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The “CONTINUUM’ RISING AT 55 BANK STREET LAST WEEK
WPCNR WEST SIDE STORY. From LCOR. November 16, 2016:
LCOR’s latest luxury development at 55 Bank Street in White Plains, NY has been named Continuum.
Signage is slated to go up within the next month at the project, which will feature 561 rental units, 6,345 square feet of retail space and 570 parking spaces.
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THE WHITE PLAINS PLANNING BOARD, AFTER A PRESENTATION BY THE FRENCH AMERICAN SCHOOL OF NEW YORK TUESDAY EVENING VOTED TO APPROVE THE NEW REVISED SITE PLAN LIMITING DEVELOPMENT OF THE FORMER RIDGEWAY COUNTRY CLUB PROPERTY TO THE PARCEL A-CLOSEST TO RIDGEWAY AVENUE WITH ENTRANCE TO THE SCHOOL ON HATHAWAY LANE. THE VOTE WAS UNANIMOUS, 7-0.
YOU MAY VIEW THE PLANNING BOARD ACTION AND THE COMMENTS OF THE FASNY LEGAL TEAM ON THE NEW SITE PLAN ON THE CITY OF WHITE PLAINS WEBSITE AT
http://whiteplainsny.swagit.com/play/11152016-1748
THE NEW PLANNING BOARD WAS ALSO INTRODUCED, FEATURING JOHN IORIS AS CHAIR OF THE PLANNING BOARD, AND ABSENT THE LONGTIME OPPONENT OF THE FASNY PROJECT, ROBERT STACKPOLE
THE NEW PLANNING BOARD CONSISTS OF:
John J. Ioris, Chair
Justin Brasch
Anna Cabrera
John Durante
P. Lynn Oliva
Sarina Russell
Jon F. Westlund
The plan still has to be approved by the Common Council which now awaits comments from the various city departments.
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WPCNR SCAM SCREENER. From Westchester Legislator Benjamin Boykin. November 15, 2016:
Con Edison is joining with energy companies across the country to get word to customers that they need to be cautious about people who call their home or business demanding an instant payment.
(Podcast: Listen to Con Edison officials talk about how customers can avoid being scammed: http://bit.ly/2fMW7vM)
Scam callers posing as Con Edison representatives are an ongoing, frequent and dangerous problem for the company’s customers. The company receives dozens of complaints each week about calls to customers’ homes and businesses from scammers demanding immediate payment and threatening a service shutoff.
Con Edison and more than two dozen companies have formed a partnership seeking to warn customers not to fall for the scams.
The companies are calling Nov. 16 “Utilities United Against Scams Day.” The day will be part of a week-long campaign to provide customers with information on the tricks scammers use, and tips customers can use to protect themselves.
(Podcast: Listen to Con Edison officials talk about how customers can avoid being scammed: http://bit.ly/2fMW7vM)
Scam callers claiming to be from Con Edison often tell a customer that service is going to be shut off due to unpaid bills unless the customer purchases a pre-paid card or arranges for a transfer via MoneyGram to pay a bill.
These callers are not from Con Edison and Con Edison does not accept payments of electric or gas bills by pre-paid debit cards, by MoneyGram or similar transfers.
The scammers sometimes even tell the customer about a store near the customer’s home or business that sells pre-paid cards. The scammer instructs the customer to pay cash to put money on the card and to then provide the number on the card to the person who called.
Once the customer provides the scammer with the card number, the scammer steals the money.
There have even been reports of these scammers making a Con Edison phone number show up on the customer’s caller ID.
With MoneyGram, scammers may ask a customer to provide money from a bank account, credit card or debit card by going online or to a specified location. The money goes into someone else’s bank account or is available for the receiver to pick up in cash.
Be alert if anyone asks you by telephone to arrange for pre-paid debit cards or a MoneyGram transfer as payment for your bill, or to send money to an out-of-state address. Never arrange payment or divulge account or personal information, including debit or credit card information, over the telephone, unless you are certain you are speaking to a Con Edison representative.
Con Edison urges customers to never provide a Social Security number, credit card number or banking information to anyone requesting it unless you initiated the contact and know the identity of the person you are speaking with.
Anyone who feels they may have been a target of a payment scam should call their local police department. They may also call Con Edison at 1-800-75-CONED.
For more information on avoiding scams, go to http://conedscamalert.com/.
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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-EXAMINER. From the Westchester County Department of Communications. November 15, 2016:
Reacting to anti-Semitic and anti-black graffiti scrawled along the Bronx River bike path in White Plains, County Executive Robert P. Astorino made it clear today that hate speech has no place in Westchester.
