1133 Westchester Avenue Solar Installation Hearing Feb 7

WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER. From the Gedney Association. January 26, 2021:



Please see the important letter below from the North Street Association regarding a proposed utility-scale solar farm at 1133 Westchester Avenue. Both the North Street Association and White Plains Council of Neighborhood Associations (CNA) asked us to distribute this letter to our members. 

We urge you to email and/or call the Mayor and Common Council Members. For your convenience, a sample email is provided in the letter.

The Gedney Association

CALL TO ACTION: On Monday Feb 7th there will be a Public Hearing for a proposed utility-scale solar farm at 1133 Westchester Ave.  This solar farm will be as close as 60 feet from some of our residents’ backyards and less than 35 feet from ponds and watersheds that run between the neighborhoods and corporate park. 

In advance of the Public Hearing, we urge you to call or email the Mayor and Common Council Members and express your concern about this project and the lack of existing zoning that would regulate projects of this scale. Further, remind them we are currently updating the Comprehensive Plan which when completed will guide zoning and regulation around solar utilities to ensure responsible and orderly development. 

We are deeply troubled by the sheer size of this project, 6.5 acres ( 5 football fields!) and the complete absence of any zoning that would prevent the establishment of solar farms anywhere in this city!   We are happy to answer any questions you may have around this project, please contact us at [email protected]  We will be speaking at the Public Hearing and hope that you can attend in a show of support, but, if you cannot attend please email our officials.  
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NY APPELLATE COURT STAYS THE NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT KILLING OF MASK WEARING MANDATES. PARENTS, STUDENTS, STAFF MUST STILL WEAR MASKS TO SCHOOL,ON BUSES, AS PREVIOUSLY, SUPERINTENDENT REPORTS. GOVERNOR HOCHUL ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE APPELLATE COURT RULING

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From the White Plains Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Joseph Ricca. January 25, 2021 6 P/M. EST:

So that you are aware, this afternoon, the New York State Appellate Court granted an interim stay while the matter regarding the NYS mask mandate in schools is appealed by the State. Accordingly, masking within WPCSD school facilities and on school transportation remains in force and effect.

As we have said from the start of the pandemic, protecting the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff remains of the upmost importance.

As this issue continues to evolve within the courts, we will continue to keep you updated. Thank you, as always, and have a good evening.

Governor Kathy Hochul issued this statement from Albany on the ruling:

“As Governor, my top priority is protecting the people of this state. These measures are critical tools to prevent the spread of COVID-19, make schools and businesses safe, and save lives. I commend the Attorney General for her defense of the health and safety of New Yorkers, and applaud the Appellate Division, Second Department for siding with common sense and granting an interim stay to keep the state’s important masking regulations in place. We will not stop fighting to protect New Yorkers, and we are confident we will continue to prevail.”

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NYPD OFFICER MORA DIES OF HIS WOUNDS.

“Westchester County joins with his family, friends and the entire region to mourn the passing of NYPD PO Wilbert Mora. Wilbert gave his life protecting the people of New York City while setting an example of service for those who knew or encountered him. May his loss, and the loss of PO Jason Rivera, make that example of selflessness leave an indelible mark on us all.”

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WP SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS: JUST KEEP MASKING. NASSAU COUNTY COURT ORDER IS AUTOMATTICALLY STAYED UNTIL APPEAL IS HEARD. MASK AS YOU HAVE BEEN DOING.

WPCNR WHITE PLAINS LAW JOURNAL From Dr. Joseph Ricca, White Plains Superintendent of Schools. January 25, 2021:

First, I apologize in advance for the confusion caused by last night’s announcement that the state mask mandate has been struck down by the Nassau County Supreme Court.

I recognize that this ruling/information, and the legal back and forth, that has followed has been extraordinarily confusing and stressful for our families and our educational community. To be sure, our entire state is contending with these conflicting orders presently.

So that you are aware, this is the present situation in the White Plains City School District.

The White Plains City School District adheres to all New York State laws and regulations pertaining to public schools. 

The State Department of Health, through the Attorney General, has filed a notice of appeal (attached) to the court’s order.

Additionally, the New York State Education Department and our School District Counsel have indicated that the moment the motion was filed, an automatic stay on the lower court’s ruling was put into force and effect until the appellate court hears the State’s appeal.

What does this mean for us?

While we recognize that many community members have different thoughts and feelings regarding masking in schools, and we truly understand and respect these various personal positions, the State’s appeal effectively maintains the State’s masking policy, for the moment.

Accordingly, masking within WPCSD school facilities and on school transportation remains in force and effect. Please be advised that all members of the WPCSD community must continue to follow the State’s requirements until this legal matter is resolved.

Please be advised that this guidance may/will change again quickly. A change in masking requirements in schools could happen at any time.  As always, we will continue to monitor this evolving situation to alert you to any changes to this decision.

Thank you in advance for your patience and again, our apologies for the increased stress on our children, families, and community. A K12 Alert to the entire community is forthcoming.

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