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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WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. By John F. Bailey. (Reprint of Monday Evening Story) March 26, 2012:

At the Common Council work session tonight, Mayor Thomas Roach introduced to the Common Council a plan to augment permitted zoning in the commerical properties located on the northern and southern boundaries of Westchester Avenue in White Plains 

Roach said the plan was to aid owners of those properties in bringing in new tenants and develop the properties according to a new city vision unique for each existing officepark. The new visions for the properties would add new uses to the properties including housing, retail, educational, and possible scientific research.

Commissioner of Planning Susan Habel noted the trend since 2006 which has seen tenants vacate properties in the city’s once thriving office parks.

She said, (upon questioning by Councilwoman Milagros Lecouna), that she had met with owners of the properties along the once Platinum Mile,  who had identified organizations that had expressed interest in their buildings, but that currently are not permitted by the zoning. Habel said those uses included residential, retail, restaurant and other uses.

Habel said the city plan was to look at the office parks and design comprehensive development plans that owners could follow in opening up their properties to new uses. The advantage in developing new uses for an existing park, would avoid the developer having to rezone for every possible new tenant that did not fit the zoning. 

The endeavor to rethink the properties would begin by the Common Council referring out the proposal to create “comprehensive development plans” to the city departments for comment

Habel said possible expansion of uses would be considered, property-by-property, with input from the Planning Board and city departments and the community and eventually made part of the city comprehensive plan spelling out new possibilities for the properties paralleling I-287.

Councilpersons John Martin, Benjamin Boykin,David Buchwald  and Beth Smayda were enthusiastic about the initiative. Councilwoman Milagros Lecouna expressed tentative support, as long as she was assured retail in the Central Business District was not impacted by new possible uses.

Habel said the object was to bring in new development opportunities on the properties in question without impacting the downtown economy.

IN OTHER ACTION…

The council agreed that they would consider adopting a city stand on including public transit on the new Tappan Zee Bridge.

The council heard a proposal by Temple Kol Ami to install a storm water drain system on the Temple parking lot at the Common Council meeting next week.

Commissioner of Public Works Joseph Nicoletti announced the successful drilling of two new wells on the city reservoir property now going into a water quality testing phase under auspices of the state.

The Commissioner also announced the beginning of a redesign of the ramps and stairways at the Gedney & Gille Fields which would be paid for with left over bond capacity from the Ebersole Rink renovation. He said work may not be completed in 2012.

IN EXECUTIVE SESSION…

Before the Common Council entered Executive Session to discuss a lawsuit, (Merchants Insurance Group a/s/o Pilar Larios v. Alexander Howard and The City of White Plains)the names of the parties involved in the legal matter were announced, beginning a new procedure which finally after decades of the city ignoring the law, would be the process of disclosure going forward.

John Callahan, city Corporation Counsel told WPCNR disclosure of parties involved in Executive Session discussion would only happen in matters where a court action was being discussed. Executive Sessions involving the sale or acquisition of land or personnel matters would continue the city policy of non-disclosure.

The city was shamed into disclosing parties in lawsuits under discussion traditionally done in secret by the activist Carl Albanese who on a number of occasions has complained in Common Council meetings of how the city has been ignoring the state open meetings law for years.

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From The Westchester County Board of  Legislators. MARCH 27, 2012:

The Republican caucus of the Westchester County Board of Legislators (BOL), after spending the last two weeks publicly advocating for the reconvening of the citizen-led Compensation Advisory Board, suddenly pushed back the vote on the issue at the Monday regular meeting of the BOL.

The proposed legislation, if passed, would suspend the requirement that establishes the Compensation Advisory Board this year, thus ensuring that the lawmakers will not receive salary increases for the 2012-2013 legislative term.

Legislator Gordon Burrows (R-Yonkers), the BOL’s Minority Whip, called for the vote to be held over until the BOL’s next regular meeting on Monday, April 16. The Compensation Advisory Board, by law, is supposed to present its recommendations no later than April 30 though.

If County Executive Robert P. Astorino uses all of the time allotted to him to consider the legislation, it would not be returned for another vote until April 28, leaving the Compensation Board with little time to do its job.

The laws of Westchester mandate that the BOL create the Compensation Advisory Board in January of even-numbered years, whether changes in compensation are being sought or not. This advisory board then deliberates on salary, stipends, benefits, reimbursement for expenses and all other forms of compensation to the legislators, and makes recommendations.

But with the economy still recovering, the legislators had no interest in boosting their pay.

“Since we are not pursuing salary increases, there is no reason to convene a board of citizens to discuss the issue,” said Judy Myers (D-Larchmont), chair of the BOL’s Budget & Appropriations Committee. “Frankly, I’m surprised my Republican colleagues spent so much time and energy on this subject. We have so many more important things to work on, like investing in our infrastructure and protecting services for Westchester residents who need them.”

