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WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER. March 12,2024:

March 11, 2024

White Plains Common Council

250 Main Street

White Plains, New York 10605

Re: White Plains One Draft

Dear Members of the Common Council:

The White Plains One Draft update to the Comprehensive Plan is a radical departure from the goals and objectives outlined in the 1997 Plan.  That Plan emphasized the importance of protecting the City’s neighborhoods.  It specifically highlighted the importance of preservation of the low-density outlying residential neighborhoods.  It recognized that White Plains is a geographically small area and that the “delicate balance” between Downtown and the outlying low-density neighborhoods be preserved.

The Draft Plan turns this policy on its head.  It is not an update but   essentially a completely new document.  The new plan is less a policy statement than an advocacy manifesto.  One glaring example is the recommendation that the Burke Rehabilitation Hospital property be rezoned to permit greater density including alternative uses.  This despite the property is within the R-12.5 single–family residential zone in Gedney Farms by Special Permit.  This is one of many unbridled challenges made in this document to existing land use in the City.  It highlights the consistent lack of sensitivity to existing zoning, historic conditions and land use policies formulated over many years.

When I spoke at the February 5^th Public Hearing I offered the key reasons why this Draft has failed. Chief among them being the manner in which it was initially set up, which seems to have deliberately limited real citizen participation.  A fundamental element in successful Comprehensive Planning always includes direct citizen involvement in the process as was the case in the 1997 effort.  Numerous citizen committees were formed undertaking analysis of key issues such as housing, open space etc. Supporting these committees were surveys, hearings and workshops which included the general public to voice their input.  A meaningful Comprehensive Plan Update must be the composite vision of the residents as to what they want the future of their community to be not of consultants or City employees.

The overwhelming negative resident reaction to the Draft Plan confirms its failure.   Eleven (11) neighborhood associations signed a joint letter stating “substantial opposition” to many elements of the Draft.  Significantly, no neighborhood association has supported the Draft document.  Hundreds of residents flooded the corridors of City Hall on March 3rd to vigorously oppose the Draft Plan.  Social media is also ablaze with opposition.  Clearly, Planning Commissioner Gomez and the consultants, failed in identifying the goals and objectives of the vast majority of residents.  Indeed, Mr. Gomez spent much of the two Hearings trying to explain away what the Draft said.  Lastly, the Plan’s endorsement by a small, pre-selected Committee that met a few times hardly gives credibility to the Draft.

Does the Common Council believe that such a Plan would ever see the light of day in our neighboring communities of Scarsdale, Harrison or Mamaroneck?  The answer is clearly NO because these governmental officials recognize that their principal job is to protect the quality, character and environment of its existing neighborhoods and not adversely impact property values.

It seems to me that the Common Council members have an important choice: join  Mayor Roach and Commissioner Gomez and adopt a very flawed Plan or recognize the overwhelming negative comments of the vast number of citizens and neighborhood associations who took the time to appear at the Public Hearings or who have communicated with you directly urging rejection of the Draft Plan.

Very truly yours,

John E. Sheehan

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WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2024, From the Office of Congressman Jamaal Bowman, 16th Congressional District.March 12, 2024:

 Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D. (NY-16) announced that over the course of his three years in Congress, he has brought back over $1 billion to constituents and community organizations in NY-16. This money includes federal grants and loans, funding from federal legislation and appropriations, and money returned to constituents through direct assistance and casework. You can find the full clip of his announcement on PIX11 here.

Specifically, Congressman Bowman has helped secure:

• Approximately $916 million in federal grants and loans, including grants and loans for housing assistance, small businesses, local cultural development, and more

• $125 million in funding from federal legislation, including $25.8 million in community project funding for violence prevention, community health centers, and more, $12 million for the New Rochelle LINC Project, and $88 million for flood mitigation in Mamaroneck

• $7,596,018 in money returned to constituents through casework, including tax refunds, student loan support, and more

He is also pushing for an additional $14,078,199 in community project funding that will be included in the upcoming FY24 budget that is currently under consideration in Congress.

“I came to Congress to fight for all of the people of New York’s 16th district so that every single person and organization in our community has the support and resources they need to thrive,” said Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D. (NY-16). “I am incredibly proud to have secured over $1 billion for our district to fund programs that focus on violence prevention, creating green spaces, facilitating flood relief, putting money directly back in the pockets of our neighbors, and so much more. This is the real work of public service–bringing the resources and the funding to the people on the ground in our community–and we’re just getting started. I’m looking forward to keeping the work going with our grassroots community partners and pushing for even more funding for local projects as we consider this year’s appropriations bills.”

