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.

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Swingin’ Sunday on April 10, 2016 Will Support Enrichment Programs in White Plains Public Schools

Fred Seiler, retiring after ten years as White Plains School District budget crafter, presenting the proposed 2016-17 budget this week. The Friends of White Plains Public Schools will honor him in a fundraiser April 10.

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From Friends of White Plains Public Schools. March 19, 2016:

The Friends of White Plains Public Schools is proud to announce that we will host Swingin’ Sunday, an evening of dining, music and dance, on Sunday, April 10, 2016, from 5 to 8 pm at Westchester Hills Golf Club in White Plains. 

Entertainment will be provided by students in the  White Plains public schools.  The evening will also include a Special Tribute to Fred Seiler, Assistant Superintendent for Business, who will be retiring at the end of the year.

The evening features a buffet dinner with wine, and a “Rockin’ Raffle”, with dozens of prizes from a 40” Smart TV to a weekend in Manhattan.  Sponsorships and ads in the Event Journal are also available. More information about the event can be found at http://www.nycharities.org/Events/EventLevels.aspx?ETID=8875, where event tickets, sponsorships, journal advertisements, and raffle tickets, can be purchased.

Through the generosity of the White Plains community, the Friends of White Plains Public Schools has provided more than $300,000 in grants to the District for enrichment programs led by poets, playwrights, historians, dancers and authors.  These programs, recommended and directed by teachers in all White Plains schools, stimulate our students’ imaginations and encourage them to expand their horizons and their skills.

The Friends of White Plains Public Schools is an all-volunteer 501-c-3 non-profit. Learn more and join us at www.FriendsofWPPS.org.

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WPCNR THE FEINER REPORT. By Town of Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner. CORRECTED BY TOWN OF GREENBURGH DUE TO TOWN ERROR. March 16, 2016:

Editor’s Note: The Town of Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner sent out an e-mail Wednesday afternoon to property owners in Greenburgh announcing the new reassessments are in the mail,

THIS EVENING HE SENT OUT ANOTHER E MAIL CORRECTING THE FIRST, REPORTING THAT INSTEAD OF 42% OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES INCREASING IN ASSESSED VALUE, 40% OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES DECREASED. 

 He noted that the results of the reassessment were not in line with the traditional thought that the 1/3 rule often used by advocates of reassessment (i.e., 1/3 of properties increase, 1/3 decrease and 1/3 do not change in assessment) did not hold true.

In the reassessment statistics, Mr. Feiner reports that 40% of Commercial propeties DECREASED IN ASSESSED VALUE and 47% stayed the same, while 12% of Commercial properties INcreased.  He also noted that 34% of residential properties increased, 42% remained the same and 24% decreased in value.

Here is Mr. Feiner’s message to property owners as the assessments fan out from the White Plains border to the banks of the Hudson River:

“This week residents of the town will receive a letter with the new assessed values. We are getting closer to finalizing our first town wide reassessment since 1956.  The goal is for people to pay their fair share of taxes.  At the present time two homeowners, living next door to each other, could be paying thousands of dollars more or less in property taxes even though their homes were built by the same developer and their homes are similar.  Not fair!

Over the years the town has been issuing as much as $10 million dollars in refunds per year in  Certiorari and Residential Small Claims proceedings.  That money was / is coming from your property taxes.  If a commercial property owner- for example – files a certiorari and receives a refund of $1,000,000 the town, school district, county and fire district have to find other means to make up this shortfall: eliminating programs or increasing taxes.

Until the State Legislature changes the Real Property Tax Law we will never totally eliminate these proceedings but by doing a reassessment, we will surely mitigate the dollar refunds we have been experiencing.  Reassessment will result in more stability and predictability. Town, fire district and school officials will have a better idea how much revenue we will take in annually.   We will also be able to save significant dollars by not having to defend as many certiorari claims in court.

