Silver Lake — Lost Forever? White Plains local Environmental Disastert

Posted on July 5, 2010 by John Bailey

WPCNR PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE PAST. From The WPCNR NEWS PHOTO ARCHIVES. JULY 5, 2010:

Yesterday, WPCNR showed you photographs of the environmentally distasteful state of Silver Lake today. Before it was turned into Liberty Park in 2003 at a cost of $600,000, Silver Lake was far more appetizing to the eye, as witness the photographs below.

When White Plains holds its “Clean and Green” event on Mamaroneck Avenue July 17, they would do well to focus on what is the matter with Silver Lake and how can we bring the lake back so people can use it! Is it the way Liberty Park is configured that is causing it to beceome “Slime Lake” every summer? Are the carp reportedly stocked in the lake last fall not doing their job? Does the Lake need aeriating fountains? What? This natural resource is an obvious place to start to become cleaner and clearer, certainly not greener!

SILVER LAKE, WHITE PLAINS NEW YORK

BEFORE

FORMER COUNCILMAN BILL KING CLEANING SILVER LAKE OF JUST DEBRIS IN MARCH 2002.

THE FALLS AT SOUTH END OF SILVER LAKE, JUNE 2003 AFTER LIBERTY PARK OPENED

WHITE PLAINS SHORELINE WHEN LIBERTY PARK OPENED, IN JUNE 23, THE SUMMER OF 2003 — IT DOES NOT LOOK LIKE THIS TODAY– IN THE SAME TIME OF YEAR.

NORTH END OF SILVER LAKE AUTUMN, 2002

COUNCIL TOURS SILVER LAKE, OCTOBER 29, 2002: L boat, Tom Roach, the late Robert Greer;R.boat, Legislator Bill Ryan and Rita Malmud. Their vision of Liberty Park has been lost as the ecology of the lake has been mysteriously altered by undetermined forces of nature if you see the photographs of Silver Lake shown yesterday.

Former Councilman Glen Hockley, left and Councilman Benjam Boykin afloat on the shimmer of Silver Lake in autumn, 2002. It does not shimmer today…and is a disgrace to look at (see set of July 4, 2010 photos below)

Is this the Gulf of Mexico? No, It’s Silver Lake.

Posted on July 4, 2010 by John Bailey

WPCNR PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE DAY. By the WPCNR Roving Photographer. JULY 4, 2010:

Last fall, city officials of Harrison and White Plains said that carp were being stocked in Silver Lake in northeast White Plains between White Plains and West Harrison to feed on the algae that was according to authorities causing the stagnant growth in the Silver Lake waters. Well either not enough carp were stocked, or they have not been eating the plants, because Silver Lake today is very uninviting and appears to be a stagnant pond on July 4, 2010.

Liberty Park, created five years ago at a cost of $600,000 of city money is today littered with goose droppings. The pier on Silver Lake is warped and dangerous, and Silver Lake itself is very unappetizing. This nitrogen rich environment is now pouring into the headwaters of the Mamaroneck river daily.

SILVER LAKE 2010

AFTER

NOT THE GREEN YOU WOULD WANT.

THE PRISTINE FALLS OF 2003 HAVE TURNED INTO GREEN SLIME.

School Board Sets Reorganization Meeting/1st Reg. Meeting of New Year

Posted on July 3, 2010 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. July 3, 2010:

The White Plains Board of Education will hold its annual Reorganization Meeting Tuesday where re-elected Board Members Sheryl Brady and Charles Norris will be sworn in, and new officers of the Board will be elected, followed by its regularly scheduled first meeting of the year.

New Assistant Principals at Post Road School and George Washington School will be officially appointed. Carmen Soto will be installed at Post Road School, as assistant to Principal Theresa Niss. Brendan McCarthy will assist Principal Terri Klem at George Washington School.

Still to be hired for the new school year are an Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction (replacing Margaret Dwyer) and a new Principal for White Plains High School (replacing Ivan Toper.

Representatives to the School Board Finance Committee, Steven Rabinowitz and Timothy Donohoe are expected to be reappointed to the committee which aids in making advisories on the budget to the Board.

Tax Man Arrives! White Plains Tab Rises 5% After year of Zero Inflation

Posted on July 1, 2010 by John Bailey

WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE By John F. Bailey. July 1,2010:

Citizens of White Plains received their tax bills from the city today.

Taken altogether, the property tax increases year to year from the city, school district and the county have gone up 5%, regardless of how the White Plains taxpayer is assessed.

As previously predicted by WPCNR for months, the median priced home in White Plains (a $650,000 house), assessed at $18,475, the taxpayer will pay $14,143 in property taxes and garbage and sewer taxes in 2010. That breaks down to $3,100.47 to the city (6.8% increase); $8,412.40 to the school district (a 5.3% increase, despite school officials touting its tax increase as only 3.9%), and $2,631 to Westchester County.

All told the median home owner with an assessment of $18,475 will pay $14,143.90 in taxes in 2010 compared to $13,471.31 in 2009, an increase of 5% in a year when the inflation rate was calculated at zero by the state.

Of course, if you are assessed less than $18,475, you will pay less money, but your taxes will still increase 5%, and if you are assessed more thant $18,475, you will pay more money, with a corresponding 5% increase.

County Exec Nixes Miller House Restoration $$$. Says Private Donations Should Pa

Posted on July 1, 2010 by John Bailey

WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Westchester County Department of Communications. July 1, 2010 UPDATED 10:30 P.M.E.D.T.:

County Executive Robert P. Astorino today vetoed a proposal to spend $1.3 million in public funds to finance restoration of the Miller House in North Castle, suggesting that the best way to preserve the historic site is through private donations.

Miller House.Where George Washington Slept. On Virginia Road in North Castle, just outside White Plains.

In vetoing the measure, Astorino said that it was fiscally irresponsible to spend tax dollars on the project given the county’s current financial problems and that even more spending would be needed to move the structure once the renovations were completed.

Kenneth Jenkins, Chair of the Board of Legisaltors reacted strongly in a statement: “The Miller House is a precious relic of the American Revolution that cannot be allowed to wither and die disgracefully. The news of the County Executive’s veto of the Miller Housing bonding is rather disappointing, given that this proposal passed the Board with an overwhelming bipartisan majority. The bonding would cost exactly $105,000 a year for the project. For Mr. Astorino to make statements about the fiscal irresponsibility of spending tax dollars on such projects showcasing the apathy this Administration has when it comes to maintaining cultural institutions within our County.

Given that Mr. Astorino — through his recent veto of the source of income anti-discrimination law – has been willing to recklessly exposed Westchester to additional legal costs to respond to the federal Housing monitor, the specter of forced federal control of the implementation of the housing settlement and the potential breach of the housing stipulation agreement, which can cost over $300 million dollars of the taxpayers money, if we are found in violation of the federal fair housing stipulation agreement.”

John Nonna County Legislator from Valhalla said that ” A North Castle citizens committee is in the process of establishing a not for profit corporation to accept donations, scheduling a fundraiser and soliciting pledges. The County can recoup part of its $1.3 million contribution by selling the land that the Miller House now occupies.” The Board of Legislators has urged the home be moved to Kensico Plaza where it would attract more visitors.

“Restoration of Miller House is a project that should be undertaken with private contributions,” Astorino said. “It is a worthwhile cause, but it is neither an essential service nor a priority for the county at a time when we are facing a $166 million deficit next year and large numbers of potential layoffs.”

Astorino noted that the $1.3 million approved by the legislators was only a first step in the restoration process, as the current location of the building in an industrial area is not suitable for visitors and more spending would be needed to move the house. Paying off the $1.3 million in bonds would cost the county about $106,000 a year in debt service – roughly the equivalent of one full-time county employee with benefits – for the next 15 years.

“While there has been much talk of raising private funds to offset the cost, there is no formal structure or process in place to raise money at this time, nor any substantiated commitment to do so. To renovate without recognition of the necessity to move this structure is misleading to the taxpayer,” he said. “Before any public funds are spent, all available sources of private funding should be secured.”

