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.

Hits: 0

WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. From the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. September 17, 2011:

The White Plains economy moved slightly ahead of last year in August with a  “real money” 2.7% increase in city sales tax receipts on a pace with Westchester County’s overall sales tax generation.  

The new city fiscal year 2011-12 sales tax percentages of gain or loss is no longer artificially “rosy” inflated as it was last fiscal year  by a higher city sales tax rate that remains the same as the fiscal year ended in June. The gains, 5% in July and 2.7% in August are modest but reassuring, though the June city sales tax receipts handle, (last month of the last fiscal year) was a robust $4,980,977, about a million dollars more than the July and August receipts.

In August, the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance says White Plains earned $3,873,937.31 in sales tax receipts compared to $3,772,094.34 last year, reflecting perhaps the openings of new restaurants, and new retail firms of Dick’s Sporting Goods and Raymour & Flanagan, as well as preparations for Hurricane Irene.

The city has received $11,674,863 in sales the first two months of the year,

Hits: 0

WPCNR FBI WIRE. From the Federal Bureau of Investigation. September 15, 2011:

The FBI announced Tuesday the unsealing of a 32-count superseding indictment charging 20 members and associates of the Bloods gang in Newburgh, New York, (the “Newburgh Bloods”), including members of a related crack-cocaine dealing conspiracy, with racketeering, narcotics, robbery, and firearms offenses. The superseding indictment charges members and associates of the gang with, among other crimes, two murders; six armed assaults and/or attempted murders; and the use, carrying, and possession of firearms.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney PREET BHARARA stated: “The elimination of the Bloods, Latin Kings, and other violent gangs is an absolute precondition to the sustainable prosperity and sustainable justice that residents of every American city deserve. Our work is not finished, but our work to date has been significant. We are holding people accountable; we are gutting the gangs that once roamed free; and we are bringing back the rule of law in Newburgh. Wherever you live in America, you have a right to live in peace and in safety.”

According to the original and superseding indictments filed in Manhattan federal court:

The original indictment, United States v. Anthony Boykin, et al., 10 Cr. 391 (CM), unsealed on May 13, 2010, charged 60 defendants with drug distribution offenses, many of whom were part of the Newburgh Bloods. The superseding indictment includes charges against 20 individuals–-11 new defendants and nine defendants from the original indictment. All of these defendants were either members of the Newburgh Bloods or associated with the gang through their participation in a crack cocaine trafficking conspiracy.

The superseding indictment is the latest result of a long-term investigation, dubbed “Operation Blood Drive,” conducted by federal and local law enforcement officers working with the United States Attorney’s Office. The operation used confidential informants, undercover officers, and surreptitious surveillance to infiltrate the Newburgh Bloods’ violent and drug trafficking activities in Newburgh, New York.

The Superseding Indictment

Specifically, at all times relevant to the indictment, a criminal organization known as the “Bloods” was operating in Newburgh, New York. The Bloods is a nationwide criminal organization that is organized into sub-groups known as “sets.”

Among the sets operating in Newburgh, New York, were the “Bounty Hunter Bloods,” “G-Shine,” “5-9 Brim,” “Stone,” and the “9 Trey Bloods.” Members often further identified themselves by the street on which they grew up or lived. Although members of the Newburgh Bloods belonged to different sets, these individuals and sets often coordinated, collaborated, and worked together and with each other as a single organization.

Within sets of the Newburgh Bloods, certain individuals had “rank,” which meant that they were among the leaders of their sets. For example, ANTHONY BOYKIN had rank in the Bounty Hunter Bloods set. Any member of the Newburgh Bloods with rank had certain authority over any other member of the gang, irrespective of set. For example, Newburgh Bloods with rank could call meetings of all the Newburgh Bloods for which attendance was mandatory.

 At these meetings, members discussed, among other things, their criminal activities. Members of the Newburgh Bloods with rank could also direct punishments against other members or against non-members. Some of these punishments required individuals to be assaulted or killed.

The superseding indictment charges that the Newburgh Bloods Gang was a racketeering enterprise, pursuant to the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (“RICO”) Act, the purposes of which included the distribution and sale of crack cocaine, and preserving and protecting the power, territory, and profits of the Newburgh Bloods through murder, attempted murder, other acts of violence, and threats of violence. Fifteen defendants are charged with participating in the racketeering enterprise. The Indictment alleges that members of the Newburgh Bloods committed and attempted to commit violent acts in aid of the enterprise, including:

• ANTHONY BOYKIN, CHARLES BYRD, and MAURICE HAGAN are charged with conspiracy to murder and attempted murder of a victim in the vicinity of 25 Lutheran Street in Newburgh, New York, on August 24, 2008.

• ANTHONY BOYKIN, CHARLES CORBIN, TAYLOR FIELDS, MAURICE HAGAN, ROBERT HERRING, and RAHSAAN MELVIN are charged with conspiracy to murder and attempted murder of a second victim in the vicinity of 191 Chambers Street in Newburgh, New York, on September 20, 2008.

