YONKERS MAYOR MIKE SPANO ANNOUNCES 2018 SUMMER FILM AND CONCERT SERIES LINE-UP

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

YONKERS, NY – June 7, 2018 – Mayor Mike Spano today announced the schedule for the City’s 2018 Summer Film & Concert Series that will run during July and August at several Yonkers parks.  The family-friendly series is FREE of charge and open to children of all ages. 

“Our Summer Film & Concert 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.  “With more than 75 dynamic parks and playgrounds in Yonkers, there is no better way to spend your summer nights than to enjoy an outdoor movie or concert with family and friends at your local neighborhood park.”

Music begins promptly at 7PM on Wednesday nights throughout the summer and the genres range from Jazz to Salsa, Rock, Swing, R & B and much more.

Movies will be screened on Thursday evenings in July and August and begin at dusk at various locations throughout the City.   All movies are family-friendly and rated PG.

Music and movie performances are subject to change and City 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 914-377-6450 or visit @CityofYonkers on Facebook and Twitter to confirm cancellations.

The complete 2018 Summer Film & Concert Series schedule is as follows:

MAYOR SPANO TO ADDRESS CITY OF YONKERS IN ANNUAL STATE OF THE CITY ON MARCH 14th AT YONKERS RIVERFRONT LIBRARY

YONKERS, NY ­ February 22, 2018 ­ Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced his annual State of the City address will be held on Wednesday, March 14, at 7:00 pm at the Yonkers Riverfront Library in Larkin Plaza. The State of the City will be the seventh address for the Mayor since coming into office in 2012.

I look forward to the opportunity of addressing the residents of Yonkers once again and briefing them on the most recent economic, social, business and educational conditions of our City, said Mayor Spano. We’ve made significant progress the past six years, with exciting plans on the horizon as well.  I’m excited to outline how our administration will continue to build upon our past successes and continue to move the great City of Yonkers forward into the future.

Residents will be able to view Mayor Spano’s address live on-line at www.YonkersNY.gov and locally on television channel 39 (FiOS) and channel 78 (Cablevision). A live broadcast also will be available on social media platforms Facebook & Twitter at www.Facebook.com/CityofYonkers & www.Twitter.com/CityofYonkers.

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

YONKERS, NY – January 10, 2018 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin M. Quezada today launched the 2018 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Poem/Video contest. This year’s theme is African Americans in Times of War and asks students to choose an issue in Yonkers that would require a form of collective action for social change. 

“Each year we are pleased to highlight Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  who still serves as one of the greatest leaders in history” said Mayor Mike Spano. “I look forward to reviewing the many entries as it pertains to social change here in the City of Yonkers. I always look forward to hearing the youth’s perspective especially when it involves our future leaders.”

Mayor Spano will select three poems from grades 1-2; 3-4; 5-6 and two videos from grades7-8 and 9-12. Winning poems and videos will be displayed at City Hall and online for Yonkers residents to enjoy. Winners will be presented a certificate from Mayor Spano and also will be asked to present their work at the City’s Annual Black History Month Celebration at City Hall on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at 6:00 pm.

Dr. Edwin M. Quezada, Superintendent of Schools stated, “This annual celebration of Dr. King’s contributions to civil rights for all people regardless of their diverse background, as well as the civility of non-violent protest and resistance, are important lessons for all of our students.  This is an exemplary teachable moment that provides an opportunity for students to creatively demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the contributions of African Americans to our country, and the world.”

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Poem Contest is open to all primary and secondary Yonkers students; only one poem/video may be submitted per student. Guidelines and specifications for the contest can be found at www.yonkersny.gov/mlk. Poem and video submissions are due February 2, 2018 and may be emailed to contest@yonkersny.gov, dropped off to the Mayor’s Office  or by mail to MLK, Jr. Poem Contest, Mayor’s Office, City Hall, 2nd Floor, 40 South Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701. Winners will be notified on February 8.

YONKERS MAYOR SPANO TO ANNOUNCE FINAL PLANS FOR NEW FIRE HOUSE

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano will announce the City’s final design plans for the Yonkers Fire Department’s new Station 1, Thursday, December 21 at 1:00PM located at School Street and Palisade Avenue.

Tower Ladder 71 and Rescue Company will occupy Station 1 once completed. The Tower Ladder and Rescue Company were relocated in 2015 after the original Station 1 was condemned and closed due to unsafe building conditions.

