Helen Hayes Sale Will Not Affect WPPAC. Relationship Ended in Nov.

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WPCNR STAGE DOOR. By John F. Bailey. February 8, 2006.: The proposed sale of the Helen Hayes Theatre in Nyack will have no effect on White Plains Performing Arts Center, WPCNR has learned. A source on the White Plains Performing Arts Center Board of Directors, speaking on condition of anonymity reported the WPPAC is no longer a partner with the Helen Hayes Theatre Company and has not been since mid-November. WPCNR has also learned the White Plains theatre was paying half the Helen Hayes Theatre payroll during the two years, three months of the partnership.


 


 


 


 


WPCNR has learned the White Plains theatre is owed no money by Helen Hayes and has paid back its $61,563 debt to the Nyack theatre (listed as receivable on page 13 ofthe Helen Hayes 990 form filed October, 2005 for the 2003-04 year).


 


WPPAC has also “settled up” the money the fledgling theatre owed Helen Hayes for the White Plains share of the Helen Hayes payroll that White Plains has been paying for the two years and about three months the partnership lasted. Informed sources tell WPCNR the White Plains share amounted to an even split of the Helen Hayes payroll.


 


A source who is a former director, told WPCNR that “Tony” (Stimac) had informed the board of sharing expenses and costs with the Nyack Theatre, but this person did not know whether the expenses included paying half the Helen Hayes payroll.


 


WPCNR has also learned the full salaries were carried on the Helen Hayes books. The latest Form 990 filed by HHTCO October 28, 2005,  reports salary expenses of $1,048,131 for the 2003-2004 fiscal year of the Helen Hayes Theatre Company. With White Plains Performing Arts Center paying half that sum, the WPPAC share each year would amount to approximately $500,000 a year. It is not clear on the Form 990 where the White Plains revenue to Helen Hayes is accounted for.


 


An informed source told WPCNR Wednesday that the White Plains Performing Arts Center had severed its agreement with Helen Hayes in mid-November, when it “settled up” with Helen Hayes on what was owed in salaries, and presently the source said there is no money owed, no litigation, no money owed.  “We settled up with them. They paid what they owed us,” but the source did not elaborate.


 


After White Plains Performing Arts Center ended its partnership with Helen Hayes in November, the Producing Director for WPPAC remarked to the Common Council, when requesting (and being granted)  $100,000 funding in Urban Renewal funds to carry WPPAC through the rest of 05-06 season on November 27, (when the severing process was reported underway or possibly completed)  noted that the relationship with Helen Hayes Theatre was an asset to WPPAC.

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Helen Hayes Theatre Sale Under Further Review by Attorney General Office.

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WPCNR STAGE DOOR. By John F. Bailey. February 7, 2006: Paul Larrabee,  a spokesman for the New York State Attorney General told WPCNR today  the pending $3.7 Million sale of the Helen Hayes Theatre Company building in Nyack  to Milbrook Properties, Ltd of Manhasset, a Long Island real estate holding company,  is “under review” by the Attorney General, based on his personal conversation with Rockland County Legislator Harriet Cornel Monday,  because the Attorney General’s Office “had great respect for her.”





Larrabee said he could not give a date for completion of the review, or say how long it would take his office to complete the “review,” or what was being reviewed.


 


When WPCNR asked if any closing on the property would be delayed pending the review, Larrabee said it was up to the Rockland County court.


 


 Mr. Larrabee said an Assistant Attorney General Gary S. Brown approved a petition by Helen Hayes to sell its theatre, and this was followed by the Rockland County judge’s  approving the petition.  He said it was up to that court whether or not to hold up the pending closing on the building deal, pending the Attorney General review.


 


WPCNR asked Larrabee if the Assistant Attorney General reviewing the Petition for Sale, had seen the contract outlining the sale, portions of which were made public in the Rockland County Journal News Tuesday.  Larrabee said he did not know if Brown had reviewed the contract.  Larrabee said he personally had not seen the contract between Hayes and Milbrook.


 


Larrabee was reported by the Rockland County Journal News that the Attorney General could advise the court if they found issues.


 


The Assistant Attorney General Brown is reported to approved the Petition January 19, and Judge William Nelson of Rockland County, approved the Petition January 24.


 


Circumstances


 


 


Larrabee said “This was an organization petitioning to sell its assets in dire financial condition.”


 


Larrabee described the Attorney General’s role in “approving” petitions for sale of assets by non-profits (like Helen Hayes Theatre Company):  “The Attorney General is asked to represent the people and individuals and find whether laws related to Not-for-Profits are complied with.”


