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.

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WPCNR THE ZONING NEWS. By John F. Bailey. January 6, 2004: During the Public Hearing on the Bobker Group proposal to build two 10-story condominiums in the RM 0.35 Zone on Hale Avenue at Maple Avenue, Councilwoman Rita Malmud closely queried Bobker spokesman, Bill Null, on exactly what the zoning ordinance states regarding height and number of stories on that site. WPCNR examined the Book of White Plains Zoning Codes for the area and has discovered that the zoning appears to be quite clear.

THE ELUSIVE CITY OF WHITE PLAINS ZONING BIBLE: Available in the Building Department and the Public Library, and in the hands of all six councilmen, the new revised Zoning Ordinance is a prized possession, reportedly, hard to obtain for one’s personal library, according to persons who have spoken to WPCNR. Photo by WPCNR News.

To set the dramatic moment for you, under consideration was consideration of a Special Permit which would allow The Bobker Group to build two 10-story condominiums on the site . When presented in work session, the Common Council appeared to have no particular problems with this. Consequently an ordinance was drawn up and presented for the 10-story projects, possibly for a vote Monday evening.

 

 

ZONING CODE FOR HALE AVE LAID BARE. Photos of Official City of White Plains Zoning Ordinance by WPCNR News.

 

 

Mr. Null in his presentation advanced the position that the zoning ordinance RM 0.35 for the two corners stated that the maximum height was six stories or 125 feet, and he interpreted this to mean that the number of stories could vary upward from six, as of right,  as along as height did not exceed 125 feet.

 

The Bobker Zone: RM-0:35, shown in center of Zoning Map. Street running through center of Map is Maple Avenue. Photo of Official Zoning Map by WPCNR News.

 

Ms. Malmud, (who has been looking at White Plains zoning since 1990), prior to the meeting had consulted the up-to-the-minute zoning book ordinance (last revised in May 2002), which to her mind read quite differently.

 

The Clause “n” interpeting the height and story requirements states the number of stories as 6n, and maximum height as 125 feet. Clause n reads: “The number of “stories” may be increased within the maximum “height” as measured in feet, with a “front yard” of not less than 20 feet, on inssuance of a special permit by the Common Council.”

 

 

 

She rejected Mr. Null’s interpretation of the ordinance to mean that a developer could build up to a height of 125 feet and vary the number of stories from six. Ms. Malmud pointed out that the maximum number of stories according to RM 0.35 Zoning, clause n,  was to be 6 stories up to a maximum height of 125 feet, with a special permit required if more stories were proposed.

 

The Council also sent The Bobker Group back to consult with the neighbors on the issues of how the buildings would present to the neighborhood.

 

The Legal Department declined to comment on Null’s contention, saying it was “under review.”

 

The Maple Avenue Easing

 

WPCNR has gained a clearer understanding of the  zoning change allowing  an easement to The Bobker Group to construct underground parking within the 20 foot setback alongside Maple Avenue.

 

The zoning ordinance passed Monday evening, allows The Bobker Group and developers of the Maple Avenue and DeKalb parcel to tunnel under the 20 foot setback and sidewalk along Maple Avenue, while reserving the city’s right to widen Maple Avenue in the future, perhaps to create a turning lane, according to the WPCNR source.

 

Minerva Maneuverings

 

In another zoning matter involving 7 Minerva Place, and the expanison WPCNR has received clarification that the ordinance passed was to withdraw a previous ordinance amending an ordinance offered at the November meeting creating a “Mini-Storage Use,” and, in its place instead create a new zoning classification, that of “Mini-Storage Use,” which determines a smaller parking ratio for that use, instead of the “industrial” ratio left in effect by the previous classification.

 

On the amendment to the Zoning Map to re-zone 7 Minerva place to Light Industrial, that matter has been kept open while the Commissioner of Planning, Susan Habel, works out a plan relating to combining establishment of affordable housing in that area related to the USA Storage facility expansion proposed. The proposal is a work in process at this time.

