1973 Gas Crisis Revisited — Feiner Moves to Break Gas Jam at Hess Station

Hits: 0


WPCNR PAUL FEINER REPORT. By Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner. May 17, 2004:  A gas station on Central Ave that is selling gas at prices below competitors is creating major traffic jams at all hours of the day and evening –creating a public safety problem for the town. As a result, the town will be considering some legislative actions to address this problem.


In recent weeks cars have been waiting in both direction on Mt Joy to turn into the Hess Station at the corner of Central Ave. There is a backup. Residents who live on Westminster have had to wait several minutes. It’s dangerous…it’s frustrating. Cars are also doing u turns on Mt Joy, which has bad sight lines with drivers coming down the hill at fast speeds.  Last night I was returning home close to midnight. Cars were lined up waiting to pump gas even at that late hour.

I have spoken to the Police Chief. We will be recommending, at the next Town Board meeting (May 26) that the Town prohibit left turns into the station westbound into Mt. Joy Ave. In addition, police are periodically visiting the site and moving cars or issuing tickets. In addition, we’re exploring other options.

Posted in Uncategorized

Westchesta Dems Hold Fund-Raiser for Kerry May 23

Hits: 0

WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2004. From Ellen Brief, Lewisboro Democratic Club. May 17, 2004: The Northern Westchester Democratic Clubs of Lewisboro, North Castle, Somers, Bedford, Pound Ridge and North Salem have joined forces to raise funds for Senator John Kerry.

On Sunday, May 23rd, from 2-4 p.m. refreshments will be served and the North Country Bluegrass Band will perform live at the “Spring Fling for John Kerry.” This festive event will be held at the home of Naomi and Gene Matusow in Bedford, NY.



We wanted to do something to help make a difference in the outcome of the Presidential election,” commented Ellen Brief, President of the Lewisboro Democratic Club. “I can barely watch the news these days, the war report is so gruesome. The loss of prestige and respect for our country, how poorly we are perceived by other nations, saddens me. The news on the domestic front is not much better. There has been some job growth, but not nearly enough; and the little growth there is, is not at the same salary level Americans are used to.”

“Although contributions of any amount are welcome, a contribution of $250 will reserve your place at the Spring Fling for John Kerry,” stated Gene Matusow, NY State Democratic Committee member and host of the event.  “I am very excited about the participation of so many local democratic clubs. By organizing this event, we are creating an even stronger Northern Westchester democratic presence. We appreciate the support of our neighbors who want to make a difference. Their support is very much appreciated and will go along way to restoring our faith in our nation.”

Information about the event can be found by clicking on the Kerry icon on the Web site: www.Westchester-Democrats.org. A donation form can be downloaded and travel directions printed or e-mail info@westchester-democrats.org for details.

Posted in Uncategorized

Trouble at The Fountain: Reader Suggests More Supervision at Renaissance Plaza

Hits: 0

WPCNR White Plains Voice. By J. Matero. May 16, 2004: A White Plains citizen who visits the Renaissance Plaza Fountain writes  CitizeNetReporter about what they perceive as an unsafe situation at the city’s meeting and greeting place at Mamaroneck and Main. They claim children are playing in the fountain, citizens are having water fights, and just unsafe shenanigans are being permitted. Here is their report:



RENAISSANCE PLAZA, 8 A.M. From Starbucks Photo by WPCNR News.



What has happened to our beautiful new fountain?  I was skeptical when I first learned of plans to create a fountain that “danced to music” near City Center last year. Honestly, I felt it was a “Gimmick”.  However, when it finally opened, it became clear that it would soon become one of my favorite places to visit when I venture downtown.  I really love the idea of sitting there, listening to music and watching the water dance.


HOWEVER… things have changed.  First of all… no matter when I an in the new plaza… any day… any time…. the fountains are surrounded by unattended children who climb up the sides, splash water and run on the ledges surrounding each body of water.  In fact, it has become impossible to walk from Starbucks to City Center without being spashed by people throwing water around like they are at a Fun Park.


I went down there Sunday night with a friend and watched as two ADULTS had a water fight… they were at opposing fountains splashing water at each other… then finally drenching both me and my guest.  We yelled at the two responsible but they did not understand English and just laughed at us. We looked at each other and then at the fountains and it looked like the site of an open fire hydrant in the city. Plain and simple.

