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The Port Chester Blog Of Record

The Port Chester Blog Of Record - Brain Harrod Editor / Publisher
Showing posts with label Fire Department. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fire Department. Show all posts

Thursday, November 1, 2007

11/01/07 - Kitchen fire displaces residents of multifamily house in Port Chester. Red Cross Called. No Firefighters were hurt.


All the residents of a multi-family home on Fox Island Road escaped a kitchen fire before anyone was injured last night, the fire department said.


The 10:45 p.m. house fire near Grace Church street was put out about 10 minutes after the Port Chester Fire Department arrived. No firefighters were injured.


The cause was yet to be determined this morning, although it is not thought to be suspicious, the fire department said.......


Full story: Journal News

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

10/01/07 - Port Chester Fire Department Provides Emergency Responce To Westchester County Airport




Westchester County Airport officials launched an emergency response yesterday after a pilot received an abnormal landing gear reading after takeoff. The corporate jet returned and landed without incident.....


... as a precaution for an emergency landing, Boyer said. The airport asked area fire departments in Purchase, Port Chester and Armonk, emergency medical services, and its own emergency crews to wait on standby at the airport. At 10:17 a.m. the Hawker ...


In compliance with copyright and fair use standards, this story has been truncated. Please click on the Source URL link below to read the entire story.

Source: Journal News


Publication Date: October 1, 2007


Reporter: Kathleen Ryan O'Connor


Saturday, September 22, 2007

Port Chester Roundup - This Week's News 09/16/07 - 09/21/07

PORT CHESTER NEWS ROUNDUP

Source: Journal News

A handcuffed and scruffy-looking 26-year-old man accused of raping a woman then running away to Chicago was arraigned on two felony charges in Village Court today and returned to jail without bail.

Federico Ordaz-Cejia appeared in a crowded courtroom in a white sleeveless T-shirt, disheveled black hair and a beard shadow. Three letters of an "Ordaz" tattoo arched across his back that police had included as part of the rape suspect description were easily seen.

The suspect nodded his head and said nothing as a court interpreter explained in Spanish the two charges against him - first-degree rape and second-degree kidnapping, both carrying maximum sentences of 25 years in prison.

Cejia did not enter a plea during his brief appearance.

Source URL: http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007709210438

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Source URL: Journal News
Fox Island Road: Neighbors of a noisy 6 a.m. party were hit with rocks Sunday after police asked a dozen revelers to go home. Three Port Chester men were charged with felony assault; a third is accused of interfering with the arrests and was also charged, police said. Police said one annoyed party-goer threw a brick at 30-year-old man from next door to the 62 Fox Island Road party, striking him in the head. Another threw a rock through that neighbor's window causing shards of glass to strike a 63-year-old woman in the face, police said. Both victims got stitches at Greenwich Hospital. A third woman was struck in the leg by a ricocheting rock, police said. Klever Guyallasaca, 23, of 54 Haseco Ave., his brother Jorge, 27, of 64 Smith St. and Manuel Guaman, 31, of 113 Haseco Ave. were charged with second-degree assault, a felony. Klever Guyallasaca was also charged with third-degree assault and second-degree reckless endangerment, both misdemeanors. Manuel Pusha, 18, of 54 Fox Island Road was charged with second-degree obstructing governmental administration, a misdemeanor. Police said Pusha put his hands on a police officer arresting one of the Guyallasacas and attempted to push him away.

Adee Street: A 20-year-old Norwalk, Conn., man who yelled at police and refused to move on at 3 a.m. Tuesday when he and another man were blocking a sidewalk left a small bag of cocaine in a police cruiser and was found to have a second bag in his pant pocket, police said. Coleman Pride was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor, and disorderly conduct, a violation.

North Main Street: Police said a highly intoxicated 21-year-old rode his bicycle through the front window of Vinny's Lunch, 182 N. Main St., at 2:06 p.m. Saturday. Alejandro Jesus, no known address, did not require medical attention and was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief, a misdemeanor, for the $400 in damage

Source URL: http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007709210366

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Source: Poughkeepsie Journal

Running clubs get there starts in all kinds of ways.

By next year, Krzysztof Wasielewski and Andrew Wojton hope theirs - the Polish Eagles Runners Club - has enough members that it is recognized by the New York Road Runners Club.

On Sunday, Wojton, who is from Port Chester (Westchester County), was running the half-marathon and Wasielewski, who is from Dover Plains, completed the full 26.2-mile ...

