Adam In Albany: Creating Policies for Afghanistan and Iraq War Veterans

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WPCNR’S ADAM IN ALBANY. By 89th District Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley. May 7, 2004: A good way to honor our veterans is to support our troops serving in the conflicts raging in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is important to recognize these men and women risking their lives, and those of generations who fought before them, because their sacrifices should never be forgotten.


 


As a member of the Assembly’s Veterans Affairs Committee, I have made it a priority to pass legislation that benefits New York’s veterans. One piece of legislation I sponsored extends a tuition assistance program for Vietnam and Persian Gulf veterans (A.9564). In 1984, the program was created to make it easier for Vietnam veterans to attend college. It was expanded in 1997 to include Persian Gulf veterans. My bill will continue the program and assist veterans with their educational and employment needs.



 


The Assembly recently passed a bill I sponsored that would make seriously disabled veterans who receive federal financial assistance eligible for a full property tax exemption (A.5834), helping lower their cost of living.


 


A third piece of legislation I sponsored extends the law that allows people who served in Indochina from Dec. 22, 1961 through May 7, 1975 and were injured by exposure to chemical defoliants to take legal action (A.9778). The statute of limitations for “Agent Orange”-related actions has expired, but many veterans who came in contact with toxic chemical substances had their physical disabilities go undiscovered until years later. We have a moral obligation to allow these men and women to pursue legal action.


 


Patriot Plan provides needed assistance to veterans and their families


 


As part of the Patriot Plan, which the Assembly helped pass into law last year, the Veteran’s Health Care Information Program was created to help veterans with physical and psychological health issues arising from combat. For more information, contact either the New York State Department of Health at (518) 486-9002 or the Division of Military and Naval Affairs State Surgeon at (518) 786-4610.


 


In many cases, military personnel face financial hardship when they leave their civilian jobs to serve. The Patriot Plan helps protect the financial well-being of the families of New York’s active military by:


 


·        imposing a cap on installment loan interest;


·        extending eviction protections;


·        allowing for the termination of car leases without penalty; and


·        extending mortgage foreclosure protections.


 


For more information about these and other benefits, visit the DMNA Web site, www.dmna.state.ny.us/members/patriot.html or call the Legal Affairs Office at (518) 786-4541.


 


These pieces of legislation have one common goal: to give assistance to New York’s veterans. Our veterans have done so much for our country. I will continue working to make sure we give something back to them.

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WPCNR Photograph of the Day

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WPCNR Roving Photographer. May 7, 2004: Work has begun clearing the way for a $6 Million to-be-bonded doubledeck 400-space parking structure to be married to the Shapham Place Parking Lot. Today’s photograph shows extensive progress has been made in preparing to start construction behind Rader’s, and the post office on Mamaroneck Avenue and Bryant Avenue.



Central Park Parking by The White Plains Roving Photographer

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City To Absorb White Plains Parking Authority to Beef Up Fund Balance for 05-06

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WPCNR CITY HALL LIMITS. By John F. Bailey. May 6, 2004: City Hall announced today that it would ask the Common Council to follow Rita Malmud’s suggestion that the city look into taking over the White Plains Parking Authority, and ask the Council to approve disassociating itself from the Parking Authority effective July 1, 2004. The action was decided upon following the release of  a study by Ted Peluso, former City Finance Director, and Eileen Earl, former City Budget Director, recommending the city do this.



BRAINTRUST: Ted Peluso, left, of the City Budget & Management Committee, said the effect would transfer all assets of the Parking Authority, $8,166,000 in cash assets which Peluso said would beef up the city fund balance to about $10 Million, doubling it for consideration by the bond-rating services in the next year when they consider the city’s financial position and its all-important credit rating. Executive Officer George Gretsas is at right. Photo by WPCNR News


Peluso also said the fund balance increase would not be available for use in any budget balancing acts if at all required in the 2004-05 budget, that the Parking Authority funds added to the fund balance would only be available in budget year 2005-06.


