Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

On Saturday, May 7th, I will be at Lincoln Park on South Broadway with Que Paso Latinx and the South Broadway BID for fun activities designed to inform the community about the importance of mental health. Please save the date. More details to come.

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: Current COVID rates in Yonkers.

With rising COVID infections in our area, I've gotten numerous requests to start including this information once again in my weekly newsletter. As per the Westchester County COVID-19 Dashboard, as of today, April 29th, Yonkers has 647 active COVID cases. For more information, please refer to the County COVID-19 Dashboard https://wcgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/280339d96db14efd9cc304dba0f3a71d

Yonkers Insider: Yonkers City Councilwoman Corazon Pineda Issac 2nd District: Arbor Day.

 

Today, April 29th, Cesar Chavez School students celebrated Arbor Day by helping to plant a tree at the Cedar Place playground.

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: News from Yonkers Public Schools.

 

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: TEMPLE OF THE SKY HAS BEEN FULLY RENOVATED.

 

The restoration of the Temple of the Sky at Untermyer Gardens looks absolutely stunning!

Thank you to Mayor Mike Spano, Untermyer Gardens Conservancy and the Yonkers Parks, Recreation & Conservation for the well-needed repair to one of the key elements of our glorified gardens.

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: NEW BUSINESS ALERT!

 

Check Yonkers' newest restaurant located at 47 N Broadway! It's off the hook!

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: YONKERS CELEBRATES ARBOR DAY.

 

What a beautiful day for tree plantings! 

Students from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy joined Mayor Spano for a special tree planting to celebrate Arbor Day. The tree planting at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy was one of three tree plantings hosted by the City across Yonkers! 

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH.

Congratulations to Yonkers' Employee of the Month, Kelly Olson-Chiarella, Director of the Office for the Aging!



The City of Yonkers thanks Kelly for her hard work and can-do attitude toward every task she and her team set their mind to for our residents.

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: YONKERS' BRAVEST MOVE UP.

 

Congratulations to the Yonkers Fire Department members who were promoted to their new positions!

Six members were sworn into the positions of Assistant Chief, Captain, and Lieutenant.

What a major accomplishment!

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: YONKERS RECEIVES ADDITIONAL EDUCATION FUNDING.

 

Mayor Spano joined Governor Hochul and our state leaders at Enrico Fermi School as they recommitted New York State to the needs of our students.

 

The State's committed to fully funding the Foundation Aid Formula, which places Yonkers Public Schools back on the road to academic success. 

Yonkers Insider: Statement from Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano.

 

Dear friend,

 

Today I appointed Deputy Chief Chris Sapienza as the new Yonkers Police Commissioner. He is set to lead the over 600 men and women in the Department.

I have no doubt in Chris's ability to cultivate relationships with the community and our officers to ensure they can all be the best versions of themselves. He's been a shining star in the Department for years and epitomizes the meaning of true leadership.

I look forward to working with him to further the progress we have made thus far, fostering stronger community relationships and continuing to keep Yonkers safe.

I want to thank former Police Commissioner John Mueller for his service to this city and commitment to making Yonkers one of the safest cities of its size.

Sincerely,

 

MIKE SPANO

Mayor

Yonkers Insider: Statement from New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh Representing Yonkers.

 

Had a great time tonight at the Yonkers Police Captain's, Lieutenant's, & Sergeant's Association - CLSA Annual Installation and Awards Dinner Dance. At this event, I was proud to recognize the immense contributions of all members of the Yonkers Police Department and bid a bittersweet farewell to the CLSA’s Man of the Year, outgoing Police Commissioner John Mueller.

Commissioner Mueller will be bringing his talents, expertise, and commitment to a new role at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority - MTA. On behalf of our grateful City, we congratulate you and wish you nothing but the best in your new role Commissioner. Excelsior!

New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh.

From the Desk of Brian Harrod.

 

WESTCHESTER DA: Yonkers Apartment Superintendent Going To The Big House For Assaulting Female Tenant With An Ax Westchester District Attorney Mimi Rocah says Anan Badan, will spend three years in state prison for assaulting a tenant with an ax. The ax swinging superintendent was convicted on assault and criminal possession of a weapon. First he confronted the #Yonkers confronted the victim about a noise complaint. Then he then came back with an ax and swung at the victim. The victim suffered bruises and cut her hand..... https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/posts/3230940520496837

Yonkers Insider: News from The Rotary Club of Yonkers-East Yonkers.

The Rotary Club of Yonkers-East Yonkers, together with Toastmasters, had a great speech contest on April 27, 2022! Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano was there!

