Yonkers Insider: Yonkers City Hall Beat: Yonkers City Council: City Council Meeting Agenda.

Attached is a copy of the Yonkers City Council Meeting Agenda for this coming Tuesday, May 14, 2024.

Nerissa D. Peña

Second Deputy City Clerk

City of Yonkers

Yonkers Insider: Westchester County Legislator Shanae Williams 16th District: District 16 Update: May 10, 2024.

Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

I Love My Parks Day - Each year volunteers from around the community participate in a statewide initiative to clean up our parks. In Westchester, young people from all over Yonkers met at Tibbetts Brook Park on Saturday, May 4th to clean up along the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail. A job well done to all who participated!

This past weekend, I had the privilege of joining our vibrant community at the Yonkers Arts Weekend. Visiting YoHo Studios and the Yonkers Riverfront Library, I celebrated local artistry and participated in artistic creation, activities that mirror our community's dynamic spirit and growth.

Also this week, the Board demonstrated its commitment to enriching our community through substantial housing initiatives. On Monday night, we approved two critical measures:

• Land Acquisition Act: Authorization for the purchase and conveyance of 3.42 acres of real estate in the Village of Ossining for the creation of 109 Affordable Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) units, which will remain affordable for at least 50 years.
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• New Homes Land Acquisition Bond Act: Issuance of bonds to finance this acquisition, with the total cost of the development project estimated at $89.2 million, to be funded from sources including Tax Exempt Bonds, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, and subsidies from State and County entities.

As the Chair of Housing and Planning, I am thrilled with our progress, having approved over one thousand new affordable housing units in Westchester County this year alone. However, our journey doesn’t end here. I am dedicated to our ongoing mission to ensure accessible, safe, and affordable housing for all.

Lastly, I would like to extend my warmest wishes for Mother's Day. Mother's Day is a beautiful celebration of the incredible women who embrace motherhood in its many forms. From birth mothers to adoptive mothers, stepmothers to foster mothers, this day honors the boundless love, devotion, and sacrifices they make every day. It's a time to recognize and appreciate the diverse paths to motherhood and the profound impact these women have on our lives. Whether by blood or by choice, these extraordinary mothers enrich our world with their unwavering care, guidance, and unconditional love. Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing moms.

Sincerely,

Honorable Shanae V. Williams
Legislator, 16th District

Yonkers Insider: Yonkers City Hall Beat: For Immediate Release: ***NEWS RELEASE***: YONKERS MAYOR SPANO PRESENTS SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT AWARD TO YONKERS MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL.

Yonkers Middle High School Students, Mayor Spano’s School Spotlight Award

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: YONKERS MAYOR SPANO PRESENTS

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT AWARD TO YONKERS MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL.

YONKERS, NY – May 10, 2024 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano joined Yonkers Board of Education President Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio and Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr. this week to present his School Spotlight Award to the deserving administration, faculty, staff, parents and students at Yonkers Middle High School. Under Principal Dr. Sandy Hattar’s leadership, Yonkers Middle High School is being recognized for its distinguished ranking in the U.S. News and World Report, the successful establishment of a My Sister’s Keeper (MSK) chapter, and a commendable record of college acceptances.

 

“Yonkers Middle High School has emerged as a shining example of academic distinction. The school’s remarkable transformation, driven by its commitment to academic excellence is indeed commendable and noteworthy,” said Mayor Spano. “I extend my praise to Principal Dr. Sandy Hattar and her team at Yonkers Middle High School for their relentless dedication and resilience.”

Dr. Sandy Hattar and her team at Yonkers Middle High School have worked tirelessly to meet the needs of their learning community in the past year. Their dedication has resulted in significant improvements in the school’s performance.

Some of the initiatives that have contributed to the school’s success include:

Ø Receiving recognition for its impressive academic achievements, particularly its ranking in the U.S. News and World Report. Yonkers Middle High School has been ranked 406th out of 17,000 schools nationwide, a testament to its commitment to providing high-quality education.

Ø Successfully launched a My Sister’s Keeper (MSK) chapter, which has a bi-monthly mentoring program for girls in grades 6-8, engages in community service, and has planned future activities including a retreat and participation in Read Across America Week.

