YONKERS MAYOR SPANO TEAMS UP WITH NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI) TO COMMEMORATE MAY AS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

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Mayor to Raise NAMI Flag at Yonkers City Hall Tuesday, May 1

Mayor Mike Spano will join representatives of the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) of Westchester Tuesday, May 1, at 12:30PM at the Unity Fountain at Yonkers City Hall to raise a flag in commemoration of May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

As part of the awareness and education campaign, a NAMI Ribbon Campaign will bring the subject of mental illness in the Westchester communities to the forefront in a direct and visible manner. NAMI ribbons will be on display at City Hall and in city park locations throughout the month of May. Over 40 municipalities in Westchester County are participating in the NAMI ribbon campaign.

***Interviews & Photo Ops***

Who:              Mike Spano, City of Yonkers Mayor

                          County Executive George Latimer

                          Sharon McCarthy, Executive Director of NAMI Westchester

                          NAMI Westchester Board of Directors

What:            Mental Health Awareness Month Flag Raising 

Where:         Yonkers City Hall

                          Unity Fountain

                          40 S. Broadway

                          Yonkers, NY

When:           Tuesday, May 1st

                          12:30PM

YONKERS MAYOR MIKE SPANO ANNOUNCES RECYCLING INITIATIVES FOR EARTH WEEK

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Residents Can Drop Off Worn Out Tires & Arrange For Styrofoam Pickups From April 21-28

 

YONKERS, NY – April 19, 2018 – Mayor Mike Spano today announced in recognition of Earth Week, the City of Yonkers will accept car tires to be recycled from April 21-18 at the City’s Recycling Center, located at 735 Saw Mill River Road.  Yonkers residents may recycle up to four car or SUV tires per household, including rims (no large truck tires will be accepted.)

“Yonkers continues to lead the way in sustainability efforts,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “Allowing residents to recycle their old worn out tires that often are stockpiled in garages or backyards, free of charge, is a great way to spring clean, and it contributes to our ongoing efforts in making Yonkers a cleaner, greener city.”

In order to utilize this service, residents must provide proof of residency, transport the items in their own private vehicle and must live in a one-six family housing unit. This free service will be available for a limited time from between 7:30AM – 4:15PM, from April 21-28.  

Residents are also encouraged to recycle Styrofoam in clear plastic bags.  Residents in one-six family homes can make an appointment to have Styrofoam picked up curbside from April 21-18.  Appointments can be made by calling the Mayor’s Help Line at 914-377-HELP (4357).

MAYOR MIKE SPANO KICKS OFF EARTH WEEK WITH “YONKERS CLEAN-UP DAY” AT THE OLD CROTON AQUEDUCT

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Kicking off Earth Week, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano along with the Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct and New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will lead the 2018 Yonkers Clean-Up Day on Saturday, April 21 from 10am-2:00pm (Press Conference at 10am).

Community volunteers will spend the day cleaning up Yonkers’ sections of the Old Croton Aqueduct trail at Walnut Street and Yonkers Avenue.

Yonkers Clean-Up Day is part of the Green Neighborhoods Clean Streets Partnership launched in 2012, in which Mayor Spano has since taken aim at neglected properties and litter throughout the city. The program provides an opportunity for local businesses, organizations and citizens to team up with the City in helping to further protect and preserve Yonkers and the environment. 

Who:            Mayor Mike Spano

                        Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct

                        NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

                        Clean-up Volunteers

What:          Yonkers Clean-Up Day along the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail

Where:       Press Conference:

                       Yonkers Department of Parks & Recreation

                      285 Nepperhan Avenue

                       Clean-Up:

                       Old Croton Aqueduct

                       Walnut Street and Yonkers Avenue

When:        Saturday, April 21, 2018

                       Press Conference -10am

                       Clean-up – 10:00am-2:00pm

YONKERS MAYOR MIKE SPANO PROPOSES FISCAL YEAR 2019 EXECUTIVE BUDGET

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Stays Within State-Mandated 2% Tax Cap;

Budget Contains Elimination of 182 Municipal Positions

 Yonkers Board of Education Receives Increase in Funding

YONKERS, NY – April 13, 2018 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today released his Fiscal Year 2019 Executive Budget proposal at a briefing for the City Council at Yonkers City Hall.

The Executive Budget package continues to take significant steps towards fixing inherited structural problems in a balanced manner, reduces the size of government in order to conform to the property tax cap and increases its contribution to the Yonkers Board of Education.

“The Fiscal Year 2019 Budget I present to you today proves to a challenging one; one that is honest and lean while dealing with inherited structural problems, several years of zero increases in state aid, rising personnel and fringe costs and conforming to the state-mandated property tax cap.” said Mayor Spano.

The Executive Budget for the Fiscal Year 2019 is $1.15 billion, a decrease of $6 million from Fiscal Year 2018.

Municipal Operating Budget

The Executive Budget for the Fiscal Year 2019 includes a municipal operating budget of $547.7 million.

The Executive Budget stays within the state mandated tax cap with a proposed 1.64% increase in the property tax levy. The tax rate per thousand dollars of assessed value would increase by $15.71 an increase in the tax rate of 2.08%.

This is the seventh consecutive Executive Budget that proposes to stay within the state-mandated property tax cap. Under the proposal, a typical one-to-three family home at the median assessed value of $11,100 would see their annual property tax bill increase by $174, or approximately $15 per month.

Due to rising costs of the City’s workforce and limited state funding, despite increases in revenue, the 2019 Executive Budget proposes cuts to municipal services and its workforce, including 182 positions mostly through layoffs across 18 departments. The Budget uses all of the City’s fund balance and also eliminates all vacant positions.

The Municipal Operating Budget also includes a $5 million contribution of specialized state aid under the New York State Financial Restructuring Board for Local Governments. Mayor Spano’s Administration recommends that the Council opt in to this state incentive program which is available to offer financial assistance to eligible municipalities. The Board will make recommendations to Yonkers and to New York State on improving its fiscal stability, management and the delivery of public services. The $5 million grant would help offset otherwise devastating cuts to city services.

Yonkers Board of Education

The Executive Budget includes a record $547.7 million appropriation for the Board of Education.

The Yonkers Board of Education will again see an increase in funding and the City will increase its Maintenance of Effort (MOE) for the BOE, which includes additional revenue from sales tax which the Administration dedicates to education funding. Once again, this is the largest contribution to the BOE in the City’s history. Including Fiscal Year 2019, the Administration’s combined contribution to the Board of Education has increased by $149 million cumulatively since Fiscal Year 2012, which excludes the absorption of $9.1 million of BOE administrative services into the municipal budget.

Mayor Spano summarized, “The 2019 Executive Budget is one that was forecasted, and unfortunately, also has been ignored by New York State,” stated Mayor Spano. “It is time New York State addresses its discrepancies in funding and the burden they have placed on our local property taxpayers.”

Mayor Spano added, “My hope is that the 2019 Executive Budget is a basis for discussions and decisions that need to occur so that this proposed budget does not become the 2019 Adopted Budget. I am calling on our partners including the City Council and our union leaders to continue to build upon the spirit of cooperation that has passed six consecutive bipartisan budgets during my time in office.”

Budget Snapshot:

•        $1.15 billion total budget

•        Eliminates all vacant positions; contains elimination of 182 municipal positions

•        Includes $5 million grant as part of New York State Financial Restructuring Board for Local Governments

•        Proposes 1.64% increase in property tax levy

•        City of Yonkers stays within state mandated 2% tax cap

•        City increases its contribution to Yonkers Board of Education

The complete Fiscal Year 2019 Executive Budget can be downloaded at www.yonkersny.gov.

MAYOR SPANO TO HONOR FIVE YONKERS VOLUNTEERS AS PART OF MAYOR’S DAY OF RECOGNITION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE

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Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano to announce the selected Yonkers volunteers to be honored as part of the Mayor’s Day of Recognition for National Service on Wednesday, April 4 at 12:00PM in the Ceremonial Courtroom (4th Floor) at Yonkers City Hall.

Since 2013, Mayor Spano has joined mayors from across the country in recognizing the impact of national service and thanking those who serve their communities. The five honorees recognized by Mayor Spano are members of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Westchester through Volunteer New York! RSVP of Westchester members dedicate time and resources to solving local community concerns. 

***Interviews & Photo Opps***

 

Who:         Mike Spano, City of Yonkers Mayor

                     Alisa H. Kesten, Executive Director of Volunteer New York!

                     National Community Service Recognition Honorees

What:       Mayor’s Day of Recognition for National Service

Where:    Ceremonial Courtroom

                     Yonkers City Hall, 4th Fl

                     40 S. Broadway

                     Yonkers, NY

When:      Wednesday, April 4, 12:00PM

CITY OF YONKERS TO RE-DEDICATE WARBUTON AVENUE AS MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. BLVD TO COMMEMORATE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF MLK ASSASSINATION

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Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano will re-dedicate Warburton Avenue in the City of Yonkers as Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard Tuesday, April 3 at 1PM, at the corner of Warburton Avenue and Main Street, to commemorate the anniversary of MLK’s assassination.

 

In January 1997, the Yonkers City Council passed a resolution to rename Warburton Avenue to ‘Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard,’ from Main Street, north to the Village of Hastings-on-Hudson border. At the time, only one sign was installed.  Six signs now will be unveiled and line the length of Warburton Ave from Main Street to Hastings to designate the street as Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. 

 

April 4, 2018 marks 50 years since Martin Luther King Jr., the icon civil rights leader, was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee.

  

***Interviews & Photo Opps***

Who: Mike Spano, City of Yonkers Mayor and Yonkers City Council

What: Rededication of Warburton Avenue in City of Yonkers

Location:

Corner of Main Street & Warburton Avenue

(near La Bella Havana Restaurant) 35 Main Street

Yonkers, NY 10701

When: Tuesday, April 3, 1:00 PM

MAYOR MIKE SPANO APPOINTS JASON BAKER TO ASSUME THE DUTIES OF YONKERS DIRECTOR OF SUSTAINABILITY

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YONKERS, NY – June 6, 2017 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced that Jason Baker, Special Assistant to the Mayor, will assume the responsibilities of the Yonkers Director of Sustainability. In the role, Baker will facilitate efforts to achieve Yonkers’ sustainability policy goals of improving public health and quality of life, reducing costs, and expanding access to green jobs and businesses, within municipal government, homes, neighborhoods, and businesses throughout the City.

“Jason is a natural fit for this position as he expands his role in my administration,” said Mayor Spano. “He has deep knowledge and experience in environmental initiatives and, as a City we look forward to continuing our efforts to make Yonkers a greener, more sustainable place for today and future generations.”

In his role as Special Assistant to Mayor Spano, Baker has directly overseen the Office of Sustainability since 2015. He has been managing a broad-based portfolio of facilities and asset management projects, including the City-wide facility security initiative; the three-phase Vehicle Fleet & Fuel Efficiency Program; and the downtown art-light installations.

Since Baker began overseeing the Office of Sustainability, its successes have included:

 

  • The Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations Program
  • Implementation of the Environmentally Preferable Procurement Policy (EPP)
  • Expansion of the LED Lighting Replacement Project
  • Expansion of the City/YPS Facilities Energy Conservation Projects

 

“This is an exciting time for Yonkers, which under Mayor Spano’s leadership is accomplishing transformative conservation measures, resulting in significant energy reduction and cost savings,” said Jason Baker.  “I look forward to the opportunity to continue building on the City’s progress and advance innovative, sustainable practices that promote environmental and economic prosperity.”

 

Jason Baker joined Mayor Spano’s administration in 2012, where he has held the positions of Deputy Communications Director and Director of the Yonkers Film Office.  Baker began his career has a Regional Coordinator in the New York State Assembly Department of Communication & Information Services.

 

Since Mayor Spano created the Director of Sustainability position in 2012 when he entered office, the City of Yonkers has launched one of the most ambitious and comprehensive energy plans of any city in New York State. Notable initiatives include the award-winning LED Street Light Replacement Program, which is expected to save taxpayers $18 million in energy costs over ten years and reduce Yonkers’ carbon footprint by 3,000 tons annually;  the passage of the Yonkers Green City Buildings Ordinance, ensuring the City designs and constructs its facilities to be sustainable; the establishment of the first Styrofoam recycling program in New York State, which has resulted in residents recycling the equivalent of 2.5 million Styrofoam coffee cups in just one year; and streamlined solar permitting, which has allowed for more solar rooftop installations in Yonkers than the previous 10 years combined.

 

Mayor Spano: Economic Statistics Point to Growing Yonkers Economy

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAYOR SPANO: ECONOMIC STATISTICS POINT TO GROWING YONKERS ECONOMY

Yonkers Unemployment Rates Stands at 6.1%, down from 7.3% in October 2013;
Home Sales & Home Sale Prices Also On the Rise

YONKERS, NY – December 4, 2014 – Unemployment is at a six year year-to-year low, home sales and sales prices are on the rise in Yonkers, and sales tax revenues are increasing as area residents support the local economy, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano announced today.

According to preliminary data released last month by the New York State Department of Labor, the October 2014 unemployment rate in the City of Yonkers was 6.1%, down from 7.3% in October 2013. The October 2012 unemployment rate in Yonkers was 8.4%, 8.6% in 2011, 8.9% in 2010, 8.8% in 2009 and 6.2% in October 2008. Data also shows Yonkers having the lowest unemployment rate of New York’s so-called Big 5 Cities – in October 2014, New York City’s unemployment rate stood at 6.4%, 7.4% in the City of Buffalo, 7.0% in Syracuse and 7.4% in Rochester. (For more information, visit www.labor.state.ny.us/stats)

“Yonkers is a city on the move,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “The downward trend in unemployment is another sign of the positive growth of our economy, and recent groundbreakings are further proof that Yonkers is quickly becoming the city in which to live, work and play.”

In more positives news, for the first quarter of the City’s Fiscal Year 2015 (July 2014 through September 2014), sales tax revenues in the City of Yonkers increased by 5% over Q1 in Fiscal Year 2014. Home sales and home sale prices are also on the rise in Yonkers. According to data released by real estate brokers Houlihan Lawrence, the mean home sale price in Yonkers in October 2014 increased 12.2% from October 2013, while the average sale price was up 4.7%. Through October 2014, 469 homes have sold in Yonkers, up from 464 for all of 2012, 404 in 2012, and 337 in 2011. (For more information, visit www.houlihanlawrence.com)

Mayor Spano also pointed to the reaffirmation of Yonkers’ bond ratings by Moody’s and Standard and Poor’s as a positive economic sign for the city. And for the first time in recent memory, the City sold its bonds in a competitive market, driving rates lower and helping the City save on refinancing.

“The City has a made a lot of progress over the last three years, especially in light of the Board of Education’s budgeting error,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “It is apparent that buyers recognize our strength, our growing economy and Yonkers’ positive fiscal outlook.”

The economic resurgence comes on the heels of several positive economic development announcements in Yonkers. In October, Mayor Spano and Ginsburg Development broke ground on a new 330-unit, $100 million residential development known as River Tides. The 10-luxury development, one of the largest in Yonkers in recent years, is expected to create 300 construction jobs.

Mayor Spano pointed to recent hotel developments as another sign of positive economic growth in Yonkers. More than 500 new or renovated hotel rooms will soon be available to visitors and residents, including the Hyatt Place at Cross County, which is expected to create 100 full-time jobs; the Courtyard Marriot at Executive Boulevard, which will open near Marriott’s successful Residence Inn; and the $20 million Hampton-Inn on Tuckahoe Road. In addition, the Royal Regency Hotel recently completed a major, multi-million renovation project, creating one of the area’s first boutique hotels.

“The City Council, working across the aisle, has been instrumental in our success growing Yonkers’ economy, attracting businesses and jobs, and establishing Yonkers as a business-friendly City,” said Mayor Spano. “I look forward to continuing our partnership to further improve our economy.”

Overall, the city has experienced a 2% increase in population growth, growing by nearly 4,000 residents from the 2010 US Census to July 2013, the latest date for which population date is available. Yonkers has also grown at a faster rate than any other major city outside the City of New York. (For more information, visit www.census.gov)

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Media Contact:
Christina Gilmartin
Communications Director, Office of the Mayor
City Hall: 914-377-6208
Cell: 914-512-4017
Christina.gilmartin@yonkersny.gov

Mayor Spano to Boston: Great Cities Think Alike

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Mayor Wishes Generation Boston Much Success, Sends Package from Yonkers

YONKERS, NY (November 2014) –Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, after hearing about The Boston Globe’s Generation Boston project on social media, wished Publisher John W. Henry much success in the organization’s efforts to reach, report and market to millennials.

As part of a good natured message released today, Spano touted the success of the Generation Yonkers campaign and sent the publisher a package of gifts from the City of Yonkers including tasty treats and goods from some of Yonkers well-known businesses including the Greyston Bakery, Empire City Casino, Yonkers Brewery, Kawasaki Rail Car and Domino Sugar to name a few.

“We’ve had great success with our Generation Yonkers campaign and we wish you much success as well,” Spano said in a video message posted on Generation Yonkers’ website and social media sites including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The mayor also invited the publisher to see Yonkers for himself, suggesting it’s a convenient stop on the way to Yankee Stadium. (Henry owns the Boston Red Sox).

In a letter sent with the gift package to The Boston Globe publisher, Spano asks “What’s 177 miles apart but closer than ever? Yonkers, NY and Boston, MA.”

“On the face of it, one might reflect on our differences—accents, sports loyalties, cuisine (pizza vs. chowda?). Recently though, we’ve had reason to reflect on our similarities. After successfully launching our Generation Yonkers (GenY) marketing campaign last year, we know the importance of the millennial market and the appeal great cities, like Yonkers and Boston, hold for this enviable group of movers, shakers and decision makers,” Spano wrote. “We truly believe that like great minds, great cities think alike.  So if you’re ever in the area (or en route to Yankee Stadium), come by and visit us here in Yonkers. Best of luck with your campaign.”

The friendly letter and gift package comes months after Yonkers launched its highly successful and ongoing Generation Yonkers campaign targeting millennials and cutting edge decision makers.  As part of a wide-reaching television and radio campaign, Generation Yonkers aired nearly 1,000 commercial spots over 10 weeks on ESPN, FOX News, FOX sports, the NFL Network, TBS, News12, FIOS1 News and WCBS Radio, which includes exclusive sponsorship of the opening bell coverage, named The Generation Yonkers Opening Bell Report.

Generation Yonkers speaks to Millennials or Generation Y, loosely defined as those born between 1983 and the early 2000’s that represent the next big wave of the nation’s workforce. Generation Yonkers also refers to the many generations — past, present and future — that have made Yonkers great.

The campaign builds on the momentum of many new businesses and exciting development happening throughout the city — particularly along its scenic Hudson River waterfront. The commercials promote Yonkers as the next urban frontier and as a great place for people to live, work and play. The spots highlight companies such as high-tech startup MindSpark, biotech company ContraFect, innovative consulting firm The Energy Project, and the soon-to-be opening Yonkers Brewing Co., which is currently transforming a historic trolley barn overlooking the river into a brewery.

The campaign represents the first time under Mayor Spano that the City has marketed itself to the New York Metropolitan area. Generation Yonkers was developed by the Westchester-based advertising and marketing agency Thompson & Bender.

Yonkers is inspiring a whole new generation of business leaders. Be part of Generation Yonkers. For a list of properties that fit your needs, call 1-844-GenY-Now. To view the commercials, visit GenerationYonkers.com.

Generation Yonkers Goes Primetime

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Ads Show Yonkers as a Great Place to Live, Work & Play

YONKERS, NY (October 10, 2014) – Generation Yonkers is going primetime. Starting next week, the City of Yonkers, as part of its new Generation Yonkers marketing campaign, will makes its debut on Monday Night Football, Thursday Night Football, the O’Reilly Factor and the Major League Baseball playoffs, among others shows seen by millions of viewers throughout the region.

As part of a wide-reaching television and radio campaign, the City announced today that it will be airing nearly 1,000 commercial spots over 10 weeks on ESPN, FOX News, FOX sports, the NFL Network, TBS, News12, FIOS1 News and WCBS Radio, which includes exclusive sponsorship of the opening ball, named The Generation Yonkers Opening Bell Report.

The commercials promote Yonkers as the next great place for people to live, work and play. It’s the first time under Mayor Mike Spano that the City has marketed itself to the New York Metropolitan area.

“Day-in and day-out, we see all of the buzz, excitement and activity here,” said Mayor Spano. “We’ve got it all in Yonkers – great restaurants, great businesses, great schools and great people. We welcome others to see for themselves and to be part of our city.”

The television and radio spots feature executives from some of Yonkers cutting edge businesses including high-tech startup MindSpark, biotech company ContraFect, and innovative consulting firm The Energy Project. Each ad touts the city’s proximity to Manhattan, affordable rents and happening vibe – attributes that are inspiring the next generation of business leaders to seek space in the region’s next urban frontier.

“When we began to look, we ruled out New York City for two reasons. One, I didn’t want to get in a car and have to spend 45 minutes traveling from my home in Riverdale, and two, the price was probably 2 or 3 times what it was in Yonkers,” said Tony Schwartz, president and CEO of The Energy Project, a firm whose clients include Google, Apple, Sony Pictures and other Fortune 500 companies. “And then I loved the idea of being in a truly urban setting that was on its way up to be part of something new.”

Generation Yonkers is a new initiative that speaks to the Millennials or Generation Y, loosely defined as those born between 1983 and the early 2000’s who represent the next big wave of the nation’s workforce. Generation Yonkers also refers to the many generations — past, present and future — that have made Yonkers great.

The campaign builds on the momentum of many new businesses and exciting development happening throughout the city — particularly along its majestic Hudson River waterfront.

Earlier this year, Mayor Spano unveiled the bold new economic development effort positioning the city as the New York Metro area’s next urban frontier.

The Generation Yonkers campaign is developed by the Westchester-based advertising and marketing agency Thompson & Bender. The initial phase consisted of testimonials from business leaders of companies and start-ups including Mindspark, ContraFect, Yonkers Brewing, Hudson Valley Bank, Kawasaki Rail Car and Empire City Casino. The second phase includes these television and radio advertisements as well as a continued social media push on Facebook and Twitter.

Yonkers is inspiring a whole new generation of business leaders. Be part of Generation Yonkers. For a list of properties that fit your needs, call 1-844-GenY-Now. To view the commercials, visit GenerationYonkers.com.