Source URL: http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007709200313

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Source: Journal News
Longtime Supervisor Robert Morabito swept to an easy victory over former town accountant Saverio Terenzi in the race for the Conservative line.

Morabito was ahead by a nearly 2-1 margin with 27 of 31 election districts reporting, according to unofficial results.

"I'm very grateful that the Conservatives thought that I was fiscally conservative enough to warrant their nomination," he said.

Both candidates were seeking the line in the race for the four-year, $17,150-a-year supervisor position, which Morabito has held for nearly 16 years.

Morabito, 51, who also has the Democratic and Working Families lines, said he is seeking re-election in order to see several projects to fruition, including the revaluation, an effort to reduce the town's carbon footprint and a plan with school districts and Rye Brook to build new ball fields at Port Chester Middle School.

He is the deputy commissioner of environmental facilities for Westchester County and a Port Chester resident.
Source: Westchester County
Here we go again!
Chalking up the first ever Westchester County Soul Food Cook-Out earlier this summer as a success, the Office of African American Affairs is now planning for #2. The next free healthy cook-out event will be Sat., Sept. 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Weber Drive in Port Chester.
Just as the kick-off June event at Yosemite Park was geared to Greenburgh residents, this one is for the Port Chester community. The county particularly hopes for a good turnout from residents living in the neighboring Weber, Travis and Purdy housing complexes.
The Office of African American Affairs launched the community cook-out concept this summer as a creative way to encourage people -- especially in the Caribbean community -- to develop good nutritional habits. Student chefs from Westchester Community College will prepare favorite foods such as jerk chicken and an array of salads using healthier recipes and alternative ways of food preparation. Attendees get to sample the menu and take home the recipes.......

Four charged in Port Chester robbery

Source: Journal News

A 23-year-old Port Chester man was pistol-whipped and punched early Monday after telling one of four men robbing him that he looked familiar.......
......Esteban Rios, 20, of 130 Spring St.; Jose Louis Quinones, 24, of 146 Irving Ave.; Willy Marroquin, 19, of 9 Abendroth Place; and Jose Bonilla, 19, of 136 Irving Ave. were charged with second-degree robbery, a felony.

The victim declined medical attention, Ladeairous said.

The police found a Motorola cell phone and some identification in the vacant apartment that may be the proceeds of an earlier robbery on Irving Avenue ......
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The plan to rehabilitate downtown Norwalk was approved last night by the Common Council's Planning Committee.
The mixed-use project stretching from Wall Street to West Avenue, and Leonard Street and Isaacs Street, will go for a vote before the council Monday.
The committee yesterday approved the plan's land disposition agreement - the contract between the city and developer that includes everything from the project's master site plan to blueprints, infrastructure requirements and eminent domain information.
The developer, Poko Partners of Port Chester, N.Y., needs zoning approvals. It also must purchase several properties in the project area, including the Globe Theater, ...

Source URL: http://www.norwalkadvocate.com/news/local/scn-sa-nor.planning3sep18,0,6925239.story

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Source: The Journal News

An accident was slowing northbound traffic on the New England Thruway near the Interstate 287 interchange about 9:15 a.m. today. Further details were not immediately available. The accident is expected to take at least an hour to clear, police said.

Sidewalks in the suburbs

Source: Journal News
For decades now in these northern suburbs, planners, environmentalists and others have gone on about the virtues of sidewalks and their ability to connect people and communities......

...... to New Castle in Westchester, communities are taking fresh looks at their sidewalks, or the lack thereof. Port Chester's refurbishing its sidewalks. Larchmont's adding sidewalks. Mount Vernon's widening sidewalks. Clarkstown's hamlets are looking ......

Source URL: http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007709170322

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Source: Journal News
Property owners in most of the Westchester communities near Long Island Sound would be asked to pay a fee - perhaps $60 a year for each house - to support a new agency that would attack growing flood problems under a proposal outlined in a new report.
The report, commissioned by a group with representatives from 12 cities, towns and villages between the Bronx River and Long Island Sound, suggests a regional storm-water management district with a $7.2 million annual budget. Its functions would include maintaining and improving storm-water-drainage systems and helping develop ways to build on and use land that slow runoff and prevent erosion......

... Mamaroneck town and village, the communities involved are Mount Vernon, Rye, Harrison, Larchmont, Scarsdale, Port Chester, Rye Brook and the villages of Pelham and Pelham Manor. Eastchester and White Plains are not part of the district, although ...

Source URL: http://www.nyjournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070917/NEWS02/709170349

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Parade marks fire company anniversary in Port Chester

Qoute Of The Day - Anthony R. Tirone, “We are a family of members that participate on a weekly basis through other philanthropic activities.”

Story: A sun-filled sky and a brisk breeze prevailed over the Grand Parade yesterday that celebrated the 125th anniversary of Mellor Engine and Hose Company No.
The parade marked the culmination of three days of festivities at the South End Firehouse.

Mellor Engine and Hose Company No. 3 falls under the umbrella of the Port Chester Volunteer Fire Department, which is comprised of seven volunteer companies and one paid unit of 12 firefighters.......

Source: Journal News
STONY POINT - As he nears the end of an exhausting five-year world tour, the Rev. Pascual Chavez - global leader of the Salesians of Don Bosco - can't help thinking that everyone from world leaders to ordinary people have lost the drive to help the sick and poor and forgotten.

Economic globalization and technological progress make the planet seem smaller each day, he said. But the world is starving for imagination and hope and faith in something bigger.

"We are living through a crisis," he said last week at the Don Bosco Retreat Center here. "Today, people do not believe in a better possible world. There are no more big ideas. Without a real social project, the individual is taking on more and more power, creating a more selfish world."

On the one hand, you would expect the leader of the Salesians, the world's third-largest Catholic order, to be dissatisfied with the treatment of the poor and marginalized. Since St. John Bosco, who as Don (Father) Bosco, founded the community in 19th century Italy, the Salesians have worked to serve and teach youth who are seemingly without hope.......

...... Salesian leaders at Salesian High School in New Rochelle. On Sept. 9, he visited Holy Rosary Parish in Port Chester to lead a celebration of the order's work with immigrants and the poor. And last week, he lead a retreat for Salesian priests and ......

Source: Journal News

.......Port Chester 8 Westlake 14, Hastings 12 Ossining 14, Somers 13 New Rochelle 23, John Jay 22, 3 OT Putnam Valley 12......

Saturday, August 4, 2007

08/04/07 - Mario Dilonardoo Finishs Training Course At Valhalla


HEADLINE




STORY


Residents from across Westchester braved scorching fires and 90-degree weather yesterday during their final day of Firefighter One, an introductory course for volunteer firefighters.


... and bring something back to the community,' said the younger Dilonardo, who will volunteer at a fire station in Port Chester. The Department of Emergency Services in Westchester offers the accelerated training program once in the summer and about ...


...Mario Dilonardo, 19, is following in the footsteps of his father, who has been a volunteer firefighter for more than 30 years.


"I wanted to bring in the second generation and bring something back to the community," said the younger Dilonardo, who will volunteer at a fire station in Port Chester....


In compliance with copyright and fair use standards, this story has been truncated. Please click on the Source URL link below to read the entire story.
Source: Journal News
Reporter: Stacy A. Anderson at sanderso1@lohud.com or 914-694-5080.
Date Published: Original publication - August 4, 2007
Source Location: White Plains, NY
Story Location: Valhalla, NY

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

August 01, 2007 Port Chester News

Washington D.C. based group offers aid for Port Chester voting rights appeal

A Washington, D.C.-based legal organization, whose leader has ties to a conservative research group, is offering to subsidize the cost of an appeal if the village loses its much-publicized federal voting-rights lawsuit.

... of the group's motives. "It's unclear what their ultimate goal and interest is and how it's aligned with Port Chester," Mayor Dennis Pilla said. Since the trial ended in June, board members have been weighing their options in anticipation of a ...

Full Story: Journal News

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Port Chester To Be Visited By


The Amazing Kalutskikh Brothers.

A Mister Jollio who lives in Port Chester has sent us an email saying that the Kalutskikh Brothers will be comming to preform in New York City and that they will most likely be staying at his house in Port Chester

Apparently the Kalutskikh Brothers appeared on a show called "Minute of Fame".

I guess it is show simular to American Idol.

Mr. Jollio wants to provide the residents of Port Chester with Video links to their preformances.






































Mr. Jollio Also gave these links in the email he sent to PortChesterRoundup@gmail.com


Apparently these are full hi-res versions of this video:










We are sure that Mr. Jollio will keep us informed about when these flexible gymnasts will be comming to Port Chester.

=================================



WEST HARRISON - Several residents were displaced last night by a fire in their four-unit apartment building at 142 Underhill Ave., fire department officials said.

... them in shifts so they weren't overcome by the heat and humidity. West Harrison firefighters were assisted by Port Chester. "The guys took a beating," Galluzzo said of the humidity, "but fortunately we had plenty of help." Investigators from the ...

Full Story: Journal News

UPDATE



WEST HARRISON - A tipped over candle caused a fire last night that displaced the occupants of a four-unit apartment building at 142 Underhill Ave., police said this morning.


... d, but the building was boarded up this morning. Some 50 firefighters responded from West Harrison, Mamaroneck, Port Chester, Harrison and Purchase...

Full Story: Journal News

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AUDIO WAS POSTED ON THE WEB YESTERDAY FROM Fr. Frank Pavone

by Catholic Audio

Fr. Frank Pavone is one of the most prominent pro-life leaders in the nation. He was born in Port Chester, New York and has been active in the pro-life movement since 1976. Cardinal John O'Connor ordained him to the priesthood in 1988. Fr. Pavone did parish work and taught in seminaries. In 1993, with the permission of Cardinal O’Connor, he became National Director of Priests for Life. In this full time position, he has traveled to all of the 50 states and to five continents, preaching and teaching against abortion and helping other priests to do the same.


He conducts seminars on pro-life strategy and is regularly invited to speak at national and international pro-life gatherings. Fr. Pavone appears often on national programs such as Larry King Live, Good Morning America, The O'Reilly Factor, and other shows on all the major networks. He is quoted in papers such as the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times. He is seen daily on EWTN and heard on Vatican Radio. His publications are distributed worldwide. He was with Terri Schiavo in her final moments and was an outspoken advocate for her life.

TO HEAR THE AUDIO PLEASE GO HERE......


Sonitus Sanctus - http://catholicaudio.blogspot.com/



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SPORTS NEWS



Francella back in action tomorrow at Women's British Open


Meaghan Francella is continuing her European trek tomorrow at the Ricoh Women's British Open, and will be soaking up all of the golf history the Old Course at St. Andrews has to offer.


... British Open, and will be soaking up all of the golf history the Old Course at St. Andrews has to offer. The Port Chester native tied for 30th last week at the Evian Masters in France. Francella, who is 22nd on the money list, is scheduled to be on ...


Full Story: Journal News


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CHOWHOUND CHATTER ABOUT PORT CHESTER

*************************************

Anyone have any info about the new batali/bastianich resto in port chester??

By unocal


i'm sure it hasn't opened yet, but does anyone have any kind of information about it? my mom and i used to actually work at the tarry lodge, where this new place is going to be...at least it's going to be an italian place, and something westchester really needs to boot! thanks for any info



Chowhound's Latest » Tristate Region - http://www.chowhound.com/boards/20


Bastianich/Batali to come to Port Chester?


By JSexton

Here's the latest. Check out EATER at http://www.westchestermagazine.com/


Cheese Boy replies....

I knew they had their eyes on that space. Many years ago, the Tarry Lodge served me up some of the best fried calamari I ever had in the county. Their quality slowly faded, unfortunately. I'm also reminded of the old Amerigo's on the county line in Byrum just up the street. Another nice memory. If Batali and Bastianich acquire that space, I hope it becomes an eatery, and not a wine shop. We'll have to just wait and see.


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Comment on Mourning by Alex Kroll Jr



by Alex Kroll Jr


Thank You, Sergeant Barnes. We can ill-afford the loss of such as you. I pray to be worthy of your sacrifice. Thank You to All Who Serve. I will never forget what you’ve accomplished.


Alex Kroll Jr Port Chester, New York.


Comments for America's North Shore Journal - http://northshorejournal.org


=================================



LAST AND DFINITELY LEAST




PULL OUT YOUR VISA,


MASTER CARD OR


AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD.




YOU WILL NEED TO PAY $33.00




IF YOU WANT TO READ THIS......




Please pay to log in to read at




When are the Abels and the WE$TMORE $NOOZE going to start giving a little something back to Port Chester?


Maybe they could donate some books to the schools or some computers to the library.

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Archive 2007 July 22 - 28 The True Blue Conservative Review

The True Blue

Conservative Review

============================================================

Port Chester's Most Influential Newspaper

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Bruno "Makes Out Like A Bandit" Gioffree Wins Again


Single Family Homeowners Are Angry That Cicatelli's One Vote Defeated A Proposal That Could Have Given Our EMT's, Firefighters, Police Officers, Teachers And Village Employees Affordable Housing In Developments Comming To Downtown Port Chester.



At the last Port Chester Board of Trustees failed mayorial canidate Dominick Cicatelli rejected a resolution to add the downtown area to a 2004 law that requires affordable housing in buildings that have more than 10 units.


Mayor Pilla, Trustee Sorenson and Trustee Brakewood have long been pushing to expand the requirement to include downtown. But Cicateli's single dissenting vote denied the EMT's firefighters, police officers teachers and village employees the chance at afforable homes, because only four of five trustees were present; four votes were needed for passage.


Trustee John Crane left the meeting, before the vote that would have helped out Port Chester's first responders and teachers.


The 2004 law requires all new developments to have 10 percent of their units set aside for moderate-income families and is intended to benefit first responders and other lower-income professionals.


The law applies to individuals and families that make up to 80 percent of the county's median income level, or $77,200 for a family of four.


All Of Tho$e Donation$ To Chicateli'$ Campgain


In April of 2006 Dominick Cicatelli voted to let Bruno "Makes Out Like A Bandit" Giofree and FMB realty to transfer multiple residential lots to the Downtown C-2 zone, thus cheating first responders like firefighters out of 10 affordable homes.


Bruno and FMB reaped a benefit worth millions and the firefighters lost a chance at 10 Affordable homes.

Trustee Domenick Cicatelli, who cast the dissenting vote, made some stupid remarks that really meant that he felt it was unfair give first responders, teachers and village employees an affordable home in one of Bruno Giofree's developments, such as The Mariner.


After Dominick Cicateli stabed the first responders, teachers and village employers in the back he said he would support the requirement if it did not affect The Mariner.


The developer of The Mariner, FMB Real Estate Services of Harrison, donated $500 to Cicatelli's 2007 mayoral bid, but the village back stabber Dominick Cicatelli said that did not influence his vote.


Nor did all the money that Bruno "Makes Out Like A Bandit Giofree influence the back stabers one vote that crushed affordable housing for his fellow firefighters.


But most firefighters say Dominick Cicatelli is not a real Firefighter that put his life on the line, These firefighters say the backstabber Cicatelli is a member of the "Fork and Knife" Brigade.


Yes, Dom is big on going to funtions, while being unable to funtion as a real firefighter.


Sorensen Is So Right


Trustee Robert Sorensen, chairman of the village's affordable housing committee, summed up the whole disgusting situation by saying.


"I thought that the interests of the developer came before the interests of the village," Sorensen said.


Trustee Sorensen does not oppose luxury housing, but rightly argues that the village needs to provide for the family's of first responders and teachers.


Oppps....


The resolution would have succeeded if the vote had occurred before Trustee John Crane left the meeting early. The Week Before Crane said he had intended to vote in favor of the emergency responders getting affordable housing.


I guess he forgot about the EMT's, Firefighters and Police Officers. Maybe fellow lawyer Bruno "Makes Out Like A Bandit" Giofree gave Crane a call.


Hopefully, the village can move forward with affordable housing for first responders in the downtown as part of our master plan,


Let's just hope that Bruno "Makes Out Like A Bandit" Giofree and his development buddies don't propose another downtown developement that will cheat the first responders, teachers and village employees in the meantime.


Thanks To Dom......


Bruno Wins Again

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Archive 2007 January 22 Port Chester News Wire


Eye On Port Chester


Mamaroneck A&P fire: Fire out, no injuries

No injuries were reported after firefighters from the village and Port Chester extinguished a roof blaze today at the A&P grocery store on Mamaroneck Avenue, police said.


==============================================================




Via Journal News

The public will soon get a detailed look at what the Tappan Zee Bridge corridor from Suffern to Port Chester might look like with a new bridge and mass transit.


Open houses in Rockland and Westchester are scheduled for the end of February, Michael Anderson, team leader for the Tappan Zee/I-287 Project, said.
The dates have not been set.


At stake is the fate of the 51-year-old Tappan Zee Bridge, which carries 135,000 cars and trucks daily. Officials are considering four plans for a new bridge, which include commuter trains, light rail or bus rapid transit. Two options involve keeping the bridge and providing degrees of upgrades and rehabilitation.


Proposed project costs range from $500 million to $14.5 billion.


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Another Journal News Dead Link
Jewelry designer marks 105th birthday
Via Journal News
PORT CHESTER - Four generations gathered yesterday amid clicking cameras, hugs and laughter to celebrate the birthday of their eldest relative, Jack Tamis.

Archive 2007 January 21 Port Chester News Wire

Rye town-United Hospital tax dispute resolved
RYE TOWN - The town will recoup more than $1 million in property taxes now that a three-year battle over the value of the shuttered New York United Hospital Medical Center has been resolved. via Journal News
Mamaroneck A&P fire update: Fire out, no injuries
No injuries were reported after firefighters from the village and Port Chester extinguished a roof blaze today at the A&P grocery store on Mamaroneck Avenue, police said. via The Journal News

Monday, July 2, 2007

Archive 2007 January 5 Port Chester News Wire

Eye On Port Chester
Aldo "The Patronage Boy" Vitagliano
Crashes Voting Rights Defence Fund Meeting


Law Professor Randolph McLaughlin spoke about the legal issues surrounding the Department of Justice voting rights lawsuit against the Village of Port Chester. The Meeting was open to the public but was geared toward the Hispanic community.

The meeting was organized by Cesar Ruiz, who heads the Voter Rights Defense Fund.
One of the early arrivals was Aldo Vitagliano, attorney for the Port Chester Voting Rights Commission established by the Board of Trustees when threatened with the lawsuit by the federal government. Vitagliano was at first told by McLaughlin that he couldn’t attend the meeting. However, after Vitagliano argued that he was a village resident, McLaughlin consulted with Ruiz and they allowed him to stay.

“My early arrival I think changed the tenor of the meeting,” Vitagliano said. “He did apologize for attempting to prevent me from attending the meeting.”

“In my opinion they absolutely changed the agenda when people from the public showed up,” he said.

“It looked as if they were soliciting participants in a lawsuit,” Vitagliano said after reading a story about the upcoming meeting on the Journal News Web site.
“To intercede at this stage of the proceeding is probably not helpful,” Vitagliano said, “except to saddle the village with attorney’s fees.”
St. Paul said there was typically a fee to represent a client, “but in this type of action the attorney’s fees can be awarded. You can ask for attorney’s fees from the Town of Port Chester.”
Fascinating lecture
Meanwhile, McLaughlin did speak for less than an hour to those assembled at the Carver Center.
“This was a very interesting lecture,” Vitagliano said. “I thought it was fascinating.”
McLaughlin, a law professor at Pace since 1988, represented a case against New Rochelle in 1991 challenging its at-large voting system. “The voters decided they wanted to change to a district system,” he said. He also successfully challenged the at-large voting system in the Town of Hempstead, Long Island, which took 10 years.

“This case is very different,” he said. “This case is where the DOJ has decided to initiate a voting rights lawsuit under the Voting Rights Act.” He mentioned that Ruiz filed a complaint with the DOJ asking that they look into it and they did. They had a series of experts analyze the elections and “they concluded there was a viable challenge to the at-large voting system.”
“The vote is the most important part a citizen can play in democracy,” McLaughlin said. He then attempted to explain why districting makes sense.
He said political scientists have done studies and people feel representatives have an allegiance to their district whereas under an at-large voting system they feel no elected official is responsible to them. “People elected at-large feel they are responsible to the entire city,” he said. “With districts (elected representatives) feel they have an allegiance to the city and to the district.”
The DOJ looked at 14 trustee, three mayoral and a number of school board elections, he said. “Eighty-two percent of the time the candidates preferred by the Hispanic community were defeated, according to the Justice Department.”
“You have to show that white voters are also voting as a group (racially polarized voting),” he said. “They showed (in their papers) that white voters were preferring different candidates so the Hispanic candidates lost most of the time (11 out of 14 trustee elections and three out of three mayoral elections).”
He explained that there were seven other factors presented in the lawsuit to make the DOJ’s case.
“It’s not a rush to judgment just because the DOJ has filed a suit,” McLaughlin said, “but I think they have a pretty interesting case.”
In order to win a preliminary injunction which would hold up the March village election, which the DOJ is seeking, they would have to prove that “their case is so strong they are entitled to relief now,” he explained. “The government has to show there is a substantial likelihood they will win the case.” He admitted that it was “pretty drastic to stop an election.” They have to prove that if they don’t stop the election, the Hispanic community and the U.S.A. will be harmed, he added.
“I don’t believe Judge Robinson has handled a voting rights suit before,” he said of the judge who will be hearing this case in federal court in White Plains in mid-February.

McLaughlin also made a strong case for the government.
“When the government decides to do this, they do their homework,” he said. “They have lots of resources. They’re not filing a lot of these cases.” He added that “I was surprised they would come to Port Chester and would file such a sweeping case. I was intrigued.”
He told those in attendance to get involved in what’s happening. “Come to the courthouse” when the case is heard, he said. “It’s a public process,” and “it’s your village.”
“It’s a difficult time in the village,” McLaughlin said. “There is going to be a strong reaction” by those who feel “who are you to tell us we’ve got to change? We’ve done it this way for 100 years.”
“Sometimes we do things because we think it’s the best way because it’s the way we’ve always done it,” he added. The question, however, is: “Is it fair to all residents?”
He wasn’t optimistic about the village’s chances in court.
“When the DOJ is against a municipality, you have a hard row to hoe,” he said, adding that if the village isn’t happy with Judge Robinson’s decision, it can go to the Court of Appeals and then to the Supreme Court.
McLaughlin ended his comments without taking any questions.
“He was like a deer in headlights,” Vitagliano commented. “It was disappointing he decided to hightail it out of Port Chester without taking questions.”
When asked at the end of the meeting, Ruiz said it was purely informational and the Port Chester Voter Rights Defense Fund was “a name we just picked up.”
“I just wanted to get people to come and learn a little more,” he said.
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Top Court to Hear New Eminent Domain Case

In another legal test of eminent domain, the U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether a private company can demand payment in exchange for not seizing property.

Developer Bart Didden wanted to put a CVS pharmacy on property he owned in Port Chester, N.Y. He had approvals from the local planning board but because the land was in a blighted redevelopment zone, he had to also gain approval from the private redevelopment company hired by the city to control development in the zone.

The developer overseeing the zone told Didden he’d have to pay $800,000 or give the developer G&S, a 50 percent stake in the CVS business. Otherwise, G&S would seize the property and use it for a Walgreen’s drug store.

Didden refused and the Village of Port Chester began eminent domain proceedings.

Didden sued at various levels without satisfaction, and now the matter is set to go before the highest court. Property rights activists see this as an opportunity for the top court to clarify its controversial decision in Kelo v. New London.

In that opinion in June 2005, the court ruled 5-4 that local governments could seize private property and turn it over to a private developer when the action was part of an economic development project that benefits the public.

Source: The Christian Science Monitor, Warren Richey (01/05/07)

[via Realtormag.com]
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Charles Nielsen takes reins of Port Chester Fire Dept.
By Jeff Benzak
Charles Nielsen was installed Jan. 1 as the new chief of the Port Chester Fire Department. Nielsen, 43, takes over for Peter Mutz, whose two-year term expired Dec. 31.
Like all chiefs, Nielsen is a volunteer. His regular job is working the night shift as a lieutenant with the Port Chester Police Department. Nielsen has been a police officer... [more]
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Warning - Bad Links

Shame on the Journal News for not properly maintaining their website.
You must go to the Port Chester Library to look up this information
The Christmas season concludes this weekend with Epiphany observances.

The Christmas season concludes this weekend with Epiphany observances featuring worship, carols, gifts for children from magi and whimsical pastry.
It's a way of messing with you. ( via Journal News )
Please report bad links to PortChesterRoundUp@gmail.com

Archive 2007 January 1 Port Chester News Wire




Happy New Year !!!!!
Eye On Port Chester
Charles Nielsen was installed today
as the Port Chester Fire Cheif.


Congradulations And Thank You To Cheif Nielsen For His Volunteer Service To The Village Of Port Chester.

Robert Draught and Kevin Mc Fadden were also appointed First and Second Engineers.

These men will lead the Port Chester Fire Department for the next two years.

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Today's Links

The True Spirit of the Holidays

Meet Captain Noel Rodriguez of The Salvation Army, Port Chester, New York.


This is Mrs. Rodriguez, and their 4 month young baby, Leonardo David.


Recently, I telephoned The Salvation Army and voluteered my services for the Holiday Season.
My Assignment: Stand outside D’Agostino’s supermarket in Rye Brook, along side a red plastic bucket hanging off a tripod. Wear a red smock. Ring a brass bell.
This is me.


For three days I rang the brass bell Captain Rodriguez entrusted me with and I collected money — Lots of money — Pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and cash.
I collected donations from kind shopping strangers and their small children who gave wholeheartedly to benefit needy children.
On Christmas Eve morning I was privileged to be at the Carver Community Center, 400 Westchester Avenue, and watch as Captain Rodriguez, along with Mrs. Rodriguez, and a handful of cheerful volunteers, distributed Christmas presents to excited children, ages 1-12 years.



I wish you could have been there to see the smiles on their happy faces.