“Bigotry in any of its forms will not be tolerated in Westchester,” said Astorino, who was joined by James Castro-Blanco, the executive director of the Westchester County Human Rights Commission, and George Longworth, commissioner of the Westchester County Police, at a press conference at the scene of the vandalism just south of the Metro North train station. “This type of activity is criminal and will be prosecuted.”
On Sunday, Mayor Tom Roach of White Plains issued this statement on the incident:
“Today anti semitic and racist graffiti was found on the county trailway in White Plains. As a progressive and diverse community, we in White Plains stand united against this offensive act and the ignorance and hatred that spawned it.
Ironically, this outrageous act took place in county parkland near the base of Chatterton Hill where Alexander Hamilton commanded artillery during the Battle of White Plains.
The heroism and patriotism displayed that day, preserving our young nation, stands in stark juxtaposition to the cowardice and ignorance of this act which seeks to divide that nation. We will not permit it.
Upon becoming aware of this incident, I spoke directly with the County Executive’s Office and confirmed that the graffiti was being removed. The Westchester County Police will investigate this crime as it occurred on their property. The White Plains Department of Public Safety has offered assistance with the investigation. We have zero tolerance for this destructive and cowardly behavior.”
The Westchester County police received a report around 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 13, about the graffiti. The footpath and bridge were defaced with spray-painted scrawling, which included a swastika, the initials, KKK, and various racial slurs. Photos, Westchester County Police
All of the graffiti is currently being removed by the county. A police investigation is underway, and Astorino has directed Commissioner Longworth to place additional resources and surveillance in all public areas owned by the county, including more inspections of county trail ways and bike paths.
With the presidential election now over, Astorino said it was important for all sides to now come together to strengthen our nation.
“That starts with respect, and as County Executive, I want everyone to know county government will remain vigilant in its efforts to ensure that the rights, dignity and safety of all our people are protected every day.”
Astorino encouraged anyone who feels they have been the victim of discrimination to contact the county’s Human Rights Commission at (914) 995-7710 or visit the website at http://humanrights.westchestergov.com/.
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WPCNR FBI WIRE. Special to WPCNR from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. November 14,2016:
The indictment was returned under seal by a federal grand jury sitting in Brooklyn on November 1, 2016, and relates to Dabusco’s alleged activities as an Inspector with the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) and his silent partnership with Menadi in A&G Contracting Group Corp. (A&G), a demolition and excavation company. Dabusco resigned from his job as a DOB Inspector in August 2015.
The charges were announced by Robert L. Capers, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Mark G. Peters, Commissioner New York City Department of Investigation.
The indictment alleges that Dabusco served as a silent partner to Menadi in A&G in violation of the New York City law. Further, Dabusco used his official position to influence property owners and contractors, over whom Dabusco had regulatory authority, to hire A&G and Menadi to perform excavation and demolition jobs. As part of his efforts to secure business for A&G, Dabusco illegally warned contractors about impending DOB inspections. In exchange for his conduct, Dabusco received a share of A&G’s profits.
Additionally, Dabusco allegedly abused his position as a DOB Inspector by threatening punitive action against contractors and property owners in an effort to benefit Menadi and A&G. For instance, Dabusco threatened to use his authority as a DOB Inspector to shut down all of a contractor’s existing jobs if the contractor did not pay outstanding fines owed by Menadi and A&G.
“New York City’s Building Inspectors are entrusted with a vitally important public safety mission. Today’s indictment makes clear that public officials who place personal gain above this public trust and those who assist those officials in such corrupt practices, will be aggressively prosecuted. Maintaining safe buildings and safeguarding the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers demands no less,” stated United States Attorney.
“Public officials, whether elected, appointed, or employed, have a duty to maintain honest and faithful public service. Using your position to influence the decisions of others, and receiving something of value in return, is a direct violation of the law. As alleged, Dabusco may have tried to build up his business by engaging in corrupt activity, but now he’ll have to answer for his actions,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney.
DOI Commissioner Peters said, “Once again, DOI, along with its law enforcement partners, has found a City building inspector corruptly abusing his power and authority, conspiring with his co-defendant to shakedown property owners by threatening them with DOB violations, and pressuring them to steer business to a preferred contracting company, according to the charges. This investigation demonstrates the importance of coordination between the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the need for DOI to continue its enforcement efforts in the building and construction industry.”
The defendants are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Steven L. Tiscione at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn. The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Martin Coffey.
The Defendants:
MASSIMO DABUSCO
Age: 54
Yorktown Heights, New York
Vito Menadi
Age: 43
Brooklyn, New York,
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| WPCNR MILESTONES. From the Westchester Coalition for Legal Abortion. November 16, 2016:
The Westchester Coalition for Legal Abortion announced today it is devastated to share the news that Polly Rothstein, founder of WCLA and pro-choice pioneer, has passed away.
