More Late Nominations for Executive Officer. Your Call

Hits: 0

WPCNR WHITE PLAINS VOICE. May 31, 2004: As the decision time for George Gretsas’ departure nears, more persons have been placed with the CitizeNetReporter for consideration by Mr. and Mrs. White Plains. Some on the list have nominated themselves, others have been suggested to WPCNR. Now you can make a choice, too, from this third selection of outstanding candidates.

Posted in Uncategorized

Memorial Day Parade Honors Vets, City Organizations.

Hits: 0

WPCNR Main Street Journal. May 31, 2004: The White Plains Memorial Day Parade saluted the city’s living veterans and featured the White Plains High School Marching Band and the return of the Thomas Slater Center Drum Corps, under its new leader, 16 year old Dane Robinson, the son of its founder, Jerome “Bump” Robinson. The contingent of dignataries, veterans, antique and vintage classic cars, police and fire vehicles and personnel and White Plains two fine musical groups filled the gathering cloudy skies with color, entertainment and old-fashioned patriotism. The streets were not as crowded as in previous years but the spirit, as always brought tears to the eye.


 



WHITE PLAINS GREATEST GENERATION: Fewer in number now, but as inspiring as ever, White Plains WWII vets march proudly to respectful clapping from the crowds at Mamaroneck and Main. They were followed by the Jewish War Veterans and the Vietnam Veterans of America. Photo by WPCNR News.



JEWISH WAR VETERANS, POST #191, in today’s parade. Photo by WPCNR News.



WHITE PLAINS HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND stepping down Main Street. The group some 80-strong, entertained the Main Street Reviewing Stand crowd with a dance and brass routine to Neutron Dance. Photo by WPCNR News.



Councilwoman Rita Malmud, Mayor Joseph Delfino reviewed the procession from City Hall. Commissioner of Recreation and Parks, Arne Abramowitz handled Master of Ceremonies honors. Photo by WPCNR News



JUMPING AT CITY HALL: WPHS Band jives to Neutron Dance, entertaining the crowd. Photo by WPCNR News



The Jerome “Bump” Robinson Drum Corps debuted, marching in public for the first time since the death of their leader and founder, Jerome “Bump” Robinson.  Today they were lead for the first time, by their new leader, Mr. Robinson’s  16-year-old son, Dane, shown here  in high style on Main Street, as crowds surged forward in spontaneous appreciation of the new corps. Mr. Robinson would have appreciated how his son carried on his tradition. Photo by WPCNR News.



Celebration and Remembrance was in air, as The Jerome Bump Robinson Drum Corps thundered down Main Street on to the White Plains Rural Cemetary where they marched to Mr. Robinson’s grave and gave silent observation to Mr. Robinson’s legacy and the passing of the band’s leadership to his son, Dane, shown arms outstretched with the admiring, smiling, glad-to-be-back Drum Corpsmen. Photo by WPCNR News

Posted in Uncategorized

White Plains Remembers Its First Patriots.

Hits: 0

WPCNR Stars and Stripes. May 31, 2004: In a moving ceremony under traditional somber skies today, White Plains marched to the White Plains Rural Cemetary to honor its war dead.



The ceremony was highlighted by Grand Marshall, the New York Army Guard Colonel Michael McBride remembrances of the neighborhood “war code” of the white flags in the windows of his old neighborhood in New York. Photo by WPCNR News.


The Colonel noted that a white star on a white flag in the window indicated you had a member of the family in the service during World War II. He explained that when a white star turned to gold in a window “that meant that family member was not coming back.”  He said that one day he noticed 4 gold stars on a white flag in one family’s window when he was just 5 or 6 years old, and that it brought tears to his eyes to think of the sacrifice.  He said he remembers seeing those 4 gold stars all his life, “as if it were yesterday.”


He recalled how White Plains citizens sacrificed in the Battle of White Plains in the American Revolution, and how White Plains residents were among the first to die for their country to be. He told the story of the prison ships of the British, where 20,000 rebels died. He concluded his address saying, Americans back then walked through “the black door” of freedom, calling “America the greatest country, the greatest hope for mankind, and we should hold our heads high under our flag. It’s here, and we’re going to keep it here.”



