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Inside Press

New ‘Community Build Back’ Program Aims “to Enable Families to Stay in their Homes”

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Program will Assist Westchester Residents Facing Homelessness Due To The Covid-19 Pandemic

In an effort to stabilize communities and families in the County impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Westchester County Executive George Latimer is announcing the Community Build Back Program.  The four pronged umbrella Program has four programs under it.  Two utilize HUD money, the RED STOP Eviction Project and the RED Rent HELP Project, and two separate ones utilize $10 million dollars in CARES ACT money the Blue Priority Homeowners Initiative and the Blue Small Business Landlord Initiative.

Latimer said: “As a result of COVID-19 and the impact on the economy, both the federal government and New York State issued moratoriums on tenant evictions.  Those moratoriums are coming to an end and unemployment benefits have been greatly diminished.  The Community Build Back Program will enable families to stay in their homes as we head into the fall/winter season.”  

The RED STOP Eviction Project utilizes federal HUD funds and will provide up to 4 months of rental or utility arrears for tenants facing eviction or shut off as long as they can demonstrate that their financial hardship is due to COVID.  Tenants must be within 21 days of eviction, must demonstrate ability to pay their rent going forward, and must live in a Westchester Urban County Consortium municipality.  Assistance is available through select non-profits including: Westchester Residential Opportunities, Community Housing Innovations, Washingtonville Housing Alliance and Choice of New Rochelle. 

RED Rent HELP Project – “moving forward” also utilizes federal HUD funds and will provide up to 12 months of rental assistance for families impacted by COVID but focus on households where the tenants worked in industries closed until Phase 4, or who worked for a business that no longer exists. RED Rent HELP Project will be run by the County’s Planning Department.

The Blue Priority Homeowners Initiative, uses $2.5 million dollars and focuses on homeowners facing foreclosure.  That part of the Program, which is estimated to help 325 households in the County, and assist them with up to 4 months of mortgage / cooperative arrears.  Homeowners must show that COVID has negatively impacted their ability to pay their mortgage.  The homeowner will also have to show that they were up to date on payments as of March 2020.  This part of the Program also runs until the end of the year and will be administered through select nonprofits including: Westchester Residential Opportunities, Community Housing Innovations, Washingtonville Housing Alliance, HDSW (Human Development Services of Westchester) and the Bridge Fund.

Westchester Residential Opportunities, Inc. Executive Director Marlene Zarfes said: “This eviction prevention program will be a lifesaver for so many County residents at risk of becoming homeless.  Westchester Residential Opportunities is proud to partner with the County to help keep people safely in their homes and keep families together.”

For the Blue Small Business Landlord Initiative, $7.5 million dollars has been earmarked to assist approximately 2,400 households in the County by working directly with their landlords and bringing their rent up to date. The Program runs from now until the end of 2020, and can cover up to 75% of back rent for up to 4 months of rent for landlords who can show that their tenants were up to date in March, but have since not been able to pay their rent due to COVID.  This program, to be done by lottery, will assist landlords who own between 4 and 20 units.  Blue Small Business Landlord Initiative will be run by the County’s Planning Department.

Building & Realty Institute (BRI) of Westchester and the Mid-Hudson Region Executive Director Tim Foley said: “We’re thankful for the creative leadership shown by Westchester County’s Community Build Back Program, and the focus on supplying urgently-needed aid to struggling tenants, landlords, and property owners alike. The landlords and property owners of the Building & Realty Institute have been checking in on our at-risk tenants, offering flexibility and payment plans on their rent, and trying to be as accommodating as possible to good tenants who lost their jobs or lost income due to the COVID pandemic. But as the public health and economic emergency stretches on with no end-date in sight, we need government to step up to stabilize our housing situation. With this four-prong approach, Westchester County is clearly doing so.”

Latimer said: “Landlords, many times, are small business owners who depend on the rent from their properties to support their own families.  We realize the chaos that nonpayment can put into their lives and their communities.  The last thing we want to see is a landlord lose their property over nonpayment.  That benefits no one.”