Given the current state of the economy, Astorino added that county money for capital projects should be directed to projects that will do the most to stimulate the economy. “This money would be better spent on capital projects that can promote job growth across the county,” he said. During the Revolutionary War, George Washington stayed at Miller House for one day and night, Oct. 31- Nov. 1, 1776, and used the farmhouse as a strategic location during the Battle of White Plains. Major General Charles Lee and troops brought supplies to the Miller House prior to Washington‘s arrival.

The house, located on Virginia Road, is maintained by the county’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation. The county bought what was left of the original farm in 1917. The Miller House is open to the public the third Sunday of each month from February through October and has approximately 150 visitors per year.

“It is imperative to preserve our heritage and history,” Astorino said. “This veto message should not be construed as abandonment by the county of its obligation to maintain this historic site. The county will continue to carry out its responsibility to keep this structure viable. However, in these times of scarce resources, the restoration and moving of Miller House should be accomplished through private donations.”

Pirro to File Rebuttal to City Defense of Police Retiree Med. Prem Payment 2Day

Posted on July 1, 2010 by John Bailey

WPCNR WHITE PLAINS LAW JOURNAL. From The Pirro Group (Edited) July 1, 2010:

A group of retired police officers who are suing the City of White Plains to block it from forcing them to pay a portion of their health insurance costs will know before July 10 whether they have to make their first payment.

U.S. District Court Justice Stephen C. Robinson said Tuesday that he would try to decide on the group’s application for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction before July 10 – the date they would have to start paying health insurance costs or face losing their coverage.

Albert J. Pirro, who is representing the group of 144 officers, argued the case before Robinson Tuesday in U.S. District Court in White Plains. Pirro said his clients should not be forced to make payments before the case goes to trial.

The judge also granted Pirro additional time to file written arguments to rebut new issues brought up by the city’s attorneys. A spokesperson for The Pirro Group told WPCNR today Mr. Pirro would be filing that rebuttal some time today. A text of Mr. Pirro’s suit on behalf of the retired police officers may be read on the website, www.honoryourpromise.com.

Go to “In the News” on the Honor Your Promise site, and click on the link, “Memorandum of Law In Support if Plaintiffs Application for a Preliminary Injunction, and then you may read the Summons and Complaint, by clinking on the link of that name.

Pirro is suing the city in federal court, charging that it violated his clients’ civil rights by reneging on its contract agreement to pay for the full cost of health benefits. The suit also names Mayor Adam Bradley and the City Attorney John Callahan.

Pirro, who is representing the officers without charge, said the city was breaking its promise to the officers, many of whom are now elderly and living on fixed incomes and cannot afford the sudden expense. He said that the city was imposing the additional cost on these retirees while granting raises to commissioners who have personal ties to the mayor. He estimated that the city’s additional savings for the 144 retired officers amounted to only about $270,000 a year of its nearly $155 million budget.

The city notified approximately 650 retired civil servants, including police and firefighters of the change in policy in a June 3 letter, demanding that they pay the first quarterly installment by July 10 or face the loss of their health coverage. The added costs amount to as much as $2,395 a year.

On June 14, Pirro filed a notice of claim putting the City on notice of the suit. Pirro said that former city Mayor Alfred DelVecchio and Mayor Joseph Delfino have provided affidavits supporting the retired officers.

Construction Jobs Fall in May. Businesses Under 50 People Trim Hiring

Posted on July 1, 2010 by John Bailey

WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. From New Jersey Business Daily. July 1, 2010:

NJ BIZ, New Jersey’s online business news service reported today that New Jersey-based payroll preparation specialist, ADP found in their survey of national small businesses that hiring by those companies dropped significantly in June.

The news service also reported New Jersey construction industry jobs fell 11%,down 15,200 jobs while New York State construction employment dropped 6%, losing 20,800 jobs.

The New Jersey-based business wire also reported that New Jersey-based payroll preparation specialist, ADP found in a survey of national small businesses under 50 persons that hiring by those companies dropped significantly in May.

Private-sector employment grew by a net 13,000 jobs in May, even though the small-business job count fell, according to Wednesday’s ADP National Employment Report. The net job gains were the latest in a string of national increases, but some economists cautioned against irrational exuberance.

