Westchester View

Late last week, I logged onto the MLS and received quite  a surprise.  No less than 10 new listings at Trump Tower and an additional 3 new listings at the Ritz Carlton.  Some were at very competitive prices.

So what gives?

Did 10 families living at Trump suddenly say “I’m outta here?”  No. All save one of these listings trace back to Mr. Cappelli’s headquarters in Valhalla.  The last units that have not been sold are on the market now.  Most of these units were on the market at various times over the past four years.  This time, the asking price has been reduced significantly.  They range from $565k – $1.449 million.

The Downtown White Plains Condo Market:

Added to the 10 listings already on the market at Trump (most of them resales) this doubles the number of listings currently on the market.  Since only five units have sold so far this year – with two currently under contract, these new listings create an inventory overhang of about 26 months  at Trump.  Taking the downtown collectively, including Trump Tower the Lofts and the listings at the Ritz Carlton – the high end downtown condo market in general has about 19 months of inventory overhang.

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White Plains New York homes have been following patterns seen throughout  county with Westchester county  homes for sale  continuing to drop in value.  Sales volume was up during the period that the tax credit was in place.  But like much of the county, sales volume has has dropped across the board to 2009 levels since after the expiration of that stimulus.

For Q2 2010  prices for White Plains NY homes for sale were down from the previous year.   Single family homes – which took  the brunt of the housing decline last year – had less of a correction this year.  The good news here is that as far as single family homes in White Plains goes – we may be still trending down, but the steep declines apparent between 2008-2009 are not present.   The story is different and more discouraging for condos and coops.
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It’s the weekend again – and the Westchester events calendar is  once again up for your convenience.   Once again, there are plenty of Westchester County events to pick from.  Sure, the city is just a train ride away – but there is plenty to do in your own back yard.

EVERYDAY EVENTS:

Open Gym

The County Center is open to high school students for basketball, foosball, board games, knock hockey and general socializing
6 p.m. to 10 PM – Free to all

Westchster County Center

198 Central Avenue
White Plains, NY  10606

(914) 995-4050
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Over the past couple of years, I’ve been able to see and capture some very unique floral arrangements in lower Westchseter NY.  Here are some photos of my top 3 picks.   The flowers themselves though beautiful can not be described as “funky.”  However the  …shall we say ..”planters” in each of these cases is truly unique. My all time favorite is the truck.

I also rather like the “bathtub” arrangement.  I found his in the back of building just behind the Tarrytown Music Hall.   The antique cast iron tub makes for  quite a “planter.”

Both the truck and the working boot arrangements are from Carlson’s Floral and Gift. The greenhouse is located at 625 Dobbs Ferry Rd. in White Plains, right near the Sprain Brook Parkway access.  If you think their funky arrangements are intriguing – you’ll be blown away by their traditional arrangements!

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The weekend is rolling around again and it is time for me to put up another Westchester events calendar.  Here are some nice events for a sultry summer weekend!  The number and variety of Westchester County events always ensures that residents will never be bored.

EVERYDAY EVENTS:

Open Gym
The County Center is open to high school students for basketball, foosball, board games, knock hockey and general socializing
6 p.m. to 10 PM – Free to all
Westchester County Center
198 Central Avenue
White Plains, NY  10606
(914) 995-4050
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20 North Broadway #C313 – White Plains, NY 10601

This Listing is Courtesy of Carolyn Schoemer of Keller Williams Realty NY.

Welcome home to a one-of-a-kind unit in a a one-of-a-kind cooperative.

The Broadlawn is truly unique.  Located in the heart of  downtown White Plains – it seems a world away from the hustle and bustle of the downtown.  Once you walk through the entry – you find yourself in a mature English garden with mature plantings.  This is the most unique cooperative complex in the city of White Plains NY and perhaps the most unique of Westchester coops overall.

For more information on the Broadlawn click here.

This elegant 2BR/1BA duplex has unique pine paneling throughout the living area which makes this unit unlike any other.  A working fireplace  and  elegant French doors opening onto  to a balcony that overlooks the gardens completes the effect.  The modern kitchen with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances  has been opened up into the formal dining room creating a wonderfully unique and open space.  Upstairs the unique beamed ceilings continue the theme.  A beautiful welcoming environment.

