Common Council President’s Address on 2002 Goals and Objectives for City

Hits: 0

For the Record, 2/5/02, 11:30 PM EST: WPNCR is pleased to present the complete text of Council President Benjamin Boykin, Jr.’s Address to the Common Council on Monday evening, February 4, 2002 discussing the Common Council legislative agenda for this year:
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR CITY OF WHITE PLAINS 2002


BENJAMIN BOYKIN, JR. COMMON COUNCIL PRESIDENT, delivering his address Monday evening.
Photo by WPCNR


ONCE AGAIN, THE BEGINNING OF A NEW YEAR PROVIDES US WITH THE PERSPECTIVE TO ANALYZE WHAT HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED IN THE PAST YEAR AND TO LOOK FORWARD TO WHAT WE IN THE COMMON COUNCIL WISH TO ACHIEVE DURING THE COMING YEAR. ON BEHALF OF THE FIVE CURRENT COUNCIL MEMBERS – MR. GREER, MR. KING, MRS. MALMUD, MR. ROACH AND MYSELF – I WISH TO OUTLINE OUR GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR 2002.

DESPITE DIFFERENCES WHICH ARE A NATURAL CONSEQUENCE OF HONEST AND CONSCIENTIOUS BUT DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEW, THE COUNCIL AND THE ADMINISTRATION WORKED TOGETHER TO ACCOMPLISH MUCH ON A TIMELY BASIS DURING 2001. THESE INCLUDE:

■ SITE PLAN RENEWAL, WITH CONSTRUCTION CURRENTLY IN PROCESS, FOR 500 UNITS OF HOUSING (30 UNITS WHICH WILL BE AFFORDABLE TO MIDDLE-INCOME FAMILIES) AND A 180 ROOM HOTEL AT THE SITE OF THE FORMER “HOLE IN THE GROUND” BY THE RAILROAD STATION,

■ SITE PLAN APPROVAL FOR 600 UNITS OF HOUSING (36 UNITS WHICH WILL BE AFFORDABLE TO MIDDLE-INCOME FAMILIES), A MEGAPLEX CINEMA, A COMMUNITY THEATER AND SEVERAL FLOORS OF RETAIL AND RESTAURANTS IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN,

■ SITE PLAN APPROVAL FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A FORTUNOFF AND OTHER RETAIL AND RESTAURANT USES AT THE FORMER SAK’S SITE,

■ ACQUISITION OF THE D’ELIA PROPERTY AS PASSIVE OPEN SPACE,

■ APPROVAL OF THREE APARTMENT PROJECTS: CLAYTON PARK, THE JEFFERSON AND PAPPAS PROPOSALS FOR AN ADDITIONAL 652 UNITS OF MARKET-RATE RENTAL APARTMENT UNITS (36 UNITS WHICH WILL BE AFFORDABLE TO MIDDLE-INCOME FAMILIES), AND

■ APPROVAL OF 42 UNITS OF HOUSING FOR LOW- AND MIDDLE-INCOME FAMILIES AND SENIORS AT SOUTH KENSICO AND HADDEN.

THESE WERE ACCOMPLISHED WITH ALL DUE SPEED BY A COUNCIL AND AN ADMINISTRATION WHICH WORKED COOPERATIVELY IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CITY. WE LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING THAT PROCESS DURING 2002.

DURING 2002, AS THE CAPPELLI PROJECT MAKES FURTHER PROGRESS, WE FORSEE ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS COMING FORWARD FOR DOWNTOWN. WHILE WE LOOK FORWARD TO ADDITIONAL DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT, WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT FURTHER DEVELOPMENT IS CONSISTENT WITH THE VISION FOR A VIBRANT AND LIVABLE DOWNTOWN. HAVING APPROVED 1752 UNITS OF RESIDENTIAL HOUSING IN AND NEAR DOWNTOWN WHITE PLAINS WITHIN THE PAST TWO YEARS, WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT FURTHER DEVELOPMENT DOES NOT OVERLOAD THE CITY’S INFRASTRUCTURE. WE MUST TAKE A HARD LOOK AT POSSIBLE NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES OF INADEQUATE PARKING AND GRIDLOCK DOWNTOWN AND SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED TRAFFIC THROUGH OUR RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS AND OTHER UNKNOWN AND UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES FROM FUTURE DEVELOPMENT. WE NEED TO ENSURE THAT LONG TIME BUSINESSES IN THE DOWNTOWN REMAIN VIABLE ENTITIES. SOME TYPE OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE THROUGH LOW INTEREST LOANS AND/OR GRANTS MAY BE NECESSARY TO RETAIN THESE STORES IN OUR CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. WE ALSO WISH TO EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITY OF CREATING SOME GREEN OPEN SPACE IN THE HEART OF OUR CITY.

IN TERMS OF DEVELOPMENT, WE WANT TO WORK WITH THE ADMINISTRATION TO CONTINUE TO ELIMINATE THE “WHITE PLAINS FACTOR” WHICH POSSIBLY INFLATES CONSTRUCTION COST TO THE ECONOMIC DETRIMENT OF THE CITY. IN PARTICULAR, WE NEED TO RE-EXAMINE THE NECESSITY OF THE CITY’S SUPPLEMENTAL BUILDING CODES AND TO REMOVE OUR UNIQUE REQUIREMENTS WHICH ADD DEVELOPMENT COSTS WITHOUT PROVIDING ADDITIONAL SAFETY OR BENEFIT TO THE FUTURE OCCUPANTS OF THE BUILDINGS.