I have been at the fountain now 3 weekends in a row and EVERY TIME there are unattended children leaning into the fountains prying the stones (which are glued in) off the bottom… and as was the case this morning… THROWING THEM back into the fountain or at eachother.  Last weekend I watched as kids pulled submerged stones up and tossed them into the fountain nozzels causing water to shoot sideways onto the plaza drenching people.  Just walk around every body of water there and you”ll see most stones missing from the fountains and it looks terrible.

Meanwhile, while all of this is going on, I watched as three “Park Rangers” (at least that is what they look like…) either ignored it, hung out in Starbucks or talked on cell phones.

Finally, I do not know who maintains the fountains but there are a number of nozzels… more each week… that are either shooting at an angle, firing with a weak stream or just not firing at all….. and the music at times cannot be heard as the sound goes up and down.

Personally, I think they should erect a simple foot-high fence on the outter fountain walls to keep hands out of there.  If for nothing else, I defy anyone to hang out there on the weekend and not see kids running along the WET walls… somebody is going to fall and break their neck.

I think the fountains are beautiful but something has to be done about the kids (and in some cases ADULTS) splashing, people runing along the walls of the fountain  base and finally making sure the device is working correctly. This should be a place where people can come and enjoy the fountains… not a place where all you hear are people grumbling under their breath about how they do not want to get close for fear of being splashed or slipping on the ground made wet by hands being where they should not be. What can we do about this?

J Matero

Posted in Uncategorized

W.A.V.E. Endorses Tratoros, Tompkins for School Board

Hits: 0

WPCNR WHITE PLAINS VOICE. May 16, 2004: Steve Rabinowitz, Convenor of  White Plains Alliance for Vision in Education, has released a position paper on the School Board Election and Budget Vote coming up Tuesday, citywide. The three candidates contending for the three seats on the School Board  are Stephen Taft, Michelle Tratoros (incumbent), and Rick Tompkins. The community is being asked to approve a $143.9 Million budget for the 2004-05 School Year. Here is the text of the Rabinowitz letter:



THREE FOR THE BOARD OF EDUCATION: Shown at the League of Women Voters Candidates Forum, May 4, are, L to R, Rick Tompkins, Stephen Taft, Michelle Tratoros. WPCNR did not report on the Forum due to a lack of substance in the proceedings. The two new candidates, Mr. Tompkins and Mr. Taft demonstrated a naivete and lack of knowledge of the City School District painful to hear without offering any specific new ideas or initiatives, except for Mr. Taft’s willingness to be oppositional and a voice of reform, while Ms. Tratoros supported spending at the current school district pace to maintain the quality of the instruction to remain competitive with other School Districts. Photo by WPCNR News.


Dear Friend and Neighbor:

We would like to take a moment to share some thoughts with you on the upcoming election for the White Plains Board of Education.  Like you, we are currently or have been active in various parts of the educational system here–PTA, School-Based Council, Budget Committee, and so on–because we are all first and foremost concerned with the education of our own children and the well-being of all the children of White Plains.  Like you, we understand that the success of our community and the success of our schools go hand in hand.

To that end, along with others in our community in 2002 we formed a group called WAVE–the White Plains Alliance for Vision in Education–to promote the democratic process in our school district with regard to the Board of Education.  Further, we seek to encourage active participation by parents and community members in making decisions that affect the educational system.    

This year there are 3 candidates running for two positions on the Board of Education.   After looking carefully at the qualifications, experience and public statements of all 3 we believe strong that that Richard Tompkins and Michelle Trataros are the most qualified of the three candidates for two positions in this year’s Board of Education election.    It is our opinion that Michelle and Rick clearly have the type of experience and credentials needed to serve successfully on the Board.  

Rick Tompkins is a lifetime White Plains resident with 2 children in the White Plains schools and who has worked for some years as a realtor in the community.  Rick has served on the district¹s Annual Budget Committee for 2 years.    Michelle Trataros has served on the Board for 4 years, has 2 children in the district and works with a wide variety of community groups and organizations.  While we have sometimes disagreed with Michelle, there is no question as to her commitment to the work of the Board during her years of service.

