Affordable Housing - The development in White Plains has brought unprecedented growth to the downtown.  But this

growth has been at the expense of ensuring that White Plains continues to have adequate affordable housing for Senior

Citizens, Working Families, and Young Adults.  White Plains currently requires developers to set aside 6% of their

units in a multi-family dwelling as "affordable housing."  But there is a loop hole: builders can elect to pay

into an affordable housing fund to opt-out of this requirement.  I would eliminate this loop-hole to ensure

that affordable housing continues to be available within White Plains.

City Planning - Our city's comprehensive plan is in need of a reassessment.  The last comprehensive

plan was adopted in 1997; a new plan needs to be drafted with input from all segments of the

city to ensure that the development in White Plains reflects the wants and needs of our residents.  

City planning must take place within an open environment where the views of residents are taken

into account.

Open Spaces - The city has just recently started to acquire and preserve open spaces. 

I applaud the effort however belated.  We must do better.  We must ensure that green spaces are available to

children, families, and individuals as our city continues to grow.  I strongly support a Central Park for White Plains

to give future generations a gift that will be a location for cultural and recreational activities and be the pride of our beautiful city.

Open Government - Too often the decision making that goes on in our city government and its agencies are confusing and foreign to our residents.  I propose the creation of public office hours throughout the city in which public officials are available at various times and places to answer questions and receive feedback from residents. 

Our Train Station - The White Plains Train Station is the gateway to our city for many thousands of people every day.  However, the station does not reflect the vitality and vibrancy of White Plains.  City government must work with the MTA to secure funds from the State and Federal governments to refurbish the station and the parking facilities.  Just as we deserve a Central Park in White Plains, we too can have a Grand Central Station as our transportation hub. 

Fiscal Responsibility - On January 18, 2005 Moody’s Investor Service maintained its year-old negative bond rating for the City of White Plains.  This negative outlook reflects three years of fiscal deficits, and the determination by Moody's that  White Plains faces tremendous pressure and challenges to stabilize and improve our fiscal position.  Moody's even warned of a further downgrade if the General Fund balance did not return to surplus!  An immediate restoration of fiscal responsibility in city government is necessary to improve our city's financial future.

Our Parking System - Now that the city has dissolved the Parking Authority for a one-time revenue boost, it is time to make parking in White Plains work for everyone.  Parking fees should only be charged during normal business hours, not throughout the evening, which restricts the nightlife activity downtown.  In addition, White Plains should implement an online payment system, like that used in New York City.  This system will reduce costs and make it easier for people to deal with city government.

Property Rights - In light of the recent Supreme Court ruling permitting local governments to seize private homes and businesses for private development, all in the name of "public use," White Plains needs an ordinance preventing such takings.  The use of eminent domain for revitalization of blighted neighborhoods is vital, and can be a wonderful tool to create and preserve open space, but should never be employed for the benefit of developers seeking to erect shopping malls or other commercial facilities.