THE RECENT RETIREMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSIONER JOHN DOLCE AFTER THREE DECADES OF EXEMPLARY SERVICE TO WHITE PLAINS PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXAMINE THE ORGANIZATION OF THIS DEPARTMENT. WHILE WE ARE PROUD OF THE FINE PERFORMANCE OF OUR POLICE AND FIREFIGHTERS, WHITE PLAINS IS RELATIVELY UNIQUE IN NEW YORK STATE IN NOT HAVING SEPARATE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS REPORTING DIRECTLY TO THE MAYOR. DOES OUR PUBLIC SAFETY STRUCTURE PROVIDE BETTER SERVICE AT LOWER COST THAN THAT PROVIDED BY OTHER CITIES IN THE REGION OR STATE? ALTHOUGH WE DO NOT KNOW THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION, WE BELIEVE NOW IS AN EXCELLENT TIME TO EXPLORE THE ISSUE BY CONVENING A PUBLIC SAFETY REVIEW COMMITTEE TO EVALUATE THE PRESENT ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF OUR UNIFORMED SERVICES IN TERMS OF SERVICE DELIVERY AND COST. WE WELCOME THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE WITH THE ADMINISTRATION IN SELECTING A PANEL OF RESIDENTS AND EXPERTS TO FIND THE ANSWER TO THIS LONG-STANDING DEBATE AND THEN EITHER PRESERVE THE STATUS QUO OR CHANGE IT.

PRESERVING THE HIGH QUALITY OF RESIDENTIAL LIFE IN OUR NEIGHBORHOODS IS A PRIMARY CONCERN. IN LIGHT OF INCREASED DEVELOPMENT DOWNTOWN, NEW MEASURES TO CALM TRAFFIC AS IT PROCEEDS THROUGH CLOSE-IN NEIGHBORHOODS SUCH AS BATTLE HILL, FISHER HILL, THE HIGHLANDS AND NORTH BROADWAY SHOULD BE EXAMINED AND, IF ACCEPTABLE TO RESIDENTS, ADOPTED. THESE MEASURES COULD INCLUDE SPEED HUMPS, MORE STOP SIGNS, RESTRICTED ACCESS AT SPECIFIED TIMES AND STRICTER ENFORCEMENT.

ILLEGAL OCCUPANCIES ARE ALSO A MAJOR THREAT TO CLOSE-IN NEIGHBORHOODS. WE INTEND TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION WHICH WILL INCREASE MINIMUM FINES FOR REPEAT OFFENDERS OF THE CITY’S OCCUPANCY CODES AND TO PROMOTE THE HIRING OF MORE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.

IN VIEW OF THE LACK OF ACCESS TO OVERNIGHT PARKING IN SOME OF THE CITY’S APARTMENT DISTRICTS, WE WILL INTRODUCE LEGISLATION WHICH WILL PERMIT OVERNIGHT ON-STREET PARKING IN CERTAIN WELL-DEFINED DISTRICTS AND EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITY OF ISSUING PERMITS TO RESIDENTS OF APARTMENT BUILDINGS WHO HAVE NO ACCESS TO PARKING IN NEARBY GARAGES OR LOTS.

THE HEALTH OF OUR PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM IS A CRITICAL COMPONENT FOR THE OVERALL SUCCESS OF THIS COMMUNITY. IN ORDER TO FOSTER A CLOSER RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CITY GOVERNMENT AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, WE URGE THE ADMINISTRATION TO RESUME REGULAR INFORMAL MEETINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL AND SCHOOL BOARD TO DISCUSS ISSUES OF COMMON INTEREST AND CONCERN.

THE PURCHASE OF THE D’ELIA PROPERTY IN 2001 WAS A WELCOME FIRST STEP IN ADDING TO THE CITY’S OPEN SPACE INVENTORY. WE STRONGLY SUPPORT ADDITIONAL PURCHASES OF OPEN SPACE AND/OR ZONING CHANGES WHICH WOULD PROTECT OPEN SPACE BY PRECLUDING DEVELOPMENT. WE LOOK FORWARD TO A ESOLUTION OF THE NEW YORK PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL PROPOSAL WHICH WILL BOTH ENHANCE THE FUTURE SURVIVAL OF THIS PRE-EMINENT HEALTH CARE INSTITUTION AND SAFEGUARD AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE OF THE MAGNIFICENT OPEN SPACE ON THE HOSPITAL’S PROPERTY. WE ALSO LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THE COUNTY IN ORDER TO GAIN ACCESS TO SILVER LAKE FOR WHITE PLAINS RESIDENTS.

WE NEED TO DO MORE TO INCREASE OPPORTUNITIES FOR MIDDLE-INCOME HOUSING.

WE WILL PROPOSE AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING ORDINANCE THAT SPELLS OUT THE REQUIREMENTS AND INCENTIVES FOR THE PROVISION OF MIDDLE-INCOME HOUSING BY DEVELOPERS WISHING TO BUILD IN WHITE PLAINS.

THE DIVERSITY OF OUR CITY IS ONE OF ITS MOST VALUABLE ASSETS. WE MUST WORK TO SEE THAT OUR CITY’S WORKFORCE, AT ALL LEVELS, AND OUR BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS, REFLECT OUR RACIAL AND ETHNIC DIVERSITY.