Board of Directors of the Apartment Owners Advisory Council Member Carol Danziger said: “I am thankful to Westchester County for setting up these programs aimed at helping tenants and landlords during this crisis. I’m a second-generation owner of a family-run small apartment building, like so many small business owners, COVID-19 took any financial problems we had and made them that much worse. After the financial hardships and unimaginable personal losses we’ve experienced, we are still here for our tenants if the needs arise, especially if anyone is struggling. But since we do basically everything ourselves and have no staff, there was no relief for us under the CARES Act previously, and we were quickly running out of options and flexibility. These subsidies and stabilization funds will help us remain steady while the public health emergency continues this fall.”

Fact Sheets and Applications (English and Spanish) for the programs are available on the County’s website at:  www.westchestergov.com/HousingHelp.

News courtesy of the Westchester County Executive Office

Westchester County Announces Grant Initiative of $10 Million in Funding to Local Businesses, Nonprofits

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Westchester County Executive George Latimer today announced a $10 million funding initiative to support small businesses and nonprofits facing challenges due to COVID-19. Westchester County Business FIRST: Financial Investments for Recovery and a Sustainable Tomorrow is a new grant program designed to offer immediate financial relief to organizations in Westchester County that have been negatively impacted by the pandemic.

L-R: Bridget Gibbons, Westchester County’s Director of Economic Development; George Latimer, Westchester County Executive; Dr. Marsha Gordon, Business Council of Westchester President/CEO

“We are at a critical point in Westchester County’s history – and such times call for leadership and innovation,” said Latimer. “The Westchester County Business FIRST Program will provide urgent financial assistance to businesses and nonprofits now, and set the foundation to rebuild our economy as we work toward a sustainable future.”

The Westchester County Business FIRST Program is being administered by the County Office of Economic Development through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Program is open to businesses and nonprofits that employ 99 or fewer people and whose primary business location is in Westchester County. Eligible business and nonprofits can apply for grants of up to $49,000.

Applications will be accepted from September 21 through September 30, 2020 at https://westchestercatalyst.com/business-FIRST-programs/

“These are difficult times, but as ‘The Catalyst’ for economic growth and vitality, the Office of Economic Development is here to support County businesses and nonprofits,” said Bridget Gibbons, Westchester County’s Director of Economic Development. “These organizations help fuel our economy and provide quality jobs in our communities. This funding is designed to help them recover and get back to business.”

To be eligible, organizations must be in good standing with Westchester County and are required to demonstrate revenue losses of at least 25% from March 7, 2020 to present due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The applicant must establish that the organization was a financially viable operation prior to March 7, 2020, the date Governor Andrew Cuomo signed Executive Order 202 declaring a disaster emergency. The organization must have been open as of Feb. 1, 2020, currently be in operation, or closed temporarily and plan to reopen for business in 2020.

Business Council of Westchester President/CEO Dr. Marsha Gordon said: “The Business Council of Westchester (BCW) is extremely supportive of this program and applauds the leadership of County Executive George Latimer and Director of Economic Development, Bridget Gibbons in developing this initiative for small business and not-for-profits in Westchester.  These sectors have been especially hard hit and desperately need these financial resources to survive.  The County is also analyzing which sectors have been hardest hit, so that these resources can be deployed most effectively. It will be important to make sure that all businesses are aware of this opportunity , so outreach via business organizations, community- based organizations and churches will also be important, as well as outreach in different languages to ensure that as many as possible are aware. The BCW will certainly work to share with our outreach to our over 1000 members and robust database of County businesses and not for profits as well as through social media.  This is a ray of hope for those organizations struggling to stay alive.”

Westchester County Association President & CEO Michael N. Romita said: “So many of Westchester’s businesses and non-profits suffered significant economic hardship as a result of the pandemic crisis.  As our local economy begins to transition from reopening to recovery, programs like Westchester County’s Business FIRST initiative will go a long way towards helping businesses regain their economic footing.  We applaud the County Executive and his economic development team for its innovative use of CARES Act funds and look forward to helping spread the word to eligible organizations.”

Nonprofit Westchester Executive Director Jan Fisher said: “Nonprofit Westchester is grateful for our partnership with Westchester County Government during these unprecedented times. We thank the County Executive and his team for this grant opportunity, and for ensuring that there are county resources available to support nonprofit organizations as they continue to provide essential services to Westchester’s most vulnerable residents.”

Certain entities are not eligible to apply for Westchester County Business FIRST grant, including units of government; real estate holding companies, businesses or nonprofits that generate revenue through passive real estate; adult entertainment establishments; gas stations; and businesses or nonprofits that have defaulted on federal debt, including loans from the Small Business Administration.

