At the Enrico Fermi School, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and Yonkers Public Schools Announce Elimination of Polystyrene Food Trays

(Photo Credit: Maurice Mercado/City of Yonkers)

YONKERS, NY – June 18, 2019 — Mayor Mike Spano, along with Trustees from the Yonkers Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin M. Quezada, today announced Yonkers Public Schools has replaced all of its polystyrene (known as Styrofoam) food trays with 100% recyclable food trays.

As of March 2019, all 40 Yonkers Public Schools eliminated the use of polystyrene trays, which are produced using fossil fuels and carcinogenic compounds, including Styrene and Benzene. Polystyrene does not biodegrade and pollutes air and waterways.

The transition to recyclable trays comes at the suggestion of Mayor Spano’s Yonkers Green City Advisory Committee which provides guidance and recommendations to the city on ways to create a healthier, more vibrant and attractive city by prioritizing energy and sustainability initiatives.

“I want to thank the Green City Advisory Committee and Office of Sustainability for their insight and recommendation to the Yonkers Public Schools on how we can continue to provide greener, more sustainable materials and services in our schools,” said Mayor Spano. “Together with Yonkers Public Schools, we are leading by example and teaching our young people how they too can be better stewards of the environment.”

“Wherever possible the Trustees look for ways to encourage the use of environmentally safe products throughout the District.  The work of the Mayor’s Yonkers Green City Advisory Committee has focused the entire City on this important initiative, we are happy to do our part,” stated Rev. Steve Lopez, President, Yonkers Board of Education.

“The biodegradable compostable five-compartment circular trays are sturdy and easier for small hands to carry,” notedSuperintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin M. Quezada.  “The environmental benefits of these new trays will last generations. Thank you to our Food Services team for seamlessly transitioning the trays and continuing to work towards better sustainable solutions for our students.”

Yonkers’ Office of Sustainability Director and Chair of the Yonkers Green City Advisory Committee, Jason Baker,commented, “The removal of millions of polystyrene foam trays from our school cafeterias is a sensible initiative to help eliminate a major source of pollution and provides a valuable learning opportunity for students to understand the importance of taking simple environmental actions now to protect our future. The Yonkers Green City Advisory Committee commends Mayor Spano and Superintendent Quezada for their continued leadership in protecting the health of our city and students.”

Yonkers Public Schools use approximately 2 million food service trays annually.

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, Yonkers City Council, Hudson River Museum, Untermyer Gardens and the Mayor’s LGBTQ Advisory Board will gather to kick off Pride Month in the City of Yonkers on Monday, June 3, 2019 at 3:00 PM, at Untermyer Gardens (945 North Broadway).

The month of June was chosen for LGBTQ Pride Month to commemorate the Stonewall Riots, which occurred in June of 1969.  In recognition of the 50^th anniversary of Stonewall, New York City is home to World Pride Month this June. With nearly 4 million additional visitors anticipated in the New York Metropolitan Area for Pride Month, Mayor Spano and City officials are gathering to highlight the top tourism destinations Yonkers has to offer, as well as the City’s Pride events for the month of June.

***Interviews & Photo Opps***

WHO:          Mike Spano, City of Yonkers Mayor

                       Yonkers City Council

                       Mayor’s LGBTQ Advisory Board

                       Hudson River Museum

                       Yonkers Downtown BID                                               

WHAT:        Pride Month Kick-Off      

WHERE:     Untermyer Park & Gardens

                       945 North Broadway

                       Yonkers, NY 10701

*Media will be directed to press conference location upon arrival*

WHEN:       Monday, June 3

                       3:00 PM

Yonkers, NY – April 23, 2019 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today gathered with the Yonkers Fire Department, Yonkers Department of Public Works and the Yonkers Office of Veterans Services to official send off the City’s donated fire truck and equipment to Puerto Rico.  The municipality of Carolina, Puerto will receive the donations as part of its recovery efforts from the historic damage of Hurricane Maria.

The newly donated materials today departed for South Florida and will arrive via cargo ship to the northeast coast of Puerto Rico. The donations include a 2002 American LaFrance Freightliner truck, 60 sets of firefighting bunker gear, 60 flashlights, safety harnesses, and generators, among other various gear and equipment.