WE NEED TO DO MORE TO IMPROVE THE RESPONSIVENESS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT. QUARTERLY REPORTS TO RESIDENTS MUST BE PUBLISHED AND CIRCULATED ON A REGULAR AND PREDICTABLE BASIS. THE CITY’S WEBSITE NEEDS TO BE IMPROVED. NEWS ON SITE MUST BE CURRENT, DOWNLOADABLE FORMS SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE, AND THE SITE SHOULD BE EASY TO NAVIGATE. ALSO, PROGRAMMING ON THE CITY’S GOVERNMENT ACCESS CABLE CHANNEL SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION ON THE RANGE AND DEPTH OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY WHITE PLAINS GOVERNMENT.

IN CONCLUSION, AT THE START OF THE NEXT 4 YEARS OF THIS ADMINISTRATION, THERE IS MUCH TO DO. WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING TOGETHER TO FURTHER ENHANCE THE ADVANTAGES OF THIS GREAT CITY.

THANK YOU.

FEBRUARY 4, 2002

Posted in Uncategorized

100 Hear Boykin’s Council Goals and Objectives. 38 Speak on Hospital Plan.

Hits: 0

Milkman’s Matinee News Filed 2/5/02, 4:00 AM ESTThe Common Council President Benjamin Boykin outlined the Common Council Goals and Objectives for the City of White Plains Monday evening calling for formation of a Citizen Committee to study splitting the Police and Fire Departments, promising financial aid to long time businesses in the downtown, and assuring a “hard look” at new developments coming into the city to “not overload the city’s infrastructure.”

The public hearing on the New York Presbyterian Hospital resumed and lasted 4 hours and 22minutes with 38 persons speaking and 8 who wanted to speak leaving before they got a chance to take the podium. Speakers against the project outnumbered those speaking for the building of the biotech facility.
A number of speakers demonstrated a distinct lack of knowledge about the hospital plan. They raised questions that are answered within the DEIS itself which indicated they had not really read the document thoroughly.

Others took the position that the hospital should apply for a zoning change and not try to achieve approval for a biotech research center through a Special Permit.

Hospital says there is a precedent case for the Special Permit

When asked about this course of action during a break between speakers, Constance Hildesley, Vice President for Real Estate at the hospital told WPCNR, “We believe a Special Permit is an appropriate vehicle.” Ms. Hildesley cited the city’s 4-month approval of a research facility at Burke Rehabilation Hospital in White Plains in 1986 as a precedent for the hospital’s proposed action.

All Traffic All the Time

Opposition dwelt on skepticism about the traffic generated by the project. They worry it will overrun neighborhoods like Gedney Farms, create traffic backups on Bryant Avenue, and deteriorate quality of life in Bryant Gardens, the cooperative complex across the street from the proposed site.

What Kind of Research Is it, Anyway

One after another demanded specifics on what kinds of research would be conducted in the buildings, and who would do it. They raised questions about partnering with commercial pharmaceutical companies, making the hospital no longer tax exempt, and calling the project an “industrial park.” Marc Pollitzer and Allan Teck were just two persons who called for a specific Master Plan spelling out in detail plans going out a number of years.

House Value Effect Discounted by Two Realtors

They painted fears of decreased real estate values and were anwered by two real estate brokers. One was Nick Wolf, the local prominent realtor, who informed them that housing values would rise, not deterioriate should the biotech facility come to White Plains.

Medical Community Supports Project

The New York Presbyterian Hospital was supported by Edward Leonard, Chief Operating Officer of White Plains Hospital Medical Center speaking on their behalf, and several medical personalities, including a nurse at St.Agnes Hospital.

Hospital CEO and Dean of Research Provide Detail

Dr. Arthur Klein, Chief Executive Officer of the New York Presbyterian Hospital system, asked White Plains to “partner with us,” and he was supported by Dr. Lisa Staiano-Coizo, Professor of Microbiology and Associate Dean of Research at Weil Medical College, an affiliate. Dr. Staiano-Coizo spoke to the need for opening up the flow of research findings to practicing physicians as a goal of the new facility. She said one of the focuses of the new facility would be gerontological research to aid in the treatment of diseases of the aging.

Call for Negotiation

Thomas Whyatt, the last speaker of the evening, legal counsel to Concerned Citizens for Open Space raised the most intriguing statement of the evening. After challenging the hospital to withdraw the plan and apply for a zoning change, Whyatt said,

“This is wasting a lot of time with nothing happening. Withdraw this plan, apply for a zoning change and negotiations can begin.”

Allan Teck, President of Concerned Citizens for Open Space, when asked what Mr. Whyatt meant by this statement, and what Mr. Teck and CCOS would consider acceptable on the site, Mr. Teck said “something that is environmentally acceptable to White Plains.”

When asked whether a biotech center on an alternate site, would be acceptable, Teck said, “It depends on what they want to do (what research goes in the building). They can’t just ram it down our throats. We’re not a bunch of hicks.”

Larry Delgado, the “Councilman-on-Leave,” actually took the podium and appeared to oppose the proposal, saying the major question was what the “hospital use,” was. He said determining hospital use should constitute a major part of the Council consideration of the proposal.

At the top of the meeting some hours before, Dr. Staiano-Coizo, with a beaker and chianti bottle demonstration, had carefully described how research goes in hand with medical treatment in the current hospital and health research environment.

Michael Gerard of Arnold & Porter, the Common Council environmental law firm said two reports on the proton accelerator’s safety prepared by a nuclear physicist, and a report on the New York Presbyterian Hospital grounds commenting on alleged waste dumps on the property were in and were available today. Edward Dunphy said these key reports would be available with the City Clerk tomorrow. Mr. Dunphy also officially affirmed at Ron Johnson was the new Deputy Commissioner of Planning who was arranging for these reports to become available.