Asked what percentage of the “new, enhanced” fund balance would be available for city use in 2005-06, the Mayor’s Executive Officer George Gretsas said he would have to get back to the CitizeNetReporter on that. Gretsas said all employees including the Director and Assistant Director, would be retained and benefits carried over to their city employment. Fate of the unique WPPA logo was not known.

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Approximately 40 students frisked at WPHS After Cellphone is Reported Missing.

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. May 6, 2004, UPDATED May 9, 2004: A student discovered her cellphone missing after she participated in second period gym class at White Plains High School today and reported it. Before the forty students were allowed to proceed to their next class, male security guards frisked the male students, and female security guards frisked the girls. A student participating in the class told WPCNR that the students belongings and class bags were also searched, but the cellphone was not discovered. Students were fifteen minutes late to their next class.


In a further development, a WPCNR reader writes, in response to our question about the students’ availability of lockers: “They can lock the lockers.  The theives break into the lockers.  This last time they bent the bottom part of the locker and reached in to get the phone.”

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Mary Kate and Ashley, Pierce Brosnan Flicks Premiere at City Center De Lux

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WPCNR REEL TO REEL. From National Amusements. May 6, 2004: The Pierce Brosnan, Julianne Moore sophisticated comedy, Laws of Attraction, featuring a lawyers’ romance premiers this weekend at City Center 15 De Lux in White Plains.  Van Helsing, a vampire flick, and the return of Mark Kate and Ashley Olsen, those adorable twins, all grown-up appear in New York Minute: The Schedule:

OPENING FRIDAY, MAY 7th

VAN HELSING — Set in the late 19th century, monster hunter Dr. Gabriel Van Helsing is summoned to the mythic land of Transylvania to Vanquish evil forces such as Count Dracula, the Wolf Man and Frankenstein’s monter. Assisting him there is Anna Valerious, the heir of a long-running family committed to ridding the world of evil. Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale star in this chilling horror adventure. Rated PG-13

NEW YORK MINUTE — Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen star as 17-year-old sisters Jane and Roxanne Ryan, who begrudgingly journey together from their Long Island home to New York City. Jane, the overachiever, is due to deliver a speech to qualify for a prestigious college scholarship abroad. Roxy, the laid-back rebel, hopes to get backstage at an underground music video shoot. However, their plans go wildly awry when a mix-up involving Jane’s day planner lands them in the middle of a shady black market transaction and starts them on a chase all over the city. Andy Richter and Eugene Levy also star in this adventure comedy. Rated PG


Thursday, May 06, 2004  
Mean Girls **(PG-13) –1:50;4:25;7:05;9:30 pm. ;
13 Going on 30 **(PG-13) –12:05;2:30;5:00;7:25;9:50 pm. ;
Home on the Range (PG) –12:10;2:10 pm. ;
Man on Fire (R) –12:30;3:40;7:00;10:10 pm. ;
13 Going on 30 (PG-13) –12:35;3:00;5:30;7:55;10:20 pm. ;
Ella Enchanted (PG) –4:10;6:45;9:05 pm. ;
Kill Bill: Volume 2 (R) –12:20;3:20;6:20;9:20 pm. ;
Laws of Attraction (PG-13) –12:30;2:50;5:05;7:30;9:55 pm. ;
Mean Girls (PG-13) –12:00;2:25;4:55;7:35;10:00 pm. ;
Godsend (PG-13) –1:30;4:20;7:20;10:05 pm. ;
Man on Fire **(R) –12:00;3:10;6:30;9:40 pm. ;
Envy (PG-13) –12:00;2:20;4:50;7:15;9:45 pm. ;
Hellboy (PG-13) –5:10;7:50 pm. ;
The Punisher (R) –12:10;3:05;6:35;9:10 pm. ;
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (R) –1:20;4:00;6:40;9:25 pm. ;
Bobby Jones – Stroke of Genius (PG) –1:15;4:05;6:50;9:35 pm. ;
Johnson Family Vacation (PG-13) –12:15;2:35;10:30 pm. ;

