SHOW UP, AMERICANS!

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WPCNR NEWS & COMMENT. By John F. Bailey. September 30, 2023 UPDATED 12:15 A.M. OCTOBER 1, 2023  (SEE CLOSE OF THIS COLUMN):

What if the Republicans gave a Shut Down and nobody shut down?

All this media hand-wringing over the Republican “Shut Down” has a solution that is really quite simple.

The persons who work for the U.S. Government, even if they do not get checks should just do something all real Americans do, white, Latino, Black, Muslim, Irish, Jews, no matter where  or who you are or where you’re from, we show up.

Show up !

Like the workers in New York  did the last 24 hours in New York State! Getting things going again despite 8 inches of rain. Keep your money for migrant relief Biden Administration! New York State got its city and state back functioning within 24 hours despite hurricane rainfall.

New York State will take care of it.  If our county and city and state officials stop playing politics and open shelters for migrants in vacant buildings, government facilities airports and sports arenas across the state. New York can just do it!

Governor Hochul’s rallying the state for a tremendous effort to keep NEW YORK GOING in the storm with no name is a testimony to government public service workers. Its police, road crews, hospitals, and citizens who acted responsibly during the flood yesterday performed with distinction! Thank you men and women of the New York State Government.)

Now, it is time to show up again, U.S. Government Workers!

Do not let the Republicans do this to you.

They aren’t firing you.

So if you show up, they have to pay you wages. Perhaps a bonus (that would frost them)

Mount a court case if they do not pay you (with damages—let’s see how the feckless Supreme Court rules on that one)

Government workers can put the Republicans in their place, shaming the worst government representatives including the other party ever to go to congress, throwing a peaceful normal day as usual would throw banana cream pies in the faces of the “Shut Down’s Clowns”

Just go to work even though you will not be paid.

Keep the planes flying. Go in sort the mail and keep delivering.

Perhaps even our Senators and Congresspersons who still get paid even, (even though they  never show up to do any work that must be done except talk about what must be done and not do it) What a lazy bunch of sloppy thinkers.

Just go in to the Pentagon, the FAA, Defense Department, airports, TSA, FEMA, IRS (let’s audit the Republicans while they are not at work), Justice Department (charge the Trumpicans in court delaying  tactics with contempt—I am serious—and the Supreme Court justices are not in session, what will they do, defy their Trumpican bosses and deny the contempt charges?

Yes, keep the Smithsonian Institute open.. the monuments, honor the founders, Lincoln, Washington.

Keep the CDC functioning that keeps America healthy and vaccinated. Go to work at Department of Social Security and keep those social security checks coming and what about this: Those of in heading up Social Security can raise the social security to the rate of inflation that has hurt social security ability to provide for Americans on Social Security. Let the Supreme Court deny it. They’ll never do that.

The question is, will the President not be working since supposedly he is shut down, too?

Well the President should go into work and issue a series of Executive Orders, since now congress is not in charge. (Is it ever?)

He should:

  1. Declare State of Emergency and call  the shutdown illegal.
  2. Declare kids affected by DACA legal residents.
  3. Declare student loans all forgiven due to the effect on the economy of the shutdown on the students’ ability to make a living.
  4. Declare migrants awaiting status OK to work to replace workers who do not show up to work.
  5. Declare automatic Rise in the debt ceiling to avoid a U.S. default. And,
  6. As part of this Republican Shut Down it has created a national emergency and to ease the impact on the American people, Prices are frozen for 6 months on gas, electricity, oil, food and interest rates lowered to 1% to get housing moving again. (Don’t laugh at price controls, they got us through World War II)

He could do that.

The President on his own time, since congress washed its hands of the Shut Down issue, could take these issues and decide them.

The Supreme Court hacks would if they chose to rule against this use of Executive Orders “during a national emergency” would also remove them from any president elected in the future who would  take way repressive reactive executive orders.

In one fell swoop, the Republicans would be hoisted on their own irresponsible petard. How dumb can they be? How anti-American.

So, government workers, Show Up.

