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WPCNR Sidewalks of White Plains. Christmas Day. December 25, 2002:
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the city,
Construction cranes were idle, developers’ sites silent with no activity.
Not a legislator or councilperson was stirring not even a college student.;
The County and City budget stockings were hung by Michaelian & Main chimneys with devil-may care air,
In hopes Assembly Angels Amy, Adam, Richard, Ron, and Mike Spano Would Stuff Them fair.
The citizens, nestled snug in their beds with the Mayor’s Digital Divide Labs Finally fulfilled,
With visions of sweet sugar plums from Clayton Park, Bank Street, City Center, Fortunoffs and The Mills mall soon to fill city till.
And Susan Habel in her wisdom, and the divine Ms. Earl applying her budget cap,
Had just settled the city in for a short winter’s nap; No new approvals no zoning zen on tap.
When out on City Center site, there arose such a clatter, George Gretsas
Sprang from his desk in City Hall garret suspending marathon New York Hospital BioTalks to see what was the matter,
Away to the window, he flew in a flash, stunned to see Cappelli crew
Begin on Christmas Eve anew.
He tore open the shutters and threw up the sash,
As cranes, girders and whistles sounded across Main Street with a crash.
The moon shown on the crest of the rising apartment towers shown on Cappelli’s Christmas Eve Crew,
Commissioner Gismondi was summoned, issuing a stop work order to the intrepid Lou.
“It’s Christmas,” he said to the peerless leader . “Santa can’t come with all this to-do.”
Returning to the Scrooges from the Hospital at last, Mr. G and barrister Dunphy
Fashioned a Christmas gift for all the City.
“It’s a disgrace,” said gatekeeper Paul Wood, when hounded by clamorous press
Seeking an explanation for the cacophonous distress.
“How can we do the people’s business, even on Christmas,” said right hand Wood man, Rick
As Saint Theresa and reliable Manieri patiently awaited the holiday agenda thick.
The construction lights gave the luster of miday, to trucks and dirt causing them
To glow like fresh fallen snow.
When what to the crew’s surprise should appear,
But a big red sleigh, pulled by six councilman.
With a jolly old driver, so lively and quick, looking very
Much like Mayor Joseph Delfino with a sleigh full of holiday cheer.
The city servants working late, knew in a moment it must be their leader.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
“Now, Boykin! Now Malmud! Now King!
On Hockley! On Roach! On Greer!”
To the Top of City Hall! To the Top of the Wall!
Into the Council Chamber they rushed to assemble a proclamation to all!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!
As empty lots before developers fill,
With towers that reach to the sky,
To the City Hall roof his sturdy council did fly.
With the Mayor’s sleigh full of toys, and the jolly Mayor, too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The serious voices of each councilman giving proof
That the sleeping city was in sure hand.
As Mr. G drew in his head, and was turning around,
Down the circular stair the Mayor and Council came with a bound.
The Mayor was dressed in his Mayor’s suit, from his head to his foot,
His brown suit was draped with ribbons from openings at Stop N Shop and Digital Divide to boot.
A bundle of plans, Nicoletti brought forth for Mayor and council to consider.
But the Mayor, his eyes how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up in a smile…”No, Bud, no plans for awhile!”
The Mayor spoke not a word, but went straight to his desk, he bade
Council be seated, and with not a voice of denial,
Presented the resolution, the council spread the communications with style.
Hiring 3 stalwart new Police Commissioners, starting
5 new developments, 5 Digital Divide Labs, two new parks
Gifts to the city from the hardest working Common Council without guile.
Thanking the council, commissioners, and city staff,
America’s favorite Mayor sprang to the circular stair, and sleigh,
To his team gave a whistle, and away the Mayor and council flew like the down of a thistle.
But the citizens heard them exclaim, as the team drove out of sight,
The proclamation just passed to citizens all:
‘Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”
