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WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer’s Office. April 6, 2009 (EDITED):  State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer (D-Mamaroneck) announced passage of  the New York State budget including highlights of restorations important to Westchester residents.


Senator Oppenheimer stated, “With the passage of the most difficult state budget since the Great Depression we have adopted a plan designed to address the closing of a $17 billion budget shortfall primarily caused by reduced revenues and the declining economy.”

The Senator’s News Release confirms WPCNR’s exclusive report last week on the continued cuts in the STAR BASIC and ENHANCED EXEMPTIONS, which will cost Under-65 Homeowners and Over-65 Homeowners $250 AND $407 in increased property taxes, though Senator Oppenheimer’s release does not reveal this detail.

Senator Oppenheimer is the first state representative to report the state tinkering with the STAR EXEMPTIONS, though she does not state the EXEMPTIONS will be cut 11%, as reported by WPCNR.

 

The Senator’s news release states on the STAR shenanigans:

An action taken in the budget to help property taxpayers was to reject the proposal to reduce the benefits of the STAR exemption program (WPCNR notes this was originally proposed by Governor Patterson to be an 18% cut). This budget proposal would have reduced STAR by $190 million statewide and harmed Westchester property taxpayers more than any other county. I (Senator Oppenheimer)  was not pleased that another proposal, to eliminate the rebate check portion of the STAR program, was included in the adopted budget.  This bad news is tempered by
the fact that the larger STAR exemption program remains in place (WPCNR Note: the STAR exemption program cuts both BASIC and ENHANCED STAR assessment reductions 11%, instead of 18%.)

The budget solution included over $5 billion in budget cuts, the use of federal dollars targeted at avoiding layoffs, and difficult new taxes aimed at supporting funding for local schools, hospitals, and nursing homes.

Despite tough reductions throughout the budget we were able to secure some important victories for Westchester. Most notably in state aid to education.

The budget proposed in January would have cut formula funding for Westchester schools by almost $44 million including the freezing of reimbursement for expenses such as building, transportation, and BOCES that school districts had been promised. As Chair of the Senate Education Committee I was able to play a larger role in the budget process on key issues affecting our schools.

Instead of the proposed cuts to school aid we restored state aid to last year’s levels and made sure that the expense related reimbursements to school districts were not frozen. Westchester schools will receive an increase in total aid of over $35 million when federal special education aid is included.


The Federal Stabilization Legislation for Education made funds available to states  to make these restorations possible. The decision, as part of the budget process, to use these funds to directly replace the cuts in state aid to each school district, was of great importance to Westchester
schools.  Other proposals to use the federal funds in different ways would not have restored cuts to Westchester as fairly.


Other changes in the education budget important for Westchester are:

We rejected the budget proposal to shift some costs of pre-school special
education to school districts.

We restored most of the funding cut to local libraries, $10.6 million
statewide.

Funding for literacy and bilingual education important to Westchester
programs was restored.

We restored funding to regional Autism Centers including the center based
in our county at the Westchester Institute for Human Development.

Funding was restored to Project Transition, the displaced homemaker program
at Westchester Community College.

Restorations to Westchester education programs will help maintain class
size, quality programs, and restrain higher property taxes.

Health care remains one of the largest portions of the state budget. The impact of proposed cuts in this portion of the budget directly impacts hospitals, nursing homes and home health care providers in Westchester. The legislature enacted statewide reforms that will reduce health care costs by shifting the focus to community based primary care, restored $1.3 billion in health care funding to help institutions, and adopted $2.3 billion in savings proposed by the Governor. Special efforts were made to assist Westchester institutions including Westchester Medical Center and Blythedale Children’s Hospital. The budget will continue to pose difficult challenges for all health care providers.

Through the efforts of the Westchester delegation in each house, two of Westchester County’s biggest budget priorities, restoring state funding for the Westchester Parkway Police and for the office of the Medical Examiner, were addressed with restorations.

State aid to municipalities was maintained at last year’s level. Transportation funding to municipalities through the CHIPS program was slated to be reduced in the proposed budget.  Instead we will use federal stimulus funds to restore that aid to municipalities, leaving it level with last year. Both of these actions help to reduce new pressures on the property tax.

Senator Oppenheimer concluded, “Faced with declining revenues experienced by every state in the country, New York has adopted a budget that mixed budget cuts, funding restorations, and tax and fee increases to address the budget gap. None of the choices were easy, nor happily negotiated. There are aspects of the adopted budget that would not be of my choosing. At the end of the day I am pleased with the changes we were able to make for Westchester given the historic challenges presented by this budget in these difficult times.”

WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. April 6, 2009: The long-awaited 2009-2010 city budget will be delivered tonight to the Common Council, but to date no one knows whether the city will deliver a cut but budget down from the current $161.7 Million spending level; or whether it will roll-over (to about $167 Million).

With the news reported by WPCNR Friday that the city has gone to binding arbitration with the city’s police and fire unions, the odds are now looking at the budget being higher than $161.7 Million rather than lower, with the other unions, teamsters and CSEA following the settlements dictated on the police and fire contracts. The outgoing (at this time, since the Mayor has decided not to run for reelection), has chosen not to reveal any details on the budget until the council receives the document this evening.

In other action, the council may or may not untable the resolutions to ask the state legislature to reclassify White Plains Real Estate into two classes, commercial and residential for the purpose of separate assessment, and to request an extra 1/4% sales tax to help pay for the expected 3% to 3.75% union contract settlements possibly to come.

The Agenda:

April 6, 2009
7:30 P.M.

PLEDGE TO THE FLAG:             Hon. Milagros Lecuona

INVOCATION:                             Rev. Edward Williamson
                                               Bethel Baptist Church

ROLL CALL:                                           City Clerk

EMPLOYEE OF                                Bhavana Pahwa
OF THE MONTH:                           Youth Specialist II
                                                               Youth Bureau

ADJOURNED
PUBLIC HEARING:

1.       Public Hearing in relation to the application submitted on behalf of 1133-300/1133-399 Westchester Avenue LLC, (“Applicant”) owner of property known as 1133/1135 Westchester Avenue (Section 131.20, Block 1, Lot 1.1) containing environmentally sensitive features, for (A) a one (1) year extension of the previously approved amendment to the Special Permit/Site Plan for a four (4) story extended stay hotel granted by the Common Council by resolution adopted November 7, 2007; (B) an amendment to the aforementioned previously approved Special Permit/Site Plan for the construction of a new office building on the same property at 1133/1135 Westchester Avenue; and ( C) an application for a Special Permit for same under Sections 3.5.5 and 6.7.27 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of White Plains to permit the utilization of the permitted building coverage percentage on that portion of the site which is located in the C-O (Campus Office) Zoning District.

2.                 Communication from City Clerk

PUBLIC HEARING:

3.       Public Hearing in relation to the application submitted on behalf of Prophecy for a one (1) year renewal of a Special Permit to operate a cabaret at 15 South Broadway.

4.                 Communication from          City Clerk

5.                                                            Commissioner of Building

6.                                                            Design Review Board

7.                                                            Commissioner of Planning

8.                                                            Planning Board

9.                                                            Commissioner of Public Safety

10.                                                          Commissioner of Public Works

11.                                                          Commissioner of Traffic

12.                                                          Traffic Commission

13.                                                          Commissioner of Parking

14.                                                          Conservation Board

 

15.     Public Hearing in relation to the application submitted on behalf of the MAK Restaurant Corp. for a one (1) year Special Permit to operate a cabaret at Elements located at 161 Mamaroneck Avenue.

16.               Communications from        Commissioner of Building

17.                                                          Design Review Board

18.                                                          Commissioner of Planning

19.                                                          Planning Board

20.                                                          Commissioner of Public Safety

21.                                                          Commissioner of Public Works

22.                                                          Commissioner of Traffic

23.                                                          Traffic Commission

24.                                                          Commissioner of Parking

25.                                                          Environmental Officer

26.               Environmental Findings Resolution

27.               Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains approving the application submitted on behalf of the MAK Restaurant Corporation for a Special Permit to operate a cabaret known as “Elements Food and Spirits” on the first floor only located at 161 Mamaroneck Avenue (Section 125.84, Block 6, Lot 13.1) subject to certain conditions contained herein.

28.     Public Hearing in relation to the application submitted by Tri-Kelly Inc., d/b/a Kelly’s Pub & Grill and The Thirsty Turtle for a three (3) year renewal of a Special Permit to allow the operation of a Cabaret Use at 199-201 East Post Road.

29.               Communications from        Commissioner of Building

30.                                                          Design Review Board

31.                                                          Commissioner of Planning

32.                                                          Planning Board

33.                                                          Commissioner of Public Safety

34.                                                          Commissioner of Public Works

35.                                                          Commissioner of Traffic

36.                                                          Traffic Commission

37.                                                          Commissioner of Parking

38.                                                          Environmental Officer

39.               Environmental Findings Resolution

40.               Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains approving the application submitted on behalf of Tri-Kelly, Inc., d/b/a Kelly’s Pub and Grill and the Thirsty Turtle for a three (3) year renewal of a Special Permit to allow the operation of a Cabaret Use at 199-201 East Post Road (Section 125.84, Block 4, Lot 3) subject to certain conditions contained herein.