Carry signs saying “We want to keep America Open! OPEN THE DOORS”

Work to keep the U.S. Government functioning smoothly.

The only thing about government that doesn’t work is congress.

You help all Americans if you do go in to work in spite of the shutdown.

You  put the congress in its place.

You remind them congress works for us.

You, We pay your salary.

You tell  tell them you, congress  are here to  help, not hurt. Not hate.

Not here to give businesses carte blanche to hurt consumers for company profits. Not here to let robber barons kill millions of Americans with drugs they know kill. Not here to promote medical industry fraud with inflated Medicare and Medicaid bills and  insurance companies reimbursements, and of course crooked investment practices.

Just thinking, what if they gave the shutdown, and workers showed up any way because they believed in the importance of their jobs, believed in America, and still do.

Show up, backbone of America.

You the workers who make the country work.

The shutdown shows the contempt congress has for you.

So show them up, you the people who make America and its government work, show the Congress that does not work, who really works.

This just in 4:50 P.M. EDT FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.:  Flash! CONGRESS ACTS!!!!  Within two hours of my writing this column, (probably no cause or effect)  the House of Representatives  came to its senses, passed the House Bill compromise with the Senate, funding the government and postponing shutting down the government for 45 days. So we should be saved from the media hysteria over shutting down the government until at least the week before Thanksgiving. 

MIDNIGHT BULLETIN:12:15 A.M. EDT.OCT 1, 2023: The Senate voted 88-9 on Saturday night to pass a short-term bill to keep the government open, averting a shutdown at the last minute after a dramatic turnaround in the waning hours.

The bill passed the House earlier by a substantial bipartisan vote of 335-91, and President Joe Biden signed it into law late Saturday night. No one explained why this could not have been done two months ago, to this reporter’s knowledge.

 

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GOVERNOR HOCHUL EMERGENCY UPDATE: ALL MTA RAIL RUNNING

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GOVERNOR HOCHUL UPDATES NEW YORKERS FOLLOWING HISTORIC RAINFALL EVENT

 

MTA Running Full Service Across its Transportation Network Saturday After Crews Clear Flooding Conditions Following Historic Rainfall in Metropolitan Region

State of Emergency Remains in Effect for New York City, Long Island, and Mid-Hudson Region Following Excessive Rainfall Over 24-Hour Period

 

More Than Nine Inches of Rainfall in Nassau County; Six to Eight Inches of Rain Reported in Parts of New York City; More Than Six Inches of Rain Reported in Westchester County

 

Flood Warning Continues Through 12 P.M. Saturday for Bronx and Westchester Counties

 

New Yorkers Urged to Use Caution Until Flood Warnings Are Lifted and Avoid Walking or Driving Through Standing Floodwater

 

Governor Kathy Hochul, with Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chair and CEO Janno Lieber, today provided a storm update to New Yorkers as the band of heavy rain that caused flash flooding in parts of downstate moved eastward out of the state overnight. Although light showers may move back into the area throughout this morning and early this afternoon, rainfall amounts today should bring no additional flood threat. 

Governor Hochul declared a State of Emergency for all of New York City, Long Island and the Mid-Hudson region as heavy rain continued to fall throughout Friday. More than nine inches of rain was officially reported in Nassau County, and rainfall totals exceeding eight inches were reported in Queens. The deluge of rain was the wettest calendar day on record since 1948 at John F. Kennedy Airport and brought flash flooding conditions across the region. Flash flooding caused numerous storm-related travel and transit impacts since overnight Thursday into Friday when the rain first began. 

“We’ve seen a whole lot of rain fall in a very short period of time, which caused many issues related to transportation and power, but the good news is that the storm will pass, and we should see some clearing of waterways today and tonight,” Governor Hochul said. “I urge everyone to continue practicing safety as floodwaters recede and take extra care when traveling.”

A flood warning remains in effect for the Bronx and Westchester County through noon Saturday due to the continued threat of flash flooding in those areas. State agencies continue to provide support to local governments as needed.

