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. | WHITE PLAINS WESTCHESTER DAILY NEWS SERVICE VISITS SINCE 2000 A.D. 25TH YEARl REPORTING THE NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW News Service Since 2000 A.D. 2026 WILL BE OUR 26TH YEAR OF COVERING WHITE PLAINS NEW YORK USA . John F. Bailey, Editor (914) 997-1607 wpcnr@aol.com Cell: 914-673-4054. News Politics Personalities Neighborhoods Schools Finance Real Estate Commentary Reviews Policy Correspondence Poetry Philosophy Photojournalism Arts. The WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER. TELEVISION: "White Plains Week" News Roundup, 7:30 EDT FRI, 7 EDT MON & the incisive "People to Be Heard" Interview Program 8PM EDT THURS, 7 PM EDT SAT on FIOS CH 45 THROUGHOUT WESTCHESTER AND, ALTICE OPTIMUM WHITE PLAINS CH 1300 Fighting for Truth, Justice and the American Way. TOP 10 VISITORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD :1. USA. 2.BRAZIL3.VIET NAM 4. CHINA 5. JAPAN 6.UK. 7.CANADA. 8.INDIA. 9.AUSTRALIA 10.IRELAND 11.GERMANY 12..ARGENTINA 13.BANGLADESH 14.RUSSIA. 15.NEWZEALAND. 16. FRANCE. 17.MEXICO. 18.UKRAINE. 19.SOUTH AFVRICA. 20. IRAQ.

Superintendent of Schools Announces Settlement with CSEA

Posted on June 12, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. June 12,2009: Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors confirmed today the settlement of a two year contract (through 2010-11) with the school district’s Civil Service Employees Association employees who number about 500 workers.

Connors said the union members will receive a 2% salary increase in each of the next two years. They will have their co-pay on their medical plan go up $15 to $20, and the district eliminated one health care provider, enabling the district to reduce their premium.

Walk-Up Bank Robber Walks In Asks Bank for Money, Takes it and Leaves.

Posted on June 11, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. June 11, 2009: For the second time in 4 months, a bank has been robbed in White Plains by a walk-up robber. This time Capital One Bank at 9 Mamaroneck Avenue adjacent Legal Seafood, was victimized this morning just before lunch hour. According to Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety, Daniel Jackson:

11:43 a.m. Male black subject walked into Capital One bank at 9 Mamaroneck Ave. And displayed a note demanding money. The teller handed over an undetermined amount of cash and the subject left without incident. (Suspect is:) a Male black, heavyset, close cropped hair, wearing dark pants and a maroon oversized t shirt. We are currently interviewing employees and witnesses.

WANTED!

In Connection with this morning’s Capital One Bank Robbery. He left the bank with an undisclosed amount of money on foot heading south on Mamaroneck Ave.
Anyone who recognizes this person is asked to call the White Plains Police Department at 914-422-6111.

In February,a bank at the Stop N Shop was robbed by a person walking in and demanding money, not displaying a weapon. That robber has not been apprehended.

Hockley Runs. Challenges Mentor for Mayor.

Posted on June 10, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2009. By John F. Bailey. June 10, 2009UPDATED June 13, 2009: Glen Hockley, the Common Councilman and politician who owed his political career to Adam Bradley’s legal expertise, today declared his candidacy for Mayor of White Plains on the steps of City Hall, intending to oppose Mr. Bradley in the November election.

Hockley said of the outgoing Mayor of White Plains, (whom he called “the greatest and most accomplished Mayor in the history of our great city”), Joseph Delfino, “he is behind me (for Mayor) 100%.”

Hockley said he intends to run as an Independent, having registered as a candidate at the Board of Elections Wednesday morning. He said he is hopeful of receiving the Working Families Party endorsement and line. That party, he said has not decided on whom it will support. Bradley has the Democrat and Republican lines.

On Saturday, June 13, The White Plains Times reported Joe Fahey, head of the Working Families Party has decided his party will endorse Adam Bradley for Mayor, denying Hockley the labor endorsement he sought.

Surrounded by leaders of the city’s police, fire and CSEA unions whom he claimed were supporting his candidacy against Bradley, Mr. Hockley took Bradley to task for failing to come to the city’s aid by denying an additional ¼% sales tax, and declared his would be a revenue approach to government that would not raise property taxes, as the present Common Council has chosen to do. He told WPCNR he would not support a commuter tax for workers in the city who do not live in White Plains.

After recognizing the various union representatives who had turned out, Hockley said “I am here for you as a public servant.”

Hockley said that a telephone survey of voters on their preferences for Mayor which Hockley observed the results were so good, “I haven’t been this excited since the day when his son Max was born and the day he met his wife, Melody, who were on the steps of City Hall with him.

