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. | 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 latest on Burbio Calendar Content from City Hall

Posted on January 24, 2018 by John Bailey

WPCNR CITY HALL DOINGS. From the Mayor’s Office. January 24, 2018:

Burbio, the new place to go for a calendar of White Plains municipal, school, and organization schedules which debuted Tuesday, is in the process of acquiring calendar events from city organizations, the Senior Advisor to the Mayor, Karen Pasquale said in a statement to WPCNR today.

Ms. Pasquale said persons can sign up right now at burio.com. Asked if Burbio was ready to go with White Plains schedules, organizations and their upcoming events, Pasquale wrote,

“They are in the process of on-boarding calendars. They are working with White Plains Non Profit organizations, school district and White Plains BID. There is no deadline and they will continue to work with the organizations that approach them and continue to add calendars.”

Asked if the city had already supplied Burbio with its events, and whether this is accomplished electronically, Ms. Pasquale advised:

“Burbio can access the public calendar on the city website. In fact the city calendar is already available on Burbio.

“If we make a change to an event, or an event needs to be cancelled, postponed or rescheduled, Burbio will get that update automatically as well.

“They refresh their system every 4-6 hours to ensure that users have the most up-to-date information.

WPCNR notes that since I signed up I have received two welcoming and easy-to-understand e-mails from Burbio making clear the features of the website and how to create a list of organization activities you want to keep tabs on. As a former direct response specialist who has been highly critical of lack of instruction on other websites, this is a distinctly professional start-up for Burbio.

Gov Cuomo Issues Executive Order Preserving Net Neutrality in NYS

Posted on January 24, 2018 by John Bailey

WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS.From the Governor’s Office. January 24, 2018:

n an announcement today, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he has signed an executive order that would require internet service providers with state contracts to abide by net neutrality rules, even though the FCC recently voted to repeal those rules.

On Monday, Montana’s governor signed essentially the same order; both require service providers with contracts to abide by the widely agreed upon tenets of net neutrality: no blocking, throttling, or otherwise favoring content. But the more populous New York could now become a key battleground over net neutrality.

According to the order, any service provider receiving or renewing a contract after March 1st in New York will be required to sign an agreement saying they will adhere to net neutrality principles. Major companies, including Verizon and AT&T, have signed contracts with the state.

That, however, doesn’t mean the executive order will stand. When it passed its repeal of net neutrality rules late last year, the FCC specifically included a provision blocking states from passing their own rules. New York, like other states that attempt similar plans, will likely face a legal challenge.

On the federal level, meanwhile, a lawsuit from 22 attorneys general, led by New York, was filed earlier this month. The suit sets the stage for another protracted fight over the FCC’s decision.

THE WHITE PLAINS BURBIO COMMUNITY IS LIVE NOW

Posted on January 24, 2018 by John Bailey

The Burbio homepage.

The White Plains Calendar Page on Burbio, after you sign in.

Click on an event and it opens up!

WPCNR THE ART OF THE FOLLOWUP. January 24,2018:

The Burbio.com calendar Ap introduced by the City of White Plains yesterday can be used immediately.

Simply go to the Burbio website sign up, give name and password and zip code, pick the ap you want, (apple, google or whatever), and away you go to the White Plains Calendar that tracks city and school events coming up, including cancellations.

White Plains to Add BURBIO a calendar that is Synchronized for City and Town Events and is “APP FRIENDLY”

Posted on January 23, 2018 by John Bailey

WPCNR CITY HALL DOINGS. From the City of White Plains. (Edited) January 23, 2018:

The City of White Plains announced today it is partnering with Burbio, a free online platform that aggregates community events into a central calendar resource.

Burbio will publish a weekly listing of events happening in White Plains. Individuals can seamlessly integrate Burbio into their lives by synching it with their personal calendars, such as Google Calendar or iCalendar. Once users add events to their calendars, Burbio automatically sends updates if event details, such as location or time, change.

Burbio makes it easy to find local events in White Plains. Residents personalize the events they see by subscribing to calendars published by local businesses, community groups, not-for-profits, and the City.

The City plans to use Burbio to publicize dates for Common Council meetings, city-sponsored events, and meetings of city boards and commissions.

(Editor’s Note: use of the Burbio tool is free to the city and to residents, businesses, city hall says, pay a small fee, according to the Burbio website.)

“We all lead busy lives,” said Mayor Tom Roach. “Between the school calendar, the kids’ extra-curricular activities, family obligations, and work meetings, it’s challenging to just keep track of it all – and that’s without even adding in City events, business events, and the many interesting programs and activities sponsored by our community-based organizations.