Robert Cassidy, and Englishman, and new citizen and resident of Bryant Gardens, expressed most poignantly, the feelings of most residents. While walking around the hospital property, he and his wife were wondering what the property was. Mr. Cassidy said he kept saying to his wife, “It looks like a park. It should be a park.” A sentiment many residents had expressed.

The hearing was kept open, to continue March 4.

Council President Boykin calls for prudent growth and exploration of festering issues

The Honorable Benjamin Boykin began the evening with a statement of the Common Council goals and objectives.

Mr. Boykin reported that “despite differences which are a natural consequence of honest and conscientious but different points of view, the council and the administration worked together to accomplish much on a timely basis during 2001,” listing six accomplishments: Bank Street Commons, the City Center, Fortunoff, Clayton Park, The Jefferson and Pappas proposals, and a low-income housing project on South Kensico and Hadden, and acquisition of the D’Elia property.

Hedging on development.

The Council President cautioned that “we need to make sure that further development is consistent with the vision for a vibrant and livable downtown…we want to make sure that further development does not overload the city’s infrastructure.” He promised, “a hard look at possible negative consequences of inadequate parking and gridlock downtown and substantially increased traffic through our residential neighborhoods and other unknown and unintended consequences from future development.”

Council Aid for Downtown Business, Easing White Plains Building Code

Boykin raised the interesting issue of aid for downtown businesses: “We need to ensure that long time businesses in the downtown remain viable entities. Some type of financial assistance through low interest loans and/or grants may be necessary to retain these stores in our central business district.”

In the same spirit, Boykin said the council wanted to continue to “re-examine the necessity of the city’s supplemental building codes and to remove our unique requirements which add development costs without providing additional safety or benefit to future occupants of the buildings.” He did not elaborate.

Calling all Cars; Public Safety Review Committee to be formed

The Common Council also feels it is time to study splitting the Police and Fire departments now that Public Safety Commissioner John Dolce has retired, according to Boykin, speaking for the Council: “Does our public safety structure provide better service at lower cost than that provided by other cities in the region or state? ….We believe now is an excellent time to explore the issue by convening a Public Safety Review Committee to evaluate the present organizational structure of our uniformed services in terms of service delivery and cost.” Boykin said the council would work with the Mayor in selecting “a panel of residents and experts to find the answer to this long-standing debate and then either preserve the status quo or change it.”

Illegal Occupancies, Traffic Violations, Overnight Parking Zones and Permits Proposed

Boykin wrapped up his message by promising the council would introduce legislation to raise fines for repeat violators of the city occupancy codes and hire more code enforcement officers. He flirted with the idea of installing speed humps, stop signs, restricted access at certain times and stricter enforcement to deal with traffic. He said the council would create legislation to “permit on-street overnight parking in certain districts and the issuing of permits to residents of apartment buildings who have no access to parking in nearby garages or lots.”

Closer cooperation with School Board a goal

Boykin called for resuming scheduled informal meetings with the Common Council and the Board of Education “to discuss issues of common interest and concern.”

Promulgates ‘affordable housing ordinance’

Other objectives the Common Council will be working toward are, according to Boykin, increased opportunities for middle income housing through an “affordable housing ordinance that spells out the requirements and incentives for the provision of middle-income housing by developers wishing to build in White Plains. He also called for the make up of the city workforce, boards and commissions to “reflect our racial and ethnic diversity.”

Public Relations to be enhanced

The Common Council wants the administration to be more “responsive.” Boykin’s message called for quarterly reports to r esidents and improvement to the city website. He wants more current news, more downloadable forms and easier navigation, and expanded informational programming on the city government access cable channel.

City receives $1,000,000 in back taxes and interest from The Galleria

In other council news, a settlement with The Galleria was announced, awarding the city $1,000,000, which Rita Malmud said would be shared with the School District, not specifying how.

The Council heard and spread the first readings of ordinances and will hear them a second time tonight, Tuesday evening at 6 PM. One of the ordinances is the new Floor Area Rations for the surrounding outer neighborhoods aimed at preventing “MacMansions.”

The Council will also hear Louis Cappelli who has some “new thoughts” on his City Center he wants to share with the Council this evening. The Council will also deliberate on Mr. Cappelli’s request to eliminate a floor from his project as a “minor site plan amendment.” Mr. Cappelli cooled his heels in the Mayor’s office for five hours Monday evening awaiting his site plan amendment to be called. The Council adjourned without hearing it, so Mr. Cappelli will return this evening for the deliberation.

It was also announced that the Interim Financial Report for the second quarter for the city is now available from the City Clerk, as is the Capital Improvement Program for 2002-2003, and the Annual Report of the Budget and Management Advisory Committee, and the Second Quarterl;y Capital Projects Status Report for Fiscal 2001-02.

Hernando Guerra, Public Safety Aide, Code Enforcement, was named Employee of the Month.
The Invocation of Reverend Stephen Geckeler characterized the evening that was to unfold over 4 hours and 52 minutes perfectly, praying,
“Here we go again, mixing politics with religion…”

Posted in Uncategorized

WPCNR Presents: The Superintendent Profile Developed by Hazard, Young Attea

Hits: 0

PM Extra Filed 2/4/02, 2:00 PM:The Board of Education has released to WPCNR the complete text of the Hazard Young Attea & Associates Superintendent Profile presented to the Board last week on January 29. WPCNR is pleased to present the report in its entirety.
Leadership Profile
White Plains Public Schools
White Plains, New York

Introduction

This report represents the findings of the Leadership Profile Assessment conducted by the Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates, Ltd (HYA) for the White Plains Public Schools on January 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16 and 17, 2002.