The last time the Compensation Advisory Board met was in 2008, noted Myers, when it issued a report that recommended a salary increase for the legislators—just as the national economy was turning for the worse.

The Advisory Board, then chaired by Westchester County Association President William Mooney, Sr., actually framed its recommendation within the context of the worsening economic crisis, implying it would have called for even higher salary increases for the legislators.

Even so, the Compensation Board thought legislators should receive a 7.5% increase, which was consistent with a 2.5% increase in the Consumer Price Index experienced in the three years since salaries were last looked at. The Chairman would receive a $3000 increase in his stipend. Committee chair stipends would increase by $1000.

These recommendations were not accepted by the BOL, and neither were the two prior advisory board recommendations for salary increases.

In 2010, the BOL voted to suspend creation of the Compensation Advisory Board for two years because the legislators were not going to look for salary increases at a time when many in Westchester were still suffering from the economic downturn.

“Because the legislators have not received a salary increase in nearly a decade, there is no reason to think that the Compensation Advisory Board would come to any conclusion other than wanting to advance our salaries and stipends,” said BOL Chairman Ken Jenkins (D-Yonkers). “But an increase is not on the table for this term, at all, so it is just a waste of time, money and energy to ask citizens of our county to meet and make salary recommendations that are not going to be approved by the Board of Legislators.”

Westchester legislators make $49,500 a year, with stipends between $3000 and $9000 available for committee chairs and other board positions. Because the BOL voted to have its members contribute to health care costs, the legislators are actually bringing home less money in their paychecks.

Added Legislator Pete Harckham (D-Katonah), the BOL’s Majority Leader: “If the County Executive plans to veto this legislation, then he should be prepared to explain why he thinks the legislators’ salaries need to be adjusted, either upward or downward, and explain the two million dollar increase for 2012 salaries in his office as well.”

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WPCNR STAGE DOOR From Piia Haas. March 26,2012:

Kelly Felthous enrolls at Harvard in pursuit of a LEGALLY BLONDE degree this week (for 4 weeks only) at Westchester Broadway Theatre.Photo by Paul Lyden

LB is a fresh and effervescent evening of musical fun, stylishly wrapped up in a smart pink bow!  When Sorority girl, Elle Woods (Kelly D. Felthous) is dumped by her boyfriend, Warner Huntington III. (Robert Patric Ryan), she decides to get “serious” to win her boyfriend back.  He is off to college to study law and wants a girlfriend who will be able to support him in his chosen career.

Elle, an underestimated blonde who doesn’t take “no” for an answer, puts down the credit cards, hits the books, and with doggie Bruiser in tow, she sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. She discovers the true power behind being legally blonde, and proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style. This high-energy pop musical’s fun and catchy score features music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, and a hysterical book by Heather Hach.  

The blonde romp debuts this week for a 4 week run!

Kelly is excited to step back into some Pink high heels having  previously played Elle in Legally Blonde at NSMT. She also recently originated the role of Eva in the world premiere of Bring it On.

She has appeared in National Tours and Off-Broadway: Marty/Grease, Mayzie/Seussical (cast recording), Ruby/Max and Ruby, and The Sound of Music. New York/Regional: Gloria/Boeing Boeing (Hartford Stage), Serena Katz/Fame (Macau International Music Festival). Kathy Seldon/ Singing in the Rain (NSMT), Jane Eyre (American Premiere), Caroline/Trip of Love (World Premiere), June/Gypsy (Sacramento Music Circus), Little Sally/Urinetown, Anybodys/ West Side Story and Ruby/Dames at Sea. She describes herself as a “proud blonde, NYU alum and AEA member.”

Christopher DeProphetis plays Emmett Forrest, the teaching assistant who supports Elle from the beginning. Aloysius Gigl plays the part of predatory lecturer/lawyer Professor Callahan, who sees Elle as fair game.

Jacquelyn Piro Donovan is the sassy hairdresser, Paulette, who has a yen for Kyle (Timothy Hughes), the sexy UPS guy. The WBT production also stars Lauren Blackman as Vivienne, Maria Logan as Brooke, Amber Coartney as Enid, Michela Imbesi as Serena, Brooke Morrison as Margot, Gillian Munsayac as Pilar, Leisa Mather as Elle’s Mother and Benjamin Dean Horine as Elle’s Father.

The Ensemble features: Amanda Pulcini, Shannon Lea Smith, Eric Byrd, Aubrey Sinn, Jason Slattery, Ron Tal, and two doggies, Roxie (as Bruiser) and Paul Newman (as Rufus) appearing courtesy of their handler, Karen Wells and Animal trainer, Bill Berloni.

