THE WORLD READS WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER — 8,324,077 VISITS IN ONE YEAR | 2,905,611 VISITORS VISIT 8,324,077 TIMES 3 TIMES EVERY DAY IN ONE YEAR. HIGHEST ACTIVITY IN WPCNR HISTORY.White PlainsCitizeNetReporter lifted its worldwide visits from unique visitors to wpcnr.com to 8,324,077,a 1,306,419 increase in visits in one year from 7,017,658 visits to the site last year which covers White Plains and Westchester County. The 8,324,077 visits were made by 2,005,611 unique visitors who visited wpcnr an average of 3 visits a day. ON JULY 20- -2026 visitors have accessed wpcnr and made 3,072 visits an average of 1.6 visits. In the last week 33,495 individual vistors made 54,458 visits, averaging 1.6 visits. In the last month, 152,940 visitors recorded 229,338 visits (1.5 visits)

Feiner–40% OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES ASSESSMENTS DECREASE; 34% OF HOMES INCREASE. 24%OF HOMES DECREASE AFTER REASSESSMENT. What to do if you disagree with your new evaluation

Posted on March 16, 2016 by John Bailey

WPCNR THE FEINER REPORT. By Town of Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner. CORRECTED BY TOWN OF GREENBURGH DUE TO TOWN ERROR. March 16, 2016:

Editor’s Note: The Town of Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner sent out an e-mail Wednesday afternoon to property owners in Greenburgh announcing the new reassessments are in the mail,

THIS EVENING HE SENT OUT ANOTHER E MAIL CORRECTING THE FIRST, REPORTING THAT INSTEAD OF 42% OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES INCREASING IN ASSESSED VALUE, 40% OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES DECREASED.

He noted that the results of the reassessment were not in line with the traditional thought that the 1/3 rule often used by advocates of reassessment (i.e., 1/3 of properties increase, 1/3 decrease and 1/3 do not change in assessment) did not hold true.

In the reassessment statistics, Mr. Feiner reports that 40% of Commercial propeties DECREASED IN ASSESSED VALUE and 47% stayed the same, while 12% of Commercial properties INcreased. He also noted that 34% of residential properties increased, 42% remained the same and 24% decreased in value.

Here is Mr. Feiner’s message to property owners as the assessments fan out from the White Plains border to the banks of the Hudson River:

“This week residents of the town will receive a letter with the new assessed values. We are getting closer to finalizing our first town wide reassessment since 1956. The goal is for people to pay their fair share of taxes. At the present time two homeowners, living next door to each other, could be paying thousands of dollars more or less in property taxes even though their homes were built by the same developer and their homes are similar. Not fair!

Over the years the town has been issuing as much as $10 million dollars in refunds per year in Certiorari and Residential Small Claims proceedings. That money was / is coming from your property taxes. If a commercial property owner- for example – files a certiorari and receives a refund of $1,000,000 the town, school district, county and fire district have to find other means to make up this shortfall: eliminating programs or increasing taxes.

Until the State Legislature changes the Real Property Tax Law we will never totally eliminate these proceedings but by doing a reassessment, we will surely mitigate the dollar refunds we have been experiencing. Reassessment will result in more stability and predictability. Town, fire district and school officials will have a better idea how much revenue we will take in annually. We will also be able to save significant dollars by not having to defend as many certiorari claims in court.

A little about the revaluation project and statistics: as you may have heard in most cases, 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 property taxes increase, stay the same, decrease. Our analysis shows this was not quite the case in Greenburgh. The analysis showed the following:

PROPERTY TAX DISTRIBUTION (CORRECTED BY TOWN OF GREENBURGH DUE TO AN EARLIER ERROR)

Property Type Increase Stays the same Decrease

Residential 34% 42% 24%

Commercial 12% 47% 40%

Condo/Coop 14% 82% 3.4%

Vacant Land 3% 59% 38%

A lot of the properties in the Residential 24% increase range, is due to new construction and additions.

As you are aware, taxes in NY especially in our area of the state have imposed a burden that some can no longer bare. While your property may have been fairly assessed, there were many that were significantly under assessed and therefore, the reality is- you may have been subsidizing the under assessed property owners.

Again, we want to stop all the Certiorari’s and residential Small Claims refunds and only want everyone to pay their fair share of property taxes based on the market value of your home.

The notice you receive will come in a Town of Greenburgh envelope with IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT / TAX INFORMATION on the front, PLEASE do not throw it out.

There are two (2) pages; one is an explanation of your assessment notice and the other is your assessment notice. It will show your old and new assessed values, along with your 2015 property taxes and what your 2015 taxes would have been if the new assessments were in place.

If you feel your assessment represents the market value of your home as of July 1, 2015, there is nothing for you to do.

However, if you feel your assessment does not represent the market value as of the date above, Contact Tyler Technologies to set an appointment to discuss your new assessment. In the meantime, the more information you have, the better. For example, photos, appraisal, market analysis from a realtor, if just purchased, a copy of your contract/closing statement/sales listing sheet, just to name a few.