Friday, May 07, 2004  
New York Minute (PG) –12:20;12:55;2:40;3:10;4:55;5:30;7:10;7:50;9:25 pm;12:00 am. ;
Envy (PG-13) –12:10;2:35;5:05;7:30;10:10 pm;12:30 am. ;
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (R) –10:05 pm;12:30 am. ;
Van Helsing (PG-13) –12:30;1:45;3:30;4:45;6:30;7:45;9:30;10:45 pm;12:30;12:45 am. ;
Laws of Attraction (PG-13) –12:15;2:25;5:20;7:35;9:55 pm;12:05 am. ;
Mean Girls (PG-13) –12:35;3:05;5:35;7:55;10:20 pm;12:35 am. ;
Godsend (PG-13) –1:50;4:20;6:50;9:20 pm;12:00 am. ;
Kill Bill: Volume 2 (R) –12:40;3:40;6:40;9:45 pm;12:35 am. ;
13 Going on 30 (PG-13) –1:40;4:30;6:55;9:35 pm;12:10 am. ;
Ella Enchanted (PG) –12:00 pm. ;
Man on Fire (R) –12:10;3:50;7:05;10:15 pm;12:45 am. ;
Home on the Range (PG) –12:00;2:00 pm. ;
Mean Girls **(PG-13) –12:05;2:30;5:00;7:25;9:50 pm;12:15 am. ;
Van Helsing **(PG-13) –12:00;1:00;3:00;4:00;6:00;7:00;9:00;10:00 pm;12:00 am. ;
Man on Fire **(R) –3:20;6:35;9:40 pm. ;

Saturday, May 08, 2004  
Mean Girls **(PG-13) –12:05;2:30;5:00;7:25;9:50 pm;12:15 am. ;
Man on Fire **(R) –3:20;6:35;9:40 pm. ;
Man on Fire (R) –12:10;3:50;7:05;10:15 pm;12:45 am. ;
New York Minute (PG) –12:20;12:55;2:40;3:10;4:55;5:30;7:10;7:50;9:25 pm;12:00 am. ;
Home on the Range (PG) –12:00;2:00 pm. ;
Van Helsing **(PG-13) –12:00;1:00;3:00;4:00;6:00;7:00;9:00;10:00 pm;12:00 am. ;
13 Going on 30 (PG-13) –1:40;4:30;6:55;9:35 pm;12:10 am. ;
Ella Enchanted (PG) –12:00 pm. ;
Kill Bill: Volume 2 (R) –12:40;3:40;6:40;9:45 pm;12:35 am. ;
Laws of Attraction (PG-13) –12:15;2:25;5:20;7:35;9:55 pm;12:05 am. ;
Mean Girls (PG-13) –12:35;3:05;5:35;7:55;10:20 pm;12:35 am. ;
Godsend (PG-13) –1:50;4:20;6:50;

City Budget In Chaos: State Calls In Pension IOU. City Must find $4.1 Mil

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WPCNR CITY LIMITS. By John F. Bailey May 5, 2004: The $110.4 Million 2004-2005 City Budget ballooned yesterday as predicted by the CitizeNetReporter weeks ago, when the city  Budget and Advisory Committee announced New York State was calling in the full  $7.8 Million of pensions the city owes the state for 04-05, instead of the $3.9 Million (or 6.5% of salaries) the city had been banking on if Governor George Pataki’s pension relief plan was accepted. According to Councilman Robert Greer, the city plans to bond for $2.3 Million of the reported $4.1M  increase, and tax for the balance.


The state’s calling in the city’s pension chips, means a straightaway 12.7%  tax increase if the city bonds for part of the balance of pension money they have to pay. If they budget or bond for the whole amount, city taxpayers face a 21% increase. unless the city cuts the budget or bonds for the difference.


This means if you own a $600,000 home in White Plains, you paid $1,927.13 in city property taxes in 2003. In 2004, facing a 12.7% tax increase,  your city property tax bill will go up $244.75.


Sales Tax Receipts: Cross Your Fingers


Should the city actual sales tax receipts hit $10 Million for April and May, which is what is needed by the end of May to keep the tax increase at only 12.7%, the city will be o.k. For every million dollars needed, the tax rate goes up 3%.