***Interviews and Photo Opps*** 

Who:
Mayor Mike Spano
Yonkers City Council
Robert Sweeney, Yonkers Fire Commissioner

What:
 Yonkers Fire Department’s new Station 1 Final Plans 

Where:
School Street & Palisade Avenue (location of new fire house)
Yonkers, NY

When:
Thursday, December 21, 1:00 PM

MID-HUDSON REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AWARDS $1 MILLION GRANT FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF GLENWOOD POWER PLANT

YONKERS, NY – December 15, 2017 –YONKERS, NY – December 15, 2017 – The Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council this week awarded Yonkers’ iconic Glenwood Power Plant a $1 million grant for its redevelopment. The grant will help fund Phase II of the redevelopment of the former power station. Owned by The Goren Group, the Glenwood Power Plant is located on the banks of the Hudson River in Yonkers.

“Economic development, job creation and investment are on track in Yonkers, and the adaptive reuse of the Glenwood Power Plant is a big component of our revitalization,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “With the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the Economic Development Council, we can continue the progress of the last six years, growing our city, improving our economy and redefining Yonkers as the best city in which to live, work and play.”

The Goren Group plans on preserving and redeveloping the iconic turn of the century Glenwood Power Plant into a cultural destination and performance space for members of the Yonkers community and an international tourist destination. During this second phase of redevelopment, The Goren Group will continue to focus resources on infrastructure improvements, rehabilitating the buildings on site to include the largest and most majestic of the three buildings, Turbine Hall.

“We are excited for the construction of the next phase of the ‘PowerHouse,’ thanks to New York’s Regional Economic Development Council,” said Lela Goren, founder/developer, The Goren Group. “ ‘PowerHouse’ is slated to be a historic restoration of the former coal burning power plant, into an event complex for groups and people who create, innovate and inspire.”

Located between the Glenwood rail station and the Hudson River in Yonkers, the Glenwood Power Plant was once the Yonkers Power Station of the New York Central & Hudson River Railroad. Built in 1907 to hold electrical generators to provide power for the electrification of the railroad, it was abandoned in the 1970s. Glenwood Power Plant was purchased by The Goren Group in 2012.Phase I of the conversion into the “PowerHouse” was completed this year.The $15.7 million project consists of structural stabilization, priority utility work, and access improvements.

MAYOR SPANO PRESENTS ENRICO FERMI SCHOOL WITH NOVEMBER 2017 SCHOOL OF THE MONTH AWARD

YONKERS, NY – December 8, 2017 –  This week, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano joined the Yonkers Board of Education, Yonkers City Council and Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin M. Quezada to present the School of the Month Award for November 2017 to the deserving administration, faculty, staff, parents and students of the Enrico Fermi School. Under the leadership of Principal Mark Ametrano, Enrico Fermi is achieving great success and is at the forefront of inquiry-based learning by engaging students in rigorous academic curriculum, at the same time exposing them to real world experiences to prepare them for the future.

Enrico Fermi was recognized for their signature CORE program – Careers, Opportunities and Real World Experience.  Students from Kindergarten through 8th grade not only research various career options for their future, but also study the skills and education necessary to be successful in that chosen field.

“Enrico Fermi, under the leadership of Mark Ametrano, is impacting Yonkers students with the school’s diverse methods of education,”said Mayor Mike Spano. “The administrators, teachers and staff should be proud of the work they’ve accomplished by exposing their young ones to so many real-life experiences at a very early age.  Through their CORE program, technology and art, the teachers and administration are cultivating an environment that promotes confidence, success and a curiosity of the future.”

“Enrico Fermi is a great example of inquiry-based learning,” noted Dr. Edwin Quezada, Superintendent of Schools.  “Principal Mark Ametrano fosters a diverse environment of creativity and their CORE program is successfully exposing our young people to real world experiences outside of the classroom.”

Board of Education President Rev. Steve Lopez added:  “The students, teachers, staff and parents of Enrico Fermi are experiencing success in the classroom, while also soaking in a tremendous amount of knowledge about possible future careers through their CORE program.  This school exemplifies the Board’s goal for creative learning that leads to academic success in our school district.”

Mayor Spano’s School of the Month recognition program began in January 2014 as a way to celebrate the significant academic success, extracurricular achievements and community volunteerism of Yonkers’ students, teachers, administration and staff at Yonkers Public Schools.

CITY OF YONKERS TO HOST THE 92nd YONKERS MARATHON

Race Day Includes Marathon, Half-Marathon & 5K Race on Sunday, September 17

YONKERS, NY – August 1, 2017 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced the City of Yonkers Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation will host the 92nd Yonkers Marathon onSunday, September 17, 2017.  The day will also include a Half Marathon and 5K, all beginning at the Yonkers Riverfront Library on the Yonkers Waterfront at 8:00AM.  Registration for all races is available at www.YonkersNY.gov.

