Who Is the White Plains Person of the Year?



WPCNR WHITE PLAINS POLL. December 26, 2006: It is time to decide the WPCNR White Plains Person of the Year, the informal recognition of persons who contributed the most positive contributions to the well-being of the citizenry in the news year 2006. These nominations use the criteria of how a person affected the White Plains way of life  in a positive way.  You are invited to cast your votes at the right. May we have the nominations, please, in alphabetical order, they are:


Carl Albanese – a documentary maker and media professional, Mr. Albanese exposed on live television, the 25 year cover-up by the City of White Plains of TCE contamination in the city dump and A Department of Environmental Conservation investigation and laxness in enforcement, which is still undecided and possibly will cost the city over a million dollars to comply with or remediate.  He fought successfully a city hall attempt to ban recording of Common Council work sessions, getting city hall officials to back down.


 


Evette Avila, Principal Ridgeway School – Nominated for her successful use of BOCES Data Warehouse analyses and staff use of the data to upgrade Ridgeway Math Achievement scores 14% in one year, by isolating students’ weaknesses, remediating them, pioneering how BOCES Data Warehouse statistical analysis can help test preparation. It is the most significant one year turnaround in an elementary school in 7 years.


 


Councilman Benjamin Boykin – Nominated for his decisive vote defeating the Memorandum of Understanding with New York Presbyterian Hospital advanced by the city administration that, no matter what previous agreements he had made to the contrary, he could have easily reversed and approved at the last moment. Boykin’s sticking to principle due to his feeling that the city “carrying the ball” for a private property owner was wrong was a landmark decision.


 


Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors – Nominated for relentless guidance of the White Plains School District, conducting a successful referendum vote authorizing upgrading of  District facitilies authorizing $69 Million in expenditures, while initiating long-range strategic planning. Connors’ public compaign for the school bond is a lesson in how to sway public opinion. Connors is the first Superintendent of Schools in White Plains to address aggressively the matter of bilingual education in the White Plains Schools by his introduction of a pilot program  in Kindergarten next fall. He is a leader who informs his constitutents and leads.


 


Mayor Joseph Delfino – Nominated for his aggressive leadership continuing residential and retail growth downtown and expanding the renaissance to the West Side of the city. Will 2006-2007 be the year the city realizes the long awaited payoff from the Mayor’s development? 2005-2006 reached projections. Policies of selling “unneeded city assets” for revenue were not always agreed-on by all residents – however, Delfino’s efforts are consistent. His policies are proactive, which may this year finally pay out.  Delfino focused on the homeless problem in White Plains, demanding the county design a equitable system for locating homeless shelters which the county has refused to do to date.


 


Commissioner of Finance Gina Cuneo-Harwood –  Now city hall’s major money policy specialist. Her financial projection this year came in on target. Her policy of selling city assets to encourage both development and fill cash flow gaps while waiting for “development’s ship” to dock has bought the city more financial hang time, and an improved credit rating from Moody’s.


 


Don Hughes – A private citizen who posts city documents, meetings of note, and highly useful documents on his own website. Mr. Hughes pursuit of federal, state, and city hall documents for all citizens to see easily in a timely manner, is a valuable public service, exposed evidence of city coverups and supplements the city’s own website where key city reports are rarely available.


 


Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety Daniel Jackson – Promoted this year into the Deputy Commissioner void, Jackson steered the police department through three unprecedented White Plains natural emergencies in which police communication with the public improved considerably and citizens were kept safe. Jackson addressed criticism of the downtown police presence in dealing with rowdy youth, eased  citizen anxiety. He improved media communications in emergencies and has made himself instantly reachable. Jackson and Commissioner of Public Safety Dr. Frank Straub have also asked for an emergency situation system by 2008-2009 to keep residents informed – something White Plains has never had.


 


Charles Lederman – a local activist who questioned procedures in determining costs of the $69 Million school district capital project,  involving himself in thinking about the scope of the project. His questioning of authority was never really answered satisfactorily by the school district during the course of the campaign, and actually revealed some mistakes. Lederman’s courage in questioning policy is an example of good citizenship.


 


Commissioner of Public Works Joseph Nicoletti – The Commissioner who makes this list every year showed he runs the most effective Public Works Department around. Snow is removed promptly, but opening up the city after 600 trees were downed, clearing streets within 48 hours this year was a super feat performed by the Commissioner and his DPW men and women. The Commissioner’s men and women did this three times in White Plains – during the Rain/tornado storm July 19 – the heat wave blackout  two weeks later and in a third storm in early September. Con Edison could not keep up with the White Plains DPW in those storms. Should the Commissioner extricate his city sucessfully with the DEC over the city dump contamination, he will again have saved the city’s bacon.