Submitted by The Rotary Club of Yonkers-East Yonkers.

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: MAYOR MIKE SPANO, YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS & 'YO DIGO NO MÁS' ORGANIZES FIRST-EVER SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MARCH IN YONKERS - Sat., 4/30 @ 11 A.M.

 

MAYOR MIKE SPANO, YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND “YO DIGO NO MÁS” ORGANIZES FIRST-EVER SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MARCH IN YONKERS.

 

In recognition of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano along with the Yonkers Public Schools and nonprofit organization Yo Digo No Maěs (I Say No More) will lead Yonkers’ first-ever “I Say No More to Sexual Violence” March on Saturday, April 30^th from 11AM-3PM (press conference at 11AM).

 

Following the march, various educational workshops are planned to take place at Eugenio Maria de Hostos MicroSociety School by a group of professionals, experts and specialized organizations to empower the community and prevent sexual violence. The workshops will also include helpful prevention strategies, resources and information on how to identify the signs of sexual violence, and guidance on starting the healing process as a victim or survivor.

 

For more information, the community is encouraged to visit www.YODIGONOMAS.com.

 

In the U.S., 81% of women and 43% of men report some form of sexual harassment and/or assault in their lifetime. In America, every 68 seconds, an individual is sexually assaulted, and every 9 minutes, that victim is a child. These numbers demonstrate the high prevalence of this public health crisis happening in communities across the country.

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: MAYOR SPANO APPOINTS DEPUTY CHIEF CHRIS SAPIENZA AS YONKERS POLICE COMMISSIONER.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAYOR SPANO APPOINTS DEPUTY CHIEF CHRIS SAPIENZA

AS YONKERS POLICE COMMISSIONER.

 

27-Year Veteran of the Yonkers Police and Former United States Marine to Lead Yonkers Police Department.

Acting Yonkers Police Commissioner Chris Sapienza

(Photo Credit: Maurice Mercado/City of Yonkers)

 

YONKERS, NY – April 29, 2022 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced his appointment of Yonkers Police Deputy Chief Chris Sapienza as the City’s new Police Commissioner. Sapienza will serve as acting commissioner, pending Yonkers City Council confirmation. Sapienza will replace outgoing Commissioner John Mueller, who retired earlier this week.

 

“Police Commissioner Chris Sapienza has the temperament and keen ability to cultivate relationships with the community and our officers to ensure they can all be the best versions of themselves,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “Chris has been a shining star in the Department for years, and epitomizes the meaning of true leadership, demonstrating his in-depth knowledge, training, and dedication to the men and women of our police force. We look forward to advancing the progress we have made thus far to foster stronger community relationships and continuing to keep our residents safe.”

 

Sapienza’s commitment to public service began in 1987 when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving for over eight years. He is a Gulf War veteran and recipient of numerous awards, including the Combat Action Ribbon. After receiving an honorable discharge, Sapienza sustained that commitment to public service with a career in law enforcement in his hometown. A dedicated police professional with over twenty-seven years of service to the City of Yonkers, Sapienza recognizes the special relationship between the Yonkers Police Department and the communities it serves and will continue working together to drive down crime and enhance the quality of life for Yonkers residents.

Police Commissioner Sapienza said, “I am deeply honored with the responsibility and privilege the Mayor has entrusted to me to guide the Yonkers Police Department. Our police officers and supervisors have done incredible work during the Spano Administration to drive crime down to historic lows while enhancing community relations and improving our residents’ quality-of-life. I look forward to building on that progress by working together with the community, administration, and City Council.”

 

Sapienza began his career with the Yonkers Police Department in 1995 as a Police Officer in the 3rd Precinct and then the Emergency Service Unit. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2006, Lieutenant in 2015, and Captain in 2019; he served as the President of the Captain’s, Lieutenant’s, and Sergeant’s Association from 2015 - 2019. In 2019, he was appointed Deputy Chief of the Support Services Bureau, overseeing multiple divisions and units responsible for the logistic operation of the Department.

 

Sapienza holds a Masters from Mercy College and is a graduate of the 245th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He and his wife Kat have been married for over 15 years and enjoy traveling together.

 

Mayor Spano added, “I want to thank Commissioner Mueller for his service to the residents of the city and to our police department. Under his leadership, Yonkers has achieved unprecedented successes, including a reduction in overall crime, a more diverse police force, and the introduction of various community policing initiatives that have transformed our police department. I congratulate him on a stellar career and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”

 

Sapienza will serve as the City of Yonkers’ 23^rd police commissioner.

From the Desk of Publisher Brian Harrod.

