CITY OF YONKERS TO TEAM WITH 511NYRIDESHARE TO BECOME A CLEAN AIR NY COMMUNITY PARTNER

YONKERS, NY – April 30, 2018 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano announced today as part of its continued climate actions and efforts to protect environmental health, the City of Yonkers is teaming up with 511NYRideshare in becoming a Clean Air NY Community Partner – linking residents to a free ridematch program and offering resources and information for residents to go ‘green’ on their daily commute. The program focuses on reducing air pollution from vehicle emissions, which according to 511NYRideshare, account for nearly one third of all air pollution in the New York metropolitan region.  Transportation accounts for 27% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States and is the second leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in the country after electricity.

There are many simple ways residents can take action to lower their impact on air pollution from cutting back on vehicle idling, to participating in a carpool or by using alternative means of transportation.  The program aims to provide the information and resources needed to help people make changes that support their lifestyle, and a healthier environment.

“It is no secret that vehicle emissions are a direct hazard to environmental and human health,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano.  “By teaming up with 511NYRideshare, we are offering a great resource to help residents do their part to cut down on air pollution by sharing a ride with a co-worker or friend nearby.” 

“We are thrilled to be working with the City of Yonkers and applaud their efforts to reduce traffic congestion by encouraging their employees and residents to rideshare and choose more environmentally friendly commute options,” said Kate Brangaccio, Director of Marketing for 511NY Rideshare.

The program also serves to provide residents with alerts on “Air Quality Action Days,” when air quality may be unhealthy for at-risk individuals, including those with heart and lung problems, senior citizens, children and those who are more sensitive to air pollution.

On Air Quality Action Days, the City of Yonkers will alert residents of poor air quality on www.YonkersNY.gov and all @CityofYonkers social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter.  Taking action to reduce vehicle emissions on Air Quality Action Days is especially important in lowering air pollution for the benefit of those most susceptible to its negative health impacts. 

“Congratulations to the City of Yonkers for their work in becoming a Clean Air NY Community Partner.  Through their efforts, the City is helping to improve air quality in the Lower Hudson Valley.  We look forward to recognizing them as a leader in the community,” added Jessica Horne, Clean Air NY Program Manager. 

Those interested in registering for the FREE Ridematching Program, more information on air pollution and ways to make a difference can visit www.YonkersNY.gov and www.CleanAirNY.org. 

Clean Air NY offers simple, everyday ways you can reduce vehicle use and air pollution. To learn more, email info@CleanAirNY.org and follow Clean Air” on Facebook and Twitter.

511NY Rideshare is New York State’s home for ridematching, commuter and traveler services that can help you find a smarter and greener way to get where you’re going. They provide information and resources to help commuters, travelers and employers find easy, affordable, and appealing alternatives to driving alone.

YONKERS MAYOR SPANO TEAMS UP WITH NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI) TO COMMEMORATE MAY AS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

Mayor to Raise NAMI Flag at Yonkers City Hall Tuesday, May 1

Mayor Mike Spano will join representatives of the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) of Westchester Tuesday, May 1, at 12:30PM at the Unity Fountain at Yonkers City Hall to raise a flag in commemoration of May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

As part of the awareness and education campaign, a NAMI Ribbon Campaign will bring the subject of mental illness in the Westchester communities to the forefront in a direct and visible manner. NAMI ribbons will be on display at City Hall and in city park locations throughout the month of May. Over 40 municipalities in Westchester County are participating in the NAMI ribbon campaign.

***Interviews & Photo Ops***

Who:              Mike Spano, City of Yonkers Mayor

                          County Executive George Latimer

                          Sharon McCarthy, Executive Director of NAMI Westchester

                          NAMI Westchester Board of Directors

What:            Mental Health Awareness Month Flag Raising 

Where:         Yonkers City Hall

                          Unity Fountain

                          40 S. Broadway

                          Yonkers, NY

When:           Tuesday, May 1st

                          12:30PM

YONKERS MAYOR MIKE SPANO ANNOUNCES RECYCLING INITIATIVES FOR EARTH WEEK

Residents Can Drop Off Worn Out Tires & Arrange For Styrofoam Pickups From April 21-28

 

YONKERS, NY – April 19, 2018 – Mayor Mike Spano today announced in recognition of Earth Week, the City of Yonkers will accept car tires to be recycled from April 21-18 at the City’s Recycling Center, located at 735 Saw Mill River Road.  Yonkers residents may recycle up to four car or SUV tires per household, including rims (no large truck tires will be accepted.)

