FEINER ON REASSESSMENT SITUATION–ASSESSOR TO EXPLAIN THE PROCESS ON VIDEO.

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WPCNR THE FEINER REPORT. From Town of Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner, March 22, 2016:

(Editor’s Note: The controversy among Greenburgh homeowners unhappy with their reassessments by Tyler Technologies and the company methods is abating somewhat. Supervisor Feiner tells us the situation as of Monday:)

REASSESSMENT UPDATE–A REQUEST BY ARDSLEY VETERANS FOR STATE TO PICK UP COSTS OF TAX BREAKS

Have spent some time today (Monday) discussing  Reassessment  concerns with Assessor Edye McCarthy.

Most of the people who contacted me over the weekend- highlighted the difficulty they had getting an appointment with Tyler Technologies.

The good news: Not as big a problem Monday.

Most were able to reach Tyler today. Meetings have been scheduled with Tyler & taxpayers beginning this week. There still were a few people who have tried calling and haven’t been able to get through. Hopefully, Tyler will be able to handle the call volume and schedule appointments with everyone who believes that their projected assessments need to be corrected.

A number of people have question about the  assessment process. Edye McCarthy will be taping a short  info-mercial today that I will post a link to  (by Wednesday) answering the questions that have been raised by taxpayers regarding the reassessment.  Hopefully this will help.

I spoke with State Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins and Assemblyman Tom Abinanti.

I suggested that they consider introducing legislation that would increase the amount of income senior citizens can earn to be eligible for senior citizen tax breaks. The current dollar amount, according to the Assessor, is $37,000–which is not practical for seniors living in Westchester. Trying to think of other initiatives that could be taken to help those who will be facing tax hikes as a result of reassessment.

PAUL FEINER

 (Editor’s Note: a short history of the attempt to ease the burden on veterans is noted by a letter Mr. Feiner included in his update:)

From: Frank Pagani

Subject: Veterans Urge  Action to Pass A 966 to Reform Property Tax Exemption.

The members of the Ardsley American Legion Post 458 urge the NY State Legislature to  pass A 966 that was introduced recently by Assemblyman Tom Abinanti and which Senator Carlucci has sponsored in the Senate. It would reimburse school districts that adopt the veterans alternative property tax exemption so that veterans everywhere throughout the state enjoy the benefit, not just some of us.

As you well know, the alternative veterans property tax exemption is not the first time a well-intended piece of legislation missed the mark, either at the local, town, county, state or federal level. By leaving it to the school districts to pass the measure, the result was a “Tale of 2 Cities” in which about 50% of the school districts signed on and 50% did not, most citing that the state should pick up the cost instead of the taxpayers. That is what Assemblyman Abinanti’s legislation will do, ending once and for all this glaring and unfair disparity.

Frank Pagani

Ardsley American Legion Post 458

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Senator Latimer Supports State Senate Budget.

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WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From the office of District 37 State Senator George Latimer. March 22, 2016:

 
 Senator George Latimer (D-Westchester) backed the Senate Republican’s One-House Budget Bill last Monday, as part of the process to finalize the NYS 2016-17 Budget, due to close by March 31. 
 
“No budget bill is ever perfect”, Senator Latimer stated “but there were key negotiating points in the Republican bill that made sense to be included in the coming Senate-Assembly negotiations”.
 
Specifically, Senator Latimer cited the positives in the Republican bill:
 
* Full restoration of GEA funding to schools
* Rejection of Executive plans to restructure STAR program benefits
* Presence of a proposed middle-class tax cuts for residents
* Increased library funding
* Rejection of Executive Budget transfer of MTA costs to utility ratepayers
* Additional highway repair funds for road repairs (CHIPS)
* Freezes SUNY tuition rates for 2016-17 School Year
* Increases TAP funding to assist college students
* Supports small business tax cuts
 
“The resolution also referenced a paid Family Leave program, and other important provisions, that I expect will be negotiated in the days ahead”, Latimer said. There were areas where Senator Latimer felt the resolution was deficient: assistance to our local governments through AIM; stronger Foundation aid support to schools; and minimum wage provisions.
 
