WHALEN'S PROPOSED BUDGET UNDER FIRE ENVIRONMENTALIST, POLICE UNIONIST ASSAIL MAYOR'S PLAN.(Local)

Byline: Jay Jochnowitz Staff writer

An environmental attorney on Wednesday branded Mayor Thomas M. Whalen III's budget unrealistic and off by millions of dollars in garbage costs, while the head of the city police union sharply attacked the mayor for not providing enough funds to run the department.

The criticisms of Whalen's proposed $78 million 1989 spending plan were leveled at a public hearing before the Common Council's Finance Committee.

In terms of cost, the biggest money issue Wednesday was the city's landfill problem. Albany's existing landfill off Rapp Road is nearing capacity and is expected to close next year or in 1990. The city wants …