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.
The counting of all absentee ballots in the New York Assembly District 93 Democratic Primary race was completed Saturday night.
WPCNR has learned that the trend established by the machine vote count on June 23 was reflected in the absentee ballot count.
Christopher Burdick Town Supervisor of Bedford, finished first. Kristen Browde a Chappaqua attorney with extensive Albany experience, finished second and Jeremiah Frie-Pearson a successful litigator who has won very significant awards for various constituencies, finished third.
This, according to a person familar with the results this evening.
JOHN BAILEY, LOWER RIGHT ON THE WALKWAY. UPPER RIGHT ENTRANCE TO START OF THE WALKWAY (Blue path with center WHITE line). WPCNR PHOTO
WPCNR THE FEINER REPORTBy Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner. July 11, 2020:
As of Thursday 667 people responded to the survey monkey questionnaire about the shared bikeway/walkway on the Mario Cuomo bridge.
Almost 72% of the people who responded have used the walkway. Bicyclist only -37.08%; pedestrian only-42.50%. Both bicyclist and pedestrians: 20.42%.
We asked those responding to the survey if they witnessed accidents or other unpleasant interactions between bicyclists and pedestrians and 40.42% said yes. 59.58% said no.
We asked users if they would favor separate use times during part of each day for bicyclists only and pedestrians only (for example two hour time slots in the AM and two hour time slots in the PM) and 34.86% said yes. 65.14% said no.
Many people who contacted me by phone or in writing suggested that the Thruway Authority should widen the path or create a separate path on the other side of the bridge.
12.37% of those who responded saw service dogs on the walkway. In addition, many people sent me e mails about their experiences cycling or walking on the Mario Cuomo shared bikeway/path.
Most people who sent me written comments highlighting their experiences on the bridge mentioned that the shared path needs to be widened and is too narrow.
Some people highlighted their concerns – pedestrians or cyclists not staying in their lanes. WCBS TV interviewed a cyclist who was injured on the path -requiring surgery (link below).
Another concern from writers:
many cyclists/pedestrians not wearing masks on the shared path. Should NYS require all cyclists/pedestrians who use the path to wear masks?
I deleted names and e mail addresses from those who wrote to me.
I continue to believe that the NYS Thruway Authority should take action steps to make the path safer -and would support a wider shared path or a second path on the other side of the bridge.
We have already experienced some accidents. And unless something is done there will be others.
WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2020. By John F. Bailey. July 11, 2020: WPCNR has learned from a source close to the ongoing counting of an estimated 11,000 absentee ballots submitted for the New York Assembly District 93 Primary Election held June 23, covering White Plains, Harrison, the Castles and Bedford, that counting is expected to be completed Monday.
The counting has now taken 2 and a half days since beginning 11 AM Thursday.
Judging from the information WPCNR has received, they should be 50% done.
Originally WPCNR was told the ballots were being counted by hand, but after 5 hours of hand-counting Thursday, a person observing the counting said they switched to machine counting by agreement of all the candidates.
From our source, WPCNR was told some absentee ballots were disqualified due to voter error, such as voting for too many candidates, but they report the “overwhelming” majority were “allowed.”
No official announcements on the absentee ballot ongoing situation have been released to WPCNR knowledge by the Board of Elections or Westchester County Department of Communications.
They have not announced whether or not more counters were brought in by the Board, or whether they worked into the night, 24 hours a day, or are keeping a running tally. They had around 65,000 absentee votes to go over including in the 17th Congressional District, in addition to the reported 10,000 to 11,000 absentee votes in the 93rd Assembly District.
The winner of the 93rd will fill the New York Assembly seat, previously held by White Plains David Buchwald.
Going into the Absentee counting Thursday this was was the voting tally prior to absentee counting in the 93rd: Christopher Burdick of Bedford was ahead of Kristen Browde of New Castle by 200 votes and held a 400 vote lead over Jeremiah Frie-Pearson of White Plains.
In the Congressional District 17, Mondaire Jones had a 2 to 1 margin over Evelyn Farkas with a forecast minimum of 21,800 absentee ballots to be counted in that race. WPCNR reckoned that Ms. Farkas had to take 75% of the absentee ballots to overtake and defeat Mr. Jones.
WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE.From the Westchester Rye Town Hilton JULY 11, 2020:
Westchester County’s largest hotel announced to New York State it would be closing due to the coronavirus for good.
