Bank Street Commons “Big Bopper” Relaunches White Plains Jaycees.

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WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. From LCOR. April 16, 2004:  LCOR, owner and manager of the Bank Street Commons rental apartment complex in White Plains, has stepped forward as the charter corporate sponsor of the newly revitalized White Plains chapter of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, commonly known as the “Jaycees.”

Returning to White Plains after a two-decade absence, the Jaycees was established in 1920 as the “young person’s organization.”  A nationwide network of professionals between the ages of 21 and 39, members focus on business development, management skills, individual training, community service, and international connections.  Jaycees take part in charitable and community service projects, and sponsor social functions and networking events.


“LCOR is delighted to support the rebirth of this outstanding business
organization,” said Karyn Smith, secretary of the White Plains Jaycees and property manager of Bank Street Commons Apartments, a new, 500-unit residential complex located adjacent to the White Plains Metro-North station.  “This is the perfect time for the Jaycees to return to White Plains.  Our community is experiencing an economic and cultural renaissance that is attracting many young professionals.”


The newly revived Jaycees chapter president is Robert Klein, a financial consultant for Ryan Beck & Company.


Mr. Klein and Ms. Smith said the Jaycees’ return had gained support and encouragement from White Plains Mayor Joseph Delfino, a former Jaycees member.  They added that Jo Falcone, branch manager of the Century 21
Wolff-White Plains and president-elect of the White Plains Rotary, had also assisted in bringing the Jaycees back to White Plains.


Upcoming events planned by the Jaycees include participation in the March of Dimes Walk America Walk and adoption of a local park in Westchester County.


Other officers of the new chapter include vice president Cristina Fahrbach, an attorney with Jackson Lewis LLP, and treasurer Donna Scudieri, who is currently pursuing her college education.

“We invite all young professionals in White Plains to join the Jaycees,” said Mr. Klein.  “White Plains is experiencing a tremendous resurgence, and the Jaycees clearly have a great future here.”

To contact the White Plains branch of the Jaycees, call Dave Blake, Membership Chair, at 914-924-5120 or Robert Klein, President, at 914-419-8126.
 
LCOR, developer of the $140-million Bank Street Commons residential complex, is a national real estate development company that focuses on development of multi-family residential projects, with more than 20,000 residential units completed, under construction or in pre-development across the country.  The company is also owner and manager of the Landmark at Eastview in Tarrytown, one of the East Coast’s largest, multi-tenanted science parks.  

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Fish on the Bronx River in Fishing Derby May 1

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WPCNR OUTDOORSMAN. From Westchester County Department of Parks and Recreation. April 15, 2004: Grab your fishing gear and the kids and do something fishy this weekend during the fourth annual Bronx River Parkway Reservation Fishing Derby to be held on Saturday, May 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on the Bronx River Parkway Reservation at Ann’s Way pond in Hartsdale, just east of the train station.

SOMETHING’S “FISHY” ON THE BRONX RIVER RESERVATION


Date Set for Fourth Annual Fishing Derby


 


The derby is open to boys and girls ages 16 and under of all levels of ability.  Participants must bring their own pole and bait for the contest, and there will be free prizes for all young anglers. Awards will be presented to the lucky winners of the “Big Catch” of the tournament, courtesy of Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. and Wal-mart Stores, Inc.


The Fishing Derby is one of several programs introduced to showcase the Reservation as an important natural and historical resource for Westchester County. The programs are designed to encourage county residents to enjoy the reservation for the recreational opportunities it affords.


Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Bronx River Parkway Reservation was the first linear park in the country and was the first official Westchester County park. In 2001, the National Parks Service division of the United States Department of the Interior produced the Historic American Engineering Report (H.A.E.R.) that documents the history and design of the parkway, and includes such documentation as the 1918 conceptual plans for the parkway. 


The Fishing Derby is sponsored by Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation.


            Registration for the free event is suggested. Registration forms can be picked up at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, the Parks Department offices at 25 Moore Avenue in Mount Kisco. They are also available on the Department’s web site at www.westchestergov.com or by calling (914) 864-7057.

