January 18, 2019 by The Eastchester Review

Eastchester REVIEW THE

January 11, 2019 | Vol. 7, Number 2 | www.eastchesterreview.com

Latimer signs North 60 bio-tech lease

Laugh Out Loud ArtsWestchester is launching its first stand-up comedy performances beginning in February. For more, see page 6.

County enters sustainability programs; hopes to earn millions Westchester County has entered into a five-year agreement with NuEnergen, LLC., to provide the county with “Demand Response” program services that may earn Westchester millions of dollars over the life of the contract as well as provide an opportunity to further enhance its sustainability efforts. Demand response is used as a resource for balancing energy supply and demand and helps protect against unplanned power outages. Demand response programs offer financial incentives to owners of facilities, in this case the county, which can reduce the need for kilowatts (kW) during times of high stress on the region’s electric grid. The contract with NuEnergen was approved by the county Board of Acquisition and Contract and commenced on Sept. 1, 2018. With multiple sites eligible for demand

response participation, Westchester County can potentially earn new recurring revenue of an estimated $2 million annually. As part of this program, the county remains on “stand-by” to lower energy usage during times of stress—like days with sweltering heat. On these “high stress” days, the county would be notified 24 hours in advance of a demand response event beginning and would reduce energy usage at some of its non-essential facilities—i.e. reduce lighting or shift kW (kilowatt) load to on-site generators. The site-specific protocols proposed by NuEnergen will keep each facility fully operational while reducing stress on the power grid. Only a few short hours later, the event would end, and normal operations would resume. The more kW load—or number of facilities—that are enrolled in

the program, the higher the earnings for the county would be. Nearly all facilities have backup generators or power sources in cases where facility operation needs to be in continued use. Similar demand response programs managed by NuEnergen have already proven successful with the city of New York, the NY/NJ Port Authority and the Metropolitan Transit Authority who have collectively earned millions of dollars since its inception. “This program is a win-win for Westchester residents,” County Executive George Latimer said. “It provides revenue through creative solutions to help our well-documented budget gap in the short-term while also reducing the county’s reliance on traditional energy solutions—which is good for our region in the longterm. This is just one example of

the inventive fixes my administration is working on to help us move Westchester forward.” While the county anticipates a summer 2019 start, there are a few sites that can be readily enrolled for the current winter period. This will allow the county to experience the enrollment, notification and load shed process firsthand with a select number of sites in preparation for a much larger enrollment. “Participation in Demand Response programs will guarantee Westchester County recurring revenue that will lend itself as critical aid to the county budget,” Kevin Hamilton, NuEnergen president and CEO. “kW load reduction will also support grid reliability and the avoidance of a blackout, allowing the county to be a good neighbor and contribute to greater cause for the community.” (Submitted)

In a move cementing Westchester County as a leader in the growing bio-tech field, County Executive George Latimer and Fareri Associates President John Fareri officially signed the 99-year lease of the North 60 property on the dais during the county executive’s address at the Westchester County Association Breakfast. “As I learned in my business life, there is a risk for everything, things don’t always turn out as you plan, but if you don’t take risk—prudent risk—you don’t succeed,” Latimer said. “In this case, the 60 acres here will be a bio-tech center that can attract people to our area where they will see Westchester as a central place.” North 60 comprises 60 acres of undeveloped land in Valhalla on the Grasslands Reservation. The deal with the county calls for Fareri, a developer who was instrumental in creating the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, and Fareri Associates to develop an innovative hub with a focus on biotech and medical technology research and development—a rapidly expanding field—together with retail and hotel space. “At long last, we can move forward with what we are confident will be a major economic engine for Westchester County and the region,” Fareri said. “The concept for The North 60 has been in the works for a decade, and now we are ready to see our vision come to life. Over the next several months, we will be preparing the necessary documents to commence the environmental review by the town of Mount Pleasant.” While this project passed the Board of Legislators unanimously in 2017, the lease remained unsigned. While the Latimer

Administration was doing its due diligence and reviewing the terms and conditions of the lease, the developer proposed adding new uses of the property which were not previously included in the lease, including residential use, arts and cultural use. This amendment to the terms of the lease would have required further Board of Legislators’ approval. After further discussions with the Latimer Administration, and in an effort to get to work on this forward-thinking economic development project, the developer agreed to withdraw these proposed uses. “This project will go a long way to solidifying our region’s brand as a hub of innovation in healthcare and life sciences,” Bill Mooney Jr., Westchester County Association president and CEO. “The WCA has long supported the development of the North 60 as a means to bring together academia, healthcare, life sciences and technology. It will provide meaningful opportunities for economic development, innovation and collaboration.” President of Pace University Marvin Krislov added, “Pace University knows how important it is to encourage scientific innovation in Westchester, bolster the local economy, and provide internships, research opportunities, and jobs for our ambitious students and alumni. We’re thrilled by [the] announcement that the county will be moving forward with the Westchester BioScience and Technology Center.” The 99-year lease provides for the development of the property in accordance with a Master Development Plan in phases: • The first phase requires the LEASE continued on page 8

