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)

Report on the Flood Aftermath in Mamaroneck. Habitat for Humanity A Blessing.

Posted on April 29, 2007 by John Bailey

WPCNR County Clarion-Ledger. By Linda Fava. April 29, 2007: As the river rolled through Mamaroneck using the train tracks and Interstate 95 as its banks it destroyed in its path the memories and belongings of hundreds of homes and businesses and left behind complete despair for those who are left to find their way back to a normal life.

As I go door to door every day until late evening asking who still needs help and to take down a list of their needs, I find no end to the disaster that began two weeks earlier. There are so many stories and so much sadness. I keep thinking we need to take the most disastrous first, but so many are the most disastrous.

A residence with its contents drying out Thursday.

Photo for WPCNR News by Paula Piekos

Last evening, I entered another home with a man in his 70’s who still has a finished basement that has not been touched for clean up after being flooded with nearly 5 feet of water. It is now being taken over with black mold creeping up its walls and if not removed will take over his home and make him terribly ill. Most of the elderly are lost with what to do or where to turn to for help. It has touched my heart in a way I cannot explain and is the reason I have dedicated myself to helping the Mamaroneck residents who have suffered from this terrible disaster.

Many have no idea which direction to turn to for help with getting their gas, electric and phone’s back on. Some need help with direction to get someone in to fix gas leaks from water heaters, oil leaks from heating systems, getting their plumbers to show up, what to do if landlords have left them to live with the destroyed home they are paying rent for. It’s frightening to think what will become of the people who will leave their homes in the damaged and waterlogged conditions they are in. If not taken care of properly Mamaroneck will have many sick people on their hands in another couple of months. This is where I thank Mamaroneck for being blessed with Habitat for Humanity for gracing us with their presence. If not for them there would be no hope for the extensive repair that needs to take place and many of our community neighbors would be lost as those were in the wake of Katrina.

Through the help of Habitat for Humanity and the wonderful volunteers who have shown up from all over even coming from as far as Vermont giving up their vacation in Mexico using their Spring Break to instead help those who really need them, Habitat for Humanity has given hope to the residents whose lives were literally turned upside down by a raging river.

Habitat for Humanity has now been in nearly 100 homes clearing out the moldy residue and preparing to restore Mamaroneck’s river wrecked homes. Unfortunately, 100 is only a small percentage compared to what still needs to be done. Habitat for Humanity resources has been severely taxed and could use the generosity of those who would like to help.

My husband and I have been heartbroken at the devastation in the neighborhood surrounding our building and have donated one of our storefront spaces at 602 Mamaroneck Avenue which is sandwiched between our also water-damaged Allstate office and my Glass Art Gallery that I only opened a few months prior to the flood, to Habitat for Humanity to set-up their command center. It brought tears to my eyes to see the damage the water had brought to my gallery I worked so hard to put together. My kiln I used to create my glass art was filled with muddy river water and probably never able to use again. Instead of crying I have thrown myself into helping those who have suffered a greater loss, their homes, and their families memories that were taken from them by this vicious flood. I ask those who can to please help as well.

When I go home at night, in tears, I find it heart wrenching that I cannot help more and worry more and more that we cannot get to as many homes as needed before the residents become sick from the mold. It is critical that the homes that had wet walls and floors have the area and 1 foot above removed as even if they appear on the outside to have dried the water is still behind and unseeingly, the mold is beginning to take over their homes.

The Habitat for Humanity Mamaroneck Flood Project that will be ongoing for several months can use ongoing volunteers including experienced construction workers to show up at the Command Center. Habitat for Humanity is also in serious need of construction materials, sheetrock, tools, monetary donations and even appliances for the residents who had them destroyed to help keep this project going. There have been many generous donations but this project is extensive and needs many resources. I reach out to those who are able to help in any way they can to please come forward and help the residents of Mamaroneck. All of those who have helped so generously already please know that the people you have helped are so appreciative. One woman I visited yesterday to tell her Habitat will come in and help her, broke down in tears and said “I didn’t know people could be so good, thank you so much”.