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WPCNR MILESTONES. From a WPCNR Correspondent. January 6, 2004: Westchester artist Alton Tobey died Tuesday after a long illness. Tobey was internationally well known for his paintings, and was creator of the “Roots of Westchester” mural at the County Court House in White Plains, as well as a respected teacher and benefactor to many Westchester County non-profit organizations.

Services will be held on Friday, Jan. 7 at 11:30 a.m. at the Zion Memorial Chapel, 785 East Boston Post Road in Mamaroneck, New York.

    Death occurred just a month after a party was held for him at the Sarah Neuman Center in Mamaroneck where he was residing to celebrate his 90th birthday and the launch of a  website about his life showing over 400 of his paintings and his detailed illustrated biography  at www.altontobey.org.



    In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the fund established by the Mamaroneck Artist Guild to nurture and encourage young artists: The Alton S. Tobey Scholarship Fund, c/o Mamaroneck Artist Guild; 2120 Boston Post Road; Larchmont, NY 10538. Make check payable to MAG and notate “Tobey Fund” in the memo section.


    
      Those who wish may leave messages of condolence to the family by email here that will be posted to a special page on his website at a future date.

            Tobey was publicly best known for his murals, which he called “symphonies of painting”. They were the first works for which he achieved national acclaim after graduating and teaching art at Yale University. Today, his murals grace the halls of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC; The MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk, VA., The Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum in New York and dozens of other public buildings throughout the world.


    
           Tobey was a distinguished historian and art educator, and served on numerous non-profit organizations, where he regularly donated his time and talents. He held the office of president in The National Society of Mural Painters, Artist”s Equity of New York and The Mamaroneck Artist”s Guild, and was the recipient of many art awards including the WPA Murals Award, The Edwin Abbey Mural Award, The Lindner Memorial Award; and others from Grumbacher, The Westchester Society and The Westchester Council for The Arts, to name a few.


    
           His dedication to research, science and history spawned a career as an illustrator for LIFE Magazine, 350 paintings for The Golden Books History of the United States, and for paintings in dozens of other books and periodicals. In a May 1976 feature article in American Artist magazine, Tobey”s historical paintings were described as works of “loving accuracy,” and Tobey as an artist of “…insatiable curiosity, diligent investigation, well developed powers of visualization, and consummate craftsmanship.”


    
            Although his historical work recreated thousands of figures from the past; Tobey also did many portraits of his contemporaries. His Brothers United, of John F. and Robert Kennedy; and his Apollo II Astronauts were made into prints and were loved and collected by millions worldwide. On portraits, Tobey said: “In creating a portrait of someone – whether painted, sculpted, drawn or photographed, we must look carefully to catch that particular unique [personal] quality. In fact, we can neglect nothing.” Many of his other works were reproduced in both limited and open editions by Scafa Tournabene, The Franklin Mint, Royal Doulton and other art print and collectibles publishers.


    
            As a Modernist painter, he was a founder of the Curvilinear School of painting based upon the theories of Albert Einstein. He had dozens of one-man exhibitions of his Curvilinears, his Fragments paintings, and his dimensional conceptual works in museums and galleries both locally and internationally. Over 400 of his paintings from every period of the six decades of his work, and a detailed illustrated biography of Tobey are on his website, launched just this past November to celebrate his 90th birthday, at www.altontobey.org.

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WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. From Inspector Daniel Jackson, Department of Public Safety. January 4, 2005: Last night, Mayor Joseph Delfino cited three firefighters and two police officers for their bravery and expertise in saving the life of Phyllis Waterman at the 23 Old Mamaroneck Road fire of December 7. Here is the text of that commendation:

White Plains Best:  Mayor Joseph Delfino recognizing the Fire Department’s Rescue Unit 88-ers and Police Emergency Services Unit officers, last night: Left to Right, Public Safety Commissioner Dr. Frank Straub, Lieutenanct James Manganello, Sal Bririttieri, William Simmons, Police Officers William Nicholson, and Pietro DeVito. Photo by WPCNR News

The Mayor’s Commendation — January 3, 2005

On December 7, 2004, the White Plains Fire and Police Bureaus responded to an apartment fire at 23 Old Mamaroneck Road. When they arrived, there was one apartment completely engulfed in fire. Our emergency personnel went into action immediately.

