GOVERNOR CUOMO: TAPPAN ZEE PROGRESS REPORT . NEW BRIDGE WILL OPEN IN 2018

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WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From the Governor’s Press Office. December 14, 2016:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the New NY Bridge has reached a major milestone with the topping off of the eight main span towers, and with the final concrete pour completed this week.

The New NY Bridge is on track to open in 2018 and on budget at $3.98 billion. Additionally, 90 percent of support structures on the project are installed, including the fabrication and placement of 126 steel girders sections.

To date, 3,000 roadway panels have been installed to connect the Rockland and Westchester shorelines up to the iconic main span, taking one of the largest active bridge projects in the nation one step closer to completion.

“Replacing the Tappan Zee Bridge with such a magnificent structure sends a powerful message to the world that nothing is too big or too difficult for the Empire State,” Governor Cuomo said.

“This is one of the largest projects ever undertaken by the state of New York. With the topping off of the eight main span towers, we have reached a major milestone in our continued progress and are on schedule to open in 2018 and on budget. The new bridge will be built for the ages and strengthen our region’s infrastructure for generations to come.”

Governor Cuomo inspected progress at the New NY Bridge project site this morning, including the tower’s construction, stay cable installation, structural steel placement, road deck installation and other key aspects.

New NY Bridge Milestones include:

· Towers: The 419-foot towers stand at a five-degree angle, and are the most iconic feature of the new bridge. They are 100 feet higher than the top of the current Tappan Zee Bridge and feature a sleek, chamfered design. All eight towers on the westbound and eastbound spans will be completed this week with the final concrete pour.

· Support Structures: Approximately 90 percent of support structures have been completed, including the fabrication and placement of 126 steel girder assemblies. Fourteen steel girder sections will be installed on the eastbound span starting next year.

· Piles: The last pile was recently driven into the Hudson River and more than 1,000 piles have been installed to date. The steel structures serve as the foundations for the new bridge. If laid end-to-end, the piles would stretch for more than 50 miles.

· Roadway: More than 3,000 road panels, each 12-feet long, ranging between 22 and 45 feet wide and nearly 11 inches thick, have been installed. This accounts for 3.4 miles of road deck for the approaches of the bridge.

· Structural Steel: More than 220 million pounds of steel will be installed and the project is using more than 300,000 cubic yards of concrete – enough to build a sidewalk from the project site to Key West, Florida. The project’s floating batch plants have produced more than 200,000 cubic yards of concrete to date.

· Cables: More than one third of the 192 stay cables have been fully anchored and tensioned on the main span. If laid end-to-end, the cables would stretch 14 miles. When completed, they will total 700 miles of metal strands.

· Super Crane: The I Lift NY super crane has been hard at work setting steel. The super crane is capable of lifting the equivalent of 12 Statues of Liberty at once and will help with the demolition of the existing Tappan Zee Bridge.

The New NY Bridge is one of the biggest active bridge projects in the nation and the largest in the history of the New York State Thruway Authority. In all, more than 6,300 people have contributed to the New NY Bridge project thus far, totaling more than 8 million hours of man power. At the Governor’s direction, the Thruway Authority has managed this project since 2013 with two fundamental objectives, to first open the bridge in 2018, and second, finish the bridge at or below the budgeted cost of $3.98 billion.

The twin-span crossing will replace the six-decade-old Tappan Zee Bridge, which is used by an average of 140,000 vehicles every day. The 3.1-mile bridge will include eight general traffic lanes, four breakdown and emergency lanes, space for future bus rapid transit and commuter rail, a bicycle and walking path with six unique viewing areas, cashless tolling, and energy efficient LED lighting. The state-of-the-art bridge will not require any major structural repairs for at least 100 years.

High resolution photos and renderings of the progress are available here and a time lapse video of the project is available here.

