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)

MILLION DOLLAR GIFT WILL HELP COMPLETE WHITE PLAINS LIBRARY FIRST FLOOR

Posted on October 22, 2015 by John Bailey

Rendering of “The Hub”, the cafe addition to the first floor of the White Plains Library, the construction will be funded in part by a $1 Million anonymous gift announced Thursday by the White Plains Library Foundation. Photo, Courtesy White Plains Library

WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. From the White Plains Library Foundation. October 22, 2015:

A gift of one million dollars to the White Plains Library Foundation will enable the White Plains Public Library to complete renovations of its first floor and construct The Hub, its new library for adults. The Hub—sure to be a popular destination in downtown White Plains–will provide a new, attractive venue for learning and relaxation, with room for reading, studying, and collaboration, access to improved technology, new community meeting areas, and a Café & Friends’ Bookstore.

“This tremendously generous gift underscores how much the White Plains community values its Library,” said White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach. “The City is proud to work with the Library Foundation to revitalize our 45-year-old Library building and ensure that it will provide excellent services for all our residents, for years to come. I commend the extraordinary leadership of our anonymous friends, and thank our community for bringing this project closer to a reality.”

The gift from anonymous donors, along with funds from the City of White Plains and an additional $500,000 being raised by the Foundation, will provide the funding to complete the renovation of the Library’s first floor, including the creation of The Hub. The first phase of construction, also a partnership between the City and the Foundation, saw the creation of The Edge, the Library’s award-winning library for teens.

“This gift inspires all of us to step up and help close the gap,” said Diane Tabakman, president of the White Plains Library Foundation. “Join us in creating a transformed Library for our community by contributing generously to the Campaign for The Hub.”

HOW TO COMMENT ON THE COMMON CORE STANDARDS — NOT THE TEST ASSESSMENTS — ONLINE

Posted on October 22, 2015 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From the New York State Education Department. October 22, 20515:

Click here to take our survey
Note that you do not need to comment on every standard. Please comment on as few or as many standards as desired.
You cannot change your feedback once you navigate away from a standard.

Background

Academic standards define what New York students are expected to learn at each grade level in order to graduate ready for success in college and career. All of us agree on the importance of high standards for our students. And, we want the best possible standards as we continue to move forward on the progress that has been made in academic achievement.

In January 2011, the NYS Board of Regents adopted the New York State P-12 Common Core Learning Standards, which include the nationally recognized Common Core State Standards and a small amount of additional standards uniquely added by New York State. The Common Core State Standards were created through a collaborative effort on behalf of the National Governor’s Association Center for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers. The standards were developed by key stakeholders in the field, including teachers, school administrators, and content experts.

The New York State P-12 Common Core Learning Standards:

provide a consistent set of expectations for what students should learn and be able to do
are internationally-benchmarked and evidence-based

The New York State P-12 Common Core Learning Standards are not:

assessments
evaluations
curriculum

This survey provides an opportunity for every New Yorker to go online, review each standard and comment on what is liked, not liked, or offer a suggestion for a change to a particular standard. Please note: Respondents do not need to comment on every standard. Please comment on as few or as many standards as desired.

This is not a referendum on the standards. Only comments tied to a specific standard will be considered. The objectives of this review are to:

increase awareness and understanding of New York’s current standards in ELA and math that were adopted in 2011; and
gather actionable feedback from all New Yorkers as part of the department’s regular review process of the academic standards with an eye toward continuous improvement.

Comments provided about specific standards will be evaluated and reviewed by teams of New York educators from all levels specializing in the specific content areas. Any changes recommended by these teams will be presented to the New York Board of Regents for its consideration. Any changes to the standards would not be implemented until the 2016-17 school year or later.

The following principles will guide this review:

Focus on the standards: The review will focus on the substance of the actual standards themselves.
Improve what already exists; don’t start over: The intent is to improve current standards based on public input from parents, educators, administrators, etc.

Navigating the Standards

The standards in this application are arranged by subject and grade level. To review a standard, click the plus sign beside the standard to see more detailed information. You can browse the standards within a grade level in whatever order you wish. To find particular standards to review, you may also search for a particular concept in the search bar.

