The Common Council in PicturesThe Common Council approved Frederick Bland’s Beyer Blinder Belle final detailed architectural designs of the Cappelli City Center Towers Monday evening, ending a seven-month drama.
The Council also moved ahead on Fortunoff’s and New York Presbyterian Hospital’s Plan B.
Monday marked Pauline Oliva’s final Common Council meeting, and the introduction of Gina Cuneo as the new Commissioner of Finance.
The Mayor also invited everyone to White Plains first New Year’s Eve Party on, of course, December 31.
PAULINE OLIVA’S LAST COUNCIL MEETING: Mayor Joseph Delfino, calling her “more than a rose, you’re a crown jewel,” presents Councilwoman Pauline Oliva with a dozen long-stemmed roses, in recognition of this being her last Council meeting after eight years of service to the city. Ms. Oliva received a standing ovation at the end of the evening from her colleagues and the citizenry in attendance. Rita Malmud, City Council President, visibly emotionally moved, told Ms. Oliva, “You’ve been that which we aspire to be.” In her remarks, Ms. Oliva thanked all the commissioners for their professionalism over her eight years. WPCNR PHOTO.
NEW COMMISSIONER OF FINANCE IINTRODUCED: Mayor Delfino listens to his new Commissioner of Finance, Gina Cuneo, express her happiness at joining the City of White Plains as new finance wrangler. Ms. Cuneo was most recently the Chief Financial Officer of the Village and Town of Ossining, and prior to that spent many years with the City of Yonkers in a financial role. Austin Davis, formerly in finance with the New York Power Authority joins her as new Deputy Commissioner of Finance.WPCNR PHOTO.
TOWERS OF CAPPELLI ARE ACCEPTED. The new revised Frederick Bland designs of Louis Cappelli’s residential towers were introduced and approved by the Common Council with no opposition whatsoever. The primary difference is that windows have been added to the narrow north-south faces of the structures (a suggestion of Councilman Willidam King) The slant-turret, “Nautilus-style” conning tower affect has been retained at the top. The materials choices were also approved.WPCNR PHOTO.
A SOFTER PROFILE ON THE TOWERS is achieved with windowed facades on the new designs for the North South views was presented by Louis Cappelli and approved Monday evening. Cappelli is now cleared to begin construction on the project. The City Center movie-retail complex is seen to the left, the garage to the right. The view is from Martine Avenue, looking North.WPCNR PHOTO.
A LITTLE BIT OF SOHO COMES TO WHITE PLAINS:Cappelli also introduced design for the loft residential building of 10 stories, (on Martine Avenue), featuring 20- 2,000 square foot units with 12-foot ceilings. The loft building on the South side of Martine Avenue is conceived with a limestone green exterior, complete with ornate seals on the cornices, reminiscent of the ironbound district buildings in SOHO, New York City. William King was particularly taken by this design. All six councilpersons praised the final designs of the towers and the loft building. Benjamin Boykin, Jr., called each tower a “signature” building. Pauline Oliva said “I’m flabbergasted. I think the buildings have turned out so beautiful. Mr. Bland has outdone himself. They are stylish, they look very rich. Thank you for being receptive to our concerns.”She complimented Mr. Cappelli on his “selling” of the project, and his cooperation in listening to the Council.WPCNR PHOTO.
THE COLORS OF CAPPELLI: Louis Cappelli presented these material swatches depicting the colors of the City Center apartments. The crowns of the two towers would be white with perforated metal baffalings. The first setbacks of the towers with the horizontal windows would be of beige and light red brick. The central double-vertical window towers would be in white limestone. The garage facade of red brick (bottom), to blend in with the Martine Avenue residences across the street.WPCNR PHOTO.
In other action last evening, the Common Council approved increasing the Downtown Business Improvement District budget $200,000 to $500,000.
In a consent agenda item, they accepted the New York Presbyterian Hospital Draft Environmental Impact Statement as complete, scheduling a public hearing on it for January 7, 2002.
Fortunoff’s moves
The council approved Fortunoff’s for a Special Permit, authorizing Fortunoff’s to build to a height of 80 feet. William King reported that a Saturday meeting between Fortunoff representatives and Hale Avenue homeowners went well. He said the greater landscaping and larger buffer were positive steps.
It appears from statements by the neighbors at the meeting that they have no objection to Fortunoff’s coming, and hoped the city would involve itself to assure more concessions on Fortunoff’s behalf. However, opposition by the neighbors was definitely scaled down, in this reporter’s analysis.
Over $637,131 in grants were received for the year by the White Plains Youth Bureau. Pauline Oliva complimented Frank Williams, Youth Bureau Director on his ability to write persuasively and effectively in obtaining the grants for the city youth, in announcing three new grants.
Party with the Mayor on New Years Eve: Gala at the City’s Center
The Mayor announced the city would throw its first-ever New Year’s Eve gala bash. It will feature raising a tent on Main Street, a swing band, a buffet dinner, beer, wine and champagne. The Tickets: $75 a person, from 9 PM to 1 AM New Years Eve. Reservations are required. Call the BID,328-5166, for more information, and to make your reservation to party with the Mayor.