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CITY TRANSIT VISION–REZONE RR STATION TO CHURCH ST TO RAISE DENSITY, HEIGHTS, OPEN SPACE –TO DOUBLE VALUES OF PROPERTY –GUIDE DEVELOPMENT LOOK. DEVELOP 4 CITY SITES AT RR PLAZA

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THE RECOMMENDED STRATEGIC PLAN FOR INTIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE TRANSIT DISTRICT WAS PRESENTED AT RECKSON CENTER LAST NIGHT. IT CALLS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE 4 CITY OWNED PARCELS ALONGSIDE THE EAST SIDE OF THE METRO NORTH RAIL ROAD STATION.

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Mayor Thomas Roach opening the meeting introducing the Strategic Plan favored for development of the White Plains Transit District, as selected by the Transit District Stakeholder Task Force.

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THE NEW LOOK OF A DENSER, BUSIER, VIBRANT DOWNTOWN: THE STRATEGIC PLAN ADVOCATES REZONING THE TRANSIT DISTRICT FROM THE RAILROAD STATION TO CHURCH STREET TO DOUBLE ALLOWED DENSITY BY RAISING HEIGHTS OF BUILDINGS, CLEVER USE OF SETBACKS AND TERRACES WHILE SPECIFYING EXTERIOR LOOKS, AMENITIES THE CITY WANTS. DEVELOPING THE SPECIFIC NEW ZONING IS THE NEXT STEP IN THE PROCESS.

 

WPCNR DOWNTOWN. By John F. Bailey. December 12, 2016:

Mayor Thomas Roach and White Plains Commissioner of Planning Christopher Gomez presented the Downtown White Plains Transit District Strategic Plan to an audience of approximately 50 persons Monday evening at the Reckson Building.

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The plan prepared after a year of sampling city residents’ opinions, chosen by consensus of the Transit District Stakeholder Task Force from three development scenario, recommends developing the 4 city-owned sites next to the present Metro-North Station, turning the 4 sites into as many as 7 buildings (the usages of the buildings, one of which may or not be the existing city-owned parking garage), a public square, residential and on plaza retail.

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THE WPTRANSIT DISTRICT TODAY–WITH PRESENT ZONING.

This would be achieved by creative setbacks and terracing of structures, which Commissioner of Planning Gomez said would expand the floor area square footage, with  the potential to double assessment values of the existing FAR’s now in the Transit District.

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How the city would look under the new proposed maximum FAR’s in the city proposed rezoning proposal to densify the downtown transit district.

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Chart presented Monday evening shows city estimate of what the new proposed zoning of the Transit District could create in increased assessments of key properties. If property were developed according to city zoning liberalization, assessed value would double.  The top Blue Blocks indicate the amount assessed value would go up if property were developed under the new proposed high density zoning with aesthetic requirements.

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Part of the Plan turns Hamilton Avenue (above) into a two-way street, easing traffic flow into the city eastbound, creating a cycle lane and pedestrian crossings. (Mayor Roach described Hamilton Avenue as like the African Savanna and the pedestrian as “prey”) Such new cycling lanes would be added in Battle Hill, ped crossings at the Route 119/Tarrytown Road  entrance to the city, and new bike lines on Main Street, Martine Avenue (a protected bike lane), and Court Street.

At this time, Mayor Roach told WPCNR after the meeting, the new Bus Rapid Transit system envisioned by the Task Force on Mass Transit (formed to address transit needs after the new Tappan Zee Bridge opens in 2018), would be in White Plains near the White Plains Train Station.

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Michael Shiffer, Vice President, Planning for the MTA Metro-North Road, (above, right)  told the audience that Metro North North is planning interior and exterior improvements to the White Plains station to be completed within the next 5 years.

However, construction of a new White Plains station had not been approved or as part of the Metro North $30 Billion capital improvement budget, though he said the sheer volume  of White Plains destination riders, and riders departing White Plains made the station a possibility for new station structure.

WPCNR asked Shiffer after the meeting if the MTA would possibly consider building a commercial or residential structure atop any new train station. He said the possibility of air rights allowing construction on top of the station might be considered.

