FASNY OPPONENTS CONCERNED ABOUT PROPOSED SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION HANDLING STORM WATER AFTER NOR’EASTER DUMPS 3-1/2 INCHES OF RAIN

Posted on December 15, 2014 by John Bailey

WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER. December 15, 2014:

On Saturday, December 6, Tuesday, December 8, and through Wednesday, December 9, three and a half inches of rain fell on White Plains. Marie and Ron Rhoads, (who have written often on what they perceive as flawed planning and the burdens traffic to the proposed campus on the former Ridgeway Country Club), made these observations about the effects last week and possible future effects of similar heavy rains on the French American School of New York campus if it is approved and built:

Dear Mayor and Common Council,

We’re now calling the old Ridgeway golf course “Water World”. . .after last week’s Nor’easter dumped so much rain on it. By the proposed North Street Entrance internal campus roadways would have been flooded, Conservancy bike and walk paths would have been underwater and throughout FASNY’s 53-acre building area numerous flooding areas occurred. Below are some representative photos from this Nor’easter. Can FASNY build roadways and buildings in areas that flood before their 10-year construction even starts?

Some of the water evaporated into the air, some drained into the underground streams and the rest flowed into our neighborhood resident basements. . .now we are almost back to normal. This has happened before after heavy rains and we all are used to dealing with the after effects and moving forward. However, we wonder what will happen if this Common Council allows FASNY to change the natural environment by building on 53 acres of current Open Space?

The questions on Water that we keep asking and getting no response to are :

1. If FASNY builds foundations on top of underground streams. . .where will the water in these underground streams be diverted to? Our neighborhood homes?

2. And if FASNY covers 53-acres of current Open Space with buildings, impervious roadways, paths and parking lots. . .where does all the current rainwater flow to? Our neighborhood homes?

It would have been nice if the Army Corps of Engineers were to step in and evaluate FASNY’s building plans. Unfortunately we heard FASNY representative Zarin say at the December 4th meeting that the Army Corps gave FASNY the go ahead with their building plans. While we’re guessing, like everything else these FASNY Representatives say, that “there is more to the story”. . .for the time being we’ll just have to wait until the real story comes out. There’s some concern that the Army Corps may have been working with maps that didn’t identify all of the underground streams.

We have the utmost faith in our Commissioner of Public Works and his staff to protect WP residents and the City’s environment. . .if they are left free of politics from above. We also know the Common Council has the responsibility of insuring the Health, Safety and Welfare of its citizens.

Looking at the Big Picture. . .will this Common Council stand-down to the first of many large developers who want to make our City’s Zoning just a suggestion? Whatever favoritism you give to FASNY now. . .won’t you have to give the same to all future developers? Or will this Common Council stand-up for your elected responsibility to safeguard the Health, Safety and Welfare of residents and protect the environment?

We report. . .you decide. Your Truth Police, Team Rhodes

Marie and Ron Rhodes

Food Bank Seeks New Donations to Feed Families Over the Holidays

Posted on December 15, 2014 by John Bailey

WPCNR HEARTLINE. From the Food Bank of Westcherster. December 15, 2014:

For some people in Westchester, the holiday season puts an added focus on hunger.

“Although Westchester is the most affluent suburban county in the state of New York, more than 200,000 residents are food insecure and at risk of hunger,” says Ellen Lynch, Executive Director of the Food Bank for Westchester. “A third are children, nearly a quarter are senior citizens. Many miss one to three meals per week. The fact that individuals and families go hungry in Westchester is real, and the holiday season intensifies the problem.”

Last year alone the Food Bank for Westchester distributed 7.2 million pounds of food, yet many residents are unaware that hunger is a problem in the county, Lynch points out, and they don’t realize how far a financial contribution to the Food Bank goes. “Because we purchase food at discounted rates in truckload quantities, every dollar donated enables us to buy $4 worth of food. That is why financial support is especially meaningful.”

Lynch says the holiday season poses specific challenges for those confronted with going hungry. “At this time of year, those who are less fortunate, particularly in a wealthy area like Westchester, can feel very isolated and a lack of food becomes exceptionally painful. We recognize this and make a distinct effort to ensure that people have sufficient food.” She adds, “A fully tax-deductible donation that goes so far is a wonderful way to give back to your community during this special time of year.”

