CITY SEEKING ADVERTISING REVENUE

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WPCNR NEWS COMMENT. By The WPCNR Editorial Advisory Committee. December 10, 2006: The White Plains Parking Department is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to sell advertising space on receipts dispensed by multispace parking meters. The city would benefit two ways. First, the vendor would have to supply the paper on which the receipts are printed, thus saving the city the cost of buying the paper. Second, the vendor would share with the city the money generated from selling the advertising. Proposals have to be submitted to the Parking Department no later than the close of business on Tuesday, Dec. 12. This is  a serious request by the city and the WPCNR Editorial Advisory Committee has some suggestions of who should apply:


 



 




At a recent meeting, the WPCNR Editorial Advisory Committee kicked around some other ideas the city might adopt in order to earn a bit of extra money by selling advertising.  Perhaps WPCNR readers have ideas of their own they could add to the mix.


 



  1. Sell ads on the back of actual parking tickets. This would be an ideal advertising medium for lawyers.
  2. Sell ads on parking meters. This would be ideal for, say, a fast-food restaurant which could advertise, “We’ll have you fed before the time on this meter runs out.”
  3. Place a fleet of toy sailboats in the downtown fountain and sell ads on the sails. This would be perfect for the downtown bars which could advertise, “Don’t drink the fountain water…drink what we serve at our bar.”
  4. Sell ads on the back of real estate tax bills. This might appeal to manufacturers of aspirin and other headache remedies.
  5. Sell commercials during recesses in the televised Common Council meetings. We haven’t yet figured out which categories of advertisers might be interested.
  6. Bottle White Plains tap water under the brand name: “Quarropas Springs Water — The Water of the Smokey ,Marshes the Weckquaeskecks, White Plains First Settlers” or “White Plains Water — New York’s Best Water from the Renaissance City — from the Pristine Taps of the White Plains Department of Public Works” — sell it for $3.99 a bottle.
  7. Sell ads on the  sides of Police Cars for Bail Bondsmen, Gun License Application Specialists, Handsfree Cellphone Devices, Radar Detectors.
  8. Sell advertising on city public reports  — (“Creative Accountant Swat Team — Everything’s an Asset — You too can show a surplus”)
  9. Sell display advertising on the Common Council, Planning Board and Zoning Board Agendas ( “It’s 11 P.M. Next time Let Deltoid, Lightly, Shifty and Smooth handle your proposal — We’re In Touch.” “Resolution Obfuscations While U Wait — Comfortably Seamless), you could even “billboard’ portions of the televised Common Council meeting (“Tonight’s Employee of the Month is brought to you by–“, “The Consent Agenda is Brought to You by –“) — or sell sponsorships of councilperson’s statements. (“The Councilperons’ statements on the MOU are made possible by…”)
  10. Sell bicycle shop ads on the White Plains Police Bike Patrol Bikes. “Bicycles Park Free in White Plains–Check Out the WPPD Pursuit Model this officer is riding at “2 Wheels Around the World.”
  11. Sell advertisements for smoke detectors, fire extinguishers on Fire Department trucks.
  12. Sell billboards for leaf mulchers, garbage disposals, shredding machines on DPW Trucks.
  13. Sell Landmark City Documents : “The Collected Legal Opinions of the White Plains Corporation Counsel,” “The Environmental Impact Statements of Our Time,” “The Common Council’s 25 Best and Worst Decisions — A Retrospective”

 

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SlamDunk Fest Features 16 Teams at County Center Over Holidays.

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. From Westchester County Department of Recreation & Parks. December 9, 2006: See some of the area’s best high school basketball match-ups and take a chance at the $1,000 Big Shot during the eighth annual Slam Dunk Challenge Basketball Tournament, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, December 27, 28 and 29, at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.


 



The White Plains Tigers, shown here tipping off against Lincoln Wednesday, a game they had won after the first 8 minutes, will be contending in the SlamDunk fest. Photo, WPCNR Sports


            This year’s three-day event is presented by Westchester County Parks and sponsored by The Journal News VarsityCentral.