Midsized businesses — those with 50 to 499 workers — added 13,000 employees in May, while the largest companies added 3,000 jobs, according to ADP Inc., a Roseland-based payroll services and business outsourcing company that produces the monthly report with Macroeconomic Advisers LLC, of St. Louis. During the month, small businesses chopped 1,000 positions.

To read NJ Biz’s complete story on construction trends click on http://www.njbiz.com/article-multiple?aid=82514&utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=http%3a%2f%2fwww.njbiz.com%2farticle-multiple%3faid%3d82514&utm_content=WPCNR%40AOL.COM&utm_campaign=The+Daily%3a+Small+firms+stop+hiring%2c+construction+woes%2c+drug+makers’+major+deals,

For their story on the small business employment trends go to http://www.njbiz.com/article-multiple?aid=82510&utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=http%3a%2f%2fwww.njbiz.com%2farticle-multiple%3faid%3d82510&utm_content=WPCNR%40AOL.COM&utm_campaign=The+Daily%3a+Small+firms+stop+hiring%2c+construction+woes%2c+drug+makers’+major+deals

County Police Corral 2 Suspected in So Lex/Dennison Gunfight. 3rd at Large

Posted on July 1, 2010 by John Bailey

WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. From Media Reports. July 1,2010:

A Westchester County Police sobriety stop of a car on the Bronx River Parkway June 16 at a County checkpoint where guns were discovered in the vehicle, has lead to the arrest of two of the occupants of the car as suspects in the June 9 gunfight at Dennison Street and South Lexington Avenue in White Plains, The Journal News reports..

According to Journal News reporter Richard Liebson, a police official said that Khalil Ephraim, 21, of 206 Warren Avenue, Greenburgh and Wilson Miller, 19, of 73 Evarts Avenue, Elmsford were charged with second-degree criminal passion of a weapon and first-degree reckless endangerment, after ballistics tests of shell casings found at the Dennison Street shooting incident of June 9, matched a gun found in the car stopped June 16 by Westchester County Police.

A third suspect, not named, according to police is still being sought as a participant in the exchange of gunfire.At approximately 4 P.M. June 9, the two charged are alleged to have fired at least three shots in an exchange of fire with the third suspect, hitting three cars. No one was injured.

Mr. Liebson reports that Ephraim and Wilson were in the car stopped by the County Police, along with two others, Herbert Miller, 27, of 225 Martin Luther King Boulevard in White Plains and Trevor Miller, 29, of The Bronx, and that all four Ephraim, Wilson, and both Millers were charged with felony weapon possession as a result of the stop. Herbert Miller, who was driving was also charged with driving while impaired by drugs, a misdemeanor, after police suspected he had been smoking marijuana. Ephraim was charged with false impersonation.

White Plains Police had identified Ehpraim and Wilson as suspects in the June 9 shooting incident based on extensive interviews of passersby at the time of the gunfire.

Riptides — What to Do at the Beach If You’re Caught in a Riptide.

Posted on June 30, 2010 by John Bailey

WPCNR BAY WATCH. From National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration. June 30, 2010:

With a week, two swimmers have disappeared in surf off Long Island, being swept out to deep water by a riptide. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there is definitely a strategy to extracating yourself from such a tide if you retain your composure.

In the most recently accident of Rockaway Beach this morning, there were signs posted on the beach explaining graphically exactly what to do if caught in a rip.

With thousands heading out to the Rockaways, the Hamptons, Fire Island, Jones Beach, Gilgo and Robert Moses State Park this weekend, on Long Island’s South Shore…notorious for it’s big surf and rip currents (due to its shallow water, parents should familarize themselves and instruct their teens and children what to do if caught in a rip current.

Here is what to do if you find yourself caught in a current taking you out into deep water over your head, and you cannot overcome the force of the rip.:

Rip currents are the most hazardous beach condition a swimmer can face. Not only on Long Island beaches, but anywhere there are breaking waves, the Great Lakes included.