For more information on the application process, visit https://westchestercatalyst.com/business-FIRST-programs/

 

News Courtesy of the Office of the Westchester County Executive

Family Britches Serves Up Tennis Historian’s New Book About Pete Sampras

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Family Britches is hosting a book signing by tennis journalist and International Tennis Hall of Fame member Steve Flink on the legendary Pete Sampras on September 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its Chappaqua store on 70 King Street.

The author, a resident of Katonah, will be on hand at Family Britches to sign his new book, Pete Sampras, Greatness Revisited, published by New Chapter Press.

Flink has covered more than 120 major tennis tournaments and currently serves as a columnist for Tennis Channel and Tennis.com.

“Pete Sampras is the greatest American male tennis player of all time,” says Flink. “He was the dominant force in the game in the 1990s.”

Family Britches co-owner Barry Mishkin explains, “We’re excited to host Steve and showcase his new book. Thanks to Steve, our mens suits, sport coats and sportswear have made many appearances at the U.S. Open over the years.” 

For details, visit www.familybritches.com.

 

 

 

County’s 9/11 Ceremony to Take Place 3 p.m. at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla–and Livestreamed

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News Release from the office of the Westchester County Executive:

“In a solemn ceremony like never before at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla, Westchester County will pay tribute to those lost during tragic events of September 11, 2001 and heroes who gave their life helping us all move forward in its aftermath. Standing before “The Rising,” the County’s beautiful 9/11 Memorial, County Executive George Latimer will honor the Westchester residents who passed on that devastating day nineteen years ago, as well as those who have died from 9/11 related illness since the attacks.

Latimer said: “While we face societal challenges like never before in our current day, we must never forget the events that unfolded in front of the world’s eyes that morning nineteen years ago. That day changed all of us, and we will always continue to grieve. From the souls lost, to the heroes who selflessly rushed in that we are still losing to this day, we must – and we will – always honor them here in Westchester County.”

Tony Aiello, CBS 2 New York reporter, will emcee the event, adding: “I moved to Westchester in 1999 and remember well the tragic impact the terror attack had on the County. I was honored to emcee the County’s very first 9/11 commemoration in 2002, and it will be a privilege to once again gather with friends and neighbors to remember those we lost.”

Following pandemic protocols, Rev. Troy DeCohen, Senior Pastor Mount Vernon Heights Congregational Church, will lead the ceremony with a pre-recorded prayer: “We as Americans and citizens of good conscience of this great land humble ourselves in prayer reflecting on the thousands of lives lost and the thousands of families that still grieve their loss.”

The ceremony will include the presentation of colors, led by the Westchester County Police Department’s Ceremonial Unit Color Guard, followed by Pipes and Drums of the Police Emerald Society of Westchester County. United States Congresswoman Nita Lowey will lead the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” by Lindsay Towers from Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, and Concordia College’s Brass Ensemble will play – adding music to the solemn backdrop of the memorial.

Chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators Benjamin Boykin, who will speak at the ceremony, said: “Unfortunately, this year, we can’t physically provide a shoulder to lean on to the families and friends of those we lost 19 years ago. We can’t wrap our arms around the loved ones of the first responders or those who worked the pile in the days and months afterward. But we will never forget their sacrifice. Let’s honor them by committing ourselves anew to the spirit of unity and shared purpose their loss inspired in us all.”

A commemorative wreath will then be laid on the “Beam of Remembrance” by Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins, a steel beam that was pulled from the ashes of the World Trade Center, and dedicated to the County as a lasting reminder of our nation’s sacrifice and strength on that fateful day. 

Adding to the interfaith prayer at the ceremony, Imam Qari Amjad Karim of the Westchester Muslim Center said: “As our country remembers the heartbreaking events of September 11, 2001 – we turn to prayer at a time when our nation is facing unprecedented challenges – now more than ever we need mercy and strength to guide us on the right path.”

