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ON THE SNOW-RAIN-ICE WINTERMESS
WAITING FOR THE NEXT MOVE ON EMINENT DOMAIN — THE OWNERS CONSIDER OPTIONS
NEW YORK THRUWAY RAISES TOLLS ON MARIO CUOMO BRIDGE, EASES UP ON WESTCHESTER ROCKLAND RESIDENTS–CRUSHES COMMERCIAL TRASSIC
EMPLOYMENT SLUGGISH IN WESTCHESTER,ORANGE ROCKLAND COUNTIES
RIVER JOURNAL PUBLISHER TALKS ABOUT WHY HIS MONTHLY HAS TURNED AROUND
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WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From the New York State Thruway Authority, December 19, 2019:
The New York State Thruway Authority Board of Directors today approved a proposal to begin the toll adjustment process on the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge and other tolling changes that support the statewide conversion to cashless tolling, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2020. The approval authorizes the Thruway Authority to begin the public process required to implement the toll rate changes supporting the fiscal stability of the Thruway Authority.
The Thruway Authority, supported by analysis by its independent traffic engineer, has determined that there will be additional revenues needed for the Authority to fulfill its system-wide operating, debt service, and capital needs through the upcoming forecast period. Thruway tolls have not been adjusted since 2010.
On Jan. 1, 2022, the passenger toll rate on the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge will be 58 percent below the rates at Port Authority crossings and 53 percent below the current passenger rates for the major MTA Bridges and Tunnels. For example, the cash toll rate on the George Washington Bridge, the crossing to the immediate South of the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, is currently $15 for two-axle vehicles and $12.50 for E-ZPass holders during peak hours. Tolls on the New York State Thruway system remain among the lowest in the Northeast – lower than the Massachusetts Turnpike, the New Jersey Turnpike, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
| Standard NY E-ZPass Rate | |
| Goethals Bridge | $12.50 |
| George Washington Bridge | $12.50 |
| Holland and Lincoln Tunnels | $12.50 |
| RFK, Whitestone, and Throgs Neck Bridges | $12.24 |
| Verrazano-Narrows Bridge | $12.24 |
| Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge (2022) | $5.75 |
* Current rates at other crossings as compared to 2022 rate at GMMCB
To reduce commercial congestion on the bridge when drivers ‘bridge shop’ for the cheapest crossings and create additional traffic, adjustments to commercial toll rates on the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo bridge will more closely align with other major crossings in the New York metropolitan area.
The NY E-ZPass rates for commercial vehicles on the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge will increase by 31 percent in 2021 and 30 percent in 2022. For example, the toll for a tractor trailer with 5 axels and a NY E-ZPass account will increase to $55.77 during peak hours in 2022, compared to $90 at the George Washington Bridge. Even with the adjustment, the commercial toll rate on the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge in 2022 will still be 38 percent less than the toll rate on the George Washington Bridge.
Over the past decade, the Thruway Authority budget has been successfully balanced while maintaining strong fiscal discipline. The Authority also received an infusion of additional support from bank settlement funds approved by Governor Cuomo and the state Legislature for capital projects and the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge project. This infusion of funding has allowed Thruway tolls to remain frozen through 2020.
During this time, Thruway Authority staff have been working hard as part of a sustained effort to modernize the system. The new Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge is fully opened to traffic and construction on the bicycle and pedestrian path is continuing. Cashless tolling is already operational at several locations along the Thruway including the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, and the entire ticketed system is scheduled to convert to cashless tolling by the end of 2020, which will improve travel for motorists.
In addition, since 2010, the Thruway Authority has heavily reinvested toll revenues into the system by replacing/rehabilitating 116 bridges, resurfacing more than 2,000 lane miles of the highway and spending more than $6.6 billion on the capital program, which includes the new Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.
“Given that these groundbreaking projects are transforming travel on the Thruway and ushering in a new era of a modern transportation network for motorists in New York, this is the right time both operationally and financially for us to begin this process,” Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll said. “The feedback from motorists about a potential toll adjustment has been essential in this process. We are committed to keeping tolls affordable, while providing the Thruway the necessary revenue for our capital needs.”
In July, the Toll Advisory Panel held listening sessions in Rockland and Westchester Counties to review toll rates, potential resident and commuter discount programs and commercial vehicle rates on the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. Feedback from the listening sessions, as well as recommendations by Stantec Inc., the Thruway Authority’s independent traffic engineer, were considered in the proposal.