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QUARTER 4.9375 X 5.2205

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Assemblyman applauds election reforms The state Assembly and Senate have passed historic reforms to New York’s election laws designed to support voter participation. State Assemblyman David Buchwald sponsored a package of bills that stand to make sweeping reforms to New York’s election laws. The list of changes includes establishing early voting, allowing preregistration for 16- and 17-year-olds, facilitating registration transfers for voters who move anywhere within New York, ending the use of limited liability corporations to utterly undermine New York’s campaign finance laws, starting the process of changing the state constitution to permit same day registration and no-excuse absentee ballots, and combining the primary election dates for federal and state offices. “New York State voters are the winners with the passage of these historic reforms to our election laws,” Buchwald said. “Early voting, allowing registration transfers and combining the state

and federal primaries remove outdated rules and procedures that impeded voter participation, while closing the so called LLC loophole helps to restore integrity to election campaigns. These election law reforms are just the beginning, there is more work to be done to improve elections and engage more New Yorkers in our democracy.” On campaign finance reform, the law passed by both houses of the state Legislature caps campaign contributions from limited liability corporations at $5,000 per year to all campaigns combined. Additionally, they will be required to disclose whom the LLC was established to benefit. In the past there was no limit to contributions by LLCs and little to no transparency on who was behind the contribution. To establish same day voter registration and to streamline absentee ballot rules to potentially allow a vote-by-mail system in New York, the state constitution must be amended. This process

David Buchwald

requires approval by two consecutive Legislatures and then by the voters in a statewide election. Many of these election reform bills have been strongly supported by the Assembly in years past, but failed to win approval in the state Senate. Now, on the first day of passing bills in the 2019 legislative session, these measures won the support of both the Assembly and Senate. (Submitted)

Westchester Chordsmen in Concert at Emelin On Thursday, Jan. 31, the Westchester Chordsmen Chorus will appear in concert at the Emelin Theater as part of the Emelin’s “Made In Westchester” program of events in 2019. The show is entitled: “The Westchester Chordsmen: Welcome to the Neighborhood.” The Chordsmen are a renowned Westchester-based a cappella group. They enjoy spreading the joy and fun of singing show tunes, doo-wop, traditional, gospel and contemporary songs sung in the barbershop style of four-part harmony. The song selection is a new compilation from their repertoire, featuring 15 chorus plus several quartet songs as well as sing-alongs with the audience. Following a very successful Holiday Concert in Ossining in December, the Chordsmen are excited and proud to be part of the brand-new performance series that the Emelin Theatre calls “Made In Westchester,” to celebrate the incredible artistry of some of the many talented performers of the Westchester area.” (Submitted) More information about the series can be found at emelin. org.

Date and Time: Thursday, Jan. 31st at 7:30 p.m. Location: Emelin Theater 153 Library Lane, Mamaroneck, NY 10543 Tickets available at emelin.org or 698-0098

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HALF VERTICAL 4.9375 X 10.6905

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Westchester Philharmonic concert

features Savion Glover It isn’t often when the guest soloist engaged to perform with a symphony orchestra is a tap dancer, but that’s just what the Westchester Philharmonic has in store for its “Friends & Family” Concert, presented on Feb. 10 at 3 p.m. at the Purchase Performing Arts Center. Teaming up with the world-renowned, Tony-decorated Savion Glover, the Westchester Phil and Maestra Rachael Worby have planned a thoroughly unique and unforgettable collaboration of music and dance, with Worby offering a special “guided tour” through the music to delight audiences of all ages. Glover will perform the Tap Dance Concerto, the only work of its kind in all symphonic repertoire, composed by mid-century master Morton Gould. Then flipping the calendar on its head with Vivaldi’s Baroque masterpiece, “Four Seasons,” Glover will perform an improvisational

duet with the violin soloist, Philharmonic concertmaster Robert Chausow. Aaron Copland’s “Rodeo,” the East Coast Premier of Jed Feuer’s “Harambe,” and two works by jazz genius Thelonius Monk will draw listeners into an unexpected world they won’t want to leave. The Phil’s “Friends & Family” Concert is designed to enthrall young listeners while delighting the seasoned concert-goer. Worby’s engaging narrative

throughout the program will be an education for all. For this performance, children age 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult purchase. A pre-concert discussion with the artists will take place in the hall at 2 p.m., free for ticket holders. A free open rehearsal occurs at the hall at 11 a.m. Single tickets range from $40$97. To purchase tickets, call or visit the Purchase College Performing Arts Center box office at

Mainstage performances take place in

The Concert Hall at The Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, New York.

