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. Today, January 20, 1,907 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 vistors recorded 229,338 visits (1.5 visits)

The Board of Education Report

Posted on February 22, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From The White Plains City School District. February 22, 2009: The Clerk to the Board of Education released the following report on last week’s Board of Education proceeding in which Dr. Christopher Clouet was hired to be the new Superintendent of Schools, replacing Timothy Connors as of July 1:

The Report:

NEW SUPERINTENDENT APPOINTED: Dr. Christopher P. Clouet was appointed Superinten-

dent of Schools, with a four-year-contract to begin July 1st. Board President Donna McLaughlin

said this is a bittersweet time, anticipating the retirement of Mr. Connors after a very successful

term in which the district made great strides. Mrs. McLaughlin that after a long search, the Board

is very excited to be bringing Dr. Clouet here. She said the consultants, Hazard, Young, Attea &

Associates, did a great job and Board Vice President Terry McGuire commented that the process

was excellent. After a site visit to Dr. Clouet’s current district, New London, CT, and his visit here

for a day, Mrs. McLaughlin said it was apparent that the district had chosen well. Dr. Clouet said

he is very honored and excited to be coming here and looks forward to the challenge.

Budget Comes Out Tomorrow

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT: In an update on the budget, Mr. Connors said that since the

Board has requested further cuts (from the $190.3 Million “first pass” on the budget), he has asked for additional time to prepare a preliminary version.

He will present this at the February 23^rd Board Meeting, to be followed by a Community Forum on

February 25th. All comments will be considered and the budget will be finalized for adoption by

the Board on March 30^th.

Achievement Gap Authority to Speak

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lenora Boehlert invited everyone to a program on March 3^rd at

3:45 P.M. in the Highlands Auditorium, featuring Dr. Pedro Noguera, an authority on closing the

achievement gap. Dr. Boehlert said Dr. Noguera is a dynamic speaker with a powerful message.

Dr. Boehlert also led a Career Fair last Saturday at which 350 applicants were interviewed by

20 administrators from the district.

PERSONNEL: Resignations for the purpose of retirement were accepted from: Rosalyn Weiner,

Secretary, Education House; Michael Angiuli, Industrial Arts Teacher, Middle School-Highlands;

Elizabeth Calabro, Family & Consumer Science Teacher, Middle School-Eastview; Lois

Chanofsky, Science Teacher, High School; F. Thomas Eaton, Jr., House Administrator, High

School; Philip Feinberg, Special Education Teacher, New York Presbyterian Hospital; Sandra

Harrison, Special Education Teacher, Alternative & Supplementary Programs; Joyce Krauss,

Elementary Education Teacher (Grade 6 Science), Middle School-Highlands; Mona E. Levy,

Special Education Teacher, New York Presbyterian Hospital; Karen Mishkin, Reading Teacher,

Middle School-Highlands; Nicholas Panaro, Coordinator of Athletics, Districtwide; and Marcia

Schupper, Elementary Education Teacher, Ridgeway School.

DONATIONS: The Board accepted a donation of $1,650 from The Foundation for Public Education

in White Plains, Inc. to be used for the Academic Team trip to the national competition.

MIDDLE SCHOOL LANGUAGE PROGRAM: Upon direction from the Curriculum Committee to

explore expansion of this program, Dr. Margaret Dwyer presented a proposal for two options, adding

LOTE (Languages Other Than English) instruction in 7^th or both 6^th and 7^th grade at Highlands. (This is

currently offered to Eastview students.) Both options are based on a nine-period day and a change in the

daily schedule which would add transportation costs. The Board authorized Mr. Connors to include the

second option in the budget. Mrs. McLaughlin noted that fiscal prudence does not preclude new

programs. The Board is trying to move the district forward and spend wisely.

RECOGNITION: Mr. Connors congratulated White Plains High School for being named as one of 10

higher-performing high schools in a study by the School of Education at the University of Albany. The

study stated our students “consistently outperform students in schools with comparable demographics.”

CAPITAL PROJECT: Assistant Superintendent for Business Fred Seiler provided an update on the

capital project and said that, at the halfway point, the financial situation looks very good. The Board

approved a contract with Kaeyer Garment & Davidson Architects for additional work as part of the

filter replacement project at the High School pool.