The firefighters immediately entered the building and began assisting residents and fighting the fire. The newly formed Rescue 88 was assigned to search for trapped or injured victims of the fire.

While crawling through the smoke-filled stairwell, Lt. James Manganello located an unconscious elderly woman on the landing between the fourth and fifth floor. She had been overcome by the smoke and heat.

Lt. Manganello carried the woman down to the fourth floor and handed the woman to Firefighters Sal Birittieri and William Simmons. The two firefighters carried her down to the courtyard while Lt. Manganello continued to search for more victims.

In the Courtyard, Firefighter Birittieri began to administer rescue breathing to the victim, Phyllis Waterman, who had stopped breathing. They were joined by Police Officer William Nicholson, a member of the new Police Emergency Service Unit. Officer  Nicholson is one of 5 trained Emergency Medical Technicians that staff the Police E.S.U. Truck.

The Firefighters and Police Officer were able to get Mrs. Waterman to breathe again on her own. Mrs. Waterman was then taken by ambulance crew to White Plains Hospital for treatment.

While this was happening, on the back side of the building Police Officer Pietro DeVito was helping other residents. When he arrived, he found several people calling for help from a fire escape at the rear of the building. Police Officer DeVito climbed up some trees and the side of the building to get onto the fire escape to help the people to safety. Police Officer DeVito then went to another fire escape where he and several firefighters helped more victims to safety.

It is because of the actions of all of these brave men that Phyllis Waterman and who knows how many others are alive and safe today. Once again, our Fire and Police personnel have made us proud doing a dangerous job.

Mayor Joseph Delfino

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WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. By John F. Bailey. January 4, 2004: The Mayor and Common Council recognized the bravery and proficiency of the three firefighters and two police officers whose expertise and courage saved the life of an elderly woman in the December 7 fire at  the 23 Old Mamaroneck Road apartments,  at last night’s first Common Council meeting.

FIVE FOR THE HALL OF FAME: The 88-ers : Public Safety Commissioner Dr. Frank Straub, far left, and Mayor Joseph Delfino, presented Ceritificates of Excellence to the lifesavers of the 23 Old Mamaroneck Road fire on December 7 last night. Left to right the heroes are: Lieutenant James Manganello, who found an elderly victim overcome by smoke on the fourth and fifth floor, carried her one flight down to Fire Rescue 88 partners, Sal Birittieri, second from left, and William Simmons, third from left who carried her out of the building, down the remaining four flights. The woman was not breathing when carried out and Police Officer William Nicholson, second from right revived her with respiratory aid. Police Officer Pietro DeVito, far right, was commended for climbing trees adjacent to the building to reach a fire escape to aid two victims who were huddled on the fire escape above the fire on the third floor.  Photo by WPCNR News.

 

PRAISES CITY: Lieutenant Manganello of Fire Rescue 88,  taking the microphone shared a letter sent to him by the lady he helped save, which simply said “Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.” He said that was the best gift he could ever receive, and thanked the city for giving the Department of Safety  the equipment to do their job. During the ceremony, the Mayor praised Commissioner of Public Safety, Dr. Frank Straub, for creating the Fire Rescue Unit 88 which has been operational for six months, and involved in two life rescues.  Photo by WPCNR News.

 

 

The city fathers and mother accepted some $630,000 of grants for city agency and programs, agreed to postpone a scheduled public hearing on the Hamilton Condominiums.

 

They urged the Bobker Group, seeking to build two 10 story condominiums on Maple Avenue on opposite corners of Hale Avenue, to hold meetings with the neighbors to discuss ambiences, accesses and appearances of the project. The neighborhood meeting will be held tentatively January 10 at the offices of Cuddy Feder and Worby.

 

The Council also approved a widening of Maple Avenue to three lanes at Hale Avenue to accommodate the two condominiums. It was unclear whether Maple Avenue would be widened to three lanes in both directions, or for what distance.

 

Comprehensive Plan Review Invitation.

Mayor Urges Citizens to Call Him When They Have A Question.