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Shocker: There’s A Lack of Affordable Housing in Westchester County

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           WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Westchester County Department of Communications. April 14, 2004. (EDITED):  The Affordable Housing Needs Assessment report, commisioned by Westchester County from the Center for urban Policy Research), released this week, concludes, the county  needs about 18,000 units of affordable housing, of which about 8,300 would be met by the private sector. The remaining number, about 10,000 – or 673 units a year – would have to be produced with the help of government subsidy.


 



            This will become the focus of an “action plan” that will be developed by the Westchester County Housing Opportunities Commission.


                    Under  County Executive Andy Spano’s tenure, the average annual number of affordable housing units being rehabilitated or being created through new construction has doubled from the prior administration. To a great extent this was accomplished by changing the focus of housing policies to allow the county to assist with the acquisition of land by developers. The county has also been aggressive and creative using a variety of county, state and federal resources.


·        Since 2000, Westchester County government has been involved in the completion of 369 units of new affordable housing. Another 253 units are now under construction, with an additional 193 approved but not yet under construction. This year alone, 201 affordable housing units are expected to be completed and available.


 


·        In addition, another 1,300 units are pending or in the pipeline.


 


·        The county has actively sought to help rehabilitate existing deteriorated housing. Since 2000, the county has helped “rehab”  597 units, with another 100 expected for 2004.


 


            Unlike the original Rutgers housing report done in 1991, this latest one does not include recommendations of what new housing each municipality should take responsibility for.


            “While some communities met or exceeded their ‘allocation,’ this was never easy. We recognize that without appropriate infrastructure such as transportation and sewers it’s more difficult for certain parts of the county to create these housing opportunities,” Spano said.   


                                                                        Some highlights of the report:



  • To document the need for affordable housing, the study focused on those housing units lacking complete kitchen and bathroom facilities, were occupied by households paying more than 30 percent of the income toward their rent or more than 50 percent of their income toward their homeownership unit; homeless households living in emergency shelter units; and households living in overcrowded conditions. About 10,000 such units were found and in need of being replaced.   

 



  • CUPR calculated a future demand of about 8,600 new low and moderate income households, to meet the needs of people who move to the county.

 



  • CUPR expects that with current market trends the private sector will build about 8,300 units of affordable housing, leaving an  unmet need of about  10,000 units between 2000 and 2015.

           


              The Board of Legislators created the Housing Opportunities Commission charging this citizen board with the role of furthering community acceptance of affordable housing in general and providing vital citizen participation in the County’s efforts to develop adequate affordable housing for its residents.


            The Housing Needs Assessment is available on-line on the County Planning Department’s website at www.westchestergov.com/planning.


 


  County Executive Andy Spano commented on the report: “Affordable housing has been and continues to be one of the most intractable problems county leaders have faced for decades.There are no easy answers. But a study such as this is a tool. We must continue to encourage municipalities and developers to build a healthy mix of housing —  housing for every level of affordability because people at all these levels provide valuable services that contribute toward our quality of life. In the meantime, at the county level we will build on what we have done in the past.”


            Commented George Raymond, executive director of the non-profit Housing Opportunities Commission,   “The HOC, in cooperation with the county Planning Department, has accepted the responsibility of developing an action plan that will advance the cause of affordable housing throughout the county.”

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Whooping Cough — Disease of the 1950s — Returns. 100 Cases So Far. Vax Urged.

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WPCNR MEDIC. From Mary Landrigan Westchester County Department of Health. April 14, 2004: The Westchester County Department of Health has identified 98 cases of confirmed pertussis (whooping cough) since August, 2003.  Although the early cases were seen primarily in northern Westchester communities, cases have now been seen throughout the county.  The highest numbers of cases were seen in August thru November.  In the following months, the number of cases remained fairly stable, consistent with the seasonal nature of the disease that peaks in late summer or fall. Normally, only five to six cases per year of pertussis are reported in Westchester County. 




