At a press conference, June 1, announcing a newly formed relationship between Cappelli Enterprises and Rand Development Marketing Group, Greg Rand proposed a challenge to the assembled team of real estate brokers: “We have the opportunity to sell 30 units in 30 days,” he said.

The plan, intended to jump start sales in the newly opened Tower II of the Ritz-Carlton Westchester, offers “extraordinary introductory pre-construction pricing for early adopters.” According to Rand, the units are being offered at “under market” pricing that will be available only on a first-come, first-serve basis.

In an interview on Thursday, Rand acknowledged that during the first 11 days, 11 units had not been sold, but brokers have had “a ton” of showings. While Rand would not say how deep the price savings are, he did indicate that a one-bedroom condo could be purchased in the mid-six-figure range and that a two-bedroom unit could be obtained for a price in the high $800,000 range.

At the June 1 conference, Louis Cappelli spoke about the “Manhattan-like” atmosphere of White Plains. “The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester is a great way to live in the suburbs,” he said. You can enjoy all suburbia has to offer, including the restaurants and good shopping, without getting into a cab; you can walk downtown, and “you don’t have to take care of the lawn.”

The event was upbeat, meant to push through the negative impact a bad economy has had on the real estate market in general. Mayor Joseph Delfino spoke briefly about the “worst of the worst” being over, even though the climb back up would be slow.

Cappelli noted that a formal introduction of sales at Tower II had been held back until the timing was right. The partnership between Cappelli Enterprises and Rand Development Marketing Group, a division of Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty, places Rand in charge of sales and marketing of the Residences at the Ritz-Carlton, Westchester as well as Trump Tower in White Plains, Trump Plaza in New Rochelle, and Trump Park Residences in Yorktown.

Part of the introductory special pricing incentive includes a preferred-financing program for prospective buyers who have homes to sell. Rand has 20 offices including its Westchester headquarters in White Plains. The company recently acquired local real estate company Century 21 Wolff.

Up until 11 a.m. on Wednesday it looked as if the White Plains mayoral race might feature a single candidate— Adam Bradley—endorsed by the White Plains Democratic Party (Bradley is a registered Democrat), the Republican Party, the Independence Party, the Working Families Party, and the Conservative Party. However, on the steps of City Hall Wednesday morning, Councilman Glen Hockley threw his hat into the ring with a formal statement of his intention to run for mayor of the city of White Plains as an independent. Earlier that morning Hockley had filed with the Board of Elections.

Surrounded by leaders and members of the labor unions representing city workers—painters, plumbers and steam-fitters, fire fighters and police, and the CSEA—Hockley told those gathered that the incumbent mayor, Joseph Delfino (a registered Republican), had given him permission to say he had his backing “100 percent.” Mayor Delfino was not present for Hockley’s announcement. As this issue of White Plains Times went to press calls to the mayor’s office for an official comment had not been returned.

When the City of White Plains Republican Committee endorsed  Democrat Adam Bradley for Mayor of White Plains and incumbent Democrat Thomas Roach for Common Council, they also endorsed two White Plains Republicans for seats on the Common Council: Leonard Lolis and James Arndt.

James Arndt
James Arndt and his wife Rosalee are life-long residents of Westchester County. Rosalee grew up in Armonk, and James in Valhalla. They have two children, James and Abigail. When the Arndts had their first child 10 years ago, they decided White Plains was the place to make their home.

When asked why he is running for office, Arndt responded: “I feel we need someone to represent the people of the city, building strong relationships with all the communities, and advocating for the middle class. We need to keep the schools at the accelerated level and continue to exceed state requirements. At the same time, we need a greener community. My vision is to keep the City of White Plains as the jewel in the crown of  Westchester County. We have come so far in the last two decades. We must keep the vision alive.”

Arndt is a store director of the CANALI retailing flagship in lower Manhattan. In addition, he is affiliated with the Gorbutt Group LLC real estate company in White Plains and sits on the Safety Committee of the White Plains Schools (Church Street).

Leonard Lolis
Leonard Lolis was born and raised in White Plains. He has been married to wife, Charlene, for 21 years, the past 13 at their home in White Plains. They have three children, Jessica, Nicolette, and Francesca.

After 21 years of working for the City of White Plains in various roles (and under three mayors), most recently as the Director of Information Services, Lolis says he has acquired extensive experience in all aspects of municipal government. “Since every aspect of the city has been impacted through the use of computer technology, it has been a requirement to understand every nuance of each city department. This has led to a great knowledge of numerous cost-cutting measures that can be implemented without reducing services to the city’s residents,” Lolis explains. “Working smarter with less will accomplish more,” he continues.

While an employee of the city at a high-level position, running for local public office was not an option. However, Lolis has worked as a condominium board president for 10 years, has been the leader of various parish organizations, and has assisted in political campaigns outside White Plains. Lolis is currently employed as the Director of Network Architecture at Emigrant Bank.