MAYOR ELECT RICHARD THOMAS VOTES TO ALLOW DEVELOPER TO DESTROY WILSON WOODS WITH AFFORDABLE HOUSING

EMBATTLED MAYOR ELECT RICHARD THOMAS

Last night, over 40 Mount Vernon taxpayers came out to the planning board meeting to protest against a developer seeking to put up a building in the middle of Wilson Woods Park. 

The project, a hideous and poorly designed 120 Unit multi family building, was voted in favor for by Mayor-Elect Richard Thomas.  Mayor-Elect Richard Thomas has a habit of voting for controversial projects and then disappearing into thin air when it hits the fan. 

While on the City Council, Mayor Elect Thomas praised the project as one of the best developments on the drawing board in the City of Mount Vernon.  Mount Vernon taxpayers disagree.  One after the other, residents took to the podium to vent their frustration with the developer, The City Council, and the Industrial Development Agency.

Some residents even cried fouled and called for a federal investigation into the business relationship between Mayor Elect Richard Thomas and the attorney representing the developer, Mark Weingarten, of DELBELLO DONNELLAN WEINGARTEN WISE & WIEDERKEHR, LLP. Mark Weingarten is a registered NYS registered lobbyist and also a financial donor to Mayor Elect Richard Thomas' campaign coffers.

At the center of the controversy is the zoning change approved by the Mount Vernon City Council.  Mayor Elect Richard Thomas voted in favor of this zoning change.  Prior to the controversial city council vote, the property in Wilson Woods Park was zoned commercial.  City Council members, including Richard Thomas voted in favor of rezoning a property within Wilson Woods Park from commercial to residential.  Deborah Reynolds was the only City Council member that voted in opposition to the zoning change.

On October 7, 2015 Weingarten's law firm made a $500 donation to "The Friends of Richard".  Sources have told Mount Vernon Exposed that Weingarten pledged to raise over $150K for Richard's campaign, however Weingarten never raised the funds.  A political insider informed Mount Vernon Exposed that Thomas should have recused himself from any vote involving Mark Weingarten or the DELBELLO DONNELLAN WEINGARTEN WISE & WIEDERKEHR, LLP law firm. 

According to the insider, the relationship between Thomas and Weingarten goes back to when Richard used to work for Gov. David Patterson.  Did Weingarten, a lobbyist, call on Richard for favors while Richard worked for the governor?

In addition to being the attorney of record representing Woods Partners, the developer seeking to construct the hideous apartments in Wilson Woods, Weingarten is also the registered lobbyist for the project.

Even though Weingarten is registered with New York State as a lobbyist, it is unclear if he disclosed his financial arrangement getting compensated as a lobbyist by Woods Partners, to Mount Vernon City Council members prior to the zoning vote change.  Weingarten and his law firm are being paid $5,000 per month from Wood Partners to get the required approvals for this project. The agreement began January 7, 2015 and runs until December 31, 2015.  On November 20, 2015, Wood Partners entered in an extension that will extend Weingarten's agreement from January 1, 2016 until December 31, 2016.

  Mark Weingarten Lobbyist Agreement

In the reports filed with the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics, Weingarten stated that the lobbied " NYS LEGISLATIVE BRANCH; STATE AGENCIES; COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER".  Weingarten makes no mention in the reports of lobbying any elected officials in Mount Vernon whatsoever.

Prior to the zoning vote change, Richard Thomas told members of the community that he was against the Wilson Woods project.  What made Richard change his mind and his vote?  Was he promised something in exchange for switching his vote?

One by one residents slammed the developer for spoiling the natural park setting of Wilson Woods.  Dozen of trees will be destroyed and cut down in the process.  Wildlife will be destroyed.  Many residents said that they would like to see an upscale catering banquet facility at the location currently being proposed for the substandard housing. Residents spoke of having Mount Vernon's own "Tavern on the Green" in Wilson Woods Park.  Residents wholeheartedly supported the idea of an upscale banquet hall with scenic views of the Hutchinson River. Mount Vernon residents complained about always having to go outside of Mount Vernon to the beach clubs in New Rochelle to attend functions. 

Residents also questioned the traffic study that was done by the developer and urged Planning Board members to get their own independent traffic report. 

