Developers Plead for Relief from Affordable Housing Buyout Increase.

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WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. By John F. Bailey. June 25, 2008:  The developers of 10 Windsor Terrace  and Hale Avenue, each came before the Common Council Special Meeting last night and pleaded with the Council to keep their affordable housing buyout (in lieu of building actual affordable units)  “where it is” rather  than pay increased multi-million dollars in increased payments voted into law by the Council in March of this year. Both indicated they could not build the projects under the new payment guidelines because the financing sources do not like the “Loan to Value Ratios.”


When asked if the legislation raising the buyout amounts specifically said the fees were retroactive, City Corporation Counsel Edward Dunphy told WPNCR, the laws that are in effect at the time a matter comes before the council (in this case renewals of site plans) govern the city’s right to apply increased fees for the projects.  


Rome Partners and Hale Avenue LLC were before the council seeking extension of site plans for the two developments. Rome under the new law owes the city $1,470,000 in buyout as opposed to the $452,000 originally applied to the project when it was approved in 2003.


Hale Avenue LLC, approved in 2005, with construction not yet begun, originally agreed to pay $920,000 in affordable housing buyout money then. Now under the new buyout guidelines,  Hale owes the city $2.6 Million in buyout money, according to their spokesperson William Null.


Null said this made the project unbuildable, and suggested the city was making new developers pay to solve a problem that has existed in the city for years (lack of “affordable housing”). Rome had purchased the site plan on 10 Windsor Place from the previous developer, agreed not to change the 71-unit, 2 bedroom condo project, but had assumed the same $452,000 buyout would remain in effect.


Led by Councilwoman Rita Malmud, the council appeared reluctant to budge and grant a “Grand-fathering in” of the previous considerably lower buyouts the two developers had agreed, but had not paid as of yet. Malmud said that the buyout was an option, (“a favor to developers” she called it), and that the developers had the option to build actual affordable units instead. Null said that building affordable units had the same affect of making the project unprofitable the way today’s numbers worked out. The council pressed by Peter Weiss, the Rome attorney, said they would take up the matter again soon, and inform Rome and, presumably Hale Avenue LLC of their decision as to hold to the old buyout, keep the new buyout, or possibly negotiate the new buyout fee down.


Kill Buyout Option Now


Councilman Benjamin Boykin said the evening’s discussion indicated to him it was time to do away with the buyout option altogether, and require new developers of housing in the city simply to build real affordable units as part of their projects if they wanted.  The Mayor expressed doubt this would appeal. Tom Roach, the Councilman, predicted “They will come.” .


Councilwoman Milagros Lecouona, reacting to Roach’s statement said “The people who are here can stay. If they don’t come that will save the city for the rest of us.”


In Other Action…


The Mayor said  LLC Main, LLC, the Louis Cappelli organization, informed the Mayor’s office they would not be appearing to give an update on the affordable housing situation regarding their request for an extension of the August 6 deadline, by which no C of O’s can be granted unless the Cappelli organization has satisfied their 41 units of affordable housing requirement for City Center and 221 Main (The Ritz-Carlton complex).  Benjamin Boykin, Council President had called for the update.


The Council could not pass a personnel ordinance because Councilman Glen Hockley was not present.


Commissioner of Public Works  Joseph Bud Nicoletti said playground improvements of $125,000 would begin in Chatterton Park, and $95,000 worth of improvements woud be made at Mitchell Place Tot Lot. He said $3 Million in water lines would begin work up Ferris Avenue to the Orchard Street line. He announced $50,000 in outdoor improvements to the Thomas Slater Center would also begin. He also said $500,000 in sewer lines would commence.


 

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Ambulance Company Pleads for $100,000 Increase From City to Cover Fuel RunUp

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WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. By John F. Bailey. June 25, 2008:  The Common Council was asked last night to authorize $100,000 more in payment to Transcare ambulance services for the next year due to skyrocketing costs of diesel fuel.  Jim O’Connor of Transcare said diesel fuel three years ago cost $2.10 a gallon and this year it is up to $5.25  a gallon. The city pays the ambulance service roughly $280,000 a year for its services, said Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety, Daniel Jackson.  The request, which the council has not made up its mind upon, will be considering pending further information from “staff,” regarding what the cost price index would provide as opposed to actual increased costs.


