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.

Hits: 0

WPCNR TABLE 50. By John F. Bailey. November 9, 2004: In the crush of the White Plains Performing Arts Center Gala Cocktail Hour Monday evening, a lot was going on.  Everybody was working the angles as White Plains Performing Arts Center was injected with a new transfusion of green blood from White Plains’ Rich and Famous.

IN THE SCHMOOZ ZONE were Louis Cappelli, center,  The Super Developer,  Commissioner of Planning Susan Habel, (left), and the charismatic  Martin Ginsburg (second from right) of Ginsburg Development Corporation exchanging pleasantries. Just three weeks ago, Mr. Ginsburg had complained strongly to the Common Council that they should use eminent domain to take the Corner Nook-Main Street Bookstore-Deli building that Cappelli now owns. Now, Mr. Cappelli reports he has made a deal with Mr. Ginsburg to allow the Pinnacle to proceed. Photo by WPCNR News.

Louis Cappelli told WPCNR when asked if he and Mr. Ginsburg were working on the differences they have over Mr. Ginsburg’s plan for the Pinnacle, and Mr. Cappelli’s concern for his views from Trump Tower at City Center, “There’s a meeting of the minds there somewhere.”

Martin Ginsburg at the Common Council Work Session in October, presenting his Pinnacle Building on Main Street. A 24-Story 148-Unit luxury condominium, priced from $450,000 for a 900-square foot one-bedroom to $2.5 Million for 3,700 square foot penthouses. Photo by WPCNR News.

After the gala was over, the Super Developer provided more details on a possible accommodation with Mr. Ginsburg.

“Here’s the deal:”

Cappelli told WPCNR he liked Mr. Ginsburg’s concept of sidewalk café restaurants across from the entrance of City Center on City Place. Cappelli announced he’s willing to relinquish the Corner Nook-Deli-Main Street Bookstore property (which he owns) to Mr. Ginsburg if Mr. Ginsburg lowers the height of his proposed Pinnacle Condominium-Retal-Plex from 280 feet (24 stories) to 230 feet.

Cappelli said he wants to protect the upper story views from the Trump Tower at City Center which soars 340 feet.

THE PINNACLE, Main Street View. Photo by WPCNR News

Asked if Mr. Ginsburg’s new plans showed a decrease in the height, Cappelli said it was his understanding that the building would be lowered to 23 stories.

Ginsburg Office Has Not Changed Plans on File with Building Department.

Mr. Ginsburg’s office was contacted for comment by WPCNR Tuesday morning, and Bill Madden, President of Madden Communications & Marketing,  a spokesperson for Ginsburg Development Corporation returned the call.

Madden said that as of last Monday, GDC had submitted a request to the city to condemn the corner parcel  and would have no further comment while the city is reviewing that request. Madden said the plans GDC had submitted to the Building Department were unchanged from when originally submitted.

WPCNR asked Madden if this meant GDC was neither confirming nor denying the deal exits, and Madden said, “right.”

A source in the GDC offices originally contacted by WPCNR did confirm the offer exists, saying the height change was from 280 feet down to 230 feet. Asked how the building would change, the source said the building woul take 50 feet off the top (50 feet), and make the building wider.

Wood: City Center Garage rights being arranged to pump up square footage.

Mr. Ginsburg’s request of the Common Council to give him access to portions of the City Center Garage to acquire the square footage he needs to build The Pinnacle project (in addition to the Nook-Deli-Bookstore building) is now being looked on favorably by the city.

Paul Wood, City Executive Officer, told WPCNR Friday that Mr. Ginsburg was advised by the Building Department he had to submit that request to the Urban Renewal Agency, not the Common Council as the appropriate method of aquiring that square footage. He is now going through that process and requesting the square footage from the Urban Renewal Agency.

Mr. Madden, when asked about this new process of going to Urban Renewal and whether it was underway, said he would get back to WPCNR.

Hits: 0

WPCNR Phantom of the Arts. By John F. Bailey. November 9, 2004, Updated 2:00 A.M. E.S.T.: If WPPAC Producing Director Tony Stimac put together impromptu benefits as regular fare at the White Plains Performing Arts Center, the Little Theatre Ingenue on City Place  would soon be The Place to go and be seen. Broadway Salutes White Plains II staged to attract Mr. and Mrs. Well-Heeled White Plains, drew a great crowd of glitterati who filled the WPPAC almost to its capacity.

A financial total was not immediately available, but City Executive Officer Paul Wood estimated it made the theatre at least $80,000, and said it was better attended than the gala last year. WPCNR would agree with that. The cocktail hour was packed when your reporter arrived at 6:15 P.M. with the good taste people dining on oysters and d’oeuvres from Legal Seafood and choice cuts from Morton’s Steakhouse.