Upon appointment of the firm as consultants to the Board in its search for a new superintendent, an assessment instrument was prepared to structure data collected from Board designated individuals and groups. 658 people were interviewed by or had meetings with Deborah Raizes, Diana McCauley, Maria Cabral and John Whritner over the seven days the consultants were in the district.

In addition to individually interviewing board members and other central office personnel, the consultants met with teachers, union leaders, administrators, realtors, parents, students, support staff, and representatives of local government. Four community forums provided lively dialogue with members of the community. Meetings at Centro Hispano and Bethel Baptist attracted over 200 residents apiece. 179 completed questionnaires provided equally valuable information.

In developing the leadership profile, the consultants sought opinions,
recommendations and general comments with respect to the preferred candidate traits and qualifications as well as District strengths, issues and concerns. All of these are factors that could bear upon the future
leadership requirements and influence the selection criteria for the next superintendent of schools.

It was agreed at the outset that the consultants would report the findings to the Board in written and oral form enabling the Board to use the data as it proceeds to define the qualifications sought in the next superintendent.

At the interviews and meetings, the consultants noted that the Board was seeking the views of a wide range of people so that the Board could determine the leadership characteristics and selection criteria to be used in the search. The Board extended their invitation to these sessions to a far wider listing than has been the norm in other searches we have conducted. Given the large response to the questionnaire and the number we met with and interviewed, the consultants feel comfortable with their findings.

The assessment instrument and the interviews provide the framework for reporting views expressed to the consultants. To highlight broad themes within each topic, data was aggregated into response groups. Under the category “consistent” are comments heard frequently from most of the groups. Comments raised by only one or two groups are listed under the respective groups designated on the Leadership Profile Assessment Form: Board, administration, faculty, support staff, students, community, and parents. Under each of these groups, the comments heard or provided with some regularity are
listed alphabetically. It should be emphasized that the data are not a
scientific sampling nor should they necessarily be viewed as representing the majority opinion of a group.

Items are included if, in the consultants’ judgment, they were repeated
sufficiently often to warrant the Board’s attention.

We wish to express our appreciation to those with whom we met for their cordiality during our visit to the White Plains Public Schools. We
especially want to thank Michele Schoenfeld, the Clerk of the District and the Board, for her invaluable assistance in this project. We thank the Board of Education for expanding our opportunities beyond the norm enabling us to meet with large numbers in the community. Also, our thanks to the many respondents whose concern for the schools and commitment to educational excellence were evident as they provided us with their perspective on their community and their public schools.

Maria Cabral
Diana McCauley
Deborah Raizes
John A. Whritner
January 29, 2002

Strengths of the District

What do you consider to be the most significant strengths of the White
Plains Public Schools?

Consistent
Breadth of course offerings, Dedicated staff, Diversity of the student body, Diversity within the community, extensive offerings for student enrichment and extra-curricular programs, Facilities, Long-standing community support for schools, Resources – human and financial

Teachers
Staff development, Support Staff, Student assistance programs

Parents
School Choice, Community.

Administration
School Choice

Throughout this report, comments listed under “Consistent” were provided by most or all groups. The comments listed under the respective groups are in addition to those under “consistent.” Items are listed alphabetically.

Concerns

What do you consider to be the most important issues or concerns facing the White Plains Public Schools?

Consistent
Board of Education – Trust lacking because of non-renewal of current superintendent, Bright flight,
Diversity of student body, Meeting State standards with a changing student body, Non-English speaking population increasing – need for additional and more appropriate programs, Public relations, State testing – the pressure of and poor results.

Board
Increasing expectations for all students

Administration
Morale, Staff turnover
Teachers
Many new staff, Large number of new administrators

Support Staff
State & Federal mandates

Parents
New (to district) administrators

Community
Low test scores, Parental involvement, Safety, Tenured staff – holding accountable

Students

Guidance Department overloaded

What kind of administrative leadership should the next superintendent offer in terms of special expertise?

Consistent
Board/Superintendent relations
Communicator – written and oral
Experience as a superintendent
Increasing test scores
Public relations
Working with a diverse student population

Board
A proven track record
Choosing and mentoring administrators

Faculty
Classroom experience
Intelligent/articulate

Community
Experience as a teacher and administrator
Experience in a large, diverse district
Hold self and staff accountable
Knowledge of Spanish
Strong academic background – proven intelligence

Students
Has a plan of action for improvement of the system

What kind of administrative style should the next superintendent offer?

Consistent

Approachable/personable, Believes that all children can learn, Healer,
Listener, People person, Prefer that the candidate live in White Plains,
Visible, Visionary

Board
Educational leader, Proven intelligence

Administrators
Decisive, Team Builder

Faculty
Believes education is more than testing, Child centered

Parents
Committed to academic excellence, Effective leader, Innovative

Community
Appreciates diversity and understands different cultures, Courage of convictions, Love of kids – a student advocate, Politically savvy

Summary

The Board of Education of the White Plains Public Schools is to be
complimented for reaching out to the community and encouraging a widespread response to the Leadership Profile Assessment form and to attendance at various focus groups. Four consultants were in the district over parts or all of seven days. Interviews were held with individuals and large groups.

Four community forums were held at different times of the day and in
different venues. 658 members of the community and staff had their voices heard directly in this process. This is an extraordinary number of people who came forth to express their views. Frankly, in the four years that we have been doing searches in a variety of communities, this represents the largest overall turnout that we have witnessed.