 


Paula Piekos – consistently brings up sore subjects to the City of White Plains and fights for what she believes in. Her effort to save the Railside Avenue lots from being sold, and ongoing exposure of the city’s reluctance to divulge information on the final fates of those sales exposes how the city has its own agenda and does not always think things out carefully.


 


White Plains High School Principal Ivan Toper – Toper has acted decisively in dealing with sensitive issues: gang influence and identifying youths at risk, working closely with them, communication with parents, impressing teens on the dangers of teen drinking, (there have been no major teen-drinking incidents this year), supporting and introducing the Margaret’s Place resource for abused teens and domestic violence. He is the first WPHS Principal in this reporter’s memory to deliver public talks on WPHS academic achievement progress.


 


A man who left us this year suddenly, Ron Jackson, whose untimely death deserves mention as an example of speaking truth to power. He was not as active this year as in the past, due to his deteriorating health, but his spirit lives on in several of this year’s nominees.


 


Councilman Robert Greer left us this year too, after a long illness and we salute his public service literally to the end, and his courage in facing the inevitable night. 


 

Posted in Uncategorized

Twas the Night Before Christmas in White Plains






















 

WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. December 25, 2006 In recognition of Christmas Day, WPCNR brings back a favorite of the past posted on this site many years ago, updated:


Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the city,

Construction cranes were idle, Cappelli’s Ritz Towers silent with no activity


Accept for Building Inspectors counting each floor, there wasn’t even a mouse at the door.

Not a legislator or councilperson was stirring not even a high school student.;



The County and City budget stockings were hung by Michaelian & Main chimneys with devil-may care air,

In hopes Angels Eliot,Amy, Adam  Andy and Bill Would Stuff Them fair.



The citizens, nestled snug in their beds with the Mayor’s City Center  filled and spending Wal Mart Mobs,

With visions of sweet sugar plums from Trump Tower, City Center, Fortunoffs and Wal Mart Plunder soon to fill sales tax into the city’ s till with cash in gobs.

 Paul Wood in his trusty chair, cellphone in ear and the kindly Cuneo-Harwood applying her budget cap and CAFR magic

Had just settled the city in for a short winter’s nap;


No new approvals, Just a quiet $16 Million Sale, with zoning zen on tap.

When out on 221 Main site, there arose such a clatter,


Paul Wood Sprang from his desk in City Hall garret suspending Secret Developer Talks to see what was the matter,

Away to the window, he flew in a flash, stunned to see in Bank Street view, construction begin on Christmas Eve anew.

He tore open the shutters and threw up the sash,

As cranes, girders and whistles sounded across Bank Street with a crash.

The moon shown on the crest of the rising girders on LCOR’s Christmas Eve Crew,

The Acting Building Commissioner Amodio was summoned to issue a stop work order to the intrepid Gilpatrick jumping the gun.

“It’s Christmas,” he said to the peerless leader . “Even Louis is not working. Santa can’t come with all this to-do, and we haven’t approved it yet.”


Turning from the developers in marathon secret talks, the nimble Wood and barrister Dunphy

Fashioned a Christmas gift for all the City.

“It’s a disgrace,” said gatekeeper Paul Wood, when hounded by clamorous press in voicemail message curt.

Seeking an explanation for the cacaphonous distress.

“How can we do the people’s business, even on Christmas,” said right hand man Maloney

As Saint Theresa and reliable Melissa patiently awaited the holiday agenda thick and toney.

The construction lights gave the luster of midday, to trucks and dirt and backedup  cars causing them

To glow like fresh fallen snow.

When what to the crew’s surprise should appear,

But a big red sleigh, pulled by six councilpersons..

With a jolly old driver, so lively and quick, looking very

Much like Mayor Joseph Delfino with a sleigh full of holiday cheer.

The city servants working late, knew in a moment it must be their leader.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came on the wintry scene

“Now, Boykin! Now Malmud! Now Bernstein!

On Roach! On Hockley! On Power!

To the Top of City Hall! To the Top of the Wall!

Into the Council Chamber they rushed to assemble a proclamation to all!

Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!

As empty lots before developers fill, bearing promissory notes and refi’s creating cash anew

With towers to the sky,

To the City Hall roof his sturdy council did fly.

With the Mayor’s sleigh full of toys, and the jolly Mayor, too.

In a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The serious voices of each councilman giving proof

That the sleeping city was in sure hand.