Afterwards the announcement, Duncan McRae, familiar with the results of the pair told WPCNR the poll showed Hockley to be “much closer” to Mr. Bradley according to the poll results than he (Hockley) had anticipated.

Hockley Plays News 12

Hockley said Mayor Delfino’s accomplishments which he ticked off for the audience, “leaves tremendous shoes to fill.”

Hockley asked rhetorically “Do we want to reinvent the wheel? I think not. Don’t mess with success.”

He said White Plains needs an independent Mayor who will work for the benefit of the citizens, and not be beholden to “political hacks, political hopefuls and ideologies.”

Hockley told how the Democratic party in the city refused to nominate him for Common Council for reelection because of his votes with Mayor Delfino on issues and chided Mr. Bradley for receiving the Republican endorsement for Mayor – “Who’s the Republicrat, now, Mr. Bradley?” (bringing whoops and claps from the crowd).

He said White Plains needs a reformer – “who doesn’t answer to an organization but to you (the public).”

“The days of partisan politics are over,” Hockley said, promising his number 1 priority was to “take the property tax burden off the citizens and Number 2, seeking revenues and retaining city services. The bottom line is to get the job done.”

He critisized his opponent Adam Bradley (and the Common Council) for refusing to carry a request for an additional ¼% sales tax to the legislature, which he said has caused the layoff of 80 city workers.

He accused Mr. Bradley of weighing political considerations above interests of the citizens, and being in consort with Bill Ryan, the County Legislator, telling how in Democratic caucauses, when Mr. Hockley would suggest policies, Hockley said, Ryan was always asking, “what’s the political considerations?” and Bradley would go along with Ryan’s suggestions, Hockley said.

He accused Bradley of influencing the Council to reject revenue enhancing measures suggested by the Mayor – the leasing of the Galleria and Library garages for an immediate revenue enhancement — that Hockley said would have wiped out the $12 Million deficit the city faces and funded labor settlements.

He blamed Democrat City Committee politics and Bradley indirectly for the Common Council decision “to blow a great opportunity – the Cappelli-suggested Station Plaza project in 2007 – that he said could be being constructed now.

Hockley promised to create jobs, build infrastructure, keep property taxes down, but did mention how other than building revenues.

After the news conference, WPCNR asked Hockley if he knew that there were not actually 80 persons scheduled to be let go July 1, that other than 9 full-time CSEA workers, the other 69 were positions budgeted for but presently unfilled. Hockley said he would check into that. It is impossible to tell how many live bodies are being let go by the city because City Hall has been tardy in supplying a list of the positions presently filled that are being fired as of July 1, and what positions are budgeted, but not filled now. Hockley said he would check into that.

WPCNR asked if Mayor Delfino was going to support Mr. Hockley’s campaign financially (the mayor having a large political war chest). Hockley said he had not asked Delfino for financial support.

Duncan MacRae (left) of the White Plains Labor Coalition told WPCNR that about 1,000 union members across all four city unions lived in White Plains and would be working hard to get the vote out for Mr. Hockley.

There is irony in Mr. Hockley challenging Mr.Bradley.

In 2001 when Mr. Hockley ran for Common Council and a voting machine jammed in District 18, costing then incumbent Councilman Larry Delgado about 120 votes which would have given Mr. Delgado victory, Adam Bradley defended Mr. Hockley’s right to be seated on the Common Council all the way up to the State Court of Appeals.

Judge Francis Nicolai of Supreme Court, the Ninth District ruled that there should be a new election. Bradley made the case that present election law did not allow the courts to rule on elections. The Appellate Court in Brooklyn ruled against Mr. Bradley and Mr. Hockley, but Mr. Bradley took it to the state’s highest court and prevailed. The Court of Appeals ruled Judge Nicolai did not have authority to order a new election, and Hockley was allowed to be seated.

Glen Hockley and Adam Bradley in March, 2002 on morning of Mr. Hockley’s being seated on the Common Council. WPCNR News Archive.

Mr. Hockley was seated on the Council in March of 2002. Mr. Delgado subsequently brought a quo warranto action through then attorney general Eliot Spitzer’s office, resulting in Mr. Spitzer’s office decreeing that Mr. Delgado had won the election (based on Affidavits from voters who voted in the18th district, supplied by the Delgado camp). Mr. Delgado was seated on the council completed about 15 months remaining in his term, and chose not to run in 2005, when Mr. Hockley was renominated for the council and won reelection handily.

