MAYOR MIKE SPANO ANNOUNCES 2020 SUMMER FILM LINE-UP FOR YONKERS RESIDENTS

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City of Yonkers Parks Department to Offer Family-Friendly Outdoor Movies Every Week in July & August

YONKERS, NY – July 1, 2020 – Mayor Mike Spano today announced the schedule for the City’s 2020 Summer Film Series that will run during July and August at several Yonkers parks.  The family-friendly series is FREE of charge and open to Yonkers residents.

“Our Summer Film Series in Yonkers has been a hit with residents and back by popular demand, we’re excited that it’s returning again this summer,” said Mayor Spano.  “Although new safety measures due to COVID-19 will be implemented, there is no better way to spend your summer nights than to enjoy an outdoor movie with family and friends at your local neighborhood park.”

Movies will be screened on Thursday evenings in July and August and begin at dusk at various locations throughout the City for residents only. Due to restrictions, movies are by reservation only and residents must reserve their spot by calling (914) 377-6441 a week prior to each movie. Repeat attendees will be placed on a waiting list. For R-rated movies, children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.

According to COVID-19 guidelines, residents should stay at home if they are sick, exhibiting or feeling any COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, coughing and/or trouble breathing. During each movie screening,  Yonkers residents must agree to the following rules:

  • Practice social distancing at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other residents and personnel
  • Wear a mask or cloth face covering

Movie screenings are subject to change and residents are strongly encouraged to bring their own seating.  In case of rain, residents should call the City of Yonkers Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation at (914) 377-6441/(914) 377-6450 or visit @CityofYonkers on Facebook and Twitter to confirm cancellations.

The complete Summer Film Series schedule is as follows:

Support Local Businesses During COVID-19

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Click the link below to find all Yonkers restaurants offering curbside takeout and delivery.

SupportingLocalRestuaurant

YONKERS CITY HALL LIMITS ACCESS TO PUBLIC AMID COVID-19 OUTBREAK

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YONKERS, NY – March 17, 2020 – Due to the national COVID-19 outbreak, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced Yonkers City Hall, located at 40 S. Broadway,  and its annex locations will remain open but with limited access to the public.

After New York State Governor Cuomo recently declared local governments must operate with fifty percent of its operating staff with essential employees only, the following city departments’ services will be available with limited access or by appointment only, effective immediately:

  • Engineering Department: closed to walk-ins; call ahead to 914-377-6210; visit www.yonkersny.gov for permit application information
  • Housing & Building Department: closed to walk-ins; call ahead to 914-377-6500; visit www.yonkersny.gov for permit application information
  • City Clerk Office: closed to walk-ins; call ahead to 914-377-6020
  • Tax Office: Accepting in-person payments but encouraging checks or payment by credit card; credit card fees will be waived and appear as a credit on next payment due.
  • Tax Assessment Office: closed to walk-ins; e-mail CityAssessor@yonkersny.gov or call 914-377-6200 to schedule an appointment; visitwww.yonkersny.gov/assessment for information
  • Office of Constituent Services: closed to walk-ins; for assistance call 914-377-6010  or the Mayor’s Helpline at 914-377-HELP (4357) after hours
  • Office for the Aging (435 Riverdale Ave.): closed to walk-ins; call ahead to 914-376-6822
  • Veterans Affairs (120 New Main Street): closed to walk-ins: call ahead to 914-377-6700
  • Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation (285 Nepperhan Ave.): Closed to walk-ins, call ahead to 914-377-6450; for permit applications and updates on recreational sites visit www.yonkersny.gov
  • Yonkers Career Center and New York State Department of Labor (28 Wells Avenue, Bldg 3, 4th Fl): closed to walk-ins; call center number and New York State Department of Labor 914-461-9077 for assistance
  • Consumer Protection Bureau (87 Nepperhan Ave): Closed to walk-ins; all hearings postponed; call ahead to 914-377-3000; visit Forms page at www.yonkersny.gov to download applications
  • Planning & Development Department (87 Nepperhan Ave.): closed to walk-ins; call ahead to 914-377-6150
  • Parking Violations Bureau (87 Nepperhan Ave.): Open 8:30am-4:00pm for payment; no Wednesday evening hours until further notice; all scheduled parking, red light camera and code enforcement hearings have been cancelled; a new date to appear will be sent in the mail once hearings resume; submit  requests for a hearing by mail and to make ticket payments online at www.yonkersny.gov, by phone at (866) 377-9665 or by mail directly to Yonkers PVB, 87 Nepperhan Ave., Yonkers, N.Y. 10701
  • Yonkers Parking Authority (8 Buena Vista Ave.): closed to the public Monday, Wednesday and Fridays until further notice; call YPA office with questions at (914) 965-2467 on those days; all permit transactions can be done on-line from the 15th through the 27th by visiting  permit www.YPAPERMITS.YONKERSNY.GOV or in person Tuesdays and Thursdays (8:30am-4:00pm); evening office hours will be cancelled until further notice
  • Yonkers Police Department: All four precincts closed to public as well as the Records Division  (914) 377-7232; Commissioner’s Office (914) 377-7200; Property Clerk (914) 377-7941 *(Open on Wednesdays to public access); Community Affairs Division – (914) 377-7375; and Traffic Unit / Hack Unit – (914) 377-7387; members of the public are requested to conduct as much police business over the telephone; if immediate assistance or a police response is needed, call dispatch at (914) 377-7900 – emergencies dial 9-1-1.
  • Yonkers Fire Department: All fire stations and fire headquarters closed to public; public asked to call for assistance.  Fire Prevention (914) 377-7525 or email FirePrevention@yonkersny.gov; Fire Commissioners Office (914) 377-7500; if immediate assistance or a fire response is needed, call dispatch at (914) 377-7900 – emergencies dial 9-1-1.
  • Yonkers Public Library: All three branches closed until March 31 and possibly longer
  • Yonkers Public Schools: Closed until March 31 and possibly longer