Greer, speaking to WPCNR Thursday morning, said the Budget Director, Anne Reasoner, felt based on the March figures, “there was comfortably enough to stay with her predicted figure ($37.9 Million) for the sales tax receipts for ther 2004-05 budget, though Greer did not remember what that figure was, and said he did not have time to look for it. Greer also said the city was bound by charter to approve the 04-05 budget in the next 3 weeks, and could not legally delay approving the budget until the end of June to include June sales tax figures.


Asked what would happen if the city banked on $37.8 Million in sales tax for 04-05 and did not get it, Greer said the city would use the fund balance to pay it off, expressing confidence that any shortfall would not be much. How much fund balance would be legally available to do that, he did not know.


$4 Million in Phantom Money.


Greer said Ms. Reasoner reports the March figures were 10.4% above last year’s figures of $2,464,375, which would mean March came in at $2,720,670 in sales tax receipts. Assuming that figure increases say another $100,000 for April and May, reflecting the Legal Seafoods opening  that would bring April and May sales receipts to $2.81 Million each month, this gives the city a WPCNR projection of  $5.64 Million in sales tax total for April and May.


Through the first three quarters, the city raised $27,132,937 by Ms. Reasoner’s figures released previously to WPCNR. Add this to the WPCNR projection of $5.64 Million in sales tax receipts total for April and May and you come up with a total projected sales tax receipts of $32,772, 937 through May. Subtract that from the $37.8 Million projected and the city appears to be a phantom $4 Million short in sales tax projection by their own figure expansion rate of 10%.


If you project 20% increases over April and May sales tax receipts of last April ($2,513,972)and May ($2,621,482) to bring this year’s receipts to`$6.1 Million, the city can still expect just $33,132,000 in sales tax through May.


June might save them, with $3 Million in receipts, if they waited and adjusted the charter and approved the budget in June, but if they do this,  that still projects a $1. Million gap. Add $3.3 Million to the $33,132,000 figure through June and you get $36.4 Million, leaving the city $1.4 Million short of $37.8 Million.


But given the expected hope that Barnes & Noble, Zaneros, Atlanta Bread Factory and Filene’s Basement will help the sales tax situation over 040-05, the city may easily bridge that little 1.8 Million gap.


If the budget committee expects to keep the sales tax projection at $37.8 million and approve a deficit budget if the May figures do break all records, is a policy decision. Though, WPCNR does not know at this time, whether the city can legally project a deficit budget.


Should the city have a glorious April and May in sales tax receipts, picking up $5 Million each month, which they have never done, there will not be a need for a further tax increase. If they are required to do so, budget cutting, department consolidation would be considered, Greer told The Journal News


The 12.7% Pension Solution.


Greer, as reported in The Journal News, said  the city could bond for the entire $4.1 Million, and keep the city tax increase at 7.9%, but indicated that would add $900,000 a year in debt service and possibly impact the city credit rating. Instead, Greer announced the Budget and Advisory Committee recommends bonding for $2.3 Million, presumably cutting the extra debt service to an estimated $500,000 a year. This would hike the City Tax Increase from 7.9% to 12.7%, instead of 21.1%.


The city plans to go ahead with bonding for $1.7 Million (another $500,000 in debt service) to purchase city rolling stock, and sell land to bring in a predicted $750,000 in revenues, Greer reports.


 

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Feiner Strikes Deal on Affordable Housing in Hastings

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WPCNR’S THE FEINER REPORT. By Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner. May 5, 2004:

I am very pleased to report that a compromise has been reached regarding the proposed Hastings affordable on Warburton Ave. The Greenburgh Town Board met with Eric Anderson, Sue Smith of the Hastings Affordable Housing Committee and with Sharon O’Shea of the Warburton Ave neighborhood Association. Some great results:


****There will be 14 affordable housing units built at the site of this foreclosed property. A few weeks ago the developer had proposed 16 units of housing—8 luxury and 8 affordable. This is a big improvement!  100% affordable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



****3 buildings will be built, instead of 4 – an enhancement for the neighborhood.


****More open space.  The developer has purchased property next to the 3 buildings which can be used by the community for a community garden or community benefit!


