Yonkers Insider Online Newspaper Publisher Delfim Heusler
Assemblyman Sayegh's E - newsletter includes updates on his work to combat swatting -reporting false mass casualty events and threats to schools - and harassing phone calls from untraceable phone numbers; Celebrates Jordanian-American Heritage and speaks to the importance of Memorial Day.
YONKERS CITIZENS TO HOLD TERM LIMITS
RALLY AND PETITION DRIVE.
DATE: Saturday, May 27, 2023
TIME: 10 a.m.
LOCATION: 1915 Central Park Avenue, Yonkers NY 10710 (Raymore and Flanagans Parking Lot)
ACTIVITY: 50 or more Yonkers residents will rally in support of Term Limits. After the rally they will deploy to shopping centers and residential areas to collect signatures for the Term Limits petition. . The petition will return the Term Limits determination back to voters by placing it on the ballot on election day Nov. 7th.
Yonkers Sixth District Councilmember and mayoral candidate Anthony Merante, a fervent proponent of Term Limits in Yonkers is holding a rally the Saturday, May 27th. Merante voted against extending the terms of the City Council and the mayor from 3 – 4-year terms to 4 -4 years terms which would total 16 years in office, nearly two decades!
Merante stated, “It’s my firm belief that only the voters should change term limits and not the City Council since it was the voters that instituted them. Therefore, it should be ONLY voters who have the right to change it by a ballot referendum. I intend to continue to work to get this referendum on the ballot in 2023. The voice of the people of Yonkers must be and will be heard!”
Background links
Yonkers citizens file lawsuit for term limits
https://www.theyonkersledger.
Merante fighting for term limits.
Restore Term Limits website.
Web: https://vimeo.com/830391887?
Westchester Environmental Advocates and Elected Officials hold
Press Conference for Climate Justice Demands in Yonkers.
Yonkers — On May 25, 2023 at 4 pm, NY Renews member organizations, supporting elected officials and allies held a press conference, as part of a series of actions held statewide, calling for the passage of the entire Climate, Jobs & Justice Package, including the Climate and Community Protection Fund, NY HEAT Act, and legislation that would protect Black, brown, and working people from pollution hotspots in the state’s future Cap-and-Invest Program. The coalition is also calling for key guardrails for the state’s proposed Cap-and-Invest Program. Events also launched in Buffalo, Albany, Ithaca, the Hudson Valley, Long Island, New York City, and Rochester.
"We are thrilled to support the removal of limitations that have hindered the New York Power Authority (NYPA) from expanding its renewable capabilities. With this new development, NYPA can now develop and own large-scale renewable power facilities, enabling a significant increase in clean energy generation. Furthermore, NYPA is committed to phasing out all oil and gas-powered facilities by 2030, aligning with our goal of a sustainable and carbon-neutral future. This empowering legislation not only drives the transition to renewable energy but also ensures equitable access and benefits for disadvantaged communities, in line with the Climate Leadership & Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Together, we are taking a bold step forward in promoting renewable energy adoption and combating climate change,” said State Senator Nathalia Fernandez.
Assemblyman Steve Otis, Chair of the Assembly Science and Technology Committee said, “We are gathering across the state to continue to advance the agenda for sound environmental policies and a just transition to healthier neighborhoods and homes. The Climate Leadership goals we set in 2019 can only be accomplished by improving the way we produce and use energy and how we share the benefits of a clean transition. We need to build on the gains we accomplished in the state budget: new renewables, all-electric in new buildings and funding to support a just transition in which costs are shared and ratepayers are protected. We need to provide additional programs and tools to make the transition a reality.”
"The Climate, Jobs, and Justice package provides a roadmap for implementing our nation-leading Climate and Community Protection Act and lowering energy costs for New York households. The Climate and Community Protection Fund is an essential part of this package of bills. If we are talking about "Cap & Invest," we need a safe place to put those investments, to assure New Yorkers that these funds will be reinvested in our communities, including first and foremost those that have suffered the worst environmental harms. We also need to ensure that our green future is built by workers with well-paying, union jobs. A. 6263 does all of this. Let's get it done!" said Assemblymember Dana Levenberg.