We are very concerned about the candidacy of Stephen Taft, the third person running for the school board.   Mr. Taft has made some strongly negative statements about the Board and the Superintendent both on public websites and in various discussions he has had with residents.    As such we have no confidence that he will be able to work in a cooperative and constructive way with the Board or the district administration in the future to further the interests of our children.   

We urge anyone who did not attend the Candidates Forum  to watch it when it shows on Channel 77 (May 14-17, at noon, 7:30 and 10 p.m.). Listen to the candidates closing statements and make up your own mind as to which candidates will be able to work cooperatively for the good of the children.


Also, we urge you to vote yes on this year¹s budget, in order to maintain the important work that the district is doing for our children, and to implement the historic initiative of bringing full-day kindergarten to all the incoming students to our schools.    We need to show our continued support for the dedicated work of the district staff on all levels.

Most of all, we urge you to come out and vote, and to encourage your own friends and neighbors to do the same.  Do it for our children and the future of our schools.


Posted in Uncategorized

Sheehan Clears Air on Parking Authority Rebellion.

Hits: 0

WPCNR WHITE PLAINS VOICE. May 14, 2004: This week the Parking Authority Board Vice Chair called an emergency meeting of the Board on six hours notice. They voted to authorize Carolyn Abramowitz to hire legal counsel to advice the Board on the legal ramifications of the Parking Authority being dissolved and folded into the city budget. Timothy Sheehan, Chairman of the Parking Authority board analyzes the matter:

John,


 


Your article on the “emergency” Parking Authority meeting, while accurate in some respects, wandered astray in others.  For anyone to characterize the non-attendance of three Board members to a meeting called ON SIX HOURS NOTICE where it was agreed by a majority of the members not to meet as a “boycott” is inaccurate.  From the full story, however, you can certainly draw your own conclusions as to what occurred.


 


Over this past weekend I was advised by the Board’s Vice Chairperson that she wanted to call a special meeting for Wednesday (5/12) to discuss the draft report (which advocated a City takeover of parking operations) and potentially to hire outside counsel. I informed her that I was busy on Wednesday with family obligations and in any event, I thought a meeting was premature, since the City had not formally requested that our Board do anything.  More importantly, we had a regularly scheduled meeting already set up for the following Monday (5/17) at which we planned to discuss the City’s requests – which were supposed to be delivered to us in the interim.  I maintained that here was no point in meeting to discuss that which we did not have, that it was unprofessional and insulting to second guess Corporation counsel’s legal reasoning before even seeing it and that calling such a meeting could negatively effect morale of the PA employees.  For these reasons, I asked the Vice chairperson not to have this extra meeting.


 


Nonetheless, on Monday (5/10) I advised the City’s Executive officer, George Gretsas, that some members were antsy and wanted to meet on Wednesday.  George indicated that the administration staff would not have any materials ready for us by then. I told George that Frank Cantatore, Carl Perri and I had personal commitments that made Wednesday a bad day to meet and we also agreed that there was no reason to meet before our regularly scheduled meeting.  George then proceeded to call the remaining 4 members to request, on behalf of the Mayor, that they not meet on Wednesday and that they wait for materials to be prepared and distributed to the Board and for City officials to meet with them on Monday night, 5/17.  The result of these calls as reported to me was that one additional member agreed that the Wednesday special meeting should be held off and that the board would wait until Monday to meet. Thus, as of Tuesday (5/11) I was advised that there were not enough members to constitute a quorum and as far as I was concerned, the special meeting was not happening.


 


However, to ensure that City Hall was advised as to what specifically we needed in order to intelligently discuss the issue at our regularly scheduled Monday meeting, I prepared a letter which was hand delivered on Wednesday morning (5/12) to the Mayor and the PA Board members (at their homes) outlining what was needed.  This letter would not have been written or delivered if I thought that a special meeting would occur in the interim.  Two hours later (11:30 am) I received a call from the PA office that the Vice Chairperson was calling an emergency meeting (which can be done by phone on 6 hours notice) for 6:30 p.m. that night. As I had a track meet, two soccer practices and a concert to attend from 4-8 p.m. that night involving my 3 children, I called the PA back and reminded them that I couldn’t make the meeting. However, I asked the Executive Director of the PA to advise me during the day if enough members called to advise of their intended attendance.  Because of a late afternoon thundershower, certain outdoor events were cancelled and I did have a moment to drop by the PA office (still no clear tally known on whether a quorum would show) around 5:15 p.m. and help the Executive Director prepare the agenda in the event that a quorum appeared.   I next communicated with a Mayoral aide at 6:42 p.m., who advised that a quorum appeared – including an individual who apparently changed their previously promised position that they would wait until Monday to meet – and that within 10 minutes, the meeting was over and a law firm (possibly mine) had been “hired”.  Nonetheless, I kept my family commitment and attended my son’s concert, rather than charge in after the fact and confront a group of people that had already acted, in my estimation, in a most unprofessional manner.


