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WPCNR ROVING PHOTOGRAPHER. February 10, 2004: Today’s White Plains “glamour shot” is of Highlands Middle School, formerly the high school, perched in its Gothic Splendor above Parker Stadium in the heart of the Highlands.
Higher Learning. Photo by WPCNR Roving Photographer
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WPNCR’S ADAM IN ALBANY. From District 89 Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley’s Office. February 9, 2004: Assemblyman Adam Bradley (D-White Plains) announced Assembly passage of reform legislation aimed at ending abuses of the public trust by state authorities and public benefit corporations (A.9010).
“Public authorities exist enjoy the benefit of taxpayer funding with little or none of the oversight and accountability we demand from government,” Bradley said. “The public deserves to know that authorities are held accountable, and that’s exactly what this legislation does.”
The legislation that Assemblyman Bradley supported creates a public authority inspector general to make sure that authorities are given the kind of oversight they’ve been lacking.
“Last year, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s fare hike fiasco showed the entire state what happens when authorities think they have no one looking over their shoulder,” Bradley said. “We’re still paying for the MTA’s public deception and similar things have happened at other public authorities. With a strong inspector general, we can prevent these kinds of scandals from happening.”
The measures restrict certain lobbying practices. They ensure that there is no undue or improper influence when it comes to awarding authority contracts or spending taxpayers’ money, and require each authority to create a central procurement office to oversee procurement contracts. “Even the appearance of impropriety undermines the public’s trust,” Bradley said. “We can’t allow that to happen. Lobbyists and other outside interests need to be kept at arm’s length from the decision-making process.”
The bill would establish an Independent Budget Officer for public authorities and public benefit corporations as well. The IBO would be required to collect, distribute and assess information about the budget for each authority. The IBO would also make reports and provide information to the public and elected officials.
“Authorities operate with the public’s money. Their decisions have already cost taxpayers millions of dollars, this will ensure that public authorities budget decisions will be scrutinized by independent experts,” Bradley said. “Rigorous analysis would go a long way toward warding off problems.
“We’ve seen way too many examples of abuse from public authorities over the past few years. Authorities need to be reined in and made accountable,” Bradley said. “The Assembly has taken the lead in making sure that these so-called shadow governments are brought into the open. I call on the governor and Senate to join us in making sure that public authorities are held accountable. We must prevent them from misspending taxpayer dollars, again.”
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WPCNR CITIZEN REPORT. February 10, 2004: A meeting among neighbors and friends of The White Plains Watch was held Monday evening and a CitizeNetReporter who attended that meeting said the monthly that suspended publication in January is still in the same position. He said that Watch publisher Susan Chang says she still needs 500 more subscribers before she will resume publication. At this point, our observer says that Ms. Chang has 1,500 subscribers and says she needs a paid circulation of 2,000 to resume publication of the paper. He reports she hopes to gain the 500 new supporters by March and resume publication in April.
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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. February 10, 2004: White Plains High School Athletic Director, at the request of the Board of Education, delivered good news about injured WPHS Freshman, Brian Donahoe Monday evening at the Board of the Education meeting.
Mr. Scarano said he visited Brian Monday afternoon at Westchester County Medical Center, and reports that Brian said to tell his friends, “I’m doing O.K.”
Scarano reported that Brian had suffered a skull fracture behind the right ear, and a broken wrist, and that he expected to be in the hospital for another 5 days. The WPHS A.D. said that personnel at the high school at the time when Brian hurt himself last Wednesday afternoon were “instrumental” in saving Brian’s life. Scarano added that Brian’s doctors at the Medical Center said “it’s a miracle he’s doing as well as he is.”
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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From County Department of Communications. February 9, 2004, revised midnight, February 9, 2004 E.S.T.: County Executive Andy Spano reports that the State Legislature has offered Westchester County a 1/2 % increase in the sales tax, instead of the 1% he requested. Executive Spano, in an initial statement noted this would leave Westchester $28.5 Million short, which he said would result in a property tax increase. Now later on Monday evening, Executive Spano amended his initial reaction statement, backing off his prediction that the county would have to raise the property tax. Here is County Executive Spano’s revised Statement in reaction to the legislature decision:
The 2004
Today, I have received word that the bill introduced in the State Legislature gives us half that amount—or 0.5% and authorizes us to distribute a portion of it to municipalities and school districts. In addition, we have been given the authority for a 25% increase in the mortgage tax and an auto use tax increase.
Unfortunately, we did not receive the entire amount. However, I want to thank our state delegation as well as Speaker Silver for reaching a consensus and working hard to achieve what they did. I look forward to continue working with them to identify other cost saving measures for the tax-payers of
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WPCNR POTHOLE PATROL. February 9, 2004: Two snowstorms and two heavy rainstorms mixed with the salt and chemicals applied to keep White Plains roads clear have taken their toll on the roadways, main boulevards, and residential streets in the city, causing a number of washouts creating gaping potholes that slow traffic and are deep enough to break an axle. Not all roads pictured are White Plains responsibility, but motorists should be aware of a few of the trouble spots.