The Rye Town Hilton in Rye Brook, a site for weddings, business conferences and meetings became the second Rye Brook Hotel, (located just on the outskirts of White Plains), will be closing. Employees on furlough since March will be dismissed.
The venerable Hilton, in Rye Brook for 47 years, joined the Ritz-Carlton and the Arrowwood Doral became the third destination hotel to announce closure since March. It should be noted the Ritz-Carlton in White Plains said it would close for about a 10-month renovation into a Marriott hotel. The closure is another blow to the Westchester County budget and to Rye Brook.
For an interview with the Mayor of Rye Brook on the impact on that village conducted by Westchester Business Journal’sPeter Katz visit the Westchester Business Journal website at:
WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER. From Governor Andrew M. Cuomo July 11, 2020:
When New York was experiencing our worst days, we were moved by the generosity of states around the country. We promised we would pay that forward when other states were in need, and today we are doing just that. New York will deliver a shipment of the medication Remdesivir to Florida tomorrow as the state struggles with a surge of cases. Remdesivir is a drug that has shown promise in treating COVID patients. We are 50 states — but we are one country.
1. Today, malls in Phase 4 regions can open if they have advanced HVAC systems. HVAC systems will be required to include advanced filters that help filter out the COVID-19 virus. Other ventilation protocols include increased outdoor air, reduced circulation, longer system run times and frequent filter checks.
2. Starting July 20th, New York will allow visits to nursing homes and long-term care facilities on a limited basis. Visits will be allowed at facilities that have been free of new COVID cases for at least 28 days. Only two people are allowed to visit each resident and must undergo a temperature check, wear a mask and social distance while visiting.
3. Yesterday the State conducted 73,558 tests, of which 786, or 1.06% were positive. Total hospitalizations fell to 826. Sadly, we lost 8 New Yorkers to the virus.
4. The newly renovated West Games Area at Jones Beach is now open. As part of the NY Parks 2020 plan, the renovation features a new mini-golf course, refurbished and new court games, new benches, tables, fencing and lighting, and additional site improvements. There are also new and improved activity areas including new cornhole and pickleball courts and refurbished courts for shuffleboard and paddle tennis. Read more.
5. The Bronx Zoo is reopening July 20th. The zoo will be open to members only through July 23rd and will open to the general public on July 24th through advance tickets.
WPCNR REPOPENING REPORTER. From Chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators Benjamin Boykin, July 9, 2020:
Beginning Friday, July 10, malls in regions that are in Phase Four of reopening can open as long as they have enhanced HVAC filtration systems and measures in place. These consist of:
MERV-13 or highest compatible with the system – but not less than MERV-11 rating. MERV-13 filters out the coronavirus.
Ventilation Protocols – Increased outdoor air, reduced air re-circulation, longer system run times, and frequent filter checks.
WPCNR CAMPAIGN2020. By John F. Bailey. July 9, 2020:
WPCNR has learned that Board of Elections staff began counting some 65,000 absentee ballots today at 11 A.M. in the 17th Congressional District race for Nita Lowey’s seat and the 93rd Assembly District representing White Plains, Harrison, Bedford, the Castles, which is very close with 200 votes separating Chris Burdick and Kristen Browde, and Jason Frie-Pearson 400 votes behind Burdick with approximately 11,000 absentee ballots to count.
The counting is being done by Board of Elections staf, but all campaigns are allowed to bring observers/lawyers and by hand and by voting machine .
Candidates in the 93rd Assembly District race Chris Burdick, Kristen Browde and Jason Frie-Pearson will all have observers.
The procedures were determined in a court proceeding yesterday morning.
No indication exactly when the unprecedented number of absentee ballot counts is expected to be completed.
WPCNR REOPENING REPORTER. From County Legislator Catherine Parker. July 9, 2020:
Paycheck Protection Program has Reopened
The Paycheck Protection Program resumed accepting applications July 6, 2020. The new deadline to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program loan is August 8, 2020. The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employee retention criteria are met, and the funds are used for eligible expenses. Click here to read more about PPP loan forgiveness.
How To Apply You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating in the program. View a list of lenders participating in the Paycheck Protection Program by state.