****The housing development, as proposed, is almost entirely within the Hastings Zoning Code.


****No commercial units in this development. Originally, when the proposed development was suggested, the developer was planning 5500 sq feet of commercial space.


****This will be a green building.


****The town will received back taxes owed by the property owner. And, the property will be placed back on the tax rolls.


 


What pleases me the most about this initiative is the fact that during the past few weeks the Warburton Ave Neighborhood Association worked closely with town officials and the developer to make this compromise work. Special thanks to Sue Smith and Jim Keaney of the Hastings Affordable Housing Committee for working so hard so affordable housing could happen in Hastings. Hastings Manager Neil Hess and Mayor Lee Kinnally also deserve special recognition.  Special thanks to Association members Jim Metzger, Cyndy Travis, Larry Houghteling, Larry Young, Barbara Erwin-McGuire, Al Straub, Tina DiLuoffo  and Michelle Noe.  A special thank you to Vanessa Merton for acting as a liaison between the community and town. I will invite each of the above named leaders to accept Greenburgh’s Citizen of the Month award at our May 12th Town Board meeting at Anthony Veteran Town Park, Heatherdell Road, Ardsley on Wednesday, May 12th at 7:30 PM (newcomer’s reception being held from 6 PM to 7:30 PM the same night).


 


This is a perfect example of democracy in action. We all worked together —for the common good. And, everyone came out a winner!


PAUL FEINER

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Playland Begins 75th Season Saturday. Dragon Coaster Tunnel Debuts.

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WPCNR BOARDWALK PROMENADE. From Westchester County Recreation & Parks. May 5, 2004: The newly refurbished Dragon Coaster Tunnel — in full head, body and tail, with outstretched claws, flaring nostrils and glaring red eyes! — will roar as it thrills people of all ages when Playland Park in Rye opens this Saturday at noon.

Opening day festivities include an unlimited ride wristband, good for all rides from noon to 6 p.m., for $10. Youngsters and adults alike will delight as the newly restored Little Miss Muffet display makes its debut, and there’ll be free performances by the Mersey Beat Band at 2, 4 & 6 p.m. at the Music Tower Theater.

Admission is free; parking is $7 on weekends.

For a complete schedule and fees, log on to www.ryeplayland.org or call
the park (914) 813-7010.

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Freeway Flyers Will Be Watching for Prom Night Drinkers. Parent Guidelines Noted

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            WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. From Westchester County Department of Public Safety. (Edited) May 5, 2004: With prom season approaching, Westchester County Executive Andy Spano announced that the county Department of Public Safety, as well as local police departments, will be vigilant in efforts to prevent underage drinking, whether it be in limousines, at catering halls or at pre- or post-party “hangouts.”


            At the same time, Spano reminds parents that they play a crucial role in this effort – that they need to talk to their teenagers and get answers.


            “For most Westchester students and their parents, prom night will produce memories of beautiful dresses, budding romance, dancing and fun. But all too often, these memories are marred by tragedies involving alcohol and other drug use,” Spano said. “The police will do their part, but parents must do theirs as well.”



 





Freeway Flyers Gonna Write You Up Now. Don’t Even Try to Drink Now.


 


            The county’s Department of Public Safety will increase its patrols during prom season. They, as well as local police departments, will be visiting high school and junior high school proms. They will also be inspecting limousines for proper licensing and to make sure that there are no alcoholic beverages in the limousines.


            There are no alcoholic beverages allowed in limousines that transport prom goers. All livery operators licensed by the county have been warned that purchasing, serving or allowing the consumption of alcoholic beverages in their vehicles is a criminal activity and violations will not be tolerated.


 


Those Big Orange and Whites Will Be Out and Checkin on You.


 


             “The police will be vigilant,” said Spano. “We want to protect our young adults. We want them to have a safe night. Police departments throughout the county have been given additional funding through the county Office of STOP-DWI for added overtime patrols to deter drinking and drugging – with or without the driving component — on those nights that proms are being held. Some departments will patrol the areas where establishments cater to proms, some will patrol neighborhoods and others will increase their patrols around favorite hangouts.”


