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 COMMON COUNCIL-CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. By John F. Bailey. April 14, 2007 UPDATED 6:15 PM E.D.T.: Within hours of receiving a revised contract from Verizon today the city scheduled a Special Meeting Monday at 5 PM to reopen the public hearing on granting Verizon a cable franchise in White Plains before it negotiates with Cablevision, with which it has just begun negotiations. 

The new contract, despite assurances by Verizon to the Common Council Thursday evening that they would “unbundle” the Initial PEG Grant from any settlement lower than the Verizon contract,  puts a portion of the $250,000 Public Education Grant, and $1 per Subscriber Annual Fees, at risk,  if the city cannot get Cablevision to agree to the same terms.

Also on the agenda is a second reading of an ordinance approving Kensington LLC as the developer of the senior assisted living facility on Maple Avenue and Cromwell Place. Kensington LLC is a group formed by former executives with Sunrise Assisted Living, which abruptly bowed out of the project about two weeks ago by an e-mail message.

The city’s Verizon “push” comes after a Common Council meeting Thursday evening where Verizon pledged they would not link their payment of the Public Equipment Grant to Cablevision’s acceptance of the White Plains-Verizon contract. Verizon also pledged through their spokesperson Scott Parr that they would respond to Councilman Benjamin Boykin’s call for inflation protection. The inflation protection has been added to the new contract — but is still at the mercy of cablevision “going along” with it, too, and that Cablevision has vowed it will not accept.

What follows are the “teeth” paragraphs and the Common Council agenda for Monday:

According to the new contract released today, Verizon agrees after 10 years to increase the $1 a subscriber PEG fee to $1.25 (allowing for 25% inflation in ten years), but, according to the contract, that subscriber fee is in jeopardy if Cablevision, or another cable provider refuses to agree to it. The contract does not appear to contain a provision that says the full $250,000 Initial PEG Grant must be paid regardless. Verizon has contracted to pay the $250,000 PEG grant within the first three years of the agreement, but not quite the way Mr. Parr promised Thursday evening. the key paragraph denoting this reads, to wit:

Sec. 5.4.1:….The LFA (city) shall impose an equivalent obligation to the obligations contained in this Section 5.4 (including the total amount of the Initial PEG Grant, and the sliding scale amounts of the Annual PEG Grant), on all providers of cable service in the Service Area. In any event, if any new or renewed franchise agreement contains obligations that are lesser in amount or aggregate value than the obligations impionsed in this Section 5.4 (including the total amount of the Initial PEG Grant and the sliding scale amounts of the Annual PEG Grant), Franchisee’s obligations under Section 5.4 shall be reduced to an equivalent amount.

Verizon can bill back Initial Grant, and  Annual Peg Grant Per Fee to Mr. and Mrs. White Plains.

It also became clear Thursday evening that Verizon is not really paying the city anything, since the giant $70 Billion company  has the right to pass through all PEG grants (the $250,000) and PEG fees (the $1- $1.25 Fee per Subscriber, and the percentage of Gross Revenues on to each subscriber.

  Councilman Dennis Power cleared this misconception up once and for all by asking the City’s legal advisor on the contract, appearing via conference call, if the federal government mandated that PEG grants and cable fees be passed on to each individual cable subscriber. The lawyer said “they are not mandated, but they have the right to.”

Mr. Parr continued during that meeting Thursday evening to use the term “pay” in discussing the PEG grants, when this was clearly shown by the city cable consultant to be false. They are not paying anything. They transfer cash then collect it from their subscribers, to wit:

Section 5.6: Recovery of Costs: To the extent permitted by federal law, the Franchee shall be allowed to recover costs of the Initial PEG Grant and the Annual PEG Grant or any other costs arising from the provision of PEG services from Subscribers and to include such costs as a separately billed line item on each Subscriber’s bill. Without limiting the foregoring, if allowed under state and federal laws, Franchisee may externalize, line-item, or otherwise pass through interconnection and any franchise-related costs to subcribers.

Cablevision threatens litigation.

Meanwhile, Peter Jamison, speaking for Cablevision, threatened federal court litigation, saying the $1 a subscriber fee was unacceptable to them. Jamison pointed out that Greenburgh and Dobbs Ferry which signed a similar agreement with Verizon are having problems negotiating the same agreement with his company.