Westchester County in Phase Four of Reopening which includes Higher Education, Low-Risk Outdoor/Indoor Arts & Entertainment and Media Production
New York State released detailed guidance for Phase Four of reopening. Higher Education including community and junior colleges, universities, graduate and professional schools, medical schools, and technical schools.Low Risk Outdoor Entertainment, including outdoor zoos, botanical gardens, nature parks, grounds of historic sites and cultural institutions, outdoor museums, outdoor agritourism, local agricultural demonstrations and exhibitions.
Low Risk Indoor Arts and Entertainment including museums, historical sites, aquariums, and other related institutions or activities.Media Production including all activities undertaken in motion picture, music, television, and streaming productions on set, on location, or at any production or recording site.
Please note that gyms, malls and movie theaters are not currently included in Phase Four.Additionally, indoor religious gatherings will be allowed up to 33 percent capacity, up from 25 percent.
Community Capital New York Emergency Express LoanIf your small business needs immediate working capital, CCNY is offering a $10,000 Emergency Express Loan to help you bridge the gap. You can apply online and a member of the lending team will be in touch with you regarding documentation and next steps. Terms$10,00024-month term2% interest rateDeferred payments Minimum QualificationsAll business owners must have a credit score of 650 or higher.
WPCNR CORNAVIRUS UPDATE. From the Governor’s Office. July 8, 2020:
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York State will decide whether schools will reopen in the fall during the first week of August. New York State is now consulting with stakeholders on guidance, which will be finalized on July 13. Plans to reopen schools are due on July 31.
The governor also announced that all county fairs will be canceled until further notice out of an abundance of caution. Governor Cuomo previously announced that the New York State Fair will be canceled this summer.
Governor Cuomo also announced beginning Friday, July 10, malls can open in regions that have entered Phase IV of reopening if they have implemented an enhanced Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning – or HVAC – filtration system and follow proper ventilation protocols. HVAC systems will be required to include filters with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value – or MERV – rating of which filters out the COVID-19 virus, but can, if the system makes additional protections, run on a minimum MERV of 11. Ventilation protocols include increased outdoor air, reduced air circulation, longer system run times and frequent filter checks.
Governor Cuomo also announced that New York State will provide 1,000 masks and 1,000 2-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer for the Fire Island COVID Destroyers – a partnership that includes GMHC and Fire Island community leaders – to distribute on Fire Island.
The governor also updated New Yorkers on the state’s progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Long Island enters Phase IV of reopening today. The number of new cases, percentage of tests that were positive and many other helpful data points are always available at forward.ny.gov.
“We have been consulting all stakeholders on guidance for how a school would reopen in September. We have 700 school districts in this state, and they range from rural to urban to suburban areas. Localities are very involved in their schools and school decisions, so we have been meeting with them,” Governor Cuomo said. “During the first week of August, the state will announce a decision on whether or not those schools reopen, and we want to make that decision with the best available data because facts change here day to day and week to week. A week can be a lifetime with this virus because everything changes so quickly. The schools say they need a decision made by the end of the first week in August so they can then turn on the switches and get everything ready for September, and we’ll look at the data in that first week and then we’ll make a decision.”
Today’s data is summarized briefly below:
Patient Hospitalization – 841 (+5)
Patients Newly Admitted – 84 (+16)
Hospital Counties – 31
Number ICU – 166 (+6)
Number ICU with Intubation – 97 (-6)
Total Discharges – 71,185 (+94)
Deaths – 11
Total Deaths – 24,944
Of the 57,585 tests conducted in New York State yesterday, 692, or 1.2 percent, were positive. Each region’s percentage of positive tests over the last three days is as follows:
REGION
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
Capital Region
1.00%
1.20%
0.90%
Central New York
1.70%
1.60%
1.20%
Finger Lakes
1.10%
0.90%
1.40%
Long Island
0.90%
1.00%
1.30%
Mid-Hudson
0.90%
0.90%
1.20%
Mohawk Valley
1.10%
1.10%
1.10%
New York City
0.90%
1.10%
1.20%
North Country
0.40%
0.20%
0.20%
Southern Tier
0.70%
0.50%
0.50%
Western New York
1.20%
1.40%
1.70%
The Governor also confirmed 692 additional cases of novel coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 398,929 confirmed cases in New York State. Of the 398,929 total individuals who tested positive for the virus, the geographic breakdown is as follows:
