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. | WHITE PLAINS WESTCHESTER DAILY NEWS SERVICE VISITS SINCE 2000 A.D. 25TH YEARl REPORTING THE NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW News Service Since 2000 A.D. 2026 WILL BE OUR 26TH YEAR OF COVERING WHITE PLAINS NEW YORK USA . John F. Bailey, Editor (914) 997-1607 wpcnr@aol.com Cell: 914-673-4054. News Politics Personalities Neighborhoods Schools Finance Real Estate Commentary Reviews Policy Correspondence Poetry Philosophy Photojournalism Arts. The WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER. TELEVISION: "White Plains Week" News Roundup, 7:30 EDT FRI, 7 EDT MON & the incisive "People to Be Heard" Interview Program 8PM EDT THURS, 7 PM EDT SAT on FIOS CH 45 THROUGHOUT WESTCHESTER AND, ALTICE OPTIMUM WHITE PLAINS CH 1300 Fighting for Truth, Justice and the American Way. TOP 10 VISITORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD :1. USA. 2.BRAZIL3.VIET NAM 4. CHINA 5. JAPAN 6.UK. 7.CANADA. 8.INDIA. 9.AUSTRALIA 10.IRELAND 11.GERMANY 12..ARGENTINA 13.BANGLADESH 14.RUSSIA. 15.NEWZEALAND. 16. FRANCE. 17.MEXICO. 18.UKRAINE. 19.SOUTH AFVRICA. 20. IRAQ.

Assessment in the Big Town.

Posted on April 18, 2006 by John Bailey

WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. By John F. Bailey. April 19, 2006: WPCNR has been looking at the labyrinthine question of how new buildings as they open, come on the tax rolls, and are assessed.

In the WPCNR interview with David B. Jackson, Executive Director, Westchester County Tax Commission, we learned that “assessment (of a new condominium building) is based on the condominium’s Full Market Value, based on the income approach, as of that Taxable status date.” and that the City of White Plains could enact a surcharge on air rights. From the New York State Office of Real Property Services, we learned that taxing policy could be initiated from the city itself.

This lead us to the greatest real estate market in the world New York City, and the New York City Department of Finance. WPCNR wondered if a $360 Million building were built when it came on the tax rolls. Owen Stone, a spokesperson for the New York City Department of Finance handled our questions: here’s how it went:

WPCNR: What constitutes the definition of fully occupied as a timing trigger for upgrading a condominium’s assessment for tax purposes, or, if applicable, raising its Payments In Lieu of Taxes?

Mr. Stone: In NYC, if a building is ready for occupancy on April 15^th, it is treated as fully taxable. PILOT arrangements vary depending on what is negotiated. There’s no difference between whether a building is ready for occupancy for condominium or other purposes. All properties are treated the same.

WPCNR: Does the “fully occupied state” occur when a condo development(or apartment rentals) are “sold out,” but not fully occupied with live tenants.

Mr. Stone: If a building is ready for occupancy, it is treated as fully taxable. (How many tenants or condo owners are living in it, or have “closed” does not come into play.)

WPCNR: Does the owner of a New York condominium complex pay taxes on a fully occupied basis, (A.) When he is sold out of all unites, but not fully closed, (B.) When a contract is closed are taxes/PILOTS increased with each contract closing or C.) Only when all contracts have been closed, or D.) only when all units are moved into.

Mr. Stone: None of the above (affect taxability). Trigger is whether the building is ready for occupancy. We often judge that based on whether a certificate of occupancy has been issued by the City’s Building Department.

WPCNR: Does the purchaser of an individual unit pay taxes on the property (his or her individual unit) when he has A.) Purchased the contract, B.) Closed on the contract, or C.) When he is actually living in the unit, or is subletting the unit?

Mr. Stone: That depends on what is negotiated with the developer. However, the taxable status date in NYC is January 5^th, so the owner of property as of that date is technically liable for taxes for the following fiscal year. Typically, when a property transfers, the seller and buyer work out the details of who is liable for taxes. On the day that a property sells, we would pick-up the new owner in our database and we would assume that the new owner would be liable for all future taxes.

WPCNR: On PILOTS, are the PILOTS upgraded on an “as closed” or “as occupied basis”, or “only after fully occupied basis? What is the accepted practice in New York City taxation?

Mr. Stone: Depends on what is negotiated.

WPCNR, viewing the recent transferring of air rights in the City of White Plains, and New York City’s taxing of air rights, asked, is NYC contemplating a surcharge on air rights that a building owner could sell to a developer, (reflecting the true value of the property), or perhaps a charge on air rights as they are sold. Would NYC have to get state approval?