The $100,000 increase would bring the contract for the next year to about $380,000, based on Mr. Jackson’s estimate of what the city pays now.


Currently, the contract calls for an increase each year based on the Cost Price Index. Neither the Mayor, nor Executive Officer could provide how that CPI percentage is defined, but they assured the council “it was in the contract.” 

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Tips from the Commissar of Coin on How to Avoid Parking Tickets in White Plains

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WPCNR THE PARKING NEWS. June 24, 2008: The new city website always has something new, and informative, but you have to visit it.  Today, we offer a new nugget of information that can save White Plains residents time and money.



White Plains Commissioner of Parking, Al Moroni.


 



 



 


It’s the White Plains Commissioner of Parking Albert Moroni’s Guide to Visitors and Residents on How to Avoid Parking Tickets in Downtown White Plains


Residents and new visitors to “America’s City that Works the Best” may be unfamiliar with the highly specific and time-limited parking hours, procedures, and diversity of locations and how the White Plains Parking facilities can be turned strategically to your advantage to fit your errand or mission in the city.


The Commissioner’s own guide on how to navigate in and out of the “Parking Enforcement Zone,” in the White Plains downtown, is geared to help the visitor  avoid the relentless pursuit of those dedicated White Plains Parking Enforcement Officers– “The Mamaroneck Avenue Blues” — The White Plains PEO’s  whose vigilence, diligence and dedication is beyond peer are computer-guided, under constant surveillance of the home office, and the PEO’s circulate tirelessly, relentlessly to preserve parking without prejudice for all and secure coin  rightly due the city coffers.  


 Without further adieu — the Commissioner’s tips:


WHERE TO PARK…and how to AVOID PARKING TICKETS


From your friends at the White Plains Department of Parking 


Metered Parking


MAKING A QUICK STOP….


Most on-street metered spaces provide a 1 hour parking limit. Short time limits at on-street meters promote turnover which increases space availability.


STAYING A WHILE LONGER….


Less expensive off-street parking is available at the following downtown municipal surface lots:



  • Waller/Livingston
  • Lyon Place
  • Mitchell Place
  • Waller/Maple 
  • Quarropas Street 
  • Court Street

PARKING GARAGES….


Short and long term metered parking is available at various municipal parking garages.



  • Chester/Maple * (Behind Mamaroneck Avenue) 
  • Hamilton/Main * (Across from Sears) 
  • Lexington/Grove (Galleria Mall) 
  • White Plains Center Garage* (City Center) 

*Multi-Space Meters Available


For a complimentary City of White Plains Municipal Parking Map, call 422-1232.





IF YOU RECEIVE AN “EXPIRED METER” SUMMONS…


On-Street, in a Lot or in a Garage when the Garage Office is closed, a $15.00 “Street and Lot” summons will be issued.  This summons can be paid at any municipal garage office (except the City Center Garage) before the appearance date indicated on the ticket.


IF YOU RECIEVE AN OVERTIME NOTICE…


In a Garage when the Garage Office is open, the following overtime fees apply and can be paid at the Garage Office as you exit the Garage.


                                                  $2.00  –  up to 1 hr.
                                                    3.00  –  1-2 hrs.
                                                    6.00  –  2-3 hrs.
                                                  10.00  –  Over 3 hrs. 


If a garage overtime notice is not paid by the Appearance Date indicated on the notice, it becomes a $15.00 City Court Traffic Violations Summons, as shown on the notice, and is subject to the Schedule of Fines show below.


IF YOU RECEIVE A “PARKED BEYOND THE LIMIT” NOTICE…


On streets and in municipal parking areas, the parking limit is indicated by signs and/or by the meter TIME LIMIT. This time limit is the maximum time a vehicle may be legally parked whether or not time is shown on the meter.


