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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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From the Westchester County Department of Communications. September 17, 2020:

Westchester County Executive George Latimer announced a $10 million funding initiative yesterday to support small businesses and nonprofits facing challenges due to COVID-19. Westchester County Business FIRST: Financial Investments for Recovery and a Sustainable Tomorrow is a new grant program designed to offer immediate financial relief to organizations in Westchester County that have been negatively impacted by the pandemic.

Applications will be accepted from September 21 through September 30, 2020 at https://westchestercatalyst.com/business-FIRST-programs/

To be eligible, organizations must be in good standing with Westchester County and are required to demonstrate revenue losses of at least 25% from March 7, 2020 to present due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The applicant must establish that the organization was a financially viable operation prior to March 7, 2020, the date Governor Andrew Cuomo signed Executive Order 202 declaring a disaster emergency. The organization must have been open as of Feb. 1, 2020, currently be in operation, or closed temporarily and plan to reopen for business in 2020.

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WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER. September 13, 2020:

Throughout my years representing residents of the Town of Greenburgh, I have most appreciated the Town’s diversity and willingness of our residents to accept and appreciate different viewpoints and lifestyles. Any attack on these values would be a terrible loss for the Town, it’s reputation and it’s desirability as a place to live in peace and harmony.

In recent weeks, some residents have reported growing racial tensions which I think is sad. See Hudson Independent article about a T shirt message in Dobbs as an example.

Reconciliation in a Time of Distrust: Clearly, we live in trying times. Based upon each individual person’s politics, values and perception of the world and our growing inability to accept and respect differences, society is becoming further and further polarized.

We in Greenburgh are clearly not immune to this epidemic of distrust and discord and the current paradigm sadly provides an environment which is generating greater distress while precluding reconciliation.

Example: Today, residents of Dobbs Ferry are struggling bitterly over “language on a tee shirt.”

The Perception: A substantial number of our community members view the inscribed language as racist and hateful, while its “author” vehemently disagrees and describes his intent as specific to a changes in the community (over-development) and not directed at any group.

Community members “line-up” behind one side or the other based upon politics and values and the resultant anger does nothing but propel those with different opinions further apart.

The Reality: As is often the case, “perception is everything.”

The Problem: In today’s world of the COVID pandemic and with an ever growing and increased level of indignation regarding centuries of racism, tempers are shorter, and people are more sensitive. Most important, but often overlooked, regardless of beliefs, individuals appear to be expressing their deepest and previously unexpressed feelings, in an environment where nothing you can say is off limits or out of bounds.

WE NEED TO CARE ABOUT HOW ONE’S ACTIONS AFFECT OTHERS: Freedom of speech may come at cost of hurting those around you–your neighbors.

The Result: There is less and less appreciation for the feelings of those around us and little care about how one’s actions affect others. We live in a society where our Constitution allows us “Freedom of Speech,” however this freedom to express one’s opinion may come at the cost of hurting those around you. These people live in your community, share homes on your block and share playtime with your children.

ACCEPT AND RESPECT DIFFERENCES–CONSIDER FEELINGS OF OTHERS

The Answer: There is not one specific cure, but clearly any potential version of a cure requires the acceptance and respect of differences. That means differences of race, religion, sexual orientation, politics and long held values. I believe the only option we have left as a community is to create an environment where every person takes responsibility for their actions and statements. Do we care enough about our neighbors to think about how our words will be perceived and accepted? Do we care enough about providing a world of acceptance and tolerance for our children, where we set aside our personal needs and teach our children a lesson of love and tolerance, by considering the feelings of others? Can we finally realize that without honest discussion and sensitivity to the needs and beliefs of others, our future and that of our children, will be tarnished and without compassion?

KEEP OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER Let’s work together to encourage everyone to get along, to respect each other, to treat each other as equals and to end all forms of racism.

A quote from Nelson Mandela: No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. https://thehudsonindependent.com/message-on-t-shirts-causing-concern-in-dobbs-ferry/

Paul Feiner Greenburgh Town Supervisor

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WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE EXAMINER. From the Mayor’s Office. September 12, 2020:

The White Plains Common Council passed a package of legislation at its September 8^th Council meeting to address the problem of drag racing on city streets.

It is well known that the noise associated with unlawful speed contests creates a nuisance and diminishes the quality of life enjoyed by our residents. The races themselves are also dangerous, not only to the participants but to bystanders and other vehicles legally using the road.

In December of 2019 Mayor Roach had the opportunity to meet with James Nolan. Mr. Nolan’s brother, Michael Nolan, was killed in a drive-by shooting that stemmed from a drag race in which he was not participating. The tragedy experienced by the Nolan family became the impetus for his campaign to address the dangers of drag racing and the nuisance they cause in our communities.

White Plains Mayor Tom Roach said, “While our PD has been aggressive about issuing tickets, having these additional enforcement tools at our disposal will serve as a further disincentive to drag racing within the city.”

The main component of the package is a local law that would authorize the City to commence a civil action seeking forfeiture of a vehicle used in connection with drag racing (aka: unlawful speed contests) after the registered owner of the vehicle is convicted under or pleads guilty to section 1182 of the New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law. Section 1182 specifically prohibits speed contests and races. A conviction under this section is a misdemeanor.

In addition to the local law, the package includes two ordinances.

The first ordinance adds a definition of unlawful speed contests to the City’s Municipal Code and provides penalties for those involved in such races.

