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)

15 Charged with Drug Trafficking in Westchester

Posted on January 13, 2015 by John Bailey

WPCNR FBI WIRE. From the Federal Bureau of Investigation. January 13, 2015:

reet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, George Venizelos, the Assistant Director-In-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and George N. Longworth, the Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Public Safety, on behalf of the Westchester County Northern Narcotics Initiative, announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging 15 defendants with conspiring to distribute heroin, crack cocaine, and powder cocaine in and around Westchester County from at least in or about January 2014 up to and including in or about January 2015.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Bharara stated: “Illegal, damaging drugs such as heroin, crack and cocaine continue to be scourges of many communities north of New York City. We and our federal and local law enforcement partners are determined to prevent drug organizations from taking root in our communities, as evidenced by today’s charges and arrests.”

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Venizelos stated: “With the scourge of drugs often comes addiction and violence that can cripple a community. We will continue to dismantle the infrastructure for distributing heroin and cocaine, wherever we find it.”

Commissioner Longworth stated: “I am grateful to the FBI and the local chiefs of police who committed resources and personnel to this year-long, multi-agency investigation. I would also like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Westchester District Attorney’s Office for partnering with us to combat the scourge of heroin in our communities.”

According to allegations in the Indictment unsealed today in White Plains federal court:

The Indictment charges 15 defendants and contains three counts. Count One charges LAKUAN RHYNE, a/k/a “Rico,” 22, JESSE DABBS, 24, DAIVON PRYOR, 19, JONATHAN THORNTON, a/k/a “Staxx,” 29, JOHNSON VANIYAPURAKAL, 26, and ALLEN WRIGHT, 24, with conspiring to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, one kilogram or more of heroin in and around Westchester County, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(A).

Count Two charges RHYNE, DABBS, MICHAEL DOUSE, 38, MICHAEL GRAY, 48, ANGELO HARRIS, 34, KEVIN HERBIN, 23, KEVIN MALLORY, 43, ROBERT MILLER, 35, DWAYNE MOUNTAIN, 27, and THORNTON with conspiring to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, 280 grams or more of crack cocaine in and around Westchester County, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(A).

Count Three charges RHYNE, DABBS, CURTIS DIMMIE, 47, DOUSE, GRAY, MICHAEL HARRINGTON, 34, MALLORY, MILLER, THORNTON, and VANIYAPURAKAL with conspiring to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine in and around Westchester County, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(B).

The charges against each defendant and the corresponding maximum potential penalties are outlined in the chart attached to this press release.

* * *

Twelve of the 15 defendants charged in the Indictment unsealed today were arrested today or had previously been taken into custody. Those defendants were presented in White Plains federal court this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy. RHYNE was previously taken into custody by Arkansas state authorities, and will be presented in White Plains federal court on a future date.

Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI, the Westchester County Northern Narcotics Initiative, comprised of the Westchester County Department of Public Safety and the police departments of Peekskill, Croton-on-Hudson, Buchanan, Bedford, Yorktown, Mount Kisco, and Ossining, as well as the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force. He also thanked the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office for its participation.

The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys George Turner and Michael Gerber are in charge of the prosecution. Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Graham is responsible for the forfeiture aspects of the case.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

White Plains Board of Education Hires Dr. Paul Fried as its 20th Superintendent of Schools.

Posted on January 13, 2015 by John Bailey

Dr. Paul R . Fried
New White Plains Superintendent of Schools

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. January 13, 2015 UPDATED THURSDAY JANUARY 15 (IN ITALICS):

White Plains Board of Education hired a new Superintendent of Schools Monday night.

He is Dr. Paul R. Fried of Ossining, NY.. He comes to White Plains from the Montville Township School District, having been Supertintendent of Schools for 5 years there, and as Superintendent at Mamaroneck from 2005-2010.

Michele Schoenfeld, Clerk to the Board of Education told WPCNR this morning that Dr. Fried has signed a three year contract with White Plains beginning July 1, 2015 through 2017-18 for a salary of $275,000 a year, plus $500 a month car allowance, and a $10,000 a year annuity payment each year plus an allowance for communication equipment.

This school year 2014-15, Dr. Fried is employed at Montville Township schools in New Jersey at a base salary of $230,783. Dr. Fried told The Bergen Record he was forced to leave because of Governor Christie’s cap of Superintendent salaries…which would have cut Fried’s salary by 30% to $175,000.

Peter Bassano, a member of the White Plains School Board, told WPCNR, that over the two years the district has searched for a superintendent, Dr. Fried, “really stood out among the 70 to 80 candidates we looked at this year. His was a fit just perfect. We went after him.”

Bassano said, “he had the temperament, the experience, the track record of moving districts forward.” Bassano said he was impressed with Fried’s idea of starting a Humanities Advanced Research Project similar to the national Science Research program.

