WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER SETS RECORD VISITS FOR YEAR 7,017,658 VISITS! 2,098,003 VISITORS MADE 6 VISITS A DAY EVERY DAY. 63,330 UNIQUE VISITORS MADE 133,730 VISITS IN DECEMBER. WPCNR AVERAGED 17,284 VISITORS A WEEK, VISITING 31,270 TIMES.

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WASHINGTON, DC — Today, after President Biden announced the creation of a Presidential Commission to examine reforms to the Supreme Court, Congressman Mondaire Jones (D-NY) released the following statement:

“Today, the President of the United States acknowledged that it is time to reform the Supreme Court, following the example of Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Ulysses S. Grant.

By convening this commission, President Biden has spoken clearly: The question is no longer if we will reform the Supreme Court, but how we will reform the Supreme Court.

The answer to that question is equally clear: to restore our democracy, we must expand the Supreme Court. Anything less would leave the future of our nation, our planet, and our fundamental civil rights at the whim of a far-right supermajority that is hostile to democracy itself.

Of course, many Americans will rightly be skeptical of a commission composed almost entirely of people protected from the real-life consequences of the Supreme Court’s right-wing extremism. Nevertheless, I remain hopeful that the commission will join our rising movement for Court expansion.

In the meantime, Congress has the power, and the constitutional duty, to set the size of the Court, as it has seven times throughout our history. My colleagues and I need not wait for the findings of a commission. We already know the obvious: we must expand the Supreme Court, before it’s too late.”

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WPCNR REALTY REALITY. From the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors. (Edited) April 7, 2021:

 Residential home sales in the lower Hudson Valley for the first quarter of 2021 were staggering.

Sales in Westchester were up 35.3% or 2,462 units as compared to 1,819 units in 2020.

The median price in Westchester County, rose 10.8% to $708,995 from $640,000 last year.

Homes are in demand county to county, up and down the valley

Orange County experienced a 54.2% increase in sales going from 896 units in 2020 to 1,382 units in 2021 first quarter.

Putnam and Sullivan counties were each up over 62%,

 Putnam with 427 sales compared to 263 in 2020 and Sullivan County with 362 units sold from 223 units in 2020.

In Rockland County sales increased 36.5% to 823 units from 603 in 2020.

Bronx County increased 31.6% at 567 units sold compared to 431 units in the first quarter of 2020.

.The median sale price for a single-family residential unit in Orange County rose 22.5% to $340,000 (from $277,450 one year ago) exceeded by an increase of 36.2% in Sullivan County to $221,00 from $162,250 one year ago.

.The median sale price for a single- family residence rose in Putnam County by 16.4% to $390,000 (from $335,000), in Rockland County by 14.4% to $525,000 (from $459,000), in Sullivan County by 36.2% to $221,000 (from $162,250) and in Bronx County to $541,000 (from $520,000) as compared to the first quarter of 2020.

 The residential market is normally cyclical with seasonal low sales in the first quarter as sellers begin to prepare their homes for the traditional “spring selling season”. This did not happen. The buyers kept on buying.

Covid-19 has served to create a marketplace that defies that predictability.

While first quarter sales in 2020 last year were relatively strong, a reflection of activity that occurred in late 2019, the true effects of the pandemic were seen in the second and third quarters of 2020 when sales, not unexpectedly, took a strong hit.

During that time, however, a migration from city to suburbs began taking hold as people felt the need to escape the close confines of city living and working from home created a need for larger living spaces.

Co-op sales have been lagging in both counties for the past year but rebounded in Q1, 2021. Condominium sales were up in every county except Sullivan.

It is likely that this Co-op rebound can be attributed to the dearth of choices in other housing types as well as the fact that co-ops remain an affordable alternative, at a median sale price of $192,750 in Westchester County and $244,000 in Bronx County.

Buyers and other potential purchasers unable to afford rising single family home prices.

While the overall economy has been struggling during the pandemic, real estate isn’t.

The suburban real estate market has seen increasing sales, rising prices and increased demand.

 This raises questions about the sustainability of the current market.

At what point will prices become too high, at what point will a lack of inventory (choice) discourage some buyers and while interest rates remain at historic lows, ameliorating some of the effects of rising prices, there have been recent upticks in mortgage rates which will affect affordability for some buyers.

This being said, current properties in contract remain high indicating that the market will remain strong in the near term.