THE MAYOR CAN DANCE: Kathie Lee Gifford and White Plains Mayor Joseph Delfino trip the White Plains Fantastic as Rob Evan, star of Jekyll and HYde sings  White Plains, New York to the tune of New York, New York, at Monday night’s gala benefitting the White Plains Performing Arts Center. The benefit saluted Mayor Delfino with a terrific parody tune “White Plains Have We Got Plans for You,” and featured choice stars from Broadway belting out showstopp-as from their hit productions.  Photo by WPCNR StageCam.

WALL-TO-WALL PATRONS OF THE ARTS: Half the balcony outside White Plains Performing Arts Center was filled with a crush of White Plains rich and famous, who turned out to support the theatre on its First Anniversary, who stayed and saw a show of easy-going, high gloss entertainment paced just right. Kathie Lee Gifford and her husband Frank, (whom the Giants could use this weekend, he looks like he could still play), were genial gracious hosts lending an upbeat contemporary atmosphere. Ms. Gifford sang a song from her show Under the Bridge which opens on Broadway January 1. Photo by WPCNR StageCam.

SING MY ANGEL OF MUSIC: Show Stopper of the night was Rita Harvey, left, recreating her role of Christine from Phantom duetting with Jekyll and Hyde star, Rob Evan singing a reprise of Phantom of the Opera.  The stars came out for White Plains. Megan Hilty and Flo Lacey performed their hit Popular from Wicked; William Michaels flew in from Atlanta to sing the Mayor’s favorite tune, The Impossible Dream and the inspirational song, Stars. Photo by WPCNR StageCam.

“I WANT TO MATTER,” Kathie Lee Gifford performing a showstopper-to-be from her upcoming musical premiering in July at White Plains Performing Arts Center. If this song is an indication about the kind of score to be expected from Hurricane Aimee, Ms. Gifford’s musical about the activist Aimee Semple McPherson, the evangelist of the early part of the twentieth century, White Plains is in for show in July.  

Photo by WPCNR StageCam.

GOD BLESS WHITE PLAINS: William Michals, “The Beast” from Beauty and the Beast,  “Official Resident Star” of the WPPAC, leads the stars in God Bless America to conclude Monday evening’s gala. To right of Mr. Michaels are Kathy Lee and Frank Gifford, Emcees of the Evening. From left are dancers Jason Colancio, Katie Boyle,  and Robert Royston and  Nicola Royston of Swango, upcoming WPPAC production in May;  Kristy Cates and Meg Hilty of Wicked, Mr. Michaels, Ms. Gifford, Mr. Gifford,  Neil Berg, Musical Director, Rob Evans of Jekyll and Hyde, Flo Lacey (in red) of Under the Bridge (Ms. Gifford’s soon-to-premier musical), Rita Harvey of Wicked, and Rupert Holmes. Photo by WPCNR StageCam.

The comedy highlight of the show was Philip Cutrone(an actor in the upcoming A Christmas Carol at WPPAC), doing a dead-on impersonation of Mayor Joseph Delfino, beginning his routine with a “Sorry, I’m late, but I had to go to a funeral, actually 2 funerals and a wedding,” which brought down the house. Then Mr. Cutrone sang a song written for the show, called “White Plains, Have We Got Plans for You” in which lyrics sing about Mayor Revitalization Plans 4,5,6, and 7, a stadium, an opera house, and a jetport. “Repawtas” on media row smiled with glee, while the audience yukked it up. The show was a Stimac Smash. Well thought-out, brilliantly paced, and all that a gala should be.  

A White Plains Theme

The audience was also treated to an original composition, Renaissance Concerto, composed and played by Jordan Rudess, the keyboardist of the rock band, Dream Theater.

Mr. Rudess presented a dignified, elegant, majestic piece which flowed with the orchestration of an organized plan, much like a White Plains site plan, invoking the development of White Plains, the piece gained in momentum, fury and complexity,  with growing magnificence  as the piece progressed, built, grew, one theme on top of another, a finishing with a heavy baroque flourish.

Rupert Holmes sang the Pina Colada Song he wrote twenty-five years ago.

The talent was exceptional. The combo under the musical direction of Neil Berg, worked well with the entertainers. It was a Stimac triumph of pace, humor, and talent, blended into a tasteful buffet of Broadway.

The Producer, Tony Stimac, Producing Director of the White Plains Performing Arts Center, with Emcees, Kathie Lee Gifford, Honoree Mayor Joseph Delfino, and Frank Gifford, the Giant’s Giant. The Giffords graciously posed with a steady stream of White Plains celebrities for some time just before the entertainment commenced. Photo by WPCNR StageCam.

Ms. Gifford and Mr. Gifford added a aura of class, concern and genuine warmth. Ms. Gifford’s reminisces about her father and how he inspired her were particularly a human touch, as she explained a personal insight as to what led her to write her musical Under the Bridge.

