Yonkers Insider: Event: UPAC: We are in Untermyer Park tonight!

 

Come to Untermyer Park tonight! Join us for the amazing Guss Hayes Band!

Yonkers Insider: Westchester County: VETERANS FREE AT PLAYLAND.

Playland is offering free admission to local veterans on Monday, September 2 from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The day will also include a veterans recognition ceremony, barbecue, and concert in the bandshell. Call (914) 813-5145 for more information

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: SALVADORIAN FLAG RAISING.

Mayor Spano will celebrate the Salvadoran community on Friday, September 13 with a ceremonial flag raising at the Unity Fountain at City Hall at 4:00 p.m.

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: 9/11 REMEMBRANCE CEREMONIES.

The community is invited to reflect and remember on 9/11 during two ceremonies on Wednesday, September 11. The first, along the waterfront at 8:30 a.m. and in the evening at Conor Park at 7:00 p.m.

Yonkers Insider: Statement from Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano.

 

Dear Neighbors, It's the unofficial last weekend of summer. Many families are preparing their young students for another school year. I am proud to say we collected more than 400 backpacks for the annual Mayor's Backpack to School Drive. Thank you, Yonkers for always stepping up and providing our kids with supplies and backpacks for a successful school year. We are opening two new schools this year: The Justice Sonia Sotomayor Community School and the Robert Halmi, Sr. Academy of Film and Television. Both schools will welcome students for the first time next week when schools open in the Yonkers Public School District. To our kids, teachers, and administrators, have a great year! Have a great weekend, Yonkers! Be well, MIKE SPANO Mayor

Yonkers Insider: Event: Westchester Disabled on the Move: HOUSING WORKSHOP - Finding Accessible, Affordable Housing.

 

WDOM HOUSING WORKSHOP. FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 1:00 P.M. LIFTING THE FOG ABOUT YOUR DISABILITY RIGHTS AND HOUSING. GUEST SPEAKER: DONNA DRUMM, Esq. Assistant Professor, Program Director, Legal Studies Mercy University AND MORE:       THE LATEST WESTCHESTER AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPENINGS      AFRAID OF RENT INCREASES? – GETTING SCRIE AND DRIE RAFFLE FOR AN ALEXA DOT

ALL MUST REGISTER AT https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvceqgqjIiGdO2SgW_B4gSTwRlNEP0IKHk#/registration

Yonkers Insider: Community Events Calendar: Peace in the Park event in Lennon Park on August 31st.

 

Yonkers Insider: Event: UPAC: Saturday at Untermyer Park!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Yonkers Insider: 2024 Election Desk: Democrat Susan Cacace for Westchester County District Attorney: My plan to address rising hate crimes.

My plan to address hate crimes. Hate crimes surge in NY State - 69% increase in last 5 years.

A recent report by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli shows a sharp spike in reported hate crimes — a troubling 69% increase since 2019. This cannot be tolerated. If elected as your District Attorney, I will build on the efforts of the Westchester DA’s Hate Crimes Unit to address this issue by: Strengthening Prosecutions: Enhancing resources and training for the prosecution of hate crimes to ensure that offenders are held accountable and justice is served. Collaborating with Law Enforcement: Partnering with local police departments and leveraging technology to improve the reporting, investigation, and documentation of hate crimes and bias incidents. Supporting Victims: Seeking support services for victims to ensure they receive the help they need. Community Engagement: Collaborating with community organizations to raise awareness, educate the public on the impacts of hate crimes, and foster a culture of inclusivity and respect. Preventive Measures: Supporting initiatives designed to prevent hate crimes by addressing their root causes and encouraging dialogue among diverse community groups. Together with my Bias and Hate Crimes Advisory Board - https://www.cacaceforda.com/bias-and-hate-crimes-advisory-board, my office will be committed to fighting hate and bigotry in all its forms to ensure that Westchester County continues to stand as a beacon of diversity

Paid for by Cacace For DA.

Yonkers Insider: Yonkers Parks Department: Summer is far from over - Guss Hayes tonight as well as Elemental, Barbie on Saturday night! Join us!

 

Yonkers Insider: YONKERS MAYOR SPANO & YONKERS PARKS DEPARTMENT TO UNVEIL RENOVATIONS AT RAVINE AVENUE PARK - Tues., 9/3 @ 3:45 P.M.

 

YONKERS MAYOR SPANO & YONKERS PARKS DEPARTMENT TO UNVEIL RENOVATIONS AT RAVINE AVENUE PARK.

 

One Of Seven Neighborhood City Parks Renovated This Summer.