 

YONKERS PIC: The New #YonkersPD Commissioner Chris Sapienza...... https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/posts/3230515413872681/

Yonkers Insider: Westchester County District Attorney: YONKERS APARTMENT SUPERINTENDENT SENTENCED TO STATE PRISON FOR ASSAULTING TENANT WITH AXE.

 

WESTCHESTER COUNTY OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY

MIRIAM E. ROCAH

 

 

***NEWS RELEASE***

For Immediate Release

YONKERS APARTMENT SUPERINTENDENT SENTENCED TO STATE PRISON FOR ASSAULTING TENANT WITH AXE.

 

White Plains, NY – Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah announced that the former superintendent of an apartment building in Yonkers was sentenced to state prison for assaulting a tenant with an axe.   

 

Anan Badan, 59, of Yonkers, was sentenced on April 28, 2022, to three years in state prison, with three years of post-release supervision. A jury convicted Badan after trial of Assault in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, both felonies.   

  

On Nov. 2, 2020, at approximately 9:45 p.m., Badan confronted a tenant about a noise complaint in an apartment building in Yonkers. Badan then left the victim’s apartment and returned moments later with an axe, which he swung at the victim. The victim sustained bruises to her chest and a laceration to her hand as a result of the attack.   

 

The Yonkers Police Department arrested Badan and investigated the incident.   

  

The case was before Judge Barry Warhit in Westchester County Court, and was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Shumejda of the Trials and Investigations Division. 

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: YONKERS MAYOR SPANO TO ANNOUNCE APPOINTMENT OF NEW YONKERS POLICE COMMISSIONER - Fri., 4/29 @ 2:30 P.M.

 

YONKERS MAYOR MIKE SPANO TO ANNOUNCE APPOINTMENT OF

NEW POLICE COMMISSIONER.

 

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano will announce the appointment of the City’s new Police Commissioner on Friday, April 29 at 2:30 PM at Yonkers City Hall (40 South Broadway), 2^nd Floor Mayor’s Reception Room. The appointment comes as outgoing Yonkers Police Commissioner John Mueller announced his retirement after 27 years of service to the Yonkers Police Department.

 

Mayor Spano’s appointee will serve as Acting Commissioner until his position is confirmed by the Yonkers City Council.

 

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: MAYOR MIKE SPANO & YONKERS STUDENTS CELEBRATE ARBOR DAY WITH TREE PLANTING AT PITKIN PARK - Fri., 4/29 @ 11:30 A.M.

 

MAYOR MIKE SPANO & YONKERS STUDENTS CELEBRATE ARBOR DAY WITH TREE PLANTING AT PITKIN PARK.

 

Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation Observe Arbor Day with Tree Plantings Across City.

 

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, along with the City’s Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation, will celebrate Arbor Day on Friday, April 29 at 11:30AM at Pitkin Park (87 Locust Street) with a tree planting with students from Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy.

 

The Yonkers Parks Department also will plant trees throughout the day across the City at the following locations:

§  9:30 am at Edith P. Welty Park (Mile Square Road & Barton Road)

§  10:30 am at Cedar Place Playground (20 Cedar Place)

 

Yonkers has been honored as a “Tree City USA Community” for the 35nd consecutive year. Tree City USA distinction is earned by meeting standards set by the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters.

 

April 29^th marks the 150th celebration of Arbor Day, which has been observed throughout the nation, with the main purpose of encouraging the planting and care of trees for the benefit of our urban, community, and rural landscapes.

 

Publisher Brian Harrod: GUN VIOLENCE IN YONKERS: There Have Been At Least A Dozen Shootings In Yonkers Over The Last 100 days.

 

The so-called 'safest city' just marked a sad anniversary.... Marilyn Cotto Montanez, a Yonkers teenager was shot to death a year ago; and was an 18-year-old junior at Lincoln High School.... https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/posts/3230242503899972/

Yonkers Insider: New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh: What You Should Know About the New New York State Budget.

 

TONIGHT Thursday, April 28th  5:30 to 7 pm   Yonkers Riverfront Library,  1 Larkin Center   Please join us. There will be a Facebook Live streaming link through Assemblymember Sayegh's Facebook page. Please search: Nader Sayegh, New York State Assemblyman, Yonkers;  www.facebook.com/naderjsayegh

Yonkers Insider: Yonkers City Councilwoman Corazon Pineda Issac 2nd District: Yonkers City Council Meetings- April 26, 2022.