“Yonkers continues to lead the way in sustainability efforts,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “Allowing residents to recycle their old worn out tires that often are stockpiled in garages or backyards, free of charge, is a great way to spring clean, and it contributes to our ongoing efforts in making Yonkers a cleaner, greener city.”

In order to utilize this service, residents must provide proof of residency, transport the items in their own private vehicle and must live in a one-six family housing unit. This free service will be available for a limited time from between 7:30AM – 4:15PM, from April 21-28.  

Residents are also encouraged to recycle Styrofoam in clear plastic bags.  Residents in one-six family homes can make an appointment to have Styrofoam picked up curbside from April 21-18.  Appointments can be made by calling the Mayor’s Help Line at 914-377-HELP (4357).

MAYOR MIKE SPANO KICKS OFF EARTH WEEK WITH “YONKERS CLEAN-UP DAY” AT THE OLD CROTON AQUEDUCT

Kicking off Earth Week, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano along with the Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct and New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will lead the 2018 Yonkers Clean-Up Day on Saturday, April 21 from 10am-2:00pm (Press Conference at 10am).

Community volunteers will spend the day cleaning up Yonkers’ sections of the Old Croton Aqueduct trail at Walnut Street and Yonkers Avenue.

Yonkers Clean-Up Day is part of the Green Neighborhoods Clean Streets Partnership launched in 2012, in which Mayor Spano has since taken aim at neglected properties and litter throughout the city. The program provides an opportunity for local businesses, organizations and citizens to team up with the City in helping to further protect and preserve Yonkers and the environment. 

Who:            Mayor Mike Spano

                        Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct

                        NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

                        Clean-up Volunteers

What:          Yonkers Clean-Up Day along the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail

Where:       Press Conference:

                       Yonkers Department of Parks & Recreation

                      285 Nepperhan Avenue

                       Clean-Up:

                       Old Croton Aqueduct

                       Walnut Street and Yonkers Avenue

When:        Saturday, April 21, 2018

                       Press Conference -10am

                       Clean-up – 10:00am-2:00pm

YONKERS MAYOR MIKE SPANO PROPOSES FISCAL YEAR 2019 EXECUTIVE BUDGET

Stays Within State-Mandated 2% Tax Cap;

Budget Contains Elimination of 182 Municipal Positions

 Yonkers Board of Education Receives Increase in Funding

YONKERS, NY – April 13, 2018 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today released his Fiscal Year 2019 Executive Budget proposal at a briefing for the City Council at Yonkers City Hall.

The Executive Budget package continues to take significant steps towards fixing inherited structural problems in a balanced manner, reduces the size of government in order to conform to the property tax cap and increases its contribution to the Yonkers Board of Education.

“The Fiscal Year 2019 Budget I present to you today proves to a challenging one; one that is honest and lean while dealing with inherited structural problems, several years of zero increases in state aid, rising personnel and fringe costs and conforming to the state-mandated property tax cap.” said Mayor Spano.

The Executive Budget for the Fiscal Year 2019 is $1.15 billion, a decrease of $6 million from Fiscal Year 2018.

Municipal Operating Budget

The Executive Budget for the Fiscal Year 2019 includes a municipal operating budget of $547.7 million.

The Executive Budget stays within the state mandated tax cap with a proposed 1.64% increase in the property tax levy. The tax rate per thousand dollars of assessed value would increase by $15.71 an increase in the tax rate of 2.08%.

This is the seventh consecutive Executive Budget that proposes to stay within the state-mandated property tax cap. Under the proposal, a typical one-to-three family home at the median assessed value of $11,100 would see their annual property tax bill increase by $174, or approximately $15 per month.

Due to rising costs of the City’s workforce and limited state funding, despite increases in revenue, the 2019 Executive Budget proposes cuts to municipal services and its workforce, including 182 positions mostly through layoffs across 18 departments. The Budget uses all of the City’s fund balance and also eliminates all vacant positions.