  

In addition to the Flood Warning for Bronx and Westchester until noon today, Coastal Flood Advisories are in effect. Minor coastal flooding is still possible late this morning through early tomorrow during periods of high tide with up to a foot of inundation in the coastal areas of Long Island, Westchester, and New York City. For a complete listing of weather alerts and forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website at alerts.weather.gov. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for NY Alert, the State’s free emergency alert system, at alert.ny.gov. County-by-county emergency information can be pushed by text or email.

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “Our amazing bus operators kept more than three thousand buses moving New Yorkers through the storm and, despite the deluge, subway workers were able to maintain significant operations and to quickly restore full service. I’m thankful that commuter rail riders were able to get home last night, even in the face of widespread washouts, and grateful to the governor for the State’s consistent support throughout this crisis.”

 

Additional State Agency Response

 

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

At Governor Hochul’s direction, the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services activated the State Emergency Operations Center to actively monitor storm conditions in real-time and support local governments’ requests for assistance. The State Office of Fire Prevention and Control activated its Fire Operations Center to deploy flood rescue teams to both Nassau County and Westchester County to assist with flood emergency response.Twelve pumps from DHSES stockpile were deployed on Friday to New York City for pre-staging, and another six pumps from DHSES stockpile were deployed Friday to LaGuardia to support the pump-out of its fuel yard.

 

New York State Department of Transportation
Ahead of the storm, Department of Transportation forces were actively clearing storm drains and gutters to make sure water continues to flow. Crews are now actively patrolling roads downstate and monitoring flood conditions, clearing downed trees and waiting for flood conditions to subside.

 

Flooding is occurring on roads throughout New York City.

  • In the Hudson Valley there are the following closures:
  • Bronx River Parkway Both Directions, at Palmer Avenue, Yonkers
  • Bronx River Parkway Both Directions, at Exit 21 – NY 119 – Tarrytown Road; Chatterton Avenue, White Plains
  • Sprain Brook State Parkway Both Directions, between START ROUTE Sprain Brook State Parkway and Exit – NY 100, Eastchester
  • Bronx River Parkway Northbound, at Cross County Parkway, Mount Vernon
  • Sprain Brook State Parkway Northbound, at Jackson Avenue, Greenburgh
  • NY 117 Both Directions, at Old House Lane, New Castle
  • Saw Mill River Parkway Both Directions, between I-287; Ramp and Exit 20 – I-87, Greenburgh

 

On Long Island there are the following closures:

  • All roads remain open
  • Northern State Parkway eastbound at Meadowbrook State Parkway – left lane flooded, DOT on site
  • Long Island Expressway North Service Road near Lakeville Road – all lanes flooded, but passable.
  • Southern State Parkway westbound near the Cross Island Parkway/Belt Parkway interchange – left and center lanes flooded, DOT on site
  • Tree removed from Wantagh State Parkway northbound at Sunrise Highway
  • Wantagh State Parkway and Bay Parkway – flooding cleared
  • Ramp from Crooked Hill Road to northbound Sagtikos State Parkway – flooding cleared; DOT on site and pumping

 

Monitor 511 for the latest road conditions in your area.

 

Metropolitan Transportation Authority 
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is closely monitoring weather conditions to ensure safe, reliable service. MTA employees will be poised to respond to any weather-related issues.

 

Full service was operating on the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 42 St Shuttle, A, C, E, F, G B, D, Q, M, J and L by 9:00 p.m. on Friday night. The N line resumed full service at approximately 5:40 a.m., after crews worked through the night to address flooding conditions on the line in Brooklyn. Franklin Shuttle resumed full service at 6:25 a.m.

 

Limited service out of Grand Central Terminal on the Hudson, Harlem and New Haven lines was restored towards the end of the Friday evening rush hour. Service to and from the terminal was suspended during the afternoon hours due to extreme flooding the Mott Haven section of the Bronx, impacting all three lines. Metro-North was able to restore full service on the New Haven Line by 6:00 p.m. Friday. Full service resumed on the Hudson and Harlem lines shortly after 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 30.