At the expiration of the TIME LIMIT, the vehicle must be moved or it is in violation and subject to a summons answerable in City Court.
 


Schedule of Fines
 












DAY OF ISSUANCE

AFTER DAY 30

AFTER DAY 90


$15

$25

$50


PARKING TICKETS


Tickets can be paid by phone 914-422-6125 with MasterCard or VISA


MULTI-SPACE METERS


In specified municipal structures, parking patrons use centrally located multi-space meters (similar to bank automated teller machines.) These meters accept both coins, bills, MasterCard and VISA and issue change and receipts. Parking patrons may purchase additional time as needed without returning to their space.


FRIENDLY METERS


These electronic parking meters accept nickels, dimes, quarters and Cash Keys and grant a six (6) minute grace period.


LOOK FOR METERS WITH THE GREEN STICKERS.


Meter Rates







Off-street $0.75 per hour

 On-street $1.00 per hour


Commuter Locations






















$0.75 /hr up to 8 hrs


$6.25 /12 hrs


$6.50 /16 hrs


$6.75 /20 hrs


$9.75 /24 hrs


 


 


 


To obtain a Permit Parking information booklet, call 422-1232.

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Education Department Releases 2008 School Report Cards — Minority Results Up

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            WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From New York State Education Department. (Edited) June 24, 2008: Achievement in grades 3-8 math and English has improved overall this year, according to State test results announced today by Regents Chancellor Robert M. Bennett and State Education Commissioner Richard Mills.


 


            This year, 81 percent of students across grades 3-8 achieved the math standards, compared to 73 percent last year, while 69 percent of students achieved the English standards, compared to 63 percent last year.


 


            Fewer students also are showing serious academic problems in grades 3-8 in both math and English. A more detailed breakdown of results as well as school by school results is available on the web at www.nysed.gov .


 



 


“These are impressive results for children at all points in our system. Closing the achievement gap is our constant target. The news today confirms that our reforms are striking closer,” Regents Chancellor Robert M. Bennett said. “We cannot rest until achievement is up everywhere and the gap is closed for all children in New York State.  We thank and congratulate all the children, parents, teachers and administrators who worked so hard and well to accomplish these encouraging results.”


 


“The schools delivered,” State Education Commissioner Richard Mills said. “Children in the gap are improving in math and English, and there are improvements in low need districts as well.  Successful schools applied effective methods: stronger curriculum, extra help for kids who needed it, continuous professional development to support teachers, and a clear message from leaders at every level – the children can learn these concepts.  These improvements encourage us to press on.  We haven’t yet raised achievement for all children to the level required.”


 


            The achievement gap narrowed in both Math and English. Across grades 3-8, the number of black students achieving the English standards increased from 45 percent last year to 53 percent this year.


 


            The number of Hispanic students achieving the English standards increased from 46 percent last year to 53 percent this year. White students increased from 76 to 79 percent.  In math across grades 3-8, the number of black students achieving the standards increased from 55 percent last year to 66 percent this year. The number of Hispanic students achieving the math standards increased from 61 percent last year to 71 percent this year.


 


Results for students with disabilities also improved overall, although they remain low, and there was a significant drop in the number of students showing serious academic difficulties in both English and math.


 


New York’s testing system, including the grade 3 through 8 tests passed a rigorous peer review last year conducted by the US Department of Education. In addition, distinguished national experts on the Technical Advisory Group meet regularly to challenge all aspects of New York’s assessment system. 


 


Students receive a specific scale score on the tests which falls into one of four levels:


 


·         Level 4 – Exceeds the learning standards


·         Level 3 – Meets the learning standards


·         Level 2 – Partially meets the learning standards or meets part of the learning standards


·         Level 1 – Shows serious academic problems.


 


A more detailed breakdown of results as well as school by school results is available on the web at www.nysed.gov .


 

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