To make a tax-deductible donation to the Food Bank for Westchester simply go to www.foodbankforwestchester.org

Here are some additional options for donating to the Food Bank for Westchester:

Matching gifts – Check with your employer to see if your donation can be matched.

Automatic monthly giving – make your New Year’s resolution to help others easy to keep – set a regular donation of $50 or $100 to be applied against your credit card – it’s likely you won’t even notice it and it can make a world of difference to a mom with hungry children.

Stock transfers – A year-end gift of stock or securities can significantly reduce your personal income taxes while providing meaningful support for hunger relief.

Review your long-term financial goals – Create a lasting legacy by including the Food Bank for Westchester in your will or estate plans.

Consult with a legal, tax and/or financial advisor before making any gift that has tax implications. Contact Pat Reino, at (914) 923-1100 or e-mail

[email protected] for additional information on giving opportunities for the Food Bank for Westchester.

Devil is in the Details in Downtown Development, Too! Pay Attention City Hall!

Posted on December 14, 2014 by John Bailey

WPCNR LETTER TICKER. December 14, 2014:

A resident of the White Plains downtown, and frequent walker in the center of White Plains has observed a series of areas already built, demonstrating considerably less than perfect execution and chronic “quality of life” issues that the Common Council, Planning Board, Building Department, Planning Department and Parking Department, Traffic Commission must pay closer attention to in the future than they have in the past.

Dec. 12, 2014

Dear Mayor Roach, Common Council Members, City Advisory Board members, and other interested parties:

For Large and Small Development Projects, the Devil Is in the Details. These details—number of driveways, wind generation at street level, garbage storage, dips in sidewalks, snow storage and removal, access for large and small moving vans and delivery trucks, melting roof snow and ice, dog walking, safe pedestrian entry, cab access, cleanup of empty lots whose developers default, building identification–concern public safety and quality of life. All concerned—developers, City Departments, City Boards giving opinions and approval, should keep these details in mind.

Does the profit motive make developers of residential and commercial or mixed use want to pack as much as they can into a property? Listed here is an elaboration of some concerns that must be addressed in development:

Driveways

The City Center and new hotel complex on Main Street have, within 1 block, 5 driveways for pedestrians to cross. Could this have been avoided?

Wind generation

In the winter small people have difficulty crossing City Place and Church Street near Main Street because of high-speed wind gusts created by the new tall buildings on City Place and Renaissance Square. Street level wind generation, an aspect of the science of urban aerodynamics, can be calculated and considered in advance of building. The applicant for development should pay for the studies.

Garbage storage

On hot summer days, have you passed by the open Martine Avenue City Center delivery area and garbage storage area? You can smell the garbage, and so can the residents of Martine Avenue. Should there be better garbage containers, and should there have been a better design to keep the storage area hosed down and clean? Or, are the garbage smells the result of employee negligence?

Dips in sidewalks

For visibility, especially after dark, dips in sidewalk materials (for ease of wheel chair and luggage rolling from the street) should be a different color than the rest of the sidewalk.

Snow storage and snow removal

Enough area for temporary snow storage should be set aside; and that should include a border of safety to allow for thawing and refreezing so that pedestrians do not slip.

Moving vans and delivery trucks

Moving vans and delivery trucks, giant-sized and small, need a place to park and maneuver so that motorists and pedestrians can pass safely.

Melting roof snow and ice

Melting roof snow and ice are a problem. That’s why you often see a roped-off area(s) at the City Center, to protect people on the ground from falling snow and ice. Is there a way to plan for this in advance of construction?

Dog walking

In extremely cold weather, I notice that people living in the rental building on City Place do not want to walk their dogs far. The area near the door becomes a small skating rink. In any weather, Martine Avenue has become a dog dump. No dog park was planned. Even if a dog park had been planned, where would it be and who would be disturbed by dogs barking, late at night and in the early morning? The new downtown residential “Des Moines Building” in Des Moines, Iowa has its own dog park on a third floor walk-out roof. But, the brand new rental building on Dekalb Avenue in White Plains has a dog park, next to a private home.

Safe pedestrian entry into a building or complex

What could be more important than safe pedestrian entry into a building or complex? Safe sidewalks, steps, ramps, street crossings….

Cab access

The cab “stand” in front of Walmart provides unsafe access for the cabs: They must maneuver to park and wait on Main Street by driving immediately in front of an extremely active pedestrian crosswalk (the NE corner of Main Street and City Place).

Cleanup of empty lots whose developers default or delay

Developers are responsible for keeping empty, undeveloped lots clean and free of plant overgrowth. They must be required to contribute to an escrow account for lot cleaning. One reason is default on property ownership (example: Amherst Place vacant lot between Franklin Avenue and Main Street).

Building identification

An almost new rental apartment building on Lake St., in the block east of South Kensico, has no street number or building name on it. Identification is important for deliveries, cab service, and, of course, emergencies.

I welcome your comments, and thank you for your consideration. This communication is available in electronic form.

Renee Cohen

Downtown White Plains Resident

Renee Co

Holdup Week–FBI ASKS DO YOU KNOW THESE BANK ROBBERS?

Posted on December 14, 2014 by John Bailey

WPCNR FBI WIRE. Special to WPCNR from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. December 14, 2014:

There has been an increase in bank robberies in New York City over the past week of this holiday season. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and New York City Police Department are asking for the public’s help locating the following suspects. Below are details from several armed bank robberies that are believed to be unrelated.

Tuesday December 9, 2014

At 4:55 p.m., on Tuesday December 9, 2014, a lone male entered the Chase Bank at 74-07 Eliot Avenue, Queens, New York. The suspect produced a withdrawal slip with a note which read something to the effect of: “I HAVE A GUN. I WANT 100s 50s 20s”. The suspect then brandished a black handle of a firearm in his jacket pocket. The teller passed cash through the teller tray. The suspect then fled the bank on foot, walking around the bank through the drive through area and heading north on 74th Street.

The suspect is believed to be connected to several other unsolved bank robberies beginning in 2012.

Chase Bank Robbery Suspect (12/9/14)

The suspect was described as male, approximately 5’ 9’’ tall, chubby build, possibility Dominican, and in his 30s. He was last seen wearing a gray skull cap, mirrored sunglasses, black and white fringed scarf, gray windbreaker, black shirt, carrying a clear umbrella and a black handled pistol.

Tuesday December 9, 2014

On Tuesday December 9, 2014, at 11:30 a.m., a lone male entered the HSBC Bank at 145 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, New York. The suspect approached the victim teller, displayed a demand note and brandished a handgun, pointing it at the teller. The suspect fled northbound on Fifth Avenue after robbing the bank.

HSBC Bank Robbery Suspect (12/9/14)

The suspect is described as a white male and approximately 5’10”. He was last seen wearing a brown flat cap or newsboy cap with earflaps, a winter scarf around his face, a navy blue or black overcoat and dark gloves. He was carrying a black semi-auto handgun.

Saturday December 6, 2014

At a few minutes before 12 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2014, a lone male entered the Alma Bank 213-11 Northern Boulevard in Queens. He approached a banker sitting in a cubicle with several customers, pointed a gun at her face, and grabbed her by the back of the neck, pushing her head down towards the teller window.

One of the tellers saw what was happening and immediately began pushing cash through the teller tray. The suspect stuffed the cash into his coat pockets, dropping bills on the counter and floor and leaving a trail as he exited the branch. The suspect fled west out of the bank, up 213th Street and into the passenger side of a waiting black or dark colored car. The car headed in an unknown direction on 43rd Avenue.

Alma Bank Robbery Suspect (12/6/14)

The suspect is described as 5’9’’ to 6’ tall, fit, wearing a black leather jacket, black hoodie, black mask, thick black gloves, black pants, and black shoes. He carried a silver and black semi-auto handgun with a black grip.

Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at 212-384-1000 or the NYPD at 800-577-TIPS. Tipsters may remain anonymous. The suspects should be considered armed and dangerous.