The names of those who were lost, as displayed on the “Circle of Remembrance,” will be read allowed by District Attorney Anthony Scarpino, County Clerk Tim Idoni and members of the Westchester County Board of Legislators. The names of the Westchester County men and women who died on September 11, 2001 are as follows:

  • William Abrahamson
  • Peter Craig Alderman
  • Kazuhiro Anai
  • Sharon Balkcom
  • Yelena Belilovsky
  • Michael J. Berkeley
  • George Bishop
  • Michael A. Boccardi
  • Michelle Renee Bratton
  • Thomas M. Brennan
  • Jonathan Eric Briley
  • Mark Brisman
  • Lloyd Brown
  • Ronald Bucca
  • Tom Burke
  • Mary T. Caulfield
  • Alex Ciccone
  • Kevin Francis Cleary
  • Robert J. Coll
  • Helen Crossin-Kittle
  • Joan Cullinan
  • Patrick W. Danahy
  • Dwight Darcy
  • Marisa DiNardo
  • Simon Dedvukaj
  • Simon A. Dhanani
  • John J. Doherty
  • Christopher Michael Duffy
  • Paul Fiori
  • Thomas Fitzpatrick
  • Kevin Joseph Frawley
  • Alan W. Friedlander
  • John Patrick Gallagher
  • Charles Garbarini
  • Peter Gelinas
  • Kieran Joseph Gorman
  • Yugi Goya
  • Gary Haag
  • Richard B. Hall
  • Vincent Halloran
  • Ward Haynes
  • Nobuhiro Hayatsu
  • Katsuyuki Hirai
  • Thomas Warren Hohlweck, Jr.
  • Montgomery McCullogh Hord
  • Louis Steven Inghilterra
  • Ariel Louis Jacobs
  • Arthur Joseph Jones
  • Douglas G. Karpiloff
  • Satoshi Kikuchihara
  • Takashi Kinoshita
  • Glenn Kirwin
  • Richard J. Klares
  • Gary Koecheler
  • Vanessa Langer
  • Denis Lavelle
  • Joseph Leavey
  • Michael A. Lepore
  • Richard Lynch, Jr.
  • Michael J. Lyons
  • Katie Marie McCloskey
  • John T. McErlean, Jr.
  • Francis McGuinn
  • Michael McHugh, Jr.
  • Barry J. McKeon
  • Robert C. McLaughlin, Jr.
  • Christopher D. Mello
  • Yamel Merino
  • William Minardi
  • Krishna V. Moorthy
  • George Morell
  • Dennis Moroney
  • Takuya Nakamura
  • Soichi Numata
  • James A. Oakley
  • Diana J. O’Connor
  • Amy O’Doherty
  • Marni Pont O’Doherty
  • Samuel Oitice
  • Sean Gordon Corbett O’Neill
  • Chris Orgielewicz
  • Timothy F. O’Sullivan
  • Michael B. Packer
  • Thomas Palazzo
  • James Nicholas Pappageorge
  • William H. Pohlmann
  • Hemanth Kumar Puttur
  • Vincent A. Princiotta
  • Valsa Raju
  • Robert A. Rasmussen
  • John Reo
  • Joseph R. Riverso
  • Gregory E. Rodriguez
  • Edward Ryan
  • Tatiana Ryjova
  • Sam Salvo
  • Eric Sand
  • Robert Scandole
  • Marian Serva
  • Daniel Shea
  • Joseph Shea
  • Linda Sheehan
  • Thomas J. Shubert
  • Allan Shwartzstein
  • David Silver
  • Michael John Simon
  • Thomas E. Sinton, III
  • Rochelle M. Snell
  • Robert Speisman
  • Joseph P. Spor, Jr.
  • Timothy C. Stout
  • John Swaine
  • Sean Patrick Tallon
  • Michael A. Tamuccio
  • Kenichiro Tanaka
  • Joanna Vidal
  • Jeffrey Walz
  • James Arthur Waring
  • Timothy Matthew Welty
  • William Wik
  • Marc Zeplin
  • Ivelin Ziminski
  • Joseph J. Zuccala

The names of the men and women who lost their battles to 9/11 related illnesses since the attacks are to be read aloud by surviving family members. Their names will be added to the 9/11 Related Illness Memorial, announced by Latimer last year, that will accompany “The Rising” once it is complete. Matthew McCauley and Peter Woods, Co-Chairs of the 9/11 Related Illnesses Memorial Committee, will also give remarks on the committee’s efforts. Those names are as follows:

  • John LoBianco –Yonkers Fire Department
  • Detective Michael Houlahan – New York City Police Department
  • Firefighter Eduardo Rivera – Yonkers Fire Department
  • Police Officer Christopher Barry – New York City Police Department
  • Fire Commissioner Peter Guyett – Yonkers Fire Department
  • Deputy Chief Frank Strollo – New Rochelle Fire Department
  • Police Officer Nicholas Finelli – New York City Police Department
  • Police Officer Joseph Heid – New York City Police Department
  • Battalion Chief Kevin Byrnes – New York City Fire Department
  • Emergency Medical Technician Luis de Pena – New York City Fire Department EMS
  • Detective Joseph Seabrook – New York City Police Department
  • Detective James W. Monahan – New York City Police Department
  • Captain Ronald G. Peifer Sr. – New York City Police Department
  • Detective Charles Wassil Jr. – Peekskill Police Department
  • Lieutenant Roy McLaughlin – Yonkers Police Department
  • Police Officer Anthony Maggiore – Yonkers Police Department
  • Firefighter Robert A. Mentrasti – Fairview Fire Department
  • Police Officer Walter Mallinson – Harrison Police Department
  • Firefighter Michael O’Hanlon – New York City Fire Department
  • Police Officer Kathleen O’Connor-Funigiello – New Rochelle Police Department
  • Lieutenant Clark Douglass – New York City Police Department
  • Sergeant Patrick Boyle – New York City Police Department
  • Sergeant Patrick Coyne – New York City Police Department
  • Detective Mark Gado – New Rochelle Police Department
  • Firefighter Neill Tyndal Jr – Yonkers Fire Department
  • James P. Sullivan – New York City Transit Authority
  • Lieutenant John Thomas Moran – New York City Fire Department
  • Police Officer Kevin Xavier Domenech – New York City Police Department
  • Firefighter John Peteani – Yonkers Fire Department
  • Firefighter Daniel Foley – New York City Fire Department
  • EMS Captain Barry Brown – Mohegan Lake EMS
  • Executive Director Stephan Hittmann – New York City Fire Department

 

Following the reading of the names there will be a performance of taps by Police Officer Peter Blume from the Mount Pleasant Police Department.

The ceremony will conclude with a live prayer from Rabbi Howard J. Goldsmith of Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester: “As time passes, the memory of our loved ones who perished that day stand as a reminder. They remind us to live up to our potential, to live in a way that is compassionate and kind, and that the bond of love is stronger than death.”

About Westchester County  

Westchester County, located in the heart of the historic Hudson Valley, covers 500 square miles and has a population of just under a million.  Originally home to Native Americans, who were members of the Lenape tribe, it is today a rich mix of many cultures and landscapes.  The County is a blend of bustling cities, quaint villages and picturesque towns as well as open spaces and a network of beautiful parks. Westchester is made up of 6 cities, 19 towns and 20 villages.  Westchester County is known for top-notch public schools, and a high quality of life.  The County is also an intellectual capital, boasting a highly educated workforce, competitive colleges and universities, Fortune 500 companies, world changing non-profits, and cutting-edge research centers.  Westchester is led by County Executive George Latimer, who took office in January 2018 as the ninth County Executive. Using inclusion and openness as a foreground, Latimer is fighting to make Westchester a destination for all people to live, work and enjoy. Learn more about Westchester County by visiting www.westchestergov.com

 

 

 

Town of New Castle Invitation to a 2020 9/11 Virtual Memorial Ceremony

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Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Town of New Castle announced it will be holding its 9/11 memorial ceremony virtually this year, “but with no less solemnity, as we gather together to honor and remember the thousands of lives lost on 9/11 and in the aftermath of these tragic events. When we come together, as we did after 9/11, when we stop looking for differences and start treating each other with kindness, generosity, and love we show the world what it really means to be Americans. This year, more than any other since 2001, we are called upon to remember the lessons of 9/11 and to work hard though our words and deeds to honor the memories of those we lost that day.”

You are invited:

Friday, September 11 at 6pm

More from the Town of New Castle Supervisor’s Report:

Current Westchester COVID Data

All data related to the COVID pandemic is publicly available. Here are the sources of information:

Wake Up Call! 

“As vacations wrap up, college drop-offs are complete, and school is back in session, we expected to see a small increase in the number of active COVID cases in the community. As far as we know, these new cases are not connected and there is not a “cluster” in our community. Remember: the virus never left, and overall the numbers, which are in the single digits, still look good.

How we react right now as a community could have huge implications. If we double down on mask-wearing and social distancing we can stop the spread. These simple things have been proven to work. We’ve come so far…let’s keep it up New Castle!”