“We have too much partisanship in Albany – we’re fighting the next election instead of finding compromise and agreement. I think this was another good time to take a stand for cooperation”, Latimer concluded.
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Greeburgh Town Board to Take Up Communications Problem with Their Reassessment Firm. Reassessment Defended

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WPCNR THE FEINER REPORT. From Town of Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner. March 21, 2016:

TOWN BOARD TO DISCUSS MAKING APPOINTMENTS WITH TYLER LESS STRESSFUL AND EASIER IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT REASSESSMENT

During the past few days I received a half a dozen complaints from residents who received their assessment/tax information from Tyler Technologies, the company that conducted the reassessment.  Those who contacted me have questions or feel that the assessment numbers Tyler sent them are wrong.
They tried getting through to Tyler and couldn’t.  Or were put on hold for long periods of time.  That’s unacceptable.  The Town Board will discuss difficulties residents are having getting appointments with Tyler this Tuesday morning at our work session.

Most people in the town who received their tax information got good news: no tax hike or a tax decrease.  For those who received bad news (a tax hike) it’s very stressful. Scheduling  an appointment with Tyler Technologies should be easy.

The Town Board and Assessor will discuss ways to address this on Tuesday. It’s  unacceptable for people to be having problems connecting with Tyler.

My suggestion: Since thousands of people are going to try to reach Tyler to schedule an appointment at the same time- they should let people request appointments by e mail–and promise to get back to residents promptly.  This way no one has to be put on hold for 30 minutes or hear busy signals when calling.

Tyler has agreed to meet with residents 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., 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).  So the numbers you received in the mail are tentative, subject to change.

When you have your meeting with Tyler provide them with information.  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.

If you have been trying to get through to Tyler and haven’t had success- please e mail the Town Board at townboard@greenburghny.com.  If you have had a positive experience we’d like to know that too.   I have only heard from a half dozen people (out of 30,000 parcels) so I may be over- reacting. But–in the past I have found that when six people complain about the same thing they usually represent a lot more people who don’t bother contacting me.

The last time the town conducted a reassessment was 60 years ago (that won’t happen again—the Town Board passed a law requiring assessment rolls to be updated regularly). Reassessment will create fairness.

It’s not fair for residents living in the exact kind of home in the same neighborhood to be paying thousands of dollars more or less than their neighbors.  in addition, the town, county, school and fire districts have been paying up to $10 million a year in certiorari refunds because of the failure to reassess.

Once our rolls are updated the certiorari refunds will dramatically be reduced–there will be more stability and predictability regarding your taxes. Prior to the decision of the Town Board to commence reassessment we reached out to school districts, village governments and civic leaders.

We were encouraged to initiate the reassessment. An October 11, 2011 statement from the Edgemont Community Council was critical of the town for not reassessing properties around town: “The town’s 56 year failure to conduct a town-wide reassessment is costing the Edgemont School district millions of dollars.”

It’s aggravating to hear from people whose taxes will go up. But, the entire Town Board is trying to do what is right for the town long term.

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Friends of White Plains Public Schools to Salute Fred Seiler, Assistant Superintendent for Business of White Plains Schools April 10 in annual Fund Raiser

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

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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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Chairman Kaplowitz Has a Compromise Plan that May Overcome Board of Legislator Reluctance to Approve PLAYLAND-STANDARD AMUESEMENTS DEAL

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Mike Kaplowitz, Chair of the Board of Legislators (second from left background), at a meeting of Board members at Playland after a walking tour where the alleged deteriooration of Playland buildings was viewed. At that meeting, Kaplowitz said, there were not enough votes on the Board to approve the 30 year, $58 Million dollars in new debt required by Standard Amusements to be invested by the County in Playland rehabilitation within three years.

