WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER. By Paul Feiner, Greenburgh Town Supervisor. October 13, 2019:

A PROPOSAL TO HELP COMBAT HATE CRIMES–POLICE, WESTCHESTER SHOULD COMPILE A HATE CRIME REPORTING FORM THAT WOULD BE SHARED AND HELP US TRACK HATE CRIMES 

Our county has experienced numerous Anti Semitic incidents in recent months.  Scarsdale, White Plains, Pleasantville have experienced Anti Semitic incidents in the last few weeks alone.  The problem is escalating.

There have been rallies and commentaries expressing disgust at what has been happening but we need to do more than just be outraged.A suggestion that I think could help us deal with this crisis:  a Hate Crime reporting form that would enable us to track hate crimes. 

I suggest that a meeting of government officials, the police, representatives of the DAs office, and civic leaders be held to discuss implementation.  The hate crime reporting form should be compiled by every law enforcement agency in the county and shared with each municipality.  Much of the information should be made public.

To further outline what might be in the form these are suggestions: more about collecting data on the crimes.

It would work like domestic violence stating if police respond to a crime and there is any element of hate they must record:- the location- the offense (graffiti, hate speech, physical violence,..)- the victim (perhaps it is a person or a school facility or a monument)- how the incident/crime is categorized (so many are criminal mischief) or even if a charge is filed

A separate part that is equally as important is:- follow-up process with victim (with DV information is given about local resources, with this my thought was always the Westchester County Human Rights Commission is given as a resource, but there should be other resources listed)-

if the perpetrator is caught- punishment vs. initial charges

We need  to first collect data to know what is happening and where. Just getting the police to respond to each incident and record it seems essential. The follow-up might really be with the DA’s office, which is why it is great that you are including them on the email. 
 

I am going to copy the District Attorney of Westchester, the Jewish Council of Westchester, the Holocaust & Human Rights Center of Westchester, NAACP, WESPAC and Anti Defamation League and organizations that advocate for individuals of the Muslim faith, CAIR, AMWA and leaders of the LGBT community as well as the Westchester Human Rights offices, the Governor’s office, the County Executive.  

This suggestion was originally made to me by human rights activist  Jodie Reaver. 

The point of collecting the data is to begin to understand t is occurring in our localities. Once that is understood then perhaps education and outreach can occur to address  the underlying causes of hate. 

WPCNR REALTY REALITY. From the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors. October 9, 2019:

Overall residential sales decreased by 1.6% in Westchester County in the 3^rd quarter of the year, due to a 16-1/2% decline in Co-op sales. (from 545 last year’s 3^rd quarter down to 455 in July-August-Sept 2019).

Single Family Homes in Westchesterland grew 1% from 1,919 in July-August-September last year to 1,939 this year.

The median price of a Single family home grew 3% to $699,000 from $678,500 a year ago.  The average sales price of a single family home sold in this year’s third quarter is $907,900 compared  $879,313 last year, a slight rise of 3%.

Condominium sales rose 3.2% from 401-to 414, while the average sale price of a condo rose 2.4% to $467,396 up from $456,396 a year ago, pretty much of a “wash.”

The HGAR analyst are concerbed about low inventory: “There was virtually no relief from the low inventory numbers that Realtors have been bemoaning for several years and that continues to be a hindrance to sales growth. With a low inventory, buyers often find it difficult to find housing that fits their criteria.”

Leah Caro, President of Park Sterling Realty in Bronxville explained the drop in Westchester co-op sales was due to the popularity of co-ops which has increased the average price of co-ops on the market. “When sales go up, prices go up, and people wait until affordability goes down. Now is actually a great time to buy a co-op, but you have to have all your ducks in a row, prepared to meet the average down payment on co-ops which is 10% to 20%.”

Caro said generally co-ops will allow about 80% financing but you as the buyer have to have a cash reserve. Caro noted inventory of co-ops for sale is down, too contributing to the higher prices.

The report from HGAR was bullish on commercial developments: “The region is experiencing an active commercial market with several economic development projects in progress: LEGOLAND in Orange County and a $100 Million film studio in Yonkers.”

The average price of a co-op sold in the last three months was $212,251, up 3% over last year at this time (when it was $205,792. Co-op prices are the lowest priced residential ownership entry market . Caro said the price of a co-op can range from$50,000 to 2 Million.

HGAR touted Westchester County positives : “Tourism in every county in the region had significant increases for 2018 and unemployment remains at historic lows. A healthy economy with low mortgage interest rates indicates that the housing market is on solid ground for the foreseeable future.”

WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From the Westchester County Department of Communications, October 8, 2019 5:21 PM:

COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER STATEMENT ON GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE VANDALISM

“On the eve of Yom Kippur, the highest of holy days in the Jewish faith, anti-Semitic materials were discovered today at the Garden of Remembrance in downtown White Plains. We are enraged by this act and heartbroken that individuals would target members of our community on the most solemn day in their tradition.  County Police are actively investigating and reviewing video of the area; we seek to find and punish those who did this act.  We as a County, people of all faiths, stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters today and always.”

WPCNR LABOR LEGACY. From the Service Employees International Union 32BJ:

After working over a year without a contract, the building service workers at 1160 Midland Avenue (Yonkers) have had enough.

The dragged-out negotiations have cost the workers their health insurance, forcing them to take to the streets yesterday to demand that the building management and their cleaning contractor finalize an agreement with the workers’ union, 32BJ SEIU.

“These workers have patiently tried to see negotiations through to the end, but management has stalled so long it has finally cost the workers their health insurance,” said Lenore Friedlaender, Assistant to the President of 32BJ and head of the union in the Hudson Valley.

“The workers need their healthcare—Michael Flarida, the building superintendent, suffers Type 2 diabetes and has now been saddled with a $1,500 bill for his medication. Union members and our community allies are rallying to support the workers in their demand for a fair contract now.”

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