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WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER. From Frequent WPCNR Contributor  and Commentator Professor Stephen R. Rolandi, Marcy 10, 2024:

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

I find that as I getting older, my skepticism of politicians grows. However, the e-mail letter that I just received from Nikki Haley’s daughter speaks volumes about her mother and now former candidate for the Republican Presidential nomination. My hope is that Governor Haley will continue to be a force for centrist Republican policies and principles in the months and years ahead.

Best,

SR

Stephen, I wanted to send you one last Friday message to thank you for standing with my mom and to let you know how incredibly proud I am of her. My dad launched $5 Friday as a way for our family to keep you updated and give you an inside look at our family and the incredible person my mom is. It has been a pleasure to step in for him while he serves our country overseas. When I stood by my mom, dad, Rena, and Josh on stage in Charleston 13 months ago, I didn’t know what the next year of our lives would look like. All I knew was that I was already so proud of my mom. I’ve watched my mom’s strength and resilience throughout my entire life, but the past 13 months have been incredibly special. I watched my mom go non-stop with little to no sleep for over a year, all because she truly cares about this great nation. I watched my mom pour everything she has into this campaign because she knows our country deserves better. I watched my mom inspire young girls on the campaign trail who would give her friendship bracelets as she would talk with them and tell them that strong girls become strong leaders. I watched my mom fight for the voices of millions of Americans who wanted a choice for a better, stronger country. I watched my mom take on 12 other candidates one by one, even when others doubted her. I watched my mom stand by my grandma who moved here legally more than 50 years ago, as my grandma voted for her daughter for president. I watched my mom make history by becoming the first woman to ever win not just one but two Republican primaries. I watched my mom fight for our country, inspire Americans, and provide hope for a better future. …All while being a mom. …All while taking care of her 90-year-old parents. …All while my dad has been deployed overseas for the past 8 months. There is no better word to describe what I feel about my mom than the word proud. My mom fought because she knows the difference between right and wrong. She outworked everyone around her because she knows you and your kids deserve better. She poured her all, day and night, for 13 months into this campaign because when she was growing up, her parents taught her that even on our worst days, we are blessed to live in America. So as I sign off on this final Friday message, I want to thank you for everything you’ve done to support my mom. You have played a part in giving people hope across this country. You have played a part in making history. I could never be more proud of my mom. She’s amazing, and we’re just so grateful that people like you got to be a part of this wonderful fight for our country’s future. Thank you. My best, Nalin Haley

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STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL

“President Biden’s State of the Union was rooted in his optimistic vision for our future — one that uplifts working and middle-class families that have built our nation — and paints a stark contrast to those trying to divide the country and set us back. Under his leadership, we have seen historically low unemployment and record-high job creation, unprecedented investment in our infrastructure and industries of the future, and bold protection of women’s right to make their own choices about their bodies. 

“I applaud President Biden for his support of Ukraine, defense of democracy, and his demand for common sense solutions to secure our border. The President presented his plan to secure our border and create legal pathways for migrants and asylum seekers to work. Now, we need Republicans to stop blocking a bipartisan bill and address the migrant crisis that is overwhelming New York. 

“President Biden also understands the high stakes if we don’t put an end to gun violence. After a tragedy too close to home, I passed strong gun laws to protect New Yorkers. But Republicans in Congress have refused to do the same. It’s time to put a stop to senseless gun violence.  

“President Biden sent a clear message that Democrats are fighting for American families. I’m proud to continue working with his Administration to build a stronger, more prosperous New York.”

###

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ANOTHER HEARING IN FRONT OF  COUNCIL ON “THE COUNCIL’S FINAL PLAN” BEFORE APPROVAL OR DENIAL.COUNCIL HEARING DATE UNCERTAIN AT THIS TIME.

 28 OF 34 SPEAKERS (MOST FROM NEIGHBORHOOD STRONGLY AGAINST NEIGHBORHOOD REZONING FOR  DEVELOPMENT after 2 HEARINGS IN 2 MONTHS LASTING  A TOTAL OF 2 hours 31 MIN. 

WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CLARION-LEDGER.  PART 2 By John F. Bailey. March 7, 2024:

The public had their say in the second half of the Common Council meeting Monday night.