Mr. Stone: No. NYC air rights are taxed as real estate when they transfer. The value from the air right is not taxed until the air rights are utilized. That’s because NYC does not value property based on the highest and best use. Properties are valued based on current use.

WPCNR: When NYC inacted a tax rebate, did that have to be approved by the state?

Mr. Stone: Yes, the State provided the authorizing legislation.

Much Ballyhoo About Barnum — The 1982 Hit Plays WBT May 4-July 8

Posted on April 18, 2006 by John Bailey

WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From Allan Gruet, Westchester Broadway Theatre. April 18, 2006: In the words of Phineas Taylor Barnum…. “Barnum’s the name. P.T. Barnum. And I want to tell you that tonight you are going to see – bar none – every sight, wonder, and miracle that name stands for!” P. T. Barnum was known as America’s Prince of Humbug. He had a gift for creating illusions and dazzling the multitudes into seeing wonders, while less credulous onlookers remained skeptical about what they were seeing. Barnum, the 1982 musical hit nominated for 10 Tony Awards begins its run at the Westchester Broadway Theatre May 4. TICKETS & INFORMATION BOX OFF. RESERVATIONS .Call (914)-592-2222. Open every day at 10am.

Right from the opening, we hear Barnum tell us he is here to defend the “noble art of humbug.” He defines it as “the puffing up the truth with a shiny coat of varnish,”…which is what he does with the cold hard facts of life. Whether we agree with him or not, P. T. is sure he will be able to sell us a bill of goods. Why?….because, as he sings in the opening song: “There is a Sucker Born Every Minute.”

BARNUM is one of those Broadway musical miracles that great showmen love. It takes what seems to be a modest production and turns it into a musical three-ring circus. The production juggles all the elements adroitly, making the show a triumph of stagecraft, as it blends circus arts with Broadway skill.

The result is a totally captivating evening of entertainment. A lot of the credit goes to director/choreography Joe Layton for his imaginative staging of the original Broadway production. His choreography fills the stage with color– every where you look there are clowns, jugglers, acrobats, tumblers, baton twirlers, tightrope walkers, and trapeze artists.

Cy Coleman’s music & Michael Stewart’s lyrics are the right fit for P. T. Barnum, this larger-than-life impresario, and a perfect mix for the show’s playfulness and charm. Cy has written some toe-tapping tunes that would sound just right under any big tent; band-rousers which could send a marching band up and down the aisles, and a beautiful ballad, “The Colors Of My Life.”

This last illuminates the show’s conflict: Barnum’s flamboyance and love of humbug vs. his wife’s respectability and her liking for simple truth. Some of the memorable songs from the show include “One Brick at a Time,” “Bigger Isn’t Better,” “Love Makes Such Fools of Us All,” “Come Follow The Band,” and “Join the Circus”.

BARNUM opened at the St. James Theatre on Broadway in April of 1980 and ran for a little over two years, closing in May of 1982. Nominated for 10 Tony awards, the story and music will keep adults riveted, and the circus action keeps the kids enthralled. BARNUM is a show for the entire family, and an excellent way to introduce live theatre to children of all ages.

The Westchester Broadway Theatre production will star Tony Lawson as P.T. Barnum (Mr.Lawson is a resident of Mahopac NY.) – Ann Van Cleave as Chairy Barnum – Alison Spratt as Jenny Lind –Terri White as Joyce Heth (Terri was in the Broadway production) & Courter Simmons as Tom Thumb.The production is Choreographed and directed by Ray Roderick, with Musical Direction by Ken Lundie, Costume design by Angela Wendt (Costume Designer of Broadway production of “Rent”), Set design is by George Puello, Hair/Wig Design Gerard Kelly, Lighting design by Andrew Gmoser, and sound design by Jon Hatton.

Whitney Ford Jumps to Big Time, Earns 4 Year Scholarship to Boston University

Posted on April 18, 2006 by John Bailey

WPCNR PRESS BOX. April 18, 2006: Whitney Ford, the New York State Triple Jump Track & Field Champion, became the fourth White Plains High School Scholar Athlete to be awarded a “4-year Full Ride” Scholarship today when she signed a Letter of Intent to attend Boston University and jump for the Terriers. With her sister Simone, brother Tyler, and her father James looking on Ms. Ford capped a brilliant career in WPHS Track & Field by declaring her commitment to BU.

From Tiger to Terrier: Whitney Ford beaming with her father, (James,far right) and the WPHS Track & Field Coaches who all described her as hard-working, a great team leader and most of all, “a great heart.” Coaches are Dan Furry, Fred Singleton, Fred Zimmel, and Coach McCormick. Photo, WPCNR Sports.

