THE WORLD READS WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER — 8,324,077 VISITS IN ONE YEAR | 2,905,611 VISITORS VISIT 8,324,077 TIMES 3 TIMES EVERY DAY IN ONE YEAR. HIGHEST ACTIVITY IN WPCNR HISTORY.White PlainsCitizeNetReporter lifted its worldwide visits from unique visitors to wpcnr.com to 8,324,077,a 1,306,419 increase in visits in one year from 7,017,658 visits to the site last year which covers White Plains and Westchester County. The 8,324,077 visits were made by 2,005,611 unique visitors who visited wpcnr an average of 3 visits a day. ON JULY 20- -2026 visitors have accessed wpcnr and made 3,072 visits an average of 1.6 visits. In the last week 33,495 individual vistors made 54,458 visits, averaging 1.6 visits. In the last month, 152,940 visitors recorded 229,338 visits (1.5 visits)

5GALERT on NEW WHITE PLAINS TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORDINANCE PASSED MONDAY. City Must Continue to Step Up

Posted on May 5, 2021 by John Bailey

WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. From 5GALERT WESTCHESTER May 5, 2021, UPDATED Ma 7, 2021:
At the May 3 Common Council meeting, our elected officials passed amendments to the White Plains Telecom Code, which was last visited in 1997 before 5G close-proximity cell installations were on the landscape.

This action was in response to 1,000 plus residents petitioning the City to enact a protective ordinance limiting the placement of powerful 5G antennas near homes, schools, and play areas. The outcome of the meeting did not approach the bar that residents envisioned.

“Several necessary, tangential improvements were made to the code,” says Ruth F. Moss, Director of the local group, 5GAlert Westchester. “But unfortunately, not one provision will actually stem the onward march of 24/7 millimeter waves into our neighborhoods. We all love technology, but these antennas, which are effectively mini-cell towers, are just too unsafe and too high-powered. The City has to step up and grab hold of its Congressional powers to regulate.”

Improvements to the code include emissions testing, pre-notification to nearby residents, and increased fees for telecom carriers. Other provisions that purportedly restrict installations are surrounded by loopholes for the telecoms. “We’ll be watching the City to see how they enforce these new more restrictive measures,” says resident Elitsa Golab.

“It’s not coming to White Plains by itself. It’s coming with hazardous antennas, possibly right on your own front lawn,” says Moss. “Time and time again, when people are informed of that unpleasant fact, their interest in 5G goes rapidly down.”

“We have fiber optic cable in this town,” notes longtime resident, Sal Gagliano. “And that does the job just fine.”

Three Common Council members have asked that the topic be revisited every six months. This will allow residents to press for stronger provisions and the City to consider new federal legislation that may emerge.
“White Plains already has 100 of these mini-cell towers in White Plains and that’s enough,” states resident Deborah Fontana. “There is a radiating antenna on the front lawn of a home two blocks away from me. Small children live there and the mother is beside herself.”

Mayor Tom Roach commented, “it’s a start.” … And we agree. but now the City must step up.

JOHN BAILEY ON WVOX THIS MORNING: TELECOMMUNICATIONS REVISED ORDINANCE APPROVED.7-0

Posted on May 4, 2021 by John Bailey

JOHN BAILEY THE CITIZENETREPORTER WHITE PLAINS REPORT –
-TRANSCRIPT OF THIS MORNING’S SEGMENT ON THE DENNIS AND TONNY GOOD MORNING WESTCHESTER PROGRAM
ON WVOX 1460 HEARD TUESDAYS AT 7:50 A.M.

“GOOD MORNING FROM WHITE PLAINS NEW YORK USA WHERE ITS 54 OVERCAST WPNCR DEGREES.

