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WPCNR THE HOUSING NEWS. By John F. Bailey. July 2, 2009: The White Plains Housing Authority unique plan to rebuild Winbrook with Housing and Urban Development money while residents continue to live next to their future new homes for up to a decade,  is  not the way HUD normally combines with a Housing Authority to execute a project.

In Atlanta,  one of the model city developments touted by White Plains Housing Authority presenters of the project this week, (see slide above) has not in any of their projects built over the last 13 years, required residents of a project being replaced to have to stay on the construction site.

WPCNR THE HOUSING NEWS. By John F. Bailey. July 2, 2009 UPDATED 9 A.M. E.D.T.: The White Plains Housing Authority held two meetings with residents of Winbrook Tuesday which sought to assure residents  the rebuilding of  Winbrook while they wait (next to a major active construction site for 8 to 10 years)  is a great thing for them. The first held at 11:30 A.M. drew 17 residents out of over 450 apartments. Perhaps a larger attendance appeared at the evening meeting.

The Winbrook Rivitalization Plan Info Session Tuesday, 11:30 A.M.17 residents attended of 450 apartments.

The Existing Winbrook Units (5- 9-story buildings) would be replaced one or two at a time with a 7-building, mixed income project (each 15 stories) complex below with street retail.

The Winbrook Revitalization plan envisions replacing the five existing Winbrook buildings with new buildings, expanding the number of living units from the present 450 units to 1,100 units, with underground parking. The present population of 450 families would be moved into 7 new buildings in a staggered plan. The first building going up on the empty green space directly across Quarropas Street from the U.S. Court House, and the vacant Post Office property at South Lexington Avenue and Quarropas Street. The complex would begin construction on open space  West of  the Bethel Baptist Church and Thomas Slater Center, probably in the spring of 2011, on the present timetable.

WPCNR  TAXING TIMES. By John F. Bailey. July 1, 2009: The City of White Plains efficiently mailed out the first of White Plains residents’ tax bills today. Residents opening the envelopes this evening will note they have a 5.5% tax increase split between the city, schools and the county. Though the county tax is lot listed, just add $2,400 if you are a White Plains resident.

The property tax on the average White Plains Home marketed at $650,000 including county, schools and city is $13,294 compared to $12,600 in 2008-2009, up $694 or 5.5%

Greetings from the Department of Finance.

The White Plains Week Projection of this April, Comes All Too True within $50.

The median White Plains home on the market valued at $650,000 will find their city and school tax bill to be $10,894 up from $10,342 last year, a $552 increase -- 5.3% from the city and the schools tab combined. Add to that the County tax of $2,400 and the increase is up to $694. 

The city tax increase increase takes a mere $177 hors d'oeuvre off your canape plate in comparison increasing the city share of the average homeowner from $2,724 this year to 2,901 in 2009-10, $177 more -- a 6.4% Increase

The school district tax increase for the average homeowner is $374. (It was $7,618 last year up to $7,992 this year, a 4.9% Increase.

Those with homes with a market value of less than $650,000 of course have less of an increase, while those in $650,000 and up homes – you’re looking at $1,000 or more in tax increases, from city and school tax increases. Throw in the County piece and you're definitely up a grand.

The actual school tax increase is $7 more than White Plains Week predicted. The city tax, $44 more than predicted.

WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. July 1, 2009: The White Plains Police have apprehended and charged three New Rochelle Residents in connection with an armed robbery of a man and woman inside the Chester Maple Parking Garage at  early Sunday morning, June 21 at 12:30 A.M.

Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety told WPCNR today, announcing the arrests, "This was a good coordinated effort by the detectives, working hard to get dangerous people off the street. We are working with other departments in the couty who have had similar incidents. We executed warrants on the vehicle used in the crime as well as the suspects' apartment. "

Luz Rodriguez

Juan Morel

William Hernandez

Police charged Luz Rodriguez, 25, Juan Morel, 25 and William Hernandez, 28 all of whom live at 550 Fifth Avenue, New Rochelle, with Robbery 1st and Criminal Use of a Firearm 1st, both B-felonies, following the investigation of the robbery "where a handgun was displayed."