Whitney signs with her mother’s pen: In a touching gesture, when it came time for Ms. Ford to sign her Letter of Intent, Mr. Ford produced a pen in a special case, which he said was Whitney’s mother’s pen. “Mr. Scholarship,” Gary Matthews(standing) takes care of the paperwork. Whitney’s brother Tyler is at left, her sister, Simone, to the right. Photo, WPCNR Sports.

Approximately 15 of Ms. Ford’s teammates spoke congratulating her, saluting her for her leadership, her help, and the way she warms the team up.

Whitney’s Father, James Ford, speaking to WPCNR, attributed her success this way: “Whitney is a hard worker, and a family person, family oriented, and so being a role model (for her sister and brother), has helped her to become all she wants to be. She set examples for her sister and brother and never to say never. She’s able to persevere and get to the next level. She’s dealt with a lot of adversity in her life and she’s used that not as a crutch, but as a stepping stone to get to the next step.”

Whitney Ford addresses her “WPHS Family.” Photo, WPCNR Sports.

WPCNR asked Ms. Ford how she came to choose BU, and she. “They have a good communications program which is another major I was looking at. The academics were good all around and that’s what I was looking for. They’re ranked really well as far as a good communications program”

Whitney said she would be continuing her Triple Jump specialty (she jumps 40 feet according to WPHS women’s track coach Fred Zimmel): “That’s another reason I went there, the coach really specialized in my event out of all the schools. They had good coaches, but my BU coach (Robin Johnson) went to the Olympics and she’s jumped 45. The fact that she knows so much about the event and knows it physically, she can help me out a lot better. The progress I’ve watched of my soon-to-be teammates who are on the team now was good for me to see, so I’m glad the progress was good, it’s a new beginning.”

Whitney Ford joins Elise Bronzo (Cogate) and Conor Gilmartin-Donohue (Northeastern University) and Kelsey Kulk (Kenesaw Mountain State) as four year academic-athletic scholarship student atletes this year, the most in WPHS history. Another signee is expected next week, according to Henry Cafaro, Director of Guidance.

Gary Matthews, “Mr. Scholarship” at White Plains High School, a terrific networker, who works tirelessly to connect WPHS athletes to schools for scholarships, remarks that Ms. Ford and Ms. Bronzo are evidence that girl athletes have excellent opportunities to win athletic scholarships because of the colleges attempting to build up their women’s programs. He says it is much harder for male athletes. Matthews says he is currently working on partial scholarhips for several other athletes at this time, and these will not be the last.

In closing the emotional proud gathering for all, Mr. Matthews said he hoped Whitney’s example would inspire all students: “Don’t sell yoursef short by not being the best you can be while you’re here.”

Are Buildings Fully Occupied or Not?: Only Your Assessor Knows for Sure.

Posted on April 17, 2006 by John Bailey

WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. By John F. Bailey. April 17, 2006: Around Education House and 255 Main Street, the “A” word for “assessments” is said in whispers. The school district wants to know when the city development is going to pay off in more property taxes and assessments. The city says give it time.

WPCNR has learned that information on how assessments are determined particularly on PILOTS, those incentives to build that are dispensed with largesse by city after city, including White Plains, is hard to pin down. There is no set formula. I have been told it is both an art and a science, depending on whom I talk to. When I talked to the New York State Office of Real Property Services press office, the spokesperson told me it is up to the individual communities to determine the financial bases for assessments.

The White Plains Common Council, and previously the City Budget and Management Committee that the drop in city assessed property value to $298.3 Million and a cumulative nose dive of $20.5 Million the last three years is caused by lowering of Special Properties assessments (utilities had their assessments lowered over the last 12 years).

The Council and the Budget and Management Committee has also been told that the White Plains PILOTS granted to developers in recent years, ( contributing $2.6 Million to the city and $8.3 Million to the School District in 2006-2007) will be increasing as the properties become “fully occupied.”

WPCNR has learned through our inquiries that “fully occupied” is a very loose definition (up to individual assessors to determine in any way they see fit), based on interviews with Westchester County’s tax man, David Jackson, and a spokesperson for the New York City Department of Finance, Owen Stone.

David Jackson, Executive Director of the Westchester County Tax Commission answered WPCNR’s questions about what “fully occupied” means in March:

WPCNR: What is the definition of fully occupied for upgrading a condominium assessment for tax purposes in the county?

Jackson: There is no property assessment definition for this purpose. If the condominium is fully constructed as of the last taxable status date, December 1 in White Plains, the assessment is based on the condominium’s Full Market Value, based on the income approach, as of that Taxable Status Date.