The Municipal Operating Budget also includes a $5 million contribution of specialized state aid under the New York State Financial Restructuring Board for Local Governments. Mayor Spano’s Administration recommends that the Council opt in to this state incentive program which is available to offer financial assistance to eligible municipalities. The Board will make recommendations to Yonkers and to New York State on improving its fiscal stability, management and the delivery of public services. The $5 million grant would help offset otherwise devastating cuts to city services.

Yonkers Board of Education

The Executive Budget includes a record $547.7 million appropriation for the Board of Education.

The Yonkers Board of Education will again see an increase in funding and the City will increase its Maintenance of Effort (MOE) for the BOE, which includes additional revenue from sales tax which the Administration dedicates to education funding. Once again, this is the largest contribution to the BOE in the City’s history. Including Fiscal Year 2019, the Administration’s combined contribution to the Board of Education has increased by $149 million cumulatively since Fiscal Year 2012, which excludes the absorption of $9.1 million of BOE administrative services into the municipal budget.

Mayor Spano summarized, “The 2019 Executive Budget is one that was forecasted, and unfortunately, also has been ignored by New York State,” stated Mayor Spano. “It is time New York State addresses its discrepancies in funding and the burden they have placed on our local property taxpayers.”

Mayor Spano added, “My hope is that the 2019 Executive Budget is a basis for discussions and decisions that need to occur so that this proposed budget does not become the 2019 Adopted Budget. I am calling on our partners including the City Council and our union leaders to continue to build upon the spirit of cooperation that has passed six consecutive bipartisan budgets during my time in office.”

Budget Snapshot:

        $1.15 billion total budget

        Eliminates all vacant positions; contains elimination of 182 municipal positions

        Includes $5 million grant as part of New York State Financial Restructuring Board for Local Governments

        Proposes 1.64% increase in property tax levy

        City of Yonkers stays within state mandated 2% tax cap

        City increases its contribution to Yonkers Board of Education

The complete Fiscal Year 2019 Executive Budget can be downloaded at www.yonkersny.gov.

MAYOR SPANO TO HONOR FIVE YONKERS VOLUNTEERS AS PART OF MAYOR’S DAY OF RECOGNITION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano to announce the selected Yonkers volunteers to be honored as part of the Mayor’s Day of Recognition for National Service on Wednesday, April 4 at 12:00PM in the Ceremonial Courtroom (4th Floor) at Yonkers City Hall.

Since 2013, Mayor Spano has joined mayors from across the country in recognizing the impact of national service and thanking those who serve their communities. The five honorees recognized by Mayor Spano are members of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Westchester through Volunteer New York! RSVP of Westchester members dedicate time and resources to solving local community concerns. 

***Interviews & Photo Opps***

 

Who:         Mike Spano, City of Yonkers Mayor

                     Alisa H. Kesten, Executive Director of Volunteer New York!

                     National Community Service Recognition Honorees

What:       Mayor’s Day of Recognition for National Service

Where:    Ceremonial Courtroom

                     Yonkers City Hall, 4th Fl

                     40 S. Broadway

                     Yonkers, NY

When:      Wednesday, April 4, 12:00PM

CITY OF YONKERS TO RE-DEDICATE WARBUTON AVENUE AS MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. BLVD TO COMMEMORATE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF MLK ASSASSINATION

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano will re-dedicate Warburton Avenue in the City of Yonkers as Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard Tuesday, April 3 at 1PM, at the corner of Warburton Avenue and Main Street, to commemorate the anniversary of MLK’s assassination.

 

In January 1997, the Yonkers City Council passed a resolution to rename Warburton Avenue to ‘Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard,’ from Main Street, north to the Village of Hastings-on-Hudson border. At the time, only one sign was installed.  Six signs now will be unveiled and line the length of Warburton Ave from Main Street to Hastings to designate the street as Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. 

 

April 4, 2018 marks 50 years since Martin Luther King Jr., the icon civil rights leader, was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee.

  

***Interviews & Photo Opps***

Who: Mike Spano, City of Yonkers Mayor and Yonkers City Council

What: Rededication of Warburton Avenue in City of Yonkers

Location:

Corner of Main Street & Warburton Avenue

(near La Bella Havana Restaurant) 35 Main Street

Yonkers, NY 10701

When: Tuesday, April 3, 1:00 PM