RIFLE SALUTE TO AMERICA’S FALLEN: The Firing Squad of American Legion Post # 135 commemorates the sacrifice of America’s war dead just prior to the playing of a very moving Taps by Robert Fries, husband of Lesley Tompkins, Director of the White Plains High School Marching Band. Mr. Fries somber and elegant Taps drifted warmly across the melancholy ground, playing the last stanza in a moving somber finish conveying admiration, reverence, and a haunting immortality. Photo by WPCNR News.


 

Posted in Uncategorized

Gretsas Calls for More Cohesion in Fort Lauderdale City Communication

Hits: 0

WPCNR CITY HALL SPIN. May 30, 2004, Updated May 30, 2004, 11:41 P.M. E.D.T.: Current White Plains Executive Officer, George Gretsas, the City Manager Select of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, (though officially reported by Leslie Backus of the Fort Lauderdale Public Affairs Office Thursday as still being “negotiating” with that city going into this weekend), is reported planning to bring White Plains city communication to that city, telling  Sun-Sentinel reporter Brittany Wellman last week (when she was in White Plains interviewing Mr. Gretsas), that the City of Fort Lauderdale needs more “cohesion” in the manner it communicates with the public. 


 


 


Mr. Gretsas has previously declined to discuss with WPCNR the challenges he faces in Fort Lauderdale and how he might deal with them. However he held two lengthy interviews with the Sun-Sentinel correspondent according to WPCNR sources.


In a column appearing in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel  Saturday, Mr. Gretsas is described as “incoming City Manager,” whatever that means, considering he was reported still negotiating last Thursday afternoon by Ms. Backus. 


Information Management a Priority


The column reports Alan Silva the current acting City Manager, as having instituted a policy where communication between any city employee and the public of Fort Lauderdale needs to be approved by the city public relations staff. Silva told reporter Wallman according to the column that “We’re trying to make sure all our communication with the media and community are accurate and professional,”


Information White Plains Style.


In White Plains, communication from the Mayor’s Office to the public is cohesive, but infrequent, tightly controlled, frequently tight-lipped, and its accuracy and professionalism are subject to debate. 


Openings, news events are staged and question and answers from the media are not invited, and frequently facts are withheld to put the city position in the best light. Executive Sessions in Work Sessions are a staple. Fort Lauderdale by contrast, has a large public relations staff, compared to the White Plains Mayoral staff of the Economical Development Officer and Public Information Officer, Paul Wood, Ted Lawson, the Grant Writer, and the personable Rick Ammirato, a Mayoral associate.


Half the Truth, and Anything But the Whole Truth.


White Plains communication style and substance policy operated in typical fashion last week when the city budget was approved at 4 P.M. in the afternoon, and in the televised portion of the meeting, no one on the Common Council announced that City Commissioners were receiving a 4% across-the-board raise, or that the Parking Authority budget would be folded into the city budget, should they create the Parking Department, actually raising the budget to $128.5 Million, not $114.5 Million as publicly stated.


Bad news is withheld from the media and specific questions on unclear matters are not answered in a timely manner, and specific information is frequently not supplied without a Freedom of Information Act request from private citizens, even, let alone the media.


Can we have a confirmation, please?


Requests for confirmations are often met with terse “no comments,” and calls are not returned in a timely manner, if they are returned at all.


 City Commissioners, including the top brass of the Department of Public Safety are not allowed to speak to reporters, councilpersons, or citizens on policy matters, without a member of the Mayor’s staff monitoring the telephone conversation.


City employee computers are monitored and hard drives subject to inspection, and it has been told to WPCNR that cellphone bills of city employees holding city cellphones are checked for possible calls to or from the ever inquiring media.


Knock for Admittance.


During Council Work Sessions, in the Mayor’s Conference Room a doorway away from the Mayor’s office, the inner sanctum of the Mayor’s office is locked, and can only be accessed by Commissioners or Mayoral assistants seeking to speak to the Mayor or Mr. Gretsas by knocking for admittance. The cloak-and-dagger atmosphere of knockings and openings borders on the comical, like a Marx Brothers movie at times.