The production is directed and choreographed by WBT favorite, Jonathan Stahl, The musical director is John Daniels.  Set design is by John Farrell, Costume design by Matthew Hemesath, Lighting design is by Andrew Gmoser, Sound design by Jonathan Hatton. Technical Director is Steven Loftus, Production Stage Manager is Victor Lukas and the Assistant Stage Manager is Ron Rogell. Properties are by Grumpy’s Props.

Jonathan Stahl , (Director)A favorite at WBT, has directed our successful  Production of Yeston/Kopit’s NINE, starring Robert Cuccioli.  He was associate director and choreographer, and performed in, The Full Monty, Gypsy, Beauty And The Beast, and The Christmas Voyager. He choreographed and performed in Phantom (Another Kopit and Yeston success) and appeared in A Christmas Carol and My Fair Lady.  Finally, he co-directed and choreographed The Christmas Inn.  As associate director and choreographer to Richard Stafford, Jonathan has worked across the country at great theatres such as The Walnut Street Theatre, North Carolina Theatre, North Shore Music Theatre, Pittsburgh CLO, and Ogunquit Playhouse. Jonathan’s rewarding career as a performer has taken him from the world of Ballet to Broadway, but all these steps have led him here to directing this amazing musical, with a superbly talented cast.  

For showtimes and ticket information, go to www.broadwaytheatre.com

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WPCNR PHOTOGRAPH OF THE DAY. By the White Plains CitizeNetReporter Roving Photographer. March 24, 2012:

Today’s photo demonstrates the earliest time this reporter has ever seen the azaleas in the CitizeNetReporter headquarters gardens bloom. Usually azaleas in the gardens bloom in the first week of May. Yet, here it is blooming on March 24! At this rate the day lilies will be out in May and be finished blooming by July. Can there be any doubt that the climate is changing dramatically? This may mean a very long, scorching, arid, summer with lots of severe weather.

GLOBALwARMING IN WHITE PLAINS: AZALEA BLOOMING SIX WEEKS EARLY IN WHITE PLAINS. DAFFODILS ARE UP AND DAY LILLIES ARE SPROUTING. MOST UNUSUAL.

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WPCNR FBI WIRE.Special to WPCNR From the Federal Bureau of Investigation. March 23, 2012:

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that NIKOLAY GARIFULIN was sentenced today in Manhattan federal court to two years in prison for his involvement in a global bank fraud scheme that used hundreds of phony bank accounts to steal over $3 million from dozens of U.S. accounts that were compromised by malware attacks.

 On September 23, 2011, GARIFULIN pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of conspiracy to possess false identification documents. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero.

According to the indictment, statements made in connection with the guilty plea, and other documents filed in Manhattan federal court:

As part of the bank fraud scheme, hackers in Eastern Europe used cyber attacks to steal money from the bank accounts of small and mid-sized businesses throughout the United States. The cyber attacks included the use of malware known as Zeus Trojan, which would embed itself in victims’ computers and record their keystrokes as they logged into their online bank accounts.

The hackers responsible for the malware then used the account information to take over the victims’ bank accounts and make unauthorized transfers of thousands of dollars at a time to accounts controlled by co-conspirators, including GARIFULIN, who were members of a money mule organization.

The money mule organization recruited individuals who had entered the United States on student visas, provided them with fake foreign passports, and instructed them to open accounts at U.S. banks under false names.

 Once the false-name accounts were successfully opened and the stolen funds transferred into the accounts, the “mules” moved the money to other accounts, most of which were overseas, or withdrew and transported it overseas as smuggled bulk cash.

GARIFULIN collected money that had been withdrawn by mules from the phony accounts in the United States and, under the direction of the organization’s leader, distributed it to other co-conspirators and transported it back to Eastern Europe. GARIFULIN also arranged for fake passports to be transferred from Eastern Europe to mules in the United States.

***

In addition to his prison term, GARIFULIN, 23, of Volgograd, Russia, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to forfeit $100,000 and to pay $192,123.122 in restitution.

The investigation into this global bank fraud scheme was conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the New York County District Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New York City Police Department, the Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Secret Service.

As a result of this investigation, 37 defendants were charged in September 2010. GARIFULIN was the last of the 27 defendants arrested in connection with the scheme to plead guilty. In addition to GARIFULIN, 23 defendants involved in the scheme have been sentenced, including two leaders of the mule organization. Kasum Adigyuzelov was sentenced on May 13, 2011 to four years in prison. Dorin Codreanu was sentenced on July 8, 2011 to 20 months in prison. Of the remaining defendants, two entered into deferred prosecution agreements with the government, and eight defendants are fugitives who are being sought in the United States and abroad.

Mr. Bharara thanked all of the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation for their outstanding work. He also thanked Bank of America, TD Bank, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Wachovia, and HSBC Bank for their assistance in the investigation.

The investigation and prosecution of these cases is being overseen by the Office’s Complex Frauds Unit. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph P. Facciponti, Alexander J. Wilson, Sarah Lai, Justin Anderson, and Andrew Bauer.