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Here is your weekend Westchester events calendar.  There is certainly plenty to do this  considering that it is a relatively quiet summer weekend.  Westchester county events always have something for everyone.

Everyday Events:

Open Gym
The County Center is open to high school students for basketball, foosball, board games, knock hockey and general socializing
6 p.m. to 10 PM – Free to all
Westchester County Center
198 Central Avenue
White Plains, NY  10606
(914) 995-4050

Thursday July 15:

Flint Park Concert
July 15, 2010, 7:15pm–9:00pm
Flint Park, Bronson Ave & Locust Ave, Larchmont

Wine-coupled dinner
July 15, 2010, 7:00pm
Plates Restaurant, 121 Myrtle Blvd, Larchmont

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Want to know the latest Westchester Events? There is plenty to do and see  so planning your calendar for Westchester County events is challenging because there is such a wealth of things to choose from – Here is a list to get you started.

Friday July 9

Build a Boat/Construya un Bote
2:30pm
Warner Library, 121 N Broadway, Tarrytown

“Living with Art Collecting Contemporary in Metro New York” 12- 5 PM
Contemporary works of art -from six metro-New York private collections.  Including work from emerging as well as established artists/
$5 for adults, $3 for students/seniors
Neuberger Museum of Art – Purchase College
735 Anderson Hill Rd.
Purchase NY
914-251-6100
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As posted yesterday, the Bengal Tiger – a landmark Indian restaurant in downtown White Plains went up in flames yesterday.  The cooking oil that was everywhere combined with 100 degree temperatures and flammable chemicals from the adjacent dry cleaners caused the fire to rapidly escalate into a 5 alarm fire.  Over 160 firefighters from White Plains and neighboring communities responded to the blaze.  The roof collapsed about 5 hours after the blaze began.  The fire is now “under control” but not over. 25 were overcome by smoke inhalation and the heat and taken to area hospitals.

I drove by this evening to see what had happened. I was going to walk the streets, but decided against it as there were too many bystanders as it was and I didn’t want to be underfoot. The few shots I have were taken from my car, but you can still see the horrific damage.  At least half that block is wiped out. The presence of White Plains’ finest and bravest was very dominant – as well it should be.

There are ancillary issues to this fire.  One would be that it is a fire under investigation.  The Journal News indicated that the restaurant had filed twice for bankruptcy protection in recent years.

Another issue is the down-sizing of the police and fire departments.  White Plains residents faced an eye-popping 19%  tax increase or layoffs.  The unions did not appear interested in negotiating a pay cut or a cut in benefits and something had to give. The mayor and council took a line down the middle through layoffs and increasing copays for retirees and a 6% tax hike.  Many are calling for the return of the laid off fire fighters.  When I went on-line to see what was going on in the local on-line news – you could hear the hate on both sides.  The anger from the union end and the anger from the taxpayers end.  I must say here and now that anyone who thought the fire fighters didn’t “work hard enough” need serious psychiatric help.  It is entirely possible for a fire to get out of control in that heat with the grease and chemicals creating the “perfect storm.”  But I also have to say that White Plains resident’s have seen their taxes nearly triple in the last 12 years.  The union demands have been and continue to be totally unaffordable and something had to be done.  I will address this issue in a future blog.

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One of the famous downtown White Plains restaurants went up in flames today as a fire – which started in the basement spread to engulf the entire restaurant and take out half a block on East Post Road in White Plains NY. The location, just off of Mamaroneck Avenue in the heart of the downtown, complicated matters as smoke engulfed the area with temperatures near triple digits.  The five alarm fire demolished the Bengal Tiger and three other businesses – effectively destroying a half a block of the downtown area.  60 firefighters were from several communities were battling the flames.  The oppressive heat sent 25 fire fighters to the hospital due to smoke inhalation as well as heat exhaustion.  According to City Hall, the cause of the fire is under investigation. Tonight the fire is under control, but not out.  It took over six hours to bring the flames under control. A man hole cover also exploded nearby  complicating matters.  In spite of the proximity the two fires are unrelated. 

Area residents are being asked to conserve water as the fire – though under control – is still not extinguished.

© 2010 – Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com