 

 

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano will join Yonkers Parks, Recreation & Conservation Commissioner Steve Sansone, staff, residents, and community members to re-open Ravine Avenue Park Tuesday, September 3 at 3:45 P.M. at Ravine Avenue Park (1 Ravine Avenue), unveiling renovations to the neighborhood park.

 

Renovations include new playground equipment; new safety surfacing; new fitness equipment; new retaining wall; painted basketball surface; and improved site work including walkways, fence work, landscaping and tree work.

 

Ravine Avenue Park is one of seven parks renovations this summer. Currently, Hudson, Fulton, Schultz, Wilson, Cochran and Stefanik Parks are under construction and expected to be completed shortly. Kinsley Park was unveiled in late July.

 

 

Yonkers Insider: Statement from Yonkers City Councilwoman Corazon Pineda Issac 2nd District.

 

As we all get ready for our long Labor Day holiday weekend, some of our neighbors will will face challenges in the coming days. Due to a gas leak at Palisade Towers (1-8 Schroeder Street), Con Ed had to cut off service to almost 400 families, which means they have no hot water and no cooking gas. Con Ed is working to resolve the issue, but it may take a few days. As a result, the City of Yonkers has put out a Call to Action to all Yonkers residents. If you're able to help in any way, please stop by 5 Schroeder Street to drop off food donations, or gift cards to eateries and restaurants, or call Council President Collins-Bellamy's office at (914) 377-6060. Her office is coordinating emergency assistance, along with MHACY and Mayor Spano. Best regards, Hon. Corazon Pineda-Isaac 40 South Broadway, Suite 414 Yonkers, NY 10701 (Tel) 377-6312 (Email) corazon.pineda.isaac@yonkersny.gov

Yonkers Insider: Westchester County Legislator Shanae Williams 16th District: District 16 Update: August 30, 2024.

 

Hello Yonkers, 

Labor Day is coming up, which for many of us means it's time to bid farewell to the warmth and sunshine of summer. Whether you spent the past few months on adventures, relaxing, or simply enjoying the longer days, I hope your summer was filled with wonderful memories.

Now, as we transition back to school, work, and our daily routines, let's carry the energy and positivity of summer with us. The start of a new academic year or work season is the perfect time to set new goals, embrace challenges, and make the most of the opportunities ahead.

Here’s to a productive, fulfilling, and exciting season ahead! Thank you for being a part of our community here in Westchester County, and we look forward to staying connected as we move into this new chapter together.

Sincerely,

Honorable Shanae V. Williams
Legislator, 16th District

Yonkers Insider: Statement from New York State Senator Shelley Mayer 37th District.

 

Dear Friends,  Welcome to my community events and resources newsletter!  As a reminder, you will still receive my regular newsletter in which I cover important news from Albany and our Senate District, District 37. If you have an announcement for a free event in our community, please email my Communications Director, Hannah Kirk, at hkirk@nysenate.gov.

If there is anything my office can assist you with, please email me at smayer@nysenate.gov or call (914) 934-5250.   Warm regards,

Shelley B. Mayer State Senator 37th District

Yonkers Insider: New York State Senator Shelley Mayer 37th District: *For Immediate Release* Senator Shelley B. Mayer Urges Governor to Sign Critical Gun & Public Safety Legislation ***.

 

Photo Credit: New York State Senator Shelley Mayer Office.

***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*** August 29, 2024  ***Senator Shelley B. Mayer Urges Governor to Sign Critical Gun & Public Safety Legislation ***.