Resources

Standards Review Frequently Asked Questions
New York State Prekindergarten Foundation for the Common Core
New York State P-12 Common Core Learning Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy
New York State P-12 Common Core Learning Standards for Mathematics
High School Mathematics Standards Clarifications and Course Overviews
Common Core Shifts (including a guide to the shifts for parents)
Common Core State Standards (CCSS) – National standards upon which the NYS standards are based
Common Core FAQ(link is external)
Common Core Myths v. Facts(link is external)
Common Core Key Points in ELA(link is external)
Common Core Key Points in Math(link is external)
Common Core Video Series with former Commissioner King
Parents’ Guide to Student Success(link is external)

Click here to take our surveyNote that you do not need to comment on every standard. Please comment on as few or as many standards as desired.
You cannot change your feedback once you navigate away from a standard.

Benjamin Boykin, Alfreda Williams Candidates for County Legislature (unopposed) State Their Positions in Candidates Forum at WP Library By Ayana A. Meade

Posted on October 21, 2015 by John Bailey

County Legislators Benjamin Boykin and Alfreda Williams prepare for Community Forum last week. Jim Kenny, Executive Director of White Plains Television adjusts the Microphones.Photo by Ayana Meade

WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2015. By Ayana A. Meade.Special to WPCNR. October 21, 2015 (Part I of a Two Part Exclusive Report)

In preparation for the upcoming elections on Nov 3^rd, candidates running for Westchester County Legislature and Common Council participated in a Candidates Forum at the White Plains Public Library on Wednesday October 14^th.

The forum provided an opportunity for candidates to address questions about issues facing White Plains, and for them to educate constituents about their positions. The purpose of the forum was to provide voters with the information needed to make more informed choices on election day. The forum was hosted by the League of Women Voters of White Plains and co-sponsored by the White Plains Public Library, The White Plains Council of Neighborhood Associations and the White Plains/Greenburgh NAACP.

Addressing a room of approximately 75 residents, the forum lasted about two hours, with candidates addressing questions that ranged from environmental issues, to housing and development.

County Legislator candidates Benjamin Boykin and Alfreda Williams (representing districts 1 and 8 respectively—both Democrats and running for re-election, uncontested) spoke during the first hour, followed by the four Common Council candidates running in a contested election for three Common Council seats: AnneMarie Encarnacao, Nadine Hunt-Robinson, Dennis Krolian, Milagros Lecuona, with Ms. Encarnacao being the only Republican candidate running as a challenger against three incumbent Democrats. (The Council Candidates comments will be covered in Part II of this exclusive coverage.)

The format allowed for candidates to make opening statements, respond to a league question, a question from each of the co-sponsors, and then to questions submitted by the audience that were pre-selected by the league board. The forum was moderated by Carolyn Stevens, Scarsdale League member and the first Vice President of the County League of Women Voters.

County Legislator Boykin, who in his opening statement declared that his key issue was to create good paying jobs and improve our regional economy, cited that he brings a unique set of skills to the County Legislature, including financial business executive experience, education leadership, and a long record of public service in White Plains.

Legislator Williams who previously worked in town government for 14 years, as Greenburgh Town Clerk, cited her experience in seeing numerous pieces of legislation pass through the legislative process. Her key focus as a legislator is helping to improve the quality of life of all the citizens of White Plains, touting her track record on environmental issues.

The Pipeline

Both candidates were asked to address questions on a wide range of topics: when asked to state their positions on the Algonquin Pipeline, Williams answered an emphatic “I’m against it,” citing its proximity to the City of Peekskill, school districts, residential housing, and Indian Point, as her primary concerns. Adding that, the democratic members of the Board of Legislators sent a request to the Federal Government in order to eliminate and put a freeze on issuing environmental permits for the pipeline, and have also submitted a petition to the EPA to appeal the decision to issue those permits.

Boykin affirmed Williams’ opposition to the pipeline, adding that the Board of Legislators passed a resolution 15-1, stating additional research needs to be performed. In addition, the democratic members of the legislators requested that additional insurance be provided for the project.

Plastic bags and Styrofoam Ban

When asked what the status was of the bill authored by Legislator Catherine Parker, that would limit the use of plastic bags and Styrofoam containers by retailers, Boykin responded that he was in support of it, but admitted that progress was “slow,” citing setbacks due to a ruling by a NYC judge that it was inappropriate to ban city businesses from using Styrofoam containers. Boykin says they’re working toward developing one comprehensive proposal that the entire County can agree on.

Storm Drains

The candidates were asked to discuss their position on allowing the adding of storm drains to carry off excess water to Mamaroneck River, and what they would advise communities facing a similar situation?

Boykin said that having additional storm drains was a requirement under state law., and that the Reconnaissance Plans that the County approved last year are in place for communities to deal with flooding and solving flooding issues. Adding that, under those Reconnaissance Plans not only do they have to look at how it will affect White Plains, but how it will affect Scarsdale, and Mamaroneck, for example. Once the impact to all potential communities has been assessed, the County decides whether not to provide the 50% funding that is under the Reconnaissance Plans.

Williams added that officials are looking at re-instituting storm drains for the Bronx River as well as Saw Mill and Mamaroneck areas, where so much flooding exists. Adding that the storm gauges are no longer working or are no longer in existence, making it difficult to prepare for potential flooding. In response, officials need to look at the possibility of dredging for instance along the Bronx River which is silted over in many instances—using all of these combined solutions to eliminate flooding in the county.

Gun Show Ban

When asked to state their position on allowing gun shows at the County Center, Williams replied that she is co-sponsoring legislation to eliminate gun shows at County owned properties that will be presented at an upcoming Board of Legislators—Legislator Boykin is co-sponsoring the legislation.

While neither candidate stated they were against the possession of guns outright, they both agreed that hosting gun shows on County owned property that was funded by tax payers was not the appropriate place, especially in light of recent gun tragedies.

Curtailing Voter Registration Availability

Candidates were asked to comment on the current County Executive’s repeal of Andy Spano’s executive order to provide voter registration forms at all County Offices.

Boykin responded, “I don’t know why that happened because we need to be as transparent as possible, and we need to get as many people to vote as possible.” Adding that, it’s important to have the voter registration forms available in as many places as possible, including online access.

During their closing remarks both candidates echoed that voting is a terribly important responsibility of citizenship that everyone should be involved in, and urged residents to head to the polls on November 3^rd.

(Reporting on the issues White Plains Common Council Candidates commented on will appear in Part II of this exclusive report)

Potential RIDGEWAY CLUB BUYER REBUFFED BY FRENCH AMERICAN SCHOOL OF NEW YORK

Posted on October 20, 2015 by John Bailey

WPCNR SOUTH END TIMES. Special to WPCNR From the French American School of New York. October 20, 2015:

In a letter to Karl Hofer of International Hospitality Management Worldwide, FASNY Board of Trustees member and Chair of the school’s Facilities Committee John Botti said that “our new home is not for sale” and that the school had no interest in pursuing the “purported offer letter.”

The letter was sent today and copied to White Plains Mayor Tom Roach, whom Hofer had copied on his letter to FASNY. It indicates that FASNY representatives had already responded to Hofer multiple times and that the letter would be the school’s final response.

The letter further asks Hofer, whose company is in Rye Brook, to “stop misleading the news media and our shared community” by stating that FASNY had not returned calls and from making other misleading public comments regarding the property and FASNY.

The letter points out that the real estate agent representing Hofer, Garry Klein, is a vocal opponent of FASNY, a resident of the Gedney Farm neighborhood where the FASNY property is situated and a member of the Board of the Gedney Neighborhood Association, which has vehemently opposed FASNY since it acquired the bankrupt country club nearly five years ago.

“Choosing a broker who is one of the school’s most vocal opponents” suggests that Hofer’s purported interest is neither “legitimate nor sincere.”

Hofer reportedly spent months claiming he was going to make a viable offer to the Ridgeway Country Club to buy the property in 2010, but never produced a buyer or funds. FASNY thereafter acquired the site.

The letter concludes by noting that there are 32 golf clubs in the nearby area that Hofer might consider pursing. “We, however, are not interested in selling.”