 


Your assertion that I could have stopped a possibly illegal, probably improper and certainly disrespectful action of the PA Board by attending this meeting ignores the reality that four members were intent on pursuing this course of action.  Had I stopped their actions on Wednesday because of a notice defect, these same four members could have called another meeting for the very next day and done the deed.  Amazingly, you have failed to report on the central unanswered question of this debacle: why did the board need to meet on Wednesday, why didn’t they check out the propriety of their actions with Corp counsel before acting, why could they not wait to read what the City was asking us to consider and the documentation (including a Corp counsel opinion) that would accompany it? Why could they not wait for the full complement of Board members (we never hold meetings without ensuring that everyone can make it) who would be at the regular meeting on 5/17 to discuss their ill-advised plans?


 


You article also sidesteps the next crucial question — is this decision legal, ethical or proper? – by jumping to discussions about “Chinese walls” and/or one of my firms other clients (such as the NYPH).  These arguments are off the mark and put the (not one but two) carts before the horse. Before thinking about walls and conflicts of voting members, you must first ask if it is permissible for a government agency to enter into a contract with the employer of one it it’s members.  For instance one of our members is a contractor/developer – would it be right to ask that his firm construct a PA garage?  Another works in a men’s clothing department for a local retail establishment – would it be right to award a contract to make all PA uniforms from that company? . In the case of a Common Council member, the City charter absolutely forbids that practice.  If my firm had a contract to do work with the City I could not be a Councilman, or if I was a Councilman the City could not hire my law firm.  I believe that the PA Board — performing municipal functions– should be no different. It is improper for the Board to hire the firm or business of any of our Board members. Indeed, Corp Counsel seems to think that this action violates the charter (and his prerogative to approve all hiring of outside counsel) or Ethics law — why didn’t these people check with him before doing this? At any rate, whether this action ultimately violates such statutes or not, it still fails the SMELL test.  Why would anyone not see how bad this looks?


 


You cannot excuse this probable legal/ethical/smell violation by talking about “Chinese walls,” which is a device used by a law firm that can legally take client “A’s” business but such retainer could violate that firms ethical responsibilities to client “B”. The answer — if Clients “A” and “B” are notified and agree — can be the construction of an information “wall” to prevent compromise. However, if the assignment cannot be legally made in the first place, as is the case here, you never reach the question of whether a “wall” can be constructed. Here, the assignment from the PA is either illegal, unethical or fails the smell test so the Board should not have voted to send it to the law firm of which I am a member.


 


Your reference to one of my firm’s other clients is similarly off the mark. That situation involves an assessment by a Council or Board member of an upcoming vote that he may not ethically be capable of casting — including for reasons such as a connection to a client or entity that is about to appear before the Board. That board member — IF HE/SHE WANTS TO VOTE — may contact the ethics board for an opinion as to whether disclosure alone of the conflict (if minimal) or disclosure and recusal from voting (if serious) is in order. It has nothing to do with “Chinese Walls”, nothing to do with any of my firm’s other clients, and nothing to do with the PA Board’s ill advised retention SINCE I WAS NOT PRESENT FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING AND EVEN IF I WAS PRESENT, I WOULD HAVE ABSTAINED FROM VOTING on this retention.


 


Instead, you should have focused on the attendees of the meeting and ascertained their motivations and their long term game plan (and likely effects) from this disrespectful and ill smelling, if not illegal action. Why did these people “jump the gun” and act before they saw an official request (and the legal rationale for same) from the City and without checking with Corp Counsel about the propriety of their actions?  Ask if an unspoken agenda is at work:  are appointed — not elected — officials seeking to undo the will of elected officials? And try not to shoot the members who have attempted to act professionally and calmly, as opposed to others who have acted impulsively, fueled a sense of panic and have caused a perception – intended or not – that our mission and the welfare of employees are to be treated like toys in a political sandbox.