Mayor Rebukes Malmud on Bank Street Job. Cappelli Will Build Affordables on Nook

Posted on April 27, 2007 by John Bailey

WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL-CHRONICLE EXAMINER. Special to WPCNR. April 26, 2007: Mayor Joseph Delfino rebuked Council President Rita Malmud’s statement appearing in the White Plains Times Thursday, in which Ms. Malmud criticized the evolving details of the new LCOR “Bank Street Deal” (that would bring 107 units of affordable housing in two 29 story apartment buildings to be built on the present municipal parking lot). The council set the public hearing on the Bank Street Project for May 7.

Malmud was the only council person cool to the proposal when LCOR sprung a surprise request for a PILOT on the council three weeks ago.

If you recall this project was first presented as a project to be built on the commuter parking lot sold to LCOR at a reduced price ($21 Million cut to $15.5 Million). Then LCOR asked for the Urban Renewal Agency to finance the project for the entire $260 Million project as a PILOT-less project, through revenue bonds. Then three weeks LCOR changed its mind and said it needed a PILOT. This week a bare bones offer (to be possibly implemented if the PILOT fell through) emerged in the Urban Renewal Agency legislation designating LCOR as the developer of the commuter parking lot that allowed half the project to be condominium, and lowered affordable housing to 16 units down from 107.

Malmud was quoted in today’s White Plains Times as saying “it is difficult to find language strong enough to express my disappointment and frustration over the lack of effective and efficient planning, the abysmal result of secret negotiations, and the isolation of the Common Council from the true state of facts until a time crunch has arrived.”

The city needs the $8 Million to balance its budget due to bungled land sales on Railside Avenue, sewer expenses at that site and the need to replace fund balance.

According to Councilman Arnold Bernstein describing the events of the evening to WPCNR, “Rita must have misunderstood the details of the project. The Mayor refuted her unfortunate comments. Let’s not try to derail this project. This is just the usual nonsense. The usual politics.”

Bernstein said it was not clear at this time whether the PILOT (the amount of which has not been stated in the Urban Renewal Legislation proposed for LCOR on the project), would be made possible through the Westchester County Industrial Development Agency or whether the home rule legislation the city is seeking from the state legislature, would be rushed through in time for the Urban Renewal Agency acting as IDA to undertake the $260 Million funding of the project (through revenue bonds to be paid by LCOR).

In legislation approved by the Urban Renewal Agency Wednesday, it was disclosed that LCOR has negotiated an alternative plan allowing condominiums on the site and a lower price on the land, if the Westchester County Industrial Development Agency or the Urban Renewal Agency does not undertake the project with the proposed PILOT, providing no taxes on the residential towers for 12 years (from the date the towers open). LCOR would pay the city $250,000 annually “for the life of the project.”

The alternative is described thusly in the Urban Renewal Agency legislation:

In the event the foregoing abatement (PILOT) cannot be obtained, the terms of the transaction would change as follows: The purchase price (of the commuter parking lot) would be reduced to $8 Million (from $15.5 Million); with $6 Million payable on or before June 30, 2007, and $2 Million payable on or before June 30, 2008. The physical characteristics of, and the preliminary plans for, the Developmengt would remain essentially the same, but one tower could, at the election of LCOR, contain units for sale, in which event, the other tower would be rental. (Under this alternative) Only 6% of the total units (16) (all in the rental tower) would be affordable as described in and according to the City’s Affordable Housing Program, and, while the Development , would be required to continue to provide commuter parking spaces for at least 250 stacked vehicles or 200 self-parked vehicles, the annual $250,000 fee to the City would not be required to be paid.”

LCOR would also be relieved of having to execute a number of onsite improvements, resulting in more savings to the developer.

Cappelli takes over the Ginsberg-Rotundi Corner.

Bruce Berg, Mr. Bernstein said, came in and made a brief presentation, stating that Cappelli Enterprises has decided to build the 8-story building that Martin Ginsberg was proposing to build for Cappelli Enterprises. Cappelli Enterprises would build on the Corner Nook site. Bernstein said that the building would contain affordable units meeting Mr. Cappelli’s obligation he owes the city as part of the Ritz-Carlton project. Bernstein quoted Mr. Berg as saying the bulding will contain affordable and market rate units.