 


“Finding these cases is in part the result of a new and better test for pertussis, done by obtaining a swab of the nose and throat areas, which is making it easier to find pertussis cases,” Dr. Lipsman continued. “Nevertheless, our purpose in announcing that we are nearing 100 cases in this outbreak is to encourage all parents to have their children vaccinated, and to ask medical providers to help to identify any possible additional cases of pertussis.”


Many causes can be attributed to this outbreak including:


·                    an underimmunized population


·                    increased awareness of the disease


·                    increased availability of the new test


·                    and less than perfect effectiveness of the existing vaccine.     


                                                                 


“Vaccination is not completely protective against pertussis or whooping cough.  Even while appropriately vaccinated individuals can become ill and spread the infection to others, the illness is generally milder in vaccinated individuals,” stated Health Commissioner Joshua Lipsman, MD, MPH. 


 


Dangerous to Infants.


 


“Also in young  infants, pertussis remains a serious disease and can result in death.   Five of the nine infants less than six months of age of our current pertussis cases were ill enough to require hospitalization,” added Dr. Lipsman.  “Fortunately, they now are all out of danger and recovered at home,” he added.


Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial disease that affects the respiratory system and produces spasms of coughing that usually are accompanied by a characteristic high-pitched whoop. Whooping cough can affect people of any age. Prior to widespread immunization, the disease was a major cause of death in infants and young children. Appropriate immunization can usually prevent the occurrence of this serious disease.  Parents and health care providers are urged to assure that children’s pertussis shots are up-to-date.


             The cough is characterized by bursts of numerous rapid coughs accompanied by a characteristic whooping sound. Typically, the face becomes red with each cough then light blue. During this stage, there is heavy mucus production and coughing spells may cause vomiting. Pertussis should be considered when vomiting is associated with coughing. Coughing from pertussis typically lasts several weeks but may persist for up to ten weeks.  Residents who wish to hear a short recording of the typical cough associated with “whooping cough” may visit our website at www.westchestergov.com/health.


Anyone developing symptoms of pertussis (whooping cough) should see a doctor for appropriate treatment. Prompt treatment can prevent complications and the spread of pertussis to others.


For more information on pertussis, call the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000 or visit www.westchestergov.com/health.        

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High School Earth Day, April 21

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From Michelle Schoenfeld. April 14, 2004: White Plains High School’s Advocates for the Earth will hold a program for children in kindergarten through third grade on Earth Day, April 21st, from 4-6 P.M., at the YWCA in White Plains. At this annual event, the High School students will instruct the younger students about recycling, cleaning up their neighborhoods, and local environmental concerns and what they can do about them. There will be arts and crafts, including finger-painting and creating bird feeders, as well as instructional games about recycling. Social Studies teacher Paul Davis is advisor to the group.

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The Feiner Report: Sunrise Facility Coming to Greenburgh, too.

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 WPCNR’S PAUL FEINER REPORT. By Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner. April 14, 2004:  This Wednesday the Greenburgh Town Board will vote to enter into an exclusivity agreement with Sunrise Assisted Living and resolution undertaking study as whether the old Town Hall site is unneeded for Town purposes and resolution authorizing the issuance of RFP’s for a real estate appraisal. Copies of the resolution are available via the Town Attorney’s office (smancuso@greenburgh.com).  The Town Board meeting will be held at 7:15 PM at Greenburgh Town Hall, 177 Hillside Ave, Greenburgh.


There will be a free Balanchine centennial celebration at Woodlands High this Saturday, April 17th at 7:30 PM. Balanchine performed Serenade at the Warburg summer home (currently Woodlands High) in June, 1934. SUNY Purchase Dance Corp will perform. Reservations are required. E mail pfeiner@greenburgh.com if you are interested in making a reservation but haven’t yet done so. Tickets will be held at the door.


 The Town Board will vote on a resolution I introduced urging the State Legislature to increase the minimum wage to $7.10 per hour (the resolution has been approved by other communities including Croton).


