PRELIMINARY SCHOOL BUDGET: $216 Million, up $7.2 Million with Maybe More School Aid to Come. Assessment Roll Windfall Cash to Fund Construction.

Posted on March 21, 2017 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey March 21, 2017:

Dr. Howard Smith, Acting Superintendent of White Plains Schools, presented the Superintendent’s Preliminary School Budget Monday evening and with more school aid possible the budget as it stands is at $215,972,750 an increase of $7,222,750, 3.5% over the current year budget of $208,750,000.

The budget at this time figures a 1.75% Tax Rate increase (from $613.74/$1,000 to $624/$1,000 of assessed valuation) .

The actual levy goes up 3.46 %, because of the increased tax revenue from two Payments in Lieu of Taxes properties (Bank Street Commons and 1133 Westchester Avenue) returning to the tax roll.

The amount of new taxes those two properties will pay in new and expected increased taxes in 2017-18 has yet to be calculated by the city finance office.

Tax Rate

The school property tax an individual homeowner would pay on a $650,000 assessed house in White Plains would be approximately 10,180, up from $10,111 in 2016-17. The total Levy however goes up to $176,898,823, thanks to two large PILOTs returning to the Assessment Roll.

A total of $5 Million of the increase is provided by the increased White Plains Assessment Roll which went up 1.7% from $277 Million to $281.6 Million, the $4,730,371 increase is the largest increase in the city assessment role in 19 years.

The Superintendent said the $5 Million increase which he described as fund balance would be used to address a series of construction projects. Asked why the $5 Million wouldn’t be used to hire as many as 50 teachers, Mr. Smith said the same amount of revenue might not be available next year to fund all the teachers that could be hired.

However, a PILOT is a payment in lieu of taxes, so the property that receives a PILOT, actually pays less during the course of the PILOT in proportion if it were a completed project.

Therefore, the assumption on the new tax bill on these two properties still needs to be calculated by the city. WPCNR would think it presumably go up in tax year 2017-18, and unless the city gives the properties a tremendous tax break by calculating a value less than the PILOT, one might expect the revenue from these properties would be up considerably, since they are now fully functional.

Unlike school aid ( which has to be spent for a specific purpose) this approximately $5 Million in new money could have been used to lower school taxes in a one time year; pay for projects as they have chosen to do; or deposited in the capital reserve fund established last April by the district; or used to supplement any decrease in school aid in coming years.

School Aid

Whatever the district gets in school aid for next year might increase the budget. Last year the district received $2.2 Million additional school aid from the state budget, the most increase in a single year in 25 years. The district budgets at this preliminary stage, $22.5 Million in State funds and $50,000 in Federal Aid.

It should be noted that the $5 Million in increased Capital spending is allowed because if revenues go up from sources not from increased taxes, they do not count against the tax cap, according to Timothy Connors. Connors just completed his 5 week stint as Interim Superintendent as Dr. Smith returned to the district last night.

According to Frank Steffanelli, Buildings and Grounds Administrator, $3 to $4 Million of the $5 Million will fund reroofing the second half of the White Plains High School , installing an intercom and clock system at the high school and renovation of the auditorium rear wall, and The Church Street School roof.

Cap Compliant, Teachers New Contract to Come Allowed for

The operating budget is increased 1.06% (cap is 1.26%) ($2,222,750), plus the $5 Million in Capital Projects to equal $215,972,750, a 3.5% increase.

The budget includes the potential cost of the first year of a new teachers contract which expires in June. Dr. Smith said negotiations had not begun yet on a new contract, and the head of the Teachers Union, Kelly Broderick told WPCNR the union and the district are in the process of establishing preliminary meetings.

The district is hiring 21 new teachers and 4 new Teacher Assistants.

The district is also restructuring Special Education Administration due to the growth in Special Education students.

Elementary school recess programs are being changed to improve the recess experience.

A Bowling Team will be added to the sports choices.