“This is truly a win/win for both us and Carolina, Puerto Rico,” said Mayor Spano.  “This is a fire truck that had to be replaced anyway because of our strict requirements here in the ‘City of Hills’ — but can still serve Puerto Rico effectively as a backup engine in their current department.”

Yonkers City Council voted in December 2018 to donate the fire truck and equipment to Carolina, a municipality of about 177,000 people that borders the capital of San Juan in eastern Puerto Rico.

Added Mayor Spano: “I’d like to thank our Office of Veterans Services, our Department of Public Works, our Yonkers Fire Department staff, as well as YFD Union leadership and our Corporation Counsel at City Hall.  There was a lot of red tape, hard work and patience involved to achieve this endeavor – but it was worth the wait!  I’m proud that the City of Yonkers is helping our neighbors in Puerto Rico, and that our City will always be represented in the Carolina community as they continue to rebuild from Hurricane Maria.”

The fire truck and equipment is due to arrive in Carolina, Puerto Rico in approximately thirty days.

Annual Clean-Up of Old Croton Aqueduct Trail Scheduled for April 27;

Sign-Up Available at www.YonkersNY.gov

YONKERS, NY – April 11, 2019 – Mayor Mike Spano today announced the City of Yonkers’ Green Neighborhoods clean-up initiatives for Earth Month in April. The clean-ups are organized to encourage community involvement and aimed at cleaning neglected vacant properties, city streets and community gardens throughout Yonkers.

“Throughout this spring and summer, we are taking direct action to restore the health and vibrancy of our neighborhoods,” saidMayor Spano. “Whether it’s beautifying a street, planting trees or encouraging greater recycling among our residents, we are continuing a partnership with our communities to improve our city and its image.”

This season’s Earth Month celebration is highlighted by the Old Croton Aqueduct Yonkers Clean-Up Day on Sunday, April 27. Residents are encouraged to join the City of Yonkers, Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct and New York State Parks in beautifying the Yonkers section of the trail. Volunteers are encouraged to register by visiting www.YonkersNY.gov or by calling 914-377-6429.

Mayor Spano added, “The Old Croton Aqueduct is a beautiful historic State trail way running through our city that unfortunately has been a hotspot for littering. I am pleased we have gathered a strong group of community stakeholders who are willing to donate their time and resources for the sake of a cleaner, greener trail for all to enjoy. I invite our residents to join our efforts and volunteer that day.”

Additional spring/summer clean-ups and events in the City of Yonkers include:

• April 13, Groundwork Hudson Valley Saw Mill River Cleanup (Thompson Street to Daylighting at Larkin Plaza) – 10AM
• April 13, Buena Vista Avenue – 9AM
• April 13, Ludlow Park Residents Association – 9AM
• April 27, The Aqueduct – Croton Park – 9AM
• May 4, Hawthorne Avenue – 9AM
• May 11, Elliott Avenue – 9AM
• May 25, Groshon Avenue & Herriot Street – 9AM
• June 1, Jackson Street – 9AM
• June 22, Stanley & Ludlow Street – 9AM
• June 29, Bruce & Lawrence Street – 9AM
• July 6, Saratoga Avenue – 9AM
• July 13, Oak Street – 9AM
• July 20, Elm Street – 9AM
• July 27, Van Cortlandt Park Avenue – 9AM
• August 3, Nodine Hill (Cliff Street & Walnut Street) – 9AM

The Yonkers Department of Public Works will provide resources needed during the cleanups, dispose of trash bags and, in some cases, provide trucks for pick-ups.

To ensure Yonkers remains clean following the clean-ups, Mayor Spano also is reminding residents to report any instances of illegal dumping to the City’s anti-dumping hotline by calling 914-377-DUMP. A reward of up to $1,000 is offered for anyone who reports a case of illegal dumping that leads to an arrest and conviction.

“If you see something, it pays to say something,” said Mayor Spano. “We must all take part and take pride in keeping our city clean.”

Neighborhood Hot Spot: The Waterfront of Yonkers