 


Larrabee said he could not comment on news reports that raised questions about the process by which the sale was approved by the Helen Hayes Theatre Company Board of Directors.


 


Asked if the Attorney General Office was going to review the Hayes approval as requested by the Mayor of Nyack, John Shields, and review the contract (which Shields has forwarded to the Attorney General) and Rockland County Legislature Chairwoman Harriet Cornell, Larrabee said,  “All matters that come to our attention are reviewed. We have to first determine the facts, whether we have jurisdiction, and whether it is appropriate to review.”


 



 


When pressed Larrabee said he had an extensive conversation with Legislator Harriet Cornell Monday, and told WPCNR the matter was under review. He said he had not yet seen Mayor Shields’ letter.


 


A Rockland County Journal News press reported Daniel Rodriguez, a member of the Helen Hayes Theatre Company Board of Directors, as saying a closing for the sale had not been set yet. A law firm Mr. Rodriguez is reported associated with, for which he is noted on the Helen Hayes website to be a consultant, Medina & O’Brien, was contacted by WPCNR. The receptionist was not familiar with Mr. Rodriguez’s name when WPCNR called to speak to Mr. Rodriguez on the matter.


 


Buyers are Strong Supporters of the Democratic Party.


 


WPCNR asked Mr. Larrabee if the Attorney General’s  Office was aware two of the principals of the buying firm are longtime contributors to the New York State Democratic Party. (Elliot Spitzer is considered the leading Democratic Candidate for Governor of New York).  Mr. Larrabee said “No” and described the question as being “without merit.”


 


Rubin Pikus, Chief Executive Officer of Milbrook Properties, according to the Federal Election Commission has contributed slightly over $12,000 to Democratic Candidates, organizations and Political Action Committees since December 11, 1999. He contributed $1,000 each to Senator Charles Schumer and Senator Hillary Clinton. Mr. Pikus also contributed $7,500 to Democratic Congressman Steve Israel (representing the 2nd Congressional District-Suffolk County and top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee) the last six years, according to Federal Election Commission records.


 


Sharon Pikus, Chief Operating Officer and Secretary of Milbrook Properties has contributed $15,300 to Democratic candidates since 2000. Ms. Pikus contributed according to Federal Election Commission records, an $7,500 to the Congressman Steven Israel, and $3,500 to Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy of the 4th Congressional District on Long Island, (the woman whose husband was shot and killed by a crazed gunman on the Long Island Railroad, which lead her to run for congress),  and $1,000 to Senator Charles Schumer, and $1,000 to Senator Clinton’s first campaign in 2000. Prior to 2000, she contributed $1,500 to Senator Schumer.


 


Joseph Lagana, the President of the Board of Directors of Helen Hayes Theatre Company the selling company has contributed $2,400 to Republican candidates in the last six years  C. Scott Vanderhoef, the congressman,  and former Congressman Benjamin Gilman. Prior to 2000, he contributed $1,500 to Senator Alphonse D’Amato in 1998.


 

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The Mayor’s State of the City Address 2006

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WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. February 7, 2006: WPCNR presents Mayor Joseph Delfino’s 2006 State of the City Address delivered to the Common Council Monday evening at the monthly council public meeting which did not appear on television due to a technical failure at the Public Access Studios.



Mayor Joseph Delfino Being Sworn In for his Third Term as Mayor of White Plains January 6. Last night he delivered his State of the City Speech. Photo, WPCNR News Archive.


 





·        The first item on the agenda tonight is the annual State of the City address. Thank you for being here, and thank you for viewing from home. This is the ninth State of the City address that I have delivered as Mayor. Let me start by saying I am honored to be serving another term as Mayor of the City of White Plains, a City that is looked upon as a true shining star in the State of New York, and beyond.


 


·        I want to thank my family, especially my wife Ellie for putting up with all the long hours and days away from home.


 


·        I want to thank the members of the Common Council, both past and present, for their hard work and dedication to our City. Together we have forged a tremendous partnership based upon collective action, rather than divided leadership. I would also like to thank our professional staff. Your abilities allow us to think outside of the box because we know you are capable of stepping up and making it happen. For all your dedication I say thanks, we couldn’t do it without you.


 


 


·        When I took office in 1998, I set lofty goals because I believed in our City. I believed in what the City of White Plains could be with imagination and leadership. I believed that the City had waited long enough for change.


 


·        Much of what was envisioned in Phases I, II, and III of my Economic Development Plan has been completed or is underway. We have come so far in a short period of time. Our accomplishments are truly remarkable! I am proud of what has been done, and I am excited about what we are working on to keep White Plains moving forward on this successful track.


