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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JENNIFER NETROSIO

NEW DIRECTOR OF EBERSOLE RINK FIGURE SKATING SCHOOL

TELLS YOU ALL ABOUT THE NEW IMPROVED, EBERSOLE RINK

ON THIS WEEK’S

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SEE THE PROGRAM AT

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RINK OPENS FOR THE SEASON TODAY

SATURDAY

1:15-4:30 PM

SUNDAY

ADULTS, 8:30 A.M. to 10:15 A.M.

PUBLIC SESSION

12:15 TO 5 P.M.

YOUTH $8

ADULT $10

SENIORS $5

SKATE RENTAL $5

MORE INFORMATION, 914-422-1336 OR 914-422 1390

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Rendering of “The Hub”, the cafe addition to the first floor of the White Plains Library, the construction will be funded in part by a $1 Million anonymous gift announced Thursday by the White Plains Library Foundation. Photo, Courtesy White Plains Library

WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. From the White Plains Library Foundation. October 22, 2015:

A gift of one million dollars to the White Plains Library Foundation will enable the White Plains Public Library to complete renovations of its first floor and construct The Hub, its new library for adults. The Hub—sure to be a popular destination in downtown White Plains–will provide a new, attractive venue for learning and relaxation, with room for reading, studying, and collaboration, access to improved technology, new community meeting areas, and a Café & Friends’ Bookstore.

“This tremendously generous gift underscores how much the White Plains community values its Library,” said White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach. “The City is proud to work with the Library Foundation to revitalize our 45-year-old Library building and ensure that it will provide excellent services for all our residents, for years to come. I commend the extraordinary leadership of our anonymous friends, and thank our community for bringing this project closer to a reality.”

The gift from anonymous donors, along with funds from the City of White Plains and an additional $500,000 being raised by the Foundation, will provide the funding to complete the renovation of the Library’s first floor, including the creation of The Hub. The first phase of construction, also a partnership between the City and the Foundation, saw the creation of The Edge, the Library’s award-winning library for teens.

“This gift inspires all of us to step up and help close the gap,” said Diane Tabakman, president of the White Plains Library Foundation.  “Join us in creating a transformed Library for our community by contributing generously to the Campaign for The Hub.”

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County Legislators Benjamin Boykin and Alfreda Williams prepare for Community Forum last week. Jim Kenny, Executive Director of White Plains Television adjusts the Microphones.Photo by Ayana Meade

WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2015. By Ayana A. Meade.Special to WPCNR. October 21, 2015 (Part I of a Two Part Exclusive Report)

In preparation for the upcoming elections on Nov 3^rd, candidates running for Westchester County Legislature and Common Council participated in a Candidates Forum at the White Plains Public Library on Wednesday October 14^th.

The forum provided an opportunity for candidates to address questions about issues facing White Plains, and for them to educate constituents about their positions. The purpose of the forum was to provide voters with the information needed to make more informed choices on election day.  The forum was hosted by the League of Women Voters of White Plains and co-sponsored by the White Plains Public Library, The White Plains Council of Neighborhood Associations and the White Plains/Greenburgh NAACP.

Addressing a room of approximately 75 residents, the forum lasted about two hours, with candidates addressing questions that ranged from environmental issues, to housing and development.

County Legislator candidates Benjamin Boykin and Alfreda Williams (representing districts 1 and 8 respectively—both Democrats and running for re-election, uncontested) spoke during the first hour, followed by the four Common Council candidates running in a contested election for three Common Council seats: AnneMarie Encarnacao, Nadine Hunt-Robinson, Dennis Krolian, Milagros Lecuona, with Ms. Encarnacao being the only Republican candidate running as a challenger against three incumbent Democrats. (The Council Candidates comments will be covered in Part II of this exclusive coverage.)

The format allowed for candidates to make opening statements, respond to a league question, a question from each of the co-sponsors, and then to questions submitted by the audience that were pre-selected by the league board. The forum was moderated by Carolyn Stevens, Scarsdale League member and the first Vice President of the County League of Women Voters.

County Legislator Boykin, who in his opening statement declared that his key issue was to create good paying jobs and improve our regional economy, cited that he brings a unique set of skills to the County Legislature, including financial business executive experience, education leadership, and a long record of public service in White Plains.