Asked by WPCNR after the presentation  if Westchester County had been talking with White Plains about possible buildings or construction enhancing the train station on the County-owned property on the West side of the tracks, Mr. Roach said the county had been talking about building a parking structure on the County Center.

Commissioner Gomez said the next step is for the city to “Develop and approve new Transit District Zoning” spelling out specific design, setback, height and density enhancing designs in the zoning code.

The goal Mayor Roach told the gathering was no longer would developers tell the city what they wanted to build, but the city would tell developers what the city needed and wanted and wanted to see.

Roach at the top of the meeting criticized the previous urban renewal effort in the city as creating a traffic-expedient access to the city at the expense of pedestrian safety and inviting city landscapes. The Mayor described The Galleria, opened in 1980, as “a valley of darkness” created by its windowless wall running from South Lexington Avenue to Court Street.

The Mayor said the new owners of The Galleria are very enthusiastic about the city’s vision, and are embracing the city call for more street level retail, more windows and aesthetic landscapes for their new project.

Mr. Gomez, the Planning Commissioner described the Strategic Plan as aimed at “Placemaking,” – creating development that embraces the street and public realm, and improving access for non-vehicular traffic.

Pedestrian/Bicycle –including High Visibility Crosswalks, new crossings to ease access from Battle Hill; improved bike infrastructure; expanded bike lanes and bike parking and a WP bike share program.

Parking –The goal is to encourage innovative parking strategies and improve the taxi, shuttle and pick/up drop off area around the station,  by creating separate areas for each type of vehicular mission.

Density –The plan encourages ground floor retail for new development; mixed use development to being a 24/7 excitement to the Transit District, and zoning changes to smooth transition to neighborhoods surrounding the Transit District.

Open Space—The plan calls for an open space around the station and “parklets” throughout the district. Gomez touted the new White Plains Mall project  (below) introduced recently as an ideal example of what  the city has in mind, and of course more green infrastructure.

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Economic Development—  The Strategic Plan in its proposal to rezone the transit district to allow more density with approved architectural designs would “pursue Value Capture strategies” and by doing so would grow the city tax base; it would pursue funding opportunities; and bring in business and development (perhaps at a faster pace than the current process of any proposal for a site that requires a developer demanded zoning or special permit change which has to be fought through the city council).

The redevelopment phase will begin with the city reorganizing the pick up and drop off areas and parking access  of the various traffic approaching and departing the station, and next finding developers for the city-owned sites.

It is unclear when the Common Council will be presented with the Zoning, interim pickup and drop off plans and the designs of the MTA facelift of the railroad station and what kind of approval process for therwhole project is envisioned.

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BOARD OF LEGISLATORS CROSS THEIR FINGERS, PASS 2017 COUNTY BUDGET, 10-7, THAT HAS BUILT-IN SHORTFALLS

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WPCNR COUNTYCLARION-LEDGER. From County Legislator Benjamin Boykin. December 12, 2016:

I voted against the 2017 Operating Budget of $1.81 billion that was approved by a 10 to 7 today.  The 2017 Capital Budget and the Special Districts Budget were also approved by the same margin.

The 2017 Operating Budget is not balanced and is not sustainable. While we have had many questionable “balanced” budgets over the past seven years, this budget puts the County’s finances at the edge of the cliff without any financial flexibility.