Ms. Gifford showed her gift for comedy, with a great line.  She confided that she had lunch with the Mayor at Trotters three weeks ago, it lasted four hours. She said she could have purchased an apartment before lunch and made “a million and a half dollars by the time lunch was over.” This got some good yuks from the real estate crowd in the audience.

Mayor Delfino with William Michals after the show.Afterwards coffee and dessert were enjoyed by the well-entertained patrons, while the stars mingled with the critical masses of White Plains.  Photo by WPCNR StageCam.

The Party Continues.

But, people were having so much fun, they did not want the evening to end.

Mayor Joseph Delfino was seen enjoying himself at Trotters after the gala, regaling about 20-25 persons just out of the show. Readers of WPCNR may recall there was to have been a private supper party hosted by Louis Cappelli and the Head of HRH Construction in honor of the Mayor at Trotters, but that was cancelled due to “overwhelming response.”

At the Sign of The “T:” The Action Continues at Trotters, The Official Deal-Making Spot in White Plains. Photo by WPCNR News.

Your reporter encountered Paul Wood, Executive Officer for the Mayor, arriving at the “Sign of the T” for the an apparently impromptu, spontaneous, ad-hoc get-together at Trotters.

I asked Mr. Wood if the “Cancelled” party was going on even though it was cancelled.

Wood, said it was cancelled “because the Mayor didn’t know anything about it.”

Asked if the checks for the cancelled supper party had been held or refunded or whether patrons of the party had been promised the party would be held again, Wood said he would check with Mr. Stimac. A lady associate of Mr. Woods, volunteered that  the information that persons who had sent in checks for the “cancelled” supper party, (at $500 a person) had been offered a choice of taking an advertisement in the program, if they wished or a return of their checks.  

Hits: 0

Journal. November 8, 2004: City Hall Executive Officer Paul Wood described Friday to WPCNR how Wal-Mart came to “The Shoppes On Main,” the stackmall being created next door to City Hall.

Paul Wood, City Executive Officer, left. Photo by WPCNR News.

Wood said Mayor Joseph Delfino held discussions with Anthony Ditomasso, head of Ivy Equities, when Delfino first heard Wal-Mart was considering space at Ivy Equities leased space at the old Sears center. Mr. Wood said the Mayor suggested that the City Center residences going up could use a supermarket, and that Wal-Mart agreed to put in a supermarket as part of their space at the suggestion of the Mayor. Mayor Delfino had originally been opposed to Wal-Mart coming in on the thinking it would be competitive to Target.

Mayor Joseph Delfino Suggested Supermarket to make Wal-Mart fit in better with Downtown Needs, according to Mr. Wood.  Photo, WPCNR News Archive.

Mr. Wood said the Wal-Mart general merchandise section would be on the first floor (basement floor) below street level (formerly the floor where McDonald’s was located. The supermarket would be on the second floor. Wood said the supermarket would be about 4,000 square feet on the 40,000 square foot second floor, but Wal-Mart has yet to confirm that. Wal-Mart has a prototype store format they call Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market, that features 40,000 square feet of grocery, pharmacy and fresh produce, meats, bakery, and dry goods selection. The way Mr. Wood described the White Plains Wal-Mart grocery it would be smaller in scale.

Mr. Wood also said that Wal-Mart was in the process of putting together an upscale design on the exterior of the supermarket floor that would feature a new logo treatment and be attractive. He said Wal-Mart had agreed to “enhance their look.” He said that Wal-Mart would have to submit a “traffic plan” to the Building Department as part of their plans. Presently the Sears garage is accessed off of Hamilton Avenue, off of Main Street and from North Broadway (Southbound).

He confirmed that Wal-Mart did not need Common Council approval of their building plans.

THE WAL-MART WATCH: Target’s archrival has taken space (2 82,000 sq. foot floors) in the former Sears location across the street from City Center, home of Target. The rumors of Wal-Mart eyeballing the space first surfaced in August. Mayor Joseph Delfino went on record at the time as saying he preferred Wal-Mart, (an arch competitor of Target) not rent the space, now the Mayor has devised an acceptable plan. Photo by WPCNR News

Hits: 0

WPCNR SCREEN GEMS. From National Amusements. November 7, 2004:  The young Henry Fonda and the classic Claudette Colbert appear in the New York frontier classic, Drums Along the Mohawk, the John Ford-directed drama that held matinee audiences spellbound almost fifty years ago this Tuesday November 9 at a 1 P.M. Matinee. It’s being presented for only $1 admission, including popcorn and a soda pop at the City Center Cinema de Lux in White Plains in its monthly Silver Screen Classics promotion.