New Security Review

In the general meeting after the budget presentation, John LaPlaca, Managing Partner of Altraris Emergency Management Group explained how his firm will evalutate security procedures, security equipment, and district personnel preparedness for possible emergencies in all district buildings.

The procedure will cost $50,000 through BOCES, and the district will be reimbursed $10,000 from the State of New York for using the program, Frank Stefanelli told WPCNR. New York State Stefanelli said now requires all districts to file a security plan for all their facilities. Those security plans have to be approved by the state.

The complete presentation can be viewed Thursday evening on the White Plains Education Channel Altice Cablevision Channel 77 or Verizon FIOS Channel 46.

Governor Cuomo: New York State Medicaid Would Lose $7 Billion Over 4 Years if Repeal and Replace Plan is Passed

Posted on March 20, 2017 by John Bailey

WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. Statement from the Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on the Repeal and Replace Act (Edited) March 20, 2017:

“The Repeal and Replace Act would block grant money to the state in the name of local flexibility but at the same time it would dramatically cut that funding. Over four years New York State would lose $4.6 billion and lose at least $2.4 billion a year by fiscal year 2020.

If this were not bad enough Congressman Chris Collins and Congressman John Faso have offered an amendment that would stop the counties from paying a share of Medicaid.

Historically, the federal government paid 50 percent, the state paid 25 percent, and local governments – counties – paid 25 percent. The state has already absorbed much of that burden, but even so the reduction to the program from the loss of the counties’ share outside of New York City is $2.3 billion.

The cut is so severe that the majority of hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities located in Upstate New York and on Long Island would be devastated. How a county executive could believe their county could prosper while losing hundreds if not thousands of jobs and seeing the decimation of their health care system is beyond me.
“The more we learn about the repeal and replacement for the Affordable Care Act, the sicker New York gets. The repeal and replacement is exactly what the Trump Administration promised that they would not do. It is the classic Republican program referred to during Reagan’s time as “passing the buck without passing the bucks.” Congressman Paul Ryan and the radical conservatives are having their way. Congressman Ryan brags about “cutting entitlements by billions of dollars.”

That is precisely what he is trying to do to New York’s Medicaid program. The conservatives have long lamented that New York’s Medicaid program was “too generous.” They scoffed at our health care proposal that provided dental care and one conservative even said when questioned about the denial of dental benefits, “soup is good.”

“Congressmen Collins and Faso are calling their amendment a “tax savings plan for the county.” Really it’s a deathtrap as there is no way to make up the shortfall. The Upstate New York and Long Island economy will falter or collapse if the health sector is damaged.

“It would be nice if Congressmen Collins and Faso actually tried to help their districts rather than hurt them. These health care cuts are on top of a dizzying array of cuts to real New Yorkers.

The Republican budget cuts housing assistance, food stamps, heating projects, community development funds – all at the expense of the middle class and working families – while they cut taxes for the wealthiest Americans.

They won’t get away with it. They can’t play New Yorkers as fools and New Yorkers will remember. The bill for Congressmen Collins and Faso’s rabid conservative zealotry will be paid by Upstate New York’s hard working families, and those families will know exactly who to thank.”

Children of Undocumented immigrants in Westchester County Expected to be Left in Westchester if the Parents are deported.

Posted on March 20, 2017 by John Bailey

WPCNR COUNTY-CLARION-LEDGER. From Catherine Borgia, Westchester County Legislator. (Edited) March 20, 2017:

“There are approximately 60,000 undocumented immigrants that live in Westchester County, most of them are the parents of US citizen children,” added Carola Bracco, Executive Director, Neighbors Link. “To have these parents live in fear of deportation has a profound negative effect on their children’s ability to succeed academically and emotionally. If parents are deported, we know from the Migration Policy Institute that most of these parents will leave their children in the United States. Westchester County will be faced with a significant challenge and cost to ensure these children, mostly US Citizens, thrive without their parents,” concluded Bracco.

Bracco made the remarks last Friday, where close to a hundred direct service care providers from all over Westchester County convened at a meeting of the Board of Legislators Families Task Force to learn more about how to best serve their immigrant communities.

