealership send some RVs.

The fact that the dump is fenced gives you built in security. You could have the Department of Public Works even hire the homeless to spruce up the dump – and make it attractive for a future subdivision.

I did not attend the Thursday evening Common Council Work Session where heated words were exchanged over the county’s failure to find an alternative site to house the homeless, and the Rita Malmud failure to persuade the county to find some place else.

But wait. As the peerless leader, Mayor Joseph Delfino often says, “There’s nothing we can’t accomplish if we work together.”

The Mayor has had numerous opportunities to take the high ground on the 85 Court Street Drop In Shelter closing. Now he can step in and take the useless dump – useless until a decision by the DEC comes down – and house the homeless in a more secure and friendly place using trailers.

The Mayor can even show the County how to run a shelter for the homeless: arrange jobs, activities during the day, issue identification cards, feed them breakfast, lunch, dinner with the assistance perhaps of some of the local churches – where’s Meals on Wheels when you need them?

 

Interior of typical FEMA Trailer. A little retrofitting, and it could house three cots. Hook up a flat screen TV, wire it for FIOS, and the homeless not only would have something to do at night other than roaming the streets, but the county could move the trailers to other town sites around the county — as Mayor Delfino suggests — cities sharing the burden. Photo, RV Exchange.

The new Drop In Shelter location could be the city dump – in trailers, which would at least contain showers, decent beds and a room of your own for the homeless individuals whose daily humiliation continues every day of their lives. You could expand the hours…add Verizon FIOS – some television sets in the trailors to let the homeless have something to do evenings instead of roam the White Plains streets.

Housing: FEMA Trailers. Or anybody’s Trailers, It’s a no-brainer

After all, one thing White Plains needs is a good trailer park, don’t you think?

Not only that, but the dump could be transformed into a revenue producer – after the homeless solution permanently has been found. It could be developed into a camping ground or – better yet – instant affordable housing. Anyone willing to settle in the dump could be granted a homestead – sort of like a replay of the Oklahoma Land Rush – and the city could provide trailers.

And another thing — the county could use this idea to solve the problem of the homeless all night invasion August 6. They could take some of the hundreds of acres the County Executive has purchased and put in trailers there to house the homeless — a lot cheaper than the county building in huge building complexes of brick and mortar — but alas, not enough patronage and government jobs doing that is there? They could even call the new trailer park for the homeless “Spanoville.”

However, Council President Malmud should seriously suggest this. Then she would be showing she has that ability to be a creative Mayor and problem-solver — a fitting successor to “America’s Favorite Mayor.” The temporary Malmud solution — trailers for the homeless in the City Dump could be called “RitaCity” or “Malmudville.” And, by this, I mean no disrespect.

But we need to get this done now.

The humiliation of the homeless will begin anew August 6 when the county and the city simply will allow them to roam wherever they choose to roam in White Plains.

Trailer shelters at the dump might be the solution. If they are good enough for New Orleans, they should work here for the 30 everyone has forgotten — except this reporter.

Enough kicking the homeless around like soccer balls between our do-nothing, finger-pointing, baiting political hacks.

Do something positive. Instead of Pompous Piloting.

What would Jesus do?

 

 

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WPCNR THE HOMELESS NEWS. By John F. Bailey. July 26, 2007: With the deadline for the closing of the 85 Court Street “Drop-In” Shelter 11 days away, Westchester County is making progress in convincing the men who have been staying at the shelter to enter the Department of Social Services homeless care program in which the single homeless are provided a bed in a country-run homeless shelter provided they cooperate and enter into county therapeutic and employment programs.

Last Buses Leave August 5. The Homeless Wait in January 2006 to board buses to 85 Court Street. The 85 Court Drop In closes after August 5. The county has been workiing diligently to convince the nightly visitors to accept County Social Services.

Donna Green, spokesperson for the county told WPCNR Thursday, that to date 19 homeless persons staying at the 85 Court Street have opted to participate in the county DSS homeless program.