Legislator Williams who previously worked in town government for 14 years, as Greenburgh Town Clerk, cited her experience in seeing numerous pieces of legislation pass through the legislative process.  Her key focus as a legislator is helping to improve the quality of life of all the citizens of White Plains, touting her track record on environmental issues.

The Pipeline

Both candidates were asked to address questions on a wide range of topics: when asked to state their positions on the Algonquin Pipeline, Williams answered an emphatic “I’m against it,” citing its proximity to the City of Peekskill, school districts, residential housing, and Indian Point, as her primary concerns.  Adding that, the democratic members of the Board of Legislators sent a request to the Federal Government in order to eliminate and put a freeze on issuing environmental permits for the pipeline, and have also submitted a petition to the EPA to appeal the decision to issue those permits.

Boykin affirmed Williams’ opposition to the pipeline, adding that the Board of Legislators passed a resolution 15-1, stating additional research needs to be performed.  In addition, the democratic members of the legislators requested that additional insurance be provided for the project.

Plastic bags and Styrofoam Ban

When asked what the status was of the bill authored by Legislator Catherine Parker, that would limit the use of plastic bags and Styrofoam containers by retailers, Boykin responded that he was in support of it, but admitted that progress was “slow,” citing setbacks due to a ruling by a NYC judge that it was inappropriate to ban city businesses from using Styrofoam containers.  Boykin says they’re working toward developing one comprehensive proposal that the entire County can agree on.

Storm Drains

The candidates were asked to discuss their position on allowing the adding of storm drains to carry off excess water to Mamaroneck River, and what they would advise communities facing a similar situation?

Boykin said that having additional storm drains was a requirement under state law., and that the Reconnaissance Plans that the County approved last year are in place for communities to deal with flooding and solving flooding issues. Adding that, under those Reconnaissance Plans not only do they have to look at how it will affect White Plains, but how it will affect Scarsdale, and Mamaroneck, for example.  Once the impact to all potential communities has been assessed, the County decides whether not to provide the 50% funding that is under the Reconnaissance Plans.

Williams added that officials are looking at re-instituting storm drains for the Bronx River as well as Saw Mill and Mamaroneck areas, where so much flooding exists.  Adding that the storm gauges are no longer working or are no longer in existence, making it difficult to prepare for potential flooding.   In response, officials need to look at the possibility of dredging for instance along the Bronx River which is silted over in many instances—using all of these combined solutions to eliminate flooding in the county.

Gun Show Ban

When asked to state their position on allowing gun shows at the County Center, Williams replied that she is co-sponsoring legislation to eliminate gun shows at County owned properties that will be presented at an upcoming Board of Legislators—Legislator Boykin is co-sponsoring the legislation.

While neither candidate stated they were against the possession of guns outright, they both agreed that hosting gun shows on County owned property that was funded by tax payers was not the appropriate place, especially in light of recent gun tragedies.

Curtailing Voter Registration Availability

Candidates were asked to comment on the current County Executive’s repeal of Andy Spano’s executive order to provide voter registration forms at all County Offices.

Boykin responded, “I don’t know why that happened because we need to be as transparent as possible, and we need to get as many people to vote as possible.”  Adding that, it’s important to have the voter registration forms available in as many places as possible, including online access.

During their closing remarks both candidates echoed that voting is a terribly important responsibility of citizenship that everyone should be involved in, and urged residents to head to the polls on November 3^rd.

(Reporting on the issues White Plains Common Council Candidates commented on will appear in Part II of this exclusive report)

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WPCNR PLAYLAND-GO-ROUND. From the Westchester County Department of Communications. October 19, 2015:

Westchester County and Standard Amusements have agreed to a five-month extension of the option agreement for Standard Amusements to invest $25 million in Playland and start taking over management of the iconic park in Rye next year.

The extension, which has the support of County Executive Robert P. Astorino, Board of Legislators Chairman Michael Kaplowitz, and Nicholas Singer, a partner in Standard Amusements, extends the option period from Oct. 16, 2015 to March 31, 2016. Standard Amusements will pay the county $25,000 for the extension.

“If Standard Amusements wasn’t interested in investing in Playland, we wouldn’t have asked for the extension,” said Singer. “To date we have committed $1.4 million to the revitalization effort and based on our review, which began in July, it’s likely that our investment would exceed $25 million. We simply need more time to conduct the due diligence necessary to ensure that our development and completion of the project will be successful.”