 


Tim Sheehan

Posted in Uncategorized

Posh Upscale Retail Planned for Lobby of Trump Tower at City Center: Cappelli

Hits: 0

WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. By John F. Bailey. May 14, 2004: An ebullient Louis Cappelli with irrepressible excitement in his voice,  took time out from a meeting moments ago to talk about the new Trump Tower at City Center partnership with his friend Donald Trump. Mr. Cappelli said the first floor of White Plains Trump Tower will be given over to upscale retail establishments to bring White Plains to a new level for the discriminating consumer. Mr. Cappelli said actual names of potential upscale retailers had not been considered yet.



DRIVEN SUPER DEVELOPER: Louis Cappelli, left, shown last month with his attorney Mark Weingarten. Photo From WPCNR News Archive.


Mr. Cappelli said Mr. Trump and he had not yet discussed further collaboration in White Plains perhaps at the Cappelli Hotel and Condominiums on the brink of approval by the Common Council. Cappelli said, “Not yet.”


Asked if design for the Trump Tower was now complete, he said he and Mr. Trump were satisfied with it, that it was “done.”


WPCNR asked Mr. Cappelli what affect Mr. Trump’s name would have on the rest of downtown real estate adjacent the City Center, would it double? Mr. Cappelli said “That’s what Donald says.”


Mr. Cappelli said the CitizeNetReporter had been on the mark in January when WPCNR had speculated the two developers had been considering how Mr. Trump might participate in Mr. Cappelli’s projects. “We’ve been talking about it for some time,” Cappelli said, and no one event triggered the deal.


Asked if any floors of the City Center might feature retail of a different market appeal, Mr. Cappelli said the City Center was completely leased and all the leases were twenty-year leases.


WPCNR asked if Mr. Trump might participate in the reported less than successful White Plains Performing Arts Center, which is seeking funding for its programming for  the fall, (a fall schedule for the theatre has not been released),  Mr. Cappelli said he had not discussed that with Mr. Trump. Mr. Cappelli said he, Mr. Cappelli, and Tom Hales, Chairman of Union States Bank, were forming a Finance Committee to arrange a way of bringing more solid financial endowment to the White Plains Performing Arts Center.



TRUMP TOWER AT CITY CENTER. Photo From Cappelli Enterprises.

Posted in Uncategorized

White Plains Welcomes Donald Trump. Super Developer’s Pal Deals Himself In.

Hits: 0

WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. Special From Cappelli Enterprises. (Edited)  May 14, 2004: In a news release this afternoon, Cappelli Enterprises announced Donald Trump was joining Louis Cappelli in a joint venture by becoming a partner in the “luxury condominium tower” now to be known as Trump Tower at City Center.



GIVE ME A T: Donald J. Trump, described as the best know residential developer in the country has purchased a stake in the City Center South Tower, show rising last Friday, below the giant construction crane at left. The yellow walled structure below One City Place (the North Tower) is the New York Sports Club exterior atop the City Center garage. Photo by WPCNR News


 


Mr. Trump’s involvement in the project includes the development, sales and management of the building when it is completed.  The financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed.


 


The 35-story tower will feature 212 luxury condominium residences and will be ready for summer 2005 occupancy.  Construction on the tower, that has been redesigned by Manhattan architect Costas Kondylis, the designer of many of Mr. Trump’s residential towers in Manhattan, has now reached the 16th floor. 





“This is a very exciting moment, not only for City Center, but for White Plains and Westchester County,” Mr. Cappelli said.  “Donald J. Trump is without question the best known name in ultra-luxury residential real estate today.  The Trump Organization signifies a style of living that is of the highest quality, offering an unparalleled level of sophistication and services.  To have the Trump name directly associated with City Center immeasurably enhances the entire project, and is a huge asset.  Not only is Donald J. Trump the most prominent residential developer in Manhattan, he is in other prestige areas such as Palm Beach, as well.  He also has the highest rated program on television with “The Apprentice.”