As Mr. Wood drew in crewcut head, turning around,

Down the circular stair the Mayor and Council came with a bound.

The Mayor was dressed in his Mayor’s suit, from his head to his foot,

His brown trademark suit was draped with ribbons for approvals to come for North Street Community, Bank Street West, The Luxury Lexington Mile and mystery subdivisions to boot.

A bundle of plans, for sewer and water tanks Nicoletti brought forth for Mayor and council to consider.

The Mayor, his eyes how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up in a smile…”No, Bud, no plans for awhile!”

The Mayor spoke not a word, but went straight to his desk, he bade Council be seated, and with not a voice of denial,

Presented the resolution, the council spread the communications with glee

He congratulated Straub, Jennings and Jackson for law and order with style,

He Lay plans for condos and apartments for the Court Street homeless with care


With BID restaurants to cater the less fortunate with compassion’s splendid fare.

Gifts to the city from the hardest working Common Council without guile.

Thanking the council, commissioners that are left,  and city staff bereft, and benefactors generosity

America’s favorite Mayor sprang to the circular stair, and sleigh,

To his team gave a whistle, and away the Mayor and council flew like the down of a thistle.

But the citizens heard them exclaim, as the team drove out of sight filled with new Gateway and 4% Union Contract goodies and stuff,


“We can never thank you enough”


The proclamation just passed, 7-0  to citizens all:

‘Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”


Posted in Uncategorized

Westchester Arts Council Announces Local Awards

WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From Westchester Arts Council. December 20, 2006: Westchester Arts Council is the recipient of a $115,000.00 grant from The New York State Music Fund (“The Fund”) to support the Triple Hill Music Festival, a new festival to be held in Mount Vernon, New York. The Triple Hill Festival will feature community concerts, music education programming in- and after-school, and Rock My Soul: the Black Legacy of Rock & Roll, a traveling exhibition from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.


The White Plains Library Foundation of White Plains has also been awarded $28,000 to support free performances and outreach workshops of A Salute To Comtemporary Music featuring 10 artists representing various genres, including, folk, blues, jazz and gospel.


SUNY Purchase (Purchase) has also been awared $80,000  to commission two works by contemporary Cuban-American composer Tania León and Puerto Rican-Bronx-based composer Ray Santos to be performed by the Purchase Symphony Orchestra and the Purchase Latin Jazz Orchestra.


The New York State Music Fund was created when the New York State Attorney General’s Office resolved investigations against major record companies that had violated state and federal laws prohibiting “pay for play” (also called “payola”). The settlement agreement stipulated that funds paid by music businesses would support music education and appreciation for the benefit of New York State residents. The Attorney General’s Office enlisted the services of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, one of the nation’s largest and most experienced philanthropy services, to develop and manage the grant program.


The Triple Hill Music Festival will to provide access to and awareness of the contributions of African-Americans in the development of rock and roll through gospel, rhythm & blues, jazz, folk and blues music.  The anchor of the Festival is an exhibit and education program entitled Rock My Soul: the Black Legacy of Rock & Roll, to be housed at the Mt. Vernon Public Library. A companion educational curriculum will be made available to the schools along with teacher training in its use.  The festival also includes a series of Master Classes and performances for students, parents and the local community. 



An Advisory Panel comprised of recognized leaders from a cross-section of the music world evaluated and recommended 218 of the 402 applications the Fund received. The grant awards total $19 million for performances, presentations, commissions and educational programs taking place in New York State over the next year, and in a few select cases over the next two years. Together with the $13 million awarded in the first cycle of grants, the total for 2006 comes to $32 million.  Of this amount, nearly a million dollars supports Westchester’s arts organizations. 

Posted in Uncategorized

THE FEINER REPORT: Greenburgh Supervisor Notes Highlights of The Greenburgh Year

WPCNR’S THE FEINER REPORT. By Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner. December 22, 2006: HAVE A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON AND A GREAT 2007!




 2006 is almost history.  In reviewing the year in review – I’m pleasantly surprised at the activity and accomplishments. The following are highlights of the year.




 NO TAX HIKE–For the 2nd year in a row the Greenburgh Town Board adopted a budget that does not raise taxes. Actually, the budget for 2007 reduces taxes slightly. I proposed a written fund balance policy to the Town Board that regulates how much fund balance should be maintained in each fund each year.




 CABLE TV COMPETITION– The Greenburgh Town Board became the first locality in Westchester to approve a cable TV contract with Verizon. We are the first to have cable TV competition. Cablevision has been offering price reductions to  some customers who cancel their service.






