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 ALBANY ROUNDS. By John F. Bailey. November 10, 2007:  A spokesperson from the Governor’s Press Office told WPCNR she could not confirm the statement Governor Eliot Spitzer was reported to have said to a New York Times reporter in San Juan, Puerto Rico Friday, indicating the governor thought licensing illegal aliens was “the right idea from a security perspective. We’ll wait and see.”

In the meantime, the issuing of licenses to illegals is being delayed indefinitely, the spokesperson indicated saying the program would not be implemented until later next year.

Christine Pritchard of the Governor’s press office said she was not in Puerto Rico and could not confirm anything on the Governor’s reported conciliatory position, though she said, “I am very well aware of it (the story). I know that the administration plans to move forward with the drivers license plan.”

WPCNR asked if the plan for licensing persons denied licenses by the state by the Pataki Administration in 2001, (those expected to be issued licenses first in the Governor’s program) would be implemented as originally scheduled in December.

She said: “Because we entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to move forward with drivers licenses that comply with the federal REAL ID act those plans are actually put off until later next year. We’re waiting for the Feds to promulgate their final regulations on REAL ID then we’ll move forward with implementing those plans, then move forward with  the licensing plan for those who want a drivers license that complies with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, those who want a federally approved Drivers License under the REAL ID act, then  a basic New York State Drivers License.”

Asked if this meant the those here in the state illegally would be issued licenses, she replied “We still plan to provide drivers licenses to those individuals.”

The license issued to illegals, though, according to the agreement struck between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the state, announced last week by Michael Chertoff and Governer Spitzer would require that persons in the state illegal would be issued a New York State Drivers License which would say “Not for U.S. Government Purposes” on it.

Law Suit Will Be Contested.

Asked if the state if the governor’s office has any reaction to the lawsuit filed  October 31 in Suffolk County challenging the legality to issue licenses to those without social security numbers, which Department of Motor Vehicle Law and NY Vehicle & Traffic Law forbids. The suit also contests the Governor’s and the Commissioner of Motor Vehcile constitutionality of implementing the policy without approval of the legislature.

Pritchard said, “We are confident in our legal division, and confident we will prevail in court.”

Asked when the license plan the governor proposes might be put in effect, Pritchard said, “Sometime later next year. I don’t have any more information for you.”

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WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2008. From Senator Hillary Clinton’s Press Office. November 9, 2007: Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton joined several of her colleagues in urging Senate leadership to consider a measure that would provide a new standard deduction on property taxes for the nation’s middle class homeowners who are struggling to keep pace with escalating property tax rates. In a letter, the lawmakers citied the tax package passed by the House Ways and Means Committee which includes property tax relief for millions of middle class Americans, and urged the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee to include a similar homeowner tax relief deduction in the Committee’s tax extender package that is now under consideration.

“New York’s taxpayers are working harder than ever to make ends meet. While property tax rates have skyrocketed over the last six years, the median household income has actually decreased, adding to a financial burden that has threatened homeownership in communities throughout the State and country,” said Senator Clinton. “Enacting property tax relief this year will help balance the field for those taxpayers who do not itemize their deductions, and will provide critical financial assistance to the hardworking middle class.”

U.S. taxpayers are working harder than ever to meet their financial obligations, and rising property tax rates have only increased the burden. Census data shows that from 2000 to 2006,  the total amount of state and local property taxes increased by 50 percent, while inflation increased by only 17 percent. Over that same period of time, median household income dropped by 2 percent.

Taxpayers who do not itemize their deductions may claim the standard federal tax deduction, but this deduction does not adequately take into account the rising property tax values and increases. In 2005 roughly 1.4 million New York tax filers who paid property taxes did not itemize their deductions to account for property taxes. A new standard deduction for property taxes would treat itemizers and non-itemizers more equitably, and would provide relief to the more than 32 million homeowners nationwide who do not itemize their deductions.

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WPCNR WINGS AND WHEELS. From Westchester County Department of Communication. November 8, 2007: Flying out of Westchester County Airport this holiday season? Thinking of driving there? Think again. With more flights to popular destinations than ever before and with thousands of people traveling over the holidays, there are simply not enough parking spaces for everyone.

Jet taxis for departure taxiway at Westchester County Airport.

           County Executive Andy Spano said, “Everywhere I go, people tell me how much they enjoy the convenience of flying out of Westchester. But because the holidays are traditionally the busiest time of year for air travel, there’s just not enough parking at the county airport to accommodate our passengers. Even under the best of circumstances, parking there is a problem.  If you want the best traveling experience and want to be assured you won’t miss your flight, I strongly suggest you get a ride to the airport. Don’t drive.”

 “For a safe, happy and stress-free trip, I urge our passengers to plan ahead of time on how they will get to the airport without driving there,” Spano said.