 

In a public hearing on rezoning a block of Minerva Place to light industrial, Robert Myerson, speaking off the subject, urged the Mayor to participate in a public meeting January 13, to discuss a review of the city comprehensive plan, spearheaded by an adhoc committee, the Citizens Plan Committee, which has submitted a 60-page report to frame the discussion. Myerson said “the city should do the planning for the city, not the developers.”

 

Mayor Delfino said that he had wished citizens had contacted him personally before they had prepared the report, saying that he had never been contacted. “No one in the city came to the Mayor (on this matter),” he declared. He said Commissioner of Planning Susan Habel had been working on such a review since last April or May. He noted that the Citizens Plan Committee report he had seen appeared to have a number of errors in it, and wished the committee had contacted him personally, “and we could have helped you with it.”

 

Myerson said that Ms. Habel had told the Citizens Plan Committee she had no time to work on the comprehensive plan review when the committee had discussed a comprehensive plan review with her in the fall, and that was why the committee had begun the work on their report.

 

The Mayor looked directly into the camera (the meeting was televised citywide) and invited all citizens with any concern to call him personally at the Mayor’s office. The Phone Number of the Mayor’s Office is 422-1411.

 

The rezoning of Minerva Place, being executed to facilitate a redesign of the self-storage facility located on the corner of Minerva Place and South Kensico Avenue, passed.

 

 

Bobker Group Condominiums Urged to

Work Design with the Hale Avenue Neighborhood.

 

Councilpersons Rita Malmud and Benjamin Boykin each urged the Bobker Group, seeking to build two 10-story condominums on opposite corners of the Hale Avenue-Maple Avenue intersection (up the Maple Avenue hill from Fortunoff), to hold discussions with the neighborhood on how the projects will present to the residents of Hale, south of Maple Avenue to work out neighbors’ concerns. Boykin urged the Bobker Group to follow the example of The Jefferson (300 Mamaroneck Avenue), which held extensive neighborhood interaction meetings to accommodate their project to neighborhood concerns.

 

 

 Council Cranky on Hale Condos: Rita Malmud, center, disputed Counselor William Null’s interpretation of the 125 foot or six stories ordinance, and Benjamin Boykin, right, urged a meeting of the minds on design with Hale Avenue residents. Photo by WPCNR News.

 

 

Robert Vogel and Libby Hutcheson, two residents of Hale Avenue expressed this was news to them that the condominiums were being proposed for their corner. Hutchenson, after hearing an explanation of the project,  said it appeared to be a project that would help the neighborhood, but the group had to work with the neighbors.   Vogel cited concerns about overflow parking freeloaders clogging the Hale Avenue streets to avoid paying at garages in The Westchester and Fortunoff, and Westchester Pavillion, as well as “cut-through” traffic.

 

Paul Wood, City Executive Officer, asked by WPCNR why the Bobker Group had not been advised to interact with neighbors before the project reached the public hearing stage, said “it had not been the appropriate time,” and that now was that time.

 

 

Null Underfire: Bobker Group spokesman, William Null, listens as Rita Malmud discusses the finer points of the RM-0.35 Zoning District Ordinance. Malmud took issue strenuously with Bobker legal counsel, who said the ordinance gave the group the right to build 6 stories or 125 feet. Null’s interpretation of that ordinance was that as long as the Bobker Group kept within the 125 foot limitation, the number of stories was up to them. The diagrams on the easel showcase the looparound parking entrance to both projects, Maple Avenue being on the left of the diagram.  Photo by WPCNR News

 

 

The architect added that from a selling standpoint the building made more economic sense at the 100 foot height than if he had designed it for 6 stories up to the full 125 foot height, using mezzanines within the apartments.  The model above shows the first two condominiums on the corners of Hale Avenue. The building in the foreground, left is Crowne Plaza Hotel, in foreground right is the White Plains Pavillion. Fortunoff is at upper left, partially hidden by the Crowne Plaza model. Photo by WPCNR News.

 

Bobker’s architect, Christoper Fogarty, said he had designed the two buildings for 10 stories, with set backs on the rear of the building leading up to a maximum height of the b100 feet, because he felt it would minimize the loom of the building over the two-story homes adjacent tothe site. Fogarty said he felt he had to “sculpt the building to solve some of the complexities (terrain, house proximity, increasing grade) of the site.” 

