Free Income Tax Assistance, Valuable Tax Credits, Available to Low-Income Workers NY
(02/02/2012)(readMedia)-- The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF) today announced that eligible low-income New Yorkers can take advantage of free income tax preparation and e-filing services at hundreds of sites across New York State.Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites are open across the State to help individuals and families with an annual income of $50,000 or less prepare and file their income tax returns, free of charge, while making sure those eligible receive the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), refundable tax benefits that put money in people's pockets. The State's FreeFile service is also available for eligible New Yorkers to prepare and file their tax returns online."In this difficult economy it is especially crucial for low income working New Yorkers to receive this help," explained OTDA Executive Deputy Commissioner Elizabeth Berlin. "We want to make sure that all families who are eligible to receive EITC credits claim them and that they are aware of the free tax preparation services available that will enable them to receive the full amount of their refunds.""The volunteers at VITA do an outstanding job preparing accurate tax returns," said New York State Tax Commissioner Thomas Mattox. "I also encourage taxpayers who want to prepare their own returns to visit the Tax Department's Website to review the qualifications for FreeFile."VITA services are coordinated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and OTDA and are provided by trained volunteers who assist taxpayers by making sure tax forms are filled out and filed correctly and quickly. VITA sites are located all over the State, with many open through the April 17 tax filing deadline.To find a VITA site in your community, call the IRS VITA hotline toll free at 1-800-906-9887, or for more information, go to www.otda.ny.gov and click on the "Resources for Working Families" link and scroll down to "Free Tax Preparation and VITA Sites." VITA sites are searchable by visiting the New York State Tax Department's website at www.tax.ny.gov.FreeFile is also available at the New York State Tax Department's website. Eligibility requirements vary, but generally the free on-line service is available to taxpayers earning $57,000 or less.The federal, New York State and New York City EITCs are refundable tax benefits for working people with low or moderate incomes.Workers who qualify for the EITCs and file Federal and State tax returns can get back some or all of the income tax that was withheld during the year. They may also get extra cash back from the IRS, New York State and New York City, if their EITCs are higher than the taxes they owe.The EITCs are not the only tax credits that low- to middle-income taxpayers may be eligible for. The federal and State Child and Dependent Care Tax Credits may be available to working people who pay for child or dependent care. The State Noncustodial Parent Earned Income Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit for noncustodial parents who are current in paying their child support obligations
HOULIHAN PARNES & METRO PROPERTY GROUP, LLC ANNOUCES LEASE SIGNING WITH PAPANICE RISTORANTE ITALIANO
Houlihan Parnes, a major owner and manager of properties in Westchester County is pleased to announce that it represented the landlord in completing a 2,800 square foot lease to Papanice Ristorante Italiano Bar & Lounge.
Papanice Ristorante will be the second restaurant for Owner and Chef Ralph Pisani. Mr. Pisani’s other establishment, Abatino’s in White Plains, has been a mainstay in North White Plains for over 25 years.
124-128 East Post Road is located one block from Mamaroneck Avenue and currently
houses Full Moon Thai Restaurant & El Cafetero, a Columbian Bakery.
Craig Weitz of Houlihan Parnes Realtors & Metro Property Group represented the
Landlord.