“Ever since the environmental movement began, those who see their financial profits as tied to the oil and gas industry have presented us with a false choice between the environment and cost savings. But, the reality is that reducing our dependence on fossil fuels is not more expensive than living with the impacts of pollution and climate change. We know what we need to do to preserve the environment, and passing the NY HEAT Act and the CCPF are meaningful steps in that direction,” said Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky.
“For generations, communities in Yonkers have suffered from environmental policies that pollute our natural resources and negatively impact the health of our people. I am pleased to support the Climate Jobs and Justice Package so that New York State can begin to remediate the damage of the past and create a sustainable, clean and green future,” said Yonkers Councilmember Corazon Pineda Isaac.
“We are happy to welcome the NY Renews movement to Southwest Yonkers, where we have Westchester County’s Largest and antiquated Sewage Treatment Plant that processes more than 60 percent of the County’s sewage. Facilities such as this one are in desperate need of modernization and to move from a just-maintenance mode to a more up-to-date way of processing sewage that protects our environment. The CCPF is a crucial step towards a just, clean-energy future. It would build on NYS’s new Climate Action Fund by Sending funds directly to Communities as ours on the front lines of the climate crisis to develop our own renewable energy and environmental justice solution, and much more,” said Legislator Alvarado.
“By dismantling systemic barriers and addressing the disproportionate impacts of environmental degradation on marginalized communities, we pave the way for a more sustainable future where everyone has equal access to a clean and healthy environment. The Climate, Jobs, and Justice Package is a transformative step towards making this vision a reality for Yonkers, Mt. Vernon and beyond,” said Westchester County Board of Legislators Majority Leader Christopher A. Johnson.
“New York State’s path-breaking 2019 Climate Law establishes a mandate to address and mitigate the threats of our warming globe and changing climate by moving us toward a future of renewable energy by mid-century. Crucially, the law also focuses on underserved, frontline, “disadvantaged communities,” which have borne the brunt of fossil fuel industry pollution. Without support, these communities would not be able to achieve or comply with the law’s mandates. Now in 2023, we need the courage, the will, and especially the funding to move forward in implementing the CLCPA’s goals. NYCD16 Indivisible strongly supports the bills in the Climate, Jobs & Justice Package and believes it is imperative to pass them before the end of the current legislative session,” said Natalie Polvere, Co-Chair, Environment Committee, NYCD16 Indivisible
"Environmental justice communities like Peekskill and Yonkers, who have been carrying an unfair environmental and health burden for far too long, are being left behind if we don't act swiftly. Our state leaders must work to pass the Climate, Jobs and Justice Package to put into motion comprehensive policies that will center the needs of our frontline communities and work towards restitution for the immense harm that has already been caused," said Westchester Alliance for Sustainable Solutions organizer Vanessa Agudelo.
Mikey Sullivan, Member, Sunrise Westchester said, "It's essential that a sustainable future is available and affordable for all. That's why we need the Climate, Jobs, and Justice bill package."
"New Yorkers continue to subsidize the same industry actors acknowledged for being responsible for the effects of climate change. And we pay good money for all of this not only from our own pockets and tax dollars, but through the cost of failing health in our communities. We will continue to push Governor Hochul and our legislators on ending these subsidies and holding corporations accountable and responsible for their actions," said Suzie Ross, Co-Chair of Climate Reality Project - Westchester Chapter.
“This package will provide invaluable support to people of color in search of economic stability in one of the wealthiest counties of America. Environmental justice communities in cities such as Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Peekskill, and Yonkers could use this support to enact needed sustainable development through the creation of more circular economies” said Paul Presendieu of the Hudson Valley Energy Justice Alliance.
"As a healthcare organization serving low income people and vulnerable families, Open Door understands the profound impact climate change is having on the people we serve. The health consequences are real and seem to be more threatening each year, robbing people of their livelihoods. The trickle down economic impact harms entire families with implications for future generations. It is in everyone’s interest to address climate change now," said Lindsay Farrell, President, Open Door Family Medical Center.
“Robison is cognizant of the changing energy landscape and supportive of the goal of reducing or eliminating the use of fossil fuels in NYS,” said Dan Singer, CEO of Robison, a full-service home comfort company in Port Chester, NY. “ We want to work with our customers to provide environmentally friendly energy solutions. In addition, New York State’s efforts are already creating new green jobs that are benefitting our industry now and into the future.”
"The successful fight to pass the Build Public Renewables Act, the biggest Green New Deal victory in the U.S. thus far, should serve as a benchmark for the future of the climate justice movement. The climate crisis is a result of the capitalist class chasing profits at all costs - to win a livable future, we must organize to replace them with a green economy accountable to the needs of regular working class people, " said Jeremy Vargas, Steering Committee Campaign Coordination Lead of Lower Hudson Valley DSA
“While I am unable to attend the Thursday afternoon rally in Westchester County, I continue to support the goals of The Climate and Community Protection Fund legislation which requires local communities to have a strong voice in energy policy decisions as we move New York away from the use of fossil fuels. The State Assembly has strongly supported the necessary transition from fossil fuels to affordable renewable energy to make our state healthier and more equitable,” said Assemblyman Nader Sayegh via email.
Advocates are pushing for the passage of key Climate, Jobs, and Justice bills still in play in the state legislature at the end of session, including:
the Climate and Community Protection Fund (S.5360/A.6263) which would create a pool of funding to implement our landmark Climate Act and direct benefits back to communities and workers;
the NY Home Energy Affordable Transition Act (S.2016/A.4592A), which would give the Public Service Commission the authority and direction to align gas utilities with the Climate Act’s emission reduction and climate justice mandates;
the Just Energy Transition Act (S.2935/A.9881 of 2022), which would provide a plan to guide the replacement and redevelopment of New York State’s fossil fuel facilities and sites by 2030; the Climate Change Superfund Act (S.2129/A.3351) which would make the state’s worst polluters, major oil companies, pay for the harm they’ve caused; and the Stop Climate Polluter Handouts Act (S.3389/A.8483 of 2022), which would end the most egregious state subsidies of $330 million to climate crisis contributors—the fossil fuel industry.
NY Renews is a coalition of more than 360 environmental justice, community, faith, labor, and multi-issue organizations fighting for just climate policy for New Yorkers. We are the force behind the nation's most aggressive climate law, the NY State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, enacted in 2019. The Climate, Jobs & Justice Package is the next step in our fight for climate justice in New York.
YONKERS MAYOR SPANO & YONKERS VETERANS TO LEAD 2023 YONKERS MEMORIAL DAY REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY AND PARADE.
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano along with the City’s Department of Veterans and Yonkers veterans will lead the 2023 Yonkers Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony and Parade.
The Remembrance Ceremony will take place on Monday, May 29th at 9:00AM at the City’s Veterans Memorial Plaza on 40 South Broadway.
On Tuesday, May 30th at 6:00PM, the 2023 Memorial Day Parade will start at Stillwell Park (1018 McLean Avenue) and end at the Charles N. Bajart Jr. American Legion Post 1122 (840 McLean Avenue).
The highly anticipated 2023 Season Opening of the Science Barge, a floating environmental education center showcasing sustainable urban agriculture and clean energy technologies, will be celebrated on Saturday, June 3rd from 12pm-5pm.
The barge, a floating environmental education promoting environmental sustainability and social justice and teaching local residents how to be more climate resilient, how to stay safe during extreme weather events, and how to use alternative growing techniques to grow food in a built environment, has undergone an extensive renovation and improvements to accommodate student-led research by converting a shipping container onboard into a science lab and office space.
Over 50 new and diverse plants and herbs will be grown at the barge this summer, many of which are native and culturally important to Yonkers such as amaranth and squash. Visitors can experience firsthand the innovative technologies and environmentally sustainable methods used to grow fresh produce and herbs on the barge. The Science Barge uses rainwater catchment, wind turbines, and solar panels to power the hydroponic system that grows a variety of vegetables and herbs. The hydroponic system is a soil-less method of growing plants that conserves water and nutrients, and allows for year-round production of fresh produce.
The opening event will be free and open to the public to enjoy, and will feature raffle prizes, giveaways, games, guided tours, music, food, and vendors for a full day of fun. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this unique educational center and learn about the latest sustainable technologies and practices, and to promote a greener future for all.
The Science Barge is a valuable resource for the community and an excellent opportunity to learn about sustainable urban agriculture and clean energy technologies. It’s located at 99 Dock Street, Yonkers, NY 10701.
For more information, visit www.groundworkhv.org/
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CITY OF YONKERS ADOPTS 2023-2024 BUDGET.
Increases City Services & Provides Largest Contribution to Yonkers Public Schools; Stays Below State-Mandated Property Tax Cap.
YONKERS, NY – May 26, 2023 -- Following weeks of budget hearings, the City of Yonkers 2023-2024 Budget was adopted today with a 4-3 vote by the Yonkers City Council. The Adopted Budget invests in public safety and quality of life services, continues to provide its largest contribution to Yonkers Public Schools and stays below the state-mandated property tax cap.
The 2024 Adopted Budget increases the Maintenance of Effort to the School District budget by $5 million, bringing the total transfer to education to $740 million -- making it the largest amount ever budgeted by the city and the largest local share of any big city to a district outside of New York City.
Mayor Spano stated, “This budget is sound and responsible. Given the difficult year, I want to thank the cooperative effort of our City Council, as we make smart investments in our first responders, quality services for our residents, while relieving our taxpayers as best as we can and making the vital investments in education so we can keep moving Yonkers forward.”
“We were able to achieve this Budget through careful deliberations while successfully addressing the growing needs of the third largest city in the state, sustaining the needs of education, public safety, public works, and advancing green spaces through the parks department. The goal ever being prioritizing the quality of life for the City while establishing a fiscally responsible budget. Collaboration between the City Council and Administration ensures continued fiscal accountability and success for the City of Yonkers,” commented Yonkers City Council President and Budget Chair Lakisha Collins-Bellamy.
“I am proud of the hard work that was put into this budget process. Each day I strive to deliver for the people of the City of Yonkers. This is a fiscally sound budget with additional funding added to public safety, an increased Maintenance of Effort by $5 million for Yonkers Public Schools. As an elected official, it is important to pass a sound and healthy budget that will deliver for the constituents. This budget does exactly that and we should be proud of what we have accomplished,” said Yonkers Council Majority Leader and Education Chair Tasha Diaz.
Budget Snapshot:
• $1.4 billion total budget
• $740 million appropriation for the Board of Education, the largest ever budgeted by an Administration
• Increases in property tax rate of 2.9%, staying within state-mandated tax cap
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Latinas United in Law Enforcement Proudly Endorses Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano for the June 27th Primary.
YONKERS, NY - May 26, 2023 - Latinas United in Law Enforcement, a prominent organization representing Latinas working in law enforcement across Westchester County, is thrilled to announce its official endorsement of Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano in his bid for re-election in the upcoming June 27th Primary. This endorsement highlights Mayor Spano's exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication to public service, and his profound commitment to empowering diverse communities.
Latinas United in Law Enforcement strives to promote the advancement and representation of Latina officers in law enforcement agencies. In endorsing Mayor Spano, the organization acknowledges his outstanding track record in advocating for diversity and creating equal opportunities for underrepresented groups in Yonkers.
As a respected figure in the community, Mayor Spano has consistently fostered an environment that encourages inclusivity and cultural sensitivity within the Yonkers Police Department. He has demonstrated his commitment to building strong relationships between law enforcement agencies and diverse communities, facilitating effective communication and understanding between officers and residents.
"I am deeply honored and grateful to receive the endorsement of Latinas United in Law Enforcement," said Mayor Mike Spano. “This endorsement carries significant meaning for me, as it represents the recognition and support of a remarkable organization committed to promoting diversity and empowering Latina officers in law enforcement. I have always believed in the power of inclusivity and the strength that comes from embracing our diverse community. Together, we have worked tirelessly to build bridges, foster understanding, and create a safer Yonkers. I am humbled by this endorsement and look forward to continuing our collective efforts to make Yonkers a place where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to thrive."
Founder and President Johanny Monegro stated, "Mayor Spano has demonstrated his commitment to hearing our voices and delivering tangible results for the community. We have seen significant improvements in education and infrastructure during his time in office, and we must continue to work towards positive outcomes for all.”
Mayor Spano's steadfast dedication to enhancing public safety in Yonkers has yielded tangible results, resulting in safer neighborhoods and increased trust between law enforcement and the community. His implementation of innovative crime prevention initiatives and robust community policing programs has significantly contributed to the reduction of crime rates and the overall improvement of public safety outcomes.
The endorsement of Mayor Spano by Latinas United in Law Enforcement further solidifies his standing as a remarkable leader who values diversity and recognizes the invaluable contributions of Latinas in law enforcement. By supporting Mayor Spano's re-election, LULE aims to ensure the continued progress and empowerment of Latinas in the Yonkers community.
Latinas United in Law Enforcement encourages all voters to support Mayor Mike Spano in the June 27th Primary and to stand with him in his ongoing efforts to create a safe, inclusive, and vibrant Yonkers.
About Latinas United in Law Enforcement:
Latinas United in Law Enforcement (LULE) is an organization dedicated to advancing the representation and professional development of Latina officers in law enforcement agencies. LULE is committed to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunities for Latinas in the field of law enforcement.
Submitted by and Paid for by Mayor Spano Committee.
CONGRATULATIONS: To Guy Fessenden and Kimrita Hill From CHOICE of NY For Being Honored at the 2023 Westchester Magazine Healthcare Heroes Award Ceremony Choice of NY is an innovative social services organization that assists consumers of mental health services in receiving the vital benefits they are legally entitled to.... Choice of NY offers peer advocacy, homeless outreach, case management and related services in a friendly environment that creates positive outcomes. And they are know for hires people with great passion, commitment, and caring for the work that they do; like Kimrita Hill.... https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/posts/3543109395946613/
Shavuot is most widely known as the Jewish holiday that commemorates the day God gave the Torah to the nation of Israel at Mount Sinai, over 3,000 years ago. Happy Shavout!!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: YONKERS MAYOR SPANO CALLS ON INSPECTOR GENERAL TO AUDIT YONKERS AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM.
Audit to Determine Potential Fraudulent Cases Similar to that of Program Participant and County Legislator Who Claims Two Primary Residences.
YONKERS, NY – May 25, 2023 -- Mayor Mike Spano today said he is asking the City’s Inspector General to conduct a random audit of the 277 homes that are part of the City’s Affordable Housing Program to determine if there are more participants who are fraudulently claiming their home as their primary residence and whether they are illegally subletting them.
Mayor Spano said he is acting because of the revelation that County Legislator Christopher Johnson is maintaining ownership of an affordable taxpayer-subsidized apartment at 421 North Broadway, despite having bought a house on Rose Hill Terrace that he also claims as a primary residence.
“You can’t have two primary residences any more than you can have two primary marriages or two primary birthplaces,” said Mayor Spano. “Primary means one, pure and simple. Unfortunately, Legislator Johnson’s apparent abuse of this program requires that we make sure this is an isolated case and not widespread.”
The Yonkers Department of Planning & Development and the Yonkers Fair Housing Implementation Office facilitated the purchase of single-family homes and apartments for lower income persons as part of the settlement of the housing desegregation
lawsuit. Between the early 1990’s and the early 2000’s, approximately 270 housing units were made affordable with a second mortgage from the City that would be forgiven after 30 years of occupancy. The mortgage required that the household maintain the home as their primary residence, be first-time homebuyers and not sublet the dwelling. If the housing unit was sold before the sunset of the mortgage, the home must be sold at a price affordable to the same income group as the owner originally was in when they came into the program. A family that entered the program at the 80% AMI level could only sell to a new owner at the current 80% AMI income level or lower.
About 90 percent of the participants submit an annual certification verifying their primary residence on a timely basis to the City. Currently, the City does not otherwise verify the accuracy of the certifications.
“By conducting a random audit we can assure the taxpayers who subsidized these homes that the recipients are actually living there and are not illegally subletting them while living elsewhere,” added Mayor Spano.
“When the public reads about an elected official apparently violating the terms of a program designed to give people a chance to own a home, they immediately wonder who else might be gaming the system,” said Mayor Spano. “I have no evidence that anyone else is, and I hope they aren’t, but a random audit can provide the public with the assurances that they deserve.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
YONKERS MAYORAL CANDIDATE CORAZÓN PINEDA-ISAAC ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY VOICES HEARD POWER, HISPANIC DEMOCRATS OF WESTCHESTER ENDORSEMENTS.
Yonkers' Black and Latino Democratic Voters Rally Behind Councilmember Pineda-Isaac’s Mayoral Bid.
Yonkers, NY (May 25, 2023) – Yonkers mayoral candidate, City Councilmember Corazón Pineda-Isaac (D-2), announced today that her campaign has earned the endorsements of Community Voices Heard Power (CVHP) and Hispanic Democrats of Westchester (HDW). These latest endorsements further solidify the growing grassroots movement rallying behind the Democratic candidate for Mayor.
“Our members are excited to endorse Corazón Pineda-Isaac who has and will show up for our communities when it comes to fighting for affordable housing policy and diversifying government,” said Community Voices Heard Executive Director, Juanita O. Lewis. “Councilmember Pineda-Isaac has worked with our members since the beginning of her career in elected government and has shown up to defend housing rights and advocate for a more equitable Yonkers for all residents.”
“We are thrilled to announce our support in Corazón Pineda-Isaac’s historic campaign to be Yonkers first Latina mayor,” said Robin Bikkal and Ximena Francella, Co-Chairs of Hispanic Democrats of Westchester. “Her ability to speak from a place of knowing as an Afro- Latina mother with immigrant parents, brings a level of authenticity, understanding and perspectives that Yonkers has never had in the Mayor’s office.”
According to the last census, Yonkers’ population is comprised of 40% Latino communities and 19% African American communities, however its city government is not reflective of that. Pineda-Isaac represents a new generation of leadership for Yonkers. As the daughter of immigrants from the Dominican Republic and mother of three, Corazón Pineda-Isaac would be both the first woman and the first person of color to be elected as Mayor of Yonkers.
“I am deeply honored to have earned the support of CVHP and HDW. Thank you to the members for recognizing this historic opportunity to elect the first woman and first person of color as Mayor of Yonkers. Our city needs new leadership. It needs a Mayor who is truly committed to advancing the issues that people of Yonkers face like lack of affordable housing and underfunded schools. I look forwarded to working with both organizations to enact policies in Yonkers that truly improve the lives of our people,” said Corazón Pineda-Isaac, Democratic candidate for Mayor.
Pineda-Isaac is running on a platform of change, accountability and the development of a government that reflects the diversity of Yonkers. The nine-year City Councilmember has pledged to seek higher funding levels for city schools and create more affordable housing options for residents. Securing these key endorsements adds to the momentum of Pineda-Isaac’s campaign and is representative of the peoples’ desire for fresh leadership in Yonkers that prioritizes integrity. Pineda-Isaac has also received endorsements from the Working Families Party, former Westchester County Clerk Tim Idoni, City Council president Chuck Lesnick, Westchester County Board of Legislators Majority Leader Christopher Johnson, Yonkers City Council Candidate Shatika Parker and has been awarded the 2023 Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate distinction.
ANTHONY MERANTE STANDS UP FOR TAXPAYERS. He has consistently voted NO on property tax increases for four consecutive years and opposed thi...