Program, Feb. 10 at 3 p.m. “Harambe” by Jed Feuer (East Coast premiere); “Misterioso” and “‘Round Midnight” by Thelonius Monk; “Tap Dance Concerto” by Morton Gould; “Rodeo” by Aaron Copland; “Four Seasons” by Antonio Vivaldi.

251-6200. Box office hours are Wednesday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m., and on the day of the concert. (Submitted)

Savion Glover

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ArtsWestchester announces

THE

REVIEW P.O. Box 485 White Plains, N.Y. 10602 Tel: (914) 653-1000 Fax: (914) 653-5000

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first stand-up comedy performances For the first time ever, ArtsWestchester is hosting a new Art of Laughter Comedy Series in its downtown White Plains gallery and performance space. Kicking things off will be two nights of women-empowered stand-up featuring New York greats Kerri Louise on Feb. 8 and Judy Gold on Feb. 9. Both shows will take place from 8-10 p.m. at ArtsWestchester, located at 31 Mamaroneck Ave. “You gotta love the arts—especially the art of laughter,” said Janet Langsam, CEO of ArtsWestchester, the largest not-for-

profit arts council in New York. “Comedy has a unique power to make us think and question, all while poking fun and bringing a good laugh. We are especially excited to launch this new series with two absolutely hilarious and empowering women. These will be nights to remember, right in our gallery alongside friends and neighbors.” Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the art of laughter. Reserve your spot in this intimate performance space by visiting artswestchester.org.Judy Gold draws on aspects of her own life

experiences—being a lesbian, Jewish, a woman, a mother, and very tall—to bring people together in laughter. Her comedy is not only hilariously funny, it is poignant, encouraging listeners to think more critically about the ways we define people and their roles and about the intersection of identities. With multiple critically acclaimed Off-Broadway plays in which she was both a writer and star, comedy specials on HBO, Comedy Central and LOGO, not to mention her award-winning career in television off-screen as a writer and on-screen in a host

of shows, Judy’s experience as a creator and entertainer speaks for itself. However, these traditional mediums clearly weren’t enough to satisfy Judy’s creative drive, so she recently created the podcast “Kill Me Now” with CBS, which already has more than 100 episodes. Kerri Louise also has enough personal material to last a lifetime—as a mother of three boys, the wife of another prominent comedian Tom Cotter, and of course as a touring female comic. Louise made an early impression on the “Oprah Winfrey” show as a reg-

ular correspondent and has since gone on to perform at prominent comedy events like the Aspen, Montreal and Lucille Ball Comedy festivals. Louise also hosts her own YouTube series and was featured as a finalist on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” after which she went on to star in her own sitcom, called “Too Funny!” The Art of Laughter Comedy Series is presented as part of “Live at ArtsWestchester” performance series. It’s never too soon to mark your calendars for some exciting happenings at ArtsWestchester! (Submitted)

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Judy Gold

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Lunar New Year Festival: Year of the Pig Saturday, Feb. 2, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

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Kerri Louise

Upcoming events include:

Celebrate the Year of the Pig with an afternoon of traditional Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese music, dance, crafts, games and food.

Gallery Nite Out: Speed Dating Thursday, Feb. 7, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, find a plus-one or a new friend for your next arts outing. Put your app-inspired swiping aside for the night and join us for a “meet-in-real-life” happy hour instead. Connect with fellow arts lovers from the area during this speed dating event. Participants will go on a series of seven-minute, face-to-face “mini-dates.” All forms of love welcome. Participants who find a date are eligible to win tickets to our upcoming comedy or Valentine’s Day events.

Alexis Cole’s Valentine’s Day Jukebox Friday, Feb. 15, 8 p.m. Take your loved one out for a romantic night of sultry jazz classics, featuring award-winning vocalist Alexis Cole and her trio: John DiMartino (piano), Steve LaSpina (bass) and Kenny Hassler (drums). Cole will play a set of romantic jazz favorites, followed by a set of audience requests, during which specific songs can be dedicated to loved ones.