The 2017 Operating Budget is constructed on uncertain revenues and borrowings to “balance” the budget without a property tax increase:

  • $15 million is included in revenues for a “proposed” deal to enter into a public-private partnership for the Westchester County Airport. This deal was proposed by the County Executive without a competitive bid process. The Board has rejected this approach and will initiate a competitive procurement process through a Request for Proposal process (RFP) in 2017.  There are no assurances that such an RFP process will result in a transaction that is in the best interests for the taxpayers of Westchester County. In addition, if such a transaction is approved by the Board of Legislators, it must then be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Only two FAA Privatization Pilot Programs (which allow for airport funds to be used for Operating Budgets) have ever been approved and executed since this program was put in place in 1996
  • A 3% growth in sales tax based on the 2016 estimate when many surrounding counties are including only 1% to 2% sales tax growth. The County’s sales tax budgets, due to aggressive growth assumptions, have fallen short in each of the last several years
  • $2.9 million of revenue from State Aid for indigent defendants – this legislation has been approved by the NY State Legislature but has not been signed by the Governor
  • $8.5 million of borrowings to cover real estate tax certiorari which are usually treated as operating expenses
  • $4.2 million of borrowings for pension obligations through the New York State Pension Fund Stabilization Program
  • No monies are included in the budget to cover the cost of union contracts, all of which are expired, and will need to be funded once settlements are reached by the County Executive and the various unions and approved by the Board of Legislators

While the 2017 Operating Budget does protect our nonprofit organizations, I remain very concerned regarding our Public Safety Department. The protection and safety of our residents and visitors is of paramount importance and a primary function of government. Therefore, the Board of Legislators has included funds in the budget for additional public safety staffing.

The County’s unrestricted fund balance (rainy day funds that are to be used for emergency situations) could be significantly adversely impacted by the deficit that is forecast for the current year of 2016 and the major funding gaps for the 2017 Operating Budget.

The 2017 Operating Budget is a ticking time bomb that will explode resulting in large property tax increases for Westchester residents in future years.

I thank the many individuals and organizations that provided comments on the 2017 Operating Budget. The League of Women Voters of Westchester, Inc., the Citizens Budget Advisory Committee (CBAC) and the Scarsdale Forum all state that the 2017 Operating Budget is not balanced. Please click on the links below to read their statements.

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WHITE PLAINS WEEK THE DEC 9 SHOW ON THE INTERNET ON YOUTUBE AND www.whiteplainsweek.com

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16TH YEAR COVERING WHITE PLAINS AND WESTCHESTER COMIN UP

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PETER KATZ, JOHN BAILEY, JIM BENEROFE

ON

THE WHITE PLAINS RETAIL AS HOLIDAY SEASON BEGINS

THE TRANSIT DISTRICT SURVEY DEBUT MONDAY

JOHN GLENN–EXCLUSIVE NEWSREEL FOOTAGE OF HIS FAMOUS FLIGHT FROM MOVIETONE NEWS

TRUMP IN TRANSITION– PETER KATZ, VETERAN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT EXAMINES MR. T’S POWER LINEUP

DEVELOPING WHITE PLAINS– THE APARTMENTS JUST KEEP ON COMIN’

THE MAYOR MOVES TO FORM AN ACTION PLAN ON BLACK AND LATINO YOUTH FALLING BEHIND IN ACADEMICS, EMPLOYMENT, COLLEGE READINESS!

SEE THE NEWS THAT’S NOT FAKE

 ON YOUTUBE INSTANTLY AT

OR
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WINTERFEST IN WHITE PLAINS ALL WEEK LONG THROUGH SUNDAY

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In White Plains 
A special shopping experience
for the Holiday Season
Court St. between Martine Ave. & Main St.
From Saturday, 12/10 through Sunday, 12/18 

Open Daily: 11am – 7pm
Artisan Crafts
Get started with your holiday list and visit our talented artists for handcrafted gifts.
Artisan Food
Enjoy a smorgasbord of artisanal foods and treat yourselves with mouth-watering creations.
City of White Plains Recreation and Parks Department, 85 Gedney Way, White Plains,, NY 10605
 
 
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READER REMINDS MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL, MAMARONECK WON ITS FIGHT WITH HAMPSHIRE COUNTRY CLUB

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WPCNR LETTER TICKER. DECEMBER 7, 2016:

Dear Mayor Roach and Members of the Common Council :

As you may know, the Village of Mamaroneck has successfully defeated a Federal lawsuit for money damages brought by a developer that wishes to build on the defunct Hampshire County Club. http://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/westchester/2016/11/30/hampshire-country-club-lawsuit/94597154/   Interestingly, the lawyer for the Hampshire developer is none other than Michael Zarin, counsel for FASNY (French American School of New York. This result brings to mind Mr. Zarin’s threats to sue White Plains for damages in Federal Court if  FASNY does not get its way in respect to developing the Ridgeway CC property.  