            The Slam Dunk Challenge Basketball Tournament will showcase 16 of the best boys’ and girls’ high school basketball teams in the area, featuring some of the most exciting play of the upcoming high school basketball season. The following teams are participating:


 


BOYS’ TEAMS


Archbishop Stepinac High School, White Plains, NY


Cardinal Hayes High School, Bronx, NY


Lakeland High School, Shrub Oak, NY


New Rochelle High School, New Rochelle, NY


Peekskill High School, Peekskill, NY


Pelham High School, Pelham, NY


Uniondale High School, Long Island, NY


White Plains High School, White Plains, NY


Woodlands High School, Hartsdale, NY


Xaverian High School, Brooklyn, NY


 


GIRLS’ TEAMS


Minisink Valley High School, Slate Hill, NY
Our Lady of Lourdes High School, Poughkeepsie, NY


 



WPHS in action in action inthe second half Wednesday against Lincoln. Relentless in your face defense bullseye outside shooting and rugged rebounding by White Plains donminated the action. The Tigers notched victory one on the hardwood road. Photo, WPCNR Sports


 

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Only 6 DWI Arrests on Last 4 White Plains New Years. Thank Operation Safe Ride!

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WPCNR MAMARONECK Avenue Rambler. December 8, 2006 UPDATED DECEMBER 9, 2006: Operation Safe Ride, sponsored by Heineken USA, announced Friday by Mayor Joseph Delfino has contributed to a remarkable White Plains statistic: White Plains Police have made only 6 Arrests for Driving While Intoxicated on the last four New Years Eves.


Mayor Joseph Delfino, Westchester District Attorney Janet Defiore, Dr. Timothy Haydock of White Plains Hospital Medical Center, and Carole Sears, a victim of a drunk driving accident from Mothers Against Drunk Driving announced that Heineken USA would again be sponsoring and paying for Safe Rides via White Plains taxicabs for persons over 21, celebrating New Year’s Eve in White Plains who feel they should not drive home.


The program has been very successful in preventing drunken drivers from taking to the streets on the year’s number one party night. Last New Years Eve, 24 “Safe Rides” were given out. White Plains Police report that overnight from the evening of Dec. 31 to January 1, 2006, there was only Driving While Intoxicated arrest (plus the 24 Safe Rides which privented perhaps 24 would-be accidents from happening).


In the four years Safe Ride has been operating in White Plains, Police have made just 6 DWI arrests ( 1 in 05-06, 2 in 004-05, 2 in 03/04, and 1 in 02/03), according to the White Plains Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety, Daniel Jackson 



Last year 24 persons asked for vouchers available at restaurants and bars participating in the program. The Mayor pointed out that meant possibly 24 accidents had been prevented. Photo, WPCNR News



 


Ms. Sears harrowingly depicted her tragic experience as a victim of a drunk driver, how she came to, realizing the bones of her legs were sticking out, and her husband was trapped behind the wheel. She described how nurses in the hospital where she was treated kept telling her her husband’s progress, but that she never spoke with him again after they entered the hospital. She begged persons to consider the vouchers to prevent ruining a family’s life as her family life had been ruined. Photo, WPCNR News


Dr. Haydock told the experience of how he was about to treat a victim of an accident in the White Plains emergency room, only to discover it was the child of a neighbor of his, and he had to tell the neighbor of the child’s death. He said he has never forgotten it.



Tamara Moore of Heneken USA, sponsor of the program, said Heineken would be reviewing the program with some 30 White Plains establishments in coming weeks before New Years Eve, and said that bartenders and waitresses could suggest vouchers to patrons who have possibly had too much to drink as a courtesy.

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County Details How to Get Assistance with Heating Bills.

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From the Westchester County Department of Communications. December 7, 2006: County Executive Andy Spano announced today that once again with temperatures in the teens forecast for this weekend, that Westchester residents may qualify for financial assistance to help pay their heating bill this winter through the federally funded HEAP Program, administered by the Westchester County Department of Social Services,  which assists eligible low-income, elderly and disabled persons with their home-heating costs.  Qualified households can receive assistance this winter; the amount will vary depending upon what type of fuel is used and on whether heat is included in rent payments.


                  The Details:


“Last year, we were able to help more than 10,700 Westchester households,” Spano said.  “Although home heating costs are not expected to rise significantly this season, the cost is still prohibitive for many people, especially those on fixed incomes. I urge those individuals and families who qualify based on their income to apply for aid from the HEAP program.”


                  Last winter, Westchester households that qualified for assistance received a combined total of $1,377,901 from the program. Exactly how much will be available this year depends on how cold the winter is and how great the need is.


                  Temporary assistance customers whose cases were opened after September 9, 2006, as well as Food Stamp customers whose cases were opened after September 16, 2006 should contact their Social Services District Office if they wish to apply for HEAP.  Customers with cases open prior to these dates have had their HEAP eligibility automatically determined and do not have to file an application.


                                                                            


      Westchester residents who are not receiving Temporary Assistance or Food Stamps may apply for HEAP by calling one of seven local Community Action Program (CAP) offices, or by calling Westchester Community Opportunities Program, Inc. (WESTCOP) at (914) 592-5600.  


       In addition, the elderly, disabled and SSI recipients may receive assistance in applying for HEAP by calling the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services at (914) 813-6300.


         Households not receiving Temporary Assistance or Food Stamps may be eligible for HEAP assistance if their gross monthly income falls within the following range:


 


 








































Household Size

Gross Monthly Income


  1

 $1,764.00


  2

 $2,307.00


  3

 $2,850.00


  4

 $3,393.00


  5

 $3,936.00


  6

 $4,479.00


  7

 $4,580.00


  8

 $4,682.00


  9

 $4,784.00


10

 $5,050.00


11

 $5,475.00


 


 


          For more information on these levels, where you can get an application form or if you are facing a heat emergency, call the Department of Social Services HEAP line at (914) 995-5619. More information is also available on line at www.westchestergov.com and while applications can be printed out on line, most applicants will need to apply in person to present documentation as part of the application process. It is recommended that applications be completed and returned as soon as possible.


 

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Pearl Harbor Day: Out of the Sun

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Out of the Sun


 



The Arizona engulfed December 7, 1941 Pearl Harbor


 


Out of the sun on the quiet Sunday they came


Steel birds of death blazened with red suns raining fiery havoc on Battleship Row.


One by one, ruthless planes dove, destroyed to their nation’s shame


Thunderous explosions scattered fiery death on Sunday dawn glow.


 


Flames belched from bowels of stricken Arizona, America’s pride,


On Hicham Field pilots raced to planes to defend


As their birds were crippled on ground by Zeros’ glide


Gunners in turrets on ships floundering filled skies with flack’s din.


 


In search of carriers the marauders could not find


They ruthlessly strafed and bombed leaving Pearl


In smoking ruin, ships sunk, burned as raiders flew into the Sun


The day of infamy had been ignited in the Zeros’ swirl.


 



The Attack Begins 8 AM December 7, 1941


 


As America listened a world away, a somber FDR


Spoke of December 7 as ever a day that will live in infamy.


America must never forget that  Pearl Harbor Scar


When an unsuspecting America slept in complacency.


 


To the 2,403 who perished that day under merciless bombs


Hail of bullets,  the shatter of torpedos out of nowhere


America must remember forces against our freedoms


Relentlessly work always to surprise us with deadly bombs’ glare.


 


Vigilence is the price of freedom that must always be defended


Against those who would destroy our republic from within


As well as the dark forces in far off places we have offended.


But the answer is not curtailing freedom at home rather it to champion.


 


The USS Arizona rests in Pearl’s waters, bleeding the lives


Of her men through the eerie eternal oil slick that marks the rusting hulk


Beneath Pearl’s waters, the blood of free people leaks from the shadowy bulk.


Bleeding forever freedom’s spirit that lives again in lost lives remembered.


 


 

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Mr. Spin, Geof Thompson with Partners in Ballyhoo Celebrate 20

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WPCNR MADISON AVENUER. By John F. Bailey. December 7, 2006 UPDATED December 8, 2006: Take a couple of reporters who wanted to make a buck and noted a void when they saw one and then created a business that takes over an entire market and you have Geof Thompson, Liz Bracken and Dean Bender  founders and still champion caterers of cadence, cadre, and cache in Westchester County, Thompson & Bender, of course.


The glamorous trio celebrated their twentieth anniversary Thursday evening at a boffo affair, where you could mingle with the powerful, influential, and accomplished  at where else, The Trump National Golf Club in Westchester County, easily the event of the year. Meanwhile, what makes Thompson & Bender great?



MR. SPIN IN WESTCHESTER ON TOP OF THE COUNTY FOR A NIGHT: Geoffrey Thompson, Chair of Thompson & Bender on a tour of the City Center North Tower in March, 2004. Cappelli Enterprises is one of Thompson & Bender’s blue chip clients.  Photo by WPCNR News


 


Thompson & Bender Night:  The T & B Team, (L to R), Dean Bender, Liz Bracken-Thompson and Geof Thompson are lauded by Susan Tolchin, Assist to County Executive Andy Spano, who praised Thompson & Bender as the “Go-to” guys for public relations in Westchester County, while saluting them for “giving back” to the community. Tolchin praised T & B for their work on the Westchester Office of Tourism and Liberty Lines while announcing the team was going to handle promotion of the Empire State Games in Westchester pro buono. Photo, WPCNR Papparazzi.


 


 



The Thompson & Bender Organization. The most gracious, classy persons you can work with as a reporter. Photo, WPCNR Papparazzi.


Number one, Thompson & Bender returns all calls, personally, no matter who you are, the 25 or so T & B specialists treat every person who calls them with respect whether you’re Jimmy Breslin or John Bailey. This is important. They also return the calls on the same day, within the hour, unlike most media relationists in government and industry. They do not use voice mail or automatic answering on their phone system. Any company that does means “your call is not important to us.”(Companies take note of that.)


Thompson & Bender attempts to get you answers to a question the same day, and do not give you the typical snooty stuffy “We’re up here on Olympus and you’re not and maybe George will get back to you attitude” exhibited by media spokespeople and certain high priced Fifth Avenue flack agencies to the rich and famous. No matter how blunt the question or sensitive they are not offended by it, because they recognize good news questions when they get them.



T & B thank “a few close friends and relations at the grand ballroom of the Trump National Golf Club last night. The First Class Affair attracted Mayors, legal firms, developers, realtors, and clients and a clutch of media personalities saluting T & B’s 20 years. Photo, WPCNR Papparazzi.


 They do a top notch job with their materials. Fact sheets are always available with photos at events and news conferences which is appreciated. The materials are slickly prepared, too. In a usable, downloadable format, too. Another aspect of the T & B touch is they go out of their way to include special treatment, tours, which deliver more angles on a story.


Though Thompson & Bender delivers only good news for their clients the professional way they package it — not being tooooooo over the top in enthusiasm — and backing most releases with factoids that bolster their case — show a tenacious staff able to convince clients what is best for them to bring out positive news coverage. Thompson & Bender’s relentless efforts pay off in positive impressions and eventually result in community acceptance for controversial projects.


The earnest, just-right Thompson & Bender touch is soooo believable — it sells enough of the public on their client’s position. Thompson & Bender’s efforts have gone a long way towards providing positive acceptance of developments that have been flashpoints for community opposition, while their sensitive packaging of awkward situations eases the negative impact of critical news stories. This is a talent few public relations agencies have.


Unfortunately, not all clients listen to Mr. Thompson, who has, being a former reporter, a knowledge of how to package bad news in a positive way — that will soften the blow. Unlike most persons who deal with the press he does not view reporters as the enemy, but a challenge and he does not blithely tell outrageous blatant lies. (Note to press spokespeople: the fastest way to not get the coverage you want and the treatment you want is to lie blatantly to a reporter once. The secret is to say you do not know, you do not think so, you will clarify it, or go off the record and explain the situation. That softens the story.)


When Messrs. Thompson and Mr. Bender and Ms. Bracken work events they are staging for clients — the events usually go off like clockwork — and engender an air of casual elegance, of importance not just a staged event. Events are never in bad taste. Humor is eschewed. They also are always glad to see you and make it a point of making socialities and giving reporters little inside bits. We are suckers for being treated nicely, since we seldom are — and though I know that — it still works wonders.


They also know everybody and connect clients new to the county with the right persons to know. Bender, Bracken and Thompson and the likeable professionals who work for them are the nicest aspects about covering Westchester County. Because they are the kind of persons they are, they get people to treat their clients a little better in stories than they would otherwise be treated — which is what public relations is all about.


Congratulations to Thompson & Bender! Geoff — it’s time for you to write a book on the spin business — may I suggest: Hello, this is Geof Thompson That simple direct earnest leading edge of importance signature greeting is Mr. Thompson’s best asset: direct, important, earnest, with an air of conspiratuality to it, when he descends down to Geof ThompSON the way he says it….demonstrating a subtle deference to you, and acknowledging you as important.


20 more years!

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Doris Sassower Profiled as Pioneer Femimist.

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WPCNR LEGACIES OF WHITE PLAINS. From Center for Judicial Accountability. December 7, 2006: Doris L. Sassower, of White Plains, NY, a leading feminist lawyer who, at 35, was the youngest President of the New York Women’s Bar Association, is profiled in the just-published book, Feminists Who Changed America, 1963-1975.  “The women’s movement was, apart from the civil rights upheaval, the major social revolution of the 20th century,” says Sassower.


White Plains’ Doris Sassower, right, with the feminist icon, Gloria Steinem at a reception at Columbia University, celebrating the publication of Feminists Who Changed America. Photo, Courtesy Center for Judicial Accountability.


 


The book, edited by Barbara J. Love, was released on November 13. Publication was celebrated with an all-day gala event at Columbia University and Barnard College in NYC, sponsored by the Veteran Feminists of America. The program included a symposium on the women’s movement at Columbia Faculty House, followed by a reception hosted by Barnard President, Dr. Judith Shapiro, and dinner honoring Sassower and feminists such as Gloria Steinem.


 


Sassower battled her own profession for years, and galvanized bar leaders into action that won greater equality between the sexes in and outside the legal profession. In1993, she co-founded the Center for Judicial Accountability, Inc., a national, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, based in White Plains, NY, which she describes as “documenting the corruption of our federal, state, and local judicial nominating processes for appointment, as well as for election, and of all remedies for redress of judicial abuse and other misconduct.”   Find out more at www.judgewatch.org


 


Her articles, speeches, and legal cases challenging sexism, as well as other papers, are archived at the Schlesinger Library of Harvard University.


 

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Pugilists At the Paradise

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WPCNR RINGSIDE. From Star Boxing. December 6, 2006: Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing has announced the revised card for the Friday, December 8, night of boxing at the fabulous old Paradise Theater in the Bronx, New York.



“Kingpin” Johnson in blue trunks doing some damage on Demetrice King (red trunks) at his last fight in the County Center. Photo, WPCNR Sports


The new main event will feature a dangerous test for Asbury Park, New Jersey’s up-and-coming Kevin “Kingpin” Johnson (12-0-1, 5 KOs), as he takes on former WBC Continental Americas, WBE Heavyweight, WBC Latino and WBE International Super Heavyweight Champion Charles Davis (17-10-1, 4 KOs) in a 10-round heavyweight battle.


Despite having just 13 career professional fights, Johnson has already racked up several impressive wins over world-class competition and is widely regarded as the “next big thing” in the heavyweight division.

Although Davis has 10 career defeats, he has lost only twice in his last 10 fights and beaten world champions, world title challengers and top contenders along the way.

“Kevin has never shied away from a challenge, that’s just the type of fighter he is,” said event promoter Joe DeGuardia. “Charles Davis has some big victories over quality opposition and with all that top-level experience, he’ll push Kevin. We’re excited for the fans in attendance that will get to see this intriguing match-up live at the Paradise Theater.”

Also featured that night will be the return of the “Kosova Kid” Elvir Muriqi (32-3, 19 KOs), as he competes in an eight-round light heavyweight contest against Kansas’s streaking Derek Reid (13-6, 11 KOs).

A proud Bronx resident, Muriqi is a former NY Golden Gloves champion, as well as a national hero in his native Yugoslavia. The exciting boxer/puncher has competed in ESPN “Fight of the Year” candidate fights and deservedly attracts a large and loyal following whenever he appears.

The power-punching Reid is on a seven-fight win streak that dates back to early 2004. Another added bonus is an eight-round junior middleweight battle between Brooklyn’s former world title challenger and top-rated contender Raul Frank (27-5-2, 13 KOs) and dangerous spoiler Thomas Davis (10-3-1, 6 KOs).

Frank is a former USBA and IBF Latino Junior Middleweight Champion. He was last seen losing a close decision for number-one contender in the world status. He will be hoping for a successful return against a man known for ruining people’s parties.

Davis is best known for knocking out top-rated Kendall Holt on national television. In his most recent fight, he took away the undefeated record of North Carolina’s Agustin Velez.

A women’s title fight is also scheduled, as New York’s Suzannah Warner (5-3, 1 KO) will battle Las Vegas native Yvonne Caples over eight bruising rounds for the NABF Atomweight Championship.

Also that night, “The Fighting Marine” Jon Schneider (2-0, 2 KOs), will appear against pro debuting Darryl Holley.

Schneider was honorably discharged from the marines as a Corporal in the 2nd Battalion 4th Marine Division and participated in Operation Desert Fox. He will be accompanied to the ring by Active Sgt. Seth Bie of the same battalion/division.