You of 16 days to send your comments and feelings on the plan to the city.

Commissioner of Planning Christopher Gomez and Mayor Tom  Roach took 43 minutes of hearing time, delivering detailed explanations of why the ONEWHITEPLAINS Draft Comprehensive Plan was simply a “guide”  and not a “set in stone”  rezoning of the city.

The city hall duo leading off the public hearing, strongly endorsed more affordable housing by making residential neighborhoods possibilities for building Accessory Rental Units, Cluster-housing and building homes on Conservation Developments such as the Farrell Estates (formerly Ridgeway Country Club), New York Presbyterian p

Mayor Roach followed Mr. Gomez saying the Comprehensive Plan was just a guide. That it was just a “guide” and some or all of the suggestions might never be used. Then he called the first speaker from the public of this continued hearing from last month, After approximately 1 hour and 16 minutes, with all-new speakers who had previously signed up to speak that  night, the hearing was closed  by the Common Council by unanimous vote.

The takeaway of the their testimonies showed thought, passion, revealing statistics, and at the end of the testimony of 19 speakers  pointed some glaring holes in the plan as written that  the council might want to take a look at, trust and verify.

The following comments have been edited for clarity and content. The recorded testimonies may be seen on the city website at this URL, or view it on the Government channel FIOS 44 OR OPTIMUM CH.45:

http://whiteplainsny.new.swagit.com/views/701/live

1. The lead speaker supported Accessory Dwelling Units that, he said work very well in Los Angeles where he said upscale communities like Glendale, Burbank, Beverly Hills, Glendale have used them to provide workforce housing, affordable homes for young people, and senior living. The Council might want to look into how they do that. The speaker cautioned that “Affordable housing is not going away. .. we have to deal with it. Accessory Dwelling Units are in the public interest.”

2. The  second speaker a union worker said the city needed to work with Labor unions.  He said what was missing from the plan was to create Planned Labor Agreements to make the labor force part of city growth, as the Westchester IDA has adopted.

3. Four speakers concentrated on the Windward School Property recently acquired for possible development complaining the property could not support a housing development they see being planned, citing need for  infrastructure improvements, and  very rocky property. They tied this to the need to “Keep our freedom to have single home property residences.”

4. One speaker zoned in on the larger infrastructure improvements needed required to support the scale of development proposed by the ONEWHITEPLAINS plan. With new residents presumed to be flooding the downtown, more police and fire personnel were needed, new underground needs to handle the load of developments, and pay for those foreseen needs. The speaker said the city worked with the French American School of New York, and that did not work with the Gedney Farms neighborhood, and consequently the project was defeated due to lack of city involvement with the neighborhoods. “All residents are in a fight to control the future of the city. I do not understand the lack of communication between the city and the residents.”

5. Lack of communication with residents was a recurrent theme. One speaker presented a petition signed by 100 persons saying they had never heard of the plan.” “We need to compromise, work together, use character.”

6. Mike Sanchez, Head of the Council of Neighborhood Associations, appreciating the effort and the feedback, nevertheless, he said that there is “more confusion  than information and (the plan) could have been better written,” citing Commissioner of Planning Gomez opening statement (see Tuesday WPCNR story). “Nevertheless we are extremely concerned about Windward (school) development, not directly against “suggestions,” but we are here to tell you  we are not in favor of those suggestions.” He said the neighborhoods  support affordable housing. He said the neighborhoods do not support development meeting the neighborhoods;”

7. Another agreed the new plan was a guide and not binding,, but the city they said needs to spell out restrictions and standards and oversight of construction, density of development, water table and sewage capacity. The speaker noted the plan should “not be a sprint, (questioning the rush to approve the plan) but a marathon with more community involvement to tie them to their property.”

8. The first woman to speak said in an astute observation said there was no mention of industry development or how White Plains Hospital, the largest industry in the city would affect it. She mentioned the Bronx River Parkway flooding (traditionally in the city), and how the city natural environment would be cared for. She brought up an issue not in the plan: city energy needs, and how to provide for them. “It is not a comprehensive plan,” she said, and added…“And why are there no journalists here (tonight) asking  (these) questions?” she asked in a sharp rebuke to the absent press.

9 .The second lady to weigh-in asked about the construction and the traffic tie ups in the downtown(currently already substantial, this reporter’s observation). She noted construction in neighborhoods would be a problem as well and signaled an anthem: “We have a right to live in residential neighborhoods without intrusion of construction.”