(White Plains, NY) State Senator Shelley B. Mayer was joined today by Everytown for Gun Safety and Westchester County elected officials to urge Governor Kathy Hochul to sign two Mayer-sponsored bills, which passed both the Senate and Assembly and will enhance public safety. Senator Mayer’s legislation, S.3340 (Mayer) / A.5873 (Lavine), will require courts to report extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs or "red flag laws") to the statewide computerized registry of orders of protection and warrants of arrest.  This legislation will increase protections for the public at large, and particularly victims of domestic and sexual violence, by ensuring law enforcement throughout New York have access to critical public safety information. ERPOs are issued to prevent a person who is a danger to themselves or others from purchasing and possessing firearms, in addition to requiring the person to surrender any firearms they already own or possess.  Under current law, courts must notify the Division of state police and other law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction, and the Division of Criminal Justice serves the issuance of a temporary or final ERPO. There is currently no requirement that judges provide notice of these orders to the statewide registry.  Her second piece of legislation, S.9760 (Mayer) / A.10356 (Benedetto), will require firearm licensing officers to provide additional information about safe storage laws, including child access prevention when issuing licenses. This bill also requires the Division of Criminal Justice to conduct a public awareness campaign about New York’s safe storage laws and to provide educational materials about safe storage practices on its website. Senator Mayer was joined by volunteers with Moms Demand Action, County Executive George Latimer, White Plains Mayor Tom Roach, and White Plains City Councilmembers Richard Payne, Jeremiah Frei-Pearson, and Jennifer Puja.  Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “I am proud to sponsor two critical pieces of legislation that will promote gun and public safety. ERPOs are designed to take guns out of the hands of individuals at imminent risk of hurting themselves or others. By requiring all temporary and final ERPOs to be reported to the statewide computerized registry for orders of protection and arrest warrants, we can improve enforcement by ensuring police know when someone has an outstanding ERPO and better protect victims who face an ongoing risk of violence from someone in their life.   “Additionally, by requiring additional information about safe storage laws to be issued alongside firearm licenses and promoting safe stage practices, we can eliminate tragic, avoidable firearm deaths. I thank Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and my colleagues for helping to pass these bills and encourage Governor Hochul to sign them into law, making New Yorkers safer, sooner.” Adriana Pentz, a fellow with the Everytown Survivor Network and a volunteer with the New York chapter of Moms Demand Action, said,“In New York, we have some of the strongest gun safety laws thanks to gunsense champions like Senator Mayer who have continued to introduce and pass critical pieces of legislation that address our country’s ongoing gun violence crisis. We’re grateful that New York has strong extreme risk protection order and secure firearm storage laws, and we know that maximizing their lifesaving impact requires equally strong implementation and education in our communities. With these two measures, our lawmakers will be helping to ensure just that. Now, we urge Governor Hochul to sign them into law so that they can start saving lives.” Brady: United Against Gun Violence President Kris Brown said, “The past year was a historic session for gun violence prevention in New York State. These bills passed by both Chambers addressed multiple facets of this uniquely American epidemic. From requiring the use of merchant category codes for firearm purchases within the state to regulating the marketing of Glock switches to increased funding for anti-violence education in schools and public awareness campaigns for safe storage, these bills are a step forward on the path to gun industry reforms and culture change surrounding firearms. Brady is grateful to Senator Mayer and all of our partners in the New York State Assembly for their leadership in making this successful session a reality. New York sets the example for statehouses across the country, so their commitment to ending gun violence has ripple effects throughout our nation. We look forward to these bills being signed into law as swiftly as possible.”  Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “New Yorkers deserve to feel safe in their communities and their homes. This legislation is an essential step forward in protecting our residents, especially those most vulnerable to gun violence and domestic abuse. These common-sense reforms will allow us to take significant steps towards creating a safer New York for all. I commend Senator Mayer’s efforts in spearheading legislation that will reduce gun violence and prevent unnecessary tragedies.” Assemblymember Chuck Lavine, Assembly Sponsor of A.5873 said, “By keeping guns away from those who are at a high risk of using them to hurt other people or themselves, the state’s so-called ‘ERPO’ is a necessary tool at the disposal of judges.  This bill, which I proudly sponsored in the Assembly, provides necessary enhancements to modernize the existing ERPO law and will help it do what it was intended to do in the first place, save lives.” Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “I would like to thank Senator Shelley Mayer for her leadership and efforts to strengthen gun and public safety laws throughout Westchester County. Legislation that increases protections for victims of domestic and sexual violence, coupled with enhanced safety measures for firearm licensing officers, will ultimately add an additional layer of security for our residents and families. I join with the Senator in encouraging Governor Kathy Hochul to sign this critical gun public safety legislation, because one death or injury due to this kind of violence is one too many.” Senator Brad Hoylman Sigal, Senate Co-Sponsor of S.3340, said, “Information is power and right now we are falling short in our capacity to keep all relevant parties informed about who in New York is prevented from purchasing or possessing firearms. While judges are currently required to notify some agencies about extreme risk protection orders they are not required to report this information to the centralized computer registry of all court orders, accessible by many more state and local authorities and government agencies. As Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I was proud to pass Senator Mayer’s proposal, which I also co-sponsor, through our committee, to address this issue (S.3340). Our legislation will require judges in New York to report information on extreme risk protection orders to the centralized registry. This simple, common-sense change will help keep guns out of the hands of the people who have already been found to be ineligible to have them. I’m grateful to Senator Mayer for her leadership on this issue and I join her call to ask that Governor Hochul sign this bill into law.” Senator Lea Webb, Senate Co-Sponsor of S.3340, said, “The Extreme Protection Order (ERPO) bill is vital for safeguarding victims of domestic and sexual violence. As Chair of the Women’s Issues Committee in the State Senate, I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation which will give law enforcement across our state easier access to critical public safety information. I deeply appreciate Senator Mayer’s ongoing commitment to protecting vulnerable New Yorkers and creating a safer state for everyone, and I urge Governor Hochul to sign this legislation into law.” Congressman Tim Kennedy, Co-Sponsor of S.3340 during his time in the State Senate, said, “Gun violence is a devasting epidemic in our country and is now the leading cause of death for children and adolescents across the nation. We must do more to keep guns out of the hands of people who should not have them. Extreme Risk Protection Orders and Safe Gun Storage laws are common sense measures that make our families and communities safer.”

Yonkers Insider: ***NEWS RELEASE***: YONKERS MAYOR SPANO & YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS ANNOUNCE 3-YEAR CAPITAL PLAN INVESTING IN AIR CONDITIONING IN ALL 39 YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDINGS.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: YONKERS MAYOR SPANO & YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS ANNOUNCE 3-YEAR CAPITAL PLAN INVESTING IN AIR CONDITIONING IN ALL 39 YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDINGS.

 

YONKERS, NY – August 28, 2024 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr. today announced the City of Yonkers will commit $5.8 million in capital funding over the next three years to invest in air conditioning in all of the District’s 39 public school buildings.

 

“Investing in the spaces in which our students learn is equally important as the funding needed to educate them,” said Mayor Spano. “For nearly ten years, the City of Yonkers has invested over $300 million in the aging infrastructure of our Yonkers Public Schools in order to provide them every possible advantage to learn, grow and flourish. With this dedicated capital funding, we are continuing our commitment to improving every aspect our of students’ academic journey.”

 

Superintendent Aníbal Soler, Jr. commented, “In just over three months as Superintendent of Yonkers Public Schools, I have seen firsthand the significant efforts made to enhance our educational facilities. Collaborating closely with Mayor Spano, I am fully committed to advancing the comprehensive three-year capital plan that addresses the growing need for climate-controlled learning environments. This plan reflects our dedication to providing every student and staff member with the best possible conditions to learn, work, and thrive. By continuing to invest in our facilities, we are preserving our schools history and ensuring everyone has the best possible advantage to succeed.”

 

The announcement comes as Mayor Spano supports New York State legislation that would require the air conditioning of all public school learning facilities in New York State.

 

Mayor Spano added, “With rising temperatures here and across our nation, this type investment is not a luxury but a necessity for students and staff. I encourage our state officials to extend their commitment in supporting our students and their learning environments.”

 

The average age of Yonkers Public Schools is 75 years old with many as old as 100 years old, making them some of the oldest in New York State. In 2016, Mayor Spano embarked on an advocacy campaign to rebuild Yonkers Public Schools. With the assistance New York State legislation, Yonkers Public Schools is opening the new Justice Sonia Sotomayor Community School, for grades Pre-Kindergarten to 8^th grade, located on Lawrence Street at the start of the 2024-2025 academic year – the District’s first new school constructed in 20 years.

 

Yonkers Insider: Candidate Spotlight: Alessandro Crocco, GOP and Conservative Party Candidate for New York State Assembly in the 92nd District.

Alessandro Crocco, GOP and Conservative Party for New York State Assembly in the 92nd District due to Taxes being Too High in the 92nd State Assembly District. He is running an active Grassroots Campaign in this race for New York State Assembly in the 92nd District. He also Opposed Edgemont Succession, He believes in Fair Immigration Policies, Fair Union Agreements, Job Creation, Enhanced Education, Tax Reform, Support for Law Enforcement and Maintain Local Zoning.

Alessandro Crocco Bio: Husband and Father of Young Daughter. Legal Immigrant from Italy, Owner of Several Businesses in the F & B and Hospitality Industry, Real Estate and Private Equity Sectors. President and Board Member of Several Non Profit Organizations, Served as President and Representative for the Committee of Italians Abroad of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Representing the Needs of Over 100,000 Constituents in NY, NJ and CT.

For More Information on Alessandro Crocco, Please Visit His Campaign Website: https://crocco4ny.com/

His Opponent is New York State Assemblywoman MaryJane Shimsky Seeking her 2nd Term in the New York State Assembly.

Yonkers Insider Publisher Delfim Heusler

Yonkers Insider: Yonkers Police Department: Yonkers PD Phone Line Update.