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Today, Congressman Mondaire Jones (D-NY) released the following statement on the New York State legislature’s agreement to fully fund Foundation Aid. (Editor’s Note: In his news conference today on the State Budget, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the foundation aid to school districts is funded for the next two years, providing the SALT Reduction Act is repealed by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives).

“This is a monumental moment in the fight for education equity in New York State.

After nearly a decade, New York is finally making good on its court-mandated obligation to provide full funding under the Foundation Aid formula to ensure that every child in New York State receives the sound, basic education to which they are entitled under the state constitution. Complete funding will be transformative for the Harmed Suburban Five school districts, including Ossining and Port Chester, which are in my district. It will also be a major boost to school districts like East Ramapo, North Rockland, and Peekskill, among others, which have for too long been unjustly denied the level of state funding to which they are constitutionally entitled.

To be clear, this victory was made possible by the tireless work of parents, educators, activists, and Democratic state legislators who organized for years to get the state to make good on its moral and legal obligation to our young people. Justice should never have been delayed, and thanks to their dedication, today, our students are finally getting the investment they deserve. I was proud to fight alongside this coalition as a community organizer before I ran for Congress, and I’ll continue to work in partnership with them to ensure we invest in our children.”

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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie today announced an agreement on the FY 2022 New York State Budget. (As of midnight last night the Assembly is still working on the budget, and not officially passed it. )

The final budget accomplishes major legislative priorities, including:

• A record $29.5 billion in aid to schools aid;
• $29 billion in public and private green economy investments;
• $2.4 billion for rent and homeowner relief;
• $2.4 billion for child care;
• $2.1 billion for excluded workers;
• 1 billion for small business recovery;
• A first-in-the-nation plan to make broadband internet affordable;
• Legalizing mobile sports betting; and
• Implementing comprehensive nursing home reforms.

Additionally, the Enacted Budget closes the deficit and invests in the ongoing response to the pandemic and recovery efforts.

Spending

The budget agreement includes spending in the following categories:

• Total State Operating Funds: $111 billion
• All Funds spending $212 billion
• School Aid: $29.5 billion, a $3 billion increase.

“New York was ambushed early and hit hardest by COVID, devastating our economy and requiring urgent and unprecedented emergency spending to manage the pandemic,” Governor Cuomo said. “Thanks to the State’s strong fiscal management and relentless pursuit to secure the federal support that the pandemic demanded, we not only balanced our budget, we are also making historic investments to reimagine, rebuild and renew New York in the aftermath of the worst health and economic crisis in a century. This budget continues funding for the largest-in-the-nation $311 billion infrastructure plan, establishes a groundbreaking program to provide affordable internet for low-income families and enhances public safety through police reforms, all while continuing to provide relief to New Yorkers and small businesses as we recover from the pandemic. I thank the legislative leaders – Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Heastie – for their partnership in helping make this critical budget a reality and delivering results for the people of this state.”

“New York State approached this year’s budget with many challenges and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. “However, driven by a commitment to long-term equity and prosperity for all, we have accomplished a great deal. I am proud of the strides we have made in funding our schools, helping businesses rebuild, and protecting New York’s most vulnerable. Working and middle-class taxpayers will receive the relief they desperately need, while the wealthiest New Yorkers will help their neighbors. This budget makes New York better for all. In the remaining months of session, the Senate Majority will continue to deliver results that are reflective of our progressive values and priorities.”

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said, “Budgets are a statement of values, and in my two decades of service to the people of New York I can’t think of a more far-reaching and impactful budget than this. It meets longstanding goals of our Assembly Majority and addresses the historic inequities that have existed for too long. My colleagues and I have worked tirelessly to deliver a budget that will help New York rise from this health crisis and recover from its devastating economic impacts while upholding our commitment to putting New York families first. I am particularly proud that we have been able to make historic investments in our schools, keep higher education within reach, deliver the relief that our small businesses need to get back on their feet, and provide critical funding for child care that families need. I thank all my colleagues, especially Ways and Means Committee Chair Helene Weinstein, for their tireless efforts and advocacy in crafting a budget that truly meets the needs of all New Yorkers.”