Set in Colonial days, after repeated attacks by Indians drive Gilbert Martin and his young bride Lana out of their home in New York‘s Mohawk Valley, the couple goes to live and work on a farm owned by a kind spinster.  Although Lana was raised in a wealthy home, she grows to love their new life on the farm and delights in the birth of their first son.  Gilbert eventually joins the militia and battles with both local Indian tribes and British soldiers.  Henry Fonda and Claudette Colbert star in this stirring drama from legendary director John Ford.

WHEN:            Tuesday, November 9, 2004 at 1:00 p.m.

WHERE:          City Center 15: Cinema de Lux                                                                               

19 Mamaroneck Avenue
Mamaroneck Avenue and Main Street

White Plains, NY                                                                     

914 -747-6000 

Hits: 0

WPCNR DOG DAYS. By Candyce Corcoran. November 7, 2004: Last year on December 22, 2003, you were kind enough to write about a wonderful organization that I am proud to be a volunteer with; Small Paws Rescue Incorporated. WWW.SmallPawsRescue.org.   SPR is a national organization with over 5,700 members dedicated to finding homes for Bichon Frise and Bichon Frise Mix dogs whom are homeless and desperately need a warm and loving home and more importantly . . .A family to call their own.

Robin Pressnall, of Small Paws Rescue hugs Oliver, owned by Candyce Corcoran, Highlands resident, above right. Ms. Corcoran “rescued Oliver,” and he’s become a member of the family. Photo, WPCNR News Archive.

The Holiday Season is quickly approaching and many families will be purchasing animals as gifts.  My Oliver is a Small Paws Rescue Bichon Frise that was going to be euthanized.

He was no longer needed as a stud breeding dog.  When I look into his eyes everyday, I know that he is telling me, “thank you for saving my life.”

 I would hope that the residents of Westchester County, NY would be willing to also open up their hearts and homes to a Bichon Frise.  This wonderful popular show dog breed can be purchased in a pet store for around $1,200- $2,000.  The minimal adoption fee from Small Paws Rescue is a fraction of the cost. The adoption fee is $150.00 which includes vaccinations, heartworm check, teeth cleaning and altering if the puppy is over 6 months old.  There would be a $175.00 additional charge if the Bichon needs to be flown by American Airlines to any city within the United States.   Our Bichons have flown throughout the United States and have been greeted with open and loving hearts, and drenched cheeks from tears. 

Small Paws® Rescue Inc’s  Mission is a charitable, Federal not-for-profit organization, that rescues  any Bichon Frise or Bichon mix, nationwide, regardless of age or medical condition, with love, shelter, food, human companionship, medical care, and spay-neuter services through local veterinarians until a permanent placement is secured into a prescreened loving home.

Small Paws® Rescue Inc. will accept into rescue any Bichon Frise or Bichon Frise mix who is either abandoned in a shelter or living with an owner who can no longer supply care. We also participate in rescue and placement of Bichons who are culled from the Puppy Mills or purchased at Puppy Mill auctions.

SPR’s wish is to eliminate the euthanasia of any healthy, adoptable Bichon Frise in our country. We do not accept euthanasia as a means of population control for animals. We believe each Bichon’s life is meaningful and each deserves a loving home. We take responsibility for each Bichon rescued and placed through Small Paws® Rescue Inc. for the rest of his or her natural life.

Educating and informing the public about the commercial dog industry in America and about responsible pet ownership is also very important to us, as well as reviving the spirit of volunteerism across our country.

Small Paws® Rescue Inc. is composed of approximately 5700 people and over eight hundred volunteers across America. Our volunteers are willing to foster, transport, or otherwise assist in this massive rescue effort. We are supported entirely by donations and fundraisers. We have approximately 35 volunteer staff members as well.

Small Paws Rescues Vision: We hope to see a day when there is no longer a market for puppies sold in the pet shops of America. Then and only then, will the suffering endured by thousands of companion animals in the puppy mills of America end.  Our Future Goal is to ensure that no Bichon Frise is forced to live his or her life in a Puppy Mill or needlessly euthanized anywhere in America because of the lack of medical care or an available, loving home.

Our Accomplishments: Small Paws® Rescue has rescued, vetted and rehomed over 4500 Bichons since it’s inception in September of 1998. Small Paws® Rescue is the largest organized Bichon Frise Rescue organization in the country today.

Small Paws® Rescue has been featured on the cable network Animal Planet for the two years and reruns of the episode still continue today. This episode tells of our commitment to obtain full medical services for even the most critically ill Bichons. We have never turned down any place able Bichon or Bichon mix in need of rescue.

If you are interested in adopting, fostering, contributing or becoming a part of this wonderful organization, please contact me at CandyceCorcoran@aol.com, or 914-684-2081.  You can also go to the website of SPR, at WWW.SmallPawsRescue.org.  Thank you once again.  Candyce Corcoran and Oliver

Oliver, Beemer and Lexus