Enter Burbio: The calendar tool for the modern citizen. Simply identify the calendars you want to follow and Burbio will do the work for you, providing concise information about upcoming events in our community.”

Burbio makes it easy to find local events in White Plains. Residents personalize the events they see by subscribing to calendars published by local businesses, community groups, not-for-profits, and the City. The City plans to use Burbio to publicize dates for Common Council meetings, city-sponsored events, and meetings of city boards and commissions.

Not-for-profits and businesses in White Plains stand to benefit from Burbio’s power to promote their events. Getting started is easy: White Plains Not-for-profit profit organizations and businesses interested in participating in Burbio should contact groupsupport@burbio.com. Burbio lists not-for-profit events for free.

Business can promote their events for a small fee.

The White Plains BID will be offering Burbio’s business events program to its members. “The White Plains BID is pleased to partner with the City of White Plains and Burbio to streamline and highlight the diverse events happening in downtown White Plains,” said Brittany Brandwein, Director of Events & Promotions for the White Plains Business Improvement District.

APP-FRIENDLY

White Plains residents can access their Burbio accounts via the website or mobile app (offered for both Apple and android phones).

Additionally, events posted on Burbio are optimized for Google Searches, and Burbio is enabled with Amazon’s voice-commanded Alexa tool. It is also easy to synch Burbio with social media accounts.

John Ravtiz, Executive Vice President/COO of the Business Council of Westchester said,

“One of the top priorities of The Business Council of Westchester (BCW) is to help spread the word about the incredible things that are happening on a daily basis in our cities. Using the tools that Burbio, a BCW member, has created will help White Plains and numerous organizations and businesses in the city to list and promote their activities and to make sure that the public has the most updated user friendly calendar of events available. The BCW thanks Mayor Roach for continuing to think outside of the box to bring awareness to all the strengths of the City of White Plains.”

Burbio was founded in 2014 by Westchester residents Julie and Dennis Roche. The company is headquartered just a few miles away, in Pelham. A total of over 125 communities, including Yonkers, New Rochelle, Stamford, CT, and Norwalk, CT, have already adopted Burbio; and the reviews have been highly positive.

Route 119 Tarrytown Complete Streets Designers Want Your Suggestions

Posted on January 23, 2018 by John Bailey

WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER. From Dan Gould, NELSONNYGAARD January 23, 2018:

Dear Route 119 Collegues:

We’re glad residents, developers and government officials joined together last week to provide their insights at the study’s first round of public meetings (January 13).

If you or people you know weren’t able to attend, or you remembered something after you left, use the following online map to tell us what’s on your mind regarding Route 119:

http://wikimapping.com/wikimap/Route-119-Complete-Street.html

The wikimap will remain open until Feb 9.The public input, both in-person and online, will help guide the Steering Committee and the consultants we hired, Nelson\Nygaard, in developing proposals to improve the safety and efficiency of this crucial corridor.

Want some additional context? The meeting materials have been posted to the project’s website.Display Boards:https://rt119complete.org/docs/route-119-complete-street_january-meeting_boards.pdf

Presentation of January 13 (VIDEO):
https://rt119complete.org/docs/route-119-complete-street_january-meeting_presentation.pdf

A tweet about the online participation process:
https://twitter.com/rt119complete/status/955506913868906496

Please forward this to friends as well as government and civic email lists,
retweet, etc.

Sincerely,

–Dan

Project Coordinator

Number of Unemployed declined in Hudson Valley in Dec. Higher than Last Year’s December

Posted on January 23, 2018 by John Bailey

WPCNR WESTCHESTERNOMICS. From the Department of Labor. January 23, 2018

The December 2017 unemployment rate for the Hudson Valley Region is 4.3 percent. That is down from 4.5 percent in November 2017 and up from 4.1 percent in December 2016.

In December 2017, there were 48,500 unemployed in the region, down from 51,500 in November 2017 and up from 44,900 in December 2016.

Year-over-year in December 2017, labor force increased by 15,200 or 1.4 percent, to 1,119,600.

The Hudson Valley Region’s December unemployment rate at 4.3 percent is ranked third among the 10 Labor Market Regions in New York State, trailing the New York City Region (3.9 percent) and the Long Island Region (4.2 percent).

New York City Region 3.9 percent
Long Island Region 4.2 percent
Hudson Valley Region 4.3 percent
Capital Region 4.4 percent
Finger Lakes Region 5.1 percent
Central New York Region 5.2 percent
Southern Tier Region 5.4 percent
Mohawk Valley Region 5.5 percent
Western New York Region 5.6 percent
North Country Region 6.5 percent

Among the 7 counties in the region, the lowest unemployment rates in December 2017 were recorded in Dutchess County and Putnam County – both came in at 4.1 percent.