Council Role on Winbrook Mystery. Lecouna Wants Green Codes. Corcoran Departs

Posted on June 10, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR SOUTH END TIMES. By John F. Bailey. June 10, 2009: Councilperson Milagros Lecouna told the CitizeNetReporter Tuesday night she thought the mysterious WInbrook Revitalization Project to replace all Winbrook apartments home to 450 families with new buildings, was a good project and saw no problem in approving the zoning required. She did say she did not know if the Common Council would retain final creative approval as to what is built there, or whether the White Plains Housing Authority and the Federal Government would have their way as to what would be built on the Lexington Avenue corridor. Ms. Lecouna said “that is a good question.” She also said the council would pay close attention when a developer was selected, and indicated the council would not be approving the developer, but the Housing Authority would.

Milagros Lecouna Plays the CNA.

Milagros Lecouna, was at the Council of Neighborhood Associations to discuss “green issues.” In her remarks, she pointed out that White Plains does not have building codes requring state of the art environmental construction. She also noted that the city zoning code does not support such green constructions as solar panels and windmill-generated electric power The lack of zoning code acceptance she said allows neighbors to protest such improvements if they objected to the appearances.

Candyce Corcoran Departs CNA

The monthly meeting of the CNAalso saw Co-President Candyce Corcoran officially step down in a tearful farewell to the organization. Lou Bruno continues as President. Ms. Corcoran charged the CNA to move forward:”WPCNA as an organization which can be a powerful force in White Plains. But it is you, the delegate that can make this continue to happen. Be Proud of White Plains, your home, my forever home.”

Addressing the issue of “green” planning for the city, Lecouna said “you cannot stop the growth of our cities,(White Plains) but you need to take care of them (the cities),” and said that part of taking good care of the city was in knowing who lives in the city (“The better you know our city…the better we know our residents…you can’t talk about (the future of ) White Plains without talking about people. White Plains is all about people”

She said that environmental issues have to be weighed in planning future development, citing her upbringing in the Canary Islands as proof of why environment issues have to be considered in future development of cities but White Plains in particular. She explained how hotel development on the beaches of the Canary Islands blocked the winds from forming the famous Sahara sand mountains of the Islands. It was not until after the hotels were built and the winds diminished that the effect on the sand mountains was discovered.

“When you plan for an area, you have to look into the future,”she said. “You must have vision.It doesn’t matter how good our comprehensive plan would have been if the economy is not there.”

She observed that as a politician, she likes things “to happen now,” but “as a planner I have to look into the future to let the city grow in a way that will benefit the environment and the next generation.”

She said she was tired of the overuse of “green” in the media today, saying it was used to mislead and confuse people.

She said investing in green technology will in the long term, save money for builders, homeowners and the city. “Eventually making money long term.” She noted in response to a question from Candyce Corcoran that thecity did not have construction standards requiring state of the art green construction, but did point out that in recent approvals the Common Council has extracted promises of such features as green roofs, storm water retention, pervious surface retention and other environmentally sound procedures from developers of the buildings. She stopped short of calling for establishment of city “Green Codes.”

She encouraged building analysis within the city by private consultants to identify areas that could save money and energy long term through green retrofits.

When asked about enforcement of housing codes and violations, Ms. Lecouna said it is the responsibility of neighborhood associations to follow up and keep the pressure on the departments and the city. ‘Your group have the voice,” she said.

Asked about the condition of the city budget, Lecouna said that between 2008-09 and2009-10, the city was looking at an $18 Million budget gap. She said the council was looking at every budget line and looking at each city position in efforts to rein in spending.

Asked about Councilman Benjamin Boykin’s city trolley project, (a green transportation initiative), where that stood, Ms. Lecouna said you’d have toask Mr. Boykin. She was not aware of its status.

She encouraged people to take more buses. The eight member CNA organizations there said there were not enough convenient bus routes to the various neighborhoods of the city.

Since no CNA representatives asked about the Winbrook Mystery Revitalization Project, WPCNR asked Ms. Lecouna on her way out about the Winbrook Revitalization Project and whether the council had a problem with approving zoning for the project first before seeing the scope, height and density of the project–even a street level rendering.

Lecouna said she thought it was a worthwhile project because the zoning change only affected the parking allowed at Winbrook and along Lexington Avenue. She said it would not change height of the buildings allowed.

Asked if the council would have final say on what is built or whether the Housing Authority and HUD would have final creative/development decision power – Lecouna said that was a very good question and she’d be looking into it. She indicated that the Council would not select the developer that the Housing Authority would.

The next CNA meeting is July 14.

Candyce Corcoran, in announcing her departure made this statement:

It is not easy for me to say good-bye, however, tonight I regret to inform WPCNA, that I am leaving my beloved White Plains and therefore, I am submitting my formal resignation.

Many of you sitting here tonight have known me since I was a baby, a child, teen and an adult. It has been my honor to have been elected to serve as your Co-President for two terms. You have touched my life and my heart.

I have been involved with WPCNA for over 13 years and have cherished the friendships, dedicated volunteers and enjoyed seeing the completion of many ideas and problems that have been brought forward to our organization.

