Yonkers Insider 2021 Election Corner.

 

Yonkers Insider: Statement from Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano.

 

Friend, 

With so much information out there, I feel it's important you hear from your Mayor providing a critical COVID-19 update. 

Since 12/1, Yonkers has seen an increase of 316 new confirmed COVID-19 cases.

As we are now in the midst of the second wave, increases in new cases are seen city-wide.

While we have observed this uptick city-wide, testing in the Yonkers Public Schools has yielded less than a quarter percent positivity rate.

Simply put, COVID-19 spreading is not occurring in the Yonkers schools.

Data has shown wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, washing your hands, and making smart choices will help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Forward this update to your friends, and let's beat this virus.

Stay well, and safe.

MIKE SPANO

Mayor 

Yonkers Insider: Statement from Yonkers City Council Majority Leader Corazon Pineda Issac, 2nd District.

 

I hope you are all doing well this week and enjoying our many community events, even during this pandemic and its many restrictions. As you may recall, Yonkers was declared a yellow zone on November 16, 2020, as per Governor Cuomo's guidelines. This meant that schools were required to test 20% of in-person students, faculty and staff for the next two weeks. As of December 1, 2020, 841 people were given rapid tests and only 2 individuals tested positive. This is a rate well below that of the yellow zone area. This small sample size tells us and the Yonkers Board of Education that in-person learning is not a significant promoter of the virus, and that we can confidently continue safe in-person learning. Furthermore, the CDC has revised its guidelines for people who may have been exposed to coronavirus. Rather than requiring the standard 14-day isolation period after possible exposure, the CDC states that some conditions may justify a 10-day or even a seven day quarantine period. For instance, if a person is asymptomatic, they may only need 10 days, and if they are asymptomatic and test negatively, they may only need seven days. The CDC acknowledges that the 14-day quarantine remains the safest option, but this compromise has been made as to not place additional strains and demands on people. Please see the breakdown below of the active COVID cases in Yonkers this week both by raw numbers and by percentage change . The number of COVID cases has increased dramatically and it is incumbent on us to do our part to flatten the curve.

Lastly, please note that there will be a Legislation & Codes committee meeting next Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at 4:30pm. The agenda is as follows: General Ordinance - amending various sections of the Zoning Code of the City of Yonkers in regard to the Use Regulations for Solar Energy Collectors General Ordinance - amending Chapter 91 of the Code of the City of Yonkers also known as "Garbage and Refuse" in regard to Commercial Garbage Collections Local Law - establishing a Community Choice Aggregation (Energy) program in the City of Yonkers A Resolution of the Council of the City of Yonkers Calling on the Charter Revision Commission to consider the creation of a "Public Advocate Office" Have an amazing weekend, and I will see you all soon! Best regards, Hon. Corazon Pineda-Isaac E-mail: corazon.pineda.isaac@yonkersny.gov Tel: (914) 377-6312

Yonkers Insider: Map, Photo, & Video: County Executive George Latimer Gives December 4 Covid-19 Briefing.

 

Map, Photo, & Video: County Executive George Latimer Gives December 4 Covid-19 Briefing.

 

View full press briefing here:  https://youtu.be/Mm59TbPPJ5w

MAP: Active/Total Westchester County Covid-19 Cases as of 12/4

Chart with Active and Total Westchester County COVID-19 Cases in Each Municipality Can be Found HERE: https://www.westchestergov.com/covid-19-cases

Yonkers Insider: Westchester County Beat: Help Lift the Spirit of Westchester’s Nearly 500 Foster Children.

 

Help Lift the Spirit of Westchester’s Nearly 500 Foster Children.

 

Despite Covid-19 Pandemic, Westchester County DSS Holiday Gift Drive for Foster Children is On…With Modifications.

 

(White Plains, NY) – As many of our families gear up for the holiday season, Westchester County Executive George Latimer and the Department of Social Services (DSS) is asking for your help to lift the spirits of the County’s foster children. DSS is announcing that they are soliciting Gift Card donations this year as a part of the annual DSS Holiday Gift Drive for Westchester’s foster children.

 

This year’s modification to gift cards - in lieu of shopping for, handling and distribution of boxed toys - is meant to ensure the least possible contact with others for both the donor and the donee while still allowing for the drive to go on.

 

County Executive George Latimer said: “While we face a holiday season like no other in our lifetimes, it is important to still take time to remember those less fortunate in our community while still ensuring safety protocols are followed. This holiday gift drive provides that opportunity. I once again thank DSS for their tireless efforts on behalf of Westchester’s foster children.”

 

The Holiday Gift Drive has provided gifts for the children DSS serves for the last 15 years and - this year is the most difficult. Each donation goes a long way to bringing some holiday cheer to children in our neighborhoods.