Outsiders such as Wood Partners and Weingarten always feel the need the dictate what they "feel is best" for Mount Vernon as if Mount Vernon is some third world country in need of "bailout rescue aid". There is not a lack of housing in Mount Vernon.  In fact, there are a substantial vacant and zombie homes all throughout Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon leads Westchester County in foreclosures.  Perhaps, Woods Partners should purchase these derelict properties and convert them to "luxury housing".

During his presentation to the planning board, Weingarten stated that due to the "shrinking commercial base in the area"; it was necessary to apply for the zoning change.  That statement made by Weingarten is absolutely false. Mr. Weingarten also stated that the seller was not able to find a buyer for the property because of the "shrinking tax base". Cross County has recently undergone $250M in renovations. A hotel is now located in Cross County.  Bay Plaza is rapidly expanding.  A mall was opened in Bay Plaza several months ago. Dave and Buster's and Panera Bread are now open in Pelham Manor. Where is this "shrinking tax base" Mr. Weingarten referring to?   

The project as proposed, falls short on taxes.  The developer received a P.I.L.O.T or Payment in lieu of taxes, agreement from the Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency.  The developer wants to construct studio, one, and two bedroom apartments.

It costs approximately $30K per year to educate each pupil in the City of Mount Vernon. The developer stated that out of 120 units with approximately 52 two bedrooms, only 10 students will occupy the Mount Vernon school district.

Residents feel that around 40-60 kids from the massive complex would occupy local schools.  That would be an additional $1.2M -$1.8M cost to Mount Vernon taxpayers. 

Weingarten was able to get his client to pay $450K per taxes the first year, with slight increases every year thereafter. Taxpayers are forced once again to pick up the tab of a greedy developer with no ties to the Mount Vernon community. Weingarten also got his client exemptions for sales and mortgage recording tax. 

According to Wood Partners website: STRONG FOUNDATION

In little more than a decade and a half, Atlanta-based Wood Partners has become one of the most active and progressive multifamily investment firms in the nation. The company’s rapid rise owes to a strong foundation.

Does this sound like a company that needs tax breaks?

Planning Board Commissioners voiced their concern over developers doing a bait and switch.  In the past, developers have changed the project after the initial approval process, to affordable housing when they were not able to secure funds to build.

Mr. Weingarten should look to build in his own community before he comes to Mount Vernon with projects that will bankrupt taxpayers.

Mr. Weingarten resides in Golden's Bridge, NY. Golden's Bridge is a hamlet (and census-designated place) in the town of Lewisboro in Westchester County, New York. The population was 1,630 at the 2010 census.

Westchester County is currently being sued for having zoning laws in mostly white neighborhoods that do not allow the construction of affordable multi family housing, the same type of housing Weingarten and Wood Partner are seeking to construct at Wilson Woods Park.

According to the Federal Consent Decree:

(a) No less than six hundred thirty (630) of the Affordable AFFH Units shall meet the following locational criteria:

(i) the municipality in which the units are to be developed had, according to 2000 Census data, both a “single race African-American only” population less than three (3) percent and a Hispanic population less than seven (7) percent, as calculated after removing people living in group quarters as defined by the 2000 Census of Population and Housing (U.S. Census Bureau) (“group quarters”) from the relevant population; and

(ii) the units shall not be developed in any census block which had, according to 2000 Census data, (A) a “single race African-American only” population of more than ten (10) percent and a total African-American population of twenty (20) or more, or (B) a Hispanic population of more than ten (10) percent and a total Hispanic population of twenty (20) or more, as calculated after removing people living in group quarters from the relevant population, except to the extent such requirement is waived pursuant to paragraph 15(a)(ii). 

Mr. Weingarten's very own community is in violation of the Federal Consent Decree.  Mount Vernon Planning Board Commissioner's should ask Mr. Weingarten about the progress he has made in his own community before they allow this project to go any further.

TO BE CONTINUED.....

EMBATTLED MAYOR ELECT RICHARD THOMAS DEMANDS $10K PER MEETING; WILL BECOME PART OWNER OF PROJECT HE STEERED TOWARD "PREFERRED" DEVELOPER

EMBATTLED MAYOR-ELECT RICHARD THOMAS

Embattled Mayor-elect Richard Thomas ran a campaign of thuggery, shakedowns, bribery, and thievery.  Thomas promised a campaign and an administration of transparency, but has miserably failed to deliver on that promise.