The Board also approved about $6 million in infrastructure work, including general construction,

HVAC and electrical work at seven buildings. This is part of the capital project approved by the voters

in 2006. Peter Bassano pointed out that the project falls within the Wicks Law and Mr. Seiler estimated

that the cost will be 10-15% more as a result.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Several people spoke as advocates for the Newcomer Center and urged

that funds be maintained for this unique and vital program. Speakers were Isabel Villar, Director of

Centro Hispano; John Deyle, parent of a former student in the program; and High School student

Monserat Galeno.

White Plains Teachers Association President Kerry Broderick said there are continued concerns

regarding the budget and about spending for consultants.

Augie Zicca urged fiscal prudence and a 0% tax increase. He suggested cuts in administrative

positions, establishment of an independent citizens review board, and postponement of tax certiorari

payments until funds are available.

UPCOMING MEETINGS: February 23: Special Meeting, Education House, 7:30 P.M.

Preliminary Budget

February 25: Special Meeting, High School B-1 Room, 7:30 P.M.

Community Forum on the Budget

March 9: Regular Meeting, Education House 7:30 P.M.

Mayor’s Taxi Committee Recos New Stands; High Gypsy Cab Fines; Central Dispatch

Posted on February 21, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR THE TAXI NEWS. By John F. Bailey. February 21, 2009: The Common Council was offered a draft of the Recommendations of the White Plains Taxi Industry Review Committee Thursday evening. The Common Council reserved comment with plans to hold considerable discussion on the measures that if adopted will change the ad hoc, loosely administered, and much publicly maligned taxi industry in White Plains.

The Traditional White Plains Taxi Chaos — Note Taxis in queue (yellow vehicles) — August 2007. WPCNR News Photo Archive

The measures of key interest recommend taxi stands be established at the Westchester Mall, Fortunoff, Wal-Mart (on Main Street), and City Center with bus shelters as taxi stands when buses end their runs for the day; Parking Officer jurisdiction over non-White Plains taxi drivers’ unauthorized use of taxi stands and a $1,600 fine for each interloping taxi caught using a taxi stand illegally; Sale of medallions at auction to drivers using alternative fuel vehicles; A deadline for all licensed drivers to switch to alternative fuel taxis; An “800” Number dispatch system; and a metered system with base fare beginning at $5, and a “uniform” look to all cabs.

Melissa Lopez, Director of Economic Development and Coordinator of Public Information, Chairperson of the Taxi Industry Review Committee issued a copy of the Committee recommendations to WPCNR:

The White Plains Taxi Industry Advisory Committee was formed in February 2008 to discuss changes to the taxi ordinance in order to create a more customer friendly taxi service. Residents and visitors to the City of White Plains often complained to the Mayor’s Office, Office of Public Safety and the White Plains Business Improvement District about the appearance of taxicabs, the ambiguity of fares, and the treatment received by taxi drivers. Commuters complained of discourteous drivers who often times decline to take their fares and drivers who refuse to leave the station with one passenger as they prefer four passengers in their vehicle. The committee was asked to review current practices by taxi drivers and to review the ordinance which was written in 1969.

Upon review of the ordinance and discussions with taxi drivers, the Public Safety Department, the Traffic Department and the public, the committee has made the following recommendations:

A review of current taxi stands by the Traffic Commission must take place. The Taxi Industry Review Committee recommends that stands be placed near the Westchester Mall, Fortunoff, Wal-Mart and City Center. Another consideration is to use bus shelters as taxi stands after busses stop running.

Signage for the various taxicab stands in the city should be visible and easily identifiable to the public.

Parking Enforcement Officers should be given the authority to fine non-White Plains taxi drivers who use the City of White Plains’ taxi stands. The fine shall also be strictly enforced by the Courts. If possible, explicit language should be written in the ordinance that does not allow for a reduction of fines.

The Public Safety Department should incorporate training about the taxi industry in regular police officer training.

The Public Safety Department should have more than one officer as liaison to the taxi drivers.

Taxicabs without City of White Plains medallions should not be allowed to pick up passengers within city limits or use taxi stands. Fines should be increased for non-White Plains drivers illegally picking up passengers. (ie. $1,600.00 fine if caught using White Plains taxi stand)

Taxi companies from neighboring communities should be notified of new fines for the violation and compliance regulations.

The City of White Plains should make a number of medallions available to be sold in an auction to licensed taxi drivers who own alternative fuel vehicles for taxi purposes. The taxi ordinance should be amended to include a section defining alternative fuel vehicles and the auction process.