• MARCO BOYKIN, CHARLES BYRD, CHARLES CORBIN, ROBERT HERRING, and DAVID JACKLYN are charged with conspiracy to murder and attempted murder of a third victim in the vicinity of 52 Benkard Avenue in Newburgh, New York, on October 5, 2008.

• JOHN NELSON and DANIELLE WILLIAMS are charged with conspiracy to murder and attempted murder of a fourth victim in Newburgh, New York, York, on January 31, 2009.

• ANTHONY BOYKIN, MARCO BOYKIN, and ANTWAN ROBINSON are charged with conspiracy to murder and murder of Lamont Young in the vicinity of Lander Street and First Street in Newburgh, New York, on March 4, 2009.

• ANTHONY BOYKIN, MARCO BOYKIN, JOHN CANADAY, CHARLES CORBIN, TAYLOR FIELDS, MAURICE HAGAN, ROBERT HERRING, JOSEPH McLEAN, and JUSTIN SIMMONS are charged with conspiracy to murder and murder of Tyrik Legette in the vicinity of 156 Lander Street in Newburgh, New York, on April 30, 2009.

• JOHN CANADAY, TAYLOR FIELDS, and ANTWAN ROBINSON are charged with conspiracy to rob and robbery of a suspected narcotics dealer in the vicinity of Chambers Street and First Street, Newburgh, New York, on June 2, 2009.

• JUSTIN SIMMONS is charged with committing an assault in aid of racketeering by shooting a victim in the vicinity of 146 Lander Street in Newburgh, New York, on July 17, 2009.

• JOSEPH McLEAN and RAHSAAN MELVIN are charged with committing an assault in aid of racketeering by shooting a victim in the vicinity of Lander Street between Farrington and South Streets in Newburgh, New York, on March 10, 2010.

All 20 defendants are also charged with conspiring to distribute narcotics, and 17 are charged with using, carrying, and possessing firearms during and in relation to the narcotics conspiracy.

The Newburgh Bloods operated drug markets at certain locations in Newburgh, from which they distributed cocaine base, commonly known as “crack,” among other drugs. In particular, the gang controlled drug markets in the vicinity of the following locations, among others, in Newburgh: South Miller Street, Lander Street (a portion of which is known as “Blood Alley”), Farrington Street, Lutheran Street, and Van Ness Street. All of these locations were within approximately ten blocks of one another. During and in relation to the drug distribution conspiracy, members of the Newburgh Bloods used, carried, and possessed firearms.

* * *

In a coordinated strike earlier Tuesday, officers and agents from the Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force arrested 12 defendants. Eight additional defendants were previously arrested. The defendants who were taken into custody today are expected to be presented in Manhattan federal court later this afternoon. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge COLLEEN McMAHON.

Mr. BHARARA praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI, the New York State Police, Newburgh Police Department, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. He also thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, the Police Department for the Town of Newburgh, and the Port Jervis Police Department for their assistance with this case. Mr. BHARARA added that the investigation is continuing.

The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent Crimes Unit Assistant United States Attorneys MICHAEL D. MAIMIN, AMIE N. ELY, and HARRIS FISCHMAN are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

New York State Police Troop “F” Commander MAJ. EDWARD RASO stated: “This operation is another example of the outstanding work being conducted by the Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force. It is law enforcement at its finest; working as a team to take violent criminals off our streets.”

City of Newburgh Police Chief MICHAEL FERRARA stated: “I want to thank the supporting law enforcement agencies for their tremendous assistance in this comprehensive, criminal investigation, led by the United States Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. These arrests have focused on the street violence that is associated with the narcotics trafficking that stifles every day life and is a major driving force in the abnormal crime rate of the City of Newburgh. Unless gang related criminal activity is confronted with a relentless, persistent and effective enforcement such as this, a heightened crime rate in every category will continue in Newburgh. Because the City of Newburgh Police Department’s sworn officer count was stretched very thin in 2011, this investigation and its resulting charges are imperative to the public safety of the neighborhoods in the City of Newburgh.”

Orange County District Attorney’s FRANK PHILLIPS stated: “I want to thank the U.S. Attorney for his continued commitment to fighting crime in Orange County. Today’s arrests and indictments have solved at least two more homicides. These cases could not be prosecuted under New York law. I also want to thank the many members of local, state, and federal law enforcement for their work in making our community a safer place.”

Orange County Sheriff CARL E. DuBOIS stated: “This office remains committed to partnering with the Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, with an emphasis on the Sheriff’s Office Gang Intelligence Unit, which is one of the largest repositories of gang intelligence files in the region. Compiling and sharing this information with other law enforcement agencies, especially the FBI, is a critical component in past, present, and future enforcement efforts.”

PREET BHARARA, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; JANICE K. FEDARCYK, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”); MAJ. EDWARD RASO, Troop “F” Commander for the New York State Police (“NYSP”); MICHAEL FERRARA, the Chief of Police for the City of Newburgh Police Department; FRANK PHILLIPS, the District Attorney for the Orange County District Attorney’s Office; and CARL E. DuBOIS, the Sheriff for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, announced the indictment.