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Much to do this year in Bronxville

LEASE from page 1

BRONXVILLE TODAY Mayor Mary Marvin

Westchester County Executive George Latimer and Fareri Associates President John Fareri officially sign the 99-year lease of the North 60 property.

developer to create 220,000 square feet devoted to biotech and medical technology use, 100,000 square feet in medical office space, 80,000 square feet in retail space and a hotel with 120 rooms and conference facilities; • Subsequent phases will be developed in stages after the first phase is complete. In the event subsequent phases aren’t com-

pleted, the area subject to the phase can be excluded from the lease; • The developer will provide the infrastructure needed to serve the development which includes streets, water, sewer, electricity and other utilities; • The county will initially receive $125,000 per year in rent and then 6 percent of annual

gross rental income from the above uses except 6 percent of annual gross income from the hotel, any assisted living facility and 6 percent for the other uses; • The development will be subject to town of Mount Pleasant zoning regulations and planning board approvals, county-leased land standards and SEQUR review. (Submitted)

Unlike national and state government, the village’s legislative “New Year” is an April to April cycle consistent with municipal law. However, once the calendar turns a new year, the trustees and I also react with a human renewal of purpose, energy and resolve. As we conduct our first trustees’ meeting of 2019 this week, I wanted to share what initiatives are in the pipeline and their various stages of completion. Avalon Parking Lot Long a sought after parcel of land for village ownership, we will now have title to the lot after truly a decade of starts and stops. The lot will be designed for the future with proper drainage, trees to enhance the aesthestics as well as to cool the cars and the blacktop, special scooter parking, safe slots for bicycles and even a charging station. The removal of the asbestos-filled gas station will also add spaces to the overall inventory. Redesigning the entire walkway from Parkway Road to the Metro-North platform is also part of the plan, as is offering some overnight parking opportunities for nearby neighbors. Department of Public Works Garage Frankly a project we have kicked down the road in lieu of infrastructure repairs that appeared more exigent, the condition of the building is unworkable. Without an overhaul/refurbishment since the mid 1940’s, structurally the building is in disrepair and the layout is totally inadequate for the storage of the equipment used in 2019. Most of our vehicles, due to height and dimensions, must be stored outdoors diminishing useful life by upwards of one-third, and some

repairs are forced to be done outside despite the weather. The “yard” of equipment by its nature is unattractive, making Palumbo Place a bit of eyesore vis a vis other village streets. The plans are not finalized so the bidding process is not yet underway. During actual construction, Palumbo Place will have to be closed for a period, and we will keep you fully informed of that schedule. An added plus to the whole Palumbo Place reconfiguration will be additional public parking spaces which we assume will be used by our senior citizens group and area school teachers. Comprehensive Plan Ideally, every community should periodically revisit its practices, laws and goals from 30,000 feet and think globally as to the future health and sustainability of the community. Bronxville’s last Comprehensive Plan was completed in 2009 and so much has changed in a decade that a fresh look at all things Bronxville was prudent and proactive. As example, regulations, policies and priorities will be examined from the residential, commercial and institutional perspectives. The following are a small sampling of issues that are clearly front burner: Residential • Optimal length of time for a construction project • Ratio of open space versus building on a lot • Tree care and preservation • Building demolition • Value of recreational opportunities • Lighting in residential neighborhoods Zoning and planning process • Commercial • Attractiveness of Business District Parking needs • Condition of underpass • Lighting and safety

• Traffic patterns • Stores needed for a vibrant retail mix In an effort to gauge all the stakeholders concerns so our list is as inclusive and comprehensive as possible, we will be disseminating a villagewide survey in the coming months to residents, merchants, people who work in the village, non-profit institutions and shoppers to assertain priorities and point out deficiencies. It is vital that we hear from you and though the survey is proving lengthy, we so ask you register your opinion. As a wonderful historic side note re: surveys, when the Girl Scout Cabin burned down, I immediately formed a committee to discuss its future, new plans, etc. Luckily, I chose former Mayor Sheila Stein to chair the committee. As we looked over possible cabin ideas, Mayor Stein said, “How do we know that the residents want to spend taxpayer dollars on this?” Well we didn’t. After sending out a survey, it became overhwhelmingly clear a new cabin was not at all a taxpayer priority at the time. Other inititatives for 2019, though perhaps not as large in scope, are the refurbishmens of Bacon Woods, our park straddling Kensington and Sagamore Road and continued discussion/ lobbying with Metro-North to improve their property in the village. Increased lighting, near the west side traffic circle is also in the works as well as the use of a $400,000-plus state infrastructure grant we won to improve our sewer system. Farther down the road, but very much on the trustee’s radar, is the condition of the neighborhood in the Paxton/Milburn area and the need for a revitalization and aesthetic reshaping commensurate with the character of the rest of the village. I promise you a productive and positive new year at Village Hall.