Unless a community is conducting a reassessment, the assessment determined on the last taxable status date, when fully constructed, does not typically change unless there is new construction, a Board of Assessment Review Change, or a Court Ordered Change.

WPCNR: Does fully occupied occur when a condominium development is “sold out”, but not fully occupied?

Jackson: For assessment purposes, condition and ownership on the taxable status date is what is important. There is typically no difference in the determination of the assessment for a condominium unit that you own and a (condominium unit) you choose not to use.

WPCNR: Does the owner (developer) of the condos pay taxes on a “fully occupied” basis when A.) He is sold out, but not fully closed, or B.) when he is sold and taxes are increased with each contract closing or C.) Only when all (condominim) contracts have been closed?

Jackson: The assessment is based on the condition and ownership on the taxable status date.

WPCNR: Does the purchaser (of each individual condo unit) pay taxes on the property (the individual unit) when he has A.) purchased the contract or B.) Closed on the contract or C.) Is actually living in the unit, or is subletting the unit?

Jackson: Taxes are the responsibility of whoever owns the property on the Taxable Status Date, December 1^st in the City of White Plains. Typically, proration of the taxes for sales occurring during the year are handled at the closing.

WPCNR: In the cases of residential condominiums on PILOTs, are the PILOTS generally upgraded on an “as-closed” or “as occupied” basis or “only after fully occupied basis.” What is the general accepted practice among assessors in the county?

Jackson: There is no generally accepted practice by assessors on PILOTS, some are involved with them, some are not, and some are involved in various ways.

WPCNR: Can a municipality inact a surcharge on air rights (since White Plains has set a value on air rights)? I know according to the New York State Comptroller’s office, air rights are not considered real property (for purposes of assessment), but the comptroller’s office said that individual municipalities could construct a legislative mechanism to reflect this increased (air right) value if they wanted to do so. What are your feelings on that? How do you think it could be done?

Jackson: To the best of my knowledge, air rights are real property. I’m not aware of any Municipality exacting a surcharge on air rights. This is a Tax Policy matter for the City of White Plains to address.

May at the Westchester Arts Council

Posted on April 16, 2006 by John Bailey

WPCNR ART NEWS. From Westchester Arts Council. April 16, 2006: Westchester Arts Council’s Live @ the Arts Exchange series provides a wide variety of exciting performances and other events each month. Unless otherwise noted, all events take place in the Grand Banking Room at the Arts Exchange, 31 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains. Call 428-4220 or visit www.westarts.com for more information.

(More)

Soles of the Movement

Artist Chris Burns presents Soles of the Movement, a multi media project that aims to bring African Americans’ struggle for civil rights out of abstraction and into the immediate world of the viewer. It uses historical music, photographs, film footage and memorabilia, especially shoes, to create and support the environment. The piece commemorates the 50^th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Civil Rights Movement. Soles of the Movement was made possible by funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and is on view through May 17 in the Shenkman Gallery at the Westchester Arts Council’s Arts Exchange. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday 12-5pm.

Ballet Folkorico Ecos de Mexico

May 5, 7 pm

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo as the Westchester Arts Council hosts Untermyer Performing Arts Council, presenting Ballet Folklorico Ecos de Mexico in a performance of authentic regional folk dances of Mexico and other traditional performers. This concert is part of Live at the Arts Exchange, a six month long festival of the arts made possible with funding from State Senator Nicholas Spano. $10 per ticket, seating is general admission.

Dance on Video with Live Chamber Music

May 6, 7 pm

Westchester Arts Council hosts Chamber Dance Project’s string quartet, accompanied by a screening of the company’s acclaimed New York City dance season. This concert is part of Live at the Arts Exchange, a six month long festival of the arts made possible with funding from State Senator Nicholas Spano. $10 per ticket, seating is general admission.

Fridays with the Phil: Classics at the Piano

May 12, 6:45 p.m.

Westchester Arts Council hosts the Westchester Philharmonic, led by conductor Paul Lustig Dunkel, presenting piano quartets and quintets by Mozart, Haydn, and Schubert, from an era that gave birth to today’s most popular classical music. This concert is part of Live at the Arts Exchange, a six month long festival of the arts made possible with funding from State Senator Nicholas Spano. $10 per ticket, seating is general admission.

Showstoppers

May 13, 7 pm

Westchester Arts Council hosts Sleepy Hollow Performing Artists, in a program filled with climactic dance numbers from the 1940s to today, performed by NYC pros of stage and screen! This concert is part of Live at the Arts Exchange, a six month long festival of the arts made possible with funding from State Senator Nicholas Spano. $10 per ticket, seating is general admission.