In 1970, three years before Roe v. Wade, New York State legalized abortion. Two years later, the New York State legislature moved to rescind the recently passed abortion legalization laws and Polly Rothstein’s career and our organization, WCLA, was born. Polly Rothstein, founder of WCLA (Westchester Coalition for Legal Abortion) passed away yesterday. She was a tireless fighter for our rights — never shrinking from her principles — even when they called her a murderer and baby killer. Polly ignored the insults and kept her eye on the ball. Rather than focusing on emotions, she developed an effective tactic that our organization uses to this day. She called it Pro-Choice IDEA. She understood that politics was a numbers game, and her strategy to mobilize pro-choice voters which swung elections, turned Westchester County and New York state pro-choice. If Polly taught us anything, it was the elections matter. We are deeply saddened that Polly was not able to see Hillary Clinton, who she supported, elected President of the United States. However, knowing Polly, we know how she would have reacted. She would roll up her sleeves and declare that just like in 1972, we need to make New York State a bellwether of Choice. Mr. Trump promises an anti-choice agenda. He says that abortion will go “back to the states” and Roe v. Wade will be overturned or severely curtailed. New York will need to pass the final part of the Women’s Equality Act — the Reproductive Health Act. WCLA – Choice Matters will continue to carry the torch that Polly lit over 40 years ago. We will be a light in these dark times. Join us. |
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WPCNR VIEW FROM THE 50. From Stepinac High School. November 14, 2016 UPDATED, NOVEMBER 16:
After a three year hiatus, a popular Thanksgiving Day tradition in White Plains returns Thursday, November 24 when Stepinac High School’s Crusaders and White Plains High School’s Tigers football teams compete in the Turkey Bowl to be held at White Plains High School’s Loucks Field, not Stepinac High School as originally publicized, Stepinac High School confirmed today.
The classic match-up between the friendly rival teams is expected to attract thousands of fans from both schools and the general White Plains community to Loucks Field. The contest begins at 10:30 AM, Thanksgiving Day
Tickets can be purchased only at the main offices of both schools, starting Monday, November 21. Advance prices are $5 for adults and $2 for students. The cost is $5 for all tickets when purchased on day of the game.
The Turkey Bowl dates to 1971. The Crusaders and Tigers played 42 consecutive games until 2013 when the Tigers were ineligible to play by the NY State Sports Standards because it competed in the in the Class AA state championships shortly before Thanksgiving. In 2014 and 2015, the Stepinac Crusaders were disqualified for similar reasons because they won the CHSFL AAA titles less than one week before Thanksgiving. They also went on to compete in the first-ever state CHSAA state championships shortly after Thanksgiving and captured the top honor last year.
The Stepinac Crusaders won six of the last seven Turkey Bowls including three straight wins.
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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo published this letter in the New York Daily News over the weekend, and distributed it to New Yorkers via email Sunday night, commenting on his stance as America transitions to very different administration:
Dear friend,
Last night, the New York Daily News published an open letter I wrote with my thoughts following Tuesday’s election. The letter can be found below.
Those of us who have spent time in politics know that losing is part of the experience. Still, Secretary Hillary Clinton’s defeat on Tuesday was a particularly difficult experience, heartbreaking and bewildering and indeed frightening all at once. I wanted to share some thoughts on how we must acquit ourselves in the days ahead.
As Clinton said, when Donald Trump takes office, we will owe him an open mind and a chance to lead. The fate of the ship always takes precedence over the identity of the captain, and we must loyally do our part to protect the ship.
The night he became commander-in-chief, Donald Trump said he wanted to be President of all Americans. Despite the divisiveness of the campaign, he has an opportunity to live up to that promise by acting first on issues where there is common ground with his opponents. He said he wants to govern on behalf of forgotten Americans, and any time he does that, he can count on both Democrats and Republicans to help him achieve success.
Trump also said that he wants to rebuild America’s infrastructure. In that effort, he will find New York a willing partner as the Tappan Zee Bridge, a new La Guardia Airport, a new cross-Hudson Tunnel, and a revitalized Penn Station continue to rise.
But while we honor America by honoring the results of the election, we will fight as fiercely as we can, at every opportunity that presents itself, to reject the hateful attitudes that pervaded throughout the 2016 campaign. We cannot unhear what we have heard. The voices of the Ku Klux Klan, white nationalism, authoritarianism, misogyny and xenophobia. A generally disdainful view of American ideals.
We all hoped that when we woke up on Nov. 9 the ugliness of this campaign season would finally be gone. But on the day after Election Day, a swastika and the words “make America white again” appeared, spray painted on a softball dugout in Wellsville — in our state of New York.