The proposed passenger car toll adjustment for the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge includes:
| Commuter E-ZPass | Resident E-ZPass* | Standard NY E-ZPass | Out of State E-ZPass | Tolls by Mail | |
| Current | $3.00 | $4.75 | $4.75 | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| 2021 | $3.15 | $4.75 | $5.25 | $6.04 | $6.83 |
| 2022 | $3.45 | $4.75 | $5.75 | $6.61 | $7.48 |
*Westchester/Rockland Co. residents who apply for the plan and can provide proof of residency (i.e. documentation showing their vehicle is registered in one of these two counties, etc.).
| NY E-ZPass PEAK | NY E-ZPass OFF-PEAK | Out of State E-ZPass | Tolls by Mail | |
| Current | $32.75 | $16.38 | $32.75 | $32.75 |
| 2021 | $42.90 | $21.45 | $49.34 | $55.77 |
| 2022 | $55.77 | $27.89 | $64.14 | $72.51 |
Additionally, the Board of Directors approved proposed changes to support the Thruway’s system-wide conversion to cashless tolling:
Any potential toll adjustments along the Thruway system are subject to the State Administrative Procedure Act (SAPA), the Public Authorities Law, and the State Environmental Quality Review Act. Public hearings for SAPA will be conducted in 2020.
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WPCNR LABORING. From the New York State Department of Labor. December 19, 2019:
For the 12-month period ending November 2019, private sector jobs in the Hudson Valley increased by 8,200, or 1.0 percent, to 824,100.
Gains were largest in educational and health services (+5,400), leisure and hospitality (+4,300), natural resources, mining and construction (+2,700), and financial activities (+1,600).
Losses were largest in trade, transportation and utilities (-3,600), and other services (+1,500).
The region’s private sector job count reached 824,100 in November 2019 – a record high for the month (series dating back to 1990).
Two sectors posted year-over-year growth of more than 4.5 percent. Aided by strength in its tourism industry, the region’s leisure and hospitality sector grew by 4.7 percent – its strongest year-over-year November growth since 2013.
Within the region, Sullivan County’s private employment sector continued to post the strongest gains year-over-year, up 8.0 percent.
The second fastest growth was recorded in the Kingston MSA (+1.6 percent), followed by the Dutchess-Putnam MSA (+1.4 percent), and the Orange-Rockland-Westchester labor market area (+0.6 percent).
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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER, From County Legislator Benjamin Boykin December 19, 2019:
With the conclusion of the 2018-2019 legislative term, Board of Legislators Chairman Ben Boykin (D – White Plains, Scarsdale, Harrison) has released an End of Term Report.
The report, which is attached, details dozens of actions taken by the Board over the past two years to stabilize the County’s finances, restore Westchester’s infrastructure, improve County parks, safeguard the environment, increase affordable housing, protect public health and safety, support working families and make Westchester more fair and inclusive.
“The residents of Westchester elected the most diverse Board in County history for the 2018-2019 legislative term and asked us to confront many challenges,” Boykin said. “Foremost was the need to stabilize the County’s finances, after years of structural budget deficits and dwindling reserve funds. But we also faced a backlog of hundreds of millions of dollars of essential improvements to roads, bridges, parks and facilities, as well as the duty to ensure that our laws and regulations reflect our values. While there is always more work to be done, I’m proud to say that with diligent effort, bipartisan cooperation and a steadfast focus, the Board has been able to achieve these goals.”
Copy of report is attached. It is also available on the BOL website at: https://westchesterlegislators.com/images/PDF/2019_wcbol-year-end-report.pdf
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WPCNR REALTY REALITY. From Hudson Valley Magazine. December 18, 2019:
After a soft 2019, the encouraging prediction for the Hudson Valley housing market is “cautiously optimistic,” according to Joseph Czajka, Senior Vice President at the Center for Housing Solutions and Urban Initiatives in Newburgh.
Susan Strawgate Code, Associate Real Estate Broker at Houlihan Lawrence in Briarcliff agrees, citing their Q3 2019 report that shows a highly positive trend despite an especially unpredictable turnout during earlier quarters.
In general, the market has finally leveled for buyers coping with the challenges of tax reform.
Most importantly, however, reports Czajka, “homes are more affordable than they have been at any time in the past 30 years, with interest rates at near historic lows.”
According to a Berkshire Hathaway Market Report, 63 percent of Westchester residents believe that now is a good time for a house purchase while the activity throughout Dutchess varies greatly. Median sales of single family homes are up 6.3 percent in Dutchess, and in Southeast Dutchess, median sale prices sharply rose 18.2 percent.
In Putnam, median home sales increased 3 percent on average, continuing its trending strength in listings under $800,000. In listings between $800,000 and $1,000,000, the county experienced an impressive 37 percent growth.
Barbara Carter, Associate Broker at Century 21 Alliance Realty in New Paltz, says Ulster’s performance was greatly welcome and unexpected, with many new listings “kicking in just over the last month or so.”
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| The City partners with Bensidoun, the White Plains Farmers Market manager, to present artisan food and craft vendors and a fun holiday shopping experience. Now in its 5th year, this multi-day shopping event will run from Wednesday, December 18 through Monday, December 23 on Court Street between Main Street & Martine Avenue. Enjoy free events and programs including live music, a visit from Santa, face painting, and more. |
| Wednesday, December 18 at 12:30 pmWinterFest Opening DayFree performance and fashion show to kick off this year’s WinterFest. Featuring jazz songwriter and vocalist Kristina Koller. The Loola Doola Fashion Show begins at 1pm. |
| WinterFest schedule:Wednesday, December 18 from 11 am – 7 pm Thursday, December 19 from 11 am- 7 pm Friday, December 20 from 11 am – 9 pmSaturday, December 21 from 11 am – 9 pm Sunday, December 22 from 11 am – 7 pmMonday, December 23 from 11 am – 5 pm |
| EVENTS |
| ARTSWESTCHESTER31 Mamaroneck Avenue, (914) 428-4220 |
| Now – January 25 DataismMany contemporary artists anchor their work in the collection and shaping of data: to engage with this aspect of daily life, probe present realities, and imagine the future. These artists seek to reclaim the mining and interpretation of data as an illuminating and empowering cultural practice. Dataism brings together artists in the tristate region who use both existing data sets and data collected by the artist. They explore various spheres of contemporary life and experience, from interpersonal relationships to climate change, consumerism, social media, financial markets, privacy and surveillance. Learn more. Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday from Noon – 5 pm and Saturday from Noon – 6 pm |
| BARNES & NOBLE230 Main Street, (914) 397-2420 FOR CHILDREN: Saturday, December 21 at 11 am Storytime and Activities Featuring Construction Site on Christmas Night It’s Christmas time at your favorite construction site. After the trucks finish their big, important job, they receive their very own Christmas surprise. Activities to follow. |
| BEAD EVERYTHING175 East Post Road, (914) 644-8191 Bead Everything Classes Bead Everything offers classes for every skill level. Call (914) 644-8191 to register and prepay. Learn more and view the full schedule. Wednesday, December 18 at 6 pm: Introductory Class: Wire Wrapping Friday, December 20 at 11 am: Camille Bracelet Saturday, December 21 at 11 am: Pixie Dust Necklace Sunday, December 22 at Noon: Beadweaving Basics Monday, December 23 at 11 am: Introductory Class: Wire Wrapping |
| CITY CENTER 255 Martine Avenue, (914) 644-8489 |
| Saturday, December 21 from 11 am – 2 pm Holiday Kids Fest Join City Center for a day of free fun. Sparkly the Elf, face painting, photo booth, contests and prizes, dancing and games with the Sparkle Girls. Hosted by Sparklicious. Lear more. Saturday, December 21 from 3 pm – 6 pm Holiday Music at City Center Free holiday music for City Center shoppers. Located in the first floor lobby of City Center. This Saturday, Studio Senakwami presents A Joy to the World, a holiday celebration featuring young talented pianists and singers. |
| GRACE CHURCH OF WHITE PLAINS33 Church Street, (914) 949-0384 |
| Wednesdays at 12:10 pmDowntown Music at Grace Church 30 minute concerts, every Wednesday at 12:10 pm from now until June, 2020. Free admission, donations are greatly appreciated. December 18: Angelica – A visit from this wonderful chamber choir, directed by Marie Caruso, has become a seasonal tradition for the Downtown Music audience. This year, they offer a program of medieval, traditional, and contemporary songs, featuring selections from Heinrich Isaac’s rarely heard Christmas Mass “Introitus, Puer natus est” and “Alleluia, Dies sanctificatus”; premieres by John Milne The Virgin’s Lullaby Lament and Julie Dolphin Lullaby After Christmas; and Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols. Joining Angelica is harpist Joy Plaisted. |
| LOOLA DOOLA BOUTIQUE 206 Martine Avenue, (914) 468-1168 Wednesday, December 18 at 1 pm Loola Doola Boutique’s Winter Fashion ShowOn opening day of the White Plains WinterFest on Court Street at Main Street, Loola Doola Boutique will be having a fashion show featuring the Lauren M. holiday clutches, beautiful coats from Paris, ponchos and scarves for beautiful gifts for the holidays. |
| STRETCH LAB147 East Post Road, (914) 400-2004 |
| This holiday season, Stretch Lab is offering one-on-one bundles of three. What better way to start the new decade than with a bundle of three stretches to get you or a loved one on track to reach your flexibility and mobility goals. Whether you’re an athlete looking to get an edge on the competition or just looking to feel and move better, make a 2020 commitment to increasing your range of motion and feeling better. Want to give it a try first? Get a 50-minute stretch for just $49. Learn more. |
| COMEDY CLUB |
| Friday, December 20 at 7:30 pm Todd Barry Todd Barry has released three one-hour stand-up specials including his latest one for Netflix, Spicy Honey. He;s appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Late Show with David Letterman, Conan and Late Night With Seth Meyers. His acting credits include The Wrestler, Road Trip, Flight of the Concords, Chappelle’s Show, Spin City, and Sex and the City. You may have heard his voice on the animated series Bob’s Burgers, Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist, and Aqua Teen Hunger Force. Todd is also the author of the critically-acclaimed 2017 travel memoir Thank You For Coming To Hattiesburg. Learn more and purchase tickets. |
| Friday, December 20 at 10 pm Joselito The Puppet Joselito Dapuppet is a social media sensation who has been featured on The Wendy Williams Show, Power 105.1 fm in New York city, and cameos for music videos for celebrity Hip Hop artists such as Fat Joe and Baby Bash. Joselito took the internet by storm in 2015 when a bunch of his online comedy skits went viral. Since then he has amassed a cult following of over 300,000 combined social media followers, with an average reach of over a million people a week. In April of 2017, Joselito made his stand up comedy debut, and became the first ever Puerto Rican puppet stand up comedian. Joselito has developed a unique Splangish comedy style that is beloved by the Latino community with dozens of catchphrases that have become fan favorites. Joselito has kinetic observational style that is delivered in a universal way, and even though his show is in Splangish, people of all cultures can enjoy it. Learn more and purchase tickets. |
| WHITE PLAINS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER11 City Place, 3rd Floor, (914) 328-1600 |
| Friday, December 20 – Sunday, January 12 WPPAC Mainstage: NewsiesBased on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Beauty & the Beast) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots). Featuring the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience. Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right! While on Broadway, Newsies received 23 major theatrical nominations – including eight Tony Award nods – and won Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Score and Choreography. Learn more and purchase tickets. |
| WHITE PLAINS PUBLIC LIBRARY100 Martine Avenue, (914) 422-1400 FOR CHILDREN: Wednesday, December 18 Registration begins for Book Bunch Join The Trove’s book discussion group for 4th and 5th graders held on Wednesday, January 22, 2020. Read something new and challenging and talk about it with other kids over pizza. You will be reading The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. Pre-registration is required. Register in person in The Trove. When you register, you will receive a free copy of the selected title. FOR TEENS: Wednesday, December 18 from 4 pm – 5 pm Which Craft? Wednesday: DIY Gifts Make a thoughtful card or a small handmade gift for the holidays. Projects will vary; please call for details. For students in grades 6 and up on a first-come, first-served basis. FOR ADULTS: Wednesday, December 18 from 2 pm – 4 pm SCORE : How to Use Social Media to Help Your Business Grow This workshop covers an assortment of social media and digital strategies and tactics for small businesses to employ to grow their business in an increasing all-digital environment. You’ll walk away with strategies and skills to apply immediately. |
| See all events from the White Plains Public Library. |
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link to wpweek of 12-13 on youtube…. https://youtu.be/B56U_-d8lN8
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A 19 year old teen was shot in the arm by a suspect still being sought by White Plains Police. Police say the victim was hospitalized and expected to be O.K. Police said the teen was shot after an argument escalated on Mamaroneck Avenue.