 

New York City Bus maintained full service, with isolated detours, through the duration of the storm.  

The Long Island Rail Raid restored service on the Far Rockaway Branch and Long Beach Branch at approximately 10:00 p.m. Friday following suspensions during the afternoon due to flooding conditions. All other branches operated on or close to schedule, with scattered delays in the evening due to the weather. 

  

Customers are encouraged to check new.mta.info for the latest service updates, and to use caution while navigating the system. Customers should also sign up for real-time service alerts via text or email. These alerts are also available via the MTA’s apps: MYmta and TrainTime.

Thruway Authority

Thruway Authority staff continues to assist partner agencies and neighboring communities impacted by flooding in Westchester County. The Thruway Authority’s New York Division is staffed and will remain engaged in storm response for the duration of the event.

New York State Police

State Police is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with partners in DHSES, NYSTA, DOT and other agencies. Additional personnel are focusing efforts on highways and other flood-prone areas. There is a 6-member flood rescue team equipped with an Airboat & Rigid Inflatable Boat deployed in Westchester County that is checking submerged vehicles in New Rochelle.

 

Another flood rescue team is en route to Westchester to replace the current team there at 3:00 pm and we have a 3rd team preparing for deployment.

 

Department of Public Service

New York’s utilities have approximately 5,500 workers available to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts across New York State for this event. Agency staff will track utilities’ work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

 

1,800 customers in the downstate region are currently without power due to heavy rain. Damage assessment, repair and restoration crews from the utility companies are working to minimize and repair any impacts to energy sector infrastructure, and the Department of Public Service is in direct contact with utility operations leadership and tracking utility response and restoration efforts.

 

Flash Flooding Safety Tips

  • Never attempt to drive on a flooded road. Turn around and go another way.
  • If water begins to rise rapidly around you in your car, abandon the vehicle immediately.
  • Do not underestimate the power of fast-moving water. Two feet of fast-moving flood water will float your car, and water moving at two miles per hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge.

 

For more information on personal preparedness and how to stay safe during severe weather, visit: dhses.ny.gov/safety-and-prevention.

 

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STATEMENT ON U.S. FOSSIL FUELS POLICY AS NYC FLOODS

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On Friday Sept 29th, Fridays for Future New York City, one of the main organizers of the March to End Fossil Fuels, released the following statement in response to the state of emergency in New York and President Biden’s announcement of a five-year plan:

75,000 people marched less than two weeks ago in the now flooded streets of New York City demanding President Biden end fossil fuels.

Days later, President Biden and Secretary Kerry were forbidden from speaking at a UN Climate Ambition Summit due to the Administration’s fossil fuel expansion plans.

Yet, today, while our streets are flooding, the Biden Administration, ignoring the calls of millions of people, of science, and his own promises, issued plans for three new massive offshore oil and gas lease sales over the next five years.

Daliah Gressel, 18, of Fridays For Future NYC and an organizer for The March To End Fossil Fuels said

 “The largest city in the United States is flooding. As New Yorkers, our lives and studies have been interrupted today by dangerous, historic flash flooding and we cannot stand for it. Yet, Biden, ignoring the calls of over 75,000 people that marched to end fossil fuels two weeks ago, is planning even more fossil fuel projects. He is advancing deadly fossil fuel expansion, sacrificing a safe and livable future for our communities on the very same day every New Yorker is being affected by historic flooding.”

(Credit: (1) Xiye Bastida, X, (2) Emma Cassidy, Survival Media Agency, (3) @RandomHeroWX, X)

In addition to 800+ organizations and individuals, over 30 members of Congress joined with marchers in asking the Biden Administration for no new leases in the five-year plan, including several ranking members. Both Representatives Jayapal and Tlaib and Representative Pallone led letters.

While the Biden Administration has claimed their hands are tied due to the Inflation Reduction Act which they supported, an Oceana report shows that the Administration can still meet its wind energy goals and avoid new fossil fuel leasing. A separate report demonstrates that the U.S. can meet its energy needs many times over by building only on already-developed and degraded land.

