Update from Yonkers City Councilman, John Rubbo, 4th District.

BUDGET HEARINGS For the last few weeks, the City Council has been questioning the City's Departments on their proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year.  This process gives the City Council an opportunity to hear what each department plans to do with their requested funding.  The remaining schedule is below and the public is invited to watch along on Facebook @Yonkers City Council, online HERE, Channel 78 on Cablevision, Channel 39 on FIOS or even join us in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Please note that there are two Public Hearings scheduled so the public can express their thoughts on the budget.  The first Public Hearing is Monday, May 13th at 7:00pm at Saunders HS. I am proud to co-sponsor legislation urging the New York State Senate and Assembly to reject bills before them known as the "Elder Parole Bill".  If passed by New York State, this would automatically create an opportunity for parole for inmates who are over 55 years old and who have served a minimum of 15 years of their sentence.  These cases should be reviewed on a case by case basis and not with blanket legislation.  MEXICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I was pleased to join the Mexican Chamber of Commerce who held their 1st Annual High School Scholarship Award Dinner.  Eight high school seniors received awards of up to $3,000.  Anytime our Yonkers Public School students can be highlighted for their scholastic achievements I will be there in full support! YPIE COLLEGE ZONE The Yonkers Partners in Education College Zone is officially open!  The ribbon was cut and now Yonkers students will have yet another resource to be "college ready".  This organization makes a tremendous impact on its students and I know this new space will keep things moving in a very positive direction.  To learn more about YPIE visit HERE. HONOR FLIGHT This week we welcomed three Korean War Veterans and one WWII Veteran to Yonkers City Hall to present distinguished service medals and certificates honoring their service, sacrifice and bravery. The group will be participating in the Hudson Valley Honor Flight, an all-expense paid day-long trip to the Washington, D.C. memorials. They depart from Westchester County Airport on Saturday, May 11 at 6:30 AM.  There will be a Welcome Home Rally for the Veterans at 8:00 PM that evening when they return. The Hudson Valley Honor Flight occurs several times a year from Westchester County Airport and is a local hub of the National Honor Flight Network.  Hudson Valley Honor Flight (HVHF) is a 501c3 non-profit organization that transports Veterans to visit their Washington, D.C. memorials at no cost to them. This is a well deserved honor for these heroes. BICYCLE SUNDAYS The Bronx River Parkway will be closed between 10AM & 2PM from the Westchester County Center south to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers, allowing bicyclists, skaters, joggers and walkers to cruise over 6.5 miles of the parkway without worrying about car traffic. Bicycle Sundays will take place on the following dates: May 12, 19 June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Sept 8, 15, 22, 29 Please be safe and I'll see you on the bike path! RECYCLE COACH Residents can access 'Recycle Coach,' free of charge, from mobile devices, or through digital assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. The platform makes it easy to receive local garbage disposal information for thousands of household items. Residents who are interested can download the 'Recycle Coach' app for free at the iTunes Store and Google Play. For more information on the Yonkers Recycling Guide and on Recycle Coach, visit www.YonkersNY.gov. WATER & SEWER LINE PROTECTION Many City residents are unaware that they are responsible for the water and sewer lines from their home to the main connection in the street.  Unfortunately, they usually become aware when there is an issue that requires repair.  A repair that often comes at a very significant expense.  The City of Yonkers selected American Water Resources as the official provider of the Water and Sewer Service Line Protection Program.  You may participate in Water Line Protection only, Sewer Line Protection only or both.  While these programs are voluntary, I recommend you visit the dedicated American Water Resources City of Yonkers website HERE or call them at (866) 315-4473 to learn more about these programs and the benefits of enrolling.  2019 RECYCLING & REFUSE GUIDE Have you misplaced your recycling guide or just want to review it online?  You can view the guide HERE.  If you would like another paper copy please contact my office at (914) 377-6314 and it will be mailed to you. UPCOMING EVENTS If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions on things you would like to see in future issues of our newsletter please let me know.  You can reach my office at (914) 377-6314. Thank you and I hope you find this informative! Warmest Regards,