Indian Point Shuts Down. Explanation Sought.

Special to WPCNR:Westchester County was notified by Entergy officials at approximately 9:25 a.m. this morning that the Nuclear Reactor at Indian Point 2 went into an automatic shutdown after sensing a problem with an electrical breaker in a power transmission circuit. This condition occurred at approximately 7:20 this morning
The NRC has advised us that this condition does not meet the criteria to be considered an “unusual event.” NRC staff stated that there are no safety issues associated with this automatic shutdown, and assured us that there is no risk of a radioactive release.

At this time there is no explanation of the cause for the shutdown. Entergy and NRC officials are investigating the source of the “trip” in the circuit. Officials assure us that the cause of the problem will be determined before the plant goes back on line.

The NRC has confirmed that an NRC representative was in the control room when the shut down occurred and that plant operators reacted appropriately to the condition.

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Choose the 2001 CNR White Plains “Person of the Year”

Who is the person who had the most impact, the most effect on the future of our city and our neighborhoods and way of life in 2001? White Plains CitizeNetReporter has nominated a list of 12 outstanding individuals whose tireless devotion to service has made a big difference in our lives and we present them to you in the first White Plains CitizeNetReporter White Plains Person of the Year Poll.

The following are capsule descriptions of why the individuals deserve your consideration for ” White Plains Person of the Year.” If you wish to point out other individuals for honorable mention, don’t hesitiate to drop us an e-mail.

To vote, point your “indicator” on the empty circle next to the candidate, CLICK, then CLICK on the gray “VOTE” Trigger. We do not expect any “jammed lines.”
Nominations were selected at random, and all achievements are to be lauded and commended for their creativity and response to the community:

First nominated is Reverend Daly Barnes who singlehandedly organized the feeding of over 400 residents of the Winbrook apartments when that complex was shut down because of a rupture of a gasline pipe in August. Reverend Barnes was a quiet hero who organized volunteers, sought contributions and cooked meals for 7 days in his church, feeding the residents of Winbrook.

Second nomination is Kate Brown of the Trust for Public Land who negotiated the first White Plains purchase of significant Open Space ever: the D’Elia property for $1.7 million. She demonstrated a model for the White Plains of the future and would not take “no” for an answer. Her ability to negotiate rationally with a longtime city adversary showed how land use disputes can be resolved for the public good.

Louis Cappelli, “The Super Developer.” It was the winter of 2001, when the dashing developer came on the scene and expressed the desire to purchase the Macy’s property from Tishman-Speyer. He did. Within a month he showed plans for a grand City Center with matching Cappelli Towers breaking the height ceiling in downtown. Within 7 months he had his approvals and is building. His gutsy investment in the downton, arguably turned around the city and is the reason why White Plains is the only city booming in Westchester County.

Frank Williams, Director of the Youth Bureau. Frank takes care of the youth in White Plains who need help, a place to go, a future to build on. He runs the Youth Bureau and has secured by Pauline Oliva’s figures over $600,000 in grants for Youth Bureau programs in the last two years. He negotiated and supervised the move from the DPW garage to Eastview, without a hitch. He has instituted programs for bilingual students and made them feel a part of the city. He is the reason why the youth have a voice in White Plains.

Saul Yanofsky. Dr. Yanofsky is the “hands-on” Superintendent of Schools who will have served the School District for 12 years at the end of his contract in June, 2002. He has overseen the racial balancing of the White Plains Schools. He organized and inititated the technology upgrade of the school system into a model other school systems envy. He has overseen the White Plains reaction and successful negotiation of state mandated test challenges. He will be missed.

Susan Habel:Deputy Commissioner of Planning. Habel is a tireless public servant who oversaw the first revision of the city zoning code since 1982. Her vision of the city and the needs of the city as it proceeds into the 21st century and coordination of codes to preserve neighborhood character and provide for responsible city growth was accomplished in just two years with a minimum of neighborhood and business opposition. Truly a Solomonesque achievement.

John Dolce:Retiring Commissioner of Public Safety. A man who shuns the spotlight, detests publicity, and loves his job as the city’s chief law enforcement officer. A man who looks like he stepped off the set of “Dragnet,” he has developed a police and fire department that operates efficiently, protects the public with a velvet glove, and has earned the respect of the entire community and surrounding towns.

Mayor Joseph Delfino He came into office with the city at a standstill. In four years, his administration has turned that perception around, putting over 1,600 new apartments into construction, two new developments: the Bank Street Commons and City Center, and initiated the “Digital Divide Program,” the “Open Space Initiative,” and brought Fortunoff’s to White Plains. His administration has brought more development and progress to White Plains in four years than any other.