WPCNR WAS INFORMED EARLY THIS MORNING (1 A.M.) THAT CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF LEGISLATORS MIKE KAPLOWITZ WILL PRESENT A REVISED FINANCIAL PLAN HE SAID WILL BE ACCEPTABLE TO THE BOARD OF LEGISLATORS TO THE EXTENT THEY WILL APPROVE GOING AHEAD WITH STANDARD AMUSEMENTS TAKING OVER PLAYLAND. IT IS UNCLEAR WHETHER THE ASTORINO ADMINISTRATION HAS BOUGHT INTO THE KAPLOWITZ PLAN, OR IF STANDARD AMUSEMENTS IS AGREEABLE TO THE PROPOSAL.

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Feiner–40% OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES ASSESSMENTS DECREASE; 34% OF HOMES INCREASE. 24%OF HOMES DECREASE AFTER REASSESSMENT. What to do if you disagree with your new evaluation

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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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STATE EDUCATION COMMISSIONER ADDRESSES EVERY TEACHER, PARENT CONCERN IN PUBLIC TALKS WITH PARENTS, SCHOOL BOARD AND SCHOOL DISTRICT REPS AT WHITE PLAINS HIGH.

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New York State Commissioner of Education, Maryellen Elia addressing parents and school executives from around the tricounty area at the White Plains High School Media Center Monday afternoon.

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS BY JOHN F. BAILEY. MARCH 15, 20167:

NEW YORK STATE COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION MARYELLEN ELIA ADDRESSING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, PERSONNEL FORM MANY SCHOOL DISTRICTS LATE MONDAY AFTERNOON AT WHITE PLAINS HIGH SCHOOL PROMISED VIRTUALLY ALL TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATIONS, AND PARENTS WANTED IN DESCRUBING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ONGOING PLAN FOR ADDRESSING THOSE CONSTITUENTS’ CONCERNS ABOUT COMMON CORE, ASSESSMENT TESTS, AND TEACHER EVALUATION.

STANDARDS, SHE SAID WOULD BE FORMED USING A COMMITTEE OF EDUCATORS, TEACHERS, AND ADMINISTRATORS WHICH WOULD VET THE NEW FORMED STANDARDS WITH SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND TEACHERS FOR APPROVAL.

WHITE PLAINS SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS PAUL FRIED TOLD WPCNR MONDAY EVENING THAT COMMISSIONER ELIA DID NOT SPELL OUT A TIMETABLE WHEN THE STANDARDS WOULD BE FINALIZED.

SHE PROMISED THIS YEAR’S ASSESSMENTS WOULD HAVE ALL QUESTIONS VETTED BY A PANEL OF TEACHERS WHO WOULD HAVE THE POWER TO REMOVE QUESTIONS IF THEY FELT THEY WERE INAPPROPRIATE FOR GRADE LEVELS.

SHE REPORTED THE NEW TESTS THIS YEAR WOULD BE SHORTER WITH LESS READING PASSAGE QUESTIONS, AND THAT STUDENTS SHOWING GENUINE EFFORT WOULD BE ALLOWED EXTRA TIME TO COMPLETE THE TESTS.

WPCNR ASKED THE COMMISSIONER HOW THE SUCCESS OR LACK OF SUCCESS OF THE NEW TESTS WOULD BE DETERMINED IF THE RESULTS WOULD BE MEASURE AGAINST COLLEGE READINESS TESTS OR ADVANCED PLACEMENT TEST RESULTS.

SHE TOLD WPCNR SHE IS WORKING WITH EDUCATORS FROM THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AND CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK TO DETERMINE HOW TO DETERMINE THE SUCCESS OR FAILURE OF THE NEW TESTS.

SHE ASSURED THE AUDIENCE IN THE PUBLIC SESSIONS FROM 4:45  TO 7 PM THAT THE ISSUES OF TEACHER EVALUATION (USING ASSESSMENTS OR NOT) WOULD BE NEGOTIATED WITH THE TEACHERS UNTIL ALL SIDES ARE SATISFIED WITH THE SYSTEM.

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School Budget for 2016-17 LOWERED TO $208.5 MILLION FROM $209.3 MILLION. TAX INCREASE IS 1/3 OF A PERCENT–THANKS TO NEW SCHOOL AID OF $2.2 MILLION. TAX RATE GOES UP ONE DOLLAR AND 87 CENTS

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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.