The City should set a date for taxi drivers to switch over to alternative fuel vehicles.

Alternative fuel vehicles that can are appropriate for taxi purposes are the hybrid versions of the Ford Escape, Nissan Altima, and Chevy Malibu. (insert EPA classification)

All taxicabs should have the rates and medallion numbers on the driver side door and the front passenger door. The taxicab company logo should be on both sides of the vehicle on the back passenger doors and on the hood and trunk of the vehicle. Medallions need to be visible to the public.

The City of White Plains should create a rider education program and conduct a survey of Metro North passengers who ride on White Plains taxi’s about their experiences with taxicab drivers.

A “1-800” number should be created for riders to dispatch taxi drivers to their location.

The City of White Plains taxicab service should switch to a metered system by a specified date. Base fare should start at $5.00.

Prior to switching to a metered system, the minimum taxi fare should be changed to $5.00

The City of White Plains Taxi Ordinance should allow for cameras to be placed in taxicabs

Taxicabs should be outfitted to incorporate the use of brail and/or audio information access in all vehicles

Taxi drivers should use a standard uniform White Plains taxi receipt approved by the Commissioner of Public Safety.

Taxi company dispatchers should maintain a log of all calls that come into the office; the log should say when the calls are coming in, to what location and who has the call been dispatched to.

The proposed fee changes should be made to the ordinance:

– Renewal Fee should include the fee for two random inspections at $250. This should be a yearly fee.

– The transfer fee for anyone purchasing a medallion should change from $70 to $500.

– Taxi hack license fee should be changed to $50.

– The fee for a driver switching companies or vehicle should be changed from $25 to $50.

– The fee for replacing a button or license should be changed from $10 to $25.

– Taxi drivers not in compliance with the taxi ordinance should be fined $250.

The taxi ordinance should be changed to:

– Clearly state that the Traffic Commission is the authority that decides where taxi stands are placed in the CITY OF WHITE PLAINS and that the commission decides where to place signs and wording of signage

– Define the rates charged under the metered system if and when the system is put into the place

– Explicitly state the repercussions (fines) that will take place if a customer complains about being overcharged.

– Encourage the use of advertising inside vehicles and allow types of advertising used in other communities.

– Emphasize enforcement.

– Establish fines that discourage current abuses in the system.

– Vary the types of vehicles that can be used as cabs such as, sedans, SUV’s and/or minivan’s.

– Specify emissions standards for taxicab vehicles.

– Create a uniform taxi system. All vehicles should be taxis –not cars for hire or liveries.

– Require taxicabs to accept senior citizen rate cards and provide a discount.

– Clearly state that taxi drivers should refrain from using their cell phones while a customer is in the vehicle

The City of White Plains Taxi Ordinance should adopt components of the WCTLC ordinance.

Fortunoff Plans to Close White Plains Retail Icon: State Filing Shows

Posted on February 21, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR EAST SIDE STORY. Special to WPCNR. February 21, 2009: Fortunoff may be closing the White Plains landmark store on Maple Avenue and Bloomingdale Road by the end of the month, WPCNR has learned. The company announced its intentions to close the store in a notice of future layoffs to the State of New York. The store, if closed, will be leaving White Plains after being touted as one of Mayor Joseph Delfino’s greatest personal achievements of “The White Plains Renaissance.”

Fortunoff has Announced Plans to Close White Plains anchor store on Bloomingdale Road (shown above in the “salad days” of April, 2007) to the New York State Department of Labor.

AMERICA‘S FAVORITE MAYOR, Joseph Delfino, at the opening of the White Plains Fortunoff in September 2003. He congenially and emotionally told of his historic phone call to Louis Fortunoff, when the Mayor learned Saks Fifth Avenue was closing. “Lou, I’ve got the spot!” Mayor Delfino said that he promised Mr. Fortunoff, “If you say Yes, we’ll build it in 18 months, and we fell 2 days short of 15 months. When people work together, there isn’t anything you can’t do with government.” Mayor Delfino characterized Fortunoff at the time as “The Anchor” in the city’s beginning “Renaissance,” which he said would make White Plains “The Best Little City in the United States.” The Mayor predicted Fortunoff would generate $9 Million in new sales taxes, of which White Plains was anticipated to receive $2.5 Million a year. State documents and local sources report the store will be closing shortly. Photo from WPCNR News Archive

The Mayor lured Fortunoff former owner Louis Fortunoff to the city after many years of promoting White Plains as a Fortunoff location. Fortunoff raised the former Saks Fifth Avenue store, and built a new complex on the site opening it in September, 2003 about the same time as the City Center (opening October, 2003). The Fortunoff store is reported possibly closing after 5-1/2 years on the corner of Maple and Bloomingdale Road. The complex also houses the popular Cheesecake Factory, Whole Foods Market, and Morton’s The Steakhouse opposite The Westchester Mall across Maple Avenue. .