I cannot and will not pretend that these things are normal even if millions of Americans voted for a campaign either because of these values or in spite of them. I know there are millions more people like me — both Democrats and Republicans who reject them. As I said on other occasions, this election was for the soul of America, and that is why today so many of us feel as we do today; we are soul sick. But as we accept the results of the election, we do not accept these positions.
Americans fought these attitudes before the 2016 election, and we will fight them for as long as it takes to vanquish them. That is our mission, and our dedication to its success does not depend on the occupant of the White House. Americans pledge themselves to “one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” One election does not erase that commitment.
We Democrats are not without resources. In Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi, Democrats in Congress have leaders who are brilliant parliamentarians, and who will advance our causes even as they will provide a bulwark for our values. But let us also look to our state governments as places where progress can be made. One of the reasons why so many of the programs of President Roosevelt’s New Deal proved effective is that he had tried them out while he was governor of New York. Initiatives like Marriage Equality were enacted in New York and other states before they became the law of the land. Congress has refused to act on gun control, but we enacted a tough law in New York, and California, Nevada, and Washington strengthened their gun laws on Tuesday.
While the world struggles to come to consensus on how to combat climate change, we in New York have banned fracking and set a renewable energy standard requiring 50% of our electricity to come from renewable energy sources like wind and solar by 2030. This year in New York State, we enacted a $15-an-hour minimum wage, the nation’s best Paid Family Leave program, and dedicated more funding to education than ever before. And in this state, we accomplished these successes with a divided legislature: Democrats and Republicans coming together, proving you can be progressive and bipartisan. Indeed, there is more than one path to progress.
Soon enough we will see what proposals will find their way into the President-elect’s agenda. Already it seems almost every far-right Republican under the sun is seeing Trump’s electoral college victory a mandate to enact sweeping ideas and radical proposals, regardless of the pain that is inflicted and the turmoil that is caused. I have great faith that common sense will eventually prevail, and that our traditional American values of justice, liberty and equality will eventually rule the day. In the end, they always have.
Both Democrats and Republicans have fought for these values throughout our nation’s history — from the time when Abraham Lincoln declared we were a nation with malice toward none and charity for all, to when a young Senator from the State of Illinois said: There’s not a black America and white America and Latino America and Asian America; there’s the United States of America. The way has not always been easy, nor has the cost been cheap; but for whatever this moment demands of us, we are ready.
My father Mario Cuomo spent his entire life fighting against the death penalty, even when it wasn’t popular, even when it cost him the governorship, because he knew it was right. I will fight against the targeting of Muslims, immigrants, the LGBTQ community, and for the rights of all Americans every day I hold office and every day after that.
For our values, for our rights, for our vision of America, for the people who depend on us, we will fight. And for that, we are unwilling to compromise.
Andrew
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| November Monthly Meeting: State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins: What Albany Has in Store for White Plains |
The November Council of Neighborhood Associations Meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at 7:30 pm at Education House, 5 Homeside Lane, White Plains, NY. The Guest Speaker will be NY State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, who will reveal “How Developments in Albany Impact White Plains Residents.”
Senator Stewart-Cousins earned her B.S. and her Masters of Public Administration from Pace University. Before entering public service, she worked in sales and marketing for New York Telephone/AT&T and also worked as a reporter and teacher, then served for a decade as a Westchester County Legislator. She was first elected to the State Senate in 2006 and currently represents Greenburgh, part of White Plains, part of New Rochelle, part of Yonkers and Scarsdale.
In 2012, Senator Stewart-Cousins was elected Leader of the Senate Democratic Conference, becoming the first female leader of a legislative conference in New York State history. Ms. Stewart-Cousins has always espoused the values of empathy, empowerment and civic engagement. These values, along with her strong belief in advocating for the underserved and championing the needs of working families, have distinguished her as a trailblazer in local and State government.
Before Senator Stewart-Cousins’ presentation, Thomas Osbeck, a Keller Williams Realty Salesperson, will talk briefly about an idea he has been working on that he describes as “a grass roots concept centered around neighborhood safety and connectivity with residents.”
The meeting is open to the public — bring your friends and neighbors — and will start promptly at 7:30 pm. Light refreshments will be served.
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City of White Plains Recreation & Parks
Ebersole Ice Rink
Register for Group Ice Skating Lessons
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30 minute classes / 6 – week sessions
Session 2: December 2, 2016 – January 22, 2017
Session 3: January 27, 2017 – March 19, 2017
Class Times:
Fridays: 3:45 pm, 4:15 pm, or 4:45 pm
Saturdays: 12:15 pm, 12:45 pm, or 1:15 pm
Sundays: 11:45 am or 12:15 pm
$120 per session
For more information please contact Jennifer Netrosio, Skate School Director at 914.422.1401 or jnetrosio@whiteplainsny.gov
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