The Senate Majority is passing the 2021-2022 State Budget that makes historic investments in education, the environment, and economic recovery. The enacted State Budget delivers tax breaks for working and middle-class New Yorkers while ensuring that millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share to build a balanced and equitable fiscal foundation capable of  providing vital support and services for families and businesses still struggling as New York recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The Enacted Budget also renews the Senate Majority’s commitment to investing in the arts and in agricultural industries to spur the economic rebound. Further, this Budget recognizes the sacrifices that healthcare and other frontline workers made during the pandemic and takes steps to help many struggling workers who have been left behind.  

“New York State approached this year’s budget with many challenges and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. “However, driven by a commitment to long-term equity and prosperity for all, we have accomplished a great deal. I am proud of the strides we have made in funding our schools, helping businesses rebuild, and protecting New York’s most vulnerable. Working and middle-class taxpayers will receive the relief they desperately need, while the wealthiest New Yorkers will help their neighbors. This budget makes New York better for all. In the remaining months of session, the Senate Majority will continue to deliver results that are reflective of our progressive values and priorities.”

REBUILDING OUR ECONOMY
The Senate Majority is working to build back a stronger economy as New York recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic. The Enacted Budget supports small businesses who have suffered throughout this pandemic and delivers investments to support job growth opportunities across New York State. The 2021-2022 Enacted Budget includes:

• A historic $1 billion investment in New York’s small businesses to supplement federal aid.
  • Providing $800 million for small business grants.
  • Providing $200 million in small business tax credits.
• Providing $40 million for the Arts and Cultural Organization Recovery Grant Program to help the non-profit arts sector in New York State recover from effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The Pandemic Recovery and Restart Program that creates a $35 million Restaurant Return-to-Work Tax Credit. 
• Expansion of the amount available for the new New York City Musical and Theatrical Production Tax Credit to $100 million over two years. 

HISTORIC INVESTMENTS IN NEW YORK’S EDUCATION SYSTEMS
New York students and educators have navigated tough times in adapting to remote learning and safely reopening our schools. The Enacted Budget takes transformational steps to increase state and federal resources to ensure that all of New York’s students receive the high quality education they deserve and that all teachers are adequately supported. The 2021-2022 Budget: 

• Provides a $1.4 billion increase in Foundation Aid and a three-year Foundation Aid phase-in that will finally fulfill the State’s commitments under the Campaign for Fiscal Equity. 
• Provides a $105 million expansion of full-day prekindergarten, providing pre-K funding to 210 districts who don’t currently receive state-funded full-day Pre-K. 
• Ensures that additional Federal Aid will supplement, and not supplant State funding.
• Prevents continuing tuition increases at SUNY and CUNY by putting in place a three-year freeze on the rational tuition plan.
• Increases the maximum award under the Tuition Assistance Program by $500 to assist the neediest students in the State, the largest growth in the program in 20 years.
• Commits to eliminate the TAP Gap in four years, providing millions of additional recurring operating aid to SUNY and CUNY.
• Restores of $72 million in operating aid cuts to SUNY and CUNY.
• Restores of $35 million in Bundy Aid to support the State’s private independent colleges and universities.
• Provides a 20% increase to opportunity programs. 

ENSURING THE ULTRA-WEALTHY PAY THEIR FAIR SHARE AND NEW REVENUE OPPORTUNITIES
As New York State works to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, ultra-wealthy New Yorkers and large corporations need to pay their fair share. The Enacted Budget addresses these new revenue opportunities, which will help equitably fund crucial services such as public education, infrastructure, and assistance for small businesses. The 2021-2022 State Budget: 

• Increases the current top state personal income tax rate of 8.82 percent rate to 9.65 percent for individual filers whose income is over $1 million and joint filers over $2 million.
  • Establishes two new brackets at a rate of 10.30 percent for those whose income is between $5 million and $25 million and 10.90 percent for those whose income is over $25 million.
• Increases the Corporate Franchise Tax Rate from 6.5% to 7.25% for three years, while leaving the rate of 6.5% unchanged for companies with under $5 million in income.
• Restoring the capital base test at a rate of 0.1875%, while exempting coops, manufacturers and small companies.
• Legalizes Mobile Sports Wagering.
  • This proposal will increase education revenue by $99 million in SFY 2021-22, growing to $357 million in SFY 2022-23, before reaching $500 million in SFY 2025-26.
  • The proposal authorizes the Gaming Commission to issue an RFA to interested platforms (a minimum of 2) and operators (a minimum of 4) to solicit bids for licenses to conduct mobile sports wagering in the State. The open RFA process will maximize revenue while ensuring that the State selects the most qualified and capable providers to deliver world-class wagering platforms to the State’s consumers. Platforms which opt to partner with a Native American tribe or nation will be given additional points in the bidding/scoring process.
  • In addition to adding hundreds of millions of dollars annually to the State’s education system, this proposal will double the State’s investment in problem gaming addiction treatment and resources to $12 million, as well as create a new statewide youth sports activities and education grant program for underserved youth under the age of eighteen, which will be funded annually at $5 million.
  • The new mobile sports wagering system will feature comprehensive safeguards to mitigate problem gaming, while also combating corruption and match fixing. Extensive record keeping and reporting requirements will allow regulators to closely monitor the system and ensure that it maintains the highest level of integrity and transparency.