We are still experiencing some issues with our non-emergency lines in our dispatch center. Please DO NOT use 914-377-7900 to report a non-emergent issue. Instead, please use 914-377-7777 for assistance.

9-1-1 lines are operating as they should, and this will not have an impact on emergency response.

We thank you for your cooperation while we continue our repairs!!

Yonkers Insider: Yonkers City Council Majority Leader John Rubbo 4th District: YONKERS AUXILIARY POLICE.

 

Yonkers Insider: Yonkers City Council Majority Leader John Rubbo 4th District: YONKERS PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS A NEW HOME.

 

Yonkers Insider: Yonkers City Council Majority Leader John Rubbo 4th District: UKRAINIAN FLAG RAISING.

 

On Friday, August 23, 2024, we celebrated an important holiday by raising the flag of Ukraine in front of the Unity Fountain at City Hall.  The day embodies the unity, pride and invisibility of the Ukrainian people.  The history of this holiday dates back to 2004, when it was officially established in honor of the raising of the blue and yellow flag over the Verkovna Rada of Ukraine in 1991, on the day of the declaration of Independence. The actual Ukrainian Independence Day is celebrated on August 24. HAPPY 33rd INDEPENDENCE DAY, UKRAINE!

Yonkers Insider: ***NEWS RELEASE***: YONKERS MAYOR SPANO HOSTS 13th ANNUAL "BACKPACK TO SCHOOL" DRIVE.

Mayor Mike Spano’s “Backpack to School Drive” to Students of Montessori School 27

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: YONKERS MAYOR SPANO HOSTS 13th ANNUAL “BACKPACK TO SCHOOL DRIVE”.

 

Presents 400 Backpacks and School Supplies to Yonkers Public School Students.

YONKERS, NY – August 27, 2024 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today joined Yonkers Board of Education President Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio, Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr., Yonkers City Councilmembers, Montessori School 27 Principal Lourdes Cruz and event sponsors to present 400 backpacks, filled with school supplies, to the students at Montessori School 27 as part of the Mayor’s annual “Backpack to School Drive.”

 

“I am always deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our community and sponsors,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “Collaboratively, we have collected an abundance of backpacks and school supplies for Yonkers students, empowering them on their journey toward academic achievement this year. To all those who donated, your generosity and dedication to our city’s future are greatly appreciated.”

 

Donations were provided by Yonkers residents, city employees, and local corporate and nonprofit sponsors including: Heavenly Productions Foundation, Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts, Castle Royale, Adonis Crosby, Rock & Rod’s Collector Car Club, Ridge Hill, PCNY, Garden of Eden and Elite Investigations.

 

“On behalf of the Yonkers Board of Education, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Mike Spano for his commitment to our students,” said Board of Education President Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio. “Mayor Spano, the countless residents and community partners in our great city and beyond have demonstrated a strong dedication to ensure that every child starts the school year equipped with the tools they need for success. We are truly fortunate to have a Mayor who brings the community together to invest in our children’s future.”

 

“Mayor Spano’s annual backpack drive is a testament to the passion our city has for our students and their success,” said Yonkers Public Schools Superintendent Aníbal Soler, Jr. “Year after year, Yonkers ensures students at our schools receive the support they need for a seamless start to the academic year. This ongoing support sets our students up for success and highlights the powerful partnership between the city and schools. We’re grateful for everyone’s continued support in building a brighter future for Yonkers children.”

 

Chairwoman of Heavenly Productions Foundation, Dr. Kathy Reilly Fallon added, “On behalf of Heavenly Productions Foundation, we are thrilled to support Mayor Mike Spano’s Backpack Drive and donate 210 backpacks and 350 sets of school supplies. Best wishes to all the students of Yonkers.”

 

This year’s youngest sponsor, Adonis Crosby added, “I enjoy giving back to my community. It feels great to help people around our city and put smiles on the faces of Yonkers’ children. I hope every student has a wonderful school year.” 

 

Rock N’ Rod’s Collector Car Club Member, James Guccione added, “Our club is always happy to support the Mayor’s Backpack Drive. This is another way for us to show our commitment to the City of Yonkers and the children.”

 

Since 2012, Mayor Spano’s annual donation drive has distributed over 18,000 backpacks and school supplies to public school students. Due to the continuous outpour of support, each year non-profit organizations, churches and clients of the Westchester County Department of Social Services in the City of Yonkers are also able to receive backpacks and school supplies.

 

According to the National Retail Federation the average amount spent on back to school supplies is $38.8 billion. Parents spend hundreds of dollars on back to school items, including school supplies, clothing, shoes, and electronics, totaling $874.68 per child.