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey July 1, 2009: Dr. Christopher Clouet officially began his new role as White Plains Superintendent of Schools today, though he has been meeting and conducting interviews for five days already.  Dr. Clouet, who comes to White Plains from his previous position as Superintendent of the New London (Connecticut) schools,  spent the last five days conducting some meetings at Education House, interviewing candidates, and setting up his office, in which he looked quite at home already Wednesday morning.

Enter Clouet: Dr. Christopher Clouet, new Superintendent of Schools in White Plains this morning, his first official day on watch.

Clouet told WPCNR he has set up in weeks previously, an  “Entry Tour,” to meet community organizations, city  government officials of both present and possible incoming administrations (there are two candidates running for Mayor thus far), in addition to institutions like the library, the Youth Bureau and others,  to be current with  concerns, expectations, and issues facing the school district as it relates to the community. He said he was well aware the city was assessment challenged (due to declining assessments of commercial, and recently residential properties), and the change coming in the ”Post-Mall era" and would be discussing it with “officials you would expect, both outgoing, and incoming.”

Clouet will debut publicly at the first Board of Education meeting in July.

WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. July 1, 2009 UPDATED, 10:30 A.M. E.D.T.:  City Hall will attempt to stage the 4th of July fireworks this evening, at White Plains High School, scheduled to start at 6:30P.M.  

This will be Mayor Joseph Delfino's last year to preside over the annual kickoff of America's Birthday. Plenty of other politicians are expected to circulate, glad-handing the thousands of persons, estimated at times to reach 10,000 people, who turn out for this event.

Thousands Await Fireworks back in  July 2004. Photo, WPCNR ARCHIVES.

WPCNR THE HOUSING NEWS. By John F. Bailey June 30,2009:  WPCNR learned today that once the Winbrook Rivitalization project is completed, it will be managed by the developer or developer(s) for the White Plains Housing Authority through a series of arrangements, according to Commissioner of Planning Susan Habel.  Habel explained this, saying the details were yet to be worked out.  She was responding to a question if the Housing Authority would manage and run the day-to-day operations, rentals, leasings of the new 1,100-unit public Housing, Affordable Housing, and Market Rate housing multi-use retail complex the zoning for which is up for approval by the Common Council next Tuesday evening.

This morning Gary Warshauer, the architect on the preliminary stage of the project present the first looks ever of how the new street ambience of The New Winbrook would look, (below), and residents were given an overview of how the project would proceed after expected Common Council approval of the Zoning changes, allowing the parking density and retail/mixed use zoning required to continue with the project. A Second presentation will be made this evening at 6:30 P.M at the Housing Authority.

WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. By John F. Bailey. June 30, 2009: A significant cut in police overtime requested by the Common Council has reduced the Police Bureau Budget $330,115, which the Commissioner of Public Safety Dr. Frank Straub sees reducing the department ability to police the Central Business District as the summer sizzles into full swing this week.

Memo from the Commissioner Foresees Compromised Safety in Downtown Business District, Documents Growth in Misbehavin' 

The fight, fracas, melee or brawl depending on who you talk to, (a complete description of the incident involving emergency room treatment of one individual has not been given by police) --  attracting a response of  a posse of  police cars Sunday morning to a popular bar on East Post Road highlights the stresses the Department of Public Safety will face in responding to the average 30 arrests a night on Friday and Saturday nights in White Plains the past year. In the summer, it might be expected this average may go up.

WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. June 28, 2009 UPDATED JULY 1, 2009: WPCNR has learned and confirmed that a serious brawl erupted inside the Thirsty Turtle restaurant on East Post Road approximately 3 A.M. this morning, which spilled out onto the street according to persons familiar with the incident.

As of Wednesday July 1, Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety, Daniel Jackson advises WPCNR: "The investigation into the assault at the Thirsty Turtle is continuing, however there are currently no further charges."