A WPCNR call to Fortunoff in White Plains asking if the store was planning to close was met by an associate’s comment, “We’re still doing business.” Asked if any sales were going on, they said “No.” The Fortunoff public relations contactperson could not be reached or a message left on the Fortunoff Voice Mail

NRDC Equity Partners was contacted by WPCNR, asking for comment on their relationship with Fortunoff and their plans for the White Plains store. The WPCNR call has not been returned as yet.

The firm, NRDC Equity Partners purchased Fortunoff in February, 2008, promising to build the chain into 50 stores nationwide.

According to bankruptcy documents, Fortunoff lost $42.2 Million on revenues of $260 Million in the second and third quarters of 2008 at its 20 stores in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

Rick Ammirato, the Executive Director of the White Plains Downtown Business Improvement District, or BID, asked if he was aware of a possible imminent closing of Fortunoff’s said he had no information that the White Plains store was closing.

The trade publication, National Jeweler of February 10, reports Fortunoff Fine Jewelry and Silverware LLC filed a WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) with the state in the first week of February, stating it intends to close the White Plains store. The report may be viewed at http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/majors/financial-reporting/e3i6266a3e7e491921ce794b4026da2d787

A bankruptcy notice was filed Monday, February 9 by Fortunoff Fine Jewelry and Silverware LLC, and a judge approved an auction that will take place February 24 in Manhattan to auction off the chain fine jewelry and furniture assets. The filing for bankruptcy cited a liquidity crunch, poor holiday sales and softened consumer demand, and the financial crisis gripping the world.

State Launches Breakdown of NY “Stimulus” Package

Posted on February 20, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From Don Hughes. February 20, 2009: Don Hughes alerts WPCNR that Governor David Paterson has launched a new website detailing how the “ObamaBucks” stimulus money will be spent in New York. The new site may be found at http://www.economicrecovery.ny.gov

The governor comments from the site:

On February 14, 2009, I was proud to announce that preliminary calculation suggested that New York State is expected to receive at least $24.6 Billion in aid from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. With New York State at the epicenter of a nationwide financial crisis these funds will help us weather the current storm and provide critical resources for investing in our future.

The influx for federal funds does not mean, however, that New York can abdicate our responsibility at the state level to bring spending in line with what our government can afford over the long term, We still have to address a $13 billion deficit next year and a multi-year deficit of over $48 billion. Most of these recovery funds will be spent within two years, in some instances, sooner. Therefore, this federal stimulus legislation does not in any way diminish the need to reevaluate our operations and produce a smarter, less costly, more efficient government, We will need to be smart and strategic as well as transparent in how we spend these federal dollars. Congress has rightfully put a premium on transparency and accountability and this website will serve as a conduit for the state’s role in promoting that transparency and accountability.

The pages of econonmicrecovery.ny.gov will help you track how we spend those dollars and provide resources to governments, organizations and other entities wishing to submit proposals for funding.

I encourage all New Yorkers to sign-up for updates and use this site to learn about the role New York State will play in making the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act a success.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was signed by President Barack Obama on February 17, 2009. This legislation provides a nearly $800 billion boost to the American Economy. Approximately $374 billion is for programs that directly impact our State and New York is expected to receive $24.6 billion of that funding. The programs include funding for Medicaid, Education, Infrastructure and “shovel-ready” projects throughout New York State. Learn More…

The New York State Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Cabinet

The New York State Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Cabinet was created by Governor David A. Paterson to manage the development of State and local infrastructure projects financed through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It serves as a command center for ensuring cross-agency coordination and broad regional representation and helps municipalities and other New York-based entities secure federal Recovery and Reinvestment dollars. Learn

City Projects It is Running $11 Million Behind in Revenues

Posted on February 19, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. Special to WPCNR. February 19, 2009: Commissioner of Finance Gina Cuneo-Harwood painted a bleak picture to the Common Council of the city budget eight months into the current fiscal year. She presented fiscal scenarios indicating that the city is currently running a projected $11 Million behind on the current 2008-2009 budget.

According to WPCNR’s correspondent, Harwood projections estimated about a $4 Million shortfall in the sales tax at the present rate, a $1.9 Million shortfall in Mortgage Tax Collections, $2 Million behind in Building Permits; a $2 Million loss of the payment this year for the land where 55 Bank Street affordable housing towers were to be built, and the city is $800,000 behind in parking fines and permits collections for a rough total of $11 Million.

No reports on union negotiations were provided, and according to first reports no details on the Mayor’s budget cuts were provided. Previously it has been indicated by Paul Wood, City Executive Officer, that the city might have to use undesignated fund balance to balance this year’s budget if the present trends continue, and if the sales tax stream does not pick up.

The meeting was highlighted by a series of sharp, heated exchanges between Mayor Joseph Delfino, Councilman Benjamin Boykin and Councilman Tom Roach over the Mayor’s assertion the city would not be in such a situation of the council had not rejected the extra ¼ % sales tax the Mayor suggested last year. Had that 1/4% been in effect the last six months of last year the city would have ran more of a surplus.

The Civil Service Employees Association reportedly urged the council seek to raise the city sales tax portion another 1/4%.

Veteran White Plains Investor Calls for Moratorium on Negative Wall Street Trade

Posted on February 19, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. February 19, 2009: Jim Benerofe, lifelong fixture of the White Plains business community, founder and publisher of Suburban Street, veteran angel of Broadway, real estate investor in a commentary on his website, suburbanstreet.com has called for a rethinking of the stock market. Benerofe sketches his proposal in an editorial entitled “No More Financial Nonsense” on his website at http://www.suburbanstreet.com/editorial.html

Jim Benerofe of suburban Street, and co-anchor of WHITE PLAINS WEEK

Benerofe’s commentary notes that the public is never going to regain the confidence to spend again and buy if they are held enthralled and in fear of the volatility in the stock market, caused, in his opinion by instant fortune-chasers and large institutions manipulating the markets for short-term profits through short selling and manipulated trading. He instead calls for bans of recently established practices that have, in his opinion, have contributed and driven the market down.

Pro Fastpitch Holds 2009 Draft. Philly Force Drafts Baylor Bopette

Posted on February 18, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR FASTPITCH NATION. From The Philadelphia Force, The Northeast Major League Fastpitch Leader. February 18, 2009: National Pro Fastpitch Commissioner Cheri Kempf hosted the National Pro Fastpitch Senior Draft in Akron, Ohio, today, live for the first time in league history over the internet on The Softball Channel website, hosted by the Akron Racers, the pioneer pro fastpitch team from the old WPSL of the 1990s.

The Force who open 2009 play in June selected Brette Reagan thirdbaser for Baylor University who has clobbered 32 homers, 126 RBIs and a .638 slugging percentage in her college career. The Force drafted fourth overall. Ms. Reagan will be belting out in Allentown this season.

While at Baylor, Reagan has won numerous awards, including being named on the USA Softball National Player of the Year Preseason Watch List for the last three years, a Preseason All-America selection by ESPN.com in 2008 and 2009, First-Team All-Big 12 as a Sophomore and a Junior, Second-Team All-Big 12 as a Freshman, and the 2008 Big 12 All-Tournament Team, just to name a few. In 2007 Brette helped Baylor reach the Women’s College World Series for the first time in 2007 after winning the Big 12 Conference.

Reagan had this to say about getting Drafted by the Philadelphia Force: “I am really excited to play with the girls on that team,” Reagan said. “It means a lot for me, my family, friends and teammates. Being a female athlete, it is just a tremendous feeling to know that these things are possible. I knew as a kid that I wanted to go pro in something, and when I got into softball, I knew it was this sport that I wanted to do it in. I really feel honored and blessed to have this opportunity and I will take full advantage of it.”

Erin Statmore, Assistant Force GM had this to say about Brette Reagan: “Fans, this is a player you are going to want to watch this year! Brette is full of energy and will be a great addition to this year’s roster. Brette is such a great athlete that we see her helping us fill some holes in our infield especially with the loss of Chelsea Spencer.”