Shunzo Ohno Jazz Quartet

May 18, 7 pm

Bask in the crystal clear tones of this master of the trumpet and his band. Ohno has played with the Gil Evans Orchestra and Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. This concert is part of Live at the Arts Exchange, a six month long festival of the arts made possible with funding from State Senator Nicholas Spano. $10 per ticket, seating is general admission.

Traditional Irish Music Night

May 20, 7 pm

Fiddler Brian Conway thrills with his highly ornamented Sligo fiddling style. Brendan Dolan is one of the premier piano accompanists in Irish music today. This concert is part of Live at the Arts Exchange, a six month long festival of the arts made possible with funding from State Senator Nicholas Spano. $10 per ticket, seating is general admission.

The Live @ the Arts Exchange series is made possible with funding from NY State Senator Nick Spano and with support from our media sponsors, The Journal News and Westchester Magazine, and with special thanks to El Aguila, WFAS and the White Plains Times.

Westchester Arts Council, founded in 1965, is the largest, private, not-for-profit arts council in New York State. Its mission is to provide leadership, vision, and support, to ensure the availability, accessibility, and diversity of the arts. In 1998, the Westchester Arts Council purchased the nine-story abandoned bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue in downtown White Plains, the county’s major city and seat of county government. It has since renovated the building, converting the space into the multi-purpose arts center now known as the Arts Exchange.

Neighborhood Commanders Ready to Take Your Calls. Bradley Intros 3 Commanders

Posted on April 14, 2006 by John Bailey

WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. By John F. Bailey. April 14, 2006: Police Chief James Bradley, with Commissioners Straub, Jennings and Jackson absent, introduced Lieutenant Kevin Christopher, Commander of the Department of Public Safety North Area, Lieutenant Elizabeth Seit, Commander of the South Area and Captain Paul Lundin, Commander of the Central Business District to the Council of Neighborhood Associations Tuesday evening at the CAN monthly meeting.

Chief James Bradley, foreground with Assistant Chief Anne FitzSimmons, to his right said reorganization of the Police Department into three distinct areas of responsibility with officers Lt. Kevin Christopher, (far left,) Lt. Elizabeth Seit(second from left) and Captain Paul Lundin (far right), with Sergeant Wade Hardy (his Executive Officer) directly accountable for dealing with situations in their three “precincts” was an effort to bring the concept of “community policing” to White Plains. Bradley encouraged Neighborhood organizations and residents to contact the three “Commanders” directly with any matters of concern. “There is nothing you can’t tell us that we are not interested in,” Bradley assured some 15 Neighborhood association representatives. Photo, WPCNR News.

Bradley explained that Christopher, Seit and Lundin would, using intelligence communicated from the neighborhoods would be responsible for addressing concerns in their areas, and ordering in the Public Safety “assets” they feel best suited to address and neutralize any threats, conditions, or concerns of the neighborhoods. “They would be coordinating all efforts of the department (in their areas),” Bradley said.

From Bradley’s remarks it became clear that the Detectives, Patrol, Traffic, the Neighborhood Crime Unit, Narcotics would remain as independent teams of specialists, much as they are now, not under direct control of the Commanders, but to be called in by the Commanders as needed and operate at their direction. There would be at this time no dividing up force assets evenly among the three districts.

To Come to Neighborhood Associations

Chief Bradley said the three commanders would be attending neighborhood association meetings regularly to increase police availability and two-way communication between neighborhoods and the police. Bradley said crime was down an additional 20%, and by developing a more two-way communication between residents and police, the department’s new organization would reduce crime stats even more.

“They (the commanders) are all respeonsible to know what’s going on in their area and how we can bring our resources to bare (on the problems),” Chief Bradley explained. He said they would be at all neighborhood association meetings (“They’ll always be there, hearing what’s going on. Each part of the city will have its own advocate (Commander).”)

The Chief noted that the Commanders will now be able to address problems in their areas faster. “We have a lot of trust in our commanders, and now (they can act) without having to run to my office all the time. They will know the resources available to you and plug it in.”

The Commanders were introduced, but did not address the Council of Neighborhood Associations on the state of their districts as they perceived them at the present time, or any situations presently affecting the North Area, South Area and Central Business District.

The Three Precincts. Photo, WPCNR News.

Who Ya Gonna Call?

South Area constituents living in neighborhoods South of Maple Avenue, West of Bank Street and South of the Bronx River Parkway may contact Lieutenant Elizabeth Seit, Commander of the South Area at 914-422-6258, or by e-mail via eseit@ci.white-plains.ny.us.