This is Vanessa Sanchez, 11 years old. One lucky gift recipient.


Vanessa says, “Muchos gratias.”
So does Captain Rodriguez and Mrs. Rodriguez.
To learn more about Captain Rodriguez, The Salvation Army, and the many programs created to benefit needy children, contact him or Mrs. Rodriguez at 914-939-2725. Tell him, “Linda” sent you.

***********

Posted by Linda Della Donna is a freelance writer. She does interviews and profiles. Learn more about Della Donna by reading her blog - http://www.griefcase.blogspot.com/ - or visiting her web site - http://www.littleredmailbox.com/ - To receive Della Donna’s FRE.E Ebook, Treasury of Quotations, be sure to fill out the Opt-In box at her web site - http://www.littleredmailbox.com/. While you’re at it, why not email Della Donna with a comment about this article, or perhaps a writing assignment. Feel free to contact Della Donna at littleredmailbox@aol.com. She’d love to hear from you. Really.


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Warning - Bad Links


Shame on the Journal News for not properly maintaining their website.


You must go to the Port Chester Library to look up this information

Port Chester seniors enjoying new community center

PORT CHESTER - Dozens of seniors sipped coffee and socialized this week in the hulking, high-ceilinged dining room of the village's new senior community center.[via Journal News]


Port Chester company restoring past glories


PORT CHESTER Michael Y. Ahearn didn't want his workers to make too much noise and upset the elephants.( via Journal News )

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Friday, June 15, 2007

Archive Port Chester Business Wire 2006 July

PUBLIC RECORD
New Law Affecting Port Chester
ASSEMBLY BILL #A10239 SAME AS SENATE BILL #S7186 LAWS OF NEW YORK, 2006 CHAPTER 226 (See FISCAL NOTE at end of Chapter.)
AN ACT authorizing firefighter John M. Suppa, Jr. to apply for an optional twenty year retirement plan provided for in section 384-d of the retirement and social security law and authorizing the village of Port Chester to reopen such optional twenty year retirement plan for firefighter John M. Suppa, Jr.
Became a law July 26, 2006, with the approval of the Governor. Passed on Home Rule request pursuant to Article IX, section 2(b) (2) of the Constitution by a majority vote, three-fifths being present.
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows: Section 1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the village of Port Chester, in the county of Westchester, a participating employer in the New York state and local police and fire retirement system, which previously elected to offer the optional twenty year retirement plan, established pursuant to section 384-d of the retirement and social security law, to firefighters employed by such village, is hereby authorized to make participation in such plan available to John M. Suppa, Jr., a firefighter employed by the village of Port Chester, who, for reasons not ascribable to his own negligence failed to make a timely application to participate in such optional twenty year retirement plan.
Thereafter, John M. Suppa, Jr., may elect to be covered by the provisions of section 384-d of the retirement and social security law, and shall be entitled to the full rights and benefits associated with coverage under such section, by filing a request to that effect with the state comptroller on or before December 31, 2006.
§ 2. All costs associated with implementing the provisions of this act, including past service costs and annual contributions, shall be borne by the village of Port Chester and may be paid in ten equal annual installments.
§ 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FISCAL NOTE.--Pursuant to Legislative Law, Section 50:
This bill will allow firefighter John M. Suppa, Jr. of the Village of Port Chester to become covered by the provisions of Section 384-d of the Retirement and Social Security Law. If this bill were enacted, we anticipate that there will be an increase of approximately $3,400 in annual contributions of the Village of Port Chester.
In addition to the annual contributions discussed above, there will be an immediate past service cost of approximately $81,700 which would be borne by the Village of Port Chester. If this cost is amortized over a period of 10 years, the cost for the first year, including interest,
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics is new; matter in brackets [ ] is old law to be omitted. CHAP. 226 2 would be approximately $11,300. This estimate is based on the assumption that payment will be made on February 1, 2007.
This estimate, dated February 15, 2006 and intended for use only during the 2006 Legislative Session, is Fiscal Note No. 2006-166, prepared by the Actuary for the New York State and Local Police and Fire Retirement System.
The Legislature of the STATE OF NEW YORK ss:
Pursuant to the authority vested in us by section 70-b of the Public Officers Law, we hereby jointly certify that this slip copy of this session law was printed under our direction and, in accordance with such section, is entitled to be read into evidence.
JOSEPH L. BRUNO SHELDON SILVER
Temporary President of the Senate Speaker of the Assembly
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