THREE TRENCHES SLOW TRAFFIC ON WESTCHESTER AVENUE EASTBOUND. Photo by WPCNR News.
CRATER WESTBOUND ON WESTCHESTER AVENUE, Eastern Gateway. Another serious trench can be found at the fork some 100 feet west of this gaping hole. Photo by WPCNR News.
MORTER HOLES ON NORTH STREET SOUTHBOUND are deep enough to cause motorists to swerve in two-lane traffic. Photo by WPCNR News.
NORTH STREET WESTCHESTER AVENUE CUTOFF DEPRESSION. Photo by WPCNR News
LUMPY MAIN STREET: The roughest street in the city is Main Street in front of City Hall. The three-block stretch from Mamaroneck Avenue to North Broadway, admittedly has been torn up by construction of City Center, however, the salt and chemicals appear to have made the street trickier to negotiate by depressing the temporary paveovers. Hamilton Avenue Westbound is smoother but has approximately 5 potholes in the West bound lanes. Photo by WPCNR News.
BRYANT WASHOUT at Grandview Avenue. Photo by WPCNR News
EXIT FROM THE WESTCHESTER…On WESTCHESTER AVENUE EAST is so deep, traffic backs up to avoid it. Photo by WPCNR News.
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WPCNR ROVING PHOTOGRAPHER. February 9, 2004: Today’s panorama is the eastern gateway looking West, revealing that the South City Center tower has risen above the skyline, you can see it just below the white construction crane. Meanwhile the health club atop the City Center garage is taking form.
Looking West: By The WPCNR Roving Photographer.
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WPCNR MOVIE TRAILER. From National Amusements Public Relations. February 7, 2004: What’s rolling at City Center Cinema De Lux? WPCNR brings you the latest Coming Attractions of what’s up at the flickers.
BARBERSHOP 2: BACK IN BUSINESS — Calvin and his crew are back, still joking around and storytelling. However, this time Calvin is struggling to keep his father’s shop alive. A stylist named Gina has moved in next door and is trying to steal his customers. To make matters worse, urban developers have swooped down on the neighborhood looking to replace “mom & pop” establishments with name-brand chains. Ice Cube, Cedric the Entertainer and Queen Latifah star in this hilarious sequel. Rated PG-13
MIRACLE — In 1980, Coach Herb Brooks led the U.S. hockey team to victory at the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, NY. With a proud nation watching and despite overwhelming odds, a ragtag squad of college kids went up against the seemingly undefeatable Soviet Union and came back with the gold. Based on the exciting true story one of the great moments in U.S. modern history, Miracle stars Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Noah Emmerich and Eddie Cahill. Rated PG
CATCH THAT KID — Twelve-year-old Maddy and her father have always shared a love for mountain climbing. Their hobby has a disastrous consequence when an accident on Mount Everest injures her father’s spine, paralyzing him forever unless he gets an expensive operation. Determined to help him, Maddy recruits two of her friends to help her break into the super-high-tech bank, using her amazing climbing abilities and their ace computer skills. To complicate matters, Maddy’s mother works at the bank as the security chief. Kristen Stewart, Sam Robards and Jennifer Beals star in this funny family caper. Rated PG
GIVE YOUR SPECIAL SWEETHEART THE GIFT OF COMEDY, ROMANCE, DRAMA! Give MOVIE Gift Certificates Always accepted, no restrictions. Also available in all National Amusements Theatres.