 

On April 26, 2022, the Yonkers City Council held a Legislation & Codes Committee meeting, as well as our regular City Council Stated meeting. All items on the agendas appear below, as well as the decisions taken by the City Council in regard to these items. 

Legislation & Codes Committee Meeting 1.   Continued discussion re: revisions to Local Law amending the Code of the City of Yonkers by repealing Chapter 38 of the Code of the City of Yonkers entitled “Third Party Delivery Services”. (Moved to Rules Committee agenda for May 3, 2022) 2.   General Ordinance amending Article IX of Chapter 109 of the Code of the City of Yonkers entitled “Stopping, Standing and Parking” in relation to commercial and other vehicle momentary parking. (Kept in Committee for further discussion)   3.    General Ordinance amending Chapter 109 of the Code of the City of Yonkers entitled “Vehicles and Traffic” to include new limitations on the parking of commercial vehicles. (Kept in Committee for further discussion) 4.   General Ordinance amending Chapter 91 of the Code of the City of Yonkers entitled “Garbage and Refuse” with regard to amending duties to keep sidewalks clear. (Moved to Rules Committee agenda for May 3, 2022) City Council Stated Meeting Agenda 1.           Special Ordinance authorizing an encroachment in the right-of-way on Huntsbridge Road, subject to certain terms and conditions (Adopted 7-0) 2.           Resolution transferring Lead Agency status under SEQRA to the Yonkers Planning Board for the premises known as 273-297 Glenwood Avenue, and 164 Lake Avenue fronting on both Father Finian Sullivan Drive and Somerville Place (Adopted 7-0) 3.           Resolution requesting the NYS legislature to pass a Local Law allowing the City of Yonkers to establish special school no speed zone and utilize photo speed violation monitoring systems (Adopted 7-0) 4.           Resolution – Settlement- City of Yonkers vs. Elizabeth Taylor in the amount of $7, 500.00 (Adopted 7-0) 5.           Resolution – Approving the appointment of Anthony Gjelaj to the Zoning Board (Adopted 7-0) 6.           Resolution calling for a public hearing to honorarily rename the portion of Nepperhan Avenue between Odell Avenue and Cross Hill Avenue as “Yonkers Police Officer Harold Woods Way”   (Adopted 7-0)                                   As a friendly reminder, although the City Council has resumed its in-person Stated meetings, all Committee meetings, including Rules, will be held virtually for the time being, unless otherwise noted. Tune in via the City Council Facebook page, City Hall TV (accessible via the City of Yonkers website), Optimum channel 78, or Verizon Fios channel 39.  

Best regards,   Hon. Corazon Pineda-Isaac E-mail: corazon.pineda.isaac@yonkersny.gov Tel: (914) 377-6312

‌

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: YONKERS MAYOR MIKE SPANO & YONKERS FIRE DEPARTMENT TO SWEAR IN NEWLY PROMOTED OFFICERS - Thurs., 4/28 @ 10 A.M.

 

YONKERS MAYOR MIKE SPANO & YONKERS FIRE DEPARTMENT TO SWEAR IN NEWLY PROMOTED OFFICERS.

 

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano will join Yonkers Fire Department Commissioner Anthony Pagano on Thursday, April 28 at 10:00AM at Yonkers City Hall (40 South Broadway) for the promotion and swearing in of newly promoted Assistant Chiefs, Captains and Lieutenants in the Yonkers Fire Department.

 

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: ***NEWS RELEASE***: YONKERS MAYOR SPANO PRESENTS CITYS’ FIRST-EVER GREEN CITY LEADERSHIP AWARDS.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: YONKERS MAYOR SPANO PRESENTS CITYS’ FIRST-EVER GREEN CITY LEADERSHIP AWARDS.

 

Yonkers Public School Students and Untermyer Gardens Conservancy Awarded for Projects that Improve Yonkers Environmental Health and Sustainability.

Yonkers Green City Student Leadership Award winners from Family School 32 with Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano.

(Photo Credit: Maurice Mercado/City of Yonkers).

YONKERS, NY – April 26, 2022 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano this week presented Yonkers’ first-ever Green City Leadership Awards, recognizing local community organizations and students for their contributions towards improving the environmental health and sustainability of the City.

“Yonkers has led the charge in sustainability for the last decade, working with our non-for-profits, schools, city agencies, businesses and residents,” said Mayor Spano. “I am continually impressed by our city’s vision, action and commitment to our environment. Congratulations to all our winners for your inspirational projects and being stewards of a healthier Yonkers.”