 

Residents are encouraged to call the Mayor’s 24 hour Helpline at 914-377-HELP (4357) with any questions.

CITY OF YONKERS CANCELS CITY SPONSORED PROGRAMS IN EFFORT TO CONTAIN THE SPREAD OF COVID-19

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Yonkers Public Schools to Close Friday, March 13th to Develop Instructional Continuity Plans

YONKERS, NY – March 12, 2020 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced several closures and cancellations of city sponsored events and programs in its efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin M. Quezada and the Yonkers Board of Trustees also announced all Yonkers Public Schools will be closed Friday, March 13 as a Superintendent’s Conference day for teachers and administrators to develop school-based instructional continuity plans.

“The Westchester Department of Health recently notified us that Yonkers currently has six confirmed cases of the coronavirus, none of which are directly linked to our schools,” said Mayor Spano.  “Out of an abundance of caution as our area continues to manage the spread of COVID-19, Yonkers will cancel non-essential programs/facilities to limit public interaction among residents, especially ones involving those who are at high risk of contracting the virus. We will continue to monitor the impact of this pandemic and continue to reassess these programs and facilities in the coming weeks.”

Effective immediately, the following programs/events will be canceled through March 27:

  • Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation Senior Recreational Programs at:

o   Cola Community Center

o   Scotti Community Center

o   Bernice Spreckman Community Center

o   Nodine Community Center

o   Nepperhan Community Center

  • Senior Centers at non-parks facilities at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian, St. Mark’s Hall, Runyon House, Northeast Jewish Center, Nepperhan Community Center and Our Lady of Fatima
  • Little Learners Program located at the Cola, Scotti, Spreckman Community Centers and Will Library
  • All Parks Community Recreation and Developmentally Disabled Programs at Parks Facilities
  • All indoor Parks Department program permits at Yonkers Public Schools
  • All public programs scheduled at all Yonkers Public Library branches
  • All Mayor Advisory Boards Meetings
  • Mayor’s Mobile Tax Offices
  • E.J. Murray’s Skating Rink
  • Coyne Park Rifle Range
  • City of Yonkers events through the end of March including Women of Distinction Ceremony, Yonkers Senior Spring Dance and the Yonkers Annual Skating Exhibition

*Note: All Office for the Aging nutritional programs for seniors will remain operational; sites will be closed starting Monday, March 16. Yonkers Animal Shelter will remain open by APPOINTMENT ONLY.

To limit residents’ need to visit City Hall to pay taxes due next month, City of Yonkers also will reimburse online credit card fees should taxpayers opt to pay taxes online at www.yonkersny.gov.

Yonkers Public Schools also will close Friday, March 13. In preparation for potential school closings as a result of any confirmed coronavirus cases, Yonkers teachers and administrators will develop school-based instructional continuity plans that will offer opportunities for educational continuity that can be accomplished at home.  These materials will offer students the ability to practice their skills and progress towards graduation requirements.  The instructional materials will be available through electronic learning on school and teacher webpages as well as homework packets.

“There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in our schools, but we must be prepared for prolonged school closing,” noted Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin M. Quezada.  “In addition, our custodial and food services staffs will do an enhanced cleaning in schools on Friday, and as necessary over the weekend.  I have directed the yellow bus company to thoroughly sanitize their buses.”

Rev. Steve Lopez, President of the Yonkers Public Schools Board of Trustees commented, “Should there be a need for school closures, instructional materials will be available at the District website.  There will also be resources for Multilingual Learners (MLL) and Students with Disabilities (SWD) to help parents and guardians support instruction at home.  The learning materials may be provided to students in hard copies and will be available on the District’s website, www.yonkerspublicschools.org.”