Friday, February 06, 2004
Miracle **(PG) –12:10;3:10;6:30;9:30 pm;12:30 am. ;
Barbershop 2 (PG-13) –12:00;2:30;5:00;7:35;10:20 pm;12:40 am. ;
The Butterfly Effect (R) –12:00;2:40;5:10;7:40;10:25 pm. ;
Catch That Kid (PG) –12:15;2:25;4:40;6:55;9:25;11:35 pm. ;
You Got Served (PG-13) –12:30;2:50;5:15;7:30;9:50 pm;12:15 am. ;
Cold Mountain (R) –7:15;10:20 pm. ;
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (PG-13) –3:15;6:20 pm. ;
Big Fish (PG-13) –1:15;4:10;7:05;9:55 pm;12:40 am. ;
Win A Date With Tad Hamilton (PG-13) –1:00;9:15;11:30 pm. ;
Along Came Polly (PG-13) –12:50;3:05;5:20;7:45;10:10 pm;12:15 am. ;
Monster (R) –1:10;3:55;6:35;9:10;11:55 pm. ;
Teacher’s Pet (PG) –12:00 pm. ;
Barbershop 2 **(PG-13) –1:45;4:15;7:00;9:50 pm;12:10 am. ;
Miracle (PG) –12:40;3:40;7:00;10:00 pm;12:45 am. ;
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (PG-13) –12:05;4:00;8:00;11:40 pm. ;
The Big Bounce (PG-13) –12:25;2:45;4:55 pm. ;
The Perfect Score (PG-13) –12:35;2:55;5:05;7:20;9:35;11:50 pm. ;
Mystic River (R) –1:40;4:30;7:25;10:15 pm. ;
Saturday, February 07, 2004
You Got Served (PG-13) –12:30;2:50;5:15;7:30;9:50 pm;12:15 am. ;
Barbershop 2 (PG-13) –12:00;2:30;5:00;7:35;10:20 pm;12:40 am. ;
The Big Bounce (PG-13) –12:25;2:45;4:55 pm. ;
Miracle (PG) –12:40;3:40;7:00;10:00 pm;12:45 am. ;
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (PG-13) –12:05;4:00;8:00;11:40 pm. ;
The Perfect Score (PG-13) –12:35;2:55;5:05;7:20;9:35;11:50 pm. ;
Miracle **(PG) –12:10;3:10;6:30;9:30 pm;12:30 am. ;
Monster (R) –1:10;3:55;6:35;9:10;11:55 pm. ;
Big Fish (PG-13) –1:15;4:10;7:05;9:55 pm;12:40 am. ;
Win A Date With Tad Hamilton (PG-13) –1:00;9:15;11:30 pm. ;
Along Came Polly (PG-13) –12:50;3:05;5:20;7:45;10:10 pm;12:15 am. ;
Mystic River (R) –1:40;4:30;7:25;10:15 pm. ;
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (PG-13) –3:15;6:20 pm. ;
Catch That Kid (PG) –12:15;2:25;4:40;6:55;9:25;11:35 pm. ;
The Butterfly Effect (R) –12:00;2:40;5:10;7:40;10:25 pm. ;
Cold Mountain (R) –7:15;10:20 pm. ;
Barbershop 2 **(PG-13) –1:45;4:15;7:00;9:50 pm;12:10 am. ;
Teacher’s Pet (PG) –12:00 pm. ;
Sunday, February 08, 2004
Teacher’s Pet (PG) –12:00 pm. ;
Miracle **(PG) –12:10;3:10;6:30;9:30 pm. ;
Barbershop 2 (PG-13) –12:00;2:30;5:00;7:35;10:20 pm. ;
Mystic River (R) –1:40;4:30;7:25;10:15 pm. ;
Catch That Kid (PG) –12:15;2:25;4:40;6:55;9:25 pm. ;
Cold Mountain (R) –7:15;10:20 pm. ;
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (PG-13) –3:15;6:20 pm. ;
You Got Served (PG-13) –12:30;2:50;5:15;7:30;9:50 pm. ;
Big Fish (PG-13) –1:15;4:10;7:05;9:55 pm. ;
Win A Date With Tad Hamilton (PG-13) –1:00;9:15 pm. ;
Monster (R) –1:10;3:55;6:35;9:10 pm. ;
Along Came Polly (PG-13) –12:50;3:05;5:20;7:45;10:10 pm. ;
The Perfect Score (PG-13) –12:35;2:55;5:05;
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WPCNR ROVING PHOTOGRAPHER. February 7, 2004: Citizen Photographer Terri Popiel submits this Photograph of the Day, depicting the building just saved this week when Super Developer Louis Cappelli agreed to build around the 1926 structure. The Photograph of the Day:
“BAR FOREVER” By Terri Popiel, WPCNR Roving Phtographer
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WPCNR’S ADAM IN ALBANY. By District 89 Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley. February 7, 2004: Bitter temperatures this winter caused a sudden increase in home heating costs – wreaking havoc on family budgets.
To give Westchester relief, I helped pass a resolution urging President Bush and the United States Congress to provide additional funds for the federal Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Thankfully, the federal government acted quickly to provide more aid.
HEAP provides grants from $40 to $400 to help eligible low-income seniors, those with disabilities and families pay their heat bills. New York’s program provides regular and emergency benefits to eligible renters and homeowners alike.
Eligibility is based on variables including household income, living arrangement, heating expenses, young, old or disabled family members, and type of heat. For instance, a family of four that pays for its heat directly and has a gross monthly income of less than $3,325 could receive between $150 and $400. An elderly couple that doesn’t pay directly for heat and makes less than $2,261 monthly could save between $40 and $50.
Skyrocketing home heating costs are a real emergency – especially in a winter with near-record lows. Through the end of January, 640,000 households received assistance – an increase of 39,000 over the same period last year. In an effort to fight the devastating cold, the additional funding helps New Yorkers avoid choosing between heating their homes and cutting back on basic necessities such as medicine or food – or worse, resorting to unsafe heating sources. The additional aid will help keep Westchester families safe and warm.
To receive an application or find out if you are eligible for HEAP benefits, contact my District Office at 686-7335 or call the HEAP hotline at 1-800-342-3009. You can also visit www.otda.state.ny.us and download an application off the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Web site.