Asked if there were any plans for the County to open a new location for the “hard-core” homeless after August 6 on the drawing boards, Green said “Absolutely not. We are making sure (by counseling them to join the DSS program) this (closing) does not come as a surprise to them.  Approximately 50 men stay on average in the 85 Court Street shelter which has been the “county drop-in shelter” since January, 2006. This figure may be less in the summer months due to the warmer weather, WPCNR notes.

As of August 6, the county will no longer operate the 85 Court Street shelter and homeless men in White Plains will be left to fend for themselves.

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WPCNR MAIN STREET Journal. Interview with Louis Cappelli. July 26, 2007 UPDATED 3:53 PM. E.D.T: Louis Cappelli personally contacted WPCNR today to clarify that he did not need an approved site plan to do the “preparation” work he is now in the process of doing at 189 Main Street, that he did not forget to ask the council for approval for a site plan for the new “sculpture” building (which he will do tonight before the Common Council) and he is doing everything at 189 Main, according to the laws and zoning codes of White Plains. He said the plan was always to ask the Council  for site plan approval prior to actual building the new “sculpture building” he envisions for 189 Main Street.

Louis Cappelli on 189 Main Street

Scaffolding, as described by Mr. Cappelli, rising at 189 Main Street yesterday.

. “I’m working 20 hours a day, 7 days a week to open up the Ritz-Carlton,” an earnest Louis Cappelli told WPCNR today. “You’re (WPCNR)  an important platform, and you need to get the facts.I’m prudently acting to improve the city in accordance with the laws.”

Cappelli also said he had building permits and approval for adding the extra floor to the Ritz Carlton last year when he did that. “We do everything according to the laws,” Cappelli said firmly.

The Super Developer explained: “I don’t have an approved site plan (for 189 Main Street), but I have been advised by my lawyers that I don’t need an approved site plan to do what I’ve done (so far).”

Mr. Cappelli elaborated, “I have a foundation permit that I do not need a site plan for that. I have a structural permit to put the structural components of a replaced building up according to the White Plains Zoning Code. I’m entitled to build the structural component of the replacement project without site plan approval. You don’t know that because you don’t understand the site plan approval process. I have building permits. You know when I got the building permits? Last Thursday (July 19). I haven’t even poured it yet. I’m going to pour it tomorrow morning.”

WPCNR asked Mr. Cappelli why he did not put in for a site plan approval for the new building sooner, and Cappelli explained, “I didn’t know what I wanted to put there.”

 

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WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. From Westchester County Department of Communications. July 25, 2007: The county police released their findings on the June 29 fatal accident that killed a Playland employee at a news conference Tuesday afternoon.  Police findings indicate that the victim “intended to ride (the Mind Scrambler), but was not propertly seated in the ride,” and that the Ride Operator “started the ride while Ms. Garin (the victim) was not propertly seated and operated the ride immediately to full throttle.”

The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office is reported not to be bringing any criminal charges at this time and the death of Ms. Garin is deemed accidental.

Here is the text of that report:

Introduction:

 

Playland is an amusement park owned and operated by the County of Westchester since 1928, featuring more than fifty (50) rides.  This incident occurred at the Mind Scrambler ride which is privately owned and operated by S&L Amusements.  The ride consists of a dark enclosure with three (3) clusters of four (4) cars that rotate.

 

Ms. Gabriela Garin was employed by S & L Amusements for the past six (6) years. Ms. Garin had been a ride operator for two and one half (2.5) years and on 06/29/07 was assigned to operate the Mind Scrambler Ride from 6:00 P.M. to 12:00 A.M.

 

The following report is a summary of the investigation into the events surrounding the death of Ms.Garin, a twenty-one year old S & L Amusements employee at Playland Park in Rye, New York on June 29, 2007.

 

 

 TIME LINE: (All times are approximate)

 

This time line was established by examining evidence including documents, logs, video and audio records and witness interviews.