 

 

Eli Bobker, the developer of the two condominiums, stated that the units are designed to serve persons “already living in White Plains, looking to move out of their homes and into these units.” 70 units are planned in the first building, and 57 units in the second condominium, each 10 stories. After his public remarks, Bobker told WPCNR  the units had not been specifically priced out yet, but estimated the units would be 1,400 square foot units, priced at $425-$475 a square foot, (approximately $600,000- $700,000 per average unit).

 

In an impromptu discussion in the rotunda after the Council meeting had adjourned it was tentatively agreed that the Bobker group would meet with the neighborhood next Monday, January 10 at 7:30 P.M. in the Cuddy, Feder & Worby offices, according to William Null, Bobker’s counselor.

 

The Hamilton Moved to February. 

 

The Public Hearing on The Hamilton condominiums on Church and Barker Avenues was not reopened, and instead, adjourned to the February 7 meeting of the Common Council, no reason given.

 

Three of The 88-ers: Fire Chief Richard Lyman, second from left with three of ” his 88 guys:” James Manganello, Sal Birittieri, and William Simmons. Photo by WPCNR News.

 

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WPCNR County Clarion-Ledger. From County Board of Legislators Press Office. December 30, 2004 (EDITED):  On Thursday of last week, Bill Ryan,  Chair of the Westchester Board of Legislators, appointed Jose Alvarado (D-I-WF, Yonkers) to replace the current head of the Parks Committee, a move he said was necessary to protect two key attractions at Playland, the County’s historic amusement park in Rye, and to ensure strong advocacy for Westchester’s recreational facilities and open space.

 

THE DRAGONCOASTER at Playland today. The antique ride, dating from 1929. constructed entirely of wood, needs a paint job to preserve it. The battle over its refurbishment wound up ejecting Rob Astorino, County Legislator from the Parks Committee Coaster Car Chairmanship. Photo by WPCNR News.

The move ousted Robert Astorino from the Chairmanship of the committee, whom Ryan characterized as delaying important Playland legislation for the refurbishment of the park. Here is the text of Ryan’s official statement on the matter issued at the close of last week.

  

.”

“Jose Alvarado has a commitment to parks and open space,” Ryan said.  “I know that under his leadership the Parks Committee will provide the critical, constructive oversight and timely decision-making that our taxpayers expect. I anticipate an extremely proactive parks agenda emerging from the Committee early next year

The move, which takes effect immediately, strips freshman County Legislator Rob Astorino of his Parks chairmanship, although he remains a member of the committee.

 

Sad Dragon: The intricate lattice construction of the rollercoaster is peeling, and requires a repainting, refurbishing. The peeling can be seen on the wooden supports in center of picture. Photo by WPCNR News.

 

Ryan said that Astorino was bottling up measures to provide needed maintenance of the 75-year-old Dragon Coaster, one of Playland’s most popular and valuable attractions, and necessary structural repairs to the park’s historic Boathouse.  The Dragon Coaster was referred to the Parks Committee last March and the Boathouse last August.

 

The Lagoon of Romance: Playland’s quaint Boathouse today where patrons rent paddle boats and embark on boatrides about Playland’s private lagoon,  will also be refurbished as part of the $3.8 Million expenditure. Photo by WPCNR News.

 

Ryan said that Playland is currently at a critical juncture, with a new Master Plan to guide its future well underway.

 

“The firm that’s preparing the Master Plan recommended that the work be done on the Dragon Coaster and the Boat House immediately to prevent further deterioration.  They further cited a concern for visitor safety and the need to preserve the park’s historic value,” Ryan said.

 

Dock and Storage Alcoves that Support the Boathouse, as seen today. Photo by WPCNR News

 

Ryan noted that the County’s Historic Preservation Advisory Committee has warned that the Boathouse’s structural decay “will lead to the building’s collapse without immediate attention.”