In the Second Round and 9^th overall of the 2009 NPF Draft, The Force selected Lillian Hammond, an outfielder from the University of Tennessee. A feared “slapper,” and speedster.

Prior to her senior year, Lillian has a career .362 average, .396 slugging %, and a .409 on base %. Last year for the Lady Volunteers, she was chosen as a first-team ESPN the Magazine Academic All-American, and All-District IV choice for the second consecutive season. Her numbers were very impressive, with a .349 average (4^th on the team), a .958 stolen base percentage (tops on the team, minimum 15 attempts), 17 multi-hit contests, a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage (55 chances), and posted a team-best and career-high 12-game hitting streak.

“Lillian is one of those players that we feel was under the radar in this year’s Draft. As I said tonight, I believe Lillian will help fill the void of the Force’s All-Star Outfielder, Sharonda McDonald as she has decided to retire. Lillian is going to be a lethal weapon for any NPF team that plays against us. She can slap, bunt, or hit the ball in the gaps. Lillian reminds me of a 2006 Force player, Sarah Fekete, also a Tennessee product,” said Statmore.

Danielle Kinley, an outfielder for Penn State University was the 16^th selection by the Force, the 1^st pick of the 4^th round. Danielle is a 3-year captain for the Nittany Lions, and has a career .346 batting average, 37 Doubles (as of 2/13/09), 9 home runs, 75 RBIs, .487 Slugging %, and is on track to break the all-time doubles mark at Penn State, which is 44.

In her Junior year, she led the team in runs (30), hits (58), doubles (13) and stolen bases (9), and was named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District First Team, earned the team Offensive MVP Award, and was named to the Academic All-Big Ten team.

During Kinley’s sophomore year she led PSU in batting average (.384) and in hits (56), and set a school record by going a perfect 5-5 in a game. Danielle’s 18 doubles tied the teams single season doubles record, and nationally ranked her 4^th with .35 doubles per game.

“Kinley is one of the those athletes that gives you 100% each and every day she steps on the field. After overcoming an off-season injury in 2008, she has set her mind to it and is months ahead of schedule in returning to the field. Coach Petrini has been working with her to play some first base for PSU this season. She will help fill our hole at First Base after losing Kellie Wilkerson and Jenna Hall to retirement,” Statmore said.

Statmore had this to say about the 2009 Draft: “Overall this has been a very successful 2009 Draft for the Philadelphia Force. The NPF and the Force are making huge strides to give the opportunity to these young athletes to continue their career in softball. This year was the first time we had a LIVE Draft and we believe it was a huge success. Reagan, Hammond, and Kinley we believe will fit nicely into our push for a 2009 Championship.”

Due to NCAA regulations, an active college senior-athlete is not eligible to sign with her respective franchise until her 2008 season is completed.

Tickets are now available for the 2009 Season. Please call 215-875-2800 to purchase today.

To view the complete National Pro Fastpitch 2009 Schedule to to http://profastpitch.com.ismmedia.com/ISM3/std-content/repos/Top/DOWNLOADS/2009%20NPF%20Schedule.pdf

For a recap of the 2009 draft you can visit www.profastpitch.com.

NPF PREVIEW —

LOSS OF RIPTIDE TAKEN IN STRIDE BY THE LEAGUE

(From the National Pro Fastpitch website edited:)

National Pro Fastpitch League Commissioner/President Cheri Kempf said that the League will field five teams during the 2009 season, including the 2008 NPF regular season and Championship Series Champions, Chicago Bandits, the Akron Racers, the Rockford Thunder, the Washington Glory and, of course, the Philadelphia Force (formerly the New York New Jersey Juggernaut). The New England Riptide has withdrawn from the NPF and will not compete in the 2009 season, citing economic duress. A new schedule has been released to reflect this latest development.

The Force will open the season with five games against the Chicago Bandits and return home for five games with the Banditas June 10 at ECB Bicentennial Field in Allentown — their home field, where they have played successfully for two years, winning 12 games in 2006 and improving to 24 wins in 2007.

The Riptide was one of the original six teams that joined the revamped Women’s Pro Softball League in 2004 which changed names shortly thereafter to the current League known as National Pro Fastpitch. With the re-structure of the League, Riptide owners, Joe and Lauri Adlman were instrumental in forming a league management group consisting of team owners in early 2005, and the Riptide captured NPF Championship honors in 2006. The New England Riptide finished the 2009 season with a record of 22 wins and 26 losses.