Benjamin Boykin, demanding inflation protection, told Jamison that when the people of White Plains find out Cablevision has been “holding back” $100,000 from the city, that they would go to Verizon in droves.  Jamison said, “Your point is well taken.”

Mr. Dunphy, White Plains City Corporation Counsel said the $100,000 that is owed the city by Cablevision from the last year of the former TCI franchise which Cablevision assumed,  was in dispute, because Cablevision disputes that they were asked for the fee, and the city claims they did ask for the fee. Sources with knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the unpaid $100,000, said that the former manager of  White Plains Public Access failed to notify Cablevision the fee was due in the manner spelled out by the contract.  

New Contract spells out the Free Rides.

Mr. Dunphy when questioned by Rita Malmud on the not for profit groups that were to receive free wiring and cable service, were being reexamined. But he did not say whether all churches and synagogues, and schools in the city would receive free cable or not.

According to the new contract the buildings, institutions and community building receiving free cable service through Verizon are:

City buildings Provided Free Service: City of White Plains City Hall, City of White Plains City Hall Annex, City of White Plains Housing Authority, City of White Plains Public Safety Building, City of White Plains Department of Purchasing, City of White Plains Parking Authority, City of White Plains Youth Bureau, City of White Plains Sanitation Department, City of White Plains Parks & Recreation Building, White Plains Firehouses 1, 2,3,4,5, Headquarters, and 7, White Plains Water Department, City of White Plains Garage, City of White Plains Cable TV Access Commission, Delfino Park, White Plains Library

Public Schools Receiving Free Service: Mamaroneck Avenue School, Post Road School, White Plains High School, Highlands and Eastview Middle Schools,  Rochambeau School, George Washington School, Ridgeway School, Eastview School, Church Street School, Board of Education Administration Building,  

Private Schools Receiving Free Service:Stepinac High School, Our Lady of Sorrows School, Good Counsel Schools, Solomon Schechter School.

County Buildings Provided Free Service: Westchester County Court House, Housing Authority, Westchester County Executive’s Office.

Public centers:  White Plains Senior Center, Slater Center, White Plains Hospital Center, New York Power Authority, Room 1407, Battle Hill Community Center.

The Agenda for the Special Meeting follows:

 

 

5.                                          Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains (“Common Council”) (A) approving the designation by the White Plains Urban Renewal Agency (“Agency”) of the White Plains Kensington, LLC, as the qualified and eligible sponsor for the redevelopment of certain property in the East Post Road Phase II Urban Renewal Project, Project No. WPUR-9B, and known as Disposition Parcel A (“Disposition Parcel A”), (B) granting approval of such designation; ( C) approving the proposed land disposition by the Agency of Disposition Parcel A to White Plains Kensington, LLC, (D) approving the form and terms of the proposed Disposition Agreement (“Kensington LDA”); (E) approving the disposition price; and (F) authorizing the execution by the Chairman of the Agency and the Mayor of the City of White Plains (“City”) of Kensington LDA and execution and delivery of all necessary disposition documents.

 

 

6.                  Communication from Executive Director, Urban Renewal Agency, in relation to the redevelopment of the East Post Road Phase II Urban Renewal Project, Project No. WPUR-9B.

 

7.                              Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains (“Common Council”) approving the acquisition by the White Plains Urban Renewal Agency (“Agency”) of the property known as 12-14 Cromwell Place, and shown on the Tax Maps of the City of White Plains (“city”) as Section 130.27, Block 4 Lot 4, and Section 130.27, Block 4, Lot 5 (referred to herein as “Acquisition Parcel A” and shown on the “Acquisition Parcel Map,” dated March 4, 2007, attached hereto) from Cromwell Properties, LP, which property is located in the East Post Road Phase II Urban Renewal Project, WPUR-9B, and is being acquired pursuant to, and consistent with, the East Post Road Phase II Urban Renewal Plan, originally dated January 27, 2004, as amended to date, for the construction thereon of an assisted living facility for the frail elderly.

 

8.                              Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains (“Common Council”) approving the acquisition by White Plains Urban Renewal Agency (“Agency”) of the property known as 10 Cromwell Place, and shown on the Tax Maps of the City of White Plains (“City”) as Section 130.27, Block 4 Lot 3 referred to herein as “Acquisition Parcel B” and shown on the “Acquisition Parcel Map,” dated March 4, 2007, attached hereto) from 90 Maple Realty Associates, LP, which property is located in the East Post Road Phase II Urban Renewal Project, WPUR-9B, and is being acquired pursuant to, and consistent with, the East Post Road Phase II Urban Renewal Plan, originally dated January 27, 2004, as amended to date, for the construction thereon of a portion of an assisted living facility for the frail elderly and a portion of the Longview Municipal Parking Garage.