 

“The Boathouse provides access to the paddle boats that are enjoyed by seniors and by adults who are visiting Playland with their kids,” Ryan said.  “It’s a critical part of the Park, but without the rehabilitation work, it’s going to crumble.”

 

The Boathouse from the Landward side. Photo by WPCNR News.

 

Speaking of the Dragon Coaster, Ryan said, “besides being the park’s signature ride, the Dragon Coaster is literally the symbol of Playland,  It draws people to the Park.  It is a major attraction that contributes significantly to the park’s revenue and attendance.  During the past seven years a total of 1.5 million people have ridden the Dragon Coaster, producing $4.5 million in revenue.  Generations of people have grown up riding this Coaster.  Becoming old enough and tall enough to ride the Dragon Coaster is a rite of passage for a child.” 

 

One of the Original Thrill Rides: The legendary Dragon Coaster. Photo by WPCNR News

 

Ryan continued, “without the refurbishing, inspection crews are going to have to spend more time on daily maintenance, which of course translates into more expense. And there may be times where the ride just won’t be able to open because the daily repairs can’t be finished quickly enough. Rob Astorino would let his own political agenda inconvenience park patrons, escalate costs, thwart the will of his committee and deny Legislators their right to decide issues through their votes. This approach does not serve the public interest and I won’t tolerate it from any of my committee chairs.”

 

Ryan said that on November 22, when the full Board was set to vote on the Playland items, Astorino blocked the vote because, as he publicly stated, the Administration refused to give him a private briefing on the Parks Department budget.

 

“He couldn’t attend the Budget Committee’s briefing on parks because of his job, so he wanted things bent to accommodate him,” Ryan said. “But what he was asking violated legislative practice. And when this was explained to him, he just didn’t care. He acted out of anger and stopped the vote because he couldn’t get his way.”

  

“This is not an action I’ve taken lightly,” Ryan said.  “Personally I like Rob Astorino and had hoped that we could come to some accord on Playland.  Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.  I’ve spoken to him throughout the year, asking  that he fulfill his responsibility as Committee Chair to let the Board discuss and vote on the Playland measures.  But he’s resisted doing this.  After he blocked the vote, I asked him to convene a Parks Committee meeting and report the items out again, but he did not. Two weeks later I wrote Legislator Astorino making the same request.  I had three subsequent conversations with him. I told him I wanted to keep him as Parks Chairman and appealed to him to let the vote occur. I also explained that putting his own personal preferences ahead of the full Board’s right and duty to decide matters would force me to remove him as Chairman.  He said he understood the consequences of not allowing the Playland items out for a vote, but that he didn’t share my philosophy and wasn’t going to cooperate.”

 

“Legislator Astorino is standing in the way of good government,” Ryan said.  “We had some important proposals sent to us by a County department and ultimately recommended by the Parks Committee, but he has chosen to ignore his colleagues and to micro-manage and second guess the experts and his own committee members.”

 

Ryan said that Astorino’s removal in no way represents a weakening of the bipartisan Board leadership structure “which I’ve made a determined effort to put into place.” 

 

“I made sure that every Republican Legislator chairs at least one Board Committee with the exception of the Minority Leader who declined the offer,” Ryan said.  “We may differ on issues, but we all respect how the Legislature operates.  That’s what I find so disappointing about Mr. Astorino’s decision to create gridlock.  I think people are fed up with stalling the public good for political gain.”

 

The Spiffy-Good as-New Playland Casino Today: The county’s refurbishment of the Playland Ice Casino at the South end of the Park over last summer on the Boardwalk where the movies Big  and Sweet and Lowdown were filmed, has made the old ice rink a brighter and more welcoming environment attracting more ice-skaters and hockey teams, including the Skyliners, New York City’s synchronized skating team. Photo by WPCNR News.

 

 “Playland is a National Historic Landmark and a National Register Site,” Ryan said. “The Park has tremendous historic and emotional significance for the people of Westchester.  I don’t intend to see that diminished in any way during my tenure as Board Chair. I also want to see Westchester’s magnificent parks and open space holdings get the full attention they deserve from our Board and the key to that is a well-functioning, concerned Parks Committee with a clear focus and direction.  That’s what will now be in place.”