Under my tenure, new by-laws were written and adopted, neighborhood association membership has reached an all time high compared to the past 10 plus years.

WPCNA as an organization which can be a powerful force in White Plains. But it is you, the delegate that can make this continue to happen. Be Proud of White Plains, your home, my forever home.

I wish all of you happiness, good fortune in life’s continuing journey. Please remember me always.

Spano Calls for Reval of Property Countywide. Asks Senate to Kill Cert Bill

Posted on June 9, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. By John F. Bailey. June 9,2009 UPDATED 12:45 P.M. E.D.T. WITH TEXT OF COUNTY EXEC LETTER: The Westchester County Executive is calling for “revaluation” by towns, cities and municipalities as the only solution to city and town tax roll erosion from commercial property owners filing successful certiorari actions.

The County Executive asserts in a letter sent last Friday to State Senator Jeff Klein, that the Bradley Oppenheimer bill S-1706A, establishing a separate commercial assessment ratio for commercial property, that would relieve the tax roll drain causing budget problems for cities and towns across the county, comes “at too high a price.”

He calls the bill “wrongheaded,” and urges rejection due to long term implications without spelling out the alleged harmful specifics or the consequences for tax rolls of a countywide revaluation.

Adam Bradley sponsor of the bill with State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer hoped that if Executive Spano was coming out in favor of a revaluation that it would be done “the right way” revalling all cities, towns and municipalities in the county to avoid unequal taxation of school districts.

In the Klein letter, County Executive Andy Spano calls on Senator Klein to “reject” bill S-1706A, the bill awaiting introduction to the State Senate floor, currently still in Senate Committee with no floor date.

Assemblyman Adam Bradley, speaking to WPCNR this morning, said that if the County Executive is calling for revaluation,something the County Executive has not called for prior, he Bradley hoped that the county would conduct the reval”countywide, “the right way.”

Bradley said individual cities and towns cannot undertake “revals” on their own because of school districts overlapping between two towns, creating unequal property tax burdens if one city revals and another town not revaling sends students to that revaled city school.. Bradley cited the example of New Castle which sends its children to Ossining schools and North Castle and North White Plains which send their students to Valhalla schools as places that would experience unequal tax burdens if the county did not “reval” across the board.

Bradley also said yesterday’s Republican “coup” in the State Senate, in which the Republicans claimed to have recaptured the majority in the Senate, certainly puts the future of the certiorari bill in doubt since a Republican-controlled senate has refused to consider the certiorari bill since Bradley introduced the “Cert-Breaker” bill in March 2005. He said “things are still playing out here and unfolding,” and whether the bill could pass the senate was more doubtful.

The bill would establish a separate Commercial Assessment Ratio for commercial properties in Westchester County in an attempt to end certiorari losses (refunds of taxes and reduction of future assessments based on certiorari filings by commercial property owners), by establishing a separate commercial ratio for commercial businesses.

Spano instead strongly endorses revaluation as a means of ending the certiorari drain:

“The root of the problem is revaluation,” Spano’s letter to Senator Jeff Kleinsays, “ which has been resisted by most of the local governments for many years. The passage of this bill might relieve some of the immediate (certiorari) situation, but it would probably contribute to the stalling of the much needed revaluation process. It is the very resistance to revaluation that has put our localities in the position they are in today.”

The bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Adam Bradley and co-sponsored in the Senate by Senator Suzi Oppenheimer, has been endorsed by assessors as being a method of putting a stop to the annual certiorari filings by commercial properties that have sharply eroded city tax rolls the last nine years.

Bradley said recent news releases but out by the Westchester County Association distorted the facts on what the bill would do. Bradley repeated that S 1706-A would not raise anyone’s taxes as the Westchester County Association news releases falsely claim.

Bradley said the opponents of the bill simply “don’t want to see their gravy train (tax certs) come to an end.” Bradley said that for years commercial property owners have through tax certioraris created by including residential housing values in with commercial property values, have been able to shift unfairly their commercial taxes to the residential owner.

Here is the text of County Executive Spano’s letter to State Senator Klein, furnished by the Westchester County Department of Communications:

June 5,2009

Hon. Jeff Klein

New York State Senate

313 Legislative Office Building

Albany, NY 12247

Dear Senator Klein:

These are very difficult times and all of us are bearing the brunt of pressures from our constituents and our budgets. These are times when any decision that is tough to make usually comes with significant consequences. It’s also a time when we sometimes rush to fix something that’s happening now, without looking at long term implications.

Although A.4588-A/S.1706-A (the Certiorari Assessment Ratio bill) seems to address the problem of certiorari to local governments it is wrongheaded at this time. The root of the problem is revaluation, which has been resisted by most of the local governments for many years. The passage of this bill might relieve some of the immediate situation, but it would probably contribute to the stalling of the much needed revaluation process. It is the very resistance to revaluation that has put our localities in the position they are in now with certiorari. This bill is a patch on a dysfunctional system.