 

Mayor Spano added, “I want to reassure our residents that the administration and schools are in constant communication with the state and county health departments and we are assessing the needs of our residents on a continual basis. City departments have established business continuity plans so as to not disrupt necessary city services and programs. As always, we will continue to keep residents updated with information as it becomes available.”

CITY OF YONKERS ACCEPTING 2020 NOMINATIONS FOR MAYOR MIKE SPANO’S ANNUAL “WOMEN OF DISTINCTION” AWARD

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Award Ceremony Held Annually in Yonkers to Commemorate Women’s History Month

YONKERS, NY – March 2, 2020 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced that the City of Yonkers is accepting nominations for the city’s annual “Women of Distinction” Award, presented each year during March to celebrate Women’s History Month. The annual “Women of Distinction” Award recognizes Yonkers women who have served their local community and positively impacted the lives of Yonkers residents.  Nominations for a Woman of Distinction can be submitted at www.YonkersNY.gov.

“So often our women give so much of themselves to ensure Yonkers becomes a better city in which to live, work and play. They are our community leaders, educators and agents of social change,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “I encourage our Yonkers residents to nominate the heroes in their lives for our Women of Distinction Award.

The deadline to submit a nomination is Wednesday, March 18; the award ceremony will be held on Friday, March 27 at 6:00 pm at Yonkers City Hall (Ceremonial Courtroom, 4thFloor).

About Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month originated in 1981 when Congress passed a resolution requesting President Reagan to commemorate “Women’s History Week.” The President proclaimed the week beginning on March 7, 1982 as the first Women’s History Week and the nation continued to designate a week in March as Women’s History Week until 1987 when the month of March was officially declared “Women’s History Month.”  Learn more atwww.womenshistorymonth.gov.

YONKERS MAYOR SPANO & CITY COUNCILWOMAN SHANAE WILLIAMS HOST ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION

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Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano along with City Councilwoman Shanae Williams will host the City’s annual Black History Month celebration Thursday, February 27th  at 6:00PM in the Ceremonial Courtroom at Yonkers City Hall. This year’s theme for Black History month is “African Americans and the Vote” as it speaks to the ongoing struggle on the part of both black men and women throughout American History.

The City’s celebration will include performances from local community members and remarks by the Yonkers Public School student winners of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Poem/Essay/Video contest.

***Interviews and Photo Ops***

Who:               Mike Spano, City of Yonkers Mayor
Shanae Williams, Yonkers City Councilwoman

Mayor’s African American Advisory Board

Mayor Spano’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Poem/Essay/Video Contest Winners

What:             City of Yonkers Black History Month Celebration

Where:           Ceremonial Courtroom, 4th Floor
Yonkers City Hall
40 S. Broadway, Yonkers

When:             Thursday, February 27, 2020

6:00PM

YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS TO JOIN CITY OFFICIALS FOR CEREMONIAL SIGNING OF PLASTIC STRAW FREE LEGISLATION

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Starting March 1, Food & Beverage Establishments in Yonkers Prohibited from Providing Single-Use Plastic Straws

 

Yonkers Public School students will join Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and City Council President Mike Khader Thursday, February 27 at 1 PM at Paideia School 15as they sign a new city ordinance prohibiting food and beverage establishments in Yonkers from providing single-use plastic straws, unless requested by customers.

Last year, Paideia School 15 students advocated city officials to move forward with the ban of plastic straws in an effort to combat the negative environmental impacts of the manufacturing and disposal of the straws. Yonkers City Council approved the legislation in recent weeks resulting in the plastic straw ban, effective March 1, 2020.

Plastic drinking straws are among the top 10 contributors to marine debris pollution. Most plastic straws are not biodegradable and instead break down over years into smaller microplastics, releasing chemicals into the soil, air, and water that are harmful to animals, plants, people, and the environment.

***Interviews and Photo Opps***

WHO:            Mike Spano, City of Yonkers Mayor

                        Yonkers City Council

                        Dr. Edwin M. Quezada, Superintendent of Schools

                        Paideia School 15 students, teachers and staff

WHAT:         Signing of Plastic Straw Free Yonkers Legislation

WHERE:        Paideia School 15

                        175 Westchester Ave.

                        Yonkers, NY

CITY OF YONKERS TO PROVIDE FREE REUSABLE BAGS FOR RESIDENTS AT LOCATIONS ACROSS CITY

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Bags Made Available at Yonkers City Hall & Yonkers Public Library Branches and at ShopRite Wednesday, February 26th from 12-2PM

 

YONKERS, NY – February 25, 2020 – In anticipation of the start of the statewide ban on single-use plastic bags beginning March 1, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced the city will provide free Yonkers Green City reusable bags to residents across the city.