“We created our task force to work on issues that have a large impact on Westchester County’s families and in light of what is happening to our immigrant brothers and sisters, we felt this was a needed workshop to host,” said Legislator Catherine Borgia, who has recently introduced the Immigrant Protection Act, a bill that would restrict the use of County funds to assist in federal immigration enforcement. “Thank you to all of the panelists who joined us and shared their expertise. I, as well as many others who attended, learned a great deal of new information and best practices that we can work to institute. Westchester County is a welcoming community and we all must work together to ensure it stays that way,” added Borgia.

Professor Vanessa Merton of John Jay Legal Services emphasized: “By far the most effective way for Westchester County to ensure the just and accurate treatment of all its noncitizens – those with various types of visa as well as those who are nondocumented – is to help make competent, ethical legal representation available to those who cannot otherwise obtain it. Without quality representation for immigrants, the federal government will continue to break its own law and make terrible mistakes that destroy the lives of those qualified for and deserving of lawful status in this country.”

Adolf Hitler’s First Three Months.

Posted on March 18, 2017 by John Bailey

WPCNR NEWS & COMMENT. March 18, 2018:

According to the book, THE LIFE AND DEATH OF ADOLF HITLER by Robert Payne, Adolf Hitler’s first moves after assuming power in Germany were:

He eliminated 7 clauses in the German Constitution, eliminating privacy of postal,telegraphic and telephone communications, freedom of assembly and association, freedom of the press, freedom to hold one’s own opinions and the right to be secure from arrest.
All State Governments were taken over by National Socialists(the Nazi Party), officials of the governments were arrested.
Trade Union leaders and officials were arrested.
The Ministry of Enlightment and Propaganda under Joseph Goebbels was formed. It controlled the press, publishing, radio, motion pictures and entertainment.
He established Special Courts to try political offenders with no jury and no legal representation.
He gave government power to arrest people for malicious criticism of government and the party.
He persuaded President Von Hindenberg to sign Article 2, “Law for the Relief of the Distress of the People and the Reich, that according to author Payne, “The Laws decreed by the Reich government can deviate from the Reich Constitution in so far as they do not apply to the institution of the Reichstag.Article 2 meant that Hitler’s laws could deviate from the German constitution whenever he pleased.

Payne writes, “All through the (first) year …where previously he had spoken of himself with a certain modesty, now he permitted his ego free rein and celebrated himself with fervor, luxuriating in the absolute power…in three months, all that was free and generous now vanished at his orders, and there came into existence a harsh mechanical world of senseless commands and equally senseless punishments. Only one enthusiasm was permitted—enthusiasm for Hitler. What was strange and ominous was that few people protested.”

County Airport Lease Review Process Explained by County Legislator

Posted on March 18, 2017 by John Bailey

WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From the Westchester County Board of Legislators. March 18, 2017:

At a recent Westchester County Board of Legislators (BOL) Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting, Legislators met with Doreen Frasca, Ken Cushine and their staff from Frasca & Associates, LLC.

Frasca is a Transportation Consulting and Financial Advisory firm which was hired by Westchester County to conduct a Request For Proposals (RFP) to select a new private operator for Westchester County Airport. In public-private partnerships, Frasca works exclusively for the municipal entity.
Frasca & Associates has expertise in lease negotiations for facilities with airlines and other airport tenants and developing public/private partnerships. Frasca was selected from 12 firms who responded to a preceding RFP to conduct the search for a private operator at the county airport. The firm was chosen by the Westchester County Airport Advisory Task Force.

The Airport Task Force will continue to work with Frasca and the County Executive’s Office as the RFP process continues.

Frasca proposed a bifurcated RFP that would contain an explanation of each firm’s technical capabilities and expertise. Those firms whose capabilities match the technical requirements for a private partnership will then be evaluated based on their financial proposals.
During the COW meeting, Frasca presented a plan to solicit proposals from possible private operators. The proposed schedule envisions a deadline for responses to the RFP around the middle of July.