According to Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety, Daniel Jackson,

Brian Wolf was arrested for Assault 3rd after punching Seth Benerofe in the face causing Benerofe’s glasses to break, causing several facial lacerations. Victim was transported to WPER for treatment. Photos taken.

The three arrests from that location this morning are: Assault 3rd- Brian Wolf Dis Con.- Shaina Smith and Jeffrey Cataldo

Three persons were reported due to be arraigned in City Court early Sunday afternoon on charges of assault, and as many as six others possibly to be charged with Disorderly Conduct. Judge Joann Friia of City Court said she expected to issue two orders of protection. The Thirsty Turtle is pictured above on the home page of  the restaurant website

WPCNR still awaits further accounts from the police of how the melee started.

WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From The Music Conservatory. June 27, 2009: The Music Conservatory of Westchester, a non-profit community school of the arts in White Plains, NY, has appointed Rye resident Carol Shiffman as Executive Director effective July 1, 2009. The announcement was made by Board President Nancy Goodman.

The Baton, Please:

Carol Shiffman, New Director, The Music Conservatory of Westchester, White Plains

Shiffman succeeds Dr. Aaron Flagg, who leaves to become the next Dean of The Hartt School at the University of Hartford. Shiffman is nationally recognized for her work in arts administration and music, dance, and arts education. Previously the Dean of SUNY Purchase’s Conservatory of Dance, Shiffman led one of the country’s preeminent arts institutions with world renowned faculty. She strengthened and expanded the school’s range of course offerings, master classes, and special events, and increased student opportunities for performances both on and off campus.

WPCNR CENTER STAGE LEFT. Theatrical Rush Review by John F. Bailey. June 25, 2009: There was a buzz and energy at opening night at WBT.  Most had never heard of this comedic hoot of a review that debuted Off-Broadway in 1996, and just closed in 2008, outrunning My Fair Lady.

A full house was eager for something happy and amusing and they got a Laugh-in's worth!

Courtney Holds Court!

Courtney Balan is the Complete Comedienne, mugging, madcapping, accenting, wisecracking, sending up, dialecting, wallflower, babe, single girl, torch singer in I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. Photos, Courtesy WBT, By John Vecchiola.

When  comedienne Courtney Balan makes a match.com video on WBT’s widescreens,  talking to a video camera, with her back to her audience,  she brings down the house with laughter as she tells all her foibles and faults with mugging and facial expressions that generated steady laughter nonstop.

When  Noel Molinelli sings a lament about the bride’s maids dresses in her closet, and ill-fated grooms,  the women of Westchester grinned and nodded knowingly, remembering weddings past. When Jonathan Rayson laments about waiting for his wife in Macy’s, the men laugh and laugh, while Ms. Molinelli agonizes in line for a women’s restroom—both men, women nod, laugh and remember.

Understudy Travis Taber, last seen in Oliver!  as the Knife Grinder (at that incubator of talent, the White Plains Performing Arts Center) did a masterful job jumping in on Opening Night. He's at the wheel of the family car! With the ubiquitous Courtney Balan as his wife, and Noel Molinelli, back seat with Jonathan Rayson as his kids.  Mr. Taber  had to do the 42^nd Street Opening Night  "Dream Brake" Replacement role thing this evening filling in for  Frank Vlastnik. The kid will always remember this night. He wise-cracked and delivered the part as if he created it! What a great job by the kid. Who doesn't like a little schmaltz on Opening Night? Photos, Courtesy, WBT By Frank Vecchiola

Taber coordinated with perfect comic timing with Ms. Balan to  turn four rolling desk chairs into the family car, it's madcap mirth!  (Even Brenda Starr, your reporter’s date for the evening laughed in uncharacteristic glee for the most dignified no-nonsense redhead in journalism – mentioning on the way out that her brothers used to fight in the backseat just like Mr. Rayson and Ms. Molinelli.

WPCNR DPW DAILY. By John F. Bailey. June 25,2009: Commissioner of Public Works Joseph Nicoletti, when asked when the Department of Public Works would send out detailed official notice of controversial sweeping changes in garbage, recycling, and autumn leaf pickups (previously made by the city of loose leaves at curbside) last night, told WPCNR the new pickup schedule and attendant regulations  would not be implemented until September 1. (The changes were instituted as part of budget-cutting initiatives by the department at the request of the Mayor's Office.)