41.     Public Hearing in relation to an ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance with respect to establishing new and increasing existing fees charged for applications made pursuant, inter alia, to Sections 6, 7, 9.5, 10.3.5, 10.3.6 and 10.3.7 of the Zoning Ordinance.

42.               Communications from        Commissioner of Building

43.                                                          Commissioner of Public Works

44.     Public Hearing on the 2009 Section 8 Housing Assistance Program Annual Plan.

45.               Communication from Commissioner of Planning

46.               Resolution authorizing the Mayor to submit to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development an Agency Plan and all required certifications for the Section 8 Housing Assistance Program.

 

FIRST READING
ORDINANCES:

47.     Communication from Special Counsel in relation to certain tax review proceedings.

48.               Ordinance authorizing the settlement of certain tax review proceedings.

 

49.     Communication from Corporation Counsel in relation to an Inter-Municipal Agreement with the County of Westchester for the removal and disposal of organic yard waste.

50.               Communication from Environmental Officer

51.               Environmental Findings Resolution                    

52.               Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of White Plains authorizing the Mayor or his designee to enter into an Inter-Municipal Agreement with the County of Westchester for the removal and disposal of organic yard waste.

53.     Communication from Commissioner of Public Works in relation to fees charged for the City’s sidewalk café system.

54.               Ordinance of the City of White Plains amending Sections 7-9-3, 7-9-4 and 7-9-6 of the White Plains Municipal Code in relation to fees and penalties for sidewalk cafes.

55.     Communication from Commissioner of Public Safety in relation to a grant from the Fenway Golf Club Charitable Foundation to be used for equipment and training.

56.               Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to accept a grant, on behalf of the City of White Plains Department of Public Safety, in equipment and training from the Fenway Golf Club Charitable Foundation.

57.     Communication from Commissioner of Planning in relation to appropriation of fund balance in the Community Development Budget for the Rehabilitation Revolving Fund Program.

58.               Ordinance amending the Communication Development Budget by appropriating fund balance and allocating such increase to the Rehabilitation Revolving Fund Program.

59.     Communication from Commissioner of Parking in relation to an amendment to a previously approved ordinance regarding a contract with Complus Data Innovations, Inc., for parking ticket processing services.

60.               Ordinance amending an ordinance entitled, “Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Complus Data Innovations, Inc., to provide full service parking ticket processing services for a term of five years.”

61.     Communication from Director, Youth Bureau, in relation to a donation in memory of Ms. Helen Zacconi in support of the Youth Bureau Bits & Pieces Camp.

62.               Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of White Plains authorizing the Mayor to accept, on behalf of the City of White Plains Youth Bureau, a donation in memory of Ms. Helen Zacconi.

63.     Communication from Director, Youth Bureau, in relation to a grant from the White Plains Housing Authority in support of the DeKalb After School Learning Center.

64.               Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to accept a grant, on behalf of the City of White Plains Youth Bureau, from the White Plains Housing Authority to continue the 86 DeKalb After School Learning Center for the 2008/2009 School Year.

65.     Communication from Chairman, Traffic Commission, in relation to proposed amendments to the Traffic Ordinance at various locations around the City.

66.               Ordinance amending the Traffic Ordinance of the City of White Plains in relation to On Street Parking Meter Zones, No Parking, One Hour Parking, Three Hour Parking – Monday through Friday, No Standing, No Parking 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Monday through Friday, Stop Intersections, Yield Intersections, and Right Turns Prohibited.

 

RESOLUTIONS:

67.     Communication from Acting Budget Director in relation to the scheduling of a public hearing for May 4, 2009 on the 2009 – 2010 Tax Budget of the City of White Plains.

68.               Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains in relation to setting a public hearing for Fiscal Year 2009 – 2010 Budget.

69.     Communication from the Mayor in relation to requests for the passage of State legislation to establish a White Plains Industrial Development Agency, to support adoption of the classification of real property into two classes for purposes of allocation of taxes in certain cities, and adding an additional one-quarter of one percent Sales and Compensating Use Tax.

70.               Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains authorizing the certification of a Home Rule Request seeking enactment of State legislation amending the General Municipal Law to establish the White Plains Industrial Development Agency (Assembly Bill No. A1021).

71.               Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains supporting the introduction and adoption of State legislation to amend the Real Property Tax Law in relation to authorizing the classification of real property into two classes for purposes of allocation of taxes in certain cities.