 

Currently, Westchester County has over 500 children in foster care, ranging from infants to 21 years old.

 

Department of Social Services Commissioner Kevin McGuire said: “Westchester’s foster families are eternally grateful to those who have supported the drive over the last 15 years. We look forward to another successful – albeit different – effort.”

 

Gift cards to local Westchester businesses are preferred but all age appropriate gift cards are welcomed. The drive is also accepting monetary donations - check can be made payable to: “Westchester Child Welfare Holiday Fund”

 

Gift Cards and questions can be directed to:

 

Barbara M. Sabater

Program Coordinator of Constituent Affairs

Department of Social Services

112 East Post Road

White Plains, New York 10994

(914) 995-1937

BMS7@WESTCHESTERGOV.COM

Yonkers Insider: New York State Senator Peter Harckham, 40th District: Food Drive this Saturday in Carmel - Donations Needed.

 

Yonkers Insider: Port Chester COVID-19 Virtual Summit.

 

Dear Friends: Please join me and Assemblyman Steve Otis along with Port Chester Mayor Fritz Falanka and County Legislator Nancy Barr for an important virtual summit meeting with New York State and Westchester County Department of Health officials, among others, to help the Port Chester community curb the spread of COVID-19. The summit will focus on getting critical public health information out to community members, not-for-profit leaders, clergy and school leaders. New York State and Westchester County Department of Health officials will discuss guidelines and provide access to resources to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Port Chester COVID-19 Virtual Summit Thursday, December 3, 2020 10:00 AM Click here to register for the Summit on WebEx. In addition to local elected officials, the virtual summit will include Governor Andrew Cuomo's Office, NYS & Westchester County Departments of Health, NYS Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance, and NYS Department of Labor. We are here to help and listen to new ideas & suggestions for what we can do to slow the spread of the virus in Port Chester.

Kind regards,

Shelley B. Mayer State Senator 37th District 

Yonkers Insider: News from Yonkers City Councilwoman Shanae Williams, 1st District.

 

Yonkers Insider: City of Mount Vernon Event.

 

Yonkers Insider: 12/3 - 2PM - County Executive George Latimer Hosts ‘Ribbons of Remembrance’ Ceremony.

 

County Executive George Latimer Hosts ‘Ribbons of Remembrance’ Ceremony.

 

County’s Memorial to Those Lost to Covid-19 Will be Moved Indoors to County Office Building.

 

Thursday, December 3

2 p.m.

Watch on https://www.facebook.com/westchestergov/ or  twitter.com/westchestergov

 

(Yonkers, NY) – In May, County Executive George Latimer unveiled a new memorial - Ribbons of Remembrance - dedicated to Westchester County residents who we have lost to COVID-19.

 

On Thursday, Latimer will host a ceremony to honor those we have lost and to move the memorial indoors to the Main Floor of County Office Building located on 148 Martine Avenue in White Plains for the winter.

 

The memorial, overlooking the Hudson River at Lenoir Nature Preserve in Yonkers, consists of trees and a rope structure where visitors took ribbons to write the name of someone they have lost. The ribbons were then tied to the rope structure for all to see and reflect upon. While the memorial will no longer be housed outdoors, members of the public are still free to see add names in its new location. 

 

Latimer said: “Westchester County residents are a resilient people, but we are still reeling from the toll COVID-19 has taken on our neighbors. This memorial serves as a reminder of all we have lost as we all must continue to move forward through this pandemic.”

 

The ceremony will consist of interfaith prayers, remarks from Latimer and other dignitaries and a solemn solo rendition of “Amazing Grace” by the Pipes & Drums of the Police Emerald Society of Westchester. The full ceremony can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/westchestergov/ or https://twitter.com/westchestergov.

Yonkers Insider: Westchester County Legislator Kitley Covill, 2nd District: Cluster Zones Explained for District Two.

 