The airport management, the airlines and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have been working cooperatively to ensure a positive experience for holiday travelers flying out of Westchester. The airlines have been particularly helpful in notifying passengers that parking is limited when reservations are made or emailing them when flights are booked online. The airport has also taken out paid advertisements, put up additional signage and is distributing promotional materials. Inside the terminal, the TSA is putting additional staff on duty to operate at maximum efficiency and meet the high demand for passenger and baggage screening.  For additional information on what passengers can or cannot bring on board, please visit www.tsa.gov. 

Another alternative is AirLink, the new bus service that runs between downtown White Plains and the airport. AirLink service departs from the White Plains Metro-North Railroad Station and the White Plains Bus Terminal for the airport approximately every 30 minutes, weekdays between 6:35 a.m. and 9:06 p.m.   Buses from the airport depart on a similar schedule between 7:36 a.m. and 9:36 p.m.  On Saturdays, Sundays and most holidays, AirLink service begins and ends at the same times, but morning and midday operations are hourly; late afternoon and evening service are every 30 minutes. More than 9,500 people have used AirLink since the service began in June.

For information on parking alternatives, travelers can visit www.westchestergov.com/airport or call 914-995-RIDE.

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WPCNR WEATHER SCOOP. By John F. Bailey. November 9, 2007: Mayor Joseph Delfino told WPCNR today that his office had not been informed by  the DEC that White Plains was facing exclusion from the National Flood Insurance Program leading up to September 28, as FEMA had confirmed to the citizen who had called up when he found his insurance company had cancelled his flood insurance renewal.

Mayor Joseph Delfino. July, 2007. WPCNR Photo Archive.

The Mayor criticized FEMA for not notifying his office directly the city was excluded from flood coverage effective September 28 after the exclusion was put into effect.   The Mayor denied any knowledge White Plains had lost its flood insurance eligibility. A FEMA official Richard Einhorn had said that the DEC had sent the city four letters over five months or so warning of the impending exclusion from flood insurance

 The Mayor has scheduled a Special Meeting of the Common Council this evening to move up the Public Hearing the Council had scheduled on the flood legislation for December to November 20 to accept the DEC flood plain rules, storm water treatment regulations and digitized mapping of the flood plains in the city which, unbeknownst to the Mayor had to be passed by the Common Council 42 days ago.

Mayor Thanks WPCNR for the News

Mayor Delfino said, “I appreciate you’re having the article (on the Flood Insurance cancellation) because it’s the first I’ve learned about it. I want to thank you for doing that.”

WPCNR asked  if after the November 20 hearing was the council going to pass the local law, the Mayor said “Absolutely. Once we contact FEMA and advise them we’re passing it on the 20^th, and have whatever paperwork is required by them sent out wherever it goes, which they sent out previously, which I wasn’t aware of – and certification.”

Mayor’s Office Not Notified by the DEC before Impending Exclusion Date.

The Mayor was asked whether the DEC had informed him personally of the impending loss of Flood Insurance coverage. He said,

 “Absolutely not. I was overwhelmed when I read your article. This Mayor’s office had no idea this action was taken by FEMA. I don’t know whether Gouldner (Carey) called you or you called him. (Mr. Gouldner called WPCNR after he was informed by his insurance company is flood insurance would not be renewed ) I’m disappointed no one called the Mayor’s Office.  You talked to at least Mr. Power I guess, if he was aware of any action FEMA was about to take on this… I think he could have told me. I was stunned when I read your article. Edward Dunphy ( City Corporation Counsel) brought it out to me. It really took me aback. Mr. Gouldner has a right to his personal feelings. The Mayor’s office was not, was not aware of this. I think if you come tonight you’ll hear that. Let me tell you, Bud and I (Joseph “Bud” Nicoletti, Commissioner of Public Works)  have had discussions on this. We’ll our best to correct in the next 10-12 days (come into compliance by passing the Flood Plain maps.) Whatever’s required, we’ll do everything possible to correct this issue. Bud will have his explanation. He’s going to have one tonight. This was his responsibility.”

WPCNR pointed out the Council was not informed at the Monday Common Council meeting or the work session previously. The Mayor said “he knew nothing, just that we had to get this legislation done as we do all legislation,  on a timely basis. It sure wasn’t because of development that this took second priority. Absolutely not true.”

FEMA Does Not Return Mayor’s Calls Today. Mayor Seeks Dispensation.

The Mayor said he had called FEMA’s office three times Thursday to explain why they had not notified the Mayor’s Office White Plains had been excluded from flood insurance. (White Plains is the only city of 46 communities in the new flood plain areas failing to pass a local law accepting the new Department of Environmental Conservation flood plain and storm water guidelines.) “I’ve called Nita Lowey’s office to see if there’s a possible way for them (FEMA) to release  based on the fact we’re going to do it on the 20^th, I’d be happy to do that, but I need to talk to somebody in FEMA.”