72.               Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains supporting the introduction and adoption of New York State legislation to amend the Tax Law in relation to authorizing the City of White Plains to impose an additional one-quarter of one percent Sales and Compensating Use Tax.

 

73.     Communication from Corporation Counsel in relation to an Inter-Municipal Agreement between the City and Westchester County regarding prisoner transportation reimbursement.

74.               Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains authorizing the Mayor to enter into an Inter-Municipal Agreement regarding prisoner transportation reimbursement with the County of Westchester.

75.     Communication from Personnel Officer in relation to a proposed increase for civil service examination application fees pursuant to New York State Civil Service Law.

76.               Resolution authorizing the Personnel Department to increase civil service examination application fees pursuant to New York State Civil Service Law.

77.     Communication from Commissioner of Building in relation to a request submitted by Goldfarb Properties on behalf of White Plains One Company, LLC, for a site plan amendment for exterior courtyard renovations at The Churchill Apartments, 345 Main Street.

78.               Communications from        Design Review Board

79.                                                          Commissioner of Planning

80.                                                          Planning Board

81.                                                          Commissioner of Public Safety

82.                                                          Commissioner of Public Works

83.                                                          Commissioner of Traffic

84.                                                          Traffic Commission

85.                                                          Environmental Officer

 

86.               Environmental Findings Resolution

87.               Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains approving the application submitted by Goldfarb Properties on behalf of White Plains One Company LLC, (“Applicant”) for an amendment to its existing site plan for its building known as Churchill Apartments located at 345 Main Street relating to the re-design of the exterior courtyard.

88.     Communication from Commissioner of Building in relation to a request submitted on behalf of Cameo House, 300 Martine Avenue, for an amendment to a Special Permit/Site Plan for proposed alterations to the ground floor entrance courtyard.

89.               Communications from        Design Review Board

90.                                                          Commissioner of Planning

91.                                                          Planning Board

92.                                                          Commissioner of Public Safety

93.                                                          Commissioner of Public Works

94.                                                          Commissioner of Traffic

95.                                                          Traffic Commission

96.                                                          Commissioner of Parking

97.                                                          Westchester County Planning Board

98.                                                          Environmental Officer

99.               Environmental Findings Resolution

100.             Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains approving the application submitted on behalf of the Cameo House Owners, Inc., (“Applicant”) for an amendment to its existing site plan for its building located at 300 Martine Avenue relating to the re-design of the outside entry plaza.

101.   Communication from Corporation Counsel in relation to a petition submitted on behalf of of BMS Management Corp., to amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow the parking of commercial vehicles at motor vehicle service stations and/or repair shops in the BR-1 Districts, and advising that the submitted materials are not in a form acceptable to the City.

102.             Communication from Planning Board

103.             Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains rejecting consideration of a petition in its present form submitted on behalf of BMS Management Corp. (“Petitioner”) to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of White Plains to allow the parking of commercial vehicles at motor vehicle service stations and/or repair shops in the BR-1 Zoning District.

REFERRAL:            

104.   Communication from Commissioner of Building in relation to a request submitted on behalf of Hamilton Condominiums, for a one year extension of a previously approved site plan to construct a thirteen story eighty-six unit residential condominium at 116 – 120 Church Street

105.   Communication from Commissioner of Building in relation to a request submitted on behalf of CorePlus Properties, LLC, CPP Bloomingdale LLC and ROF Core 120 Bloomindale LLC, for a one year extension of a previously approved site plan to construct The Venue on Bloomingdale Road, a proposed retail development.

106.   Communication from Commissioner of Building in relation to a request submitted on behalf of North Street Community, LLC, for an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance regarding Planned Senior Residential Development District to increasing the percentage in Section 5.8.5.2 for assisted living beds and domicillary care facilities from 35% to 45%, and to authorize stacked attendant parking which would reduce the footprint of the proposed garage for the 305 North Street Building.

107.   Communication from the City Clerk transmitting a petition submitted on behalf of Calano & Calano Realty Corp. and Keith J. Ahlers, for an amendment to the White Plains Municipal Code to add a section entitled “Electronic Message Board Ordinance” in relation to a proposal to add an electronic message board on the Main Street side of the building at 14 Mamaroneck Avenue.

 

ITEMS FOR INFORMATION:

108.   Communication from Commissioner of Building in relation to a request submitted on behalf of 432 Mamaroneck Co., LLC, in relation to a three year renewal of a Special Permit for an Accessory Parking Lot adjacent to 442 – 452 Mamaroneck Avenue.

109.   Communication from Commissioner of Building in relation to a request for a Minor Amendment submitted on behalf of the German School of New York, to install solar panels on the roof of their gymnasium on Partridge Road.