Asked if this was the end of The Pinnacle, Bernstein said “not at all, we will have a building there (on The Pinnacle site), either Ginsberg will build it, Rotundi will build it, or Cappelli will.”

Firemen’s Overtime

Over $90,000 in overtime charges for the fire bureau was approved by the Council Bernstein reported.

Parking.

In the presentation to the council by the Parking Department, Bernstein said the council did not come to a consensus as to whether the parking rates would rise to $1 a hour. That was still in the air, Bernstein said.

Norris and Brady Run for School Board, Trataros Bows Out.

Posted on April 26, 2007 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From League of Women Voters. (EDITED). April 26, 2007: The President of the White Plains Board of Education has apparently declined to run for reelection to the Board, it has been learned. Michele Trataros, who took a leave of absence from her duties last fall before returning to sit on the Board after the school bond referendum election, after she was charged with endangering the welfare of a child (her daughter) last year, will not be appearing at the League of Women Voters School Board Forum to be held next week, May 3.

The new candidates for Ms. Trataros’ seat and the seat abandoned by Rick Tompkins last year, are Charles Norris and Sheryl Brady, both long time officers with the PTA and school district supporters in the community.

The League of Women Voters of White Plains will host a public forum for candidates for the 2007 White Plains Board of Education election. The meeting will be held on Thursday, May 3, 2007, at 7:30 p.m. at White Plains High School, 550 North Street, in Room B-1 (across from the Staff Parking Lot; enter campus from North Street). All White Plains voters are encouraged to attend and ask questions of the candidates. The evening’s program will also include a presentation on the proposed 2007-2008 School Budget by Superintendent Timothy Connors.

In this year’s election, Brady and Norris, will be running for the two seats available on the seven-member Board. One seat is currently held by Michelle Trataros and the other seat is currently vacant. Board members serve without pay, and terms of office are for three years, effective July 1.

The Board of Education election is Tuesday, May 15. Citizens will vote on the annual school budget, as well as electing board members. At the forum, the candidates will answer questions from the floor about their position on the budget and other issues relating to the schools.

Polls will be open on May 15 from noon to 9 p.m. Voters unsure of their polling place may call the Clerk of the Board of Education at 422-2071. Voter registration information is available form the Clerk of the Board and from the Westchester County Board of Elections, 285-570

FEMA Opens Disaster Center in Mamaroneck Thursday

Posted on April 25, 2007 by John Bailey

WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Westchester County Department of Communications. April 25, 2007: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has arrived in Westchester and is working with Westchester County government to help local residents apply for federal aid to recover from the storm.

Thursday, the agency will open its first Disaster Recovery Center at the Senior Nutrition Community Center at the Mamaroneck Town Center, 740 W. Boston Post Road. The center will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., 7 days a week.

Storm victims can get help filling out applications at the centers and work with representatives of FEMA and the Small Business Administration to get information about disaster aid. Representatives from state agencies as well as county departments – Department of Social Services, Community Mental Health, Senior Services and others – will also be at the centers to help residents apply for food stamps, fill out forms, get counseling referrals or receive any other assistance. FEMA will open other centers in Westchester within the next few days in other hard hit areas of the county.

“We are working with FEMA in a massive outreach effort to help people apply for recovery aid and get services they so desperately need to get back on their feet,’’ said County Executive Andy Spano. “We are also helping FEMA to spread the word through local governments, non-profits, faith based organizations and other community organizations.’’

Individuals and businesses that are in need of aid are being encouraged to apply for aid on-line or by phone. To register with FEMA, call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) (hearing/speech impaired ONLY- call TTY: 1-800-462-7585) between the hours of 8 am to 8 p.m. or go to FEMA’s web site at www.fema.gov. If you need additional help, you can visit the Disaster Recovery Center in your area, but you do not have to go to a center to apply for aid.