The date for Westchester County to choose an operator would then fall in mid-September. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would then review the final lease- a process that takes at least 75 days. By Frasca’s estimate, contingent on a timely FAA review, Westchester County could have a deal in place with a new private operator by the end of November 2017.
Following the meeting, Legislator David Gelfarb, in whose Legislative District the Westchester County Airport is located said, “As always, I expressed my concern about the impact of a possible transaction on the neighboring communities. I am especially concerned about increased traffic, noise and water pollution, and the impact on the overnight curfew and of new capital projects. I also want to ensure that the neighboring communities are given an opportunity to be heard and to meet with the County’s financial advisor. Lastly, I am concerned that there is real competitive bidding, that the transaction be financially fair and beneficial and that the length of the contract be fair to the County.”
Legislator Francis Corcoran, serves as a member of the three member Airport Advisory Task Force and has been working in the financial/capital markets arena for 30 years. “With tens of millions of dollars in revenue virtually trapped at the county airport because of FAA regulations I believe the County’s proposal to partner with a private company to unlock those airport revenues for general budget use is a smart and resourceful plan.” Corcoran said. “There aren’t a lot of companies with the experience, expertise and capital to take on a partnership of this scope and length. I look forward to hearing the proposals that result from this RFP.”

WHITE PLAINS WEEK-THE MARCH 17 PROGRAM ON THE INTERNET WORLDWIDE NOW

Posted on March 17, 2017 by John Bailey

‘

wpweek for 3-17 has been posted — the youtube link is

https://youtu.be/NdNeeNaKoiw

the whiteplainsweek.com link is

http://www.whiteplainsweek.com/

www.wpcommunitymedia.org

OR HAVE COFFEE WITH WHITE PLAINS WEEK

SATURDAY, SUNDAY 8:30 AM ON ALTICE CABLEVISION CH. 76

OR VERIZON FIOS CH. 45

THE VOICE OF AMERICA, WHITE PLAINS,NEW YORK USA AND THE FREE WORLD FOR 16 YEARS EVERY WEEK ON WHITE PLAINS TV

WHITE PLAINS WEEK

THE MARCH 17 SHOW

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THE FASNY 5-2 SLAPDOWN–RIDGEWAY

ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE FOREVER

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO OF THE “NO’S” AND THE SURPRISE “YES’s’

AND

THE EXCLUSIVE PETER KATZ TRUMP THE PRESIDENT REPORT

AND THE COUNTY AIRPORT PLAN

Board of Education Elections: Call for Petitions

Posted on March 16, 2017 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From the City School District. March 17, 2017:

The Annual White Plains Board of Education Budget Vote and Election will take place on Tuesday, May 16, 2017, Noon to 9 P.M., at six voting districts.

Two Board seats will be up for election, each with a three-year term of office, beginning July 1, 2017.

Candidates must be United States citizens, 18 years of age or more and residents of White Plains for at least one year. Petitions are available from Michele Schoenfeld, District Clerk, at 5 Homeside Lane. They must be signed by 100 qualified voters and returned by April 26th.

Registration, for qualified voters new to the City, or those who are not registered to vote in general elections, will take place on Saturday, April 29th, Noon to 5 P.M., at Mamaroneck Avenue School, Nosband Avenue. A resident who has moved within White Plains during the last year may also change his/her voting address at that time.

Absentee ballots will be available by application to the District Clerk, for any voter who will not be in White Plains during the hours of the election.

For further information, please call 422-2071.

FASNY HOPEFUL COMMON COUNCIL WILL FOLLOW THROUGH AND APPROVE PLAN

Posted on March 16, 2017 by John Bailey

WPCNR SOUTH END TIMES.From The French American School of New York.(Edited) March 16, 2017:

(Editor’s note: Commenting on the vote of the White Plains Common Council Wednesday evening where the White Plains Common Council decided 5-2 that Parcel A of the former Ridgeway Country Club site, was still an “evironmentally sensitive site,” and still required a 5-2 super majority for approval of the French American School of New York campus project, the school issued this statement to WPCNR Thursday afternoon:

John Botti, a member of the FASNY Board of Trustees who is overseeing the plan for the new School, said: “We’re obviously pleased that the Council is at last moving forward toward making a final determination on the reduced plan that has now been under review for more than six years, and we’re confident that we will obtain the votes required to approve the project. Frankly, the drastically reduced plan we have agreed to merits a 7-0 vote.”