Typical of city communication is the rumor that Mayor Joseph Delfino was holding a private party Saturday evening at Legal Sea Foods in the City Center. The Mayor’s Office denied Mayor Delfino was holding any party or anything of the sort. However, a leading political figure said, after they had been told of the denial, that the Mayor was indeed having a party of close-knit associates that was very “hush-hush,” and were upset they were not invited. 


George Gretsas speaking to WPCNR late Sunday evening reported that he had just spoken with the Mayor, Joseph Delfino, who said he was at a private barbecue in Valhalla Saturday evening that “had nothing to do with him,” and “was nowhere near Legal Seafoods.” 


If Mr. Gretsas does leave White Plains, as he now appears to be focusing quite clearly on the Fort Lauderdale challenge, perhaps his successor will lift this atmosphere of paranoia that enshrouds the Mayor’s office, and if Mr. Gretsas chooses to remain, perhaps he might consider loosening up the information reins for not just media but for citizens alike.

Posted in Uncategorized

Rowdy Teens Disrupt Highlands: Reader

Hits: 0

WPCNR WHITE PLAINS VOICE. May 30, 2004: A resident of Midchester Avenue writes WPCNR reporting experiencing another instance of rowdy behavior by young persons in the White Plains Highlands neighborhood Saturday evening. This is not an isolated incident, he proclaims. Here is his report:

Saturday night I walk out of my house in the Soundview neighborhood to find my girlfriend’s car covered in eggs. 

 

Upon calling the police I head that they “have a problem” with this tonight (Saturday evening, May 29). 

 

Turns out that “Club Chrome” on Mamaroneck Avenue, who recently lost their liquor license decided to have a teen night…charging teenagers the same for a Pepsi as they normally do for an alcoholic beverage.  Early in the evening…the club threw them all out…and where did they end up?  Ah, yes, our lovely neighborhood. 

 

The responding police officer said he spent his evening on Mamaroneck Avenue dealing with roughly 300 teens who found themselves out on the road.  I took a ride around after cleaning the egg off, and found cars throughout the (Soundview) neighborhood covered in eggs. 

 

Isolated incident?  No, a couple months ago I got to drive out of my driveway during daylight hours to find two teens having sex in a car directly in front of my house….not exactly what hopes to see in a neighborhood where $700,000 homes are the norm.  By the time the police where called and arrived, the young man had exited the car to tidy up and deposit his condom on the road, and then drive away. 

 

On the other hand, you can pretty much pick any night and watch the kids drive up and down Midchester Avenue at speeds that easily double the speed limit.  Are these the benefits that increased night life in the downtown provide the residents?  Sounds like the same exact thing that happens in New Rochelle in the neighborhoods that aren’t too far from the downtown. 

 

The downward spiral has begun.  Time to revisit where things are going in White Plains before while we can still do something about it.

 

 

 

Posted in Uncategorized

White Plains Loses Suit Over Cell Tower at Fenway Golf Club. Owes $1.5 Million.

Hits: 0

WPCNR WHITE PLAINS LAW JOURNAL. May 28, 2004: City Hall announced Friday afternoon that the City of White Plains has lost a suit filed by the telecommunications giant, Omnipoint, over the Planning Board decision to deny Omnipoint the right to build a 150-foot cell tower on the Fenway Golf Club property. Omnipoint Communications has been awarded $1,327,665.24 in lost revenue plus $231,152.84 in attorneys’ fees and costs by Judge George A Yanthis in a bench trial judgment issued May 6.


Omnipoint sued the City and its Planning Board under the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996. The bench trial took place February 4 and 5, 2004.


The Mayor’s Office has not advised WPCNR whether or not White Plains will appeal the judgment.

Posted in Uncategorized

Westco Teams with Westchester Broadway Theatre to Present CINDERELLA

Hits: 0

WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From Westco Productions. May 28, 2004: Westco Productions will be presenting the fully-staged Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” on June 5 & 12 at the Westchester Broadway Theatre in Elmsford.  There are three performances each day – 9:00 am, 11:45 am and 2:15 pm.  The timeless enchantment of this magical fairy tale will transport you to the miraculous kingdom of dreams-come-true! Originally presented on television starring Julie Andrews with recreations starring Lesley Ann Warren, Brandy and Whitney Houston, this Cinderella will warm the hearts of children and adults alike when the slipper fits!!!!