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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.

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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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The Governor on the Tug sinking in the Hudson River after striking barge early Saturday morning. The latest update. 1 Dead, 2 Missing.

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WPCNR BRIDGE NEWS. From the Governor’s Press Office. 4 P.M. EST:

GOVERNOR CUOMO DELIVERS UPDATE ON STATE’S RESPONSE TO TUGBOAT ACCIDENT AND FUEL SPILL ON HUDSON RIVERAudio of Governor’s Update Available Here

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today delivered an update on the State’s response to a tugboat accident and resulting fuel spill on the Hudson River.

One tugboat crew member is deceased, and State Police divers are coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard and local law enforcement to locate two remaining crew members who are unaccounted for. The State Department of Environmental Conservation and a private contractor have deployed a Rapid Response Team and monitoring equipment to contain leaking fuel from the sunken tug.

“Today’s accident was a tragedy, and we offer our thoughts are prayers to loved ones of the crew members aboard the tugboat,” Governor Cuomo said. “The State is actively working with our partners in law enforcement in locating the missing crew members and minimizing environmental damage along the Hudson River. We will conduct a full investigation to understand exactly what led to today’s events and provide more information as it becomes available.”

Summary of Incident

Early Saturday morning, three tugboats were transporting a barge with construction equipment southbound on the Hudson River. The barge and accompanying tugs did not come down the middle of a 600-foot-wide U.S. Coast Guard designated channel, instead approaching too close to a construction barge stationed next to Pier 31, where work on the Tappan Zee bridge replacement is happening. One of those tugs, by the name of Specialist, struck the Tappan Zee barge and sunk.

The Governor said:

“Brief summary of the situation: Approximately 5:15 a.m. this morning there was a barge coming down river headed south, the barge had a crane on it the barge and the crane that were coming south were unrelated to the Tappan Zee construction. The barge was being steered by three tugs one on the left, one on the right and one in the read. The tug on the right collided with a barge that also had a crane on it. That was a barge that had Tappan Zee contractor workers on it, 13 workers were on that barge, and that barge also had a crane. That barge was working on the Tappan Zee Bridge as part of the operation. The barge that was coming down the river was being operated by, two tugboats from New York Marine towing, and one was a Weeks tugboat. The tugboat that struck the Tappan Zee barge was being operated by New York Marine Towing out of Albany, it was the tug – that was on the right side.

There were no injuries on the Tappan Zee barge that had 13 workers. Speculation is that the workers saw that there was an imminent collision and had time to prepare themselves and brace themselves as to why there were no injuries of the 13 workers. The tug that hit the barge was name the Specialist; it was approximately 84 feet long, and apparently sunk within minutes of having collided with the barge.”

Tappan Zee Constructors, the builders of the bridge replacement, had a crew of 21 workers on their barge at the time; none were injuries when the tugboat struck.

After striking the barge, the tugboat began leaking up to 5,000 gallons of diesel fuel, creating a fuel slick approximately 100 yards wide and 5 miles long.

Local law enforcement deployed a fuel-containing apparatusto the water due to a visible sheen. Westchester County has initiated a cleanup agreement with a private party, Miller Environmental Group, to manage the diesel spill. Personnel from the State Department of Environment Conservation’s Oil Spill Team are on the scene to monitor and support the cleanup with two DEC vessels – a 31 foot with a crew of three and a 44 foot with a crew of three.

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner John P. Melville said: “The Division’s Office of Emergency Management and Fire Prevention and Control staff are providing command and control support and will continue to assist local, state and federal first responders during this incident.”

State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico said: “The State Police have been working with our local law enforcement partners as well as first responders and the U.S. Coast Guard on rescue and recovery efforts since the accident was first reported. Our divers are working now to determine the position of the sunken tug so a decision can be made on how recovery operations will proceed.”

Acting DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said: “DEC crews are on site monitoring oil spill cleanup operations to ensure minimal impacts to the environment. Spill responders will remain on site as long as necessary until cleanup is complete.”

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16 Latin King Gangmembers Arrested for Narcotics Trafficking in Long Beach

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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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