Asked if Dr. Fried had offered any ideas on how he would might advance the White Plains District forward in that the district is two-thirds Hispanic and African-American, Bassano said Fried needed time to learn the district, talk with educators, principals parents before he could formulate such plans.

Bassano said Fried had a strong background in both operations and academics. Bassano anticipated Fried would not be actively involved in forming the White Plains School Budget this year which WPCNR anticipates will top $210 Million, if it is “rolled over” without any cuts. Previously Dr. Fried supervised a $70 Million school budget in Montville in a district of 4,000 students. (White Plains presently educates 7,164 students.)

Bassano said that Dr. Fried had worked with present Interim Superintendent of Schools Tim Connors, who shared insights as to how Dr. Fried was to work with.

Michele Schoenfeld said Dr. Fried was greeted by about 75 to 100 faculty, administrators, and parents and children at a reception last night at the high school. She said Dr. Fried said “he couldn’t have received a warmer reception, and thaty he would be working to win the trust of the community.” Ms.Schoenfeld said he would be returning to White Plains in the spring to meet with district personnel and parents on several occasions.

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This year Dr. Fried is employed at Montville Township schools in New Jersey at a base salary of $230,783, The Bergen Record reported. Dr. Fried told The Bergen Record he was forced to leave that district because of Governor Christie’s cap of Superintendent salaries…which would have cut Fried’s salary by 30% to $175,000.

Dr. Paul R. Fried was formerly Superintendent of the Mamaroneck-Larchmont School District from which he retired 5 years ago in 2010. He is according to the New York State Teachers Retirement Fund receiving a $201,701 pension from New York State.

A press spokesperson for the New York State Teachers Retirement System told WPCNR Thursday, if Dr. Fried turned did not turn 65 until after July 1, he could still receive up to $30,000 in salary without having his pension suspended. The spokesperson added that once Fried turned 65 he could resume the $201,701 pension payment, because there was no limit how much money he can earn in addition to his pension once he passes the age of 65.

The White Plains City School District saves paying 17% of Dr. Fried’s salary ($46,750) into retirement benefits for him because he already is retired from New York State. However, since they are paying him a $10,000 annuity each year the savings in pension payments is $36,750. The school district told WPCNR they did not know Dr. Fried’s exact age at the time he comes on board.

Currently 64 years of age, if he turns 65 after July 1, he will continue to receive the $201,701 pension ( in addition to his White Plains Superintendent’s salary beginning July1, next year), according to the Empire Center for Public Policy. The Center told WPCNR if a person is receiving a pension and they are over 65, they can earn any amount of money in another position.

When Dr. Fried retired from Mamaroneck in 2010, the Larchmont Gazetter reported:the Mamaroneck Schools wrote: “Under Dr. Fried’s leadership, Mamaroneck has soared to new heights. For the first time, the District has developed a system for setting measurable goals for all key areas of work, including student learning, which has enabled much progress to be made in the areas of curriculum consistency and development. A structure now in place creates a highly organized process for teacher goal setting, observation and evaluation, and raises expectations and support for quality teaching. Additionally, the District has significantly and positively changed its relationship with the Mamaroneck Teachers Association (MTA)….he has paid special interest to: early learning and intervention….technology – bringing the District to the 21st century with updated financial, student database, and communications systems.”

The Montville Board of Education said it was “heartbroken” the Dr. Fried, due to Governor Christie’s salary cap on Superintendents of Schools, was forced because of person circumstances to leave,

White Plains Superintendents of Schools1874 to 2015

Charles A. Genung 1874-1891

Ralph Stewart 1894 -1897

Sylvester R. Shear 1897-April 1902

William McConnell May 1902-March 1905

Guy Baskerville May1905-August 1908

Charles Ramsey 1908-July 1912

John Lumbard 1912-February 1934

H. Cloude Hardy 1934-1947

Frank Nye 1947-1950

Parmer Ewing 1950-1953

Francis Buros (Acting) 1953-1954

Carroll Johnson 1954-1969

Arthur Antin 1969-1981

Jerry Marcus 1981-August 1989

Alden A. Larson (Interim) August 1989-March 1990

Saul M. Yanofsky March 1990-July 2002

Timothy P. Connors July 2002 to June 2009

Christopher P. Clouet July 2009 to June 2013

Timothy P. Connors (Interim) July 2013 to June 2015

Dr. Paul R. Fried July 2015–

Montefiore and White Plains Hospital Merger is Complete

Posted on January 12, 2015 by John Bailey

WPCNR HEALTH HERALD. From White Plains Hospital. January 12, 2015:

Montefiore Health System and White Plains Hospital have announced that their partnership agreement has been approved by the New York State Health Commissioner. White Plains Hospital is now a member of Montefiore Health System, serving as the tertiary hub of Montefiore’s growing Westchester network. The alliance will result in more advanced, coordinated care in the region.