“It is with a very heavy heart that we have made this decision,” said the Adlmans. “We would like to thank the community of Lowell, our sponsors, staff and especially our players for their support and contribution over the years. We hope to leave the door open, however, for a return to the league in 2010, after we have had time to pursue additional opportunities with sponsors, gain additional support for the Riptide from the local community and improve our stadium to fit within the league’s professional standards.”

“I applaud Joe and Lauri Adlman for their very vital part in taking over NPF operations, along with the other owners in 2005,” commented Kempf. “New England has been a market that NPF players were proud to play in, and each season, the Riptide has put a competitive team on the field. I am sorry that the Riptide tradition will not continue in New England, however, we will continue moving forward with professional fastpitch and we will insure that the New England players get a fair opportunity to be picked up in other markets.”

The current players of the New England Riptide roster are officially free agents and can be picked up by any of the remaining five NPF squads. Four players on the New England roster were named to the 2009 All NPF team: Pitcher Eileen Canney; first baseman, Lyndsey Angus; and outfielders, Gina Carbonatto and Lisa Modglin.

The 2009 schedule will include all NPF teams competing against each other a total of 10 games (5 home and 5 away match-ups) for a 40 game total that will determine regular season standings. The top four teams will move onto the Championship Series August 19th – 23rd, in Akron, Ohio.

The openings left by the New England Riptide will most likely be filled by eager National Teams from foreign countries who tour the U.S. every summer and are always hopeful to land exhibition games in the world’s most competitive professional fastpitch League.

“In spite of the loss of the New England market, the NPF continues to move forward and upward as a viable professional sports option for women. The League Teams have dedicated ownership who have committed a great deal in support of their respective ball clubs, and who continue to strive for new and better ways to make the sport, the League, and its players a more attractive option for sponsors.

Although it is disheartening to lose a team, I urge everyone to continue to keep an eye on the NPF. It is a League that is on the move, with a sport that has exploded in popularity over the last decade. NPF will continue to broaden awareness of the League and to increase the audience that will surely be impressed by the extraordinary talent and performances of our athletes,” Kempf added.

Major League Baseball – Official Development Partner
Major League Baseball is the Official Development Partner of National Pro Fastpitch in the category of women’s professional fastpitch softball. The partnership, which began the fall of 2002, is part of The Commissioner’s Initiative on Women and Baseball, a league-wide effort to help Major League Baseball and the 30 Major League Clubs build stronger relationships with female audiences.

Greenburgh Establishes Job Clearing House for the Unemployed Adds to County Serv

Posted on February 18, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR THE FEINER REPORT. From Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner. Westchester County Department of Communications. February 18, 2009 UPDATED February 19, 2009: Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner is encouraging all residents to advise him of job openings that they become aware of. Feiner has been maintaining a list of residents out of work and has been advising unemployed Greenburgh residents of job openings –as he learns of them. So far – Feiner has been successful in matching some out of work residents with businesses looking to hire.

Westchester County continues to provide extensive information and facilities for the unemployed. According to Donna Greene of the Westchester County Department of Communications, “The ONE STOP (at the Department of Labor, 120 Bloomingdale Road, White Plains), is the place to get info on jobs and job training… http://www.westchestergov.com/onestopemploymentcenter/

In addition, our Human Resources Department’s web site has info about job openings and civil services exams (not just county government but other municipalities as well at www.westchestergov.com/hr

Feiner said that on the BOTTOM OF ALL E MAILS SENT FROM HIS OFFICE AT TOWN HALL – he is posting a request that people contact him if they learn of openings. He is also inviting residents who want to be advised of job openings to email him at pfeiner@greenburghny.com.

Although the economy is bad – there are still jobs out there that have to be filled. Greenburgh residents can help neighbors by contacting the personnel offices where they work, ask them if there are any job openings in their organizations. The leads can be helpful to neighbors out of work. It’s important that neighbors help neighbors who are experiencing difficulties during this horrible economy.

The following will appear on all e mails sent from Feiner’s office:

Greenburgh: Named by MONEY MAGAZINE in 2008 as “ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO LIVE” IN AMERICA (#80)

JOB E MAIL LIST—I am trying to help unemployed Greenburgh residents find work. If your company/business has any job openings please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com. If you are out of work and want to be advised of job openings please advise.