The rest of the undercard bouts are as follows: Andrew Wallace vs. Vanesh Rungea (6 rounds, middleweight); a double pro debut between the humbly named “Sugar” Ray Robinson and Nigel McKnight (4 rounds, junior welterweight); and a junior middleweight scrap between hard-nosed veterans Pasqual Rouse and Carlos Diaz (4 rounds).

Important Notes:

• The originally scheduled main, featuring NABF Light Middleweight Champion Andrey Tsurkan had to be postponed, when Tsurkan’s eye was injured in sparring.


* For information on the fights and tickets call The Paradise Theater Box Office at 800-353-8040 or Star Boxing at 718-823-2000 Ticketmaster: 212 307-7171

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Homeless Resolution Stays Tabled Til March. City Does Not Know Its Leaks

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WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. By John F. Bailey. December 4, 2006: In other action last night, the Common Council delayed action on the Mayor’s resolution asking the county to close and relocate the homeless shelter at 85 Court Street by tabling the resolution three months to the Common Council meeting of March 5, 2007.  It was revealed by Councilman Thomas Roach that the locations and costs of fixing the cross-leaks from sanitary sewer to storm drains and from private sewer pipes into the Bronx River — required by an agreement the city (and other municipalities) was about to make with the Attorney General and the Department of Environmental Conservation — had not been determined. Instead, the city is hiring a consultant to find the leaks.


Councilperson Rita Malmud would not accept a special amendment proposed by Councilman Glen Hockley to table the resolution only until February, and the vote went 4-3 to table with Councilpersons Roach, Malmud, Boykin and Power tabling and Councilpersons Bernstein, Hockley and the Mayor voting in favor. Mr. Hockley attempted to discuss the issue, but was shut down by City Corporation Counsel, Edward Dunphy, saying there could be not discussion of the motion unless it were taken off the table. Mr. Hockley asked if he could discuss the date. Dunphy said, only if Councilperson Malmud would accept a special amendment to her resolution. She refused. The question was called.


City Has Not Determined Where Sewer Leaks into Bronx River Are.


Councilperson Thomas Roach revealed in commenting on the consent-agenda approval of expenditure of $53,000 plus dollars for the city to clean up the Bronx River Parkway that the money was for use of a consultant to determine where the city sewer connections were leaking raw sewage into the Bronx River, the implication being that the city does not know where the leaks are coming from and that the cost of fixing the leaks has not been determined.


The Attorney General agreement holds out the possibility that the city can apply to the escrow fund maintained by the Attorney General Office to fund the city remedies, whatever they may be determined to be.


Mr. Roach refrained from informing the citywide audience that the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Attorney General’s complaint was that what was leaking into the Bronx River from the city sewers was raw sewage.

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Council Rejects Mem. of Understanding with NYPH, 4-3. Mayor: I Won’t Try Again

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WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL-CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. By John F. Bailey. December 4, 2006 UPDATED DECEMBER 5, 2006 10:15 P.M. EST.: The New York Presbyterian Hospital through its spokesperson, Geoffrey Thompson issued a statement Tuesday on the Common Council votedown of its proposed Memorandum of Understanding with the City, the statement comments:


“The Hospital is disappointed that the subdivision proposal was not accepted by the Council. We appreciate the efforts of the mayor in this matter.”  

The hospital chose not to respond to WPCNR’s question of whether they would proceed with a subdivision according to existing zoning with a contract-vendee or proceed with the proton accelerator project which has been approved for four years and not started.


The Common Council Monday evening, with Benjamin Boykin casting the deciding vote, in consort with his colleagues, Rita Malmud, Thoma Roach and Dennis Power rejected the Memorandum of Understanding proposed by Mayor Delfino as a mechanism to acquire 6.5 acres of land for public recreation adjacent Bryant Avenue.


The Mayor, speaking after he saw the proposal was going to go down, vowed he would not go back to New York Presbyterian Hospital again, saying “we should have worked more closely with you.”  Councilpersons Arnold Bernstein and Glen Hockley voted with the Mayor in favor of the Memorandum.


Councilpersons, with Thomas Roach speaking first, followed by Power, Malmud and Boyking all rejected the proposal as a bad precedent, allowing other developers to request the city to spearhead proposals in the future. Councilpersons Boykin and Roach left open the door by asking the hospital to come before the city in the usual existing process, but no councilperson commented on whether the actual division of the property into approximately 126 homes was good for the city.

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