 

9.                              Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains authorizing and directing the preparation and execution of a deed for the City owned parcel shown on the Tax Maps of the City of White Plains as Tax Lot 130.27-4-6, located in the East Post Road Phase II Urban Renewal Project, Project No. WPUR-B, (which parcel is known as the Longview Municipal Parking Lot and described on the East Post Road Phase II Urban Renewal Plan as “Acquisition Parcel C,” as shown on the “Acquisition Parcel Map,” dated March 4, 2007, attached hereto) for purposes of assembling certain parcels in the East Post Road Phase II Urban Renewal Project Area to enable the construction of an approximately 700 space municipal parking garage and assisted living facility for the frail elderly.

 

10.                         Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains (“Common Council”) approving the acquisition by the White Plains Urban Renewal Agency (“Agency”) of the property known as 4 Cromwell Place, and shown on the Official Map of the City of White Plains as Tax Lots 130.27-4-2, (referred to herein as “Acquisition Parcel D,” shown on the “Acquisition Parcel Map,” dated March 4, 2007, attached hereto) from Legal Services of the Hudson Valley Inc, which property is located in the East Post Road Phase II Urban Renewal Project, WPUR-9B, and is being acquired pursuant to, and consistent with, the East Post Road Phase II Urban Renewal Plan, originally dated January 27, 2004, as amended to date, for the construction thereon of a portion of the Longview Municipal Parking Garage.

 

11.                         Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains authorizing the Commissioner of Public Works, or his designee, to accept from the White Plains Urban Renewal Agency (“Agency”), on behalf of the City of White Plains (“City”), the deed for the property known as Disposition Parcel B in the East Post Road Urban Renewal Project, Project No. WPUR-9B, which Disposition Parcel is shown on the attached “Disposition Parcel Map,” dated March 7, 2007, and will be more fully described in Schedule A of the deed, for the purpose of enabling the construction on Disposition Parcel B of an approximately 700 space Longview Municipal Parking Garage, as contemplated in the East Post Road Phase II, Urban Renewal Plan. 

 

12.                         Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains (“Common Council”) (A) requesting the White Plains Urban Renewal Agency (“Agency”) to prepare, or cause to be prepared, the necessary documents and approval actions to enable the Common Council to (1) designate White Plains Hospital Medical Center (“Hospital”) as the qualified and eligible sponsor for the lease of a minimum of one-half of the parking spaces in the to-be-constructed, 700+ space Longview Municipal Parking Garage (“Hospital Lease”), such garage to be located on “Disposition Parcel B” in the East Post Road Phase II Urban Renewal Project, Project No. WPUR-9B, and (2) approve the Hospital Lease, the rental terms of such Hospital Lease to be consistent with the terms described in this resolution; and (B) scheduling a public hearing for May 7, 2007, on (1) the designation of the Hospital as qualified and eligible sponsor for the Hospital Lease and (2) on the Hospital Lease, and authorizing publication of the Notice of Availability for Public Examination of the “Redeveloper’s Statement for Public Disclosure” submitted by the Hospital with respect to the lease of parking spaces in the to-be-constructed Longview Municipal Parking Garage pursuant to the proposed “Hospital Lease.”

 

13.                         Communication from Environmental Officer

 

14.                         Environmental Findings Resolution (modified) in conjunction with the East Post Road Phase II Urban Renewal Project, Project No. WPUR-9B.

 

 

FIRST READING

ORDINANCE:

 

15.             Communication from Chairman, Capital Projects Board, in relation to Capital Project No.C5229, Longview Avenue Parking Garage – Design and Construction.

 

16.                         Ordinance amending the Capital Projects Fund by amending an ordinance entitled, “Ordinance amending the Capital Projects Fund by establishing Capital Project No. C5229 “Longview Avenue Parking Garage – Design.”

 

17.                         Bond Ordinance authorizing the issuance of $19,000,000 bonds of the City of White Plains, Westchester County, New York, to pay part of the cost of the $19,657,000 estimated maximum cost of the construction of the Longview Municipal Parking Garage on land to be acquired or re-acquired from the White Plains Urban Renewal Agency in and for said City, pursuant to the East Post Road Phase II Urban Renewal Plan.

 

18.                         Ordinance authorizing the guarantee up to $4,000,000 aggregate principal amount of indebtedness of the White Plains Urban Renewal Agency, in furtherance of the East Post Road Phase II Urban Renewal Plan.

 

 

 

19.             Communication from Commissioner of Public Works in relation to a request by Silverman Realty Group to permit the installation of a canopy at 24-26 Mamaroneck Avenue and authorizing a revocable license agreement with the City to permit encroachment into the public right-of-way.

 

20.                         Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of White Plains authorizing the Commissioner of Public Works to enter into a revocable license agreement with 24-26 Mamaroneck Ave., LLC to permit encroachment upon City right-of-way in connection with improvements to the existing building at 24-26 Mamaroneck Avenue.

 

 

RESOLUTION:

 

21.             Communication from Corporation Counsel in relation to a request submitted on behalf of Bloomingdale Road Investors, LLC, (The Source at White Plains) for a proposed minor amendment to a previously approved site plan to establish a  drop off area along Bloomingdale Road between Maple Avenue and the southern access driveway to the garage near the two existing restaurants , and directing that the matter be referred to the Common Council for review and consideration as a substantial amendment.

 

22.                         Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains expressing its objection to that portion of the Acting Commissioner of Building’s determination that the amendment submitted on behalf of Bloomingdale Road Investors, LLC (“Applicant”) to the site plan approval by the Common Council on December 20, 2001, for the project known as The Source at White Plains (formerly “Fortunoff”) to provide a drop-off area to be situated along Bloomingdale Road between Maple Avenue and the Southern Access Driveway to the garage near the two restaurants within The Source at White Plains, be considered as a minor amendment and directing the Acting Commissioner of Building to refer the proposed amendment to the Common Council for review and consideration as a substantial amendment in accordance with Section 7.7.2 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of White Plains (“Zoning Ordinance”).

 

 

 

ITEMS FOR REFERRAL:

 

23.              Communication from Acting Commissioner of Building transmitting an amended site plan submitted on behalf of North Street Community LLC, a Traffic Management Plan, and requested documentation for the construction of a Planned Senior Residential Development, on the former St. Agnes Property.

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WPCNR STAGE DOOR. By John F. Bailey. April 12, 2007: The Cathedral City, California  High School Symphonic  Band and the White Plains High School Concert Band presented an impromptu concert Wednesday afternoon at White Plains High School delivering a state-of-the-arts message of sound, effort, and excellence  thanks to the efforts of  high school pals, WPHS Music Teacher, William Tonissen, director of the WPHS Concert Band and Gregory Whitmore, Director of Bands in Cathedral City.

 

William Tonissen of WPHS Music, left, and Gregory Whitmore, College friends at the University of Michigan, now with bands of their own put on a concert with their two bans at White Plains High Wednesday.

Mr. Tonissen and Mr. Whitmore went to high school together, attended the University of Michigan together, and now deep into their careers reunited with their respective bands on the WPHS stage so their bands could play together just for the fun of it.

Cathedral City High’s Symphonic Band was making an appearance in Carnegie Hall Monday and when Mr. Tonissen found out he invited his longtime friend to bring his Cathedral City students up to White Plains High School as guests to play for his students, and get the bandmembers together. The White Plains Concert Band which Mr. Tonissen directs played a series of selections first while the 55 CCHS students listened. This set the stage for the CCHS performance.  The Band showcased their range of light classical to rollicking dance as their last piece, demonstrating the pieces  White Plains is known for – selections highlighting the styles of each section – the palette of the orchestra effect.

Maestro Tonissen conducts the WPHS Concert Band for his guests.

And they take a Bow to the enthusiastic applause of Cathedral City’s musicians

Then to the applause of the Cathedral High Students, the WPHS musicians left the stage and CCHS took over the stage. They began with a swell of sound from brass, from woodwinds….from bassoons….from flutes….and percussions with each section warming up individually, capturing the attention of the audience even before they started to play. With their conductor Mr.Whitmore listening to each section as if in thought, the band introspected into their tone as they warmed up. The warmup, an exercise I had never seen or heard was a “scene-setter” for the music they were about to play.