 


·        Tonight, I will discuss the issues facing the City for 2006 and beyond. Many are issues we have grappled with for years. Others represent new and exciting opportunities for us to enhance the image, reputation, and the quality of life in White Plains and keep us on track as one of the truly great cities in the United States. Tonight I can tell you that the State of the City of White Plains is strong, and together we will continue to strengthen it.


         


·        I will begin on the subject of Economic Development and Growth, an area in which White Plains has made tremendous strides.


 


·        Since the year 2000, more than 2,285 new units of housing have been approved in White Plains. 172 of these new units, or 7.6% are affordable. We currently have 742 more market rate units in the approval process with 46 of these considered affordable.


 


·        I will be the first to say that we must do more to assist moderate and low income families in the development of affordable housing.


 


·        Last year, the City of White Plains received the prestigious Robert L. Woodson Affordable Housing Award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. White Plains was the only community in the Northeast, and one of only three in the entire Eastern United States to receive this award. We have worked together to create a unique, multifaceted and flexible program to develop new affordable housing options in our City.


 


·        The City’s Affordable Program provides that developers of new market rate and luxury housing must make at least 6% of their project affordable for individuals and families at an average of 80% of median income, or pay a substantial buyout fee in lieu of providing the units in their projects.


 


·        It is satisfying that we were able to achieve an average of 7.6% new affordable units from our approved residential projects, and we will continue to review our guidelines on a project by project basis. We should be cautious, however not to arbitrarily select an affordable percentage that could deter new residential development in our City.


 


·        These “buyout” payments allow us to remain flexible, and permit us to help the greatest number of White Plains residents. Recently, using the buyout funds the City of White Plains was able to contribute approximately $1.2 Million for low and moderate income housing projects on S. Kensico Ave., Lake Street, and Minerva Place.


 


 


Currently, we have a series of projects being proposed:


 


·        The Metropolitan and the Hale Avenue Condominium projects.  At the January 3rd meeting of the Common Council, both projects were given a hearty endorsement by the Carhart neighborhood association, headed up by President Robert Vogel.


 


·        These projects are a testament of what can be accomplished when City staff, developers, and community leaders work together to design projects that are sensitive to the needs of the neighborhood while remaining economically viable.


 


·        We’re also working on:


 


·        The Pinnacle with its Michael Graves design on Main Street  


 


·        The 393-unit Avalon Rockledge  


 


·        Cappelli’s Renaissance Square at 221 Main Street


 


·        The North St. Communities on the former St. Agnes Hospital site.


 


·        At a time when so many communities within New York State and Westchester County are struggling, new residents, investors, and visitors alike are flocking to White Plains to take part in the renaissance of our City. White Plains has become a center of commerce and investment. We will not remain the hotspot forever, so we must capitalize on this now.


 


·        The current state of our finances is strong, and as a direct result of our recent development, we are receiving increased revenue into our City.  White Plains, like many other communities in Westchester County, must deal with tax certiories.  We encountered a substantial number of cases over the past decade.  My administration has taken a proactive approach to disposing of these cases.  We will continue to address this issue vigorously.


 


·        The cities of Yonkers, Mt. Vernon, New Rochelle, Rye Peekskill and the Village of Port Chester all have their own Industrial Development Agencies.  The main function of an IDA is to encourage economic development by assisting in the retention and attraction of jobs. Despite being the fourth largest City in Westchester County and the 12th largest in New York State, White Plains does not have its own IDA. Nearly all the development over the last seven years was financed through the Westchester County IDA.  Our new projects processed by the County IDA generated substantial administrative fees which the County received.  The City received no revenue.


 


·        The administrative fees could have been used to assist the City in funding affordable housing initiatives, making small business loans and grants available, providing economic development initiatives, settle  tax certs or to pursue countless other activities.


 


·        In 2006 I will again make a direct appeal to our elected representatives on the state level to gain our own Industrial Development Agency. The success of White Plains has brought millions of dollars to the administration of Westchester County that should have come to our City. It is time that White Plains control its own economic destiny.


 


 


·        In 2005, the City of White Plains secured $1 Million in Federal funding (from Sens. Clinton and Schumer) for our Lexington Avenue/ Post Road revitalization.


 


·        Tonight, it is my pleasure to announce that within the next four weeks we will set a date for the first meeting concerning the Lexington Avenue/ Post Road revitalization.