Anyone who requests an appointment will get the opportunity to be heard! DON’T BE INTIMIDATED! There will be some early evening hour appointments.

It’s an easy informal process. The phone lines will be busy – please be .patient Please call Tyler Technologies no later than April 8th, 2016 to make an appointment. Appointments will be scheduled during normal business hours with limited evening and weekend appointments as well. You DO NOT have to hire an attorney or a tax representative. The process is easy and free – no need to pay a representative at this point, as I am sure you have received several letters regarding challenging your assessment.

If you are dissatisfied with the result from Tyler Technologies you still have a right to file a formal grievance (between June 1st – June 21ST).

I hope you had a good experience when dealing with Tyler Technologies and feel we kept you abreast of the projects process and procedures. The Town Board approved legislation requiring that assessment rolls be maintained and updated.

I am available if you want to share your feelings about this topic or any other. Please e mail me at [email protected]. You can also call me at 989 1545 (office), 438 1343 (cell) or 478-1219 (home) anytime.

PAUL FEINER

STATE EDUCATION COMMISSIONER ADDRESSES EVERY TEACHER, PARENT CONCERN IN PUBLIC TALKS WITH PARENTS, SCHOOL BOARD AND SCHOOL DISTRICT REPS AT WHITE PLAINS HIGH.

Posted on March 15, 2016 by John Bailey

New York State Commissioner of Education, Maryellen Elia addressing parents and school executives from around the tricounty area at the White Plains High School Media Center Monday afternoon.

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS BY JOHN F. BAILEY. MARCH 15, 20167:

NEW YORK STATE COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION MARYELLEN ELIA ADDRESSING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, PERSONNEL FORM MANY SCHOOL DISTRICTS LATE MONDAY AFTERNOON AT WHITE PLAINS HIGH SCHOOL PROMISED VIRTUALLY ALL TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATIONS, AND PARENTS WANTED IN DESCRUBING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ONGOING PLAN FOR ADDRESSING THOSE CONSTITUENTS’ CONCERNS ABOUT COMMON CORE, ASSESSMENT TESTS, AND TEACHER EVALUATION.

STANDARDS, SHE SAID WOULD BE FORMED USING A COMMITTEE OF EDUCATORS, TEACHERS, AND ADMINISTRATORS WHICH WOULD VET THE NEW FORMED STANDARDS WITH SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND TEACHERS FOR APPROVAL.

WHITE PLAINS SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS PAUL FRIED TOLD WPCNR MONDAY EVENING THAT COMMISSIONER ELIA DID NOT SPELL OUT A TIMETABLE WHEN THE STANDARDS WOULD BE FINALIZED.

SHE PROMISED THIS YEAR’S ASSESSMENTS WOULD HAVE ALL QUESTIONS VETTED BY A PANEL OF TEACHERS WHO WOULD HAVE THE POWER TO REMOVE QUESTIONS IF THEY FELT THEY WERE INAPPROPRIATE FOR GRADE LEVELS.

SHE REPORTED THE NEW TESTS THIS YEAR WOULD BE SHORTER WITH LESS READING PASSAGE QUESTIONS, AND THAT STUDENTS SHOWING GENUINE EFFORT WOULD BE ALLOWED EXTRA TIME TO COMPLETE THE TESTS.

WPCNR ASKED THE COMMISSIONER HOW THE SUCCESS OR LACK OF SUCCESS OF THE NEW TESTS WOULD BE DETERMINED IF THE RESULTS WOULD BE MEASURE AGAINST COLLEGE READINESS TESTS OR ADVANCED PLACEMENT TEST RESULTS.

SHE TOLD WPCNR SHE IS WORKING WITH EDUCATORS FROM THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AND CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK TO DETERMINE HOW TO DETERMINE THE SUCCESS OR FAILURE OF THE NEW TESTS.

SHE ASSURED THE AUDIENCE IN THE PUBLIC SESSIONS FROM 4:45 TO 7 PM THAT THE ISSUES OF TEACHER EVALUATION (USING ASSESSMENTS OR NOT) WOULD BE NEGOTIATED WITH THE TEACHERS UNTIL ALL SIDES ARE SATISFIED WITH THE SYSTEM.

School Budget for 2016-17 LOWERED TO $208.5 MILLION FROM $209.3 MILLION. TAX INCREASE IS 1/3 OF A PERCENT–THANKS TO NEW SCHOOL AID OF $2.2 MILLION. TAX RATE GOES UP ONE DOLLAR AND 87 CENTS

Posted on March 15, 2016 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. BY JOHN F. BAILEY. MARCH 15, 2016:

IN THE FIRST PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED WHITE PLAINS SCHOOL BUDGET MONDAY EVENING AT 5 HOMESIDE LANE, ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FOR BUSINESS FRED SEILER PRESENTING HIS LAST BUDGET FOR THE SCHOOL DISTRICT PRESENTED A NEW BUDGET OF $208,550,000–$780,000 LESS THAN THE $209,300,000 PREVIOUSLY PROJECTED.

Assistant Superintendent for Business Fred Seiler presenting the new, lowered 2016-17 School Budget Monday night.