Thomas has committed serious crimes and Mount Vernon taxpayers are wondering where is the long arm of the law to prosecute Thomas and his gang of thieves for the crimes they committed.

On Wednesday, October 7, 2015, Mayor-Elect Richard Thomas held an illegal fundraiser at Leewood Golf Club.  Kyle Munoz, Anthony DeBellis, and Frank Fraley hosted the fundraiser.  The price to attend this glitzy event was a whopping $2,500 per person.  The maximum contribution allowable by law was only $1,801. Richard Thomas named this illegal fundraiser "Win The Future".

RICHARD THOMAS ILLEGAL "WIN THE FUTURE" FUNDRAISER

A Mount Vernon business owner contacted Mount Vernon Exposed last week to report an attempted shakedown by Richard Thomas' campaign staff.  The business owner told Mount Vernon Exposed that he had scheduled a private meeting with Richard Thomas' prior to the "Win The Future" fundraiser.  The business owner who did not attend the "Win The Future" fundraiser met with Thomas about quality of life issues and about improving Mount Vernon's business climate.  The business owner said that at the conclusion of the meeting, Thomas gave him several invitations to the "Win The Future" fundraiser and Thomas said to the business owner, "I hope to see you there."

The business owner told Mount Vernon Exposed that they did not formally commit to going to the fundraiser because of the hefty price tag and because they thought that amount was a bit much for a fundraiser.  The business owner told Thomas that he will "see what they can do" about selling tickets.  The business then told Thomas that they will "see" if they can sell four tickets to the event.  The business owner told Mount Vernon Exposed that they did not sell any tickets to the "Win The Future" fundraiser. 

Several weeks after the fundraiser, the business owner said they were contacted by Richard Thomas' campaign team about the fundraiser.  The business owner said that the person from Richard Thomas' camp said, "You had a meeting several weeks ago with Richard Thomas and you committed to raising $10K."  The business owner told Mount Vernon Exposed that they were totally caught off guard by the phone call from Thomas' camp and at first thought it was a joke until the caller from Thomas' camp gave explicit details regarding the meeting held between the business owner and Thomas.

The caller then further stated, "Richard keeps a log of everyone he meets with and it doesn't show in the log that you gave $10K".  The business owner told Mount Vernon Exposed that the caller from Thomas' camp was very aggressive and demanding.  The caller further stated, "Richard remembers all of those who gave and all of those who didn't give and won't be having any meetings in the future with those who don't commit to him".   The business owner then said, "What do you want me to do? Cut a check for $10K right now?"  The caller then said "That will be nice".  The business owner then said "Not happening and hung up the phone".

Federal investigators must subpoena Richard Thomas and his campaign staff's financial records at once.  A paper trail of contributions and expenditures must be properly established since Thomas' campaign financial disclosures are permeated with fraud and riddled with errors. 

Richard Thomas has indicated that his administration will be "pay to play".  In other words, only those with serious cash will be able to develop and get things done in the City of Mount Vernon.

Thomas has aligned himself with shady businessman Joseph Spiezio who is alleged to have ties to the Lucchese Crime Family.  Spiezio, a known con man and fraudster, has a trail of lawsuits in State and Federal Court to support this claim.  Spiezio has even been named as a defendant in a Federal R.I.C.O. lawsuit claiming he swindled millions of dollars from a development project for his own personal gain and use. 

A political insider has informed Mount Vernon Exposed that all development projects will go through Spiezio.  One such project that Thomas has committed to building is a massive low-income project near the Mount Vernon East Train Station.

Sources have told Mount Vernon Exposed that in recent weeks, Thomas gave the "OK" for the project to move forward as soon as he takes office. It is unclear how much cash Richard received and what kickbacks he was promised for giving his blessing on the low-income project. 

The developer of the project is Larry Regan, CEO of Regan Development.  Thomas has promised Regan massive tax breaks through the City's Industrial Development Agency.  So what is in this deal for Richard one may ask? Did Larry Reegan drop an envelope in Richard's lap in exchange for Thomas allowing Reegan to construct low-income housing near the Mount Vernon East train station? Sources have also confirmed to Mount Vernon Exposed that Thomas is pushing for this project to go through because Thomas will become a part owner of the project once the development is completed. 