Westchester Legislators Deliver 0% Tax Increase and Protect Jobs in 2012 Budget White Plains, NY–
The Democratic majority of the Westchester County Board of Legislators (BOL) presented its 2012 County Budget yesterday, delivering a promised 0% increase in the County Tax Levy and restoring 187 jobs to the County workforce that had been cut in the County Executive’s proposed budget. After a day and night of negotiations with members of the BOL’s Republican caucus and with County Executive Astorino, the BOL’s 2012 County Budget was passed in a special meeting early this morning by a vote of 16-1. It now goes to the County Executive for consideration. “After listening to several hundred residents in our three public budget hearings and then bringing their ideas and concerns into a careful analysis of the numbers, we have been able to create a budget for 2012 that is right for Westchester,” said BOL Chairman Ken Jenkins (D-Yonkers). “This budget preserves essential investments in our infrastructure and prioritizes the maintenance of important programs that protect public safety, public health and the environment.” The BOL’s 2012 County Budget contains a $1.698 billion spending plan, which is a decrease of more than $91 million from the 2011 County Budget. Also, the BOL’s spending and revenue plans are balanced without using fund balance, which will help protect Westchester County’s AAA Bond rating. “The only way we could justify bringing back 187 County jobs to the 2012 budget was to offset expenditures and find the funding within the confines of the existing budgeted numbers,” said BOL Majority Leader Peter Harckham (D-Katonah), who noted that additional revenue in the BOL budget includes additional revenue projected at nearly $8.5 million ($4.8 million from the Department of Social Services), over $1 million in reimbursements generated from health center funding and over $8 million in health care savings. “Bottom line is we have put $8.48 million of additions into our 2012 budget by creating $8.48 million in deletions,” said Harckham. The strong degree of fiscal responsibility in the BOL’s 2012 proposed budget is also “right for Westchester,” noted Jenkins. “We adopted a budget with a 0% increase in County Tax Levy, and there will be no use of fund balance,” said Jenkins. “It is our intention to protect County’s AAA Bond Rating, and the Board’s actions and financial decisions in 2011 are projected to return $15.8 million to fund balance, and I’m sure this will be viewed positively by the financial community as well.” The community-minded investments that the BOL deems to be “Right for Westchester” include capital project funding for bridge repairs and flood mitigation, plus maintaining the six County Nature Centers and restoring funding for the Greenburgh Nature Center, the County’s deer management program and Cornell Cooperative Extension. In addition, the BOL’s proposed 2012 County Budget reduces the parent share for low-income daycare from the County Executive’s proposed 35% to 20%. Funding is restored for ArtsWestchester, Youth in Education, and Community Capital Resources, a not-for-profit organization that provides small business loans to Westchester residents. A number of investments that Westchester County makes in public safety, public health and the environment actually save money for county taxpayers, which makes them “Right for Westchester” as well. “The $5 we spend in the Probation Department to monitor defendants each month saves Westchester County taxpayers over $300 it costs to incarcerate individuals in our corrections system,” Harckham pointed out. “Similar savings are found in eviction prevention programs that keep people in their homes instead of the County’s homeless shelters. Community health center funding is cheaper than giving primary care treatment in hospital emergency rooms. Child care support allows people to get off unemployment insurance and on to payrolls. And the many programs we fund for children and young adults have all been shown to decrease delinquency and improve academic success.” Added Jenkins, “These investments are such proven money savers for taxpayers, it’s hard to understand why they were even cut in the first place.” After reviewing the County Executive’s 2012 proposed Capital spending plan and identifying approximately 123 projects awaiting bonding authorization, it was decided to retain County engineers and Planning Department staffers slated for layoffs so the projects could be handled by experienced staff without contracting for outside professional help. “It’s always prudent to retain institutional knowledge when possible,” said Harckham, “and keeping current County engineers involved will move these projects forward in an expeditious manner.” Last year, when the Westchester County Board of Legislators doubled the County Executive’s proposed decrease in the County Tax Levy and cut $30 million in spending, their budget was tagged as an “historic” achievement. The 2012 County Budget of the Westchester County Board of Legislators is, simply, heroic. It provides 0% increase in the County Tax Levy while retaining 187 County positions, including 71 in Social Services, protects County Parks and Nature Centers, funds community health care centers, keeps probation officers on the job—all without use of the fund balance! It’s a budget that is “Right for Westchester.”
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197 Motorists Pulled Over for 'Move Over' ViolationsState Police Troop T Reports on Traffic Safety Enforcement
(02/02/2012)(readMedia)-- During a concerted enforcement period in January, 197 motorists were pulled over for failing to "move over" along the New York State Thruway, according to Troop T of the New York State Police.The traffic safety initiative was intended to promote awareness of a new state law that requires motorists to change lanes or slow down when approaching a service vehicle that is stopped at the side of the road.The law that took effect Jan. 1 extended an earlier protection to tow trucks, maintenance crews and other vehicles with flashing amber lights. The original "Move Over Law" covered police, fire, rescue, and other emergency vehicles with flashing red or white lights.Major Robert C. Meyers, commander of Troop T which patrols the Thruway system, said, "Common courtesy and common sense dictate that motorists should give emergency service personnel and highway crews room to do their jobs. Now it's the law. Troop T will ticket those who violate it."Thruway Authority Executive Director Thomas J. Madison Jr. said, "Safety for our customers -- and for the people who serve them -- is our number one priority. This law gives State Police another enforcement tool to achieve that objective."Drivers who violate the Move Over law could face up to $360 in fines, and drivers could also be assessed three points on their driving record.During concentrated enforcement activities for the Move Over Law at the end of January, Troop T members issued a total of 325 tickets, with 197 of those for failure to observe the "Move Over Law." Other violations included failure to wear a seat belt, and talking on a cell phone while driving.
TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
In conjunction with the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement by the
Federal Highway Administration, the New York State Department of Transportation and the New York Sate Thruway Authority, a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) has been produced.
The DEIS examines the potential environmental effects of proposed alternatives for the Tappan Zee Hudson River Crossing Project, and where adverse impacts are identified, it discusses measures to mitigate them. The DEIS and appendices can be view at www.tzbsite.com. Additionally, hard copies are available in the City Clerk’s Office, Municipal Building, 255 Main Street, Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Public Hearings will be held to provide an opportunity to reach the public and solicit input in response to the DEIS. The dates, time and locations of the public hearings are as follows:
WESTCHESTER COUNTY
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Westchester Marriott
670 White Plains Road
Tarrytown, NY 10591
4:00 - 9:00 p.m.
ROCKLAND COUNTY
Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012
Palisades Center
4th Fl. Community Rooms Grand Ballroom
1000 Palisades Center Drive
West Nyack, NY 10994
4:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Information will be available for review at the hearings, and there will be a project
presentation at 5:00 p.m and repeated again at 7:00 p.m.
The period for submitting comments ends on March 15, 2012. Comments may be
made as follows:
# Verbally, or in writing at the public hearings above.
# Via email: tzsite@dot.state.ny.us
# Via fax. 845-454-7443
# Via mail:
Michael P. Anderson
Tappan Zee Hudson River Crossing Project
New York State Dept. Of Transportation
THE GREENBURGH PUBLIC LIBRARY BUDGET IS DRASTICALLY REDUCED
Greenburgh, NY—December 27, 2011
The Greenburgh Town Board has released its 2012 adopted budget. The newly released budget includes a cut of $250,000 on top of the original $320,000 cut imposed on the Library in the tentative budget published on October 31, 2011. These drastic cost-cutting measures translate to an 18% reduction in the Town’s 2012 appropriation to the Greenburgh Public Library, as compared to the 2011 appropriation.
The Greenburgh Public Library Board of Trustees has decided to maintain a schedule of six days per week. Consequently the budget for books, DVDs, music CDs, audio books, newspapers, and magazines was eliminated. In addition, three part-time employees were laid off. The very popular online service used by students, Tutor.com, was cancelled. These painful decisions were based on the Trustees’ commitment to maintaining the current schedule of providing six-days per week service rather than further reducing our schedule to five days per week.
As recently as 2009 the Library was open seven days a week. Further reducing hours jeopardizes the Library’s charter, as the New York State standard minimum hours are not being met. Furthermore, the Library Trustees recognize the evolving role of libraries in the community as a place to meet, learn, study and explore.
The Greenburgh Public Library Trustees are working with the Friends of the Greenburgh Library and the Greenburgh Public Library Foundation to establish a book-buying campaign in order to fill the library shelves with new materials.
The adopted budget as published by the Town does not reflect the changes to the particular budget lines mentioned in this press release. Contact the Library for a copy of the revised Library budget
Westchester Putnam Association of REALTORS® Names Don M. Cummins III, Director of Legal Services White Plains, NY
The Westchester Putnam Association of REALTORS® (WPAR) has named Don M. Cummins III, Esq. of Mahopac, as its Director of Legal Services. Cummins will be responsible for administering the Professional Standards and Grievance proceedings for the Association members, and providing legal support for the business and contractual matters that come before the Association. In addition, he will provide advice on all educational and training matters which have Federal, New York State or local regulation compliance. Cummins has been practicing law for almost 15 years in New York and also holds real estate salesperson, brokers and continuing education instructors’ licenses. Prior to joining WPAR, he had his own private practice, Law Offices of Don Cummins, specializing in real estate issues, and also dealing with wills, trusts and estates and general litigation. Since 2000, he has been a New York State licensed real estate instructor for the New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR), the Orange County Association of Realtors (OCAR), WPAR, and many real estate brokerages, mortgage brokerages and title companies. Cummins also served as an instructor for the Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES, the New York Institute of technology and SUNY at Stony Brook. Before starting his own practice, Cummins was an Associate with Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider, and an Associate with Melito & Adolfsen, P.C., both in New York City. He also worked with Lorne Michaels and Saturday Night Live as a Business and Legal Affairs Associate. Cummins holds a J.D, cum laude, from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York, where he graduated at the top 10 percent of his class. He also holds a B.A. in Political Science from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He served as a Fellowship Law Clerk to the Honorable Michael B. Mukasey, U.S.D.J. and former U.S. Attorney General, and to the Honorable Henry B. Pitman, U.S. Magistrate Judge, both at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Cummins holds many awards including the Putnam County Association of Realtors’ “Man of the Year” Award in 2009. Other honors include: Membership and Entrance to the Order of the Coil – Legal Honor Society; Alexander’s Fellowship, Cardozo School of Law; Graduate Assistant of the Year, SUNY at Stony Brook, Division of Campus Residences; and many more.
ACCOUNTING FIRM CITRIN COOPERMAN ROLLS UP ITS SLEEVES TO SUPPORT FOOD BANK FOR WESTCHESTER
White Plains Firm Helps Package Pre-Thanksgiving Deliveries for the Needy
 WHITE PLAINS, Nov. 9, 2011 – Accounting and business consulting firm Citrin Cooperman, in a show of volunteer force, closed its White Plains office Tuesday afternoon as 50 of its partners and staff prepared food packages at the Food Bank for Westchester.The Citrin Cooperman volunteers packaged more than 1,000 two-pound containers of macaroni and 675 children’s backpacks filled with a variety of food, from oatmeal to canned pears to granola bars for distribution the week before Thanksgiving. ”I can’t express in words the gratitude we have for the tremendous effort on the part of the good people of Citrin Cooperman,” said Christina Rohatynskyj, Executive Director of the Food Bank. “I know many people think of accountants as sitting behind computers crunching numbers, but these folks rolled up their sleeves and supplied us with the pre-holiday support we need to fulfill our mission. It really was incredible. What they did is so essential in helping to provide food to those most in need in this difficult economy.”Under the guidance of Nancy Lyons, the Food Bank’s Resource and Volunteer Coordinator, Citrin Cooperman staff worked as a volunteer assembly line throughout the afternoon, creating family-sized food packages from bulk food donations. “Volunteering our time and effort was a tremendously gratifying experience for our firm and staff,” said Alan Badey, partner in charge of Citrin Cooperman’s White Plains office. “At a time of great joy, we also recognize that there are others who are experiencing tough times and are having difficulty putting food on the table. Citrin Cooperman has a long history of involvement with the greater Westchester community, and this is just another way of giving back.” The food packages will be distributed by the Food Bank for Westchester to hunger-relief organizations located throughout the county.For Citrin Cooperman partner Spencer Barback, the commitment to the Food Bank goes more than 15 years, back to the 1990s, and includes serving three years as president of the organization and his current role as board member. “At an unprecedented time of need for many in Westchester County, Citrin Cooperman, took the unusual step of closing the office for the afternoon, in order to support the Food Bank,” said Barback.Westchester County has a great deal of wealth, but there are also many residents living on the edge of poverty for whom the Food Bank is an invaluable resource. The Food Bank for Westchester estimates that approximately 200,000 county residents are hungry or at risk of hunger. Half of them are seniors; approximately one-third are children under the age of 18.The Food Bank for Westchester acquires, warehouses and distributes more than seven million pounds of food annually to 227 Westchester County hunger-relief organizations, including food pantries and soup kitchens, among others. The mission of the Food Bank is to lead, engage and educate Westchester County in creating a hunger-free environment. Its core activity is the collection and distribution of donated, government and purchased food.
Cross County Shopping Center Celebrates Completion of $250 Million Redevelopment
Redevelopment Repositions 1 Million Sq. Ft. Outdoor Shopping Center
As One of the Region’s Most Successful and EnduringRetailCentersYONKERS, NY (October 2011) – The Cross County Shopping Center, Westchester County’s first shopping center, celebrated a new chapter in its remarkable history at a VIP reception held October 11 to mark the completion of a $250 million redevelopment project. The extensive renovation and remerchandising of the property positions the
1million-square-foot outdoor shopping center as one of the region’s most successful and enduring retail developments.The VIP reception, which was attended by State, County and City officials, kicked off a week-long “RE-Launch Celebration” that featured a series of exciting programs including a restaurant tasting event, public art sculpture installation, live concert,fashion shows, beauty makeovers and much more. “The redevelopment of Cross County Shopping Center is complete and after more than five years of renovations, we could not be more pleased with the outcome,” said James Stifel, chief investment officer for Benenson Capital Partners, LLC and executive vice president for the property’s owner, Brooks Shopping Centers, LLC. “The center has been transformed into a modern destination with nationally-known retailers, beautifully landscaped gathering spaces and valued amenities including free parking. The one thing that has remained consistent is the connection Cross County Shopping Center has with the local community – our history with Westchester residents are what set us apart from other shopping centers. We are so pleased to welcome our shoppers back to what we believe to be a brand new Cross County Shopping Center and a brand new shopping experience.”“Cross County Shopping Center is an integral part of the fabric of our city. We have been pleased to work closely with Macerich and Brooks Shopping Centers to bring this revitalization to fruition. This project has created more than a thousand construction jobs and hundreds of new permanent jobs for our community, and Cross County is one of the city’s largest revenue generators. Congratulations to all involved,” said Yonkers Mayor Philip A. Amicone."Westchester loves to shop locally and the Cross County Shopping Center has been filling that need for close to six decades," said County Executive Robert P. Astorino. "Its redevelopment positions it as a go-to destination for shoppers for years to come and is a sign of confidence in the county's continuing economic growth."Located in Yonkers at the junction of the Cross County Parkway and New York State Thruway, the Cross County Shopping Center features more than 100 retailers including noted national brands Macy’s, A│X Armani Exchange, Swarovski, bebe, GUESS, H&M to name a few. Since the redevelopment project began in 2007, 32 retailers representing 155,288 square feet have opened new stores and/or renovated or expanded existing stores at the center.As part of the redevelopment project, each of the 15 buildings that comprise the center received architectural enhancements including new canopy details, updated lighting and more window frontage for retailers to showcase their merchandise.Retail Venues Complemented by Extensive Landscaping
The 71-acre center has also undergone extensive landscaping to complement the retail venues and restore the center’s beautifully manicured outdoor setting. The common area has been transformed into an attractive pedestrian-friendly centerpiece with new brick pavers, colored concrete, new planters with seasonal and local flowers and trees that line the main promenades and entrances. The outdoor shopping experience has been enhanced with the addition of new outdoor gathering spaces with graceful fountains, comfortable seating vignettes and outdoor play areas for children.Two new children’s play areas were opened last year to enrich the family experience at the center. The Zoo Zone play area features an animal theme, complete with eight play pieces and a tree-house/slide as the centerpiece. A second children’s play area includes two “park pet” sculptures which are modeled after the Alice and Wonderland statutes seen in New York’s Central Park. Both play areas are open to the public at no charge.Last year the center opened a new indoor soft seating lounge and public restrooms. The new restroom facility includes a family restroom as well as two private nursing rooms. Restrooms are located to the north of A│X Armani Exchange. Also in this location is a new centralized security office which assists shoppers with services such as Lost & Found, mass transit schedules, taxi contact assistance and store directories.Major Improvements to Parking and Traffic Flow
A key element in the redevelopment project is the improvement of parking and traffic flow at the center. A new direct entrance into the shopping center from the Cross County Parkway allows shoppers to circle right into the property, while on-going traffic continues on Kimball Avenue. The exit ramp off the Cross County Parkway onto Midland Avenue has been widened to allow more traffic to flow toward the shopping center. There is also a new entrance into the center off Central Park Avenue that leads shoppers directly into a new parking deck with 685 free parking spaces on five levels and direct access into Macy’s on two levels. The center has more than 5,000 free parking spaces.Macy’s, the largest store in the center, has expanded by an additional 75,000 square feet of new retail space. The $30 million expansion and renovation by Macy’s brings its total square footage at the center to over 400,000 square feet.More Retailers Slated to Open Soon
Additional restaurants are slated to open at Cross County, including a free-standing TGI Friday’s and Red Lobster restaurants as well as Chipotle, BGR The Burger Joint, Noodle House and Sarku Japan. More fashion retailers are also planned to open including Adidas, a renovated Gap, Call it Spring and GNC. Future development plans call for replacing the existing eight-story office building at the center,potentially with a new hotel with approximately 150 beds, meeting space and ground-floor retail.In addition to its many retail offerings, the Cross County Shopping Center is home to an extension center of Westchester Community College which has re-located and expanded to more than 12,000 square feet at 8510 Mall Walk. The extension center, which serves more than 2,500 students, offers a variety of credit and non-credit courses. WCC has also formed a partnership with AARP to assist the needs of area seniors.Original Center Featured Gimbel’s and John Wanamaker’s
When it opened in 1954, the Cross County Shopping Center was Westchester’s first shopping center. For more information about the Cross County Shopping Center visit www.crosscountycenter.com
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