 We’re voting on a resolution urging the State Legislature to adopt a special law to allow the Town to create a third Justice position and to hold an election for the 3rd Justice in November, 2004.


 And….we’re going to hold a public hearing on the 2004 capital budget and vote on a resolution authorizing RFPs to be sent out re: affordable housing development on Warburton Ave. The town is going to vote to express the town’s intent to convey real property to SHORE for development of 3 units of low income housing at 770 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley (average rent about $400 a month).


PAUL FEINER

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Third Quarter Sales Tax Receipts up 8.6% from 02-03 Level.

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WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. By John F. Bailey. April 13, 2004, UPDATED 12:03 A.M.: Budget Director Anne Reasoner walked the Common Council through the highlights of the 2004-05 budget in a meeting Tuesday evening, and during the course of the meeting reported that the State Office of Taxation and Finance had reported White Plains sales tax receipts for the third quarter ended March 31 to be running 8.6% ahead of the 2002-03 White Plains pace, a very bad year when only $35 Million in Sales Tax was collected.  



WHITE PLAINS BY THE NUMBERS: Anne Reasoner, standing, Budget Director, conducting the Overview of the Budget meeting Tuesday evening. Photo by WPCNR News.


 


Projecting out to the end of the fiscal year in June, Ms. Reasoner told WPCNR she saw no problem in hitting the 37.8 Million sales tax figure that the 2004-05 budget is counting upon to stay on the projected $110.5 Million city budget.  She gave no other details, but said, “I see no problem in meeting the $37.8 Million figure.” She said reconciliation with the state would take place over the next week, and she expected no downward revision.


She attributed the March spike in sales tax receipts to what she described as “strong retail sales in March.”  


Ms. Reasoner also said that if the 6.5% of Salaries “Pataki Solution” to the  $7.9 Million pension fund payments (the major factor behind the 6% budget increase) demanded by Comptroller Allan Hevesi, did not materialize, the extra $3.8 Million needed would be bonded for  in 04-05.  Payments on that bond, she said,  would not be due until 2005-06, at which time the payments would add 2.7% to the tax burden in fiscal 2005-2006 for five years.


Roach Report from Albany: 6.5% of Salaries Limit on Pension Payment is “Dead.”


Councilman Tom Roach voiced the opinion that the 6.5% of Salaries Pataki Proposal to ease the pain of the pension bill is not going to happen.


At best he said, his information from Albany is that the legislature will grant a 6.5% of salary payment to municipalities to ease the pain of the large pension fund payment,  but municipalities would have to pay the full pension share amount they owe this year.


In the White Plains case, that is $7.9 Million. Roach said the proposal that is likely to happen, according to his Albany listening post is that White Plains will be allowed to pay $3.8 Million in cash (6.5% of salaries), but be allowed to bond or borrow for the rest. In which case, White Plains would be posting the tax hit until 2005-06.

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Kirkpatrick Not Running. Tratoros Is. Petitions Due April 28

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. April 13, 2004: To date according to the City School District, no citizens have taken out petitions to run for either of the two seats that are up on the Board of Education. Susan Kirkpatrick, completing her first  three-year term as a Board member has chosen not to run again, while Michelle Tratoros will stand for reelection to another three year term.


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Michelle Schoenfeld, longtime clerk to the Board, said it was early yet. Residents of White Plains wishing to run for School Board, in order to get on the ballot have to take out a petition from the Board of Education office at 5 Homeside Lane, and obtain the signatures of 100 qualified voters, and turn them in to the District Clerk by April 28.


Candidates must be United States citizens, 18 years of age or more and residents of White Plains for at least one year.


Information packets are available from the District Clerk, at 5 Homeside Lane.


Registration, for qualified voters new to the City, or those who are not registered to vote in general elections, will take place on Saturday, May 1, 12 Noon to 5 P.M. at Mamaroneck Avenue School, Nosband Avenue. A resident who has moved within White Plains during the last year may also change his or her voting address at that time.

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Flower Filching Noted on Quinby Avenue.