RELIEF FOR WORKING AND MIDDLE-CLASS TAXPAYERS
The Senate Majority is committed to providing working and middle-class New Yorkers with the financial relief that they need and deserve. The 2021-2022 State Budget:  

• Delivers $440 million in property tax relief for 1.3 million New Yorkers earning under $250,000 based on the proportion of their income spent paying property taxes. The income tax credits will range between $250 and $350. 
• Ensures that $400 million in middle-class personal income tax cuts are not delayed.
  

BUILDING A STRONGER INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
Infrastructure and transportation help keep our economy moving. New Yorkers rely on transportation every day, and the Senate Majority is committed to funding projects that will bring New York’s infrastructure into the 21st Century. To build a strong infrastructure and transportation system, the 2021-2022 State Budget includes:  

• $350 million in transportation infrastructure investments:
  • $100 million increase for CHIPS.
  • $100 million in new funding for Extreme Winter Recovery funding.
  • $50 million increase for PAVE-NY.
  • A new $100 million highway and bridge project fund for localities called the City Touring Routes program.
• $100 million each for SUNY and CUNY capital programs, and $70 million for other education priorities.
• $385 million for additional eligible capital projects to support local infrastructure and regional construction priorities.  
• $851 million for other critical infrastructure projects across New York State.
• Directing the Public Service Commission to publish a detailed map of broadband access in the State and conduct a comprehensive study on the availability, reliability and cost of broadband. 

BOOSTING TENANT AND HOMEOWNER RELIEF
The Senate Majority is committed to meaningful change in communities grappling with housing instability and to reduce homelessness. The 2021-2022 State Budget includes:

• $2.4 billion in COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program with 12 months’ arrears for rent and utilities, three prospective months of rent, a year of eviction protection, and eligibility of up to 120% AMI, regardless of immigration status.
• $600 million in homeowner assistance, including $20 million a year for HOPP for the next 3 years.
• $100 million to convert hotel and vacant property into affordable housing.
• $25 million for blighted home rejuvenation.
• $200 million for NYCHA and $125 million for public housing across New York State.
  

SUPPORTING LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACROSS NEW YORK STATE

Throughout the pandemic, New York’s local governments have stepped up to work with the State government to provide Covid-19 testing, access to vaccines, and other fundamental services for their community. The Senate Majority understands the need to provide our local governments with additional funding to better serve New Yorkers. To support local governments, the 2021-2022 State Budget includes: 

• A full restoration of proposed cuts to Aid and Incentives for Municipalities (AIM) funding for local governments.
• A full restoration of $10.3 million in proposed Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) aid cuts for municipalities that host these facilities.

IMPROVING HEALTHCARE FOR NEW YORKERS

The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted inequalities in our healthcare system. The Senate Majority prioritizes making healthcare more equitable and ensuring  necessary resources are funded throughout the healthcare system for affordable and quality care. The 2021-2022 State Budget:

• Restores $415 million in proposed Medicaid cuts for hospitals and healthcare providers.
• Restores $113 million in proposed cuts to public health programs and adds an additional $81 million in public health funding.
• Requires nursing homes to spend at least 70% of their revenue on direct patient care and 40% on resident-facing staffing, with $64 million for increased staffing. 
• Reduces health care costs for low-income New Yorkers by eliminating Essential Plan premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, including dental and vision benefits. 
• Pushes back the carveout of the Medicaid prescription drug benefit for two years to support 340B providers and community healthcare providers.
• Expands postpartum coverage for women on Medicaid from 60 days to one year. 

