Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: ***NEWS RELEASE***: YONKERS CITY HALL TV RECEIVES TWO PRESTIGIOUS NEW YORK EMMY AWARD NOMINATIONS.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: YONKERS CITY HALL TV RECEIVES TWO PRESTIGIOUS NEW YORK EMMY AWARD NOMINATIONS.

Yonkers, NY – July 30, 2024 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced Yonkers City Hall TV received two prestigious New York Emmy Award nominations in the categories of Interactive Media and Public Affairs Series. It is the first time in the station’s more than 40-year history, it has been honored with a nomination from the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

“To be recognized by such a distinguished organization shows we remain relevant when it comes to communicating our important initiatives to the people of Yonkers,” said Mayor Spano. “I’m proud of the work our Communications Department produces every day and am pleased their creativity and skillsets  are being recognized amongst their peers and profession.”

In 2023, Yonkers’ Communication Department produced an interactive social media campaign during National Pizza Month highlighting the top pizzerias in Yonkers and a weekly public affairs series, “Your Yonkers Now.” All productions can be viewed on Yonkers City Hall TV Optimum Channel 78, Verizon Channel 39, and the City of Yonkers’ social media platforms along with Mayor Mike Spano’s YouTube channel.

The award ceremony is scheduled for October 26 in the New York City.

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: City of Yonkers: Parks Department: Music By Therapi Band on Runyon Avenue and The Movie "Elemental" at Depeyster Street this week! Join us!

 

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: ***NEWS RELEASE***: CITY OF YONKERS DENIED $5.2 MILLION BY FEMA FOR HURRICANE IDA EMERGENCY REPAIRS.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CITY OF YONKERS DENIED $5.2 MILLION BY FEMA FOR HURRICANE IDA EMERGENCY REPAIRS.

Yonkers Taxpayers Left to Fund Mitigation Work Required to Stabilize Slope that Caused Damage to MTA Metro North Railroad and Residential Homes.

 

YONKERS, NY – July 29, 2024 – Nearly three years after Hurricane Ida devastated the lower Hudson Valley, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) denied the City of Yonkers over $5.2 million required to stabilize three slopes along the Hudson River and MTA Metro North Railroad, leaving Yonkers taxpayers to fund the emergency repairs.

“Despite President Biden’s declaration of a major disaster caused by Hurricane Ida, FEMA denied Yonkers funding that would mitigate the damage of the storm. We are deeply concerned FEMA has decided to back away from its commitment to assist residents during and after major disasters, like the one we experienced,” said Mayor Spano. “By ignoring the agency’s core obligation, Yonkers is left to handle the storm’s rippling effects, placing this community, the Hudson Valley and its future in peril.”

In September 2021, Hurricane Ida caused runoff from Warburton Avenue, alongside the Hudson River and Metro Railroad, to pound water flow channeled through a culvert on New York State property, under the Old Croton Aqueduct. The concentrated flow caused substantial damage to the slope supporting Warburton Avenue, the homes and a residential building, washing thousands of tons of soil down onto the Metro North Hudson Line railroad track, causing a four-day closure of one the busiest commuter rail lines in the country.

Mayor Spano added, “What FEMA fails to realize is that their lack of action exposes Metro North’s vulnerability to future storm damage along its tracks -- not only affecting Yonkers, but the entire Hudson Valley region. The infrastructure repairs necessary to shore up the slopes along Warburton Avenue and the Metro North rail line are imperative in order to prevent our economy and livelihood from coming to screeching halt once again.”

The City of Yonkers was notified of FEMA’s denial this week, after the City first applied for assistance and filed two appeals over the last three years.

Said Mayor Spano, “After repeated amendments and appeals to our application based on the agency’s initial comments, FEMA has failed to uphold its mission and has failed the people of 

Yonkers. Instead, Yonkers taxpayers are left footing the bill of an empty promise.”

“The question now remains, what will FEMA do when, not if, this happens again? I am afraid loss of property may be the least of the devastation,” added Mayor Spano.

Yonkers Insider: Statement from Michael Khader.

 

It appears that the Yonkers Inspector General's office, led by Liam McLaughlin, whom I defeated in the race for President of the City Council, paid for and managed this report. He is once again using his office as a tool for revenge and political intrigue. A city-funded "report" that neither I nor my attorney have received, but is circulating on the internet, is now attempting to revive false and baseless allegations against me. The timing of these unfounded reports is highly suspicious and indicative of another political witch hunt aimed at discouraging effective, honest, and promising citizens from running for office.

Though the primary isn't until next summer, it seems the "silly season" has started early for some. Yonkers has long been mocked as "the city of hills where nothing is on the level," and it's due to dirty political tactics like these that seek to intimidate potential candidates, misuse public tax dollars for political gain, and misinform the public. It's time to rid Yonkers of such practices and focus on the important issues that affect the good people of our city.

Michael Khader

Yonkers Insider: New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh 90th District: Sayegh 9/11 Notice Act.

Assemblyman Nader J. Sayegh receiving an update regarding his 9/11 Notice Act from the NYS Empire State Development Corporation.

Yonkers Insider: New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh 90th District: Meeting with Yonkers Public Schools Leadership.

 

Assemblyman Nader Sayegh alongside Yonkers Superintendent Anibal Soler Jr. and Dr. Michelle Yazurlo and Dr. Frank Hernandez to discuss initiatives and funding sources for the Yonkers Public Schools.

Yonkers Insider: New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh 90th District: Addressing the Muslim-American Community at Andalusia Center.

 

Assemblyman Sayegh addressing the Muslim-American community at Andalusia Center in Yonkers. The over 200 attendees were given an overview of the Assemblyman’s initiatives focused on improving the success of the Muslim-American Community in Yonkers and New York State. My gratitude to the centers Iman Sheik Aly Kamel.

Yonkers Insider: New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh 90th District: Westchester Medical Center Critical Care Tower Groundbreaking Ceremony.

 

Assemblyman Sayegh in attendance at the WMCHealth Critical Care Tower Groundbreaking Ceremony of the new intitiative "A Tower to Heal" alongside Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and fellow Assemblymember Gary Pretlow.

Yonkers Insider: Statement from New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh 90th District.

 

Friends, This week marked the groundbreaking ceremony for the Westchester Medical Center Health Critical Care Tower, an exciting new initiative called "A Tower to Heal." It was a privilege to be there alongside EVP & Chief Strategy Officer of WMCHealth Joshua S. Ratner, President & CEO of WMCHealth Michael D. Israel, New York State Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado, New York State Assembly Health Committee Chair Amy Paulin, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, and Chairman of the WMCHealth Board of Directors Zubeen Shroff. The ceremony marked the beginning of a project that promises to enhance healthcare services in our region significantly. Additionally, I was a guest speaker at the Andalusia Muslim Center in Yonkers to discuss numerous concerns and plans to expand the growth of the Muslim-American Community especially in my role as NYS Assemblyman. It was a productive discussion, and I am committed to working together to achieve our shared objectives. Engaging with different communities and understanding their needs is crucial for fostering a supportive and resourceful environment for all. This week also marked a special milestone for Asez Wao, a volunteer organization for the Church of God, as they celebrated their 60th anniversary. I had the pleasure of congratulating them with a short video message alongside Regional Director Victor Lozada and Asez Wao volunteers. Their incredible contributions to our community over the years have been truly inspiring. Furthermore, I received an update regarding my 9/11 Notice Act Legislation recently passed by the Assembly and Senate and signed by the Governor into law. Ensuring that the act effectively serves and protects our community remains at the forefront of my efforts. I am dedicated to making sure that all necessary resources are in place for the many impacted by 9/11 illnesses. Moreover, I would like to extend my congratulations to owner-operator Israel Allmand and Chick-fil-A on opening their first Yonkers location! Situated on the corner of Central Park Avenue and Roxbury Drive, this new restaurant will provide nearly 100 jobs to our community. We wish much success to Israel and the team at Chick-fil-A. Lastly, my staff member for constituent services, Chandra Sookdeo, attended the grand opening of the Durga Temple in Westchester. Approximately 400 devotees showed up to pray and worship in the new temple, marking a significant milestone for the community. I again call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza! I urge all involved parties to engage in negotiations for a lasting peace agreement, which includes the release of all hostages and prisoners. Additionally, it is imperative that the international community promptly addresses the hunger and starvation affecting the population in Gaza. From the start of this conflict, nearly 40,000 have died, 80,000 are injured, and 1.5 million Palestinians have been displaced from their home. Nader J. Sayegh NYS Assemblyman 90th District-Yonkers

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: NATIONAL NIGHT OUT.

The Yonkers Police Department is gearing up for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Andrus Field, Coyne Park, Sullivan Oval, and JFK Marina. National Night Out is a nationwide effort to promote police and community partnerships.

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: AFYA VOLUNTEERS.

Mayor Spano stopped by the AFYA Foundation to recognize volunteers who are living with disabilities. The volunteers dedicated time to help sort medical Supplies for those in need.

Yonkers Insider: Statement from Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano.

 

Dear Neighbors, This week we celebrated our Yonkers Parks - https://www.yonkersny.gov/291/Parks-Recreation-Conservation! We recognized the 110th anniversary of the Department at City Hall and thanked all our employees for everything they do for our City. With more than 80 parks, there's always a place in your neighborhood to explore. The Department of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation offers programs for all ages. This summer they have hosted free concerts and outdoor movies. Be sure to check out the schedule and join us. Enjoy the weekend, Yonkers! Stay safe! MIKE SPANO Mayor

Yonkers Insider: UPAC: Event: The Library Jazz Band is in the Park tonight!

 

YES! We are outside tonight!

Looking forward to seeing you at another Summer Saturday Evening free performance under the stars of Untermyer Park!

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

 

Dear Friends,  I can hardly believe July is almost coming to a close. I have been fortunate to spend much of this summer in the community, enjoying many free summer activities, hosting my virtual end-of-session town hall, attending key events and hearing from my constituents.  Among other things, this week I testified about Con Edison’s Climate Change Resilience Plan before the New York State Department of Public Service in White Plains. I argued that ConEd must improve its resiliency, but it cannot be allowed to pass those costs onto ratepayers. They have already received very generous increases approved in the last rate case, making additional increases unnecessary and unduly burdensome on ratepayers. I have heard from many of you about sky-high delivery charges, some of which have been more than double the supply charge. As the Commission outlines its strategies to prevent, mitigate, and respond to climate change vulnerabilities, it is critical that they also prioritize mitigating the financial impact on consumers.

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