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 WEST SIDE STORY. By John F. Bailey. Special to the CitizeNetReporter. March 30, 2010 UPDATED  5 P.M. E.D.T. UPDATED MARCH 31, 2010 5 P.M. E.D.T.: Angela Tucciarone, A  spokesperson for Avalon Bay Communities, when asked by WPCNR when she expected the agreement between the White Plains Housing Authority and Avalon Bay/Jonathan Rose Associates was expected to be completed and whether plans to replace buildings one at a time, allowing residents to stay until new building is completed (the original plan for the Winbrook “Revitalization,”) would be observed, today told WPCNR, “We can’t confirm any dates or details as this is still in negotiation. Of course, Avalon Bay is sensitive to displacement issues. However, construction plans have not yet been finalized.”

The Mayor’s Office informed by WPCNR of the Avalon Bay Selection yesterday, and asked for a statement, has not issued a reaction as of this hour. The development encompassing about 10 to 15 acres of city property most likely would be at least a $3 to $4 Billion undertaking and the largest single project ever undertaken in White Plains.

WPCNR first learned Avalon Bay was the front-runner from property owners familiar with the negotiations, who also pointed out that no would-be developers had spoken with them about the project. The White Plains Housing Authority has kept secret the four companies they had been considering for the massive rebuild and gentrification of the city’s west side.

Ms. Tucciarone of Avalon Bay Communities confirmed to WPCNR that Avalon Bay is the Authority “choice” to undertake the largest White Plains development since urban renewal took place in the 1970s.

Avalon Bay is the builder of the 14-story residential and town house complex on Church and Barker which broke ground in Summer, 2007, and is now renting. It has been one of the most trouble-free and smoothly absorbed projects in downtown White Plains in the last ten years of development.

Avalon Bay Communities is a key Housing and Urban Development selectee for such projects nationwide. It owns and manages 23 apartment complexes across the United States, predominantly in California, comprising nearly 7,000 rental units (as of 2005). Locally, Avalon Bay owns The Avalon Bedford, a 368-unit complex in Stamford, Connecticut and the 22-unit Avalon Glen, also in Stamford, and The Prudential Center in Boston where the company manages 781 units.

Jonathan Rose Associates, the builder, is a subsidiary of Jonathan Rose Companies of New York City. Rose, the founder is described by HUD Secretary, Shaun Donovan as “a leading innovator, advocate and practitioner of green building, particularly of green affordable housing.”

Jonathan Rose Companies recently received a HUD grant of $3.6 Million to retrofit the West 135th St. Apartments in Harlem, a 10-building, 198-unit Section 8 Assisted property in January of this year. As part of that renovation, money coming from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, 10 high efficiency boilers will be installed, with rooftop solar photovoltaic panels, and other fixtures.

 

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WPCNR STAGE DOOR. March 28, 2010: Assemblyperson Amy Paulin whose daughter performed with Westco Productions called White Plains’ Susan Katz, “the person who makes every one a star;” County Legislator James Maisano declaring  Susan Katz Day in Westchester County called her organization one that the county has been supporting for years because of Westco’s unique contribution to Westchester families: White Plains Mayor Adam Bradley presented a plaque declaring Saturday Susan Katz Day in White Plains saying he looked forward to her company Westco Productions serving White Plains for many years to come.

Westco Productions “Magic to Do Players” Perform for over 140 Guests at the local Westco’s 30th Anniversary Celebration Saturday evening. Master of Ceremonies Jason Summers on stage (background) a performer with Westco since the age of 7, and now a professional choreographer, director and actor, leads the very special group of performers that Westco has nurtured the last two years. They were the stars of the evening and had a wonderful time– and were easily the best dancers on the floor.

White Plains Mayor Adam Bradley Presented Susan Katz, “The First Lady of Westchester Theatre,” Founder of Westco, with a Proclamation Declaring Susan Katz Day in the City. Bradley said he had known Ms. Katz for many years and looked forward to her giving White Plains another 30 years of Westco Productions to come.

Serena Russell, President of the Westco Productions Board of Directors saluted Ms. Katz for creating an organization that has entertained over 700,000 persons over the last 30 Years.

Assemblywoman Amy Paulin reminisced about her own daughter’s Westco career.

County Legisalator James Maisano recognized Ms. Katz’s Westco is unique and an important resource in Westchester County also declaring Saturday Susan Katz Day in Westchester.

Jason Summers and the Westco staff entertained the friends of Westco with a medley of Westco’s Greatest Hits…from 30 Years of unique, “Flop-proof” productions because the people who produce them — produce them with love — that produces hit after hit — from Frosty the Snowman to Annie to “Resuse,Recycle.”