Media reports show that the Village of Mamaroneck was faced with similar threats by the Hampshire team yet municipal leadership stood behind its zoning laws and defeated the damages claim.

 It is heartening to see that the leader of a nearby municipality has the wisdom to resist improper development and defend a baseless lawsuit, notwithstanding the expense of doing the right thing:

“This decision upholds the village’s right to determine its own
destiny,” Mayor Norm Rosenblum said of the
Nov. 18 ruling. “One of the most important things about any
municipality is zoning because it determines the character of the
village and that’s just what was reinforced in this decision.” (emphasis
added).

As you review the latest FASNY submission, we respectfully request
that you keep in mind the story of Hampshire CC and Mamaroneck — a
municipality can and should make land use decisions without being
intimidated by fear of a lawsuit.

Joseph L. DeMarzo
White Plains, NY

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75 Years Ago Today: Pearl Harbor — The Day of Infamy

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Out of the Sun

A Memorial 

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Out of the sun on quiet Sunday morning they came

Birds of death blazened with red suns raining fiery havoc on Battleship Row.

One by one, ruthless planes dove, destroyed wantonly to their nation’s eternal shame.

Thunderous explosions scattered fiery death in Sunday dawn’s glow.

Flames belched from bowels of stricken Arizona, America’s pride,

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On Hickam Field pilots raced to planes to defend 

As their birds were crippled on ground by Zeros’ glide

Gunners in turrets on ships floundering filled skies with flack’s din.

In search of aircraft carriers, marauders could not find

Ruthlessly strafed and bombed leaving Pearl

 Smoking ruin. Ships sunk, burning as raiders flew  back into the Sun

 

The day of infamy had been ignited in the Zeros’ swirl.

 America listened a world away, somber FDR

Spoke of this day that will live in infamy.

America must never forget that Pearl Harbor Scar

When an unsuspecting America slept in complacency.

To the 2,403 perishing that day under merciless bombs

Hails of bullets,terror of torpedos out of nowhere

America must remember forces against our freedoms

Relentlessly work always to  remain aware of surprise of deadly bombs’ glare.

Vigilence is the price of freedom always to be defended

Against those who would destroy our republic from within

By dark forces in far off places we have offended.

 

The answer is not curtailing freedom at home rather it to champion.

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The USS Arizona lies today  in Pearl’s waters, bleeding lives

Of her men through the eerie eternal slick marking the rusting hulk.

Beneath Pearl’s waters, the blood of free people oozes from the shadowy bulk,

Bleeding forever, freedom’s spirit living eternally in lost lives remembered.

The Arizona never rests.

 Note: The Pearl Harbor attack took place 75 years ago today at 7 A.M. Honolulu time –just about 12 noon Eastern Standard Time.  Its aftermath is dramatically depicted at

http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/events/wwii-pac/pearlhbr/pearlhbr.htm

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WHITE PLAINS WEEK DEC. 2 SHOW ON YOUTUBE AND WHITEPLAINSWEEK.COM NOW

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JOHN BAILEY, JIM BENEROFE AND PETER KATZ

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ON

THE NEW WHITE PLAINS MALL PROJECT

THE SHOW OF SUPPORT FOR IMMIGRANTS IN WHITE PLAINS–EXCLUSIVE PETER KATZ VIDEO AND INTERVIEWS

PETER KATZ INSIGHTFUL REGULAR FEATURE —

TRUMP IN TRANSITION

THE MILLION DOLLAR SALES TAX SLOWDOWN?