 


 


·        The White Plains Business Improvement District continues to be a key engine for economic growth in the Downtown. In the past year, the BID sponsored numerous events designed to draw residents and visitors alike into the heart of our city to shop, eat and enjoy our Downtown. This July, we had our first-ever “Taste of Downtown” food festival on Mamaroneck Avenue with over 20 local restaurants and taverns participating.  


 


·        In September, “Restaurant Week” celebrated the rebirth of our city by offering lunch or dinner for $19.16 at 15 different White Plains restaurants. And we cannot forget the County’s best free New Year’s Eve party which attracted over 8,000 people this year.


 


·        In the coming year, I will work with the Business Improvement District to expand its borders and programs to encompass other parts of the Downtown The BID will be a partner as we expand our revitalization efforts throughout the downtown area.


 


 


·        As we enter operating year three of the Performing Arts Center, it is important to remember just how far we have come. When the theatre opened its doors in 2004, the dreams of many in this community became a reality. The theater has continued to provide diverse entertainment, unique programming, and most importantly, a venue for our local community groups.


 


·        The Common Council and I were fully aware that it generally takes three years for community theatres to establish themselves.


 


·        We are committed to finding the right formula for the theatre, and the Common Council and I recently renewed our economic commitment to the theater for the 2006 season. The Performing Arts Center provides culturally enriching entertainment which is critical to the success of our Downtown.


 


·        The Sculpture Garden on the Plaza at the Public Library was a major success for the City of White Plains. Positive reactions from residents, visitors, and corporate sponsors has prompted us to seek to expand the Sculpture Garden into an Art Trail, beginning at the Metro-North Station and running through various Downtown destinations. We are currently working with property owners and corporations to expand this extremely successful public-private partnership.


 


·        This program will give the City a giant step forward as we work to make White Plains a true Arts Community.


 


·        We recently received $250,000 dollars in federal funds to conduct a study on the viability of a rubber-wheel trolley system in White Plains.  The study is well underway and I look forward with excitement to the day when the implementation of this project begins.


 


·        White Plains has been recognized nationally as an innovative leader in the area of urban traffic management. We are managing our growth successfully.  Although there are, at times,  delays due to construction or infrastructure improvements, for the most part, traffic is being managed effectively.  It is amazing to note that although our holiday traffic was up more than 4% this year, accidents were down by 8%.


 


·        Valet parking has become essential to the success of many of our small and family-owned businesses in the downtown.  We’ve worked hard to integrate this feature in such a way as to determine how it might best operate in our City.  I am committed to working with the Common Council in 2006 to create legislation which will regulate this activity.


 


·        Issues such as parking, traffic and valet services keep urban planners in many cities busy.  We’re fortunate to have these issues here as well, and they will be addressed as we continue to manage our growth downtown effectively.


 


·        The City of White Plains has become the epicenter of dining, shopping, and entertainment in the region. Aside from receiving continuous coverage in the local media, White Plains has become a favorite among trade magazines and periodicals.


 


                            


·        Our youth are excited again about White Plains and I’m pleased that a majority of our residents are happy about the direction in which we’re going.  We have a lot to be proud of.


 


·        We take tremendous amount of pride in celebrating our City’s vast and diverse cultures.  Last year, we hosted our first Annual Juneteenth Parade, which serves as a celebration of the end of slavery and of African American achievement.  I am proud to say that White Plains now hosts four cultural parades each year. 


 


·        White Plains raised nearly $23,000  and found rent-free housing for one year for six families who were displaced from their homes by hurricane Katrina.  We also raised nearly $17,000 for for the victims of the Asian Sunami. 


 


·        We’re recognized as a City that cares.


 


·        Our award-winning Recreation and Parks department remains a leader in the County.  Our expanded programs are enjoyed by residents of all ages and we maintain the finest facilities anywhere.


 


·        We’re planning an ambitious agenda for the coming year.  In 2006 we’ll open new playgrounds at Mitchell Place and Chaterton Parkway. We recently completed much needed improvements at Delfino Park, and this year we look forward to an expansion of our programs for pre-schoolers, children and young adults.


 


·        Our Open Space Acquisition program has proven to be an enormous success.  To date we’ve acquired more than 45 acres to preserve as Open Space.  Tonight I am announcing that I’m reconvening our Open Space Acquisition Committee to identify more parcels for possible acquisition, which the City can maintain and preserve for future generations of White Plains residents.


 


 


·        The City of White Plains Youth Bureau is recognized as a leader in New York State.  The Youth Bureau services more than 6,000 children and young adults each year.  Close to 800 children per day are enrolled in our after-school programming which we recently expanded to include grades K through 8.  This program benefits the children of working families whether they are single parent or two parent working households.