Hits: 0

WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. From the New York State Department of Taxation & Finance. September 15, 2011:

The State reported that Westchester County Sales Tax Collections from the beginning of the fiscal year in January  were slightly ahead after seventh months, at $292,547,552  through August, $5,861,023 ahead of last August pace. This works out to a 2% growth in sales tax over the year as the county prepares to go into its budget season.

Sales figures for White Plains were not immediately available today from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

Hits: 0

WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From the office of Assemblyman Robert Castelli September 15, 2011:

 Robert Castelli joined Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Empire State Development (ESD) President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams and Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino in announcing that OrthoNet of White Plains is launching a $4.5 million expansion project which will create over 150 new jobs in Westchester. OrthoNet Holdings is a national leader in orthopedic specialty benefit management.

“I am thrilled at the decision by OrthoNet to expand their operations here in White Plains,” Castelli said. “This $4.5 million dollar project will create more than 150 new jobs, and is an excellent example of how government and industry is working together to restore the business-friendly environment of the Empire State.”

OrthoNet Holdings, Inc., a national leader in orthopedic specialty benefit management, and will invest up to $4.5 million to expand its national headquarters in White Plains, retaining 350 jobs and creating a projected 155 new jobs to boost the Hudson Valley economy.

Supported by an incentive package including up to $3 million in Excelsior Tax Credits from ESD and $31,000 in sales tax exemptions from the Westchester County Industrial Development Agency (WIDA), OrthoNet will be able to significantly expand its presence as a key economic and employment resource for the local community, while meeting its mission of providing services that promote high-quality, cost effective health care.

“We are excited about keeping and expanding our business in Westchester,” said OrthoNet’s President and CEO Dr. Roger Shedlin. “This means our excellent local workforce will not face relocation or disruption. The support from ESD and WIDA will help enable our continued growth, and job creation, here in New York.”

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino said, “From day one I have made economic growth a cornerstone of my administration. Attracting and retaining business in Westchester is how to put people to work and strengthen the economy. Partnering with OrthoNet not only maintained jobs but created new ones. I would also like to thank Empire State Development (ESD) for collaborating with my IDA team to make this possible.”

OrthoNet is the nation’s largest provider of musculoskeletal benefit management services. For over sixteen years the Company has called Westchester home, successfully growing a  business that works with most major health plans, providing a wide array of programs related to orthopedics, rehabilitation and related clinical services throughout the United States and its Territories. These initiatives create efficiencies that keep treatments affordable, while promoting improved clinical outcomes and greater patient access to the most appropriate care, the company says.

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams said, “As OrthoNet grows so will employment opportunities for Hudson Valley residents. Over the next five years, their aggressive agenda for corporate expansion has the potential for significant job creation and economic activity to support the local community. I want to thank our local partners, including Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and his strong team for their outstanding efforts in helping keep these jobs in the Hudson Valley.”

“I applaud OrthoNet for their decision and thank Governor Cuomo and County Executive Astorino for their proactive work on this issue,” Castelli said. “Our office remains committed to creating jobs by pursuing pro-business policies with both the Governor and our County Executive.”

This morning, Castelli met with the Governor’s Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council at SUNY Purchase, where he continued to advocate for job creation by adopting a pro-business approach to governing.

Hits: 0

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From Michele Schoenfeld, White Plains Schools. September 13,  2011:

The Eighth Annual Summer Field Experience academic symposia at White Plains High

 School, by students of Proyecto BBRAVO, begin next week, with sessions on September 20^th, (6 P.M.), October 6^th, (8:30 A.M.), October 12^th  (6 P.M.), and October 14^th (8:30 A.M.).  This program is a dual celebration of the students’ experiences and Latino Heritage Month.  The events are held in the school’s Library/Media Center. 

Participating students are:  Bianca Acuna, Maria Bautista, Claudia Benitez, Sara Espinoza, Maria Camila Gomez, Emily Huapaya, Ricardo Martinez and Lilibeth Ramos.  

Proyecto BBRAVO (translated stands for Bilingual/Bicultural, Supporting, Ascending toward Virtues and Opportunities) is a multi-faceted program for Latino students that culminates with a summer field experience component.

Eight students participated this year, at various sites including El Museo del Barrio, New York City Mayor Bloomberg’s Multicultural Office of International Affairs, White Plains Hospital, the Edelman Company, Latina Magazine, Bikkal & Associates, Hudson Peconic, and the Westchester County Legislature.    

            In order to be selected for the program, students must write an essay in Spanish, stating their interest, and then be interviewed by a panel comprised teachers, Guidance Counselors, representatives from different site partners, and the Director/Advisor of Proyecto BBRAVO, teacher Alberto Minotta. 

Following acceptance the students must fulfill a minimum of 200 hours at the site, write a research paper, keep a journal BLOG in Spanish, and present an academic symposium before the White Plains High School community on their experiences.