Ø Taking pride in its remarkable college acceptance record. This includes two students who have been accepted into Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), one into the Ivy League (University of Pennsylvania), and 38 into top-tier colleges.

 

“On behalf of the Board of Education, I extend our heartfelt thanks to Mayor Spano for honoring Yonkers Middle High School with this prestigious award. Principal Hattar's leadership, coupled with our students' academic and personal achievements, highlights the vibrant spirit and commitment of our school community. From significant college acceptances, including Ivy League placements, to impactful community initiatives like My Sister’s Keeper, our students are not only excelling academically but are also actively enriching their community. This recognition from Mayor Spano underscores the bright future that lies ahead for our scholars and educators alike,” noted Board of Education President Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio.

 

Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr. added, “We are grateful to Mayor Spano for recognizing Yonkers Middle High School with the School Spotlight Award and for reminding us that is ‘our time’ to leave a legacy for others to follow. Under the exceptional leadership of Dr. Sandy Hattar, our school community has not only achieved impressive national rankings and college acceptances but also set the benchmark in academic and community engagement. This accolade is a testament to the hard work of our teachers, faculty and ambitious students, propelling us to forge a path of excellence for others in our school community to emulate."

 

Mayor Spano’s School Spotlight Award highlights four Yonkers Public Schools within the academic school year for their significant academic success, extracurricular achievements and community involvement.

Yonkers Insider: Yonkers City Hall Beat: For Immediate Release: ***NEWS RELEASE***: YONKERS MAYOR SPANO ANNOUNCES FREE COMPOST DISTRIBUTION FOR RESIDENTS.

Yonkers Mayor Spano joins Yonkers DPW Commissioner Thomas Meier, DPW staff and 1085 Warburton Ave. residents at the Yonkers Recycling Center to announce new Free Compost Distribution program.

(Photo Credit: Maurice Mercado/City of Yonkers)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: YONKERS MAYOR SPANO ANNOUNCES FREE COMPOST DISTRIBUTION FOR RESIDENTS.

 

Free Compost Created From More Than 30 tons of Recycled Food Scraps From Yonkers Residents.

YONKERS, NY – May 9, 2024 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and the Yonkers Department of Public Works (DPW) today announced free compost distribution for Yonkers residents. The distribution is part of the City of Yonkers’ food scrap recycling initiative in partnership with Westchester County’s Department of Environmental Facilities. The compost is a product of the Yonkers residential food scrap recycling program, which collected more than 30 tons of food scraps from Yonkers residents.

 

Eligible residents, showing proof of residency, can receive one, 3-5 lb. bag of compost per household, while supplies last.

 

“Recycling food scraps reduces greenhouse gases and food waste in landfills and incineration facilities. It’s a simple way to help protect our environment,” said Mayor Spano. “Properly composted food scraps reduces pollution and improves overall quality of life. Thanks to our partnership with the County, Yonkers can continue to do its part in reducing our carbon footprint and continue to be leaders in creating a cleaner, greener, more sustainable Yonkers.”

 

In April 2022, the City of Yonkers initiated a food scrap recycling drop-off program at the Yonkers Recycling Center and became the largest municipality to join Westchester’s Residential Food Scrap Transportation and Disposal (RFSTAD) program. Last May, the City expanded the program to include curbside collection for 200 households at 1085 Warburton Avenue, which served as a model for expanding to other buildings and households. The City is currently working with the Municipal Housing Authority of the City of Yonkers (MHACY) to bring food scrap recycling to MHA buildings.

 

Since the start of the program, there has been a reduction of approximately 571 tons in the City’s solid waste stream.

Yonkers Department of Public Works Commissioner Thomas G. Meier said, "Food scrap collection has become a critical part of the recycling services offered by the Department of Public Works. The program is resulting in a significant reduction in solid waste and we're excited to extend the benefit of nutrient-rich compost to Yonkers residents."

The Yonkers Department of Public Works Home Food Scrap Bins are available for purchase ($20) at the Yonkers Recycling Center (735 Saw Mill River Road). Kits include one 1.9-gallon countertop pail, one six-gallon home storage and transportation bin, and a roll of 25 compostable bags. Filled bags can be dropped off at the Recycling Center.