The Katzes — “First Lady of Westchester Theatre,” Susan Katz and her husband, Peter Katz…dance on Susan Katz Night. Mrs. Katz graciously thanked Mr. Katz for all his contributions to Westco’s success.  Surrounded by family and friends, Ms.Katz remembered her father, Sonny Katz, long-time City Marshall for his encouragement and belief in the Westco Dream when she first thought of starting a youth theatre in the city.

 

The occasion was Westco Productions 30th Anniversary Gala Celebration held at the Womens Club of White Plains where 150 persons gathered to salute Suan Katz for founding Westco Productions — the county’s most successful and enduring non-profit theatre company that for thirty years has introduced theatre to youngsters, entertained youthful patients in county hospitals, and most recently created a theatre group for developmentally disabled youths.

 

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WPCNR BACKROOM BULLETIN. By John F. Bailey. March 26, 2010: The White Plains Democratic City Committee met Thursday evening at the White Plains YWCA,and expressed agony and concern over the plight of Mayor Adam Bradley as he awaits a Pre-Trial Conference next Thursday in domestic court after being charged with Third Degree Assault in an alleged incident involving his wife.

 

There was no consensus call for the Mayor’s resignation.  Each of the Common Council persons did attend at various times , but did not address the issue of the Mayor’s plight, but focused their comments on city issues.

 

An observer who attended the meeting who spoke to WPCNR under condition of anonymity said the prevailing mood was “agonized,” “sad,” and though several persons spoke calling for the Mayor to resign, the consensus was that the legal process should be completed, and “we should wait and see.” “Many points of view were expressed.
There was not a call for the Mayor to resign. They were grieved. To have gone from such a bright hope to this in just two months, is unbelievable.”

 

He said there was much concern for Mr. Bradley, his wife, his children and earnest hope they could work out their problems.

 

Our source said, “There is zero tolerance for abuse. It was pointed out that public officials who have resigned over similar issues had admitted, ‘yes, this is true”

 

Mayor Adam Bradley did not attend the meeting.

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WPCNR MR. AND MRS. AND MS. WHITE PLAINS OP ED. By Larry Giordano. March 24, 2010: The following is the text of an “open letter” to the White Plains City School Board  from White Plains’ Larry Giordano who examines the recently submitted Superintendent of Schools School Budget in light of current budget trends:

Pete, (Bassano, Member, White Plains Board of Education)

It was nice seeing you again. You look very professional up there which leads me to the conclusion that you and the rest of the board members must love PAIN! I want you to know I respect all of you for the fine work and effort you have done over the past years.

 I was in total amazement listening to folks stand up there and air their personal concerns with a total disregard for the rest of the residential city tax payer. For one mother to complain about her son not having a period for BAND class or another about their son NEEDING a study period is totally nuts. Now, concerning the young lady who had issues at a younger age (I do have a heart though some in WP may not think so) my question is, since the same folks that pay taxes to the WP school district also pay taxes to county government why not use their services for social and health services and even other areas where an overlap may exist?

 After looking at the breakdown of the budget it’s very easy to see the real savings has to come from the ~80% area that includes Instruction, Special Ed and Benefits. Let’s face it; going forward NYS revenue is going to continue to be a smaller piece of the revenue pie. This will unfortunately mean all NYS resident tax payers will be responsible for a greater portion of the revenue stream for their community.

To this end for the board to believe they can continue to pass on that additional cost moving forward is both naive and irresponsible. We have a saying on Wall Street, “trees don’t grow to the sky and neither do stocks”. At some point a “pullback” occurs and the price of a company is reset to better reflect current fair value.

The same should hold true with our school budget. It’s very disturbing to see total revenue being reduced by an estimate of $5.8mm yet the WP budget was ONLY reduced by $2.3mm. That is a huge difference… $3.5mm or 60%!  I know all on the board have worked hard and long to even get to this point but unfortunately more needs to be done.

I strongly feel a more aggressive position needs to be taken with the teachers union. The time has come for all of us including the teachers to pay their fair share to both health and retirement benefits. Most folks today pay ~25% for their health care insurance. The folks of WP have been very generous to our teachers and staff members over the years. The time has come for us to reset our school budget to better reflect the current fair value otherwise the bubble we continue to feed with higher taxes will be devastating when it pops! Trust me, bubbles always POP!!

 

 

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. March 23, 2010: The new Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Christopher Clouet presented his “Superintendent’s Budget” Monday evening before a vocal public hearing of 50 to 60 persons, offering a school budget that decreases White Plains school spending budget-to-budget for the first time in the district history.

 

The First Public Hearing on the School Budget.

 

 WPCNR notes that White Plains, with one of the largest school budgets in the county, has turned in a budget below last year’s, one of the few districts, if any, to turn in a lowered school budget.

 

 

Clouet’s budget calls for a 1.21% budget reduction to $183.5 Million, an additional reduction in the budget was achieved by $800,000 in net savings from retirements among the teaching staff, achieved due to retirement concessions granted by the teachers union in a new contract, allowing higher retirement incentives. By anticipating hiring replacement teachers (at entry level salaries, $52,269 in July, 2010) to replace retiring full-time teachers, $800,000 more money was saved.

 

The effect raises the school tax 3.78% even though the budget goes down 1.21%, and raises taxes $600 for the median-priced home in White Plains, ($650,000)

 

 

Your Tax Impact

 

Though the school district did not show the impact of the tax increase in dollars, WPCNR has determined the new tax increase means approximately $600 more in taxes on the median-priced White Plains home with a market value of $650,000.

 

That $600 increase is based on the assumption the state will go along with Governor David Paterson’s 19% reduction of the STAR BASIC EXEMPTION lowering it to $2,398 from the present $2,960. For homes with market values above $650,000 the tax increase approaches $1,000.  

 

Dr. Clouet noted at the outset of the hearing that the State Senate voted to go along with Governor Paterson’s State education aid cuts which presently are costing White Plains City School District $2.5 Million in aid this year, indicating there is at present, no hope of having aid returned. 

 

Will Not Raise Budget Even if Contingency Budget Raised.

 

Dr. Clouet told WPCNR that even if the New York State Assembly passes the Education Mandate Relief Act with a plan to raise the contingency budget increase allowed to 3%, instead of the present 0% the  state has given school districts, he will not increase the White Plains budget 3% just because he could to save jobs and restore programs. “We’ve worked very hard to make these cuts,” he said.

 

Bulk of Cost Savings is in the elimination of 83 Teacher/Teaching Assistants ($6.4M), Summer School Programs, and lower than expected Health Insurance Costs.

 

Concerns.

 

The hearing saw about 30 different persons address the Board of Education for over two hours. Their comments came from parents of high school students protesting the elimination of one period a day at the high school. Parents and students, too objected saying that busy students needed the ninth period to see counselors, advisors, do home work, take extra courses and other activities.

 

Several parents made eloquent appeals that eliminating the period would destroy what makes White Plains High School unique.

 

Afterwards, Dr. Clouet explained to WPCNR the elimination of the period would enable more teaching by teachers instead of assigning them to study halls (not all White Plains students fill up their schedules with course after course, necessitating teacher assignments to study halls).

 

Kerry Roderick, President of the Teachers Union, told WPCNR that each teacher would teach 20 more hours next year as a result of eliminating the 9^th period – a change negotiated by the recent third year extension of the teachers contract – which allowed teachers to teach one more period a day.

 

Adminstrators Suffered the least in the School District Budget Cuts.  It should be noted that the 1,063 full-time employees do not include the cafeteria staffs of all 9 school buildings. It has gone down from approximately 1,450 two years ago (including part-time employees).

 

Transparency Urged

At least a half-dozen speakers touched on the district not informing parents of the proposed elimination of the ninth period when it was being considered.

 

The reason for this as far as WPCNR can tell was the change had to be negotiated with the teachers union,and could only be made public after the teachers union had approved it at the end of April. Dr. Clouet acknowledged he would have to do a better job of informing on sensitive issues like these in the future.

 

 

Revenue Drain: Decrease in Pilots paid by 360 Hamilton Avenue and 333 Westchester Avenue properties contributed a third of the revenue loss. State Aid decrease, almost half. And elimination of a NY Hospital program contributed another $1.6 Million in red ink.

 

DRUG Counselor Supported by Students.

 

Two former students addressed the board urging retention of Susan Murphy as the district student assistance counselor, who specializes in aiding students fighting drug and substance abuse. Eloquent pleas were made on Ms. Murphy’s behalf – one by student who confessed publicly of how she would not be alive today if it were not for Ms. Murphy’s help.

 

Failure to Cut Technology Upgrades Criticised.

 

Jonathan Robie criticized the board for cutting 83 full-time teachers and teaching assistants, while keeping intact with no cuts, $3 Million earmarked for technology, which Robie said could have been cut and a number of teachers’ jobs saved.

 

No one observed that only 3.7 administrators were eliminated, as opposed to 83 teaching personnel.

 

Cutting Remedial Programs

 

A handful of parents complained that eliminating 50% of the Summer School budget and teaching assistants at the elementary level, and cutting back on separate after school programs for students needing help was not productive and hurt those who needed help most.

 

One woman spoke up saying that most persons wanted programs that helped their students kept, but were not stepping up with suggestions as how the “hard-working” school board should address the budget.

 

Dr. Clouet will discuss the budget on the television program, White Plains Week on Friday, May 7,  two weeks before the school budget is voted on.

 

Fred  Seiler,Assistant Superintendent for Business, said that the present budget is actually lower than any contingent budget would be.

 

A parent closed the evening saying all parents and PTA heads should work hard to educate the voting public on the responsive budget presented.