The county government would benefit from this bill financially but Westchester’s quality of life would be permanently damaged if it had an effect on our business community. This is a distinct possibility. Therefore I cannot support the bill.

The business community is reeling from the recession and the recent (MTA) payroll tax. To add this (certiorari) burden is tantamount to saying “we don’t want you here.” Every business that leaves or does not come here means the loss of jobs, taxes and customers for our other businesses. Westchester County government has worked very hard to make this a business friendly county – which is not only good for business but good for our non-profits that these businesses support, good for our residents who work for these companies, good for the taxes they pay to our schools and governments. While this bill may seem to help municipalities with their budgets, I believe it comes at too high a price.

It is important to work the problem in a thoughtful way so that our businesses and our residents are taxed fairly. Please reject this bill.

Sincerely

Andrew J. Spano

County Executive

District 89 Seat Could Be Empty in 2010,Unless Gov Calls Spec. Election

Posted on June 9, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS.News & Comment By John F. Bailey. June 9, 2009: When the Republican Party decided to endorse Adam Bradley for Mayor last Thursday night, it set in motion a new “moving up” struggle for Mr. Bradley’s 89^th Assembly District which he has held since 2002. Mr. Bradley has no opposition for Mayor, except for Glen Hockley who will oppose Mr. Bradley as an Independent.

A press spokesman for Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver’s Office advised the CitizeNetReporter Monday that should an Assembly seat be vacated in midterm, the seat would remain vacant for all of 2010 until the next general election in November 2010, unless, Governor David Paterson called for a Special Election. Any Special Election most likely would not take place until after Mr. Bradley was officially sworn in as Mayor of White Plains in January 2010.

This sets up an interesting field of possible replacements for Mr. Bradley, from the roster of incumbent Democrat office-holders who hail from White Plains. The 89^th District was wrested in a primary from Naomi Matusow in 2001 by Mr. Bradley by 23 votes. Mr. Bradley then easily defeated the Republican opponent in that 2001 election by sweeping the White Plains vote.

Now, what Democrat from White Plains might like to go for Mr. Bradley’s seat? Bill Ryan, who will be running for County Legislator this year — a man familiar with Albany politics (he was once on Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver’s staff, would appear the most likely choice.

Since Ryan has become the primary target of the crusading Gannett Editorial Board for his attempts to get himself and County Legislators raises last year in a legislative sleight-of-hand, and has been further pilloried by the harpies for his support of an aid charging personal items on the county tab, Ryan’s ascendancy to succeed Andrew Spano as County Executive is not that assured at this time. A two year sojourn and rehab as a member of the Assembly, could produce a new and dynamic Bill Ryan to run for County Executive in 2013 when Ryan will be in his early 60s.

But there could be other dark Democratic horses in White Plains: perhaps a member of the Common Council would be the obvious choice.

Dennis Power comes to mind. Power moving to Albany would be good for White Plains. A representative who speaks out frequently and fervently on the issues is classic Albany style. And we could put him to work in Albany, instead of White Plains.

Another possibility could be Rita Malmud, if she could be persuaded – didactic, experienced, pragmatic, procedural – Malmud fits Albany to a “T.”

Yet a third possibility would be the charismatic Tom Roach, now that he is in good health. However, with Mr. Roach having two children and being very involved with their lives here in White Plains, he might not want to be exiled to Albany. Though WPCNR has not talked to Mr.Roach about his ambitions, if I were Mr. Roach, Mr. Ryan’s legislative seat on the County legislature would be ideal for me – local commute, less demands on time, local issues – and I would not have to quit my day job.

Benjamin Boykin and Milagros Lecouna may also appeal to the party kingmakers. Boykin could be pushed for his financial background and knowledge of city economics (fractured as they currently are), and Lecouna for her concerns with affordable housing issues.

Let us not forget that Nita Lowey and Suzi Oppenheimer are not going to Representative and State Senators for eternity. Should either of these two stolid incumbents step down there are a lot of key chances to move up.

Should Mr. Bradley become Mayor – and the Lowey seat opens up – and White Plains is not coming back strong – would Mr. Bradley jump to Washington? And the Council appoint Roach or Boykin or Power Mayor? Mr. Bradley tells WPCNR this morning, “I have every intention of serving out a full term.”

Who might run for the 89^th Assembly Seat on the Republican side? None other than Joseph Delfino, of course, if he remains in White Plains, and does not retire to his condominium in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. The “retired” Champ, who has never lost an election, has not, as Peter Katz, the shrewd and observant analyst on White Plains Week, observes, Delfino has not announced his retirement from politics. Delfino would as a Republican Candidate appeal to North Castle, Pound Ridge, Lewisboro and those suburban enclaves in the north of the 89^th District and could wrest the seat from his old rival Ryan, or Mr. Power, whom he cannot stand.