Mayor Says He Was Not Aware of the NY DEC’s 4 Warnings.

I asked the Mayor if he had received the four letters FEMA official Richard Einhorn had told Mr.Gouldner had been sent by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, over five months, warning of the September 28 deadline for passing the local law approving the new DEC flood plain maps and storm water regulations.

The Mayor said, “Well, if it did it (the DEC letters) did not cross this office. It might have gone to Public Works, because they attend these meetings of FEMA and the DEC. If there was a timetable to be met written sanction as when insurance cancels, you can be sure it was not transmitted to this office. That’s the truth. You have to ask yourself why we would ever not if we knew? Put politics aside, why would anybody want to do that?”

The Mayor finished the conversation saying he wished Mr. Gouldner had called the Mayor’s office since councilpersons whom the Mayor said he called did not have the power to correct it.

“After all this hullabaloo he calls me to say,  Mr. Mayor, what are you going to do about it. We’re going to correct it. ASAP. If he had called me Monday,  and I may have had a great jump on this. We may have put it on the agenda  (with the new date).”  

Gouldner Only Found His Insurance was Cancelled Monday.

WPCNR checked with Mr. Gouldner why he had not called the Mayor Monday. Mr. Gouldner said he only received notice of the insurance cancellation Monday evening (in Monday’s mail). He called his insurance company Tuesday to find it was flood insurance that was cancelled because the city was excluded from the FEMA Flood Insuranc Program. When he called the Mayor’s office on Tuesday, no one could be reached because it was Election Day and City Hall was closed.

Mr. Gouldner told WPCNR what FEMA official Mr. Einhorn had told him, and WPCNR confirmed with the FEMA Press Office in New York that FEMA had excluded The City of White Plains from the program.

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WPCNR SOUTH END NEWS. From North Street Community (Edited with Reporting by WPCNR) November 7, 2007: Four  months after receiving Common Council approval for their 335-unit senior condominium development on the former St. Agnes property, which took them 2-1/2 years to get approved by the city,  North Street Community has begun evaluating  offers for the property for   partnerships and “joint ventures.”

The North Street Community Project as approved July, 2007. Construction was said to have planned for this fall at the time..

“There’s so much interest in White Plains, you’d be surprised how much interest there has been,” media spokesperson Geoffrey Thompson told WPCNR Wednesday. He said the offers came from niche firms and health care provider service firms who might join the partnership in developing the property, according to a news release issued Wednesday. Selling the entire property with its approved site plan to one buyer has not been ruled out. Thompson said when asked if selling it all to one buyer, Thompson said  “It could be a possibility. ”

The property was originally purchased at auction from the New York State Dormitory Authority for $21.5 Million. Approximately $3 Million has been spent, WPCNR believes in developing the site plan and obtaining approval.

Thompson said the owners had not encountered troubles in financing the construction of the massive project.

Slew of Offers. All Things Considered.

Thompson said ground-breaking is going to be in the spring, because the group  had to complete a series of tasks and submissions, and  plans for the city prior to start of construction that  have “lost the weather.”

In the meantime, Thompson said the partners, since their approval in July, had received  “a slew” of proposals from health care provider companies “unsolicited”. Thompson said any recommendations by Cushman & Wakefield could be in the form of a “joint venture,” with a firm perhaps purchasing one part of the project, or the rights to run it, or  either the 82,000 square foot medical office piece, residential (335-unit senior condominium), or medical facilities (92 assisted living units, and 20-units for Alzheimer’s disease.

WPCNR asked Thompson if that could conceivably be an offer from one firm to purchase the entire property. Thompson said “that might be possible.”  He said that’s what Cushman & Wakefield is being retained to do, sort out the most appealing offers.

A Change of Heart

WPCNR had asked C.J. Follini when the project was approved in July if the group now that it had the project approved would consider selling the parcel with the approved site plan, and Follini had vowed that they had believed in the project, the need for it in the city,  and would build it themselves.

In the news release Wednesday,  North Street partner Alfred Caiola, one of Follini’s partners issued this statement: “Rather than deal with these inquiries in a piecemeal fashion, we’ve decided to bring in experts with the experience and understanding to assist and advise us…we always anticipated bringing in a skilled company to operate the assisted living and Alzheimer’s facilities; however, during the two-and-a-half-year approval process, many companies expressed interest in various other aspects of the project. As we focus on completing the details of the construction plans, it made sense for us to bring in experts (Cushman & Wakefield Senior Housing and Healthcare Group), to help us evaluate these interests.”

Cushman & Wakefield is expected to make recommendations as to the best offers and proposals.

The 335 condominiums were originally reported by the firm a year ago as being priced from $400,000 to $900,000 each.

The firm has spent millions in addition to its purchase price in obtaining the approval for the site plan, in addition to the $21.5 Million it paid the New York State Dormitory Authority for the property when it bought the 23-acre site at auction in December, 2004.