New leases would lock the United States, already by far the top oil and gas producer in the world, into decades more of fossil fuel production incompatible with climate goals and exacerbating both environmental and climate injustice from the floods we’re seeing today to direct health impacts and spill risks from offshore drilling. We need to phase out all fossil fuel production on our federal lands and waters by 2030, and the science has zero tolerance for new approvals.

We cannot keep the Earth at a temperature of 1.5 C above pre-industrial levels without phasing out fossil fuels, and if we keep going like this, the life-threatening disasters, like we’re experiencing today in New York, will just keep getting worse.

As Lead Organizer Helen Mancini, 16, said at the March To End Fossil Fuels rally last week “this summer alone, New York City’s skies turned orange, Libya is flooded, Maui has burned and countless people died from heat and extreme weather.” Mancini said today’s historic rainfall is another example of this. “This is the world Biden and his peers have left for us. But this is not the world we are going to accept.”

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WHITE PLAINS WEEK BLACK COFFEE SATURDAY MORNING AT 8:30 AM SEPT 29 REPORT: REACTION! “THE DISTRICT GALLERIA LANDS AND IMPRESSES” FIOS CH 45. OPTIMUM WP CH 76 & WWW.WPCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

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WHITE PLAINS CONFRONTS THE FUTURE: IMPRESSIONS! REACTIONS! UNPRECEDENTED INVOLVEMENT OF THE COUNCIL. THE MOST “BEYOND AMBITIOUS” PROJECT WHITE PLAINS AND WESTCHESTER HAVE SEEN– $2.5 BILLION DOLLAR PACKAGE– SPECTACULAR, BOLD SIGNATURE UNDERTAKING PROPOSED! EYE-POPPING EXCLUSIVE VIDEO. WOULD PUT WHITE PLAINS INTO THE FUTURE.

 

“WE CAN WORK IT OUT” MARK WEINGARTEN PRCP PRESENTER WITH  LOUIS CAPPELLI, LEFT ASSURES COUNCIL. WHITE PLAINS MAYOR SAYS IT IS JUST CONCEPT AT THIS TIME, BUT LIKES THE OPEN SPACE.

GEORGE LATIMER ON 2 NEW SCAMS SWEEPING WESTCHESTER COUNTY, DUTCHESS, PUTNAM AIMED TO STEAL YOUR MONEY AND STOP YOU FROM VOTING

WHERE’S OUR MONEY, JOE? MILLIONS GO OUT BORDER AND MIDWEST STATES FOR MIGRANT RELIEF, ZERO SO FAR FOR THE TEEMING 100,000 MIGRANTS IN NEW YORK — WHERE IS THE OUTCRY FROM STATE OFFICIALS?

WOMEN DO YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS? PASS THE NEW YORK STATE ERA AMENDMENT IN 2024

JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS

EVERY WEEK ON WHITE PLAINS WEEK FOR 22 YEARS

TONIGHT

 

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YOUR LOCAL EPIDEMIOLOGIST OBSERVES: VACCINE ROLLOUTS ARE A MESS TODAY

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SATURDAY NIGHT AT 7 ON PEOPLE TO BE HEARD–JOHN VORPERIAN OF BEYOND THE GAME WPTV AND BULL ALLEN, VOICE OF BASE BALL ON THE 2023 BASEBALL SEASON WRAP UP SHOW

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“BULL” ALLEN OF   OF View from the Upper Deck  and JOHN BEYOND THE GAME VORPERIAN WRAP UP THE 2023 SEASON — THE NEW RULES HOW THEY WORKED OUT, IS ATTENDANCE UP? AND WHAT ARE THE YANKEES AND METS AND RED SOX GOING TO DO ABOUT THEIR ABYSMAL SEASONS? 

IT’S THE WRAP UP THAT PULLS NO PUNCHES–TUNE IN FANS ON FIOS CH 45 AND OPTIMUM CHANNEL 76 FOR THE FASTEST SMARTEST TALK IN SPORTS.

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SPECTACULAR “DISTRICT GALLERIA” “CONCEPT” DEBUTED BY PACIFIC RETAIL CAPITAL PATNERSl STUNS COMMON COUNCIL. ROACH: NOT A SITE PLAN, LONG WAY TO GO. PERHAPS A 2-YEAR REVIEW $2.5 BILLION DOLLAR PROJECT, 3,

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PACIFIC RETAIL CAPITAL PARTNERS, THE CAPPELLI ORGANIZATION AND S.L. GREEN  PRESENTED THE LARGEST  PROPOSAL FOR DEVELOPMENT EVER IN WHITE PLAINS, (OR FOR WESTCHESTER COUNTY) LAST NIGHT, PROPOSING 6 APARTMENT COMPLEXES  (7 BUILDINGS TOTAL)FROM 9 TO  41 STORIES,  NONE OF WHICH VIOLATE ANY HEIGHTS, BUT WILL ADD 3,200 RESIDENTIAL APARTMENTS.

PARKING WOULD BE UNDERGROUND. WEINGARTEN SAID THE PARTNERS WOULD BUY THE PRESENT GARAGE FROM THE CITY AND DEMOLISH IT AND REMEDIATE ANY CONTAMINATIONS THAT MIGHT BE THERE. HE ASSURED PARKING AVAILABILITY WOULD BE ESTABLISHED FOR THE LIBRARY ACROSS THE STREET AND OTHER WORKERS IN THE MUNICIPAL AREA.

WEINGARTEN SAID DISTRICT GALLERIA IS A CONCEPT AND PRCP WAS PRESENTING THE DESIGN TO SEE IF THE CITY WAS  ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT DIRECTION PRCP SEES FOR THE PROJECT.

RESIDENTS WOULD INCLUDE 12% AFFORDABLE HOUSING (384 OF 3,200).  MARK WEINGARTEN, OF DelBello Donnellan Weingarten Wise & Wiederkehr  REPRESENTING  THE PRCP GROUP SAID.

AN OVERHEAD VIEW OF THE 11-ACRE PROJECT. MR. WEINGARTEN SAID THE PROJECT WOULD ENERGIZE THE STREETS, LONG A MAYOR ROACH OF WHITE PLAINS DREAM, WITH STREET WELCOMING RETAIL  AND RESTAURANTS UP AND DOWN MAIN STREET AND MARTINE AVENUES, OPEN SPACE, A PERFORMANCE SQUARE AND A FOOD HALL, AND 7 RESTAURANTS, AS WELL AS UPSCALE RETAIL

 

The presentation began with ANNMARIE PLENGE, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF DESIGN, for PRCP) (pictured next to Mr. Weingarten introducing the project)  narrating a 12-minute flyover video of the concept, then the architect went into specific detail with still pictures from the video pictured above.

 This project reminded me of the old gray Rockefeller Center project in New York City which was started in 1931, funded by John D. Rockefeller. It was completed in 8 years and contained 19 buildings, and of course the Rockefeller Skating rink.

The design is  beyond contemporary, it has energy. is attractive, stunning.

Stunning is not always attractive to those who do not like change.

The sheer grandeur of the project  and design audacity  is highly unconforming to the downtown collection of buildings now under construction.

The District Galleria reflects  the glass and grandeur of the central  glass Opus hotel and the matching 41 story condominiums. It reaches out and connects to those glass towers that started the White Plains Renaissance.

I recalled Ayn Rand’s architect  character in The Fountainhead published in 1943.

Briefly Howard Roark,  as Wikipedia  describes the plot “is an intransigent young Architect who battles against conventional standards and refuses to compromise with an architectural establishment unwilling to accept innovation.

“Roark embodies what Rand believed to be the ideal man, and his struggle reflects Rand’s belief that “Individualism” is superior to “Social organization” “Collectivism_and_individualism.” 

“Roark is opposed by what he calls “second-handers”, who value conformity over independence and integrity.

 There is nothing ordinary, boring, or second-hand or conforming about “District Galleria”– it’s so out front and regal.