 

Prior to the opening of the park, the Mind Scrambler was inspected.  The Daily Inspection Report indicated that all the ride warning stickers were replaced.

 

12:00 P.M. Park opens.

 6:00 P.M.        Ms. Garin relieves the Ride Operator and assumes those duties.

 9:10 P.M.        Ms. Garin is relieved as Ride Operator and assumes ticket taking responsibilities.

 9:17 P.M.        First cycle of ride is conducted by new Ride Operator.

 9:19 P.M.        Ride ends. Scanning and seating for the next ride begins.

 9:31 P.M. The last patron is scanned for the ride.

 9:33 P.M.        Ms. Garin falls from ride. The Ride Operator radioed for assistance.

 9:33 P.M.        Seasonal Park Rangers, County Police and Playland Park EMTs arrive on scene.  Ambulance requested.

 9:37 P.M.        County Police Officer confirms dispatch of ambulance and requests supervisor.

 9:40 P.M.        Port Chester/Rye/Rye Brook EMS arrive on scene.

 9:42 P.M. Ms. Garin is pronounced deceased.

 

 

 

SUMMARY OF INVESTIGATION:

 

To date, 56 people have been interviewed, including eleven (11) eyewitness riders. In addition to witness interviews, physical evidence collection and examination, and the Medical Examiner’s preliminary findings, this investigation included the review of surveillance camera videos, maintenance records, payroll records and operating procedures.

 

It is important to note that this investigation is still ongoing.  Efforts are continuing to identify additional witnesses including the remaining patrons of the ride. 

 

The Westchester County Medical Examiner has certified the cause of death as multiple contusions, lacerations and fractures that occurred during a ride on the Mind Scrambler on 06/29/07 and the manner of death as accidental. 

 

Interviews of witnesses indicate that:

 

·         Ms. Garin seated and secured patrons, and then entered an unoccupied car on the ride.

·         Ms. Garin secured the safety bar and locking pin of her own car.

·         Ms. Garin was not seated properly in her car and not wearing a seat belt.

·         Multiple witnesses stated that Ms. Garin was kneeling on the seat of a car, facing rearward and swaying her arms to the music when the ride began.

·         It appears that the Ride Operator started the ride knowing that Ms.Garin was not properly seated and the Ride Operator told her to “sit down.”

·         The Ride Operator started the ride and went immediately to full throttle.

·         Witnesses indicated that when the ride started the lights went out immediately(the lights go off when the ride is at full throttle).

·         The ride went approximately one full turn before Ms.Garin fell out.

·         The Ride Operator activated the emergency stop button, applied the hand brake and radioed for assistance.

·         The ride took approximately eleven (11) to twelve (12) seconds to come to a complete stop.  During this time, Ms. Garin was struck by the spinning cars and ride arms.

·         When the ride stopped, Ms. Garin was found beneath one of the main control arms of the ride.

·         Interviews of S & L employees indicated that few ride operators knew that there was a second operator’s booth in the Mind Scrambler, and that this booth was rarely, if ever, occupied.

·         One S&L employee indicated that sometime in 2006, he observed Ms. Garin seated sideways and unsecured on the seat of a car.  He further stated that he stopped the ride and used the microphone to tell Ms. Garin to sit in the car correctly.

 

 

 

PRELIMINARY FINDINGS:

 

·         Witness statements clearly indicate that the victim intended to ride, but was not properly seated in the ride.

·         The Ride Operator started the ride while Ms. Garin was not properly seated and operated the ride immediately to full throttle.

·         During the operation of the ride, the second booth was not staffed.

·         Most of the employees of S & L did not know the second booth existed and others stated that it was rarely, if ever, staffed.

·         When a second operator was present, that operator would typically exit the ride, or stand in the marked yellow safety zone, or join the ride operator in the main operator’s booth.

·         Westchester County District Attorney’s Office will bring no criminal charges at this time.