A little about the revaluation project and statistics:  as you may have heard in most cases, 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 property taxes increase, stay the same, decrease.  Our analysis shows this was not quite the case in Greenburgh.  The analysis showed the following:

    PROPERTY TAX DISTRIBUTION (CORRECTED BY TOWN OF GREENBURGH DUE TO AN EARLIER ERROR)

Property Type       Increase           Stays the same           Decrease

Residential                34%                         42%                        24%       

Commercial               12%                         47%                     40%                       

Condo/Coop              14%                         82%                      3.4%                     

Vacant Land                3%                         59%                        38%       

A lot of the properties in the Residential 24% increase range, is due to new construction and additions.

As you are aware, taxes in NY especially in our area of the state have imposed a burden that some can no longer bare.  While your property may have been fairly assessed, there were many that were significantly under assessed and therefore, the reality is- you may have been subsidizing the under assessed property owners.

Again, we want to stop all the Certiorari’s and residential Small Claims refunds and only want everyone to pay their fair share of property taxes based on the market value of your home.

The notice you receive will come in a Town of Greenburgh envelope with IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT / TAX INFORMATION on the front,  PLEASE do not throw it out.

There are two (2) pages; one is an explanation of your assessment notice and the other is your assessment notice.  It will show your old and new assessed values, along with your 2015 property taxes and what your 2015 taxes would have been if the new assessments were in place.

If you feel your assessment represents the market value of your home as of July 1, 2015, there is nothing for you to do.

However, if you feel your assessment does not represent the market value as of the date above, Contact Tyler Technologies to set an appointment to discuss your new assessment.  In the meantime, the more information you have, the better.  For example, photos, appraisal, market analysis from a realtor, if just purchased, a copy of your contract/closing statement/sales listing sheet, just to name a few.

Anyone who requests an appointment will get the opportunity to be heard! DON’T BE INTIMIDATED!  There will be some early evening hour appointments.

It’s an easy informal process.   The phone lines will be busy – please be .patient  Please call Tyler  Technologies no later than April 8th, 2016 to make an appointment.  Appointments will be scheduled during normal business hours with limited evening and weekend appointments as well.  You DO NOT have to hire an attorney or a tax representative.  The process is easy and free – no need to pay a representative at this point, as I am sure you have received several letters regarding challenging your assessment.

If you are dissatisfied with the result from Tyler Technologies you still have a right to file a formal grievance (between June 1st – June 21ST).

I hope you had a good experience when dealing with Tyler Technologies and feel we kept you abreast of the projects process and procedures. The Town Board approved legislation requiring that assessment rolls be maintained and updated.

I am available if you want to share your feelings about this topic or any other. Please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com. You can also call me at 989 1545 (office), 438 1343 (cell) or 478-1219 (home) anytime.

PAUL FEINER

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. BY JOHN F. BAILEY. MARCH 15, 2016:

IN THE FIRST PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED WHITE PLAINS SCHOOL BUDGET MONDAY EVENING AT 5 HOMESIDE LANE, ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FOR BUSINESS FRED SEILER PRESENTING HIS LAST BUDGET FOR THE SCHOOL DISTRICT PRESENTED A NEW BUDGET OF $208,550,000–$780,000 LESS THAN THE $209,300,000 PREVIOUSLY PROJECTED.

Assistant Superintendent for Business Fred Seiler presenting the new, lowered 2016-17 School Budget Monday night.

HE TOLD WPCNR DECREASE IN THE PROJECTED BUDGET WAS MADE POSSIBLE  BY A $2,182,720 INCREASE IN STATE AID BRINGING TOTAL STATE AID TO WP TO $22,357,000. SEILER TOLD WPCNR THIS THIS IS THE MOST STATE AID WHITE PLAINS HAS RECEIVED IN 25 YEARS.

THE NEW AID CUT THE PROJECTED TAX RATE FROM $230 PER THOUSAND DOLLARS OF ASSESSED VALUE TO $215.61. HAD AID NOT BEEN INCREASED THE HIGHER AMOUNT MOST LIKELY WOULD HAVE PREVAILED SINCE THE FLAT ASSESSMENT ROLE WOULD NOT KEEP PACE WITH THE ALLOWED TAX CAP INCREASE ROLLING OVER THE BUDGET

THE TOTAL BUDGET INCREASE IS 1.34% COMPARED TO THIS YEAR’S BUDGET INCREASE OF 2.95%.

THE TOTAL BUDGET IS $208,550,000. THE PROPERTY TAX INCREASE 1/3 OF A PERCENT.

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WPCNR FBI WIRE From the Federal Bureau of Investigation March 11, 2016:

A four-count indictment was unsealed today in United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York charging sixteen defendants with four narcotics trafficking conspiracies, including conspiracies to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base (crack cocaine), ethylone (molly), and marijuana.  The defendants are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Anne Y. Shields at the federal courthouse in Central Islip.

The charges were announced by Robert L. Capers, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Diego Rodriguez, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); James J. Hunt, Special Agent-in-Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); and Michael Tangney, Commissioner, Long Beach Police Department (LBPD).

“This indictment should serve as notice to all gang members – we will not tolerate the flooding of our streets with illegal drugs.  We are committed to rooting out all drug trafficking and gang activity on Long Island,” stated United States Attorney Capers.  Mr. Capers thanked the FBI, DEA Long Island Drug Task Force and LBPD for their assistance with the government’s investigation.

“Today, 16 members and associates of the Latin Kings Gang are facing charges related to drug trafficking in parts of Long Island.  When criminal operatives and gangs bring in illegal drugs into our neighborhoods, they also bring violence, turf wars and other criminal activity.  The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to dismantle gang activity and keep our communities safe,” said FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Diego Rodriguez.

DEA Special Agent-in-Charge Hunt stated, “Today’s arrests have dismantled an alleged drug gang that preyed upon the Long Beach community.  The indictment charges that this organization illegally distributed cocaine, crack cocaine, ethylone and marijuana; all of which furthered crime, addiction, and violence.  Law enforcement worked collaboratively to reclaim this neighborhood for the law abiding citizens who deserve to live without intimidation, fear, and drug trafficking.”

LBPD Commissioner Tangney stated, “The Long Beach Police Department is very appreciative of the assistance the FBI and DEA provided to the LBPD in this joint operation.  Removing these dangerous individuals from our streets makes this community that much safer.  This joint investigation was very successful and demonstrates that when federal and local law enforcement work together, great results are achieved.”

As alleged in the government’s detention memorandum, the indictment is the product of a two-year investigation during which law enforcement identified the most prolific narcotics traffickers in the Long Beach area, including numerous members and associates of the Latin Kings street gang.  Court-authorization was then obtained to intercept telephone communications between the defendants, all of whom were intercepted on multiple occasions engaging in narcotics trafficking activities.  The charged conspiracies involved over 50 kilograms of cocaine, five kilograms of crack cocaine, two kilograms of molly, and 500 pounds of marijuana.

If convicted of the charges in the indictment, Amparo, A. Andujar, R. Andujar, Cerda, Cobb, Curry, Diggs, Fernandez, Ojedis, Ramirez, and Rupay face a maximum of life imprisonment.  Ayala, Collins, Vanroten, and Wilson face a maximum of 40 years’ imprisonment, and Labella faces a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment.  The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The government’s case is being prosecuted by the office’s Long Island Criminal Division.  Assistant United States Attorneys Lara Treinis Gatz, Mark E. Misorek, and Grace M. Cucchissi are in charge of the prosecution.