 

Maestro Whitmore warms up the Cathedral City musicians.

Then they began to play and music lived as it was meant to live. Rich, precise canopies of colorful sounds and feelings were voluptuously and elegantly projected flowing over the audience like the sea. Those who heard their 20 minutes of three selections will not soon forget the tempos, the power and the precise control of this band – unaided by studio, but just playing music that flowed into one’s spirit.

As I listened to these magnificent high school musicians play, I was reminded of the power of a mighty express train all parts working together,  starting slowly, accelerating, surging, sweeping all and impressing all who see it and it passes with its dedication and demonstration of superb achievement. The bassoons  delivered poise and gravity and sensitivity. The percussion in intricate disp lay of rhythm on sticks, castenets, and sound effects especially on the last selection delivered high drama and dash. The woodwinds, flutes and brass played with the passion of stallions racing across the plains, even in their most sensitive of moments, not letting you forget their power. Rarely even in professional performances have I heard the clarity, depth, delicacy of expression, and authority in a musical statement as I heard yesterday.

The WPHS Concert Band members were highly impressed, one member said he loved the warmup that the Cathedral City Band used. To the audience member, this warmup is a concert before a concert where each section takes a star turn and gets into their zone.  Another member said, “You know I thought we were good,” in appreciation of what he had just heard.

Mr. Whitmore, one of the Catherdral High parents accompanying the band on their East Coast appearance, said has built the band program in the schools in six years, involving parents – and building a dedication on the part of his students that is amazing.  The parents WPCNR spoke with said the band members practice about 2-1/2 hours a day during the school week.

The Cathedral City music program bands, Marching, Symphonic and Jazz have won numerous awards  since Mr. Whitmore has been supervising the programs.

 

Afterwards, Theresa Niss, (center) Administrator of the Art and Music Curriculum at WPHS, said the band’s articulation, rhythm and was “right on,” and congratulated them on their performance.

Mr. Whitmore presented the high school with a plaque thinking them for their hospitality. Then members of both bands mingled and talked music.

Only one thing more could have been b etter…a combined concert mingling the two bands. Someday soon.

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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS LAW JOURNAL. From Dennis Power, City Councilman, White Plains (Edited). April 11, 2007: The White Plains Board of Ethics, after a thorough inquiry, has dismissed the complaint against  Dennis Power  by Eleanor McDonald, Chair of the White Plains Conservative Party.  Her counterpart, the Republican Party Chair, made similar politically-based complaints to various agencies, as indicated in the Board’s lengthy report.

Mr. Power has issued the following statement on the decision:  

 

I am gratified that the Board dismissed the complaint, found no intentional or knowing violation of the White Plains Ethics Code, and that:

·        my “former position with the Office of Economic Development was not incompatible with [my] services as a member of the White Plains Common Council.”  (p. 19)

·        The two positions I held (the part-time position as Council member and my former county position) “did not, as a general matter, present a conflict under Section 2-5-109(g) of the White Plains Code” (which bars conflicts in private employment).” (p. 19)

·        My vote to waive a 30-day period to have the City object to a project that the County was considering did not create a knowing or intentional violation of the Code. (p. 20)

 

It is relevant that with respect to that vote, although the Board would have preferred that I disqualify myself, the Board also notes the full disclosure I made with respect to my participation. It is also important to note that the vote by the Council was unanimous and was based on the recommendation of the Law Department.

 

The Board of Ethics has also stated that “there does not appear to be a potential for future conflicts with respect to Common Council votes on General Municipal Law Section 923-a or other IDA-related matters.” (p. 21)

 

The Board reiterated that

 

nothing in Councilman Power’s past position warranted recusal from the City of White Plains’ budgetary process. In addition, at present, this Board is not aware of any conflicts, let alone “substantial and inevitable” conflicts, that could arise by virtue of Councilman Power’s employment by the Department of Environmental Facilities. (p. 21)

 

To the extent that the Board suggests that I seek an opinion when, in the future, any issues arise that might pose a conflict, I am pleased to accept the Board’s views, and I too am confident that in my present position with the County there does not appear to be a potential for future conflicts. 

 

At no time in my former position with the County did I believe there was a conflict, and my former supervisors made it clear to me that regardless of any position taken by the County on IDA-related matters, I was expected to be totally independent in my role as a member of the White Plains Common Council.