Astorino said the extension was reasonable and understandable. Part of the need for the extension was to give Standard Amusements more time to understand the integration of its investment with the ongoing capital projects that the county will continue to undertake to fulfill its responsibilities as the owner of the park.

“One of the strengths of this deal is that it is a public-private partnership, but that also adds a layer of complexity that requires adequate time to be managed successfully,” Astorino said. “The goal is to save Playland for future generations and the extension means everyone remains focused on the goal.”

Kaplowitz added: “The Board of Legislators’ approval of the Playland management agreement required some very detailed explanations of how capital improvements would be made at the park and who would be responsible for them.  I consider this request for an extension of the co-management period to be an indication that those complex issues are being addressed. After years of working on a plan that will literally save Playland, I think the addition of a few months to the transition process is reasonable and in fact prudent.”

Playland will be open on schedule in the spring for the 2016 season.

The extension now gives Standard Amusements until the end of March to decide whether to go forward with the management agreement negotiated with the county earlier this year.

Under the terms of the agreement, approved 17-0 by the Board of Legislators in June, New York-based Standard Amusements will pay the county $2,250,000 up front, $500,000 of which the county has already received in a non-refundable payment; invest $22,750,000 million of its money within five years into refurbishing the park; and make annual payments to the county starting at $300,000 and escalating 2% a year. The county will also receive 7.5% of profits once Standard Amusements has recouped its initial investment.

Under the agreement, Standard Amusements will manage the amusement park, parking lot, beach, pool area and boardwalk. Outside the agreement are the Children’s Museum, Pier Restaurant & Tiki Bar, Edith Read Sanctuary and the Ice Casino, which is run by American Skating Centers Entertainment through a separate asset management agreement with the county.

Access to the boardwalk and property that surround the amusement park will continue to be free of charge and open to the public.

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Dr.Paul Fried, (Center) new White Plains Superintendent of Schools and members of the White Plains Board of Education and PTA representatives appearing at Tuesday Council of Neighborhood Associations at Education House. Photos by Ayana A. Meade

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By Ayana A. Meade. Special to WPCNR. October 17, 2015 UPDATED October 18, 2015:

On October 13^th, newly appointed White Plains Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Fried, along with several Board of Education members and PTA Co-Presidents, addressed community member questions about the Common Core tests as well as other issues facing the school district.

The panel discussion was open-to-the-public and hosted by the White Plains Council of Neighborhood Associations (WPCNA) as part of their monthly meetings—the WPCNA is an advisory council that disseminates information and opinion to the public and public officials, and encourages local action.

In response to recent concerns regarding low test scores throughout the district, Dr. Fried who previously served as Superintendent in the Montville Township, New Jersey schools, made a point to mention in his opening remarks,

“We don’t want to loose our children to private and parochial schools—we want to be known for our excellence, and I believe we are excellent. The averages from our test scores shouldn’t be the deciding factor for people in your neighborhoods who are deciding should I send my child to a private school or to our public schools. We offer extensive opportunities for all of our children, no matter how high achieving, or no matter how struggling they are—so I would ask you to be advocates for our schools back in your neighborhoods.”

For the opening question, Sanford Zevon, a 50+ year resident of the community asked Dr. Fried to explain in simple terms what the Common Core examination is— its good points, its bad points, and how it affects our students.

Dr. Fried explained that the move from Regents exams to the Common Core State Standards as a measure of student achievement, came out of a push for change in two basic areas—a desire to create a nation-wide testing standard; to create a test where students from different states could be compared using equal comparative measures.  Also, out of a desire to create a test that raised testing standards in order to keep American students academically competitive with outperforming students from other countries.

Dr. Fried explained that the main difference between the Regents and the Common Core exam was that the Regents was very fact and procedure based—the answer was either right or wrong; whereas the Common Core tests requires more in-depth understanding, and asks students to delve further and explain how and why they arrived at the answer.

As a follow-up, another attendee asked the Superintendent to explain how the tests are being used to evaluate not only a student’s performance, but also the performance of teachers and schools.