City Assessor Sees All-Time Record in Reassessments Based on Roll Challenges

Posted on February 18, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. By John F. Bailey. February 18, 2009: The City Assessor, Lloyd Tasch, reported progress in the Board of Assessment Review efforts to adjudicate the over 800 challenges to city assessments filed in January. Based on preliminary judgments, the Assessor told WPCNR there would be an “all-time record” in assessment adjustments based on preliminary evaluation of the challenges to the 2009 Assessment Roll, indicating a further costly erosion of the assessment roll.

Asked for the additional negative impact on the Roll, currently sitting on $288.4 Million, Tasch said “It’s too early to tally up. Call me on March 1.”

Tasch said the three person Board of Assessment Review has disposed of 75% of the challenges, and they have until February 27 to complete the process.

Lloyd Tasch, the City Assessor reported to WPCNR in January, that grievances filed with the Assessor’s Office over this year’s assessments totaled 858 properties. He said last year 500 grievances were filed, of which 179 were residential. This year, of the 858 grievances about 450 were residential homeowners, and the rest commercial.

The preliminary feeling the City Assessor confirms the softening of real estate prices in White Plains where the average median price of a home based on actual real estate sales has eroded to $680,000 as of the end of December, up from $650,000 at the close of November according to city-data.com. In Westchester County the average price of a home (the mean) has declined 16.7% since December of 2008.

The prospect of further softening of the Assessment Roll compounds the conundrum the School District faces which has to make up the $1.7 Million already by increasing the tax rate – if they keep the school budget at the present $184.4 Million. The City Assessment Roll is slightly different from the school district, based on who the city gets to tax as opposed to the school district tax customers. The Common Council may wish to ask some questions about that at their budget briefing Thursday evening.

Presently, just to set the stage for you the school district faces this problem:

Should the assessment figure remain at the $288.4 (rounded off here from $288,371,173) Million figure, the decline to $288.4 Million creates a current $1.7 Million revenue shortfall (projected) in district revenues which in and of itself increases the tax rate from $503 to $510 per $1,000 of assessed valuation just to pay the current budget level of $184.4 Million.

If property owner challenges lower assessments more as Mr. Tasch is indicating, the shortfall will necessitate further increases in the school tax rate — putting extreme pressure on their budget cutters. They better be crossing their fingers that a ton of ObamaBucks will be heading White Plains way.

Relation of Assessments to Tax Rate.

For those unfamiliar with the formula of how Assessments drive the tax rate: Here is a simple explanation:

This budget year 2008-2009 assessments were at $291.8 Million for the School District In the new Budget Year 2009-2010, the Assessor as of Jan 1 pegs them at $288.4 This year’s Tax Rate was $503.01

How was it figured? Here’s how:

One thousand dollars divides into $291.8 Million, 291,800 times. 291.8 times the present school tax rate $503.01 equals $146.8 Million – this year’s 2008-2009 tax levy.

Since preliminary assessments are down 3.4 Million (from $291.8) this means that at this year’s tax rate you only generate $145.1 Million in levy, leaving a shortfall of $1.7 Million in revenue. By adding $7 to the tax rate the district makes up that shortfall. ($510 x 288.4 produces $147 Million dollars. ) Sooooooooo, the school district needs to cut the budget BELOW $184.4 Million to $182.7 Million to generate a zero tax increase this year.

Do we need a Parking Stimulus?

Posted on February 17, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR MR. AND MRS. AND MS. WHITE PLAINS VOICE. February 17, 2009: Do you find yourself going more to CVS, Stop and Shop, and free parking lots, rather than driving into downtown? Do you put off going downtown to eat because of the parking hassle? Do you avoid The Westchester, The Pavilion, and the White Plains Mall and Galleria because of the parking machines you can’t figure out? Do you skip the St. Patrick’s Day Parade because you don’t want to get a $15 ticket on parade day? Could the White Plains draconian parking rates, viscious ticket fines, and Parking Enforcement Stalkers get you down? Is that what’s driving down Parking Ticket revenue?

Well, here’s your chance to sound off at the City Hall Parking Bandits. Would you go downtown to shop more if on street parking hours were increased? Parking was not a $1 an hour and you did not have to think out a parking strategy just to go downtown? Well tell them in the survey at the right.