 

Food scraps are one of the largest components of trash sent to landfills and incinerators.  In a landfill, food scraps create methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas that traps CO2 and contributes to global warming.  When sent to an incinerator, food scraps reduce the efficiency of the incinerator because they contain water and therefore do not burn well. Instead of wasting energy trying to burn food, or creating methane from landfilling it, composting food scraps produces a useful and valuable product that gives back to the nutrient life cycle resulting in cleaner soil, water, and air.

 

Compost will be distributed at the Yonkers Recycling Center, 735 Saw Mill River Road, Mondays - Saturdays, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. For more information on Yonkers food scrap recycling program, including acceptable food scrap items, how to participate and to sign up for free compost,  visit www.yonkersny.gov/foodscraps.

 

Yonkers Insider: New York State Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky 92nd District: National Correction Officers and Employees Appreciation Week.

May 5-11 is National Correction Officers and Employees Appreciation Week. The men and women who serve as corrections officers undertake this demanding and often dangerous work at considerable personal sacrifice. I want to thank the many people who perform these jobs with professionalism and dependability, so that our facilities and our society are safe. 

Yonkers Insider: New York State Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky 92nd District: Teacher Appreciation Week.

 

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! Thank you to the outstanding teachers in New York State, who educate our children, cultivate our workforce, expand our horizons, and enrich our lives. In the 2024-25 budget, we made reforms to Tier 6 in the State pension system that bring public employees hired as of April 2012 closer to parity with their more senior peers. It is imperative that New York provide its employees with comparable benefits, if we are to recruit and retain a robust workforce.

Yonkers Insider: 2024 Campaign Trail: Fundraiser for Susan Cacace Democrat for Westchester County District Attorney Hosted by Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano at Castle Royale on Thursday Night.

 

Join us this Thursday! Castle Royale in Yonkers | 6 to 8pm

Hello friend! We want to remind you that Mayor Mike Spano is hosting an event for Susan this Thursday, May 9th at the Castle Royale in Yonkers. We hope you can join us! Mayor Spano is proud to be "choosin Susan"! Susan is a Yonkers-native, a life-long Democrat and the only candidate on the ballot with the know-how to hit the ground running on Day 1. Susan brings unmatched experience as a prosecutor, attorney & a judge, and is the leader we need to keep our communities safe. https://secure.actblue.com/donate/cacace_may9 Onward, Team Cacace Paid for by Cacace for DA. #cacace4da

Yonkers Insider: 2024 Campaign Trail: Fundraiser Judge Maritza Fugaro-Norton for Westchester County Family Court Judge: Elections 2024.

Join us for a waterfront cocktail reception at the lovely home of Dr. & Ximena Francella!

May 9th

6 to 8pm

$100 per person

RSVPs appreciated but not required.

#judgemartizaforfamily

Yonkers Insider: Yonkers Police Department Beat: **Yonkers Police Department News Release** National Police Week Events.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 5/9/2024.

 

Yonkers Police Department to Participate in National Police Week 2024.

 

A week’s worth of events to honor Yonkers Police Officers past and present is on the agenda for this year’s National Police Week.

 

Yonkers, NY- The Yonkers Police Department will be celebrating National Police Week with events each day from May 13th through May 19th!

 

President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15th falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. It has now grown into a collaborative effort of many different law enforcement organizations to honor America’s law enforcement community across the country.

 

All four Yonkers Police Precincts will be hosting open houses during the week; community members are encouraged to stop by and meet your local Officers. Our Community Affairs Division will be in a different precinct each day with free handouts for kids as well as information and sign-up sheets for many of our outreach programs and services. We’ll have Officers available at each location to say hello and chat – our Mobile Command Center will be there too!

 

A detailed schedule is attached; however, events of note are as follows:

 

On Monday, May 13th, Mayor Mike Spano and Police Commissioner Chris Sapienza will kick-off National Police Week at the Unity Fountain in front of City Hall at 10 AM.

 

On Tuesday, May 14th, there will be an open house of the George Rutledge Yonkers Police Museum, showcasing the history of the Yonkers Police Department since 1871!

 

On Thursday, May 16th, we will hold our annual Yonkers Police Awards Ceremony and Memorial Service at beautiful Untermyer Park & Gardens. The reception begins at 4:30 PM, and the awards ceremony begins at 5:30 PM. Immediately following this will be the memorial service honoring all YPD members who lost their lives in the line of duty; this year’s spotlight is on Police Officer Martin Geary who lost his life in 1872.