This is a credit to the Board that enabled this number of meetings to be held and to the community for the way it responded. We also received 179 completed questionnaires which also is a relatively large number. Because of these numbers we have greater assurance in our report being reflective of large segments of the White Plains community.

The consultants were impressed by the knowledge of the schools and the passion for school success exhibited by those with whom we met. Many in the community are interested in bringing an outstanding educator to White Plains to succeed Dr. Yanofsky.

There were many strong points highlighted by those with whom we met and those who responded to the survey. There is pride in the community’s socio-economic and racial diversity and the success the schools have had with students of varying abilities and from various backgrounds. There has been tremendous community support for the schools through passage of annual budgets at very adequate levels and through passage of recent construction bonds. The facilities are viewed as being in good shape and meeting current codes and needs. The teaching and administrative staff are seen as exemplary. Much work has gone into recruiting and training staff and the results have shown. Staff have plentiful resources available to do their
job. There are extensive offerings available to students of varying
backgrounds and abilities and at all levels of the system. School Choice is an accepted part of the schools and we heard strong support for this program.

White Plains takes great pride in its schools and their long tradition of
success. The 6,700 students in the district have been the beneficiaries of strong community support over the years. The district has many of the issues created by a diverse student population but is almost unique in its ability to generate resources to respond to student needs and still maintain a relatively low tax base.

There are certainly many positives that make White Plains Public Schools very attractive for superintendent candidates. In looking to Issues and Concerns, the concern over the non-renewal of the current superintendent’s contract still looms large in many minds. However, it was not as great as we anticipated. There is still residual anger but also a general turning of the corner. People were, for the most part, able to concentrate on what we should be seeking in the new superintendent.

Diversity is recognized as a two-edged sword. Many parents move to White Plains believing the school population represents the “real world” their children will face as adults. However, this also increases demand for programs to meet the needs of “all” children. With over 36% of the student body Hispanic, there is a need for programs to quickly acclimate these students to the American language and culture. Likewise, there is a need for programming for the “average” and excelling students to hold onto parents and maintain racial balance. It came under many terms but the idea
of “bright flight” is a concern to many, particularly in light of White
Plains’ exemplary record at maintaining balance over many years.

Diversity is also a concern relating to testing. Many believe that given
the commitment of resources, test results should be better. There is a call for accountability, particularly given what some see as high teacher salaries in the district. Others counter that there is too much of a focus on testing and this sometimes interferes with worthwhile educational goals.

There is no doubt that these arguments will intensify as the Federal
government gets into testing and the stakes conceivably move higher and the time devoted to testing extends further.

Another consistent concern is the districts’ perceived failure to toot its
horn. There is a sense that many of the successes in the schools are not known because they are not told. Realtors were open in feeling that White Plains was losing the PR war to surrounding districts.

Another concern that surfaced among several groups was the large number of new teachers coming into the district due to new programs and retirements, and the significant number of administrators relatively new to the system.

All of the new players need mentoring and supervision so that the high
quality of education is maintained.

In looking at criteria, there is a majority sense that the new CEO of the
White Plains Public Schools should have successful experience as a
superintendent, preferably in a district with a diverse population. This
was an area of agreement between members of the Board and other respondent groups. In looking at expertise, as might be expected, people are looking for someone who can resolve conflict and is a communicator. They seek someone adept at public relations.

Interestingly, representatives from the faculty, the Board and the
community, spoke of the need for someone with classroom teaching experience.

These groups also highlighted intelligence and a strong academic background as preferences. Community members also want someone who will hold staff accountable.

In looking at style, respondents noted that they want someone who truly
believes that all children can learn. All groups are desirous of a healer
who can bring the community and the Board back together. There is great support for having an educational leader who listens to others, is
collaborative in style and is a “people person.” Community and staff are united in seeking someone who is visible in the schools and in the
community. All groups spoke of wanting someone who is approachable and personable and who can create a vision for the system and move everyone toward that vision.

A parent spoke of wanting someone who would serve as “a voice for the voiceless.” There needs to be a push for academic excellence. All groups are looking for leadership.

There is a preference that the new superintendent live in White Plains.

There is certainly pride in what has been accomplished in the schools of White Plains. The district has been blessed with educational leaders who have had longevity and leadership skills. Great strides have been made over the past few years and people feel good about how resources are being used.

However, there is also a realization that the perception of quality schools is a battle that must be continually fought.

It is the view of the consultants that the pride in past accomplishments is more than justified. Some members of staff and community feel wounded by the Board’s action but there is also a looking ahead to the kind of leadership the community needs as it enters a new era.

We wish to thank the Board, the staff, the students and all in White Plains who have been so open and helpful in their comments. We have a strong understanding of what is needed to move the schools forward. We will keep the Board of Education fully informed on our progress in finding your next superintendent and know that they will share this information with the general public as is appropriate while maintaining candidate confidentiality.

The White Plains Public Schools will offer any candidate many challenges and opportunities. We believe the successful candidate will find a community supportive of its schools and eager for educational improvement for the benefit of all of its children.

Sincerely,
Deborah Raizes
JohnWhritner
For HYA – (Hazard Young Attea & Associates, Ltd. January 29, 2002

Posted in Uncategorized

CitizeNetReporter Introduces News Links

Hits: 0

In order to furnish readers with background information on our news stories, CNR introduces this week the concept of “NewsLinks” featuring websites of organizations, businesses, and institutions mentioned in WPCNR stories.

WPCNR has added 34 key links that will augment your knowledge about the movers and the shakers in the news, click on the blue White Plains Links button in the column on the left.

If you would like to add your site to the links just write WPCNR.