PLAYLAND DEAL STALLS–NO STANDARD AMUSEMENTS O.K. YET.

THE AT&T BUILDING SALE

PEARL HARBOR 75 YEARS AGO ON DECEMBER 7–A LOOK BACK WITH REAL HISTORIC FOOTAGE OF THE ATTACK ON THE DAY OF INFAMY

AND MORE

INSTANTLY ON

YOUTUBE

AND
 
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THE BID REPORTS ON WHITE PLAINS HOLIDAY EVENTS

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Monday, December 12 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Strategic Plan Presentation

Presentation of the new Strategic Plan for the Downtown White Plains Transit District. Celebrate the hard work done to improve the City’s future. This public meeting will be located in The Reckson Building at 360 Hamilton Avenue.

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ARTSWESTCHESTER

31 Mamaroneck Avenue, (914) 428-4220, artswestchester.org

Now – Saturday, January 14

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001RNYh4Vf454BsVHBdv7maiYtOCDOE-PjNm3ZKdAxJ5d7dqVCxqP1POu8_xxhGiFCJJMSXXGysDSMauJNzRtbx-72CBnX4YIaOW8MmqtnhkYyzgXaAjOnR4k9_e0WZuOfpKaGLk7-ZAwFnq5F8e_tIQeHqZ7fHGie_suHLXirulk0HXVNkMGUqYsVimh-v80JpAwWBdWuYvtlzVMxCqSiUA1-xUwqJeCdvjvv0m9xga-8=&c=wqIGB_mn8lU_KNByrL-9s83E_qRcYV37kZeNlWhWpGTPd-nHyuXy2w==&ch=7bj2Y_S2FuT-C9F7oC3_J0VzpGVqj7MdjmRZP7PexTvshmzCW4B0Ew== REMEDY, an Exhibition
“Remedy” explores the many ways humankind attempts to ameliorate society’s modern ailments (mental, physical, and beyond) through art. Working across media, the contributing artists engage with the tools, institutions, and methods of healing, as well as the role artists and art can play in the process of personal and collective healing. Gallery hours are noon to 5 pm. Learn more.
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BARNES & NOBLE
City Center, 230 Main Street, (914) 397-2420, stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2202
FOR CHILDREN:
Friday, December 2 at 7 pm

The Polar Express Pajama Storytime

Come in your PJs and join Barnes & amp; Noble for a magical evening as they host their annual Polar Express Storytime. Coloring and activities to follow, including writing a Dear Santa letter.

Saturday, December 3 at 11 am

How the Grinch Stole Christmas Storytime

Celebrate all things Grinch with a reading of the classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Barnes & Noble will have good deed badges and tracking booklets for kids to log all the good things they do this holiday season. Activities to follow.

Saturday, December 3 at 12:30 pm, and Sunday, December 4 at 12:30 pm

Photos With Santa Claus

Join Barnes & Noble for an afternoon of holiday festivities including photos with Santa Claus, Storytime and activities with Santa’s Elves and face painting.

FOR ADULTS:

Saturday, December 3 at 10 am

Educator Holiday Shopping

Pre-K through 12 educators are invited to a special holiday shopping event. Educators will receive a 25% discount on books, toys, games, movies, music and more. Plus, 10% off Café consumables and select NOOK® devices.

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BEAD EVERYTHING
175 East Post Road, (914) 644-8191, beadeverything.com
Wednesday, November 30 from 6 pm – 8 pm

Ladies Night

Join Bead Everything for their Ladies Night. Every second and fourth Wednesday night, stop by and bead, chat, snack, and shop with friends. Ladies Night is free to attend, just call ahead to let them know you’re going.

Bead Everything offers classes for every skill level. Call (914) 644-8191 to register and pre-pay.