 

On Saturday, May 18th, Community Affairs and the Yonkers PAL will host a Community Kids Closet Open House, offering free clothing to Yonkers kids up to age 18.

 

Please see the attached schedule for National Police Week 2024 scheduled events. A Community Affairs Division Officer can also be reached at (914) 377-7293 with any questions.

 

Thank you for supporting Law Enforcement and the Yonkers Police Department!

 

Yonkers Insider: Yonkers City Hall Beat: ***MEDIA ALERT***: YONKERS MAYOR SPANO TO HOST GRAND RE-OPENING OF CLEMENS PARK, UNVEILING EXTENSIVE RENOVATIONS - Fri., 5/10 @ 4:30 P.M.

 

YONKERS MAYOR SPANO TO HOST GRAND RE-OPENING OF CLEMENS PARK, UNVEILING EXTENSIVE RENOVATIONS.

 

 

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano will join Yonkers Parks, Recreation & Conservation Commissioner Steve Sansone, residents, and community members to re-open Clemens Park Friday, May 10 at 4:30 PM at Clemens Park (Leighton Avenue, Yonkers, NY), unveiling extensive renovations to the neighborhood park.

 

Clemens Park is one of the city’s most frequented neighborhood parks. The $300,000 renovations includes a new play structure, improved site work and paving with painted surfacing, new benches and seating, as well as new plantings.

 

Yonkers Insider: ***For Immediate Release*** Senator Mayer and County Executive Latimer Recognize Westchester High School Musicians.

 

Photo Credit: New York State Senator Shelley Mayer Office.

State Senator Shelley B. Mayer and County Executive George Latimer Recognize Westchester High School Musician.

(Westchester, New York) - State Senator Shelley B. Mayer and County Executive George Latimer welcomed high school students from across Westchester County who have been selected for the All-State performers for the New York State School Music Association. The students and their teachers were recognized for their musical accomplishments.  State Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “I am honored to recognize these extraordinary students for their hard work and dedication to their craft. I have had the pleasure to listen to many of their performances, and I am left with chills every time. I congratulate NYSSMA President Edmund Chiarello and the terrific musicians - and their music teachers, their schools, and their families - for their accomplishments and thank them for joining us in this celebration. I also thank County Executive George Latimer for helping me recognize each student.” County Executive George Latimer said, “Westchester is rich with talent as showcased by the over 40 students from 26 distinct Westchester schools who were selected as all-state performers by the NYSSMA association. Their success is a reflection of their hard work and commitment as well as the level of education and support of their music teachers.” New York State School Music Association President Edmund Chiarello said, “With music, students learn to appreciate, value, enjoy, and ultimately to come together as one. Music builds community! My esteemed congratulations to all the Westchester County All-State Musicians for their tremendous effort and for reaching the mountain top.” Senator Mayer, County Executive Latimer, and NYSSMA President Chiarello were also joined by Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins, and County Legislators Erika Pierce and Benjamin Boykin. The All-Sate Symphonic Band includes: Rachel Horn of Blind Brook High School, Hannah Sigurdsson of Eastchester High School, Jaymin Ding of Rye Country Day School, Yuriy Kryvoruchko of Alexander Hamilton High School, Alexander Rivas of Rye Country Day School, Aaron Lestz of Byram Hills High School, Owen Gurekian of Scarsdale High School, and Christian Laughlin of Lakeland Central School.  The All-State Symphonic Orchestra includes: James Jihao Lyu of Scarsdale High School, Reese Wang of Horace Greeley High School, Ava Choi of Horace Greeley High School, Ai Yamamoto of Harrison High School, Cameron Bly of Fox Lane High School, Bryan Chung of Scarsdale High School, Veronica Yu of New Rochelle High School, and Samantha Lee of Rye Country Day School.  The All-State Mixed Chorus includes: Sophia Kliatchko of Hackley School of Tarrytown, Sage Wiley of Briarcliff High School, Aviela Lim of New Rochelle High School, Chaeli Nelson of Horace Greeley High School, Morgan Hecht of Byram Hills High School, Madeleine Brandes of Bronxville High School, Sophia Wu of Scarsdale High School, Gregory Dalietos of Yorktown High School, Rocco Sansotta of New Rochelle High School, Gabriel McCabe of Westlake High School, Colin Yung of Edgemont Jr/Sr High School, Henry Podoll of Tuckahoe High School, Andrew Scott of Pelham Memorial High School, Justin Suozzo of Harrison High School, Anabelle Shotton of Dobbs Ferry High School, Gabriella Brenner of Irvington High School, and Ellis Smith of New Rochelle High School.  The All-State Vocal Jazz Ensemble includes Grace Kiam of Pelham Memorial High School and the All-State Instrumental Jazz Ensemble includes Clyde R. Jones of Valhalla High School.  The Winter Conference Piano Showcase includes Ariana Thomas of Briarcliff High School and Benjamin Wein of Eastchester High School.  The All-State Music Composers include Aria Wang of Greenville Elementary School and Hermoine Young of Fox Meadow Elementary School as Young Composers and Jack Roche of North Salem UFSD, Manato Ogawa of Eastchester High School, Dylan Raghavan of Sleepy Hollow Middle School, and Matteo Sohn of Scarsdale High School as Electronic Music Composers.

Yonkers Insider: 2024 Campaign Trail: New York League of Conservation Voters: [SAVE THE DATE] CD16 Candidate Forum.

 

Save the date! On Monday, May 20 at 4pm, NYLCVEF will be hosting an environmental candidate forum in southern Westchester (location TBA following RSVP) featuring Congressional District 16 candidates Representative Jamaal Bowman and Westchester County Executive George Latimer.

 

Each year, NYLCVEF works with local partners to hold nonpartisan candidate forums throughout the state. These forums give voters the chance to hear directly from candidates about their positions on environmental issues. They also motivate candidates to add environmental protection to their platforms, promises which voters can hold them accountable to once elected.

Join NYLCVEF on May 20 to learn about the CD16 candidates and their stances on environmental issues!

For More: https://actions.nylcv.org/a/cd16?sourceid=1014462&emci=f9772895-a70c-ef11-96f3-7c1e521b07f9&emdi=efcdbcff-680d-ef11-96f3-7c1e521b07f9&ceid=1350031

To RSVP: https://actions.nylcv.org/a/cd16?sourceid=1014462&emci=f9772895-a70c-ef11-96f3-7c1e521b07f9&emdi=efcdbcff-680d-ef11-96f3-7c1e521b07f9&ceid=1350031

Yonkers Insider: Yonkers City Hall Beat: Real Estate Committee Meeting - May 14, 2024 at 6 p.m.

 

Please be advised that a Real Estate Committee Meeting has been scheduled ‎for Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 6:00pm. The meeting will occur at City Hall in the City Council Chambers, 4^th Floor.

OFFICE OF MINORITY LEADER MIKE BREEN, 5^TH DISTRICT

 

Real Estate Committee

May 14, 2024

6:00 PM

 

Agenda Items:

 

 

1. A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS, PURSUANT TO ARTICLES VII AND IX OF THE CITY’S ZONING ORDINANCE, TO APPROVE A SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION FOR THE AMENDMENT OF A PREVIOUSLY APPROVED PLANNED URBAN REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT, KNOWN AS “EXCELL HUDSON WATERFRONT,” TO INCLUDE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 59 BABCOCK PLACE, YONKERS, NEW YORK, TO BE CONVERTED INTO 435 AT-GRADE PARKING SPACES TO SERVE THE PROJECT.

 

2. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS TO APPROVE A REQUEST, MADE BY THE CITY’S COMMUNITY MEMBERS, TO HONORARILY RENAME THE PORTION OF BABCOCK PLACE SITUATED BETWEEN THE TRAIN TRACKS AND WOODWORTH AVENUE TO “ARCHBISHOP GEORGE LEON HARRIS SQUARE”

 

 

3. Any additional items that may properly come before this Committee

 

 

Yonkers Insider: Yonkers City Hall Beat: Yonkers City Council: Special Meeting Call.

Please be advised that the City Council has called a Special Meeting for Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 5:30pm.

Yonkers Insider: Yonkers City Hall Beat: Yonkers City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy: Yonkers City Council Budget Hearing Schedule for Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025.

 

Yonkers City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy: City Council Budget Hearing Schedule for Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025.