·         At this point in time, there are no apparent signs of foul play.

·         The death of Ms. Garin is deemed accidental.

 

Ride operator training:

 

·         The only written protocol presented to operate the ride was the manufacturer’s operating manual.

·         No written protocols issued by S&L Amusements relative to the operation of the Mind Scrambler could be located.

·         S&L Amusements could not provide any written documentation for training of their employees.

·         Typically, ride operators initially trained with the Owner/Operator before operating a specific ride.

·         Some employees of S&L Amusements trained other employees on ride operation via “on the job” training.

·         Ms. Garin was one of the employees that provided training to other employees.

·        There is no documentation that identifies which employees are qualified to operate the Mind Scrambler. 

 

STILL PENDING:

 

·     Westchester County Medical Examiner’s final report, including toxicology.

·     N.Y.S. Department of Labor final report.

·     Continuing efforts to identify the remaining riders.

 

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. July 22, 2007 Updated 3:45 PM EDT: Demolition of the classic Parker Stadium bowl at Highlands Middle School and the Glenn D. Loucks football field has been under way for two weeks. At Parker Stadium the old concrete grandstand has been leveled and the track in process of being torn up. At Loucks the track is being removed, wooden bleachers removed. The plan is to have Parker Stadium completed in time for the Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl Game. As of today, the construction firm has 124 Days until Thanksgiving to install the new metal bleachers sitting 1,300; a new track and, of course the synthetic turf field. Loucks Field has a looser timetable. They need to finish that field in time for the Loucks Games in May, 2008.

So long old friend. The classic amphitheatre of old Parker Stadium as it looked yesterday.

Loucks Field with former track in process of removal, and natural turf field in process of preparation yesterday.

 

 

At Parker Stadium the wooden bleachers, the concrete grandstand, pressbox and portions of the cinder track have been removed as of Sunday, to be replaced by metal bleachers between the 20 yard lines, a resurfaced track and of course, synthetic turf, prehashmarked for lacrosse, soccer, field hockey and football.

Parker Stadium with Highlands Middle School in foreground.

 

Loucks Stadium Eastern Sideline. Wooden bleachers have been removed. The clubhouse to the right will not be renovated. The Board of Education is seeking funding to refurbish it in keeping with the new stadium, but no commercial or community sources have stepped up to fund a field house renovation yet.  Jumping and field events will be conducted in the strip of grass in foreground.

 Loucks Field, though not needed for action until May, 2008, has to install its new track prior to the cold weather months, according to Ed Gorman, Track & Field Consultant for Mondo, the company which manufactures the 8-lane state-of-the-art running surface. According to Gorman, the field is done from the inside out, with the synthetic turf being installed first and the Mondo track surface last in the process. Gorman said the asphalt has to be poured and set and track installed before the ground freezes, which would mean that the synthetic surface would need to be completed in late October to early November.

Gorman told WPCNR, “We’ll install the track after the turf. We’ll work from the inside out. It depends on the weather. The asphalt has to be done first. Before the freeze weather sets in. It has to be before. They’ll put the asphalt in. We don’t have to wait until the synthetic turf is done entirely. They can still be on the infield while we’re on the track. The deadline on this job is in November.”

Gorman described the track as Olympic class: It’s prefabricated rubber.  No chemicals involved. It’s a clean material It’s the track that’s been the official track for the last eight Olympic Games. We’re now doing the China Olympic games. It’s the same track they ran the U.S. Olympic trials on and the U.S. Championships on this year.”

 

 

Parker Stadium Construction: New set of metal bleachers, seating 1,300 with press box, plus installation of synthetic turf and running track. Cost: $3.4 Million. (Approx.) Photo, WPCNR News.

The Loucks Makeover: two sets of metal bleachers seating 3,250  with press box, lights, artificial turf system and 10-lane track on the straightaway. Cost: $ 6 Million (Approximate)Photo,