Dutchess County 4.1 percent
Putnam County 4.1 percent
Rockland County 4.2 percent
Ulster County 4.4 percent
Orange County 4.4 percent
Westchester County 4.4 percent
Sullivan County 5.3 percent

JIM KILLORAN, HABITAT FOR HUMANITY LEADER INTERVIEWED BY JOHN BAILEY ON”PEOPLE TO BE HEARD” ONLINE ON YOUTUBE AND WHITE PLAINS WEEK DOT COM

Posted on January 23, 2018 by John Bailey

YOU’VE GOT

JIM KILLORAN CEO

OF HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

on the solutions for affordable housing in Westchester

PEOPLE TO BE HEARD

ON THE INTERNET NOW

PEOPLE TO BE HEARD Recorded with John Bailey interviewing Jim Killoran has been posted

The YouTube link is

https://youtu.be/FAUBYPcRl40

The WhitePlainsWeek.com link is

http://www.whiteplainsweek.com

Historical Society Celebrates George Washington’s Birthday– Sunday, February 25 — 1 to 3 PM

Posted on January 22, 2018 by John Bailey

WPCNR GOINGS ON ABOUT TOWN. From the White Plains Historical Society. January 22, 2018:

The White Plains Historical Society celebrates George Washington’s 286^th Birthday, Sunday February 25, 2018 at the Jacob Purdy House (Washington’s Headquarters), a National Historic Site, 60 Park Avenue, White Plains, NY 10603 1:00PM-3:00PM. Free admission and refreshments.

The event begins at 1:00PM Flag-raising ceremony as revolutionary war re-enactors are marched by General Washington. Guest speaker, Eastchester Town Historian, Dick Forliano will talk about “Westchester County and George Washington”.

“During the Revolutionary War, Washington was here in White Plains on two key dates, said John Vorperian, Society President,(shown in photograph above with President Washingon) “It’ll be interesting to hear how Washington led his troops through the County against the King George’s forces.”

For more information call 914.328.1776; e-mail info@whiteplainshistory.org or visit: www.whiteplainshistory.org

NY On Amazon Top 20. Latimer Style Going Forward. Fed Visits WCA

Posted on January 22, 2018 by John Bailey

WPCNR Monday. From the Westchester County Association January 22, 2018:

In his second week of office, County Executive George Latimer addressed the WCA membership at its 22nd Annual Breakfast on January 10^th. He discussed the key initiatives of his new administration and the region’s economic opportunities and challenges:

Collaboration on Economic Development: Latimer highlighted the importance of inclusion and collaboration across the county in order to succeed and get things done. Collaboration with local municipal leaders — especially Urban communities — and the private sector is key. “…we cannot save Westchester if we don’t save Mount Vernon; we cannot save Westchester if we don’t stand by Yonkers,” he said.

Optimism: Although the county is currently facing many challenges, Latimer is confident that the County has the resources, both of money and of will, to fight through the difficulties. “To be an American means you are an optimist. We will get through this moment in time,” he said.

Preparing Westchester for the Future: According to Latimer, Westchester should be proactive in preparing the county for the future. The county’s all-out pitch for Amazon’s second headquarters is the way we should always be thinking. He fully supports the WCA’s “Gigabit Westchester” initiative and said “high-speed broadband would give us a demonstrable, unique selling perspective when attracting new companies.”

Government Efficiencies: Latimer supports the increased sharing of government services. While it may mean some jobs are relocated, he said the county and its municipalities must figure out how to deliver services more efficiently. One of his goals will be to work more closely with local municipalities and school districts to increase productivity and lower costs.

FED PAYS A CALL

On January 17th, the WCA hosted the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and top leaders from Westchester’s banking community to discuss how broadband is now an integral part of community development and meets the primary purpose definition of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). This meeting is another step further in the WCA’s initiative of bringing super high speed internet to the County and closing the digital divide.

AMAZON STILL HAS NY ON TOP 20 LIST FOR LOCATION OF HQ

The New York metro area, including the Hudson Valley, is among the list of 20 potential sites for Amazon’s HQ2, potentially impacting the region’s economy in a big way. “It’s kind of a no-brainer in terms of what it would mean for Westchester,” said Bill Mooney, WCA President & CEO. “It would be a huge win for Westchester in so many ways.” Read More Here.