 

Once again, I am grateful that the Board has conducted a full inquiry and has exonerated me in the face of hostile and unfair allegations. I fully expect that the complainants will look for out-of-context words and clauses in the Board’s 23-page, single-spaced report to find material they can use in the next campaign just as they and their candidate did in my last campaign.

 

I thank the Board for its careful attention to the issues raised, and I hope the Board and the Common Council will work together to consider amendments to the existing Code that would give greater notice to public officials as to when disqualification is appropriate. Regrettably, a single word, such as “Conflicts” simply does not do much to provide such notice.

 

Moreover, for every advisory opinion issued by the State that warns of a conflict, there are others that permit participation by office holders who hold other government positions. So, those opinions cited by the Board are decidedly unhelpful in providing notice as to conflicts when the facts are totally different.  It would make far more sense for the White Plains Code of Ethics to offer clearer standards. 

 

One final note: The report of the Board stated that Ms. McDonald’s complaint alleged that I was advised by the County Attorney to seek an opinion from the White Plains Board of Ethics.  That allegation by Ms. McDonald was false. If the County Attorney had advised me to seek an additional opinion, I would surely have done so. 

 

 

 

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WPCNR MR. AND MRS. AND MS. WHITE PLAINS BUSINESSPERSON POLL. APRIL 10, 2007: When “The Councilman in Exile,”  William Waterman, owner of 88 East Post Road publicly exposed the shallow effort the BID made to inform the 200 property owners in the Lexington Avenue, West Post Road, Maple Avenue and Bloomingdale Road sections that they needed to inform the city if they did not want to join the BID, it exposed the fact that the BID is just looking to add little over $1 Million to their budget and sink their teeth into the rich, BID-free properties along Maple avenue.

The jury is still out on how many property owners will reject the BID expansion, however unless over one hundred of the owners object, it’s going to go through. To get the form to object, they need simply to call up the City Clerk and the Clerk will send you a form.  In the interest of seeing a public accounting on this…we invite the public to vote in the BID poll at the right.

And, in the interest of improving BID performance, WPCNR has dreamed up a number of suggestions that could if executed correctly with the extra million dollars they are expected to enjoy from assessing new properties like Fortunoff, the White Plains Pavillion and Crowne Plaza, in addition to their poor outlying cousins and relations on West Post Road. I have been watching the BID for a long time, and after you vote on whether the BID should expand down West Post Road, you might indicate what of  the new initiatives I have dreamed up that might be made by the BID might do for all members of the Downtown Business Improvement District.

The suggestions are:

 

Option 1 & 2: Straight up answer as to whether or not you think the BID should expand

Option 3:  BID SHOULD ISSUE FINANCIAL REPORTS OF MONEY SPENT BY AREA, MONEY GENERATED FOR ITS MEMBERS. The BID should issue annual financial reports measuring the health of businesses in its district, including, vacant spaces, success of new stories, properties available, growth and annual contributions of gross receipts. However, the lack of believable publicity generated by the BID office on the events they do execute (how about year-to-year business figures by business on sales on the days the BID has events),  may be the reason I am not aware of any others. Other than sweeping the streets and the Downtown Ambassador program, that are hyped at every term as being good for the downtown — but the generally make merchants feel the BID is working for them and is there for them — and who knows they might make some more money.

Option 4: BID SHOULD ISSUE Case Studies of Bizes Helped: Wouldn’t it be great if the BID told us success stories of individual businesses in terms of profits before and after, how the BID has helped them? I have never seen one of these, though I am sure they exist if the BID says it consults and helps businesses. The BID needs to tell this story and is moving into an area in need of this kind of help.

Option 5: BID SHOULD APPOINT LATINO/BLACK LIAISONS. This would be a marvelous way to begin the outreach to their new Lexington Avenue, West Post Road, Maple Avenue constituents if the BID expansion is not denied. If you’re going to be working with Hispanic and Black merchants in that area, what better way to start?

Option 6: BID SHOULD LIAISON IN WEST RENAISSANCE:  The on-again, off-again West Side Rennaissance involved housing, street ambience and revitalization of the area. The BID if it wins endorsement of the majority of the owners has to be involved in making that happen. So far they appear to be a non-player because this is not their district.  If the owners decide by default (not objecting) to join the expanded BID district, the BID needs to take a strong role with the city dealmakers on how that is developed. We will see.

