WHITE PLAINS WESTCHESTER DAILY NEWS SERVICE VISITS SINCE 2000 A.D. 25TH YEARl REPORTING THE NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW News Service Since 2000 A.D. 2026 WILL BE OUR 26TH YEAR OF COVERING WHITE PLAINS NEW YORK USA . John F. Bailey, Editor (914) 997-1607 wpcnr@aol.com Cell: 914-673-4054. News Politics Personalities Neighborhoods Schools Finance Real Estate Commentary Reviews Policy Correspondence Poetry Philosophy Photojournalism Arts. The WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER. TELEVISION: "White Plains Week" News Roundup, 7:30 EDT FRI, 7 EDT MON & the incisive "People to Be Heard" Interview Program 8PM EDT THURS, 7 PM EDT SAT on FIOS CH 45 THROUGHOUT WESTCHESTER AND, ALTICE OPTIMUM WHITE PLAINS CH 1300 Fighting for Truth, Justice and the American Way. TOP 10 VISITORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD :1. USA. 2.BRAZIL3.VIET NAM 4. CHINA 5. JAPAN 6.UK. 7.CANADA. 8.INDIA. 9.AUSTRALIA 10.IRELAND 11.GERMANY 12..ARGENTINA 13.BANGLADESH 14.RUSSIA. 15.NEWZEALAND. 16. FRANCE. 17.MEXICO. 18.UKRAINE. 19.SOUTH AFVRICA. 20. IRAQ.
WPCNR Coronavirus EMAIL Update. From Governor Kathy Hochul. October 21, 2021:
Since Day One as governor, I’ve been committed to transparency — that means communicating openly and honestly with you. That’s why starting today, I will be sending updates on our ongoing efforts to combat COVID-19 and vaccinate New Yorkers — straight to your email inbox.
Let’s dive in.
THE LATEST NUMBERS
SHARING THIS WEEK’S COVID TRENDS. As of October 19, 2021, there were 2,144 New Yorkers hospitalized with COVID-19. Our 7-day percentage positivity average was 2.33%, which is down from 2.53% last week. Per the CDC, 86.2% of adult New Yorkers have at least one vaccine dose. So far, 26,412,510 total vaccine doses have been administered, and 58,380 doses were administered over the past 24 hours.
ANNOUNCING A NEW DATAHUB. We launched a new portal that will house all of the state’s data related to our COVID-19 efforts.
NEW HUB FORMAT BREAKS OUT DAY BY DAY INFECTIONS IN 7 COUNTY MID-HUDSON REGION BY COUNTY—YESTERDAY’S NUMBERS
OTHER UPDATES IN NEW YORK’S FIGHT AGAINST COVID
GETTING KIDS READY FOR THE PFIZER VACCINE. We expect authorization to come soon, as soon as November, for kids ages 5-11, and New York State is ready to go when it comes.
Parents: Make a plan now so you don’t have to wait once approval comes. The State is also working closely with schools so they can help get shots in arms.
TWO WEEKS LEFT TO VAX AND WIN. Get vaccinated and enter to win tickets, gear, and more from your favorite New York football teams.
GET YOUR FLU SHOT. Good news! You can receive your COVID vaccine and the flu shot at the same time. Get your flu shot as soon as you can. Don’t forget to wear a mask and stay home if you’re sick — helpful advice for avoiding COVID, too. Watch our new PSA encouraging everyone to get their flu shot.
Photo of the Day: Gov. Hochul gets her annual flu shot (Photo by Kevin P. Coughlin)
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWEREDEvery week, we’re answering some commonly asked questions about COVID-19 and vaccinations. You can submit a question for a chance to get your question answered in next week’s newsletter. Submit your question here.
QUESTION: Are COVID-19 vaccines safe for pregnant people?
ANSWER: Yes. The CDC recently released new data on the safety of COVID-19 vaccinations among pregnant people and encourages vaccination for all people 12 years and older, including people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future.
The increased circulation of the highly contagious Delta variant, the low vaccine uptake among pregnant people, and the increased risk of severe illness and pregnancy complications related to COVID-19 infection among pregnant people make vaccination for this population more urgent than ever.
My friends, I hope you stay safe this week. There’s only one way to get out of this pandemic, and it’s by working together.
WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE By John F. Bailey based on NY DEPT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE SEPTEMBER REPORT. October 20, 2021:
White Plains sales tax receipts have gone up 2% over 2020 levels after three months of the current city Fiscal Year 2021-22.
Westchester County going into the last three months of its fiscal year 2021, has received $595,885,795, accelerating sales tax receipts thanks to an $80,685,798 in Sales Tax dollars September–almost sure to set a new sales tax highest handle ever.
Sales tax collections with 9 months of the fiscal year to go and no fourth wave of Covid lockdowns or restrictions as a new roadblock pent up consumer demand. If White Plains continues with the current level of sales realized last October-November December the will realize $52 Million in sales tax receipts for the fiscal year 20-21 $9 Million more than budgeted for year. But, this is premature and perhaps wishful thinking.
Through three months, White Plains has received $13,392,663 in sales tax receipts, thanks to a boss September handle of $5,121,960 , compared to the $3,195,816 it received in September 21. This resurgence of the spending engine in the first three months of fiscal 21-22 is gathering steam, it comparable to the rebound after restrictions stopped covid spread .
It began in May and June, after the dismal last six months of 2020-21 that ended in June, after the second wave of covid in January to April locked down Westchester.
Covid Wave three officially started in July after the Independence Day weekend when the state under guidance of the legislature and Governor Cuomo removed mosy Covid lockdowns and group gathering and restaurant restrictions (possibly prematurely) in May and June which created a third wave of Covid in July.
That third wave appears to be subsiding. New infections were 1,000 new covid infections a week for 7 weeks from August 1 through September 18 and infections are now fluctuating between 100 and 45 new cases a day in Westchester County (averaging 83 new cases in Westchester a day, depending on the number of tests.)
Westchester though is virtually assured of getting their highest sales tax receipts ever with three months to go in the 2021 budget. All that has to happen for that to happen is dulicate last fall numbers.
Westchester County going into the last three months of its fiscal year 2021, has received $595,885,795, accelerating sales tax receipts thanks to an $80,685,798 Sales tax dollar September– county is almost sure to set a new sales tax highest handle ever.
If the county finishes with the same numbers received last October-November December ($189.093,098) (in the midst return to normal socializing and spending in the behavior that lead to the 2nd wave of covid, the county will set an all time sales tax receipts record ($784,978, 896) perhaps meaning happy, big spending days are here again – if covid does not comeback for a 4th wave, which is entirely possible, given the opening of schools for all students; return to packed dining establishments, and the holiday season.
However, the vaccines are here now.
The vaccines were not available in January of 2020 when covid disrupted New York, then the country.
Ironically, the performance of the county, in retrospect means that the optimistic sales tax budget increase of 27% 4 years ago in 2019-20 that predicted $747 million in sales tax receipts with addition of a 1% sales tax increase may have been at least closer to its target or right on the money, had covid not shut down New York for 9 months.
The subsequent budget shortfall, ballooned by covid, ironically was erased by the county using covid aid to replace the 2020 sales tax multi-million dollar deficit with a fund balance withdrawal, replacing the fund balance money used to plug the sales tax shortfall with covid aid money from the state and federal government.
“GOOD MORNING DENNIS AND TONNY FROM WHITE PLAINS NEW YORK USA WHERE IT’S 46 AND SUNNY WPCNR DEGREES.
I TOOK A STROLL DOWN AT PLAYLAND THIS BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY AND SAW THAT THE PROMISED REHAB OF PLAYLAND ANNOUNCED IN THE COUNTY CAPITAL PROJECT BUDGET LAST WEEJ HAS ALREADY BEGUN, DENNIS., THE COLLANADES AT THE ENTRANCE WERE HALF GUTTED, AND DEBRIS BE CLEARED FROM THE UPSTAIRS AND DOWNSTAIRS AND THE SHELTERED WALKWAYS THE LENGTH OF PLAYLAND TO THE PLAYLAND TOWER BY THE LAKE HAVE BEEN REMOVED. THEY HAVE 7 MONTHS TO COMPLETE ENOUGH OF THE REHABILATION, ADD RIDES, AND REFURBISH THE OLDER AMUSEMENTS, ADD NEW FOOD CONCESSIONS. THAT IS A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME.
THE WHITE PLAINS LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS HELD ITS COMMON COUNCIL VOTERS FORUM LAST NIGHT, QUESTIONING COUNCIL CANDIDATES JUSTIN BRASH, ALLAN GRAFMAN, JOHN MARTIN AND RICHARD PAYNE LAST NIGHT, ONLY VIEWABLE ON ZOOM. THE TWO INCUMBENTS JOHN MARTIN AND JUSTIN BRASCH EXTOLLED THEIR EXPERIENCE ON THE COUNCIL, WITH JOHN MARTIN MAKING THE MOST REASONABLE APPEAL BECAUSE OF HIS LONG EXPERIENCE ON THE BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, AND THAT HE DECIDED TO RUN BECAUSE OF HIS BUDGET EXPERIENCES IN CRISES OF THE PAST AND WORKING THE CITY POLICY THROUGH THE TWO YEARS OF COVID.
MR. GRAFMAN SAID HE WAS THE NEW GUY WHO WITH HIS CORPORATE MANAGEMENT OF MAJOR MEDIA COMPANIES COULD BRING A NEW WAY OF LOOKING AT CITY PROBLEMS AND CREATING CONSENSUS. MR. PAYNE CITED HIS LONG RECORD OF PUBLIC SERVICE, HIS PRESENT EXPERIENCE ON THE PLA NNING BOARD OF WHITE PLAINS. ONE ASPECT OF THIS FORUM: THE MEDIA IS NOT ALLOWED TO TELEVISE EXCERPTS OF THE ZOOM TELECAST. THIS I BELIEVE THE FIRST TIME THE LEAGUE HAS I BELIEVE INSTITUTED THIS POLICY, MEANING THAT LESS PEOPLE WILL SEE IT.
LAST WEEK, THE MARIUANA MEETING HOSTED BY THE WHITE PLAINS COUNCIL OF NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS WAS HELD AND THE GENERAL FEELING WAS PEOPLE DID NOT KNOW THAT MUCH ABOUT HOW THE CANNIBIS LOUNGES WOULD BE RUN. IT WAS REVEALED BY JUSTIN BRASCH WHO ATTTEND THAT MEETING THAT THE MAYOR IS GIVEN COUNCIL MEMBERS A PAPER ON HOW THE ESTABLISHMENTS, NEW MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES AND CANNIS LOUNGES WOULD COME IN, BUT BRASCH SAID HE COULD NOT GIVE DETAIL AT THAT TIME.
THE PUBLIC WAS TOLD BY ONE SPEAKER WHO SELLS VAPOR PRODUCTS IN WHITE PLAINS THAT THE STATE WOULD GIVE 3% EXCISE TAXES TO CITIES AND TOWNS AND 1% TO COUNTIES AND KEEP 80% FOR THE STATE. THE PUBLIC ATTENDING HAD THE GENERAL FEELING THEY DID NOT KNOW ENOUGH ABOUT WHAT WAS PLANNED TO KNOW IF COMMERICAL MARIJUANA COULD COME INTO THE CITY WITHOUT CHANGING QUALITY OF LIFE. MEANWHILE THE OFFICE OF CANNABIS MANAGEMENT HAS NOT ISSUED OFFICIAL REGULATIONS YET—THAT IS EXPECTED IN JANUARY—BUT NOT CERTAIN
SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN OPENED FOR 5 WEEKS NOW AND IN WHITE PLAINS WE HAVE HAD ONLY 12 STUDENTS AND TEACHERS IN A STUDENT-STAFF DISTRICT OF 8,400—A PERCENTAGE OF .001 1/10TH OF 1%. A GREAT JOB.
SOME OTHER DISTRICT SAMPLINGS IN WESTCHESTER: NEW ROCHELLE,12 (SAME AS WHITE PLAINS); GREENBURGH,9; HARRISON,10; PORT CHESTER-RYE, 16; VALHALLA,4; PELHAM, 8; MOUNT VERNON,25; YONKERS, 23; SCARSDALE,27; MAMARONECK, 34. AS OF OCTOBER 13
THE FIGURES APPEAR WORSE IN THE REST OF THE MID-HUDSON REGION IN LAB REPORTED POSITIVES:
ACCORDING TO THE COVID-19 SCHOOL REPORT CARD ACROSS WESTCHERSTER, PUTNAM, DUTCHESS, ROCKLAND, ULSTER, SULLIVAN AND ORANGE COUNTIES THE NUMBERS ARE CONCERNING:
IN THOSE 7 COUNTIES LAB REPORTS ON TESTS SHOWED 2,380 AGED 5 TO 17 TESTED POSITIVE, 2,159 IN Public Schools, 221 in Private and Charter schools, and 488 THROUGH YESTERDAY. SINCE SCHOOL STARTED.
IN THE SAME 7 COUNTIES, SCHOOLS REPORTED 488 TEACHERS AND STAFF TESTED POSITIVE. 432 IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS; 56 IN CHARTER AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS;
IN SCHOOL REPORTING,, SCHOOLS REPORTED 2,868 POSITIVES, 2,591 IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND 277 IN PRIVATE AND CHARTER SCHOOLS.
THIS IS WHY COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER EMPHASIZED THE NEED FOR VOLUNTEER TESTING IN THE SCHOOLS YESTERDAY IN HIS COVID BRIEFING. AROUND THE OTHER 6 COUNTIES PARENTS AND SCHOOLS SHOULD BE AWARE OF THIS SUDDEN UPTICK IN JUST THE FIRST 4 WEEKS OF SCHOOL.
“WANT THE COVID NUMBERS, DENNIS?
“SURE,”
From Sunday October 10 to Saturday October 16, 691 Westchester persons were tested positive for covid of 56,982 tested during that period.
That computes to an average infection rate of 1.1 % of those tested testing positive for covid. This computes to a Spread Rate of each of 695 persons two weeks ago spreading the disease to approximately 9/10ths of a person (.89 people), or just about 1 person infecting 1 other person — which controls the spread of the disease by keeping numbers of infections about the same each week.
WPCNR CORONAVIRUS REPORT.Statistics From the NY State Covid Tracker Analysis by John F. Bailey. October 18, 2021:
From Sunday October 10 to Saturday October 16, 691 Westchester persons were tested positive for covid of 56,982 tested during that period.
That computes to an average infection rate of 1.1 % of those tested testing positive for covid. This computes to a Spread Rate of each of 695 persons two weeks ago spreading the disease to approximately 9/10ths of a person (.89 people), or just about 1 person infecting 1 other person — which controls the spread of the disease by keeping numbers of infections about the same each week.
The new infections for covid the last 4 weeks: September 19 to 25: 973; September 26 through October 3: 695; October 3 to 9: 667; October 10 through October 16: 691. Number of new infections: 3,026
On the week of September 5 through 11 (after Labor Day) there were 1,152 inew infections in a week., making a spread rate of 1 new infection 14 days later (the period of typical disease spread of Covid) of 2.6%.
What this rough comparison, (new infections do not all follow a strict 14 days to the day of infection,) means is that 6 weeks later, the infection rate has declined to 1 person newly tested, infects .9 of a person (1 to .9) instead of 2.6 or 1 new infection infecting 2 other persons. The spread rate, roughly computed by WPCNR, declined 56% 2.6 down to 1.1.
Infections have declined from over 1,000 new infections a week for each of the 7 weeks from August 1 to September 19, a total of 7,424 new infections those 7 weeks.
The average of new infections per week was 1,061 new infections a week (152 a day) until Westchester slipped below 1,000 to 973 the week of September 19 to 26.
The total number of new infections per week since September 26 has declined 59% to 3,026 a decline of 4,403.
PLAYLAND SUNDAY: The admissions windows building has been leveled, and the rehab of the arcade, shown below is well underway.Interior of the first arcade–former site of cafeteria and Burger King is being gutted of rotten wood and interior. How much of the look and purpose of the interior of structure will be retained or duplicate the “art deco original” from 1928 is the challenge.Overhead spectator protection from weather and their supporting pillars have been removed ( remains of which are clearly visible in center of photo). Signs indicating asbestos removal have been posted. The train tracks of the KiddieLand “Playland Express” are also be relaid and new ties put in; The challenge: complete the rehab needed after 93 years to open the park again in 7 months (Memorial Day 2022).
Here is where the projects involving Playland are, according to the Westchester County website:
RP02A-Playland Ice Casino Improvements II
COVID-19 Mitigation Measures for Main Rink HVAC systems are in construction.
RP006-Playland Various Rides and Components
Rehabilitation of the historic Grand Carousel and Derby Racer Pavilions construction complete.
RP23B-Playland Colonade Rehabilitation
Colonnade reconstruction to begin construction shortly.
RP23F-Playland Tower Rehabilitation
Reconstruction of the Playland Towers underway.