Mike Graessle, Retiring Commissioner of Planning. His 32 years of service to White Plains leave a legacy of projects that changed the city: The Galleria, The Westchester, the development of White Plains as a business center. His smooth style of bringing developers needs together with neighbor and city needs set a model for how development should proceed in a city.

Pauline Oliva Ms. Oliva has throughout her service as a Councilperson, been a voice for the residents of White Plains. She introduced a policy in the city of requiring housing units be set aside for moderate incomes. She has pioneered youth services in White Plains and has long been its voice.

Louis Fortunoff The owner of Fortunoff’s, the upscale jewelry and consumer products store, has followed Louis Cappelli into the White Plains down, giving White Plains a dramatic one-two punch to revitalize its core and anchor its East End as a posh retail destination in Westchester County. Mr. Fortunoff’s faith in White Plains in a tough economic climate is a terrific vote of confidence for the city.

Frederick Bland, The “Super Architect.” Mr. Bland was brought in at the eleventh hour to make the Cappelli Center apartment towers architecturally acceptable to forces opposed to the City Center. Under intense pressure he devised a design, enhanced it and combined the grandeur of Cappelli design with the elegance White Plains sought. His designs created in less than a month answered Common Council objections and clinched the project approval by the Common Council.

Pauline Oliva:Ms. Oliva is retiring after two terms as a councilperson, and has long served White Plains as a neighborhood advocate. She pioneered the moderate income housing percentage rule in White Plains. A good listener, a rational evaluator, and a politically independent representative, she will be missed.

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Big Tent to Go Up Monday for New Year’s Eve Mayor’s Bash

Mark Scuyler of White Plains Downtown reports reservations moving briskly for the Mayor’s New Year’s Eve Street Party “under the big top.”
White Plains socialites should reserve promptly if they want to bring in New Year’s with the Mayor Monday evening.
Schuyler advised WPCNR that tent technicians will begin assembling the “Big Top Tent” on Mamaroneck Avenue between Main Street and Martine Avenues on Monday at 8 in the morning (when Mamaroneck between Main and Martine will be closed to vehicular traffic), in preparations for the 9 AM party Monday evening.

The Mayor’s Vision

White Plains Mayor Joseph M. Delfino announced, “The City of White Plains has much to celebrate in the New Year. The exciting new development of the City Center site builds optimism and pride in the Downtown and all of White Plains. The Downtown is already a destination for entertainment and fine dining. The addition of new retailers, new residents, a new performing arts space and movie theaters confirms that White Plains is alive and thriving.”

Splendid Coffee Shop Proprietor to Chair the Ball

The Chairman of the Gala, Gus Manessis reports that “The City of White Plains’ sponsored count-down and Fireworks has captured the public’s imagination. People are excited and pleasantly surprised at the whole idea. Imagine, being able to celebrate New Year’s right near our own homes and businesses. Companies and local businesses are stepping up to make this a success. The City of White Plains has helped us with the Gala at every step.”
The BID processing reservations now. “It’s terrific!”

Mr. Schuyler reported Wednesday morning that “It’s terrific! We’re still processing orders for the last two days,” when asked how the response was building. Only 300 swingers will be allowed in the “Big Tent,” which will be heated and furnished with nightclub tables, buffet, bandstand and dance floor. Free party hats and noisemakers will be furnished. Schuyler suggests you phone in reservations now at 328-5166.

Look at all you get without leaving town

For just $75 per person, folks wishing a New Year’s Celebration without leaving town gain entry into the “Big Top Tent” complete with nightclub tables, bar, buffet, and entertainment. Mr. and Ms. White Plains can turn back the clock, dance to musicians of the Count Basie touring swing band. indulge in an elegant buffet feast catered by Sam’s of Gedney Way, and enjoy beer, wine and champagne.

Cappelli’s City Center Combines with Louis Fortunoff to Launch New Year’s Eve Fireworks

This is the first year that fireworks will fill the skies of downtown White Plains on New Year’s Eve. During previous years, the building landscape of the city did not allow for launching fireworks, due to the lack of open space. With the demolition of the former Macy’s store now complete, Cappelli’s City Center site provides the ideal location.

Louis Fortunoff, whose East End Fortunoff’s complex was approved just last week is contributing $10,000 to pay for the fireworks display and the other Louis in town, Louis Cappelli is providing the City Center excavation for a launching site.

Cappelli organization provides launch pad

“We are thrilled to be a part of the New Year’s Eve festivities in downtown White Plains this year, “ said Bruce Berg, Executive Vice-President of Cappelli Enterprises. “We can’t think of a better way to bring in the New Year than by having fireworks launched from the City Center site.”

The City Throws a Party. Ball to Drop at Midnight with Fireworks Display

The City of White Plains and White Plains Downtown, the Business Improvement District management association are partnering this year to provide a New Year’s Eve countdown and fireworks display. The event is designed to bring residents together to celebrate both the New Year and rebirth of downtown White Plains.

An official “2002 Ball” will be dropped from atop a White Plains Fire Department Hook N Ladder apparatus at midnight. Actual plans for the launch have not been released.

Residents not attending the party are invited to mingle

City Hall envisions residents not attending the party in the “Big Tent,” (revelers in the heated tent will be held at 300) coming downtown about midnight, filling the center of downtown to witness the ball drop and enjoy the fireworks.

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On the Night Before Christmas…Holiday Greetings from WPCNR

WPCNR wishes all of our loyal readers and citizens a joyous and fulfilling holiday, and dedicates this “takeoff” to good old City Hall:




On the night before Christmas…

And all through White Plains

Not a Developer was Stirring

Not even a Cappelli Crane Whirring…

The Council was home snuggled up with their DEIS

Visions of Proton Accelerators blasting their brains

A glow of half moon illuminated the City Center excavation

Larry Delgado and Glen Hockley dreamed of Judges’ vindication

As Planning Commissioner-to-be Susan Habel sat down at her table

To draw up plans for her grandiose new Planning Department Ediface.

When up on City Hall there sprung such a clatter it was Mayor Joseph Delfino with another pressing matter.

Driving a sleigh drawn by his 10 Commissioners and stalwart legal legions, the dapper Mayor cried

“On Gretsas, On Wood, Go Graessle, On Dolce, and Gammon,

Be Brief Dunphy, Dash on Earle. Count well McCarthy. Type Fast Minieri and drive on Davidson and Gismondi and Nicoletti,” the red-suited Mayor urged on his prancing 24-hour team

While out in sleeping White Plains, Malmud and Greer,

Oliva and Delgado, Boykin and King flew open their shutters aghast!

The agenda was faxed, and loyal council persons in nightshirts

Trudged to festooned council chambers at last.

Out on the darkened gloom of the City Center, fireworks were being spread out.

In anticipation of a New Year Celebration, and to finally tap

A third councilperson, should appellate judges arise from their long winter’s nap.

As the jolly old mayor spread the communciations to commissioners in their caps,

“Ayes” were said, one-by-one, the executive session ended, the resolution passed

Hitching his commissioners to his sleigh,

the Mayor’s great team took to the starry sky

I heard him read the profound resolution just passed:

“To Barbara Benjamin, and Allan Teck, visions of open space dancing in their heads

Louis and Andrea Fortunoff creators of a new fashion trend

To Fred Bland designer extraordinaire for getting us into the air

To Mary Ann Keenan and Robert Ruger, Al Del Vecchio and Sy Schulman and all who lend a hand to keep White Plains grand.

To Cavallero and Bikkal, Carbone, Gould and Fleishman, Stackpole and Early, Landesman and Garment, stalwart Fighters for FARS, sentinels of setbacks of taste and ‘elan.

To Noll, Bergens, Harrington and Weingarten formidable barristers droll

To Pollitzer and Waterman, Higgins and Falzarano, Shakeridge and Katz and the South End patrol

To Hildersley and Thompson, who have Presbyterian Hospital on a roll.

To “The Gunner,” and Connie in the Office, and “Bull” Wood, the voice of city protocol.

To the Flowers of the News World, the Three Susans and news dog Philippidis and the Dour Dean, Benerofe who tell the story to all.

To crusading attorney Edward Dunphy and the Statuesque Solicitoress always on call.

To the White Plains Bravest and Finest, Dolce, Hickey, Daimon and company, writing tickets, apprehending perps and protecting our ground.

To Adam and Frank, Candyce and William, Bob and Rita and Glen and Tom, loyal opposition who raise issues probing and profound.

To Ron Jackson and Maria K and the Reverend Barnes who stand up and have their say and crusade for the American way.

To Cappelli, Fortunoff, Kilpatrick and Ian Behar wherever you are, entrusted with our future, good luck to you.

I heard the Mayor proclaim, as he drove out of sight,

“Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays to All citizens of White Plains, and to All a Good night.”

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