Steven M. Safyer, M.D., president and CEO of Montefiore Health System, and Jon B. Schandler, CEO of White Plains Hospital, issued the following statement celebrating the final agreement:

“Our institutions are partnering to bridge the divide between academic medical centers and community hospitals – giving Westchester the best of both worlds. White Plains Hospital will continue to expand its level of highly-specialized treatment, with all the resources and advantages of Montefiore’s innovative care delivery system and academic partnership with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.”

“Montefiore and White Plains Hospital will work together to manage care by delivering high-quality, efficient tertiary services locally, in a familiar setting, close to our patients’ homes and cared for by physicians in the community. It is a model of care that communities outside of New York City will benefit from, and will help sustain a strong health care infrastructure throughout the region.”

White Plains Hospital’s Board of Directors will remain intact with the addition of three members-at-large from the Montefiore Health System Board of Directors. Additionally, three members of the White Plains Hospital Board of Directors will serve on the Montefiore Board.

The regulatory approval process has been ongoing since February, when the institutions announced their desire to form a strategic partnership. In April, CEOs from White Plains Hospital and Montefiore Health System signed formal documents outlining the partnership. The State of New York Public Health and Health Planning Council approved the partnership in October, which was followed by final approval from the State Health Commissioner.

White Plains Hospital is modernizing and expanding its major facilities to meet the advanced care needs of its community. White Plains Hospital will be opening a new 30,000 square foot, six-story cancer center, an expanded cardiac catheterization laboratory, five state-of-the-art operating suites, and a new patient tower, lobby and entranceway at the front of the campus.

Westchester, Rockland, Orange Counties Single Family Home Sales Declined Slightly in 2014. Market Stable, Realtors Say

Posted on January 12, 2015 by John Bailey

WPCNR REALITY-GO-ROUND. From the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors. January 12, 2015:

The recovery of the real estate market in the lower Hudson region of New York continued strong throughout 2014 including its fourth quarter.

Realtors participating in the Hudson Gateway Multiple Listing Service, a subsidiary of the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors, reported 14,169 closed residential transactions during 2014 among the four counties of the MLS’s core service area: Westchester, Putnam, Rockland and Orange. This was the highest number for any year since the 2008-2009 recession and 1.1% more than in 2013.

The highest percentage increase – 6.3% – was posted in Putnam County. Rockland followed at 3.4%, Westchester at 0.6%, and Orange lost a little ground with a decrease of -0.8%.

Westchester, Rockland and Orange Counties all edged back on total sales of single family houses with decreases of 0.9%, 0.6% and 1.7% respectively.

However, they counterbalanced those losses with gains in their respective condominium and cooperative sectors. Again, Putnam County stood out with an actual increase of 6.1% in single family house sales.

The fourth quarter postings of 2014 were especially strong in comparison to the fourth quarter of 2013. There were 3,715 closings among all four counties during October through December of 2014, an increase of 6.9% over the same period of 2013, and on an individual basis each county posted an increase.

The region experienced price gains over the course of the year, mostly in the single family house sector. The median sale price¹of a single family house in Westchester in 2014 was $635,000, an increase of 4.1% over the $610,000 posted in 2013.

In Putnam the median was $310,000 – a 0.6% increase, and in Rockland it was $400,000, a 3.2% increase. Fourth quarter medians were of roughly the same magnitude.

Orange County continued to shed its stock of troubled properties – bankruptcies, short sales and the like – which had the effect of driving down the county’s average prices. The median sale price of an Orange County house on an overall basis in 2014 was $231,250, a decrease of 1.4% from 2013. There was a signal that this pattern may be ending, however. Orange County’s fourth quarter median of $231,224 was 2.8% higher than that of 201

Inventory did not change much from year to year. On December 31 of 2013 the number of for-sale properties posted in the MLS database was 8,942 units in all four residential categories: single family houses, condominiums, cooperatives and 2-4 family houses. A year later in 2014 there were 143 fewer units, a 1.6% decrease that largely reflected the effect of the larger sales volumes of the past two years.

It appears that this area’s real estate market has stabilized onto a level track since 2013 and that there are no readily obvious derailments such as sharply increasing mortgage rates ahead. 2014 began with average rates of around 4.7% on 30-year conventional loans, which glided down to 4.0% in the late spring, and which have drifted around that rate point, mostly downwards, since then. Housing here is more affordable as a result, even as prices increase at reasonable rates. The sales volumes are healthy and are supported by an appropriate level of inventory. They justify a cautiously optimistic outlook for more of the same in 2015.