The modified plan reduces the number of students by 33%, traffic by a further 42%, building square-footage by 39% and Hathaway Lane is maintained as a public roadway. Development is limited to 28 acres solely on Parcel A.

At the same time, FASNY has fulfilled its commitment to create a publicly accessible open space park by having placed a conservation easement on 51 acres on August 29, 2016. This has become the largest conservation easement in southern Westchester offering miles of bicycle and pedestrian trails, all at no cost to the taxpayers of White Plains.

Botti said “It is unfortunate that the leadership of the Gedney Neighborhood Association continues to engage in personal attacks and a war of attrition against the City and School. They have been willing to enter costly and wasteful litigation in an attempt to keep the failed country club as a private backyard for their exclusive use, keeping others out. This is despite the fact that they are 0-4 in prior litigations.”
He added:

“The vast majority of City residents continue to support the reduced School plan put forth in the Settlement to the prior litigation. We’re hopeful that tonight’s vote signals that the end of this unnecessarily lengthy approval process, by far the longest and most arduous in City history, is finally moving toward a final approval.”

SEIU UNION ON THE TRUMP BUDGET: “America You Are on Your Own”

Posted on March 16, 2017 by John Bailey

WPCNR NATIONAL WIRE. From the Service Employees Union International. March 16, 2017:

The following statement is from Héctor Figueroa President of 32BJ SEIU one of the largest unions representing immigrant workers in the country:

“Trump’s spending plan is truly a budget to nowhere. Wasting billions we don’t have on a useless wall we don’t need won’t fix our broken immigration system.

The largest defense spending increase in the history of the largest military in the world won’t make our country any safer.

Gutting the EPA won’t make the threat of climate change go away.

Slashing the Department of Labor won’t make our workforce more productive or irresponsible employers’ offences less damaging.

Crushing the Department of Housing will decimate affordable housing in places like New York City.

Deep cuts to the Department of Education is not putting American kids first.

This is the budget of an administration at war with reality that only serves the needs of the already wealthy and powerful. For Trump and his team of cronies the message to America is: you are on your own.”

With more than 163,000 members in 11 states and Washington DC, 32BJ SEIU is the largest property service workers union in the country.

Mayor de Blasio Will Not Be Charged in Alleged Election Fundraising Improprieties at this time

Posted on March 16, 2017 by John Bailey

WPCNR FBI WIRE. From the Federal Bureau of Investigation. March 16, 2017:

Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim

Statement On The Investigation Into City

Hall Fundraising

“In response to allegations of misconduct, this Office, along with the FBI, has been investigating fundraising by and on behalf of Mayor Bill de Blasio for his 2013 election campaign, the Campaign for One New York, and the 2014 State Senate effort.

We have conducted a thorough investigation into several circumstances in which Mayor de Blasio and others acting on his behalf solicited donations from individuals who sought official favors from the City, after which the Mayor made or directed inquiries to relevant City agencies on behalf of those donors.

In considering whether to charge individuals with serious public corruption crimes, we take into account, among other things, the high burden of proof, the clarity of existing law, any recent changes in the law, and the particular difficulty in proving criminal intent in corruption schemes where there is no evidence of personal profit.

After careful deliberation, given the totality of the circumstances here and absent additional evidence, we do not intend to bring federal criminal charges against the Mayor or those acting on his behalf relating to the fundraising efforts in question.

Although it is rare that we issue a public statement about the status of an investigation, we believe it appropriate in this case at this time, in order not to unduly influence the upcoming campaign and Mayoral election.”