There are still tickets available for the 9:00 am performances on June 5 and 12.  There is very limited seating available for the other performances.  Tickets are $20.00 each and may be purchased by calling Westchester Broadway Theatre at 914-592-2222.

Westco Productions is Westchester’s resident professional theater company for young and family audiences.  Based in White Plains at the Rochambeau Theater, Westco is entering its 25th season of shows.  For information on Westco’s upcoming season or for a free brochure, call Westco at 914-761-7463.

Posted in Uncategorized

ADAM IN ALBANY: Budget Reform Bill Juices Education Aid

Hits: 0

 WPCNR’S ADAM IN ALBANY. By State Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley of the 89th District. May 28, 2004: The Assembly and Senate recently agreed on budget reform. It requires a two-year appropriation for education aid. This will help schools stay a step ahead by finally giving them the information they need, when they need it. The reforms will also create a reserve fund in the state constitution to ensure sufficient funds exist for the payment of education aid in May and June of each year.

 


 


The plan includes moving the start of New York’s fiscal year from April 1 to


May 1 to allow for better revenue and spending projections and instituting provisions to instill greater accountability in the process.


 


These reforms will also help ensure fair, on-time state budgets that meet the needs of New Yorkers through better long-term and annual planning, closer oversight of spending, and more public input.


 


The measures require a constitutional amendment, and as such must be approved by the Legislature two years in a row before being turned over to the people for final say in November 2005 (A.11231, passed Assembly and Senate 5/24/04). A second bill must be passed by the Legislature to put the plan into effect (A.11232).


 


This legislation will help end the problems that have plagued our state budget for years, beginning a new era of openness, accountability and timeliness. The benefits will be felt across the state.


 


I am proud to have sponsored the bi-partisan budget reform legislation which recently passed the Assembly.

Posted in Uncategorized

Roll’em: Harry Potter Returns to Cinema De Lux

Hits: 0

WPCNR COMING ATTRACTIONS. From National Amusements. May 27, 2004: The City Center 15 Cinema de Lux in downtown White Plains is now taking reservations for the new Harry Potter flick which premiers next Friday, June 4. This weekend a quartet of new pix open up, including Raising Helen, Soul Plane, The Day After Tomorrow, and Baby Pictures. The Capsule Reviews. (Note an ** indicates the motion picture is playing in the upscale and slightly-more-expensive Director’s Hall.)


OPENS FRIDAY, MAY 28th

RAISING HELEN — When her sister and brother-in-law die in a car accident, Helen Harris, a young modeling agency assistant, takes on the role as guardian of their surviving three children. As she tries to juggle the responsibilities of her new parenthood with its effect on her lifestyle and her job, she befriends a local pastor, who falls in love with her. Kate Hudson and John Corbett star in this endearing comedy/drama. Rated PG-13

SOUL PLANE — After a humiliating experience on an airplane, an African American man sues the airline and is awarded a huge settlement. Determined to make good with the money, he creates the first all-black airline – complete with sexy stewardesses, funky music and a hot onboard dance club. However, the maiden flight does not go smoothly when a white family is mistakenly re-routed onto the plane. Kevin Hart, Snoop Dogg and Tom Arnold star in this sidesplitting comedy. Rated R

THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW — An abrupt climate change has catastrophic consequences on the entire planet. The citizens of the world scramble for shelter as tornadoes rip through Los Angeles, a massive snowstorm pounds New Delhi and hail the size of grapefruit batters Tokyo. At the center of the crisis is scientist Professor Adrian Hall, who tries to save the world from the effects of global warming while also trying to rescue his son Sam from New York City, which has been overwhelmed by a dramatic drop in temperature. Dennis Quaid and Jake Gyllenhaal star in this thrilling sci-fi drama. Rated PG-13

BABY PICTURES At CITY CENTER 15 Cinema de Lux The May 27th feature is “SHREK 2”, rated PG.