The Common Council, according to Councilman Justin Brasch, received the drawings Tuesday night, after the two presentations, commented avidly  one after another, eagerlt burst into spontaneous opinionated commentary

 Mr. Brasch objected to both the number of buildings and their heights. He called for  more affordable housing, and more local flavor.

Nadine Hunt-Robinson called for more connection to existing White Plains institutions, like the Thomas Slater Center, art from the White Plains Schools, the Youth Bureau inclusion, and called for reachout to minority and local contractors. Ms. Hunt-Robinson also said White Plains seeks to involve all the citizens in its endeavors and that District Galleria needed to balance that.

 Jennifer Puja, Councilwoman, echoed Ms. Hunt-Robinson calling for more city say in its development,as well as use of local contractors, and citizen merchants for what she called “Mom and Pop Popups.” She felt that affordable was definitely important and  as well as “affordable restaurants” and “affordable retail.”

 Mayor Thomas Roach spoke out three times reminding all in the room the concept was not yet a site plan, saying that a site plan had not yet been submitted.

But this baby was a splash!

Pacific Retail Capital Partners seeks a zoning change for the property at this time to change The Galleria to build residential buildings.

 In the  face of this barrage of Council concern, Mr. Weingarten (RIGHT) standing beside Louis Cappelli, assured the council that their concerns would be dealt with and could be worked out.

In a news release sent media this morning, the project details are described this way:

Nearly half of the project’s footprint is designated as open space, breaking down existing barriers and creating a quarter mile-long green promenade complete with pet playgrounds, pocket parks, and lush landscaping for community gatherings, outdoor events, public entertainment, and art. The District Galleria features a garden promenade designed to link the adjacent neighborhoods at eight different access points, providing a place for the public to live, shop, walk, play, engage and be entertained.

The redevelopment of the Galleria site would align with the city’s strategic plan to expand transit-oriented development. The project aims to enhance the city’s skyline with buildings of varied heights to maximize views and create a light filled and landscaped place of natural beauty and elevated design.

Annemarie Plenge, Executive Vice President of Design for PRCP, is the Master Architectural Designer of the project.

Plenge brings a wealth of more than 25 years of professional experience master planning large-scale mixed-use projects and is collaborating with world renowned architectural design and planning firm Gensler, along with Kimley Horn and Eric Rain Landscape Architecture to design this urban oasis.

“Experience driven mixed-use environments appeal to people’s desire for connection and belonging. They are poised to be the key in reviving our communities’ urban centers. The evolution of an enclosed mall to an open-air mixed-use development with the unified vision of The District Galleria is pivotal in evolving real estate for the next generation,” said Najla Kayyem, Executive Vice President for Pacific Retail Capital Partners.

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SEX TRAFFICKING IN WESTCHESTER: YWCA AWARENESS EVENT SUNDAY 0CT 1

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This Sunday, Oct. 1, join us for an interactive and informative program to learn about the realities of sex trafficking and how you can help.

Meet our panel of community experts, engage in group discussion and storytelling, and participate in creative reflections and a service project.

 

We are honored to hear from our guest panelists:

Amanda Mills, MSW, My Sister’s Place

Janmarie Brown, Hope’s Door

Kiki Jimenez

Viviana Espinosa, Westchester County DSS Safe Harbor Program

REGISTER HERE

A special thank you to Hope’s DoorMy Sisters’ Place and Westchester County DSS Safe Harbor Program for partnering with the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester on this important community event.

For more information, please contact Lesley Mazzotta, Director of Youth Leadership at lmazzotta@ywcawpcw.org.

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WE HAVE BREAKING NEWS: SUN RISES AFTER 7 DAYS.

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THE SUN RETURNED TUESDAY AFTERNOON AT 2:10 p.m.REVEALING ITSELF AFTER A WEEK OF OVERCAST SKIES AND 4 INCHES OF RAIN IN WHITE PLAINS NEW YORK USA. THIS MORNING IT MADE A DAZZLING SECOND APPEARANCE. DIDN’T YOU MISS IT? I KNOW I DID! WE ALL LIVE FOR THE SUN

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