Greetings RRA Residents,

For those of you who were unable to attend our Annual RRA Meeting on 5/15/24, or are just interested in what was discussed, below are the minutes from the meeting.  If you have any questions or would like to discuss any of the topics, please email us at wprra@yahoo.com.  You can also directly reach out to Recreation and Parks Commissioner Wayne Bass and/or his Deputy Commissioner Beth Bricker at https://www.cityofwhiteplains.com/directory.aspx?did=22

RRA Annual Spring Membership Meeting

May 15th, 2024 @ 7pm

White Plains Board of Education 

Agenda:

7:00-7:05pm – Welcome from the outgoing President Mike Sanchez and review of the agenda

Attendance:

7:05pm – 8:15pm –

Special Guest Speakers Recreation and Parks Department Commissioner Wayne Bass and Deputy Commissioner Beth Bricker

Wayne Bass: Background; received his MA in Education and has worked in Chappaqua, New Castle, was hired by White Plains in 2012

Beth Bricker: Background; Degree in Recreation and Park Administration, Masters in Recreation and Parks, was hired by White Plains in November of 2022

Topics: Summer concert series, summer camps, use of the parks, sport activities, programs, and other issues. Community feedback and recommendations on ideas for the Recreation and Parks Department

Facts and examples of programing:

• Responsible for the programming and classes/ Goal to create a Safe Space and programs for teenagers
• 258 classes and programs offered
• 9488 Attendance at Pools
• 10,000 Admissions to the Ebersole Ice Rink
• 33% of youth program participants receive scholarships
• 40% of Expenses are recovered through user fees and grants
• Rock the Block: program with restaurants and band performances
• Eagle Scout projects

Summer camp:

• 3- 6 weeks options
• Camp Lottery had record numbers apply: stressful experience.
• Lottery was implemented to create fairness
• Last 3-4 years, timetable begins in January, implementing an Application fee in hope that people will stay committed, made changes to admit by whole family
• The program is expanding by 1 week camp, increase of 150 kids
• 100 people on waiting list
• A great jump start to get to know the High School (Laurie Halsted)
• High School Pool under construction

Concert Series:

• Music at the Market – Wednesdays @12pm (May 29, June 12, June 26, Sept 11, Sept 25)
• Renaissance Plaza Concerts – Wednesdays @ 7pm (July 17, July 24, July 31)
• Rock the Block – Every 2nd Wednesdays @5:30pm (June 12, July 10, and August 14)

Sport Programs:

Summer Basketball, Cheerleading,  Cricket, Flag Football, Gold Instruction, Soccer, Swim, Tennis, Tack & X Country, Junior Rangers Ball Hockey

Upcoming Events:

• Father’s Day Concert – Saturday June 15 @ 5pm Turner Park
• Summer Solstice Yoga – Wednesday, June 20 @ 6:30pm Turner Park
• Independence Day Celebration – Tuesday, June 2 @ 6:30-10pm White Plains High School
• Chess Tournament – Saturday, June 1 @ 10:30-2pm Renaissance Plaza
• Cornhole Tournament – Saturday, June 1 @ 12pm
• Delfino Park – Ebersole Ice Rink

Neighborhood Nights:

• Monday, August 29 Gillie Playground – Ned Golfers
• Dog Gone Pool Party – Monday, August 26 @ 5:30-7:30pm Kittrell Pool
• Farmer’s Market Ongoing…Wednesdays 8:30-2:45pm Court St

Save the Date!

• White Plains Jazz Fest September 11-15
• The Great White Plains Campout September 14

Can a recreation department campus, like Delfino Park, be a part of the WP urban comprehensive plan capital projects?

Park and Facilities Projects:

• Delfino Park – new pavilion, grills/picnic tables, basketball court and playscapes
• Delfino Park – We Go Swing – for disabled and handicapped
• Battle Hill Pickleball Courts
• Battle Hill Pollinator Habitat
• Feasible study for new Community Center
• Battle Hill Playground 

Sports Programs:

• Standing basketball vs March Madness
• Currently 7-8 week program —> March Madness discuss advancing 
• Teams are moving away from developmental to become more competitive —>Debate

Gardella Park Pool needs to be renovated. A 25 year agreement is needed between the school district and the city of WP to implement repairs.

Discussed Skate Parks

8:15 pm Break

RRA Business

8:23 pm Introduction of the Board

Review January Minutes and discussion

New Treasurer and President are appointed 

New RRA Treasurer Angie Shaver is appointed:

• Angie Shaver has lived in White Plains for 15 years; CPA, husband and has twins, Happy to be a part of the WP community

RRA Finances Reviewed:

• Put the money in CD somewhere else with higher interest rate?
• Discuss Septemberfest expenses and how things may change for next year.

Appointment of new RRA president: Anthony Fiorenza.

• Mike met Anthony in 2018 
• Demonstrated the safety and standards/character of our neighborhood. Wants to preserve the character of the neighborhood, and promote local businesses, keeping people informed.
• Discuss Residential Zoning —> so that Rosedale’s residential character remains the same -Create open links to open Access documents
• Digital office
• Historically Board Meeting in Jan and May

SeptemberFest budget $6,000, motion to keep budget: Unanimous Decision

Discussed other activities- bike tour, casino night, trick or treat, group effort…and help make it happen

Developer The Stagg Group:

• Example of how the RRA has created change 
• The Stagg group had bought homes on Rosedale and Saxon Woods Road around Chase bank, Anthony and Marty started a petition, common council heard concerns prior to permit/building
• The Stagg Group is now divesting because the project will not be approved 

CNA is looking to solidify the Comprehensive Plan verbiage so single family zones remain

1 Sycamore Lane Property

• By the Unitarian Church, was bought on behalf of a Buddhist monk with plans to build a temple, 30 ft pagoda, and gift store. They currently have plans and an architect
• RRA will begin to raise concerns

Speeding concerns

• on West St to Rosedale
• speeding on North street 

Galleria

• Parking garage sale trying to sell to a private developer
• Ben Brown community activities CAWS
• Delicate balance in urban development between apartments and single family homes

Septemberfest first meeting: May 29th

Any questions?

9:22pm Meeting Ends