 



 


Commenting on his new roll at City Center, Mr. Trump observed, “The location and architecture of Trump Tower at City Center is top of the line.  Working with Louis Cappelli, a friend of mine for many years, is a great honor.  Lou and I understand quality – and that is what we are bringing to Trump Tower at City Center,” he said.  Photo by Photorazzi.


 


Mr. Trump added that he is optimistic about the new building’s impact on the market.  Trump Tower at City Center will not only attract the highest level of Westchester purchasers, but will also attract purchasers looking for an alternative to living in Manhattan.”


 


While City Center will mark Mr. Trump’s first entry into Westchester’s emerging high-rise luxury residential market, he already is an established player in the county’s luxury housing market with The Residences at Trump National Golf Club in Briarcliff Manor.  This project includes golf villas starting at $2 million and Grand Condominium residences starting at $1 million and going all the way up to $10 million — all set on his new Trump National Golf Course.


 


 “Trump National in Briarcliff has been a tremendous success,” Mr. Trump said.  “We created a world-class golf course and The Residences have set a new standard for luxury golf course living in Westchester.  With Trump Tower at City Center we see the opportunity to repeat our past successes with this exciting new high-rise venture in a truly dynamic city.  I would not be surprised if many of our purchasers at Trump Tower join Trump National.”


 


He noted that the City of White Plains has made enormous strides over the last two years, and is now seen as a model for small city revitalization nationwide.  “This is a community that has rapidly established itself as a leader in creating an ideal downtown for working, living and entertainment.  I look forward to having Trump Tower at City Center become an integral part of the ongoing renaissance.”       


 


For Mr. Cappelli, the partnership with the Trump Organization comes on the heels of his April announcement that JP Morgan Fleming, a subsidiary of financial giant JP Morgan Chase, has invested $105 million in One City Place, the 35-story luxury rental apartment tower at City Center.  One City Place includes 311 apartments that are now being occupied as the finishing touches are completed on the upper floors of the tower.


 


“To now have Donald J. Trump demonstrate an interest in the City of White Plains soon after JP Morgan came on board, makes an incredibly dramatic statement about White Plains,” Mr. Cappelli said.


 


He added that the foresight and leadership of Mayor Joseph Delfino and the City’s Common Council have made it possible for White Plains to emerge from a development cocoon that had shrouded it for more than 10 years.  “The elected leadership of White Plains knew it was time for the City to move out of the doldrums, and the prompt approval of City Center, it is safe to say, has served as the catalyst for redevelopment throughout the downtown.


 


Commenting on the new partnership, White Plains Mayor Joseph Delfino noted, “The Cappelli name is a proven entity in Westchester County, and the Trump name is a proven entity in world-class residential development.  This is an ideal combination of talent, knowledge, ability and reputation that will serve our City well.”


 


Cappelli and Trump have put together a team with extensive experience and proven track record in the construction and marketing of luxury high-rise residences. 


 


The Marketing Directors, Inc. has been named exclusive marketing and sales agent for Trump Tower at City Center.  According to Adrienne Albert, President of The Marketing Directors, “Having worked with Donald J. Trump at Trump Place in Manhattan, and Louis Cappelli at City Center, we are delighted to be part of this collaboration.”


 


HRH Construction of New York City will serve as construction manager for the 35-story tower and will be responsible for complete construction oversight.  HRH has a long-standing relationship with both Cappelli and Trump in providing construction management services on a number of their individual projects. 


 


In addition to the two luxury residential towers, City Center includes an intimate Loft condominium with 29 homes and 450,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and entertainment space that is nearly fully leased.  Among the prominent tenants are Target, Circuit City, Filene’s Basement, Barnes & Noble, Office Max, a 15-screen National Amusements multiplex, New York Sports Clubs, Legal Seafoods, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar and The Atlanta Bread Company.  Additionally, it includes the 450-seat White Plains Performing Arts Center.


 


City Center provides the ideal combination of luxury residential living with retail, restaurant and entertainment components that create a dynamic environment for residents and visitors alike,” Mr. Cappelli said.  “Combined with the new Renaissance Square development and the many other new additions to White Plains such as Fortunoff, the Mills Company’s acquisition of The Galleria mall and the many new residential buildings, such as Bank Street Commons, Clayton Park, and JPI, all of the ingredients are in place to keep White Plains a genuine prestige address for many years to come.  Trump Tower at City Center certainly will add to the excitement.” 