CON ED POWER OUTAGES–Many residents experienced numerous Con Ed power outages this year. Some homeowners were out of power 5 or 6 times. I organized a lobbying initiative to persuade Con Ed to study the feasibility of placing power lines underground. The Greenburgh Town Board approved a resolution I had introduced calling for a study. Con Ed agreed to conduct the study.





GENERATOR TO BE PLACED AT TOWN HALL — Most municipalities do not have emergency generators in municipal buildings to provide power in the event of a power outage. The Greenburgh Town Board approved a budget request I made to appropriate funds for an emergency generator at Town Hall. The Town Hall could also be used to provide emergency shelter for seniors and disabled residents in event of a power outage.





LIBRARY- The Town Board approved bids for the 20 million library construction. The construction of the library will start in January, 2007 (about 8 months after the construction was originally supposed to begin). The old Town Hall, which was originally going to be used for a temporary library during construction, will not be used for that purpose. Instead, the temporary library will be located at satellite locations. Demita Gerber, Greenburgh’s Library Director, resigns her position – takes a new job in Wisconsin.





LIBRARY CONTRACT– Bad news for unincorporated Greenburgh, good news for Ardsley: Elmsford decided not to renew their contract with Greenburgh for library services. Instead, Elmsford signed a contract for library services for 4 years with Ardsley. Greenburgh will lose about a million dollars during the 4 year contract. Elmsford residents, who will be given an Ardsley library card, will have library privileges throughout Westchester -including Greenburgh – because Ardsley is a member of the Westchester Library system.





2 HOMELESS SHELTERS CLOSE–WESTHAB closed two homeless shelters in Greenburgh: One in Elmsford and another in the Fulton Park section of Greenburgh.





DOG PARK APPROVED–A bark for the park rally at Town Hall this summer led to the Town Board approving a resolution designating East Rumbrook Park as the location for a dog park. The dog park will be built in 2007.





SHELL HYDROGEN PROPOSES HYDROGEN FUEL STATION IN EDGEMONT–Shell Hydrogen proposed a hydrogen fuel station in Edgemont, just south of Ardsley Road. If approved, the station would be the 3rd station in the United States. The Planning Board will be reviewing the application in 2007.





EDGEMONT WINS $1.4 MILLION CERTIORARI CASE- Usually, when property owners file certiorari actions in court they win or there is a court settlement. Midway lost a lawsuit–saving the Edgemont school district $817,000. THe town worked with the Edgemont school district on fighting the lawsuit.





COMMUNITY HOSPITAL AT DOBBS FERRY – A state panel recommended the closure of the Community Hospital at Dobbs Ferry. The Greenburgh Town Board joined other municipal boards in approving a resolution calling on the state not to close the hospital. This hospital actually is making money.





CITIZENS INSURANCE COMMITTEE ISSUES REPORT – A Citizens Insurance Committee, chaired by Edgemont resident RIchard Liskov, issued a comprehensive report address town insurance issues.





NEW POET LAUREATE– The Greenburgh Town Board appointed Westchester‘s first municipal Poet Laureate, Brenda Connor-Bey.





CABLEVISION WITHDRAWS REQUEST FOR HELIPAD: Cablevision withdrew its request to place a helipad at their Madison Square Garden training facility located in Greenburgh – which serves the NY Knicks, Liberty and Rangers team.





MORE LEAF COLLECTION FUNDS– The Town Board increased the leaf collection overtime budget by $20,000. Hopefully, leaf collection will improve in 2007.





HARTSDALE PARKING –The Hartsdale Parking Garage was renovated in 2006. A committee is being formed to address residential parking needs on E Hartsdale Ave. There is a shortage of residential parking on the avenue.





NEW BLOG: Residents can participate in the dialogue by visiting my new blog: www.pfeinerblogspot.com





DECADE OLD HOUSING PROPOSAL MOVES FORWARD: THE Greenburgh Town Board approved findings for Avalon Green – a housing complex in E Irvington (on Elmsford’s border) that will include 444 units of housing, 10% affordable housing. The housing was first proposed over 11 years ago. Originally, the developer wanted to build about 800 units of housing. After many years of negotiations with the neighboring communities an agreement was reached.





SOLAR PANELS DEDICATED AT TOWN HALL– Solar panels were placed on the roof of Town Hall, partially powering our Town Hall.Our energy conservation coordinator proposed energy efficient standards for new commercial construction, energy efficient standards in the town purchasing/procurement policy and a plan for energy audits and efficiency improvements on additional town facilities. A green energy fair was held.





CHECK OUT BUILDING DEPT ENFORCEMENT–The Building Department has an online listing of each complaint they receive by offense and disposition. One can now file complaints online. 