Mr. Fried explained that the state uses a growth model that ties the year-to year performance of students to the evaluation of teachers and schools—the model is used in the allocation of state funds.  The current growth model is based on 50-50 model—meaning 50% of the teachers score is tied to the growth model and the other 50% is tied to observations made by school administrators.

AnneMarie Encarnacao, a real estate agent who is also running for Common Council, expressed frustration when trying to convince out-of-town buyers to purchase homes in White Plains, citing that the less-than-stellar test scores pose a roadblock. She commented, “we all know how great we are—our schools” continuing, “but it’s difficult to get people from out of the area to come here because of our schools.”  “How do I change our outside perception?”

In response, Dr. Fried directed Ms. Encarnacao’s attention to a handout detailing what the White Plains School District has to offer and its accomplishments.  In addition, he said the district will be providing realtors with packets containing additional information about the district that they can share with their clients.  The district will also be inviting realtors to tour the schools so they can see things firsthand.

He then added,

“statistically people have to be astute enough to understand that there’s no such thing as an average—yes there can be an average SAT score, but the reality is that each child is unique and different and special and that we can really provide an excellent education to every child, so I understand what you’re facing.  It is one of my goals, that the Board of Education supports to really look at this issue.”

Rose Lovitch, a Board of Education member suggested that realtors advise their clients to check out the district’s website and attend Board of Education and PTA meetings—both of which are open to the public.  Potential buyers can also watch school events and meetings on Public Access 77.

The Superintendent was also asked whether the textbooks and classroom curriculum have been upgraded to enable the students to perform better on the new Common Core testing?

Dr. Fried responded that the district is constantly updating not just the materials they use but are also incorporating new technology, stating that it is essential to keep students up-to date.

The district is constantly providing professional development to staff—training teachers in the latest techniques, all of which tie back into the mandated Common Core curriculum, as well as employing new teaching methodologies that encourage more student involvement and interaction.

In response to all the discussion surrounding low Common Core test scores, Education Board Member, Charlie Norris (above left) chimed in to address “the elephant in the room.”

“I walk around Stop & Shop and all the places in White Plains, and people stop me—white people stop me.  And they ask me all kinds of questions, but they don’t ask me the question they’re thinking—that somehow, how are my kids dragged down because they go to school with Latinos or African-Americans?”

Norris added that, instead of being “dragged down” his children were inflated by the experience of living in a diverse community such as White Plains, noting that every year our academic teams “totally blow Scarsdale out of the water!”

“I chose to live here because my wife went here and I wanted my kids to have ‘this experience’—I didn’t want to live in Scarsdale, I didn’t want to live in Edgemont.  I didn’t want to live in those places.”

Common Council member, Nadine Hunt-Robinson who is currently up for re-election added “coming from a corporate environment, the world indeed has gotten small, and the strength to sell on White Plains is if a child comes out of a homogenous environment all through their grade school, perhaps even college, they’re not going to be as effective when dealing with global clients.”

Other issues raised during the meeting included the dismantling of the adult education program, whether the district looks at how growth and development affect community demographics, traffic safety and beautification on North street, the lack of voter turnout for district budget issues, and how instruments in disrepair at Highlands School are impeding the music program.

About 30 persons attended, including School Board members, and Dr. Fried. Except for  Rosemarie Eller, the School Board President,and Councilwoman Nadine Hunt-Robinson, the audience was predominantly white.

Hunt-Robinson did mention a STEM program for non-English speakers, endorsed by The White House. The only mention in the meeting of possible efforts for English challenged students.

No one raised the question why the district claims its students are testing competent at  reading and writing grade levels 3 through 8 even though the first two years of Common Core tests say the vast majority of students are not.

Supplemental Information: In the 2015 Common Core Assessments last spring, 29% of White Plains third and fourth graders passed the ELA Common Core Assessments; 34% passed in 5th Grade. In Middle School, 33% of sixth graders passed; 25% of 7th Graders passed, and 32% of 8th Graders passed the Common Core ELA.

In the 2015 Math Common Core Tests, 39% og White Plains Third and fourth graders passed and 46% of Fifth Graders passed. In Middle School, 33% of 6th Graders passed; 28% of 7th Graders passed and 32% of 8th Graders passed.

These test results were not mentioned or disclosed by anyone at the meeting.

The next White Plains Council of Neighborhood Associations (WPCNA) meeting will be held on November 10^th.