Option 7: BID SHOULD REPORT MONEY GENERATED BY EVENTS STAGED: We have never seen financials from the BID on the costs of their promotions and the traffic generated by business in the downtown WHEN THEY TAKE PLACE, and moneys spent on Mamaroneck Avenue, North and South, Main Street and side streets in the BID District. We only have highly optimistic estimates of crowds brought into the downtown on the Taste of White Plains, the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, (and if I have forgotten any promotions, I apologize). These reports may be generated internally — but let’s see how these promotions pay off.

Option 8: BID SHOULD INVOLVE MORE YOUTH IN BID SERVICES: Every once in awhile we see activists cry out for city employment of youth. Well the BID hires Ambassadors — but they could do more, a lot more. They could provide an employment service among BID members…which, for all I know, they may be doing. But, why don’t we know about it, if they are. Heck, the BID instead of their meanspirited campaign against the homeless could make a difference with the homeless by offering employment, street sweep jobs, instead of treating them like lepers. It is not nice to play politics with the down and out.

Option 9: BID SHOULD OPEN A WEST SIDE AND EAST SIDE OFFICE: Do you know where the BID office is? I know. It is on the upper floor of Louis Cappelli Headquarters, 14 Mamaroneck Avenue — off the street. It is very nice, but if the BID really wants to reach out to the newly expanded BID District if the owners opt in by not objecting — they should open a street front office to welcome and interact with the new merchants. They also should get out of 14 Mamaroneck Avenue and get on the street where they belong. At least the county tourism office is on the street.

Option 10: BID SHOULD TAKE OVER CITY PUBLIC RELATIONS: Other than the occasional magazine slick in the Gannett newspapers, the city does a lousy job of promoting itself. The BID should do this for the downtown — and without building up a payroll staff. The BID sends out a newspaper…but hey, how do they promote vacant properties and attract business to the downtown.

Option 11:BID SHOULD PREPARE PROFILES OF DISTRICT ECONOMIC AREAS:  New York has its Tribeca, SOHO, Chelsea — the BID should look at the unique zones in their White Plains district — how about “The Stroll” (Mamaroneck Avenue bars), “White Plains Way (City Center)”, “Ritz Way” “Tango” (After the restaurant-Hispanic restaurant area), Easterly (Bloomingdale Road) and “Lexi” (for Lexington Ave and West Post Road after it’s been rennaissanced with jazz bars, soul food, and theme bars — just some off the top of my head suggestions– that would glamorize the areas and give them cache.

Option 12: BID SHOULD WRITE PROFILES OF EVERY BUSINESS IN THEIR DISTRICT: Then you could promote them all better to newcomers, etc. If they are doing this now, then why don’t we know more about it. The White Plains Times promotes businesses more than the BID does.

 

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WPCNR BUMPER TO BUMPER. From Don Hughes. April 10, 2007 (Edited): The Department of Transporation has a lane shift coming on. The traffic shift is designed to facilitate a larger work zone at the center median of this bridge to facilitate the first stage of demolition, which is scheduled to begin soon.  On Monday night (04/09), during an overnight shift, striping will be conducted facilitating the Tuesday night (04/10) overnight shift, wherein barrier
will be relocated to affect this new traffic configuration. 

The traffic shift will result in all three lanes of eastbound mainline traffic in this area being moved toward the right shoulder, by approximately one-half lane width.  


In addition, a temporary pedestrian bridge, to be located just to the west of the
Broadway/Route #22 Bridge, is scheduled for installation either at the end of this
week or some time the week following.*This temporary facility is being provided
to facilitate pedestrians wishing to cross over I-287 at this point during the
reconstruction of the Broadway/Route #22 Bridge.  Please note that this
temporary pedestrian bridge will not be open for use by the public until
necessary preparatory work has been completed, a few weeks following this
installation.        

These operations will require periodic traffic stoppages and brief lane closures.
While local residents may notice an increase in activity in this area as a result of
these operations, every effort will be made to minimize any potential any
impacts.  

Please note that all intended dates and timetables listed within the text of this
advisory are subject to change due to inclement weather conditions and/or
logistical issues.  Please be assured that if scheduled operations should be
delayed for any reason, they will be rescheduled for the next available
opportunity.  In this context, we thank you for your patience and cooperation as
these roadway improvements progress.  Please contact the Project Community
Liaison @ (914) 253-0595 should you have any questions or concerns about this
operation.