STUDENT RUN CABLE TV SHOWS–Students now host cable TV shows shown on our public access station. 



INTERGENERATIONAL PROGRAMS- A toddler/senior intergeneration program was started at the Theodore Young Community Center. Seniors and toddlers from Union Child Day Care Center participate in these get togethers.





LEASE AGREEMENT WITH CREDIT UNION: The Town Board approved a lease agreement with a credit union to rent space on the 2nd floor of Town Hall. The credit union opened it’s offices in 2006.





HISTORY: The Town Historian, Frank Jazzo, organized a re-enactment of the 225th anniversary of  AMerica‘s March to Yorktown. Marchers camped at the Odell House. The use of the Odell House on Ridge Road in Hartsdale as General Rochambeau’s HQ in 1787 as well as the Washington Rochambeau Route Passing through Greenburgh was highlighted.





VILLAGES/UNINCORPORATED: THe dispute between unincorporated Greenburgh and the villages was not resolved. The Town Board voted to appeal a lawsuit concerning Taxter Ridge. A mediation committee was appointed consisting of representatives of the villages and unincorporated Greenburgh. No legislative recommendations have been made.





E Rumbrook Park– The Town Board approved funds for implementing phase 1 of the East Rumbrook Park Improvement Master PLan. $200,000 was included in the 2006 capital budget.





IMPROVEMENTS IN OUR PARKS: A loop trail was constructed at Glenville Woods -a hikers guide is being prepared. Cabanasas Section E & H have been renovated at FV Park pool complex. New restrooms at Secor Park. Washington Ave park community garden renovated. Pocantico Park redesigned and landscaped. Exterior of E Rumbrook Park Utility Fitness Center building renovated. A new 55 and older adult softball league formed. 



HOLIDAY DECORATIONS: New holiday decorations on E Hartsdale Ave. Funding donated by Westachester Greenhouses.





HISTORIC PRESERVATION STUDY COMPLETED –by department of planning. 



COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF ZONING ORDINANCE–We hired BFJ Planning to commence a comprehensive review of our zoning ordinance.





COMMUNITY POLICING: THe Town Board voted to increase our police department by 3. We restored community policing at Fairview to its previous levels. We expanded community policing to serve Mayfair Knollwood. Serious crime continues to be at a historic low. The police expanded basic life support to enable EMTs to administer Epinesphrine and Albuterol (shock/respiratory).





9A Bypass: state officials agreed to  go out to bid for 9A bypass which will reduce traffic congestion in Greenburgh/Elmsford/Ardsley.





RIDGE HILL: We have been meeting with Yonkers officials and the developers of the Ridge Hill development to address traffic congestion/safety issues. The Yonkers City Council approved plans for the Ridge Hill development–3 million square feet of residential, commercial development on the Yonkers/Greenburgh border.





WEBB FIELD: The Town Board received a $97,000 federal grant to landscape Webb field. We finalized a contract with Ward Associates. Concrete walkway/landscaping around wall to take place in 2007. 



SIDEWALK POLICY: The Town Board approved a resolution directing me to propose a sidewalk policy. I complied with the request. The Town Board has not yet approved or acted on teh proposal. 



CYCLED FROM HARTSDALE TO DC TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR STEM CELL RESEARCH–I cycled to Washington from Hartsdale to raise awareness for stem cell research. Our group of over a dozen cyclists also raised funds for volunteer firefighter Lorraine Valentini who is paralyzed from the neck down due to a bicycle accident. Our group of cyclists met with Senators Hillary Clinton and Chuck Schumer in the capitol. Senator Schumer promised to wear a Team Lorraine wristband daily until stem cell research funding is approved by the Congress and signed into law.





AFFORDABLE HOUSING MAINTAINED: Manhattan Ave– The Town Board approved the sale of 3 affordable housing apartment complexes on Manhattan Ave and Oak Street. A one million dollar tax break request was withdrawn after our energy conservation coordinator, Nikki Coddington, was able to find energy conservation grants.  The Greenburgh Town Board approved a resolution creating an affordable housing committee, with Councilwoman Eddie Mae Barnes appointed as chair.





FUNDING FOR TZ BRIDGE STUDY: The Greenburgh Town Board voted to fund a $30,000 study of the impacts a new TZ bridge will have on the 287 Greenburgh corridor.





NEW STATE SENATOR–Greenburgh will be represented by a new State Senator. Andrea Stewart Cousins will replace Nick Spano as our representative in Albany.



 

Posted in Uncategorized