“Each year the Yonkers Marathon continues to grow and establish itself as a prominent event in the region,” said Mayor Mike Spano.  “This year is extra special as we celebrate the rich history of our city with the 92nd running of the marathon, the same weekend as the 25th Annual Riverfest.  This is going to be a fun-filled weekend in the City of Yonkers.”

The Yonkers Marathon has a long and storied history, and was once home of the national championships and Olympic team qualifiers. Marathon legend John Kelley called it a “marathoner’s marathon,” and New York City Marathon founder Fred Lebow cited it as one his favorite marathons, stating, “You haven’t run a marathon until you’ve run Yonkers.”  The first Yonkers Marathon was held on Thanksgiving Day in 1907.  The Yonkers Marathon, which is the 2nd oldest marathon in the country, is USA Track & Field certified and is a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon.

For more information, please contact the City of Yonkers Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation at 914-377-6450.

Yonkers downtown business group doing more street cleaning

A Yonkers business group has boosted its efforts to keep downtown’s streets and sidewalks cleaner.

Members of the Yonkers Downtown/Waterfront Business Improvement District celebrated their two new maintenance vehicles Tuesday at an event marking the group’s new branding and revamped website.

One of the new vehicles looks like a golf cart outfitted with a giant vacuum cleaner. It was put into service earlier this year and it turned heads.

“When we first took it out people asked what the hell is that thing,” said Jaime Martinez, the downtown BID’s executive director.

Martinez said the contraption is a Tennant all-terrain litter vacuum that cost about $17,500. The vehicle has a capacity of 100 pounds of trash and it easily fits on sidewalks and narrow alleys.

“Essentially is goes at the speed of six people,” said Martinez of the vehicle’s trash sweeping.

The other vehicle is a Polaris GEM electric car that looks like a golf cart with a rear flatbed and it will also be used for maintenance and cleaning.

The BID is a nonprofit group created in 2002 to build partnerships, encourage investment and support commercial initiatives downtown.

The group is funded through a special tax on property owners in the district.

See Full Story

Downtown Yonkers: A Cleaner, Greener Place to Call Home

On a recent Friday afternoon, Nathan Hunter, dressed in a carrot costume, supervised the weekly farmers’ market on the grounds of the historical Philipse Manor Hall in downtown Yonkers.

Across Warburton Avenue, recent graduates of nearby Sarah Lawrence College gathered in a new art gallery, using computer modeling to design bike racks for the city.

And behind the bar at the Yonkers Brewing Company, Joe Minkler was preparing for the busiest night of the workweek. “I’m making sure everything is clean and organized,” he said, “so when the chaos begins, I’m ready.”

Some call it revitalization, others gentrification. But no one can deny that change is sweeping the once sleepy downtown of Yonkers, which lies directly north of the Bronx, in Westchester County, and has long been regarded as a blue-collar stepchild of New York City.

The changes started along the Hudson River a dozen years ago, with apartment buildings going up on old industrial sites.

And now another, smaller river — the Saw Mill, which meanders into the Hudson, but was paved over in the 19th century when it was fouled with industrial waste — is drawing development inland.

The river, now cleaner, is being uncovered, bit by bit, in a process called “daylighting,” and public spaces are being created around it. A parking lot across Buena Vista Avenue from the Beaux-Arts train station was peeled up; in its place is a park with cascading waters.

Developers are digging in on either side of the new Van der Donck Park, constructing high-rises and retrofitting old factories, adding residences to what was once strictly a business and government district, and banking on the greener look of downtown to lure people priced out of New York — or simply looking for a change of pace.

Brigitte Griswold, the executive director of Groundwork Hudson Valley, a Yonkers-based environmental group, moved to Yonkers with her Chihuahua in February, trading a studio in a Harlem brownstone for a studio in an apartment building on Main Street called 66 Main. She pays $1,675 a month, which is $300 less “for almost exactly the same square footage,” she said. Her building has a terrace overlooking the new park, as well as geothermal cooling and heating. Ms. Griswold, 40, likes the minimal “hustle and bustle” and enjoys being able to walk into a restaurant and know the owner, she said, citing La Bella Havana, a Cuban restaurant, as one of her favorites.

Granted, would-be residents may find downtown Yonkers lacking a few things — a good coffee shop, for one. Also, there are no health food stores or hip yoga studios — at least not yet. “Walking around,” Ms. Griswold said, “you get the sense that if it’s not here now, it will likely be here soon.”

Read Full Story Here