If “The Champ” is through with politics, why doesn’t he say so?

Announcing his retirement from politics would require Delfino to close his political fundraising account. What is he sitting on it for? Does he keep it in a swimming pool, in coin form and swim in it every day like Scrooge McDuck? Perhaps he will fund Glen Hockley’s Quixotic run for Mayor. What a philanthropic gesture!

New Blood

There’s another scenario. If Ryan moves out of the County Legislator and runs for the Assembly, that allows either Mr. Roach, Mr. Boykin and Mr. Power to run for County Legislator in 2011, or be appointed to the Ryan seat. And thus one of the Council could escape the wrath of White Plains taxpayers (if there are any left in 2011 when the taxes of today will look like peanuts compared to what we’ll be paying city, school and county then.)

It opens up the possibilities for new City Democratic personalities to move onto the council without benefit of having to be elected (following Dennis Power’s recent path to power).

Politicians start your lobbying engines.

White Plains High Junior Nominated for a TONY!

Posted on June 9, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From Peter Bassano. June 8, 2009: White Plains High School junior Jennifer Damiano was nominated for a Tony award in the catagory of Best Performance by a Feature Actress in Musical for her performance in the off-broadway musical Next to Normal.

Ms. Damiano at the TONYS Sunday Night.Photo, broadwayworld.com.

Jennifer, only 16, is already a Broadway veteran, having been the youngest member of the original cast of the play “Spring Awakening” last year.

Oppenheimer Office: Prop Tax Relief Bill Not Scheduled for Floor. Spano Pans It

Posted on June 8, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. June 8, 2009: Senator Suzi Openheimer’s press office advised WPCNR today that Senate Bill 1076 A establishing a separate Commercial Assessment Ratio for commercial properties in Westchester County is not scheduled to go to the senate floor. It is still in committee.

Press officer Debra LaGapa told WPCNR that Senator Oppenheimer is preparing a statement on the bill criticized by the Westchester Count Association last week to correct “a lot of misinformation” about what the Commercial Assessment Ratio bill would do.

County Executive Andrew Spano of Westchester County has sent a letter indicating he has sympathy for the residential taxpayers, but not supporting this bill at this time, because, according to Department of Communications spokesperson Victoria Hochman, he has reservations about how the separate commercial assessment ratio would affect the county economy at this time, and that the bill may need some clarification. WPCNR awaits text of the letter

SENIOR WOMAN STRUCK, KILLED AT MLK & QUARROPUS THIS A.M.

Posted on June 8, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. From Department of Public Safety. June8,2009 UPDATED 5:15 P.M. E.D.T.: White Plains Department of Safety has issued this statement on this morning’s pedestrian accident at the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard and Quarropus Street:

A 77 year old woman was struck by a vehicle and pronounced deceased later at Westchester Med. Center.

The Vehicle involved was a Honda Element operated by a 71 year old woman from Tarrytown.

The accident is under investigation and the victim identity is not being released at this time pending notification of family.

Governor Announces Major Economic Recovery Program

Posted on June 8, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From The Governor’s Press Office. June 8,2009: Governor David A. Paterson today unveiled Bold Steps to A New Economy: A Jobs Plan for the People of New York. Speaking at the New York Academy of Sciences in lower Manhattan, the first stop on his statewide New Economy Leadership Tour, the Governor highlighted the emergence of a New Economy based on knowledge, technology and innovation – and outlined his vision for how New York will lead this New Economy. The Governor’s Jobs Plan capitalizes on federal stimulus dollars to drive economic recovery in the fields of energy, environmental protection, technology and health care.

Governor David Patterson. WPCNR News Archive Photo

Governor Paterson announced the creation of an Innovation Economy Matching Grants program that will provide a 10 percent match for every stimulus dollar the federal government awards through competitive grants to research facilities in New York State. New York will allocate $100 million over several years for this program which is expected to leverage one billion dollars in federal research funding. This program will help ensure that new research centers are built in New York which will position the state for future federal grants and private investment.

“When I took office, I knew an economic crisis was coming. I knew it wouldn’t be enough to respond with just a few tweaks. Instead, we responded to this crisis with dramatic emergency measures which are now largely in place and which have begun to lead us down a path towards recovery,” said Governor Paterson. “Now, it is time to take bold new steps to prepare New York to lead the New Economy. We need to start by creating a fertile environment for entrepreneurship, and building a new infrastructure for innovation which means lowering the cost of doing business and building up our knowledge base.”