HE TOLD WPCNR DECREASE IN THE PROJECTED BUDGET WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY A $2,182,720 INCREASE IN STATE AID BRINGING TOTAL STATE AID TO WP TO $22,357,000. SEILER TOLD WPCNR THIS THIS IS THE MOST STATE AID WHITE PLAINS HAS RECEIVED IN 25 YEARS.

THE NEW AID CUT THE PROJECTED TAX RATE FROM $230 PER THOUSAND DOLLARS OF ASSESSED VALUE TO $215.61. HAD AID NOT BEEN INCREASED THE HIGHER AMOUNT MOST LIKELY WOULD HAVE PREVAILED SINCE THE FLAT ASSESSMENT ROLE WOULD NOT KEEP PACE WITH THE ALLOWED TAX CAP INCREASE ROLLING OVER THE BUDGET

THE TOTAL BUDGET INCREASE IS 1.34% COMPARED TO THIS YEAR’S BUDGET INCREASE OF 2.95%.

THE TOTAL BUDGET IS $208,550,000. THE PROPERTY TAX INCREASE 1/3 OF A PERCENT.

The Governor on the Tug sinking in the Hudson River after striking barge early Saturday morning. The latest update. 1 Dead, 2 Missing.

Posted on March 12, 2016 by John Bailey

WPCNR BRIDGE NEWS. From the Governor’s Press Office. 4 P.M. EST:

GOVERNOR CUOMO DELIVERS UPDATE ON STATE’S RESPONSE TO TUGBOAT ACCIDENT AND FUEL SPILL ON HUDSON RIVERAudio of Governor’s Update Available Here

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today delivered an update on the State’s response to a tugboat accident and resulting fuel spill on the Hudson River.

One tugboat crew member is deceased, and State Police divers are coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard and local law enforcement to locate two remaining crew members who are unaccounted for. The State Department of Environmental Conservation and a private contractor have deployed a Rapid Response Team and monitoring equipment to contain leaking fuel from the sunken tug.

“Today’s accident was a tragedy, and we offer our thoughts are prayers to loved ones of the crew members aboard the tugboat,” Governor Cuomo said. “The State is actively working with our partners in law enforcement in locating the missing crew members and minimizing environmental damage along the Hudson River. We will conduct a full investigation to understand exactly what led to today’s events and provide more information as it becomes available.”

Summary of Incident

Early Saturday morning, three tugboats were transporting a barge with construction equipment southbound on the Hudson River. The barge and accompanying tugs did not come down the middle of a 600-foot-wide U.S. Coast Guard designated channel, instead approaching too close to a construction barge stationed next to Pier 31, where work on the Tappan Zee bridge replacement is happening. One of those tugs, by the name of Specialist, struck the Tappan Zee barge and sunk.

The Governor said:

“Brief summary of the situation: Approximately 5:15 a.m. this morning there was a barge coming down river headed south, the barge had a crane on it the barge and the crane that were coming south were unrelated to the Tappan Zee construction. The barge was being steered by three tugs one on the left, one on the right and one in the read. The tug on the right collided with a barge that also had a crane on it. That was a barge that had Tappan Zee contractor workers on it, 13 workers were on that barge, and that barge also had a crane. That barge was working on the Tappan Zee Bridge as part of the operation. The barge that was coming down the river was being operated by, two tugboats from New York Marine towing, and one was a Weeks tugboat. The tugboat that struck the Tappan Zee barge was being operated by New York Marine Towing out of Albany, it was the tug – that was on the right side.

There were no injuries on the Tappan Zee barge that had 13 workers. Speculation is that the workers saw that there was an imminent collision and had time to prepare themselves and brace themselves as to why there were no injuries of the 13 workers. The tug that hit the barge was name the Specialist; it was approximately 84 feet long, and apparently sunk within minutes of having collided with the barge.”

Tappan Zee Constructors, the builders of the bridge replacement, had a crew of 21 workers on their barge at the time; none were injuries when the tugboat struck.

After striking the barge, the tugboat began leaking up to 5,000 gallons of diesel fuel, creating a fuel slick approximately 100 yards wide and 5 miles long.

Local law enforcement deployed a fuel-containing apparatusto the water due to a visible sheen. Westchester County has initiated a cleanup agreement with a private party, Miller Environmental Group, to manage the diesel spill. Personnel from the State Department of Environment Conservation’s Oil Spill Team are on the scene to monitor and support the cleanup with two DEC vessels – a 31 foot with a crew of three and a 44 foot with a crew of three.

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner John P. Melville said: “The Division’s Office of Emergency Management and Fire Prevention and Control staff are providing command and control support and will continue to assist local, state and federal first responders during this incident.”

State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico said: “The State Police have been working with our local law enforcement partners as well as first responders and the U.S. Coast Guard on rescue and recovery efforts since the accident was first reported. Our divers are working now to determine the position of the sunken tug so a decision can be made on how recovery operations will proceed.”

Acting DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said: “DEC crews are on site monitoring oil spill cleanup operations to ensure minimal impacts to the environment. Spill responders will remain on site as long as necessary until cleanup is complete.”