10.The fourth woman to speak described herself as a data specialist.

She said the New York State guidelines for a comprehensive plan required “inclusion” and a thorough data review. She said  this proceeding was not “remotely” in accordance  with what she considers a  “quantitative data review” that justified the conclusions of the ONEWHITEPLAINS plan.

She said having one neighborhood represented on the Comprehensive Plan Committee was not “inclusive.” She said in the recent Planning Board meeting, the ONEWHITEPLAINS suggestions were already being spoken of as if the policies in the plan would be the policies of the future. She urged people to watch the video of that meeting. She asked “Tell me why we shouldn’t feel this (plan) isn’t being jammed down our throats.” She noted that the White Plains Planning Board did not seem aware that, nationally, 1/3 of 18 to 45 year olds are still living at home to save money, and  45% of 18-29 year olds were living with parents for the same reason, citing that state of the economy alone will have a very real impact the comprehensive plan (ONEWHITEPLAINS) did not address or verify the trend as a factor in White Plains. She  predicted  should the new policies in the  plan (to expand Accessory Dwelling Units and cluster housing  to the neighborhoods) there would be a mass exodus from White Plains.

11. The next speaker described the ONEWHITEPLAINS plan as “many great ideas and a few not so great. I understand it is a guideline. I criticize the communication. Many residents have said they did not hear or communicated it existed. This was a great opportunity missed.”

12 & 13, Resuming after a break at 9:30, a fifth woman advocated that a Community Museum be created that would promote arts and become a regional center.

The next speaker said he  was “deeply concerned about the preservation and  possible rezoning  to allow single family homes to erect Accessory Dwelling Units, cluster housing.

The 14^th speaker urged caution since present apartments in the downtown have not been built yet ( Hamilton Green, Gateway II, the YWCA apartments and the city has devised this plan without seeing how their effects will playout, urging a wait and see attitude before committing to even more development creating more issues.

The 15^th speaker raised an issue on the plan’s reliance on public-private partnerships to achieve the plan building initiatives. He said the plan relying on public-private partnerships (as how things get done) should be voted down because, “with public-private partnerships, you have no accountability.”

Next-up, the 16^th speaker centered his comments on the development of  the former Galleria and the cost of apartments (which he described as affordable luxury) planned and the ability of the developer to  pay fees in lieu of including affordable housing

He suggested the city’s developer option of buying-out option be eliminated,  a transfer of the city existing garage to the developer in return for designated “affordable housing” apartments being reserved, and called for a “robust environmental review.”

The 17^th speaker and fifth woman to speak identified her profession  as  architect and suggested that  architectural consultant(s) or a Urban Development Board of Review with persons with expertise in urban landscape creation  should oversee the design of the New Galleria to assure “an appropriate design framework.”

The 18^th to speak was a 7 year resident of White Plains who moved here from Brooklyn. He said  around 10 years ago New York City approved redevelopment of the north Brooklyn, which in his opinion provides an example of what happens when government gets involved in development. He said entire neighborhoods were bought out, new developments were pricey and trendy and Brooklyn is now unaffordable to live in. He observed the Comprehensive Plan Committee was “hand-picked” and consisted of persons the administration knew.

He said the city had to pay attention to a lot more voices locally, who are not agreeable with the ONEWHITEPLAINS plan. Going forward with the Common Council evaluation of the process, he advised the city to be “MORE UPFRONT.”

He described the development of Brooklyn by New York City developers as “aggressive gentrification,” that “uprooted families who had lived there for years.”

White Plains in evaluating the Galleria design (whenever that is submitted) should have affordable housing, more openspace operated by the city and involve the Galleria rebuild in a “transparent process.”

The 19^th and final speaker doubled down on the expected development of newly developer-acquired  property of Windward School and expanded on the need for evaluation of increased flooding in that  area as well as the presence of natural gas lines  as impeding development and the effects of building more homes there.

At that point, approximately 9:45,   two speakers on the “wish-to-speak list’ were called but were no longer present, and the Mayor asked to close the hearing.

The council immediately voted unanimously to do so. They had the option to continue it.

Next the plan goes to the Common Council for review.

The Mayor said White Plains citizens who wished to add their comments had two weeks to send in their written comments on the plan.

See all the action and mayhem at:

http://whiteplainsny.new.swagit.com/views/701/live