“At this critical moment in New York’s history, it is our responsibility to act, and to act with the interests of future generations in mind. We are a state rich with resources, the most impressive of which is our human capital,” added the Governor. “A new economy is emerging: an economy based on knowledge, technology and innovation. Our state has led the world’s economy for the past hundred years, and we are poised to lead for the next hundred. We have the brightest minds, the best universities, the most dynamic companies, and a thriving tradition of innovation and entrepreneurship.”

In addition to the creation of the Innovation Economy Matching Grants program, Governor Paterson announced several other new initiatives:

Renewable Energy: New York State will urge the Public Service Commission to release $100 million from our Renewable Portfolio Standard program by the end of the summer to ensure we have shovel-ready projects in the pipeline that can compete for stimulus funding for renewable energy programs.

Smart Grid Technology: New York will capitalize on federal stimulus funding for smart grid technology. Through the stimulus, the federal government will provide up to 50 percent of project costs for smart grid. Governor Paterson today called on the Public Service Commission to review New York’s utility proposals for smart grid deployment and approve matching funds before applications are due on July 29.

Scientific Research: A life science innovation cluster will be created that brings together venture capital companies, medical schools, academic health centers, and research institution partners to develop the health care products of the future. Under Governor Paterson’s leadership, New York State has already created the Empire State Stem Cell Fund which has already invested $118 million to support vital stem cell research at institutions across the state.

These new initiatives build on steps that Governor Paterson has already taken over the past year to build a new economy for New York including:

Establishing a 45 x 15 clean energy goal which is projected to create up to 50,000 jobs for New Yorkers;
Reforming the Empire Zone program;
Creating a $600 million Empire State Stem Cell Fund;
Establishing the Governor’s Task Force to diversify New York State’s economy through Industry – Higher Education partnerships;
Creating the SUNYGREENSNY initiative which is a partnership among Alfred State College and seven partners to develop clean energy technology training across the State;
Restore NY through which the state invested $300 million over the past three years to improve the state’s infrastructure

“The time for bold thinking is now. This is the time for encouraging businesses that are thriving and for investing in the industries that hold promise for the future. Through coordination among our innovation-promoting state agencies and the new programs we announced today, we will put our greatest resources to work for the people of New York,” said Governor Paterson.

Bold Steps to the New Economy: A Jobs Plan for the People of New York

Capturing the New Innovation Economy and Creating Jobs for the People of New York

According to the Council on Competitiveness, approximately 50 percent of the recent US annual GDP growth is attributed to an increase in innovation. New York has the tools needed to succeed in a number of key innovative industries – life sciences, cleantech, and nanotechnology. In the Kauffman Foundation’s 2008 State New Economy Index study, New York ranked highly in several areas, including: broadband telecommunications, science and engineering, patent development and alternative energy use.

By helping to grow these industries, Governor Paterson will work to ensure that quality jobs are created in and imported to New York. The innovation economy lends itself to higher paying jobs. The average salary of an individual who works in the innovation economy is over double that of an individual who works in the non-innovation economy. New York State ranked second in the nation in the number of “gazelle” jobs – jobs at the fastest growing companies. In addition, in New York State, innovation economy industries produce a higher “multiplier effect.” For every one job that is created in the innovation economy, 3.5 jobs are created overall. Every job created in the non-innovation economy leads to the creation of only 1.7 jobs.

Innovation Economy Matching Grants Program

We will commit up to $100 million to create the Innovation Economy Matching Grants Program. The National Institutes of Health, the Department of Energy, National Science Foundation and other federal agencies will soon make American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) dollars designated for technology and research available for competitive distribution. New York institutions and companies are poised to successfully compete for these funds. In order to leverage these ARRA funds, and to enhance the competitive position of New York applicants, the State of New York is committing up to a 10% match in State funds for each ARRA awardee in strategic areas. We will prioritize applications from the most promising sectors of New York’s innovation economy: renewable energy, clean tech, and smart grid; nanotechnology; stem cell, biomedical, and life sciences; advanced manufacturing; broadband, information technology, and cyber security. We expect that the State will invest up to $100 million over several years, thereby leveraging over $1 billion in federal research funding. The Governor’s Stimulus Cabinet, which has been closely monitoring opportunities for competitive funds, will determine the parameters of the grants program and oversee its administration. By prudently allocating the State’s limited fiscal resources, we can have a dramatic impact on our ability to tap into important ARRA funds, thereby accelerating our economic development efforts across the state.

In addition to the $1 billion in federal research funding, the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act includes nearly $8 billion of funding for smart grid technology, renewable energy and clean energy projects. New York will be able to utilize available Recovery Act dollars to accelerate the pace at which the Governor’s 45 by 15 clean energy goal is achieved.

