Neighborhood Know-It-All: City Adopts Budget, WPHS Seniors Awarded, Free Glasses for Vets

Let’s face it—everyone likes being a know-it-all. Arm yourself with knowledge and find out what’s happening this week in White Plains

 1.)

The White Plains Common Council unanimously passed the city’s 2011-12 budget Thursday with a 4.9 percent tax rate increase, or an additional $124.35 on city tax bills. Click for more on that story.  

Along with the budget council members passed an ordinance that allows the mayor to “de-fund and/or re-allocate” $1.5 million in salaries and benefits.

According to The Journal News, the ordinance may act as leverage for the City in negotiations with its four employee unions, whose contracts are up for negotiation—since the budget does not include employee raises. Click here for the full story.

Prior to the budget vote, a work session was held where the council discussed having a trolley that circulates through the downtown, as well legislation that would ban smoking in city parks.

2.) North Street to get $4 million Makeover

The Westchester County Board of Legislators approved a $4.075 million renovation to a 2.52 mile stretch of road on North Street in White Plains. The road received a pavement condition score of 67 out of 100—zero calling for reconstruction, with 100 being a new road—and requires correction maintenance, according to a press release from the board.

Work to be done includes: milling; resurfacing; catch basin repair; concrete curb replaces; new pavement markings and two pavement bus pads. County Legislator Bill Ryan (D-WF White Plains, Scarsdale), who sponsored the legislation, is also pushing for $2.33 million in road improvements on North Broadway from Main Street to the city’s boarder. Click here to read the full press release.

3.) Students Awarded Art Scholarships

The White Plains Outdoor Arts Festival Committee awarded six art savvy White Plains High School seniors with $13,000 in scholarships. Proceeds from the White Plains Outdoor Arts Festival—to be held June 4 and 5 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Tibbits Park, 1 North Broadway—go toward the scholarship funds.

The winners are: Armando Aguilar - $1000; Gabriel Freed - $1000; Andrew Lacativa - $1000; Jose Tlaczani - $1000; Erik Reiblein - $4000; Sarah Henao - $5000

4.) Free Prescriptions Glasses for Veterans and Their Families

Central Eyes Optical, 161 Central Ave. Hartsdale, is offering free prescription eyeglasses to veterans and their families on May 30 from 9 to 10 a.m. on Memorial Day; call  (914) 682-7336 for more information.

5.) YWCA Director Honored by County

Carol Robinson, the director of the YWCA’s childcare program in White Plains, was recently honored by the Westchester County Board of Legislators for her efforts to serve Westchester children. Robinson is also a member of the Child Care Council of Westchester, the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Westchester Association for the Education of Young Children. 

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