Over 100 people drown in rip currents every year. The tragedy is compounded by the fact that rip currents are so very easy to avoid, and very easy to escape if you do happen to get caught up in one.

Rip currents are sometimes mistakenly referred to as riptides and undertow. These names are misnomers because although rip currents pull swimmers away from shore they have nothing to do with the tides and they do not pull swimmers under.

The real danger with rip currents is not that you’re getting pulled away from shore, but how you react.

Most swimmers will panic and try to swim against the current. They will tire quickly and soon go under.

The key to surviving a rip current is to swim out of it, not against it. This is done by swimming parallel to shore.

Since rip currents are fairly narrow you will be out of the “rip” in no time. You can either swim back to shore or let the waves help you back in.

What exactly is a rip current?
A rip current is a narrow stream of water traveling swiftly away from shore. Rip currents are formed when water piles up on the beach instead of flowing sideways away from the breaking waves as it normally does.

Eventually, so much water builds up that the pressure cuts a narrow path through the waves back out sea. The resulting current can be 30 to 100 feet wide and can move at speeds up to 5 miles per hour.

Rip currents are common around piers and jetties so it is wise to avoid swimming near these things.

Spotting rip currents
A rip current looks like a small river on the water’s surface flowing away from the beach. They are sometimes brownish and foamy and can flatten incoming waves making the sea look calm. Once past the breakers the current will disperse frequently forming a mushroom shape.

The danger
Rip currents kill by dragging swimmers out into deep water. While fighting to swim back to shore the swimmer becomes exhausted, can no longer stay afloat and drowns.

Many non-swimmers are caught in rip currents when standing in shallow water. The powerful rip currents knock them off their feet and carry them away. Since they don’t know how to swim they invariably drown.

If you don’t know how to swim but like to wade in the surf, please learn how to recognize rip currents and avoid them.

Surviving a rip current

Never swim where there are no life guards.
Before entering the water look around to see if you can spot any rip currents. If so, stay away from those areas.
If you find yourself being pulled out to sea, don’t panic. You are caught in a rip current that you can swim out of. To get out of the rip swim parallel to shore. That is, swim so that the shore is either to your right or your left. Never swim against the current.

Original files for the following and other safety graphics are available from NOAA’s rip current graphics page (opens in new window)

Rip Current Safety Tips from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:

Learn how to swim!

When at the beach:

Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard-protected beach.
Never swim alone.
Learn how to swim in the surf. It’s not the same as swimming in a pool or lake.
Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches. If in doubt, don’t go out.
Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. Lifeguards are trained to identify potential hazards. Ask a lifeguard about the conditions before entering the water. This is part of their job.
Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist along side these structures.
Consider using polarized sunglasses when at the beach. They will help you to spot signatures of rip currents by cutting down glare and reflected sunlight off the ocean’s surface.
Pay especially close attention to children and elderly when at the beach. Even in shallow water, wave action can cause loss of footing.

If caught in a rip current:

Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
Never fight against the current.
Think of it like a treadmill that cannot be turned off, which you need to step to the side of.
Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim at an angle–away from the current–towards shore.
If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by waving your arm and yelling for help.

If you see someone in trouble, don’t become a victim too:

Get help from a lifeguard.
If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1.
Throw the rip current victim something that floats–a lifejacket, a cooler, an inflatable ball.
Yell instructions on how to escape.
Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.

Independence Day Fireworks Thursday Evening 6 to10

Posted on June 30, 2010 by John Bailey

WPCNR DOINGS. June 30, 2010:

The City of White Plains, and the Department of Recreation and Parks is hosting its 2010 Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, July 1st at White Plains High School on Bryant Avenue and North Street from 6pm to 10pm.

This year’s extravaganza will feature the usual food, fun and fireworks, along with a performance by “Tramps Like Us” – a Bruce Springsteen tribute band. There will also be plenty to do for kids like face painting, magic and variety shows, games, and inflatable rides. One of the highlights of the night will begin at 7:30 p.m., when the West Point Black Knights Sports Parachute Team makes a jump onto the school grounds.

The celebration will end with the traditional fireworks display, put on by International Fireworks. Rain date for the event is Friday July 2nd.