Posted in Uncategorized

Adam In Albany: STAR Deadlines Set

Hits: 0

WPCNR’S ADAM IN ALBANY. By WPCNR 89th District Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley. May 14, 2004: The enhanced School Tax Relief (STAR) program helps seniors afford to stay in their homes by reducing the amount they pay for school taxes. Enhanced STAR saves eligible Westchester senior homeowners, 65 and over, an average of $2,640 per year. Other eligible homeowners can save $1,680 per year with basic STAR benefits.


 


 



 Last year, the Legislature blocked the governor’s attempt to freeze STAR benefits and raised income eligibility limits to $63,750 – so do not miss out on STAR savings if you qualify. In many local communities, the deadline to apply to take advantage of the savings is June 1st – unless last year you signed up for the Income Verification program. By entering the Income Verification program, you will not have to reapply every year. The state will automatically and confidentially confirm your eligibility. If you don’t qualify for enhanced benefits and have already applied for basic STAR, you don’t need to reapply.


 


The following towns have the June 1 deadline. For more information, I encourage you to contact your local assessor:


 


Bedford – 666-5149


Harrison – 835-2000


Lewisboro – 763-3034


New Castle – 238-4722


North Castle – 273-3324


Pound Ridge – 764-5511


Mount Kisco – 241-0500


 


I am continuing my efforts to improve the STAR program. Legislation I sponsored would make more seniors eligible for enhanced STAR benefits by treating pension and retirement income the same way I.R.A. income is treated and eliminating them from the income level requirements (A.9530). Another bill would allow seniors to substitute more recent income tax returns if it helps them meet enhanced STAR requirements (A.7873).


 


To provide additional property tax relief, I’ve also sponsored legislation for the state to assume a larger portion of Medicaid costs, providing critical property tax relief for Westchester County taxpayers (A.4240 and A.9924). These proposals would relieve the Medicaid burden on local governments. My legislation would cap the county Medicaid costs at 2003 levels. In Westchester alone, the projected savings next year would be nearly $50 million.


 


Seniors should be able to keep their homes and continue contributing to the well-being of our communities. I’m committed to helping seniors maintain their independence and enjoy their retirement, and will continue working to provide all Westchester residents with much-needed tax relief.

Posted in Uncategorized

Donald Trump To Partner with Louis Cappelli on South Tower

Hits: 0

WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. By John F. Bailey. May 14, 2004: WPCNR has learned from informed sources that Donald Trump, longtime friend of Louis Cappelli, the Super Developer, will be partnering with Mr. Cappelli in what is described as a joint venture in the City Center South Tower Condominium at City Place. 



TRUMP TO INVEST IN WHITE PLAINS: Donald Trump will be partnering with Super Developer Louis Cappelli to develop Trump Tower at City Center, anonymous sources have disclosed to WPCNR.  The excitement of WPCNR’s informant was palpable as our informant noted that Mr. Trump is going to bring the cache and reputation of the Trump mystique that will add considerable attractiveness to the South Tower complex. Photo by Photorazzi


The agreement is expected to be signed today.  The tower will be named Trump Tower at City Center and prices for the luxury apartments will be going up substantially, according to our information coming from persons aware of the situation. 


Mr. Trump toured the City Center site in January as a guest of Mr. Cappelli, and it has long been speculated that Mr. Trump was interested in becoming a part of the White Plains boom. It is WPCNR’s information that Mr. Trump and Mr. Cappelli will be building the tower together.

Posted in Uncategorized

Gretsas On The Gold Coast Day 4: Calls Experience “Unbelievable.” Talks Shop.

Hits: 0

WPCNR City Hall Circuit. By John F. Bailey. May 13, 2004: George Gretsas, White Plains Executive Officer  speaking to WPCNR from his hotel before retiring Thursday evening said he had completed his first round of interviews with Fort Lauderdale City Commissioners, Christine Teel and Carlton B. Moore, and would interview with Mayor James Naugel, City Commissioner Dean Trantalis, and City Commissioner Cindi Hutchinson Friday. He said he would return to White Plains Saturday for the wedding of Kathleen Gunn, Executive Director of the White Plains BID. He spoke to WPCNR after returning to his hotel from a Meet and Greet Reception at the Riverhouse Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale.