HELPING FAMILIES AND WORKERS

The Senate Majority understands that families continue to recover from the economic downturn of the pandemic. As those families return to normalcy and look to re-enter the workforce, the Senate Majority is committed to providing resources to support them. The 2021-2022 State Budget includes:

• A $2.4 billion infusion to the child care system to increase access and support providers.
• A $2.1 billion Excluded Worker Fund to provide one-time unemployment benefits to workers who lost employment or income during the COVID-19 pandemic but were ineligible for Unemployment Insurance or other federal benefits such as stimulus payments. 
  • The benefits program will be administered by the Department of Labor. Applicants must be able to verify their identity, residency, and work-related eligibility. 
  • Based on the ability to demonstrate work-related eligibility, applicants may be able to qualify for one of two benefit tiers.
• A requirement that every broadband service provider offer broadband with speeds of at least 25mbps at the discounted rate of $15 for every household that is eligible for SNAP benefits, reduced-price school lunches, medicaid benefits, senior citizen rent increase exemption or affordability benefits from a utility. 
• $600 million for public employee salary increases that were deferred during the pandemic.
• $100 million for relocation expenses of victims of domestic violence, diaper allowances for low-income families, and emergency food assistance for the elderly.
• $100 million fund for shelter supplements for low to middle income families, regardless of immigration status.

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
The Senate Majority has been at the forefront of protecting and preserving New York’s natural resources. The Enacted Budget builds on those efforts to continue being a national leader and extending renewable energy initiatives to meet goals set in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The 2021-2022 State Budget: 

• Authorizes the $3 billion Environmental Bond Act of 2021, “Restore Mother Nature,” to fund environmental improvements that preserve, enhance, and restore New York’s natural resources and reduce the impact of climate change. The Bond Act will appear on the ballot in the 2022 general election.
• Extends the tax credit for brownfield redevelopment projects subject to Covid-related delays for two years.
• Modifies the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act to strengthen the Office of Renewable Energy Siting and to protect farmland.
• Ensures that good jobs are created on State Renewable Energy Credit projects through the expansion of prevailing wage, labor peace, Buy American, and Buy New York procurement preferences.  

CULTIVATING GROWTH IN AGRICULTURE

Through appropriate aid and support the Senate Democratic Majority aims to expand opportunities in New York’s robust agriculture industry. The 2021-2022 State Budget includes:

• $25 million for the Nourish NY program (this is a total commitment of $50 million through 2021).
• An extension of eligibility for a Farm Employee Tax Credit from January 1, 2022 to January 1, 2025.
• An extension of the Empire State Development Corporation’s authority to administer New York’s agricultural and dairy marketing for an additional 5 years.
• Restoring $8.4 million in support for statewide agricultural programs.
  

FUNDING COMMUNITY SAFETY
The Senate Democratic Majority is dedicated to improving support to prevent gun violence and make communities more safe. The 2021-2022 State Budget includes:

• Establishing the Community Violence Intervention Act, which declares gun violence a public health crisis and creates a funding source for community and hospital-based violence intervention programs.
• A $25 million addition for the Securing Communities Against Hate Crime Program.

• Providing a $15 million fund for public education, communication efforts, and outreach to communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to disseminate information regarding health and safety measures.
  

IMPROVING NEW YORK’S DEMOCRATIC PROCESS

The New York Senate Majority is committed to a fair, accessible and transparent election system.The 2021-2022 State Budget:

• Provides $4 million for the expenses of the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC). The IRC was established to determine the district lines for congressional and State legislative offices throughout New York State.
• Provides $5 million for the State Board of Elections’ capital and implementation costs and $20 million for Local and New York City Boards of Elections for reimbursement of eligible costs related to the acquisition of software, technology upgrades, and new equipment.
• Provides $2 million for reimbursement to Local Boards of Elections for staff costs related to expansion of early voting initiatives.

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WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. By John F. Bailey. April 5, 2021:

The city administration presented the proposed 2021-22 City Budget Monday evening to the Common Council. The budget in its entirety may be viewed online at: https://www.cityofwhiteplains.com/DocumentCenter/View/6787/2021-2022-Proposed-Budget_City-of-White-Plains

City officials in a press briefing explained the $203.4 Million Budget was up 1/2% ($1.1. Million).