Under Media, you will be able to link to the Associated Press and United Press International news wires, the Nova Weather Service, Suburban Street, White Plains Watch, Westchester County Business Journal, the Journal News, News12.

Under Businesses, Hotels, you’ll go to key players on the White Plains scene like Cappelli Enterprises, JPI, LCOR and others.

Check “White Plains Links” daily. WPCNR will add links we believe are newsworthy.

Posted in Uncategorized

WPW Analyzes City Center Intrigue; Superintendent Search; School Testing

Hits: 0

White Plains Week Program Notes:The first show of the second year of White Plains Week brings you up to date on three newsfronts, including the City Center hotel possibilities at 7:30 PM Friday day evening on Public Access Channel 71.




The “Associated Press” of White Plains: Alex Philippidis, Editor of Westchester County Business Journal, Jim Benerofe, Editor of SuburbanStreet.com, and John Bailey, Executive Editor of White Plains CitizeNetReporter will be speculating and reporting on the latest on the Cappelli City Center which continues to be tweaked and adjusted by Mr. Cappelli.


The “Associated Press of White Plains:” L to R, Alex Philippidis, Host John Bailey, Jim Benerofe. The inquiring trio have just taped their 50th White Plains Week program which airs Friday evening at 7:30 PM.
Photo by Stephen Morton, Suburbanstreet.com


The three “News Brothers” will bring you up-to-date on the New York Presbyterian Hospital (complete with exclusive photos of the proposed sites).

Also on the program will be coverage of the superintendent search in the school district, the high stakes testing attitude in White Plains, the confusion over astro-turfing the Eastview school fields, and the turmoil at the BID.

Posted in Uncategorized

Parents Meet Tuesday to Organize Platform and Candidates for School Board

Hits: 0

Midnight News Roundup Filed 02/04/02 12:15 AM: A Citizen’s Committee is calling a meeting at the YWCA on North Street Tuesday evening at 7:30 PM to identify issues facing the White Plains Schools and to seek candidates to challenge for the two school board seats up for election this May.
According to Steven Rabinowitz, a concerned parent, the meeting is being held because he and a number of parents feel the present Board of Education has been “non-responsive” to the community.

Mr. Rabinowitz’s letter to parents calling the meeting keynotes the meeting purpose:

“In the light of recent events with regard to the dismissal of Dr. Yanofsky, it has become clear to many of us that the current Board is both non-responsive to the wishes of the community and does not adequately represent the diversity that is White Plains. Accordingly, a number of us will be meeting to come up with a platform and program for the upcoming Board elections, and a process for identifying candidates who would be willing to run on that platform.”

The group will meet in Room 218-221 on the side entrance of the YWCA at 515 North Street Tuesday evening at 7:30 PM.

The terms of Stephen Sules and Larry Geiger are up this May.

Come help us develop a program and a vision for quality education, diversity
and accountablity on the Board.

Posted in Uncategorized

White Plains High Students Excell at Education Clubs Competition

Hits: 0

Sunday News filed by Michelle Schoenfeld 02/02/02 10:30 AM EST:Fifteen students in the White Plains High School Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) received awards at the Regional Competition in Kingston on January 10th.
First place trophies went to Josh Wagner and Adam Kroetsch for
Travel and Tourism; Evan Eckfeld and Paul Sass for E-Commerce; Aurey Kaufman for Introduction to Occupations; and Edden Friedman for Marketing Math.

Second place winners were Desiree Schwartz and
Allyson Winston for Apparel and Accessories; Tom Sommer for Food Marketing; Adam Reiss for Marketing Management; Spencer Waldorf for Retail Merchandising; and Matt Bruno for Business and Marketing Law.

Winning third place trophies were David Schindelheim for Vehicles and
Petroleum Marketing; and Adam Rotberg and Jay Greenbaum for Sports and Entertainment.

All 24 of the White Plains competitors have qualified for the New York State DECA Conference in Rochester in March. Edie Rennwantz is advisor to the group.

Posted in Uncategorized

King Komments: I’m Not Voting for Waller-Maple Parking Garage

Hits: 0

Councilman William King Komments Filed 02/02/02 10:00 AM:William King’s latest commentary on goings-on around White Plains takes city to task on the parking double-deck plan and raises his concerns about spending allocations.
I’m voting against the double-decking of the Waller Maple Parking Lot that’s in the Council agenda package for Monday and Tuesday’s meetings.

I won’t vote for it on Tuesday. I feel $75K is another waste of public funds.

We should be using funds like this toward the astroturfing of Eastview playfield(s).

If we had not spent the $300K pursuing, and ultimately giving up on, the Ian Behar suit, which I voted against twice, and if we turned off some of our streetlights (turning off up to half would have saved us $375K this past year), we would have had enough for the astroturf.

When you waste money, it could actually be used for something else. I am reminded also that the cost overruns on the public works garage were close to $1M, ($1.2MM) weren’t they? Where are our priorities – just for more parking garages?

I think also we have an expensive City Hall renovation/expansion project coming to the end of final design soon that will be a stretch for us on top of the $23m we are plunking into a now oversized City Center garage.

Posted in Uncategorized

Officers Named for St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Hits: 0

The Sunday News 02/02/02, 10:00 AM ESTInstallation of White Plains 5th Annual St.patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshall will formally take place at Dooley Mac’s, Tuesday Feb 12th at 6:30.
John Martin, the former Councilperson has been named this year’s Grand Marshall. His aides are Marie Byrne, Patricia Douglass , Betty Foster, Mary Harnett, William Flooks, Rev John F. Quinn, Patrick Smith, and Mike O’Donnell.