 


·        They do a marvelous job and this year they will continue to expand their programs.  In 2006 the Youth Bureau will be partnering with the March of Dimes to offer Young Women’s Health Groups to promote healthy lifestyles and with the Boy and Girl Scouts of America to encourage scouting activities in our after-school programs.


 


·        Because of their incredible work, we are being honored this year with the National Youth Service America Award. 


 


·        Our Public Safety Department is one of the best in New York State.  Despite our continued growth as a City, including more nightlife and entertainment venues in our Downtown, crime continues to drop.  Recent figures show that crimes against persons and property dropped nearly 15% from the previous year.  Over the past three years, that decrease is a staggering 33%.


 


·        Structure fires are also down 15% over the previous year, which is a direct result of increased fire inspections, a “safety-first” building code, and a strong educational component.


 


·        It is a testament to what effective management, resource allocation and partnership with the community can accomplish.  To our men and women of our Public Safety Department, I thank you for a job well done.


 


·        We’ve worked hard to make our government both customer service oriented and accessible.  And we’ll take action in 2006 to do even more.


 

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Public Access Laser Dies; Mayor’s Speech Blacked Out.

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WPCNR MEDIA RADAR. By John F. Bailey. February 7, 2006: White Plains Public Access Television reports to WPCNR this morning that the three hour black out of White Plains channels 75, 76 and 77 was caused by laser failure in the Cablevision equipment that sends the Public Access signal from their studios at 4 Martine Avenue to Cablevision. Jim Kenny, Executive Director of the White Plains Public Access told WPCNR the laser failure was discovered at about 6 P.M. Monday evening. Cablevision technicians arrived to replace the laser component, and programming  was restored by 9 P.M. to all three channels,


The laser outage denied Mayor Joseph Delfino of  a prime time audience for his State of the City speech he delivered last night. One effect of this was that City Commissioners and insiders were forced to observe the Common Council proceedings from the Common Council Chamber floor, instead of the poshly appointed Mayor’s Conference Room where they watch the television feed from Channel 76, providing their own running commentary on the course of events.


Kenny had no specific information on why the laser failed. He said the Common Council meeting Monday evening was videotaped and would be shown in its entirety nightly on the White Plains Government Access Channel 75, “The Voice of White Plains,” beginning at 7 P.M.

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Maple Avenue Goes to Condos. Council Approves Ker Buildings; Metropolitan.

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WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. February 7, 2006: As reported yesterday by WPCNR, the Common Council approved the Metropolitan condominium project for the DeKalb Avenue and Maple Avenue block, and two 11-story condominiums across from each other on Hale Avenue. The Common Council split 4-3, approving the Hale buildings, with Councilpersons Robert Greer, Glen Hockley, Arnold Bernstein and Mayor Delfino carrying the day against Councilpersons Thomas Roach, Rita Malmud and Benjamin Boykin. The Metropolitan carried 5-2 with Ms. Malmud and Mr. Roach opposing the project and Messers Hockley, Bernstein, Boykin, Greer and the Mayor voting for The Metropolitan. The DEIS hearing on the Pinnacle was closed.

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Board of Education Announces White Plains “Bond Tour”

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. February 6, 2006: The Board of Education will be scheduling a series of meetings over the next month at each of the White Plains city schools to present the $67 Million Capital Projects plan they are considering putting out for a referendum in May on the ballot with the School Budget. Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors announced the “bond tour” at Monday evening’s Board of Education meeting.


 


In the discussion of the Capital Projects which followed the consent agenda, Terrence Schruers, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Russell Davidson of Kaeyer, Garment & Davidson, the architects who prepared the $67 Million proposal (trimmed from its original $95 Million program), made cases for the cost savings to be achieved by the two synthetic turf field conversions at Parker Stadium and Loucks Field, and for the wisdom for renovating the present Post Road School, or building a completely new school on the Post Road property.


Superintendent of Schools Connors began the Capital Projects discussion saying it was his plan that the Board of Education hold a series of meetings at each school in the community to get a sense of the community’s feelings about the project, and then for the Board of to make a decision on either executing all of the program or parts of it in March to place a bond referendum on the May ballot.


Connors said the project is timely, and would give the district flexibility “a safety valve” to provide for two cohorts (consisting of 12 classes of 20 students, approximately 250 more students) at the elementary level expected to arrive over the the next five years. A demographer’s projection was passed out at the meeting predicting growth of 300 students in the elementary schools by 2010 (from the 2,750 in 2005 to 3,050 in 1010). Connors also has said city sources expect growth of about another 250 students based on all the new development coming on stream from 2010 to 2015, projecting 3,200 students in White Plains elemenatry schools by 2015. 