The second ordinance amends the City’s noise ordinance to clarify that noise created during an unlawful speed contest is a prohibited noise, also subject to penalties.

A conviction or guilty plea under the City’s Municipal Code is a violation and can result in a fine.

Together, these three actions will give the City additional enforcement tools to go after those who organize and participate in drag races.

Council President Nadine Hunt-Robinson said,“Like our residents, we are very concerned about the issue of drag racing and we are pleased to take the extra step to protect the people of White Plains from this abhorrent behavior.”

James Nolan said, “This is a great honor to have White Plains pass this law in honor of my brother and to protect others from these unlawful and dangerous acts. This law will do a lot of good and will go a long way to help avoid the heartache of losing a loved one. Illegal drag racing and dangerous acts with vehicles will not be tolerated anywhere in our community. My brother was robbed of a future, was robbed of so much, but they will not take his legacy and this law is a part of his legacy. Some people may say these acts are a “hobby or lifestyle” but make no mistake, these crimes are nothing other than an act of negligence for human life and it will not be allowed at all!”

County Executive George Latimer said: “Drag racing has been on the rise in Westchester County and my administration is working with local municipalities and activists to try to curb this reckless behavior. From the risk to motorists and pedestrians to the toxic behaviors associated with it, we must put an end to illegal drag racing. I commend Mayor Roach and the Common Council on their efforts to do just that.”

Council Member Justin Brasch said, “This legislation sends a strong message that Drag Racing will not be tolerated in White Plains.  Not only can you get a ticket for speeding and creating noise, now we can confiscate your car.  This will hopefully put an end to Drag Racing in White Plains and save lives.” 

Council Member John Martin said, “This legislation, and widespread knowledge of it, should help give our residents some relief from the excessive noise and dangerous conditions resulting from “drag racing” on our streets.”

Council Member Jennifer Puja said, “James Nolan has turned tragedy into triumph by bringing this legislation to local municipalities and I am glad to see unanimous support for it in White Plains. Speed contests are not just a risk for those participating, but for bystanders and for residents. The potential forfeiture of a vehicle sends a stronger message that speed contests are not tolerated in our city. As we near the fifth anniversary of Michael Nolan’s tragic death, we can honor his legacy by keeping our city streets safer for all. “

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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS LAW JOURNAL. By John F. Bailey. September 9, 2020:

The Gedney Association appeal of White Plains approval of the French American School private school campus project on the former Ridgeway Country Club, a stalled project now in its 9th year of legal dispute will be heard by the New York State Appellate Court 2nd Circuit.

In a decision handed down late Wednesday, the court denied the City of White Plains motion to dismiss the Gedney Association appeal.

Dan Seidel, one of the attorneys handling the appeal for Gedney Association pro bono reported this to WPCNR this evening with this statement:

“This Order came down this afternoon.

I have until October 9 to serve and file the Supplemental Appendix (all the docs and exhibits that FASNY claimed I SHOULD have filed in the first place. 

The City and FASNY had their motions for dismissal denied
they get time to file and serve their opposition briefs by November 9 , and then we get time to serve and file our Reply Briefs to their Opposition Briefs by November 24.”

Mr. Seidel told WPCNR oral arguments might be made in two years.

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WPCNR CORONAVIRUS REPORT. From the Governor’s Press Office. September 9, 2020:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced indoor dining in New York City will be allowed to resume beginning September 30th with a 25 percent occupancy limit.

All restaurants that choose to reopen will be subject to strict safety protocols, including temperature checks, contact information for tracing, face coverings when not seated and other safety protocols. Bar service will not be permitted, and restaurants will close at midnight.

Guidelines will be reassessed based on the data by November 1. If the infection rate does not increase, restaurants may be permitted to go to 50 percent capacity; the State will monitor any positivity increase on an ongoing basis and potentially reassess if necessary. Business guidance for indoor dining in New York City is available here.

The City of New York will provide a team of 400 enforcement personnel to work with the State Police Task Force to ensure compliance. Restaurants must publicly post their 25 percent indoor dining capacity and the phone number and text number to report violations.

Patrons who observe violations can report issues by calling 833-208-4160, or by texting ‘VIOLATION’ to 855-904-5036.

“I want to thank New Yorkers for their hard work to increase compliance, and we can now take the next step in reopening our restaurants. We’ve been speaking with stakeholders, and we are now announcing that we can safely reopen indoor dining in New York City with limited capacity at the end of this month, as long as they adhere to strict health and safety protocols,” Governor Cuomo said. “This is good news and the right step forward, especially for restaurant owners and staff who have been struggling through this time. But it is up to all of us to ensure compliance and the health and safety of those around us.”

The Governor also announced the State to launch ‘New Yorkers Protecting New Yorkers’ PSA with New York State Restaurant Association to encourage compliance.

Guidance for Indoor Dining in New York City

• 25 percent occupancy limit
• Temperature checks will be required at the door for all customers
• One member of each party will be required to provide contact information for tracing if needed
• No bar service – bars will only be used as service bars, a source of making drinks and serving them tableside
• Masks must be worn at all times when not seated at a table
• Tables must be six feet apart
• Restaurants close at midnight
• Strict adherence to all State-issued guidance
• Restaurants should operate with enhanced air filtration, ventilation and purification standards
• Limit air recirculation and allow for outside air ventilation
• Outdoor dining will continue in the interim