The city has balanced the loss of sales tax revenues of $9 Million this current year with the first installment of $10.9 Million American Recovery Act money  (half of  the$21.9 Million total). The first $10.9 Million awarded White Plains arrives in May in the current fiscal year saving the city from a massive shortfall if the White Plains economy does not return to 2918 levels.

The second half of the White Plains American Rescue Act Money ballyhooed by Senator Charles Schumer last Thursday will come from the federal government in the new current fiscal year of 2021-22 and will be reserved, Budget Director Jim Arnett said, to fill  any shortfalls (in revenues) developing in the new fiscal year.

Mr. Arnett said the first half of the payment in May will be used much like a fund balance(replacing the fiscal losses due to an unexpected expense, in this case the Coronavirus pandemic the city suffered to its economy throughout the  9 months of 2920, starting in March.)

Mr. Arnett said the tax increase is directly due to the increase in New York State Pension Fund contributions required from the city by New York State.

The increase to cover the pensions is 2.5% that would raise property taxes  $77 on a house assessed at $13,500.

  By contrast a $650,000 assessed value home would experience an increase of $216  on a home assessed at 16.475 raising that city property tax to $3,792 for 2021-22.  (The new Proposed Property Tax Rate is $230.22 per 1,000 of assessed value)

The median sales price of a single family home in White Plains NY USA, according to the Houlihan Lawrence quarterly report, is $700,000, assessed at 20.00 Assessed Value would pay $4,604 in city property taxes, an approximate increase of  $858 from this current year of approximately $3,742.

Mr. Arnett said the tax levy has increased 2.5% from $61 ,436,820 in 2019-20 to $65.5 Million which is below the state set tax cap. Arnett pointed out this is the tenth year the city has stayed under the tax cap.

To manage the possible continued volatility of the sales tax revenue and the decrease in parking revenues in the new fiscal year 2020-21, the second installment of the White Plains share of the American Rescue Plan payment ($10.9 Million) will be used if necessary to cover forecast expenses for sales tax revenues, parking revenues and other activity dependent revenue sources, if the recovery does not pick up a head of steam.

He said the second half of American Recovery Act funds would act as a city reserve to meet the budget shortfalls if the recovery fails to pick up a full head of steam.

 Arnett said the sales tax was down  37% in the Second quarter of this fiscal year, and 17% in the third quarter., just ended. He said sales seem to be coming back in the stores and restaurants presently. The parking revenues were down one third from $27.9 Million in 2018-2019, to $19.9 Million in current 2019-20.

Arnett reports parking seems to be returning and indicated the second half of the American Recovery Plan payment much as a fund balance would be used to cover the budgeted sales tax revenues of $4l.7 Million and parking revenue expectations for a “recovered White Plains. WPCNR projects the city to finish with $42 Million in sales taxes at the end of June if last spring’s April May and June figures are duplicated.

(Reporter’s observation  good weather has filled the city parking lots all day and made the restaurants very happy with packed patrons reviving optimism, from noon to night the last two weekends.)

In the proposed city budget presented this evening,  Mr. Arnett said the city is projecting $41.7 Million in sales taxes in 2020-21, over their current year projection of $39.9 Million.

In other items of interest, City services are maintained at current levels.

The number of funded positions is  837, twelve fewer than last year.

The City expects $600,000 in revenues from its new solar initiative in solar development of solar panels on city buildings.

John Callahan, Corporation Counsel respending to a question of how the outlook was for a rise in the assessment roll by 2021, said the city would not see large gains in the assessment roll (flat this year) until the approved developments were built and taxed at their operating value and not as “undeveloped land.”

Callahan said four developments that have seen long delays would begin construction in the months ahead, and a fifth, the rebuild of an apartment and mixed use project on Maple Avenue would begain after its developer finished another project in the city by the fall.

The 440 Hamilton renovation is expected to be starting demolition in the next two months.

The  property owners of the former YMCA at 250 Mamaroneck Avenue have submitted several designs and have settled on one and will be starting that project soon. The Esplanade project has begun work on the interior, and that will be proceeding.

The 70 Westmoreland Avenue property has already turned in construction plans for their apartment building there and when those are approved he expected that would be starting.

Asked about the White Plains Pavilion site currently an excavation on Maple Avenue opposite the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Callahan said Lennar, which is currently building The Mitchell at the corner of Post Road and Mamareoneck Avenue  is waiting to finish The Mitchell before they start the Pavilion site construction.