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Thursday, December 1 at 10 am
Introductory Class: Wire Wrapping

Friday, December 2 at 11 am

Unwinding Beauty
Saturday, December 3 at 10 am
Introductory Class: Stringing
Saturday, December 3 at 10:30 am
Poinsetia Bracelet and Earrings Set
Sunday, December 4 at 11 am
Swarovski Heart
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CITY CENTER 15: CINEMA DE LUX
Saturday, December 3 from 2 pm – 6 pm

Free Holiday Cookie Decorating

Celebrate the season at City Center 15: Cinema de Lux at their free holiday cookie decorating event.

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FORME URGENT CARE

7-11 South Broadway, (914) 723-4900

Now – Friday, December 9

Spread The Warmth Annual Coat Drive

Donate a gently used or new coat to those in need. Drop off coats in Forme Urgent Care’s waiting area.

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GRACE CHURCH OF WHITE PLAINS
33 Church Street, (914) 949-0384, www.DTMusic.orgNoonday Concerts at Grace Church
30 minute concerts, Wednesdays at 12:10 pm. Free admission, donations are greatly appreciated.

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LA BOCCA RISTORANTE

8 Church Street, (914) 948-3281, www.laboccaristorante.com

ornaments_in_a_row.jpgThursday, December 1 from
6:30 pm – 10 pm

Holiday Botique

Moms of White Plains presents their 1st Annual Holiday Botique at La Bocca Ristorante. Great vendors, raffles, wine, appetizers from the chef, and more.

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VINO 100

171 Mamaroneck Avenue, (914) 949-8466, www.vino100whiteplains.com

Saturday, December 3 from noon – 5 pm

11th Annual Grand Tasting

Join Vino 100 for their biggest event of the year. Dozens of open bottles, food, and a great time. Free and no RSVP needed.

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WHITE PLAINS PUBLIC LIBRARY
100 Martine Avenue, (914) 422-1400, whiteplainslibrary.org

FOR ADULTS:

Wednesdays, from 12:15 pm – 1 pm

Lunchtime Meditation

A weekly Meditation program at the library. No registration or equipment necessary. Starts promptly at 12:15pm with the first few minutes devoted to beginning instruction.

DINING AND NIGHTLIFE
Dinin’, dancin’, and just plain fun…
MUSE PAINTBAR

84 Mamaroneck Avenue
(914) 506-5900
musepaintbar.com

Tuesday, November 29 at 6:30 pm

Elizabeth Park Masterpiece

Create more detailed art in a smaller class size. Learn more and sign up.

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THE MELTING POT
30 Mamaroneck Avenue

(914) 993-6358
www.meltingpot.com/white-plains-ny

Monday, December 5 – Thursday, December 8
Midweek Romantic Getaway
The holiday season is the perfect time for a date night. Join The Melting Pot for a French inspired fondue experience. Dinner for two is just $59 per couple and includes cheese fondue, entrees, and chocolate covered strawberries with champagne. Book now, and ask for special seating in our Lover’s Lane section.
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SAVE THE DATES
Upcoming Events…
Saturday, December 10 – Sunday, December 18 from 11 am – 7 pm

White Plains WinterFest Holiday Market

Artisan food, craft vendors, and live music. Located on Court Street between Main Street and Martine Avenue.

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Wednesdays at 12:10

Noonday Concerts at Grace Church

30 minute concerts. Free admission, donations are greatly appreciated.

December 14 – Ephemerals: Thomas Bagwell, piano; Gilda Lyons, voice
December 21 – Angelica, women’s chamber choir
January 11 – Jenny J. Lee, piano
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Five Charged in White Plains Federal Court with $33 Million Mortgage Fraud Conspiracy

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WPCNR FBI WIRE. From the Federal Bureau of Investigation. December 1. 2016:

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Christina Scaringi, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the Northeast Region of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”), today announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging five defendants with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, wire fraud, and mail fraud in connection with a debt-elimination scheme to defraud homeowners and banks.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated:  “The defendants allegedly preyed on vulnerable homeowners struggling with their mortgage payments and, with their greed, victimized them further.