Dear Friends and Neighbors, As you probably know, NYS has implemented a system of color coded “cluster zones” starting with “yellow” (precautionary slowing of spread, includes some restrictions), moving to “orange” (increased warning, and more restrictions), and finally to “red” (contain spread with the most restrictions).  The purpose of this system is to contain small outbreaks before they become more widespread. Currently, positivity rate (the percentage of tests coming back positive) is the major tool used to measure geographic spread and determine when a community is put in a zone (and when it leaves a zone).  The State has just updated the metrics they are using for this process, adding additional factors, including hospital capacity, to the metrics determining when a community gets to exit a zone. The Three Zones — See Chart Below Yellow Zone — Precautionary/Buffer: The purpose of a Yellow Precautionary Zone is to slow the spread of COVID in a community where numbers have begun to increase past a specific threshold (**7 days rolling average of 2.5% for 10 days). A Yellow Buffer Zone restricts activity to help prevent and ensure COVID is not spreading.  This is the lowest level of restriction currently being assigned to communities. Orange Zone — Warning/Buffer: The purpose of an Orange Warning Zone is to slow the spread of COVID in a community where numbers have reached an even higher threshold (**7 day rolling average of 3% for 10 days).  An Orange Buffer Zone is put in place primarily in densely populated urban areas as a tight buffer zone, often around a Red Zone micro-cluster.  This is the middle level of restriction.  Red Zone — Micro-Cluster: A Red Zone focus area is put in place to contain spread from a specific, defined geographic area. This is the highest level of restriction. (**7 day rolling average of 4% for 10 days.) **All communities must, in addition to the rolling average, have 10 or more positive cases per 100,000 residents on a 7-day average. These numbers, as always, are subject to change by the State. *Schools may reopen if they follow new guidelines that require mass testing in schools before they reopen followed by vigilant symptom and exposure screening conducted daily. For more information see: https://forward.ny.gov/cluster-action-initiative If the incidence of illness increases substantially after the Thanksgiving holiday, NYS will be likely to introduce additional changes.  Meanwhile, it is important for all of us to mask and disinfect our hands, socially distance, and test and quarantine when needed.  For those looking for testing locations, I have put together a chart of options in our communities. If you have a GP, it is often best to contact them first for instructions.  Also, as a reminder, the only time when an individual can test out of quarantine, is when they are in a travel quarantine.  Demand for the testing has outstripped demand right now, so it may be difficult to get a test if your only reason for requesting one is to get out of travel related quarantine.  (All New residents who are exposed to COVID or who are living in a home with someone who has tested positive for COVID must quarantine for the full quarantine period (currently 14 days). You cannot test out of quarantine due to exposure.) As always, rules and guidance may change in the coming weeks. I will do my best to keep you apprised of changes. Very truly yours, Kitley S. Covill

Yonkers Insider: Westchester County Legislator Catherine Borgia, 9th District: COVID Testing Available in Ossining - 12/4 and 12/5.

 

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Below, please find the link through which Ossining residents can sign up for COVID testing at Open Door this Friday and Saturday.

Link: https://apps.health.ny.gov/doh2/applinks/cdmspr/2/counties?OpID=11900423

For ease of reference, residents can also call the following phone number to register for a test: 914-995-7425

The Open Door testing site will be open at the below times:

• Friday: 10:00am – 4:30pm
• Saturday: 9:30am – 2:00pm

Yours truly,

Yonkers Insider: Statement from Yonkers City Councilwoman Shanae Williams, 1st District.

Hey guys! I know many of you have been following the process for getting the proposed affordable housing legislation passed and so you know it has been in Real Estate Committee since February of this year. We have had several meetings discussing it but the conversation continues.

Yesterday evening Councilman

John Rubbo

who chairs the Real Estate Committee called a meeting for today at 5:30pm via WebEx. You can watch it live on the Yonkers City Council Facebook page.

While 24 hour notice is very limiting since most people won’t find out soon enough to adjust their schedules so they can tune in to the conversation, I am sharing it nonetheless.

I did however, request that the Chairman change the date of the meeting and allow for more than 24 hours notice in an effort to be INCLUSIVE and TRANSPARENT with you, the public, but it seems that my request has fallen on deaf ears.

In addition to the affordable housing ordinance (which calls for 20% of large multifamily units to be affordable), there are other items on the agenda as well. These items are:

1) A resolution by the city council to assume lead agency status and make a determination of significance pursuant to SEQRA relating to the proposed zone map change for 612 Grassy Sprain Rd.

2) A general ordinance amending chapter 43 of the zoning code and the zoning map to change the property at 612 Grassy Sprain Rd. from “S-100 to S-60” zone district to an “S-75” zone district.

3) A discussion of the draft environmental impact statement regarding AMD downtown re-zoning project - Chicken Island, Tuetonia Hall, and North Broadway.

As always, I will continue to keep you all in the loop so they you can be a part of the process as we work on your behalf for a better Yonkers!

Yonkers City Councilwoman Shanae Williams, 1st District

Yonkers Insider: New Affordable Units - Sawyer Place in the City of Yonkers.

 

Yonkers Insider: News from Westchester County.

 

(Sent on behalf of Westchester County Department of Health)

 

FREE flu vaccination clinics are being offered to residents ages seven and older at the Westchester County Center in White Plains. Advanced registration is required. These clinics are a partnership between the Westchester County Department of Health and Westchester Medical Center Advanced Physicians Services:

·         Thursday, December 3, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

·         Saturday, December 5, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

·         Sunday, December 6, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon