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WPCNR’S ADAM IN ALBANY. By Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley, 89th Assembly District. April 7, 2006: Meeting in open conference committees, the Legislature once again reached a bipartisan budget agreement that invests in education and provides significant tax relief to Westchester residents.   As Legislators we have a continuing obligation to stand up for the best interests of the citizens we represent. The Legislature’s bipartisan budget passed on-time accomplishes this goal.

Enhancing Education

The Legislature’s bi-partisan budget agreement makes the necessary investments to create smaller class sizes, keep school buildings up-to-date, and delivers property tax savings for Westchester residents.  In total, schools in the 89^th Assembly District will receive over $40.2 million in aid –  an increase of $2.7 million over last year.

In addition, the Legislature restored cuts and provided additional funding to various worthwhile programs including BOCES, Teacher Centers, Teacher Mentor Intern, Employment Preparation Education and Special Education.  The final budget agreement also provides:

·        An increase of funds to the universal pre-kindergarten program; for schools in the 89^th Assembly District that means $737,000

·        Over $8.7 million to schools in the 89^th Assembly District for capital projects through the newly created Expanding our Children’s Education and Learning (EXCEL) program

·        An additional $2.8 million for the state Comptroller’s office for school audits – to make sure schools spend tax dollars wisely

·        The Westchester Public Library System with $2.7 million – an increase of $203,407 over the governor’s proposal.

Tax Relief for Westchester Families

I fought for property tax rebates that will average $532 for Westchester homeowners who receive Basic STAR. For Enhanced STAR recipients, the average Westchester senior can expect a rebate of $822.  We also added a cost of living adjustment for Enhanced STAR that will save eligible Westchester senior homeowners an additional $373.  These enhancements are part of a broad package of tax cut savings for Westchester families, including:

·        The Empire State Child Tax Credit – a maximum credit of $330 for each child ages 4 to 17 within certain incomes

·        Eliminating the state sales tax on clothing and shoes under $110 – saving Westchester shoppers about $38 million a year

·        Reducing the marriage tax penalty – saving married couples $41 million annually when fully phased in

·        Tax credits for Nation Guard Members

The Legislature’s budget agreement invests in Westchester schools and responsibly mitigates local property taxes.  I will continue working in the Assembly to make sure our schools have the resources they need while protecting our overburdened property taxpayers.  I urge the governor to join that philosophy by ratifying our budget.

WPCNR SOUTHEND TIMES. From The Residences at Jefferson Place. (Edited) April 6, 2006: Sales at The Residences at Jefferson Place, the new moderately priced luxury condominium complex in downtown White Plains, has sold half of its 281 homes in the five months since the complex opened,  More than 70 residences are now occupied, and move-ins continue on a steady basis.

“People in the current real estate market have become far more price-point sensitive,” said Scott Zwilling, asset manager for the project’s developer JPI Northeast, one of the nation’s largest luxury residential developers. ”There is a tremendous demand for reasonably priced housing that also offers an extensive amenities package and luxury touches, and we designed this project with that in mind. With prices ranging from the low $300,000s to the mid $600,000s, we offer an extremely competitive product.”

All Roads Lead to White Plains

The Residences at Jefferson Place has attracted a wide range of buyers. Although many are, as expected, from the White Plains area, the development is also drawing a significant number of buyers from New York City and Long Island. “Buyers are being forced to drive to Orange and Dutchess counties to find prices in our range,” Zwilling said, “but then they can’t find the level of luxury and quality that we offer, and obviously they won’t enjoy the convenience of White Plains.”

The complex is drawing empty nesters who want to cash out equity in their homes for retirement, as well as young couples who are simply priced out of the New York City market. An unusual trend surfacing at The Residences Jefferson Place straddles the generational gap.

 “We have seen parents buying units for their children and children buying units for their parents,” said Zwilling. 

While all types of residences have been selling well, there has been a shift in demand.

 “We expected that the one-bedroom units would draw intense initial interest because of their very favorable pricing, and they have,” said Zwilling. ”Now interest in the two-bedroom residences has picked up, and we expect that demand will continue to grow as people compare what we have to offer with what is available elsewhere in the area for much more money.” Prices for two-bedroom units start in the high $400,000 range.