Thursday, May 27, 2004  
Troy **(R) –12:00;3:30;6:55 pm. ;
New York Minute (PG) –1:55;4:10 pm. ;
Shrek 2 (PG) –12:00;12:30;1:45;2:15;2:45;3:15;4:00;4:30;5:00;5:30;6:45;7:30;8:30;9:00;9:45;10:15;10:45 pm. ;
Troy (R) –12:25;1:00;1:50;3:55;4:30;5:25;6:25;7:25;8:00;9:05;9:55;10:30 pm. ;
Man on Fire (R) –12:10;3:20;6:35;9:45 pm. ;
13 Going on 30 (PG-13) –1:00;7:45 pm. ;
Mean Girls (PG-13) –1:40;4:20;7:35;10:05 pm. ;
Van Helsing (PG-13) –12:30;1:10;3:35;4:05;6:40;7:20;9:35;10:15 pm. ;
Breakin’ All the Rules (PG-13) –1:35;3:45;6:00;8:10;10:20 pm. ;
Shrek 2 **(PG) –12:15;2:30;4:45;7:00;9:15 pm. ;

Friday, May 28, 2004  
Van Helsing (PG-13) –12:20;3:20;6:20;9:20 pm;12:20 am. ;
Soul Plane (R) –10:35 am;12:50;3:05;5:20;7:40;9:55 pm;12:15 am. ;
Mean Girls (PG-13) –12:15;2:40;5:05;7:30;10:10 pm;12:30 am. ;
Raising Helen (PG-13) –10:30 am;1:15;4:10;7:05;10:00 pm;12:35 am. ;
Troy (R) –12:00;1:00;3:30;4:35;7:00;8:05;9:00;10:30;11:40 pm;12:25 am. ;
Shrek 2 (PG) –10:40;11:15;11:45 am;12:30;12:55;1:30;2:00;2:45;3:10;3:50;4:15;5:00;5:25;6:00;6:30;7:15;7:45;8:15;9:35;10:05;10:35;11:55 pm;12:20 am. ;
Raising Helen **(PG-13) –12:45;3:40;6:35;9:30 pm;12:15 am. ;
The Day After Tomorrow (PG-13) –10:45;11:10 am;1:05;1:35;2:05;3:55;4:25;4:55;6:55;7:25;7:55;9:50;10:25;10:45 pm;12:30 am. ;
Shrek 2 **(PG) –12:00;2:15;4:30;6:45;9:05;11:25 pm. ;

Saturday, May 29, 2004  
The Day After Tomorrow (PG-13) –10:45;11:10 am;1:05;1:35;2:05;3:55;4:25;4:55;6:55;7:25;7:55;9:50;10:25;10:45 pm;12:30 am. ;
Raising Helen **(PG-13) –12:45;3:40;6:35;9:30 pm;12:15 am. ;
Shrek 2 (PG) –10:40;11:15;11:45 am;12:00;12:30;12:55;1:30;2:00;2:45;3:10;3:50;4:15;5:00;5:25;6:00;6:30;7:15;7:45;8:15;9:35;10:05;10:35;11:55 pm;12:20 am. ;
Troy (R) –12:00;1:00;3:30;4:35;7:00;8:05;9:00;10:30;11:40 pm;12:25 am. ;
Raising Helen (PG-13) –10:30 am;1:15;4:10;7:05;10:00 pm;12:35 am. ;
Mean Girls (PG-13) –12:15;2:40;5:05;7:30;10:10 pm;

Whole Foods Market to Debut June 3.

Hits: 0

WPCNR Eastsider. May 27, 2004: Whole Foods Market has announced a grand opening for June 3, to unveil their new upscale “supermarket” in the Fortunoff complex at the corner of Maple and Old Bloomingdale Road, according to Mara Engel, spokesperson for the Whole Foods Market. Mayor Joseph Delfino and city fathers will be on hand for a “bread-breaking” from 8 to 10 A.M., with the market opening to the public at 10 A.M. one week from today.

Posted in Uncategorized