THE WHITE PLAINS COMMON COUNCIL TIGHTENED UP ITS TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORDINANCE GOVERING INSTALLATION OF NEW CELL TOWERS IN THE CITY BY A VOTE OF 7-0. THE ORDINANCE WAS REVISED IN LIGHT OF VERIZON EFFORTS TO INSTALL HIGH INTENSITY 5G T

THE NEW ORDINANCE ALLOWS THE CITY TO HIRE TECHNICAL EXPERTS TO CHECK WHETHER A NEW INSTALLATION OF A CELLPHONE TOWER IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH FCC RADITION REQUIREMENTS. IT ASSURES RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS THAT THEY WILL BE NOTIFIED IF AN ADDITIONAL CELLTOWER IS PLANNED TO BE INSTALLED NEAR THEM VIA THE CITY WEBSITE. THE CITY ESTABLISHES A PRIORITY CITING OF ADDITIONAL CELLTOWER INSTALLATIONS CONSIDERING PLACEMENT ON CITY OWNED PROPERTY FIRST, BUSINESS DISTRICT SECOND AND RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS LAST.

THE MAYOR SAID FEDERAL LAW PROHIBITS DENYING INSTALLATIONS BECAUSE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS DETERMINED THAT THEY WANTED TECHNOLOGICAL GROWTH IN PREVIOUS FCC POLICY. THE MAYOR SAID THE CITY WAS UNABLE BY FEDERAL LAW TO DENYING INSTALLATION OF A CELLTOWER ON GROUNDS IT WAS AS A DANGER TO PUBLIC HEALTH. COUNCILWOMAN NADINE HUNT-ROBINSON SAID THE NEW ORDINANCE CONTAINED A PROVISION THAT ALLOWS THE CITY TO CHUT DOWN THE CELLTOWER IF IT IS NOT IN COMPLIANCE, AND THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENS, HUNT-ROBINSON SAID IT WOULD MAKE THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT VOID. COUNCILMAN JUSTIN BRASCH SAID THE CITY WILL REVIEW CHANGES AND LEGAL DECISIONS ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS LAW EVERY SIX MONTHS, INDICATING THE ORDINANCE WOULD BE ADJUSTED BASED ON FINDINGS. COUNCILWOMAN JENNIFER PUJA SAID SHE HAD LISTENED TO THE MANY ACTIVISTS WHO HAD PROTESTED THE INVASION OF THE 5G TOWERS, AND WAS VOTING IN FAVOR OF THE ORDINANCE BECAUSE IT WAS A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

PREVIOUSLY THE ORDINANCE WAS CRITICISED BY 5GWESTCHESTER AS BEING TOO VAGUE AND NOT SPECIFIC ENOUGH.

ON THE COVID SITUATION THE MAYOR DELIVERED A VERY POSITIVE MESSAGE ON COVID.

There are currently an estimated 139 active cases in our City, down 55 from a week ago. Over the last 7 days we are averaging 7 new cases per day. Case numbers are continuing to decline in our area, which is good news for all of us.

And here’s some more good news: According to the CDC, New York has the highest number of adults fully vaccinated among all the large states. YOU contributed to this, White Plains. We are doing very well and now have to focus on those who may be hesitant to get the vaccine. One way to do that is to ensure the vaccine is widely available and easily accessible.

ON HOSPITIZATIONS FOR COVID, WPCNR HAS DETERMINED BY COMPARING POSTIVE CASES OF TWO WEEKS AGO TO THE 116 HOSPITALIZATIONS OF COVID PATIENTS THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE ANNOUNCED YESTERDAY THAT THE HOSPITALIZATION RATE IS HOLDING AT 3% — WHICH MEANS THAT PERSONS GETTING THE DISEASE THREE WEEKS WOULD RESULT IN ABOUT 120 HOSPITALIZATIONS IN 10 DAYS AND THE HOSPITALIZATIONS WERE RIGHT ON THAT FIGURE, 116. SO PEOPLE ARE STILL GETTING SICK FROM IT.

THE ESPLANADE LAST NIGHT FILED FOR AN EXTENSION AND APPROVAL OF A NEW SITE PLAN FOR THEIR APARTMRENT COMPLEX REBUILD.

THERE WILL BE A ZOOM MEETING HELD BY THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS MAY 11 FOR CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR THE WHITE PLAINS SCHOOL BOARD THERE IS ONE CHALLENGER FOR THE THREE INCUMBENTS…

Mayor Gives Weekly Covid Report

Posted on May 3, 2021 by John Bailey

WPCNR MAYOR’S CORONAVIRUS REPORT. From Mayor Tom Roach Weekly Telepone Message. May 3, 2021:

The State has announced that mass vaccination sites, including the County Center here in White Plains and the Yonkers Armory, are now open to any eligible New Yorker age 16 and older for vaccinations on a walk-in basis.

The walk-in appointments are reserved for first doses only. Second dose appointments will be scheduled automatically after administration of the first dose.

If you prefer to schedule your appointment, there are a number of locations in White Plains that can accommodate you. For further information, go to the city website, cityofwhiteplains.com, or call our White Plains COVID Angels at (914) 422-1378 Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm for assistance.

Another way to combat vaccine hesitancy is to give residents an opportunity to talk to medical professionals about their concerns. This Friday, May 7 th, at 4:30 pm I’ll be joining El Centro Hispano and White Plains Hospital for a Facebook live discussion about the COVID-19 vaccine. The purpose of this session is to answer any questions you may have about the vaccine. The discussion will be held in English and Spanish. If you are uncertain as to whether you should get the vaccine, I encourage you to participate. Just go to El Centro Hispano’s Facebook page, El Centro Hispano Inc.

Remember, choosing to be vaccinated protects you, your family, and our community. Additionally, it will speed your return to normal activities. Getting vaccinated is Free and it will allow you to do the things you love to do with greater confidence, like seeing a ball game, going to religious services, a restaurant, or a concert. In some cases proof of vaccination or a recent negative test will be required to attend group events. More than 100 colleges and universities have already announced that proof of vaccination will be a requirement for students returning to campus in the fall. Now is the time to check getting the shot off of your list. All three of the vaccines authorized for use in the United States are safe and effective.

Our next call is on Monday, May 10th. Until then remember, we’re standing together by staying apart.

Governors Lift More Covid Gathering Restrictions. NY State Senate will Extend tenant protections.

Posted on May 3, 2021 by John Bailey

New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to Lift Most Industry Capacity Restrictions Beginning May 19 Given Vaccination Progress and COVID-19 Case Decline

Business Capacity Limits to Be Replaced with Space Available to Maintain Six Feet of Social Distancing on May 19 in New York and New Jersey

Outdoor Social Gathering Limit Increases to 500 on May 10 in New York; Indoor Social Gathering Limit Increases to 250 on May 19 in New York

Outdoor Residential Gathering Limit is Removed and Indoor Residential Gathering Limit Increases to 50 on May 19 in New York

Large-Scale Indoor Venue Capacity Increases to 30% and Large-Scale Outdoor Venue Capacity Increases to 33% on May 19, Proof of Vaccination or Recent Negative Test Still Required in New York

New York Subways will open for 24 hour a day service May 17

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont today announced a significant easing of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on the region’s businesses, venues and gatherings given significant progress in vaccinations and sustained reduction in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

Today, the Senate Democratic Majority will advance legislation to extend the state’s eviction and foreclosure moratorium, as well as the Protect Our Small Business Act until August 31 2021, building on the Senate Majority’s continued work in helping New York renters and homeowners stay in their homes if they are facing hardships due to the pandemic.

This legislation will also provide support for struggling small businesses facing eviction and foreclosure, relieving the burden of fear and uncertainty that COVID-19 has brought New York’s families and small businesses.

“The tide is turning against COVID-19 in New York, and thanks to our increasing vaccination rates, as well as our successful, data-based regional approach, we’re able to take more steps to reopen our economy, help businesses and workers, and keep moving towards returning to normal,” Governor Cuomo said. “Thanks to the hard work of New Yorkers and our partners in government, we are now able to increase capacity limits for businesses, event venues and residences to reflect what we’re seeing in the COVID data. Maintaining this progress is critical and in order to keep moving in a positive direction, New Yorkers must continue to take all the proper precautions. If we let up now, we could slide backwards and that is something nobody wants. So, let’s be safe and for anyone who has yet to be vaccinated, please do so as soon as you can. With the addition of walk-in appointments, we’ve made it as easy as every to get your shot, so there are truly no excuses.”