Pushing for the May School Election Date.


Schruers made the point that if the proposal now being considered by the state to present school project referendums at the same time as school budgets in may, goes through, that postponing the vote from May until May 2007 would delay the project start until 2009. Davidson said an approval of the referendum in May would enable construction to start at Post Road School (either the $34 Million new school or $29 Million renovation) in the summer of 2007. Davidson also noted that the cost of the projects could go up $1.6 Million to $3.2 Million by October, if the referendum for the bond was placed on the ballot  in the fall. Davidson also noted the synthetic turf projects at Loucks and Parker Stadiums ould be completed by the Spring of 2007 if approved this spring by the voters.


Davidson says adding on to other schools alters character of elementary school balance.


Mr. Davidson answered questions the Board had presented him with last week on alternatives to refurbishing or building a new Post Road School. He rejected both Rochambeau School and Church Street School and George Washington School on the argument that it would require substantial renovation of the cafeterias, the parking areas, and pickup and dropoff areas, to increase the capacities of those schools. He noted that his firm had rejected building the 12 to 15 extra classrooms at George Washington, because that school already has the highest enrollment among the elementary schools, and would created havoc with the district’s choice program. Parents, he said, would have to choose between two small enrollment schools and three large enrollment schools, and would base their choice on “bricks and mortar” (the physical layout of the schools), if George Washington or Church Street were expanded.


Mr. Schruers answered the Board’s questions on leasing three classrooms to BOCES at Post Road School, noting that it would net the district $1,890,000 profit over the course of the 10 year lease, and they would get the cost of the three classroom construction costs for nothing. BOCES is willing to pay $1,153.000  towards the $1,189,000 cost of constructing the three classrooms at the new Post Road School, and pay $150,000 to lease the rooms for a $1,500,000 rental to the district over 10 years.


Synthetic Turf More Games for the Buck


On the questions pertaining to the synthetic turn conversions of Parker Stadium and Loucks Stadium, Schruers presented a report by Mike Lynch, the district Facilities and Operations Manager comparing the costs of operating synthetic fields over grass fields.


Lynch’s memorandum reported that for one grass field, on a 40-week mowing cycle and 30-week usage cyucle it would cost the district $16,920 a year (with the resodding and crowning of the field every 5 to 7 years figured in). By contrast a Synthetic Turf once installed would cost approximately $21,000 a year, but could be used at a greater rate, and you could get more games in about eight times more games. 


A statistical chart in the synthetic turf memo put the cost of a Synthetic Field at $600,000, plus $21,000 maintenance over 10 years, or $621,000. By contrast a grass field would cost $300,000 to install, but with the additional maintance would cost $8004,000 to $904,000 to operate over ten years, hosting only 340 events compared to 2,800 for the synthetic field. The Parker Stadium and Loucks Stadium projects are projected at $3 Million for Parker (plus stand renovation and locker rooms, and press box), and $5.2 Million for Loucks (including press box, locker rooms, stands).


Connors to Meet With Mayor to Discuss “City Contribution.”


Mr. Connors announced he was meeting with Mayor Joseph Delfino Wednesday morning to discuss how the city would contribute to the stadium renovations. When asked by Peter Bassano if the city would contribute to the financing of the projects since they use the district’s fields, Connors said he was going to meet with the Mayor to discuss how the city might help with some contribution. Bassano asked if the school district would know what financial help the city would lend before the vote, Connors said no.


 Asked by WPCNR if the school district would require the city to pay fees if they did not contribute to the cost of the new synthetic fields being planned, Connors said he was sure that something could be worked out, otherwise they might have to pay fees like other outside groups do that use the fields. The sense  of the “city contribution” involved only contribution towards the playing field synthetic turfing, and that the city was not expected to provide relief for the school upgrades.


Next Problem: Middle School Enrollment.


Connors said that  the Middle School enrollment was now at 1,400 and that the school district had the option of expanding the Eastview School to accommodate the increased enrollment the district is expecting in the Middle school in the next decade. However, the cost of renovating Eastview and bringing it into code would be another substantial expense for the district.


 Connors also said that the City of White Plains is looking for a new home for its Youth Bureau currently housed at Eastview, and that once that operation left the building space would free up.


McGuire Requests More Financial Modeling. Bassano a Separate Vote.