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WPCNR NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS. From a WPCNR Reader. April 13, 2004: Though the daffodils and crocuses were a little late this year they still sprouted up gamely over the chilly Easter weekend, but for one resident the gay splash of color he looks forward to every year was marred by a selfish act.


Sometimes it is not a brutal crime or an insult or blatant unfairness that hurts the most. Sometimes it is a blow to beauty and the expectations of the seasons that crush the heart.


 Here is his short, but disturbing account:


An odd bit of news: I’ve lived in White Plains, on Quinby Ave., (in Fisher Hill) for eight  years. Sure, like lots of people in this city, I’ve had my share of ugly  incidents: my house was broken into, ransacked and robbed, identity theft,  kids roughed up, etc.


But I have to say this Easter was a new low. Someone  deliberately took a knife, walked through my yard and cut my gorgeous purple  hyacinths, tulips and roses for their Easter bouquet. Guess I’ll have to  give up gardening!


A frightened crime victim who NEVER sees cops patrolling in this  neighborhood.

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Fortunoff to Donate 20% of Sales to 40 Local Charities May 3

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 WPCNR East End Trend. April 13, 2004: More than 40 Westchester non-profit organizations will benefit from an exciting four-day shopping event at Fortunoff’s new White Plains store, the first four-day charitable extravaganza in Westchester  County. The “Fabulous Fundraising at Fortunoff” event will run from Monday, May 3 through Thursday, May 6, .    It  is first-time event for Fortunoff, one of the premier specialty retailers in the Northeast. Shoppers can pick their charity they wish their purchases to be donated, but must contact their charities for tickets. Charities are listed at the conclusion of this article.

 


 


Shoppers will simply visit the store on one of these four days, shop, and then bring their receipts to one of the Redemption Desks located on all three floors, where they’ll designate the charity that will receive 20% of their pre-tax purchases.  As a reward, Fortunoff will present each shopper with a $20 gift card that can be used up to three months after the event in the White Plains store.


Shoppers can also take advantage of 10% savings on a shopping spree when they open a Fortunoff credit card any date after May 6th.


 


“We’re really looking forward to this event and we believe it will be a big success for all of the charities involved,” said Arlene Putterman, Vice President of Public Relations for Fortunoff. “Almost everyone loves to shop, and this is fun way of fundraising for some of Westchester’s most worthy charities.”


 


This is the first time that a Westchester retailer has created a charitable shopping event that lasts more than one day.  “We selected a wide range of not-for-profit partners that reflect a diversified cross section, from the arts to health, education and social welfare,” added Ms. Putterman.


 Invitations to participate can be obtained through the charities. 


For more information on “Fabulous Fundraising at Fortunoff,” please contact Robin Kern at robin@thompson-bender.com.


 



 



“Fabulous Fundraising at Fortunoff”


Participating Non-Profit Organizations


American Red Cross of Westchester


Caramoor


Community Hospital at Dobbs Ferry


Family Services of Westchester


Food – PATCH


Foundation for Public Education in White Plains


Friends of Karen


Gilda’s Club Westchester


Girl Scouts of Westchester * Putnam, Inc.


Grace Church Community Center


Historic Hudson Valley


Hudson Valley Hospital Center


Jacob Burns Film Center


Junior League of Central Westchester


Junior League on the Hudson


Junior League of Pelham


Junior League on the Sound


Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation


Juvenile Law Education Project


Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center


My Sister’s Place


Northern Westchester Hospital Foundation


Neuberger Museum of Art at Purchase College


Performing Arts Center at Purchase College


Fabulous Fundraising at Fortunoff – Participating Charities, continued…


PTA Council of White Plains (7 PTA Groups)


SPCA of Westchester


St. John’s Riverside Hospital


The Hudson River Museum


Westchester ARC Foundation


Westchester Arts Council


Westchester Community College Foundation


Westchester Community Foundation Fund for Women and Girls


Westchester Medical Center Foundation


White Plains Hospital Center


White Plains Performing Arts Center


YWCA of White Plains


 

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