The Defendants:

Jose Giovanny Amparo
Age: 46
Bronx, New York

Amanda Andujar
Age: 26
Baldwin, New York

Roxanne Andujar
Age: 36
Baldwin, New York

Jordan Ayala
Age: 20
Long Beach, New York

Fernando Cerda
Age: 38
Long Beach, New York

Tysaun Cobb
Age: 24
Hempstead, New York

Arthur Collins
Age: 38
Island Park, New York

Travis Curry
Age: 37
Long Beach, New York

Sean Diggs
Age: 28
Long Beach, New York

Nelson Fernandez
Age: 35
Long Beach, New York

Frank Labella
Age: 35
Oceanside, New York

Daniel Ojedis
Age: 37
Baldwin, New York

Anthony Ramirez
Age: 29
Hempstead, New York

Ronald Rupay
Age: 35
Long Beach, New York

Gregory Vanroten
Age: 38
Baldwin, New York

Sly Wilson
Age: 30
Long Beach, New York

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“The Prelude” the first building in the Winbrook Revitalization Project of the White Plains Housing Authority was officially opened today. It is believed to be fully occupied with residents moved from 335 Lexington Avenue…and the education center on the first floor is conducting classes. Students from the cooking school served specialties to invited guests.

WPCNR WEST SIDE STORY. March 10, 2017:

A opening was held this morning at The Prelude, as previously named, the first to be completed building as part of the the Winbrook Revitalization Project. The building, constructed by Jonathan Rose Associates at a cost of $42 Million, with the Housing and Urban Development office paying $3.5 Million and the City of White PLAINS $1.5 Million for the first floor education, was officially opened today with county and federal and city officials attending. Demolition on the vacated building behind The Prelude is scheduled to begin shortly to make way for the second building of an original 7 buildings.

As previously reported by WPCNR:

“The project was originally aproved in 2006. And due to HUD withdrawing its promise of financing for complete rebuild of 7 buildings, the rebuild is proceeding one building at a time. WPCNR has learned the second building will be put out to bid shortly.

The Prelude is the first, and was begun in 2013, after HUD agreed to finance half the $5 Million cost of the first floor training center. The building was built and financed for $42 Million by Jonathan Rose Associates.

At the time that change in plan, that occurred in 2011, WPCNR reported:

” The Common Council approved the first step in the ongoing Winbrook Revitalization Project, approving a 10-story building,housing an Education Center , which will be built first, however funding is only available for the first floor housing the education center on the first floor.

The city is funding $1.5 Million of the project and the Housing and Urban Development, $3,500,000 as of this spring. The Housing and Urban Development press office in New York confirmed to WPCNR, HUD is still funding the $3.5 Million “only for the education facility,” the spokesman explained.

During the 2012 hearing on the Winbrook project, William Null, the attorney for the enterprise said in response to a question by Council President Beth Smayda that plans for subsequent buildings in the project would be submitted on a project-by-project basis and built individually according to the individual’s financial model, and not as part of a connected project.

Design, Null said would depend on whom the Housing Authority was working with to develop each building in the future, so, Null suggested that it was somewhat impossible to present the kind of comprehensive (building)plan that Smayda suggested.

The architect for the project (Dattner Architects) stepped up to say that the Authority had not applied for the financing yet, because it needed  approval to do so and would be applying to state agencies for tax credit financing after approval.  The Housing and Urban Development agency in Washington told the authority in the spring of this year (2012), its funds were no longer available for financing the entire project.

Previously, a delay in applying for HUD financing for the entire rebuilding fell through possibly in part because the White Plains Housing Authority missed the deadline to apply for HUD financing, which might have secured the financing before the financial crisis of 2008

The Winbrook Revitalization plan began almost 10 years ago  in the Joseph Delfino Administration when a coordinated design vision of the project  from the White Plains Housing Authority envisioning a mixed  subsidized housing and market rate housing, consisting of 7 new buildings with a coordinated design was displayed. The 450 tenants of Winbrook were assured at the time new buildings would be built one at a time and no tenants would be displaced during construction.

The city rezoned the Winbrook/Lexington Avenue site as mixed use, allowing retail on the street level of the complex. An agreement was struck where the Department of Housing and Urban Development would finance the project.

As economic conditions deteriorated beginning in 2008, HUD informed the Housing Authority it would no longer fund the project.