When the defendants were done with the victims, after falsely promising to reduce or even eliminate their mortgage debt for fees, these homeowners were left much worse off, in even greater debt.  With the charges today, and thanks to the investigative work of the FBI and HUD, the defendants now face federal fraud charges.”

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney stated:

“As charged, the defendants exploited a program designed to help cost-burdened individuals enjoy the privilege of affordable housing.  Crimes of this nature not only hurt their victims financially, but often force upon them other forms of anguish while harming the financial integrity of the very programs established to help them. We urge everyone to protect themselves against this type of fraud and abuse.  If something doesn’t sound right, trust your instincts and do some checking. If you think you may be or have been a victim of mortgage fraud, we urge you to contact your nearest FBI office.”

HUD-OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Christina Scaringi stated:

“HUD’s reverse mortgage program was created to help our senior citizens find greater financial security through FHA-insured loans.  The defendants’ alleged scheme to unjustly enrich themselves through the victimization of our senior citizens is a shameful act that will not be tolerated by the HUD OIG.  We will continue to aggressively pursue those who would prey on America’s senior citizens and encourage anyone having knowledge of such schemes to contact our HUD hotline.”

As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in White Plains federal court[1]:

In at least 2011 and 2012, BRUCE LEWIS, 65, JACQUELINE GRAHAM, 47, and an unindicted co-conspirator were partners in a business that they called the Pillow Foundation or the Terra Foundation (collectively, “Terra”).  Terra held itself out as a business that would investigate and eliminate mortgage debt in exchange for a fee.  Terra solicited clients who were having difficulties making their mortgage payments.

ANTHONY VIGNA, 59, was a lawyer who worked in-house at Terra and provided legal services to it and its clients.  ROCCO CERMELE, 54, was Terra’s director of operations who recruited clients, among other duties.  PAULA GUADAGNO, 58, was a real estate title professional who performed real estate title work for Terra.

LEWIS, GRAHAM, VIGNA, CERMELE, GUADAGNO, and others at Terra told potential clients that Terra could eliminate their mortgage debt in exchange for a fee.  In reality, Terra filed fraudulent discharges of mortgages at local county clerk’s offices in Westchester and Putnam Counties and in Connecticut.  These fraudulent documents made it appear as if Terra’s clients’ mortgages had been discharged, when in fact they had not.

To profit from their scheme, Terra and the defendants charged monthly fees that they said covered, among other things, audits of the clients’ properties that they often failed to perform.  Terra and the defendants also encouraged their clients to take out second or reverse mortgages on the properties for which Terra had claimed to have discharged the first mortgages.

Once the clients had taken out these second or reverse mortgages, Terra and the defendants retained substantial portions of the proceeds.  Some of these second or reverse mortgages were made under HUD’s Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Program.

In total, Terra and the defendants filed nearly 60 fraudulent discharges in Westchester and Putnam Counties in New York and in Connecticut.  The fraudulent discharges claimed to discharge mortgages with a total loan principal of over $33 million.  In reality, the Terra clients for whom the fraudulent discharges were filed were often left with both a second or reverse mortgage and their original mortgage that had not actually been discharged.

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VIGNA, CERMELE, and GUADAGNO were taken into federal custody this morning and were presented in White Plains federal court this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy.  LEWIS and GRAHAM remain at large.

Each defendant is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bank fraud, and mail fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine.  The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencings of the defendants would be determined by the judge.

Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and HUD-OIG.  Mr. Bharara also thanked the Westchester and Putnam County District Attorney’s Offices and the Cheshire Police Department in Cheshire, Connecticut, for their ongoing assistance in the case.

This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division.  Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Beidel, Michael Maimin, and James McMahon are in charge of the prosecutions.

US v. Bruce Lewis et al. Indictment.pdfUS v. Bruce Lewis et al. Indictment.pdfThe charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the descriptions of the Indictment set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

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