Board Member Terry McGuire said that prior to going out to present the plan to the schools, that the district should present financially modeling of how the bond (which he pointed out goes out 30 years, not three, as is currently being presented in Board materials), impacted the budget and the individual taxpayer, in perspective with the compounding effect of expanding fixed costs that currently raise the budget automatically 9% every year, as well as the eroding assessment base. Connors reminded Mr. McGuire that the district does model. McGuire held his ground and said he felt the bond had to be presented in relation to the overall budget.


Board Member Peter Bassano expressed the hope that the board could consider the three segments that make up the Bond project individually. He felt the Board should vote on the Infrastructure piece (about $25 Million), the Stadiums piece (About $10 Million), and the Post Road School expansion (about $34 Million) separately. Connors said the board would, but did not specifically say the board would break it up into three different votes when the Board decided on which segments to execute.


 

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Robert Greer Departs Budget Advisory Committee. Bernstein, McDonald Appointed

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WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. February 6, 2006: Councilman Robert Greer is stepping down from the city’s Budget and Management Advisory Committee on the eve when the Committee gets down to the sensitive preparation of the city’s 2006-2007 budget. Mr. Greer’s daughter is scheduled to read a statement from Councilman Greer on his leave-taking of the comittee.


Mayor Joseph Delfino is appoint Councilman Arnold Bernstein to take Mr. Greer’s place as one of the two councilmembers on the Committee. Bernstein joins Councilman Benjamin Boykin. Eleanor McDonald, formerly a Budget Director for the Town of Greenburgh is also being appointed to the Committee.


Other members of the committee for 2006 are Timothy Sheehan, Theodore Peluso, Patrick Austin, Joseph Lenchner, Anthony Cucciarre and Larry Delgado. The Committee, to WPCNR recollection has not met since considering the budget last spring.


Rita Malmud, City Council President said that “Mr. Greer is fully supportive of these changes. He spoke with the Mayor and discussed the changes and they agreed this was a good time to make this transition (from the budget committee). My discussion with Bob indicated he is fully supportive.”

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Helen Hayes Performing Arts Center Sold to Long Island Apartment Management Firm

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WPCNR STAGE DOOR. By John F. Bailey. February 6, 2006: Dan Rodriguez, a member of the Helen Hayes Theatre Company Board of Directors confirmed to the media in the Rockland County edition of The Journal News (a story not carried in the Gannett Westchester edition) that the Helen Hayes Theatre Company  building on Main Street in Nyack was about to be sold to Milbrook Properties, Ltd. of Manhasset, N.Y. Reporter Laura Incalcaterra writes Rodriguez reporting the sale price to be $3.7 Million and the theatre having paid off most of its debt before the sale.


WPCNR reviewing the Helen Hayes Form 990 for the year 2003-2004 (posted October 29, 2005), that the reported price (of $3.7 Million)  is about double the amount of liabilities accrued by the Theatre’s operations through June 2004, which the 2003-2004  Form 990 lists as $1,351,986. (2003-2004 is the last year for which Helen Hayes posted a Form 990 for the 501(c) non-profit corporation). The Theatre, the Form reports, lost $274,725 in operations for the fiscal year 2003-2004.


If that rate of loss continued in 04-05, (an additional $300,000 added to the liabilities)  the theatre company’s liabilities may have approached $2 Million before this possible sale, but Rodriguez is also reported as saying most of the Helen Hayes Theatre Company  debt had been paid off recently, which could be taken to mean the theatre now has been staked to as much as a $3.7 million windfall from Milbrook Properties.


Milbrook Properties, Ltd., the reported purchaser, is a company owned by Rubin Pikus, is a company of 40 persons which manages 80 properties, mostly apartment buildings, and seeks acquisitions of additional property, and undertakes “new ventures in residential, commercial and development properties.”


In an effort to ascertain the current status of the Helen Hayes Theatre Company  finances, which was reported in the process of reorganizing in October by its Executive Director in October, WPCNR contacted the Executive Director. WPCNR efforts to speak with the Helen Hayes Theatre’s Executive Director, Tony Stimac who also serves as Producing Director of the White Plains Performing Arts Center,  have not been returned to ascertain how much windfall if any from the impending sale may generate to the Helen Hayes Theatre Company for its resurgence; whether the Helen Hayes Theatre Company will continue to perform at the Helen Hayes Theatre in Nyack, and when it will return,  or perhaps consider sharing and aiding its sister theatre, the White Plains Performing Arts Center,


The White Plains Performing Arts Center is currently in reorganization, having reprogrammed its spring schedule with lower budget productions than originally planned to conserve operating cash, severely depleted by reported large contibutions to Helen Hayes operating expenses in their 2-1/2 year relationship.