            Spano added, “All of this is not to under-stress the important role parents must play to ensure prom safety. And the key to that is communicating with their child—asking questions and getting answers. We know from experience that this can go a long way towards preventing serious problems.”


            The county has sent letters to school and to limousine companies with information about prom safety.


 


HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS FROM THE COUNTY:


 


At least a week before the prom talk with your son or daughter.


·        State that you love him/her and your primary concern is for his/her health and safety.


·        Discuss prom night expectations and concerns.


·        Ask what plans are in place (if any) for post prom celebrations.


·        Assure your child that you understand prom night pressure and fears.


·        Discuss your position on possible uncomfortable/dangerous situations and suggest ways to handle these situations. Be sure to discuss issues of drinking and driving, alcohol poisoning, and use of other drugs.


·        Ask your son/daughter to think about these issues and tell him/her you’d like to continue the discussion.


·        When hiring a limo, make sure it is properly licensed by the Westchester County Taxi & Limousine Commission. (Ask for the company’s WCTLC permit number.) Find out who the driver will be and make sure he is properly licensed as well. Make sure the service understands that there will be under aged passengers and NO alcohol is to be allowed and that the bar in the vehicle is not to be stocked with alcohol.   


 


At least one day before the prom:



  • Re-state your concerns for health and safety with your son or daughter.
  • Re-state your position on handling potentially dangerous situations.
  • Ask if he/she has additional thoughts or feelings.

 


The day of the prom: confirm the schedule of events.



  • Where will he/she be at what time?
  • What time can you expect to hear from him/her and what time will he/she be home?
  • Stress you will pick him/her up whenever or wherever if he/she wants to come home or you will leave money for a taxi in a certain place if he/she doesn’t want to call you but wants to come home.

When the limousine or party van comes:



  • Double check that the van has the proper licensing from the WCTLC. Cars licensed to do for-hire business in Westchester County will have a rectangular WCTLC decal on the lower right side of the windshield.  The expiration date of each permit is prominently displayed on the permit. The driver should be able to produce a valid WCTLC driver permit.  The expiration date of the permit will be prominently displayed in red underneath the driver’s picture. NYS DMV requires that the driver of a car that seats 15 or more passengers have a Commercial Driver’s License.

 



  • Speak directly to the driver and discuss your expectations that alcohol and other drug use not be allowed in the limousine or party van. Make sure your car service understands the laws on alcohol consumption and their responsibility under those laws.  Also speak to the driver and explain to him that he is not to provide alcohol or allow the consumption of alcohol by under aged passengers while riding in his vehicle.


  • Inspect the limousine, including the trunk, for alcohol or other drugs.
  • Do not permit your son or daughter to bring non-alcoholic beverages in the limousine if the seal has been broken or the beverage opened. Adolescents have mixed vodka with Snapple drinks and fooled parents by saying, “I’m just bringing Snapple in case we get thirsty on the way.”
  • Tell the driver you do not want any stops made on the way to the prom. Adolescents sometimes  “stash”  alcohol elsewhere to be picked up on the way to the prom.

 


After the prom:


·        See your adolescent when he/she comes home. If your adolescent has obviously been drinking or using other drugs, don’t let him/her go back out.


·        Talk to your teen about his/her experience and compliment good choices. Talk about any difficult  situations that may have arisen.


 


Things to remember:


·        It is illegal for parents to serve alcohol to young people (under 21) in their home.  Hosting a pre or post prom party that includes alcohol sends a dangerous message to your child and leaves you open to civil or even criminal liability.


·        Accidents can happen not only at the after-prom sites (beach, hotel,  club) but going to and from as well.  


·        Vomiting, passing out, and other alcohol and drug-related incidents can result in damaged reputations, lowered self-esteem, ruined relationships, and potential injury.


·        Driving while tired may be as dangerous as driving while under the influence of alcohol and other drugs.


 


 

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WPCNR Photograph of the Day

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WPCNR Roving Photographer. May 5, 2004: Today’s POTD showcases Renaissance Plaza in White Plains in the morning sun.



DAWN ON the Land of the Smokey Marshes.


 By the WPCNR Roving Photographer.

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