RP025-Playland Shoreline Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation of the Bathhouse and South Bathhouse storefronts are under construction.
RP028-Playland Structural Restoration
Restoration of structures for games and food vendors, employee areas, arcades and restrooms – Phase 1 and 2 are in construction, Phase 3 is designed.
RP031-Playland Switchgear Building
Construction of new switchgear facility is in construction.
Earlier this year the NY State legislature approved legislation to legalize marijuana for anyone 21 years or older. Municipalities can opt-out of allowing cannabis retail dispensaries and/or on-site consumption licenses (cannabis lounges) from within their borders before the December 31, 2021 deadline. If a municipality does NOT opt-out by 12/31, it CAN NOT opt-out in the future, but if a municipality DOES OPT-OUT before 12/31, it CAN always opt back in at a later date by repealing the local law. Other options include regulating locations -only allowing locations in some sections of town (example: industrial areas, not near schools, downtown business areas).
The Greenburgh Town Board will hold a public discussion at our Town Board meeting on Wednesday evening, October 27, 2021 at 7:30 PM. The meeting will be held at Town Hall. Your participation and input is welcome. We will hear presentations and be provided with more info re: options available to the town. If you are unable to attend but want to express your thoughts please e mail townboard@greenburghny.com. We will discuss the format of the meeting at our work session on Tuesday.
Westchester towns that have opted-out: Eastchester North Salem Yorktown Lewisboro Larchmont Bronxville Ardsley Rye Brook Somers North Castle Mt. Kisco
Towns considering opting-out: Harrison Rye Mamaroneck Scarsdale Dobbs Ferry
JOHN BAILEY INTERVIEWS 3 OF 4 COMMON COUNCIL CANDIDATESCOUNTY EXECUTIVE LATIMER COVID BREIFING TELLS COVID HAS RUN ITS COURSE– THE NUMBERS PROVE IT
THE CASE OF THE MISSING MARIJUANA RULES AND REGULATIONS. COMMUNITY LACKS INFORMATION, UNDERSTANDING OF HOW MARIJUANA WILL COME INTO WHITE PLAINS–CITIES GET SMALL PORTION OF REVENUES.
THE BIG BOND
JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS — FRIDAY NIGHT MUST SEE TV IN WHITE PLAINS AND WESTCHESTER FOR 20 YEARSWHERE THE NEWS SHOCKS NEVER STOP
WPCNR STAGE DOOR. Theatrical Review from White Plains Performing Arts Center.October 15, 2021:
Broadway World Review: MASQUERADE: THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER at White Plains Performing Arts Center A new musical review by Peter Danish Oct. 12, 2021
“Masquerade” at the WPPAC has more great songs in it than any show currently on Broadway – by far.
That said, any review of the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, (for readers who have been on Mars for the last half century: “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Song and Dance”, “Aspects of Love”, “Evita,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Sunset Boulevard,” and “School of Rock”) must struggle with the dilemma of not what to include – but rather what to leave out.
“Masquerade” succeeds in touching on most of the “greatest-hits” as well as some nice “deep-cuts” as well. Over thirty numbers are performed (either in their entirety or as part of a medley), thus, if you can’t find something to like in this show, frankly, you’re just not listening.
The composer, appearing in voice over throughout the show, immediately informs the audience that “nothing bothers him more” than shows that present songs in a chronological order. Thus giving the creators license to leap back and forth in time and presumably present the music in a more effective dramatic order – as least I think that’s why. The voice over bits act as the glue connecting the various sections from the different shows. In truth, the script of the VO is probably the weakest part of the evening (he warns the audience you don’t like musical theater you should “please leave now, but please do it quietly”).
I won’t share any of the anecdotes so as to avoid any spoilers, however, Kevan Loney’s projected graphic visualizations that accompany the little spoken bits are wonderful; extremely clever and they keep the visuals aspects of the show consistently interesting.
But let’s face it – NOBODY came to hear Lord Andrew’s little ruminations. The songs are the stars and they are performed by a myriad of first-rate voices.
Pound for pound, Andrew Lloyd Webber has written more great musical theater songs than any other composer in the last half century (sorry Sondheim fans – get over it.) And Masquerade does a superb job of presenting them in fresh new orchestrations by Musical Director Stephen Ferri. Re-creating, re-imagining, and re-arranging songs that are so well-known and beloved is a herculean endeavor, but Maestro Ferri was up to the task, delivering lush, often ravishing sonic creations to accompany his cast.
Speaking of the cast…
In a word, it was wonderful. First rate voices from top to bottom, a cast of eight deftly handled the almost ridiculously expansive breadth of musical styles covered in the show. Beginning with the title number from “Jesus Christ Superstar”, it was clear the cast was not merely a collection of soloists, but a groups of pros perfectly capable of handling all the harmonic chores of the choral parts.
Cartreze Tucker kicked off the evening with a delightfully energetic take on Judas. Following in succession by Emily Royer’s Mary Magdalen in “Everything’s Alright,” and a powerful “Gethsemane” from Aaron Richard Burt.
Similar groupings of songs from Webber’s most popular shows followed. Five numbers from “Evita” were a particular highlight, capped by a touching “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” by Rebecca Kuznick.
There are simply too many great numbers to discuss every individual tune, but there were several standouts, including a “mash-up” of three songs from three different shows, called the “Love Medley” that easily could have been individual highlights. “Love Changes Everything” (Aspects of Love), “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” (Superstar) and “An Unexpected Song” (Song and Dance) were presented in solo, then cleverly woven together into an interesting and powerful combination.
A host of numbers from “Cats” concluded the first act, highlighted by a heart-breaking rendition of the evergreen chestnut, “Memory,” by Brandi Burkhardt.
Act Two began with an entr’acte of melodies from “Starlight Express”, followed by a choral version of the title number of the show “Masquerade” from “Phantom of the Opera”. Keeping with the Phantom theme, Julian R. Decker delivered a wonderfully impassioned “Til I Hear You Sing” from the Phantom’s sequel: “Love Never Dies.”
Although she may be a bit young to be the chronologically ideal choice for Norma Desmond,Brandi Burkhardt gave a strong argument for some producer to create a new production of “Sunset Boulevard” with her as the star. Andrew Foote was a swaggering Joe Gillis delivering a sensational take on the title number from the show. Bookending Mr. Foote’s number, Ms. Burkhardt sang the two big numbers from “Sunset Boulevard” with heart-rending poignance and almost pitiful grace.Kudos to director Antoinette DiPietropolo for her especially touching treatment of these moments.
The numbers from “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat” were charming and well-done, but suffered a bit from having to follow the depth and pathos of the “Sunset Boulevard” set.
Shannon Rakow’s bright, full-voiced Christine shined in the collection of songs from “Phantom of the Opera” that concluded the show. She and Julian R. Decker were a powerful combination as the Phantom and Christine, with Rakow exhibiting some truly gleaming high notes.
Decker’s robust, full-blooded “Music of the Night” put a fitting capstone on a delightful evening. The highlight of most musical theater shows is the “eleven-o’clock” number. But this show literally had eleven “eleven-o’clock” numbers. While that many “big numbers” can be a bit overwhelming at times – it is always entertaining – very very entertaining!
WPCNR CANNABIS FORECAST. By John F. Bailey. October 13, 2021:
A meeting was held by the Council of Neighborhood Associations at request of the Rosedale Residential Association on the City of White Plains consideration of approving medical marijuana.dispenaries and cannabis retail outlets in the city.A total of 15 attended
There are two kinds of marijuana outlets proposed: dispensaries of medical prescribed marijuana or cannabis lounges that will sell New York grown marijuana exclusively recreational variants, (or both kinds of establishments) in White Plains. The atmosphere was tense with apprehension simmering all evening of how approval of such establishments or denial of them will affect White Plains.
It ended with a statement by a resident who said that there was not enough information for citizens to feel confident about allowing the introduction of these businesses in. She said it was the responsibility of the Common Council and the Mayor to make clear the terms and regulations, conditions the city will be accepting these establishments.
Her statement summed up the mixed concerns voiced throughout the hour and a half meeting, overriding was a lack of information from the city on specifics of deployment of the establishments, regulation, enforcement and quality of life.
Michael Bowers owner of White Plains Vapors (in business since 2014) , 210 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, was invited to the meeting to explain how the new state-approved cannabis law would work though the Office of Cannabis Management
Listeners learned that the Commission is now formulating regulations that Bowers expected would be ready by January, then submitted for comment to organizations, growers, possible franchisees, cities and towns, with final regulations expected by Spring, 2022, but timetable is uncertain.
(Governor Hochul just appointed the commissioner last week.)
Cities and towns under the new law must choose to opt out of medical dispensaries or “cannabis lounges” by December 31, Bowers said.
White Plains has 78 days for the Common Council to either accept only medical dispensaries, or Cannabis Lounges, or both, or opt out altogether. However, Bowers said the city could change its mind and accept them later.
It is the responsibility of the Common Council to deny them by the 31st or accept them by doing nothing or ceremonially approving. No referendums are planned at this time.
Justin Brasch, Common Council member attended (on the right) with Richard Payne a first-time Council Candidate on left
Councilperson Justin Brasch in attendance was asked if the council had received details from the city administration on how the establishments, if approved would be run and the benefits.
Brasch said the Mayor had talked with several councilpersons including himself about it and given him and the other councilpersons a lengthy document on the proposal. He said he had not read it thoroughly yet.
Asked repeatedly if a forum could be organized for residents to learn about the project, Brasch was understanding of the need for full information but could not commit whether a forum was possible. (Regulations issued by the state, as Bowers the White Plains Vapors owner said, were not formed yet.)
Bowers in response to questions said that the 13% excise tax on marijuana sales would be shared with the cities and said only about 1% to 3% of the 13% would go to the cities and towns “opting in.”
Lauren Yates of the Adirondack Daily EnterpriseLake Placid News in Elba, NY confirmed the tax split Bowers spoke of last night in today’s October 13 issue reporting that the town of Elba and the Lake Placid summer resort community so concerned they were holding a public forum meeting on it to wit: :
In their meeting Tuesday evening, Sept. 14, members of the North Elba Town Council moved to hold a joint public round-table discussion with the Lake Placid village board on the new state cannabis law.
North Elba town Supervisor Jay Rand cited the law that states, “cities, towns and villages have the ultimate choice of whether they would like to allow dispensaries and on-site consumption lounges within their limits.”
To opt in, municipalities do nothing. To opt out, they pass a local law saying so by Dec. 31. If a municipality chooses toopt out, the decision can be rescinded, but once rescinded, it could not opt out again.
“That’s the one shot we have if we want to do that,” Rand said.
“There will be a 13% tax on sales of marijuana products — with the state giving a 3% cut to municipalities and 1% to counties.“
“While town board members refrained from voicing their direct opinions on the decision Tuesday, they did express the need for broad community input before finalizing anything. Rand said the Association of Towns of the State of New York recommends that communities experiencing some hesitation from residents or lawmakers regarding the new law should hold a public meeting on the topic. The Association of Towns has “A Town Officials’ Official Guide to Cannabis” PDF available on its website.
Rand spoke with Lake Placid Mayor Art Devlin on the matter, and they decided that North Elba and Lake Placid would benefit from a joint public forum.” Ms. Yates reports in The Lake Placid News.
Bowers reported the cost of CBD was high in the dispensaries around $58, and the recreational variants of cannabis, again grown exclusively in NY by NY “cultivators” would sell recreational cannabis varieties at more expensive or less expensive prices. He said the medical dispensaries were tightly secured with three identity checks before a prescription could be filled.
Handful of towns opt out so farOFFICE OF CANNABIS MANAGEMENT MUM ON NUMBER:
Tiffany Cusaack-Smith in a USA Today syndicated article reported the Office of Cannabis Management did not respond to her request to reveal how many towns and cities across the state had already opted out of the program. She quoted Gerry Geist, the executive director of the State Association of Towns as saying,
“While a handful of towns have already decided to opt out, right now most towns are in the process of trying to gaugehow their residents feel about the potential of having retail dispensaries and on site consumption establishments in the area”
It was not clear how the “cannabis lounges” would secure their sales. Sales are only allowed to persons over 21. It was unclear whether liquor could be sold in cannabis lounges to supplement the Cannabis purchase. Police he said now will not arrest you for possession of less than three ounces of marijuana and that a person could purchase 15 ounces individually from an approved establishments coming.
Those in attendance wondered why purchases at cannabis lounges to come could not be resold in parking lots. Bowers said the packages were marked and could be traced to the establishment selling it.
It is unclear how this would actually would work from an enforcement and tracing standpoint.
Currently in White Plains it is legal to smoke anything in open air outdoor seating, or open air upper decks or rooftops of establishments. Smoking is also o.k. outdoors anywhere in the city.