 

“In Yonkers, we are doing our part in being stewards of the environment by relieving residents’ reliance on plastic bags,” said Mayor Spano. “Making these free bags available to our residents hopefully will ease the transition from plastic to more sustainable carry-out bags. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener Yonkers. I urge all our residents to do their part and reuse.”

Residents are encouraged to visit Yonkers City Hall (40 S. Broadway) Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm or any of the three Yonkers Public Library branches during its hours of operation to receive their free Yonkers Green City bag. Bags also will made available Wednesday, February 26 from 12pm-2pm at ShopRite located at 25-43 Prospect Street.

The City of Yonkers has already distributed over 10,000 reusable bags to residents over the last year. For more information on the New York State Bag Waste Reduction Law, visit www.dec.ny.gov.

MAYOR MIKE SPANO, YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS LAUNCH REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. POEM/ESSAY/VIDEO CONTEST

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YONKERS, NY – January 15, 2020 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin M. Quezada today launched the 2020 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Poem/Essay/Video Contest. Yonkers students are encouraged to submit essays, poems or videos reflecting this year’s Black History Month theme, “African Americans and the Vote,” as it speaks to the ongoing struggle on the part of both black men and women throughout American History.

“Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 1957 speech ‘Give Us the Ballot’outlined a strategy for justice that extended through the 1960s and beyond,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “African Americans faced official and unofficial restrictions until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was established. However, today we have federal protections that help to ensure every American has an equal voice in the political process. This year, in particular, I’m excited to see how students will be able to express their views on voting rights while incorporating Dr. King’s message through a poem, essay or video.”

The Mayor’s African American Advisory Board select one poem from grades 1-4, one essay from grades 5-8 and one video from grades 9-12. The winning poem, essay and video will be displayed at Yonkers City Hall and online for Yonkers residents to enjoy. Winners will be presented a certificate from Mayor Spano and will be asked to present their work at the City’s Annual Black History Month Celebration at Yonkers City Hall on Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 6:00 pm.

Dr. Edwin M. Quezada, Superintendent of Schools stated, “As educators, we have the responsibility to assist our students in finding their voice, expressing their opinions and to be relentless in standing up for tolerance and civil rights.  Dr. King, Jr. will forever be the beacon for nonviolent protest, unyielding in his commitment to civil rights for all people.  The Mayor’s annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Poem/Essay/Video Contest provides an opportunity for Yonkers children to research and emulate Dr. King’s work.”

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Poem/Essay/Video Contest is open to all primary and secondary Yonkers students; only one poem, essay or video may be submitted per student. Guidelines and specifications for the contest can be found at https://www.yonkersny.gov/mlk. Poem and video submissions are due Friday, February 14, 2020 and may be emailed tocontest@yonkersny.gov, dropped off to the Mayor’s Office or by mail to MLK, Jr. Contest, Mayor’s Office, City Hall, 2nd Floor, 40 South Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701. Winners will be notified on February 21.

YONKERS AWARDED $350,000 FOR NEW BOAT DOCK AT DOWNTOWN CITY PIER

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Funding Awarded By NYS Regional Economic Development Council Will Support Growing Demand For Excursions, Dinner Cruises and Commuter Ferry Service

YONKERS, NY – December 23, 2019 – The City of Yonkers will receive $350,000 for the construction of a new floating boat dock along the Yonkers Downtown Waterfront through New York State’s latest round of Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) awards, Mayor Mike Spano announced.

“This is an exciting project that will meet the increasing demand for waterborne tourism and transportation by expanding boat access to Yonkers’ growing Downtown Waterfront area,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “It’s another example of how we are utilizing our location and natural assets to establish waterfront amenities that attract new residents and visitors, foster transit-oriented development, and solidify Yonkers as a regional destination.”

The new floating dock will be constructed on the north side of the 1901 two-story City Pier, located in the Downtown Waterfront district, and will supplement boat access at the existing dock on the Pier’s south side which has emerged as a popular maritime destination for excursion and educational vessels and Hudson River cruise ships.  The dock will foster the introduction of dinner cruise operators and is anticipated to become one of the home ports for the Henry Hudson’s replica ship, the Half Moon, upon its return to the Hudson Valley from the Netherlands. The dock is also envisioned to support future commuter ferry service between Yonkers and Manhattan.

“I thank Governor Cuomo and the REDC for their continued support through this competitive grant program which has yielded millions of dollars in investment in economic development projects throughout Yonkers,” said Mayor Spano.

The REDC funding awarded to Yonkers will leverage $1.1 million in City capital funds already approved for the project.