We have reason to be hopeful as this approach has already worked in New York. In the one known major ARRA program for which a 10 percent State match was committed, the Department of Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRC) awarded the state with five grants that will infuse over $95 million in federal funds to New York-designated centers. The 10 percent match made by New York entails only approximately $477,000 in cash outlays in FY 09-10.

Examples of the investments we will make through this matching program are:

Cutting-Edge Research in Medicine and the Life Sciences

New York is already a leader in cancer research, and if we combine the mega-watt talent that resides in this state, we can find better cancer treatments and get them to patients sooner. There are six NIH National Cancer Institute Centers in New York State: Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Herbert Irving Center at New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University; Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; New York University Cancer Institute; and Roswell Park Cancer Center. We will identify specific advances in cancer treatments which have come from these efforts and which are underway today.
In diabetes research, New York State has NIH designated Centers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering, Columbia University and Albert Einstein School of Medicine. Key to future efforts will be integrating the work of other specialties from other institutions to explore new collaborative efforts for breakthrough discoveries.
We will foster the creation of a life science innovation cluster, building off of private sector assets such as the East River Science Park, which will house and attract leading life science and venture capital companies, and the strengths of our leading medical schools, academic health centers, and research institution partners, resulting in a collaborative state-wide research initiative.

Commercialization of Science and Technology

The Federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, administered by NYSTAR, allocate and set aside a portion of federal R&D funds for small business to develop and commercialize innovative technology (In 2009, federal agencies set aside $2.9 billion in SBIR & STTR program funds). Awards are made by respective Federal Agencies in phases, with initial awards of up to $100,000 for six months, and subsequent awards of up to $750,000 for two years made to small businesses. While New York has ranked in the top 6 States for receiving federal SBIR and STTR awards, New York applications for federal funding have trailed well behind states such as California and Massachusetts. Both the submission of applications and receipt of awards are expected to increase if additional matching funds are provided by the State. The Task Force on Industry-Higher Education Partnerships will identify ways to maximize the effectiveness of awarded funds.

Universal Broadband

Governor Paterson has articulated a goal of achieving universal access to high-speed broadband Internet coverage in all corners of the state. By Executive Order 22, the governor is creating a Broadband Development and Deployment Council that will articulate and execute a broadband policy for New York and guide the State as it invests funds received through ARRA. With universal broadband access, all 19,000,000 New Yorkers will become equal and full participants in the information an age and information economy.
The ARRA includes $7.2 billion for broadband development, and our New York State Universal Broadband Strategy lays the groundwork for the state to maximize these funds. ARRA funding would allow the state to build the next-generation of broadband networks, support affordable Internet connections, and develop digital literacy training programs for low-income households to increase household adoption rates.
Our broadband goals are designed to: leverage existing state-owned and privately held assets; exploit state procurement practices; foster public/private partnerships to maximize use of services offered over the Internet for citizens; and create jobs through innovative community-based digital literacy and technology training programs to increase household technology adoption rates. These goals can only be achieved by reaching and maintaining speeds and coverage levels that will sustain our competitive advantage.

Nearly $8 billion in Recovery Act dollars are available for smart grid, renewable energy, and clean energy projects. Opportunities available for energy matching grants include:

Leveraging Recovery Act Dollars for Smart Grid Technology Deployment

A Smart Grid consortium will bring together more than 16 industry partners and research institutions to position New York in applying for federal smart grid ARRA funding. Partnering New York’s research strengths in areas such as sensing and IT architecture, which is critical to the realization of a Smart Grid, will lead to numerous opportunities for manufacturing the necessary technology components, and enabling the acceptance of other clean energy technologies – i.e. solar, wind and hybrid vehicles.
Under the federal ARRA, there is $3.375 billion available nationwide for deploying smart grid technology. The U.S. Department of Energy will pay up to 50% of the project cost for selected projects. Applications are due July 29. As this infrastructure is built largely by utilities regulated by the Public Service Commission, the Commission must approve any matching funds. In an effort to ensure New York’s utilities are well positioned to compete for ARRA funds, we requested that utilities file smart grid project plans with the PSC by April 17. Utilities submitted projects totaling $1.3 billion for PSC review. It is essential that the PSC act swiftly to finish its review of these project proposals, and approve appropriate matching funds before the utilities’ applications are due on July 29.

Leveraging Recovery Act Dollars for Clean Energy and Renewable Energy Projects

The ARRA also makes $2.5 billion available nationally for clean energy and renewable energy projects. And for projects that commence construction in 2009 or 2010, the ARRA provides a tax credit up to 30 percent of the project cost. In order to ensure there are shovel-ready projects in New York State that can take advantage of the federal tax credit and ARRA funding, NYSERDA must issue a Request for Proposals by the end of the summer, making available over $100 million in state incentives for eligible renewable energy projects under our Renewable Portfolio Standard program.