Central Business District residents and business owners ( South of Hamilton Avenue, East of Bank Street, North of Maple Avenue and West of Broadway, and East along Westchester Avenue to the NY Hospital property), may contact the CBD Commander, Captain Paul Lundin at 914-422-6220, or via e-mail, plundin@ci.white-plains.ny.us. Lundin’s executive officer,Sergeant Wade Hardy may also be reached at 422-6220, or by e-mail at whardy@ci.white-plains.ny.us.

North Area residents and businesses, including neighborhoods North of Hamilton Avenue, the Bronx River Parkway and North-Northeast of Broadway, may reach their area Commander, Lieutenant Kevin Christopher at 914-422-6258 (a temporary number), or on e-mail at kchristopher@ci.white-plains.ny.us.

Assistant Chief Anne FitzSimmons who supervises the three Commanders, may be reached at 914-422-6258, or by e-mail at afitzsimmons@ci.white-plains.ny.us.

Commissioner of Public Safety Dr. Frank Straub, First Deputy Commissioner Dr. Charles Jennings, and Deputy Commissioner Daniel Jackson, did not attend the meeting, though they were expected to be in attendance by the CNA.

Scanner Chatter

The neighborhood association representatives in attendance did not express any crime concerns, but did raise these questions

Bradley, taking general questions from the audience noted that shoplifting was the number one crime in the city, primarily due to the fact that the city has 2 million square feet of retail space.

He said in response to a question on teen drinking that the police periodically conduct sting operations at stores suspected of selling alcoholic beverages

to teens, and cooperate with the District Attorney’s Office on joint operations of that kind. He also said the police make “plainclothes” visits to establishments on a random and targeted basis. The Chief did not address police response to teenage drinking parties in residences.

Gasoline in White Plains: $2.91.9 a Gallon. Cty: Wholesale Prices to Blame.

Posted on April 12, 2006 by John Bailey

WPCNR PUMP BOYS NEWS. From Westchester County Department of Communications. April 12, 2006: The latest survey of 359 gas stations by the county Department of Consumer Protection found that prices are up on average 20 cents since a month ago. The average cost for regular gas, according to the survey completed Tuesday, was $2.897 a gallon. Today the WPCNR Mobile Unit filled up at our favorite filling station and paid $2.91.9 per gallon. Prices are up about 42 cents in three months.

“Gas prices in Westchester are at their highest level ever, apart from the weeks last year after Hurricane Katrina, when they averaged $3.44 a gallon, “ County Executive Andy Spano said. “This 20-cent jump from March is also among the highest monthly increases we have ever seen. People are paying on average 51 cents more per gallon than a year ago.”

Spano noted that consumers still can benefit from shopping around. The cheapest gas in the county was found at a station in Mount Vernon ($2.719), followed by stations in Pelham Manor and Mamaroneck. The most expensive gas station is in Scarsdale ($3.09). The survey can be found at www.westchestergov.com/consumer. The website has some new additions. A visitor may now get a listing of all gas stations within a certain distance. Also, they can get maps showing where the stations are.

People without the Internet may call 995-8710 for gas prices.

As always, the county consumer department will be vigilant to make sure there is not price gouging. But for now, according to Elaine Price, director of consumer protection, there is no indication of that. “The stations are getting hit with increases at the wholesale level,” she said.

Dance Fills Grand Hall at Arts Council April 29

Posted on April 11, 2006 by John Bailey

WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From Westchester Arts Council April 11, 2006: There is more to dance than just movement and music. That’s the message the Tappan Zee Dance Group will convey during their cutting edge performance Tappan Zee DANCES on Saturday April 29 at 7pm. The Grand Banking Room at the Westchester Arts Council’s Arts Exchange, 31 Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains, will be the setting for this performance featuring two unique dance companies, WABI and Rhymutation. Tickets are only $10 and may be purchased by calling (914) 428-4220 x223, or by mailing in an order form which can be downloaded at www.westarts.com.

WABI and Rhymutation share in common a penchant for stretching the boundaries of dance. WABI is a dance theater company devoted to storytelling through movement, known for combining various styles of dance with the art of telling a tale. Rhymutation explores rhythm and tap, combining them with other performing art forms. Tappan Zee Dance Group faculty member Stephanie Larriere is a founding member of this new and exciting group of dancers. The two-hour long performance on the evening of April 29 will give each group the opportunity to showcase their signature interpretations of the art of dance.

Tappan Zee Dance Group (TZDG) is a non-profit organization offering dance training, studio space, and production services for dancers. The teaching faculty consists of 13 instructor/choreographers, and classes are offered to children, teens, and adults in ballet, jazz, modern dance, rhythm tap, theatre jazz and pre-ballet for children beginning at age three.