Award-winning Commissioner of Public Works Joseph Nicoletti, speaking on DPW Garage repairs and rolling stock purchases last night. Afterwards he shared the schedule for sanitation changes with WPCNR

Nicoletti told WPCNR the regulations which include consolidation of recycling papers and recyclable containers to same days as garbage pickups; requirement that leaves be bagged for pickup by the owner or owners' landscape companies; removal of backyard garbage pickup, will be issued August 1 to familiarize the public with them and the new schedules implemented September 1.

It was not clear how delaying the implementation of the new regulations designed to "save" money would save money for the first two months of the new fiscal year without implementing them.

During the Common Council Work Session Wednesday evening, Commissioner Nicoletti presented requests for $300,000 of concrete floor replacement on the 1928 South Kensico DPW garage, and $1,040,000 in bonds for replacement of DPW Vehicles,Refusal Collection Trucks, previously included in the 2009-10 budget which begins being spent in one week.

 WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2009. June 25,2009: Suburbanstreet.com reports this morning that Bob Hyland, long time owner of The Sports Page restaurant in White Plains, and National Football League legend with the New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers has agreed to contest Legislator William Ryan for the District 5 seat in White Plains.

Bob Hyland, left, with John Martin, St. Patrick's Day Parade, March 2007. WPCNR News Archive.

Suburban Street reports Hyland making this statement: “If I am elected to the County Board, I will take my experience that includes 36 years as a successful businessman, 16 years in the financial services industry and 11 years as a professional football player and apply those experiences to county government. My years in the financial services industry have shown me what families and businesses need to do to survive in today's economy.”

“Our current county government clearly does not understand these issues or they would not be asking to raise taxes and spending. They would not be attempting to raise their own salaries in today's economy. I know that if I ran my restaurant and insurance practice the way the incumbent has run the county legislature, my businesses would have failed many years ago,” concluded Hyland.

GOP Chairman Doug Colety said, “We are excited to be nominating Bob Hyland for the County Legislator in Scarsdale and White Plains. Bob’s experience in business and the financial services industry will make him an outstanding addition to the County Board and a breath of fresh air after the scandal-plagued Bill Ryan.”

Suburban Street describes Hyland  a registered Independence Party Member, born and raised in White Plains and was educated at Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, followed by Boston College. After a successful eleven-year career in the National Football League including winning a Super Bowl under legendary coach Vince Lombardi and five seasons with the New York Giants, Hyland returned to White Plains to raise his family and open a family business. He currently is the owner of the Sports Page Restaurant in White Plains and his own insurance practice.

Hyland will be running on the Republican, Independence and Conservative lines in the November Election. District 5 includes all of Scarsdale and part of White Plains.

WPCNR MAMARONECK AVENUE RAMBLER. June 25,2009: Workers were putting finishing touches on the Saxon Woods Pool yesterday preparing for opening to the public at 11 A.M. this morning.

The pool is only open to Westchester County residents with a County Parks Pass, obtainable at the pool or at the Westchester  County with proof or residence in the county by presented a driver’s license and two other forms of residency such as a utility bill, bank statement, credit card bill, cable tv bill, mortgage or lease or vehicle registration. A Parks Pass valid for three years costs $50. Park passes are sold from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. at the pool.

The pool operates 11 A.M. to 6:30 P.M. daily. Admission per visit (with Park Pass) costs $6 daily for an adult (over age 12), $4 for a Senior Citizen Monday through Friday (senior citizen rate is not honored Saturday Sunday and Holidays). Children 5 to 11 are admitted for $4 each child. Children under 5 are admitted free.  Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Two paid adult admissions are allowed per Park Pass. No refunds are available under any circumstances.

Twilight Swims are in effect after 4 P.M. After 4, the charge per adult is $4; child, $3. Seniors may swim at twilightfor $3 Monday through Friday.