Posted in Uncategorized

Cappelli Hedges Hotel Bid. Urban Renewal Agency Has No Problem With That.

Hits: 0

Saturday Night News, Filed 02-02-02, 10:00 PM EST: In a hastily arranged meeting with the Urban Renewal Agency Friday, Cappelli Enterprises reserved the possibility of building a 5-floor City Center, while still keeping in play a 4-floor City Center with a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, pending whether or not Louis Cappelli strikes a deal with the Ritz.
In what the Mayor’s office characterized as simply a matter of bookkeeping with the Urban Renewal Agency, the 3-person URA passed without comment a provision in the Land Disposition Agreement with Cappelli Enterprises Friday morning.

Keeps Open Cappelli Ability to Build a 5-Floor City Center Without New Paperwork.

The provision inserted in the Land Disposition Agreement allows Mr. Cappelli to return to the original 5-floor configuration, should the hotel design collaborations and, presumably, negotiations do not result in a luxury 5-star hotel for the City Center and South residential spire.

George Gretsas, the Mayor’s Executive Officer, said that the provision simply allows Mr. Cappelli to not have to resubmit all the legal paper work to submit a new LDA if he returns to five-floors.

Gretsas Makes Sense of It All.

Gretsas downplayed reading anything of great significance or precedence in the maneuver because, as Gretsas put it, “It’s not really a big deal. The LDA documents basically memorialize the agreement between the city and Cappelli Engerprises. The Common Council will determine whether it’s (the reduction of the number of floors) is a minor site amendment.”

Gretsas said that the Council may make that determination Monday, or within the next 30 days, or the next council which is Tuesday. On Monday evening’s agenda the Council will consider Information Item 32, Commissioner of Building Mike Gismondi’s letter declaring the Cappelli-requested City Center floor excision as a minor site plan amendent. Because the hotel plan, affects the residential portion of the project, not the retai, it would be presented separately by Cappelli to the Common Council, as an amended site plan.

Malmud: Sears possibility played into Cappelli request.

According to Councilperson Rita Malmud, speaking to WPCNR Friday afternoon, the circumstances around yesterday’s meeting arose Thursday evening when Cappelli Enterprises contacted city hall. Malmud said they asked if they could make the alteration in the LDA agreement preserving the ability to build five floors.

Malmud said the Cappelli organization indicated that Sears “has not signed on the dotted line” to bring their Great Indoor Store to City Center. She said that Cappelli Enterprises now reported Thursday and Friday that the new Sears Chief Executive Officer has expressed renewed interest in the project.

Previously, it had been rumored extensively in real estate circles, that the Sears organization had become cool to participation in the City Center and was withdrawing. Malmud also said that the previous Sears CEO, according to her information had set a moratorium on new commitments, now apparently being reconsidered by the new Sears CEO, Allan J. Lacy, who was promoted to CEO in December, 2000.

Friday, Ms. Malmud confirmed that Sears is now interested again, and Mr. Cappelli is still interested in Sears. However, to accommodate Sears, the hotel would have to go elsewhere, and Mr. Cappelli would need all five floors.

According to Malmud, Cappelli Enterprises sought a way to remain at five floors if Sears came through, preserving his 120,000 feet of retail. However, if he was locked into a four-floor building, he could not accommodate Sears. Consequently, Malmud says, Mr. Cappelli wanted to keep both options open.

Bank concern over scaling down the retail without a hotel committed.

Ms. Malmud added that it was her understanding Mr. Cappelli’s bank (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce) was concerned that so much of the retail was being eliminated from the project. She said this concern was part of Cappelli’s request to not throw out the fifth floor option permanently. Mr. Cappelli latest date for closing on his financing is February 10.

Spokesman confirms Malmud analysis

Geoffrey Thompson, spokesman for Cappelli Enterprises said that the organization LDA request “preserves its flexibility,” and that was all that was sought. Thompson stated the Ritz Carlton project was still in play, that designs for the Ritz Carlton project were in progress. Asked if Mr. Cappelli was envisioning the Ritz-Carlton for another part of the complex or another parcel in the downtowm, Thompson said he had “no comment” on that.

The Cappelli request for a minor site plan amendment eliminating one floor from the project was first presented January 22, when he disclosed the Ritz-Carlton was interested in securing part of the City Center for one of their luxury hotels.

Things are looking up for Sears

The PR newswire reports that Sears is undertaking a national rebuilding program. Sears itself reports on its website that fourth quarter earnings per share were up 11%. CEO Lacy predicts earnings per share will be up 13% to 15% in 2002.

The company is remodeling 50 stores nationally by the end of the year, as part of an initiative to “revitalize its full-line stores, creating an improved, more convenient shopping experience for its customers while operating with greater efficiency.”

“We think customers will like the new look and feel of shopping at Sears,” said Sears Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alan J. Lacy. “Our stores will be easier to shop and the merchandise more appealing. We’ll emphasize better classic apparel while highlighting our strong appliance, electronics and home improvement merchandise,” Lacy concluded.

New looks planned. Part of 4-year plan.

Of the 15 new stores on target for 2002, seven are relocations at present locations. All will offer easy-to-shop layouts, with centralized checkouts and simplified signage and fixtures.

Throughout 2002 Sears plans facelifts of 50 stores. They are “the first wave” in a four-year remodeling program during which approximately 600 of Sears’ largest stores will be updated to incorporate many features of the new stores. The remodelings begin in April.

Information on Sears appears on the Sears website, www.sears.com.

Posted in Uncategorized