 



GREETING FORT LAUDERDALE: White Plains Executive Officer, George Gretsas is introduced to an overflow crowd on the veranda of the Riverhouse Restaurant on the New River in Fort Lauderdale Thursday evening. WPCNR’s Correspondent on the scene said city officials did not want the four job candidates talking to reporters, no news conference was held, and each was introduced individually 30 minutes into the gala reception for over 200 guests. The WPCNR man said there was no grand entrance. The candidates simply emerged quietly from within the restaurant through the columned portico out to the terrace.  WPCNR News Photo by Joe Amon, Photojournalist.


 


Mr. Gretsas said he lunched riverside at a restaurant on New River with fellow contenders,  Thomas Hoover of Wooster, Massachussetts and Michael West of Johnson City, Tennessee, in between interviews with the two City Commissioners and said he found the whole day an ”unbelievable, absolutely fascinating” experience.


 


He spoke highly of the other three City Managers being considered with him, saying Hoover, West and George Kolb, were formidable rivals with “a lot of knowledge,” a wealth of experience, who have had a number of job offers.  He described them as three of the top City Managers in the country, and felt this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience meeting with men of their stature. He likened the atmosphere developing between he and the three men as bonding like a team on “Survivor” or “The Apprentice,” —  rivals but with a sense of comradery.


 



RIVERHOUSE RECEPTION: George Gretsas makes a point with Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Bruce Roberts, right, while City Commissioner Cindi Hutchinson (center) listens. Mr. Gretsas displayed his usual low key, in-the-background style according to WPCNR’s reporter, not working the terrace at all, standing in one spot and not moving 10 feet the entire 2-1/2 hours. He waited for guests to come to him. In contrast, WPCNR’s observer said,  the three other candidates, Thomas Hoover, Michael West and George Kolb circled the terrace extensively, engaging many in conversation. the WPCNR correpsondent said West (formerly of the Fort Lauderdale budget department) was particularly congenial, smiling, and at ease with the crowd. Our reporter said  he  saw Hoover make three complete circuits of the room. WPCNR News Photo by Joe Almon, Photojournalist.


 


Gretsas said his lunch with Hoover and West  at Dan Marino’s restaurant (where he dined on chicken with lemon-garlic sauce) was a congenial and productive time, “an extensive discussion” talking shop, discussing budgets, issues and experiences the three faced in their cities. Asked if they shared any experiences and feelings about the media, Mr. Gretsas laughed delightedly and declined to elaborate.


 


Asked if he was bringing any ideas back with him from his fellow candidates, Gretsas said he was coming back to White Plains with some ideas, but mainly with a once-in-a-lifetime experience, meeting and associating with these men.


 


 



GRETSAS DEMONSTRATED CONSUMMATE PROFESSIONALISM listening to comments Thursday night on the Riverhouse veranda. WPCNR News Photo by Joe Amon, Photojournalist


 


Gretsas said after he completes his interviews Friday, he would attend an awards dinner at the public library in Fort Lauderdale as a guest of the city, and would fly back Saturday morning to the New York area to attend Ms. Gunn’s nuptials.


 


 


WPCNR’s reporter at the Riverhouse reception where Fort Lauderdale’s Final Four were introduced, described it as a Who’s Who of Fort Lauderdale: “everybody who was anybody in Fort Lauderdale was there. All the city commissioners, the head of the Chamber of Commerce.” He said the “Meet and Greet” had a buffet of hot hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and a lot of brie and fruit, and he also noted greek pastries filled with spinach.


 



GRETSAS GREETS, MEETS, MINGLES in the balmy Gold Coast twilight on the New River. WPCNR News Photo by Joe Amon, Photojournalist


 



MAKING POINTS: Mr. Gretsas was described by our reporter as a good listener, quietly referring to his White Plains experience and how it might apply in Fort Lauderdale when guests came up to ask specific questions.


WPCNR News Photo by Joe Amon, Photojournalist.


 


 


 


In a follow-up to yesterday’s talk with Mr. Gretsas, WPCNR asked if he toured the area with a real estate agent, Gretsas said that he had toured Fort Lauderdale alone. He also assured WPCNR that he had done no other work in Florida where some client would have recommended him for the position.


 

Posted in Uncategorized