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Cappelli Hotel/Condominium Project Reaches Street Level — Photos of Day

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WPCNR Photographs of the Day. February 6, 2006: The intrepid Roving Photographer observes that the Cappelli Enterprises 221 Main project has risen to street level behind those construction walls on Main Street, and is ready for its hotel. A spokesman for the Super Developer, Louis Cappelli noted last week that the Super Developer is still in negotiations with a trio of hotel suitors.



Ready for His Hotel: The 221 Main Site Saturday, February 5. City Center towers are in background. Foundation for second tower (to left) appears not to be in works at this time. Hotel parking garage has reached Main Street, Court Street Extension grade, where hotel entrance and first condominium tower is planned. Photo by the WPCNR Roving Photographer.



Five Levels of Parking Garage have been framed out. Photo, WPCNR Roving Photographer.



Rear of Bar Building and, to right, future grand expansion of Court Street. Photo, WPCNR Roving Photographer.

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Sweet Science Comes to Iona — Shea Debuts Local, Saccurato Steps Out Again.

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WPCNR RINGSIDE. From Ring Promotions. February 5, 2006:  On Friday February 10, for the first time ever, a professional boxing card comes to the Hynes Athletic Center at Iona College in New Rochelle.  Promoter Bob Duffy of Ring Promotions, along with Tony Mazzarella have put together an exciting card, filled with local young talent featured in competitive bouts — including undefeated Iona grad Maureen Shea (Hillary Swank’s sparring partner who trained her for Million Dollar Baby), and the colorful hard-hitting Ann Marie Saccurato, who trains out of White Plains.


 


The main event features junior middleweight prospects Maximo Cuevas (6-2-1, 2 KOs) of West Palm Beach, Florida taking on Bronx native Allen Conyers (8-1, 6 KOs) in what should be a very competitive 10-round fight. In the co-feature, junior welterweight Ann Marie Saccurato (10-1-2 5 KOs) steps it up to her first 10-round bout against Victoria Cisneros (3-2-2).  This Saccurato-Cisneros matchup is a rematch from one year ago, when Saccurato won a unanimous six-round decision from Cisneros at the County Center.


Also featured in a lightweight 4-round special attraction Iona College’s own Maureen Shea, a currently undefeated pro and former amateur standout. Shea is best known for her role as Hillary Swank’s sparring partner during the actress’ preparation for her starring role in “Million Dollar Baby”.


Million Dollar Baby “Partner” Shows Her Stuff.


Undefeated Maureen Shea is especially looking forward to her fight on February 10; this because she will be fighting on the Iona College campus where she is currently attending classes. “I’m really excited about fighting her at my alma mater,” said the 25-year-old Bronx native.  “Everyone has been extremely supportive and it’s an honor for me to be fighting here in front of all my friends and family.”  Shea who is 3-0 with 2 knockouts looks to stay unbeaten as she takes on the debuting Salena Hayden.


Promoter Bob Duffy of Ring Promotions is a 20-year veteran in the world of boxing, and he absolutely loves what he does. “People ask me all the time why I keep doing this. The answer is simple: you can’t put a price on doing what you love.  I love boxing and I love promoting fights,” Duffy adds. “I don’t care if I’m ever the next Don King or Bob Arum.”


It’s that attitude that has made Ring promotions boxing events a success, his last three boxing events have all sold out and the fan response has been overwhelmingly positive.  Duffy, an ex-NYC homicide detective and the previous Director of Boxing for the New York State Athletic Commission, has been involved in boxing since 1984 and founded Ring Promotions in December of 2000. This being his 15th boxing card Duffy has worked with several name fighters such as former welterweight champ Jose Antonio Rivera, and middleweight prospect Daniel Edouard.


 


Also featured on the card super featherweight Pasquel Rouse of Westchester; middleweight Richard Pearson of Patterson New Jersey; and heavyweight Victor James out of Brooklyn, NY.


Iona College is located at 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle. Tickets are priced at $100 Reserved Ringside, $50 Ringside (floor), and $30 General Admission. Iona students can purchase tickets at a special school rate of only $20 (with student ID). Tickets can be purchased by calling (914) 235-2325, (516) 313-2305. Tickets can also be purchased at Souler Gym located at 170 East Post Road in White Plains (914) 946-3500. Doors open at 6 p.m. First bout starts at 7:30 p.m. Please feel free to call any of the above numbers for addition information.

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