At a ceremony held on Monday at Yonkers City Hall, Untermyer Gardens Conservancy was awarded the Yonkers Green City Community Leadership Award and a $10,000 grant provided by the Yonkers IDA for its proposed Warblers On Warburton (WOW) tree canopy improvement program. Funded by ThePlant.org and the Yonkers IDA, students at Yonkers Public Schools’ Family School 32 and Roosevelt High School were awarded the Yonkers Green City Student Leadership Award and each school received $2,000 for their award-winning school projects.

Untermyer Gardens Conservancy’s project strives to improve the tree canopy in the neighborhoods surrounding Warburton Avenue. The Conservancy partnered with the Hudson River Community Association – a neighborhood organization representing residents in the Warburton Avenue area – to identify properties that could host a shade tree in their front yard, along the sidewalk, and request permission from property owners to plant the trees on their property free of charge. The Conservancy was successful in planting six new shade trees in the area in 2021 and with the support of the Yonkers Green City Community Leadership program, the Conservancy plans to expand the program with the planting of 30 new shade trees in the area in 2022. Additionally, the Conservancy is utilizing this program as an educational opportunity by offering paid internships to local high school students who will participate in the tree plantings, as well as other gardening projects at Untermyer Gardens.

The Yonkers Green City Student Leadership Award was given to the Family School 32 Student Government for their development of its new program, “Beautify 32,” which takes a student-led approach to keeping the school and its grounds clean and free of litter, while raising awareness of environmental protection. In addition to organizing student clean-ups, the members of the Student Government are planting flower and vegetable gardens at the school and will be developing recycling education materials to increase participation among students and parents.

Mayor Spano also presented Devan Eldridge, a senior at Roosevelt High School and a member of the school’s A-Team Autism Program, with the Yonkers Green City Student Leadership Award. Eldridge leads the school’s Recycling Program where he and his recycling team conduct weekly bottle and paper collection from each classroom, clean and sort the co-mingled and paper recyclables, and prepare them for pick-up and delivery to the Yonkers Recycling Center. To date, Eldridge and the Recycling Team at Roosevelt have recycled over 2,290 pounds of plastic, glass and paper materials. In addition, Devan is involved in environmental advocacy and school beautification projects, and he plans to expand the Roosevelt High School Recycling program with additional recycling bins placed throughout the school and offering workshops for students and parents to learn about recycling and help increase participation.

“Throughout the school district our students are encouraged to be active citizens in their school community,” noted Dr. Edwin M. Quezada, Superintendent of Schools. “When we educate our students about environmental issues that impact them today​ and, in the future, they develop and put into action effective solutions with the potential for long-term results. The students at Family School 32 and the SharkWorks Recycling team lead by Devan Eldridge at Roosevelt High School-Early College Studies are magnificent examples of the creativity and fortitude of Yonkers students.  The Mayor’s Green City Leadership awards once again encourage and highlight the best in our community and provide a platform for students to do more.”  

Lela Goren, CEO, ThePlant.org, commented, "The Plant is excited to nurture the Yonkers climate solutionists through ThePlant.org's sponsorship of the Yonkers Green City Leadership Awards. As pandemics and natural disasters continue to reshape our world, we believe it's never been more important for us to come together as solutionists. Mayor Spano's Green City initiative shows the City's ongoing dedication to addressing the climate crisis by supporting grassroots ventures right here in Yonkers Public Schools, which is central to our mission as developers and as members of this community. We're proud to call Yonkers our home and look forward to future opportunities to empower local visionaries."

Applications for the Yonkers Green City Awards were reviewed and evaluated by members of the Yonkers Green City Advisory Committee based on an awards criteria focused on natural resource protection, waste reduction, environmentally preferable practices, renewable energy and energy efficiency, green transportation, and community health and wellness.

ABOUT THEPLANT.ORG

Born out of The Plant, a mission-driven real estate development and investment company, ThePlant.org is a non-profit organization that leverages its physical footprint in Yonkers to empower our community of climate solutionists thru education, job training and art for a more environmentally, socially, and economically just future. 

ABOUT THE PLANT

The Plant is real estate development and investment company with a unique mission to achieve vertical integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) methods throughout all aspects of its business including finance, development, and operations. The Plant's initial projects in Yonkers, NY represent the industry's first comprehensive model of cutting-edge sustainable design, innovative adaptive-reuse, and meticulous historic restoration all thru and ESG lens. Through partnership with public agencies, non-profits, community leaders, corporations, and entrepreneurs, The Plant powers solutions to the earth's greatest challenges by developing inspirational spaces that empowers its community of climate solutionists.

For more images from the Yonkers Green City Leadership Awards ceremony, visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/cityofyonkers/albums/72177720298404170