Students at the Tappan Zee Dance Group have many opportunities to perform—including the annual Spring Student Dance Performance. Tappan Zee Dance Group community outreach programs include dance residencies at community centers, collaborations with local public schools, and a scholarship program supporting both children and adult dance students. Tappan Zee Dance Group also provides working space for a number of independent choreographers and dancers.

Tappan Zee DANCES is part of the Arts Council’s LIVE @ the Arts Exchange series, an exciting and eclectic line-up of performances running from January through June of 2006. The LIVE series is generously funded by a grant from State Senator Nicholas Spano, and is additionally supported by media sponsors The Journal News, Westchester Magazine, El Aguila, WFAS and the White Plains Times.

Throughout LIVE the Westchester Arts Council is collaborating with and showcasing the extraordinary work of some of our best local performers and cultural organizations in the spectacularly renovated Grand Banking Room space. Tickets for the majority of events are $10, ensuring that LIVE @ the Arts Exchange is accessible to all. A complete schedule of events is available on the Westchester Arts Council’s website www.westarts.com or by calling 914-428-4220.

Slavery 2006.

Posted on April 11, 2006 by John Bailey

WPCNR IMMIGRANT POST-INTELLIGENCER. News Comment By John F. Bailey. April 11, 2006: The big protest is over. An estimated 125,000 persons crowded New York’s City Hall district to campaign for citizenship for an estimated 12,000,000 illegal aliens.

This reporter suggests the citizens who came here seeking freedom, slipping across borders and who work in our restaurants, on construction sites, on our lawns and in department stores, fast-food franchises across this land, clean our posh homes, and do so without medical benefits without vacation pay, at a pittance of what a union worker gets, often employed at the whim of their employers’ largesse are the slaves of 2006.

Many are well-educated, and have been here for fifteen to twenty years ago living 6 family members to a room, so they could make better lives for their children. However, when those children reach 17-18, they cannot participate in the American dream because they cannot accept government scholarhips, college scholarships or apply for tuition loans.

The Other Side of the story

Many immigrants’ children are now grown and of college age. Because the children of illegal immigrants are not citizens, no matter how well they do in the United States public school systems, no matter how great their intellectual achievements, many cannot afford to go to today’s high tuition colleges even if accepted and qualify for scholarships. The best and the brightest Latino Jamaican, Hatian, and Asian immigrant children may even qualify for partial scholarships, but cannot get loans from banks, or the government to pay the rest of their tuition.

Students of immigrants are discovering that to continue their education, they have to take courses at night school, attempt getting a degree that way, while working three jobs. Even when scholarships are awarded to them, they cannot attend schools full-time because they cannot get loans for college without revealing their families are here illegally, making their family, themselves, subject to deportation.

These illegal immigrant children with the same achievement credentials of the children of U.S. citizens are a generation America is about to lose because the Republican Party and for that matter the Democratic Party does not want illegal immigrants to vote.

To learn about how illegal immigrant students are being affected, read this article about Texas students: http://chronicle.com/free/v51/i16/16a01901.htm.

The blind bunglers in Washington, D.C., cannot see the advantage to the country in granting amnesty and citizenship to these slaves of today. How big is the problerm, check the statistics on illegal aliens as of the 2000 census at http://www.juntosociety.com/factsheets/immigration.html

Did Abraham Lincoln ask the slaves to pay fines to become liberated? No.

Mr. Lincoln realized in his great wisdom and fairness that to set conditions of the slaves was just another form of slavery. They would not have a voice.

Had Lincoln not been assassinated reconstruction in the south would have been a lot different. No Poll Tests. No Jim Crow.

So what we have here is the bigoted Republican Party and the equally bigoted Democratic Senate agreeing to ridiculous conditions for citizenship for aliens to please their corporate contributors.

Not that the Democrats Citizenship bill is much better. Pay back taxes? Do military service? Wait years? These people cannot even afford the extortion money the Latin Kings and the MS-13 Gang are requiring from day laborers every week in this area, because the police won’t protect the illegals because the illegals cannot reveal their illegal status.

Congress expects the illegals to pay back taxes going back five years, I think. That is pathetic judgment.

How about the Hirers Paying the Back Taxes?

Believe me, Mr. and Mrs. and Ms. White Plains, the department stores, the chains, the fast food restaurants, the warehouses, the cab companies, the landscape companies, the ranches and farms, and grape growers in California, Texas and the Midwest save billions by employing illegal immigrants, paying them pennies, not paying them benefits, not paying social security. They make billions more in profit using illegal workers.