LARRY REEGAN OF REGAN DEVELOPMENT 

LOW INCOME VILLAGE PROPOSED BY WEINGARTEN AND REGAN

Reegan has retained Mark Weingarten of the law firm DelBello, Donnellan, Weingarten Tartaglia, Wise, & Wiederkehr L.L.P.  Many in political circles throughout Westchester County view Weingarten as a shady land use attorney that is involved in many controversial projects throughout Westchester. 

CORRUPT ATTORNEY MARK WEINGARTEN

According to a Journal News article published on June 20, 2015 titled "Party favors: Dual posts, perks for political bosses", Weingarten represented G&S Investors of Long Island in a controversial development along the Port Chester waterfront.  Westchester County Election Commissioner Reginald Lafayette was also named in the controversy.

The Chairman's Circle

While not paid as party boss, LaFayette runs the Chairman's Circle, a committee that has spent $183,449 since 2008, when The Journal News first revealed the committee, according to records from the state Board of Elections.

Only $58,276, or 32 percent of the total, went to campaign-related expenses, and nearly half of that was for one Port Chester village election. The rest of the money paid for the various costs of vehicles LaFayette leases, unitemized reimbursements and for dozens of meals, including 21 at Mulino's Restaurant in White Plains.

To pay for it, LaFayette used $102,831 in contributions he received from 2008 through 2014, more than half of it from developers, contractors, and law and accounting firms that do business in Westchester. Other committees donated $43,826, including those of U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel and Westchester District Attorney Janet DiFiore, both Democrats.

In February 2013, the Chairman's Circle also received $5,000 each from Greg Wasser, Douglas Riley and Lawrence Traub, partners with the development firm G&S Investors of Old Bethpage. Another $2,500 came from G&S partner Robert Weinberg, and $5,000 from RMC Development Company, Weinberg's Elmsford-based firm.

G&S developed the Port Chester waterfront, and has been part of a lingering controversy over a damaged bulkhead along the Byram River. G&S, the village and Westchester County are at odds over who is responsible for rebuilding the bulkhead, a repair expected to cost upwards of $7 million.

Port Chester Republicans, who threatened to take control of the village board in 2013, were pushing for G&S to pay for the repairs, and also opposed rezoning a property on Main Street that the developer owns.

In March 2013, LaFayette's committee spent $25,018 on the village election, 93 percent of all campaign-related expenses that year and 43 percent of all campaign-related spending from 2008 through 2014. It was the only election that the committee devoted significant funds to over that span, according to the records.

Democrat Dennis Pilla lost the mayoral seat, but the board ended in a virtual deadlock between the parties. Bart Didden, a Republican trustee who lost a re-election bid, was among those who cried foul.

"G&S has, from the very beginning, supported the Democrats and their actions have hurt property owners through this whole development to the tune of millions of dollars," said Didden, who has a separate legal dispute with G&S. "It definitely doesn't smell right because the people of Port Chester would never know how their politics are being influenced by the largest property holder in the village of Port Chester. There is no transparency here."

Officials at G&S did not return calls seeking comment.

LaFayette maintained that he was not aware that G&S developed the Port Chester waterfront, nor that there was a dispute over the collapsed bulkhead. He said village Democrats simply asked for help and he provided it.

"In terms of coincidence, these are big companies who do business all over," he said. "You know, you do mailings out to people and ask for contributions, and you have a mailing list and you mail to the same people. You don't necessarily know where they're building."

Sources have told Mount Vernon Exposed that Thomas told folks during the campaign that Weingarten and his law firm pledged to raise $150K for Thomas' Mayoral campaign but according to sources, Weingarten never came through with any funds and has only surfaced recently in Mount Vernon with the Reegan development.

What did Weingarten promise Richard Thomas?  Did he promise to make Richard a partner in the deal?  Why is Richard selling off the City of Mount Vernon to the highest bidder?

Federal investigators must investigate the Thomas/Reegan/Spiezio/Weingarten relationship at once before they further destroy the City of Mount Vernon. 

To be continued...