Why not have the legions U.S.-employers of the illegals pay the illegal immigrants’ back taxes? After all their employing the illegals in the first place created the illegal immigration wave. Just the way politicians caught using nannies and not paying payroll taxes on the nannies had to pay. Remember that? I do.

Why are the immigrants being denied amnesty by our “leaders?”

Well, make illegal immigrants citizens and they can vote, even may elect minority candidates. They may tilt the registration norms in districts. The political bosses may lose control. Politics is all about control. It’s not about you. It’s not about helping people. It’s not about making a better life for people who have suffered enough to be in this country. It’s all about doing favors for people that support them.

If a student who qualifies for a college wants to go, they are faced with going abroad to school, or returning to their country and wanting to come back, given the pathetic capabilities of the INS, once a student leaves this country, there’s no guarantee they are coming back any time soon.

Colleges need to stand, too. Liberalism Has to Translate into Action.

Colleges accepting students of illegal immigrant students have to take the lead here. And it can start right in Westchester.

If students qualify for scholarships or even have academic credentials, but cannot afford the tuition, college leadership has to step up and help them. They literally cannot let a young minds go to waste whether they speak Spanish, Croatian, Haitian, or Swahili.

Colleges need to take a stand for academic freedom of opportunity by dipping into their endowments and making it possible for illegal immigrants to attend and get the college degrees they need to contribute to the country and make their lives better.

Colleges need to band together and resist government threats about withholding federal aid if they help illegal immigrant students. The academic community is great about talking about fighting injustice and inequality. Let’s see them take a stand on this issue.

Which will be the first school in Westchester County to stand up and say if you cannot pay to attend, you may enter on academic probation, tuition waved as long as you maintain passing grades of say 3.0 or better. This could be applied to American citizens, too — to avoid the inevitable law suits from the freeloaders.

There have been several well publicized cases of immigrants who have come out and admitted they were illegal in order to attend college, and exceptions were made in their case.

It is time we made at least all these children of illegal immigrants exceptions. You know smart, serious children of illegal immigrants all over the county, but now you know the other side of their story. A story that has no future. For they are trapped in the chaste system our pathetic congress has agreed to perpetuate.

Westchester Could Set an Example.

Locally, the leadership is equally bereft of compassion and common sense. Look no further than the day laborer site controversy. If all those day laborers dressed in jackets and ties and carried attaché cases and spoke English and were white, I do not think Mamaroneck would be asking them to move.

In White Plains, I am often told by police they cannot force people to move on because of civil rights laws. What is Mamaroneck doing on their day laborer gathering site? They are asking them to disperse, move on. Who’s civil rights are they, anyway?

What is the difference between today’s illegal immigrants and the Cubans who came in 1960? None.

What is the difference between today’s illegal immigrants and the boat people of Vietnam? None.

What is the difference between being hauled aboard a slave ship in West Africa, or being promised a trip to America in the hold of a freighter or in a sweltering truck in 100 degree temperatures for an outrageous price?

I daresay very little.

America used to stand for freedom, fairness, hope. Now it stands for very little thanks to the failed “bought” leadership of this country. The disgrace of the Immigration legislation this last week is proof – nobody’s thinking or caring in Washington any more.

Abraham Lincoln thought a lot about slavery, he once said, “If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong. I cannot remember when I did not so think, and feel….” And this: “Whenever I hear any one arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally.”

Dark of the Moon at Purchase Performing Arts Center April 28

Posted on April 11, 2006 by John Bailey

WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From Ann Brady, PPAC. April 11, 2006: The Purchase Repertory Theatre presents Howard Richardson and William Berney’s haunting tale Dark of the Moon, April 28-May 6 at The Performing Arts Center. Benard Cummings directs the play. Tickets are $20, $10 for seniors. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 914-251-6200.

Purchase College, State University of New York, is located at 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, NY.

Dark of the Moon tells the story of “witch boy” John and his doomed love for the mortal girl. The story unfolds through haunting atmosphere and vivid imagery. Set in the Smoky Mountains and based on the haunting folk ballad of “Barbara Allen,” Dark of the Moon blends an earthy realism of mountain language and folk music with fantasy and witchcraft.

Benard Cummings has directed Flyin’ West and The Three Sisters for the Purchase Repertory Theatre. Cummings has acted in regional theatre across the United States including Yale Rep, Arena Stage, Goodman Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre of D.C. and the Hartford Stage. He has also appeared on television in One Life to Live, New York Undercover and Law and Order. His plays have been produced in New York City, Los Angeles, London, Chicago, Fort Worth and St. Louis.

The Purchase Repertory Theatre features students from the School of the Arts, Conservatory of Theatre Arts and Film at Purchase College. For more information, call 914-251-6830.