GREAT POINT STUDIOS OFFICIALLY OPENS LIONSGATE STUDIOS YONKERS ON JANUARY 11, 2022

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A $500 MILLION-PLUS EXPANSION PLAN IS UNVEILED ALONG WITH ADDITIONAL LONG-TERM TENANTS: LIONSGATE, MEDIAPRO AND SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY

Yonkers, NY studio to become the New York City area’s premier filming destination, spurring major growth and changes for the film and television industry’s production landscape

Yonkers, NY – On January 11th, Great Point Studios will officially open the doors to its long-awaited Lionsgate Studios Yonkers, which will soon be the largest modern-built film and television production facility in the Northeast.

In an unprecedented move that will dramatically change the landscape of the New York film and television industry, Great Point Studios is also revealing its $500 million-plus expansion plans and new long-term tenants for the facility, which include Lionsgate, Mediapro  and Syracuse University.

The announcement was made today by Great Point Studios Founder and CEO, Robert Halmi.

Owned and operated by Great Point Studios, Lionsgate Studios was created to satisfy the overwhelming demand for large studio space in the New York City area. This campus — approximately 11 miles from midtown Manhattan —will feature state-of-the-art film stages, post-production facilities, screening rooms, office space and support space. It will offer a full set of production services on site, including grip and electric, equipment, props, set building, restaurants, location catering, cleaning service, and security. The now-expanding, one million-square-foot complex will cost over $500 million and boast more 20,000 square foot stages on one campus than any other facility in the Northeast. The campus will include a total of eleven (11) soundstages: eight 20,000-square-foot stages, two 10,000-square-foot stages, and a gigantic, 30,000 square-foot stage.  It will also include parking for more than 750 cars and 100 trucks.

Three of the large stages and 500,000 square feet of office and support space are now open for business, while Great Point has also purchased approximately eight acres of additional land around the originally announced studio site. The expansion of additional stages and office space are already under construction and are scheduled to be completed in phases starting in September 2022 with total completion slated for December 2023.

LIONSGATE

Global content leader Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B), has expanded its role as anchor tenant, and will occupy seven (7) of the complex’s eleven (11) stages, along with office and support space.  Besides its prominent theatrical film presence, Lionsgate is producing over 40 television shows for various broadcast outlets, including its own Starz platform.

“With demand for new content greater than ever and prime studio space at a premium, we’re pleased to partner with Great Point on the opportunity to become an anchor tenant of the Yonkers Studios,” says Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer. “They will give our television and film productions state-of-the-art East Coast sound stages with great proximity to New York City, and we look forward to them becoming an important hub for our global production activities.” 

MEDIAPRO

Mediapro, a leading group in the global audiovisual sector, unique in content integration, production and audiovisual distribution, has also inked a long-term deal to be a key tenant on the site. Mediapro will take occupancy of its first stage later this year and they have options on two more of the planned expansion stages.  Their first stage is expected to be completed this winter.

“Mediapro recently expanded its operations in the US with two new production centers in great locations, and our aim through this partnership is to continue our growth in the country and globally,” stated Mediapro US CEO Irantzu Diez Gamboa. “We are very pleased with the partnership with Great Point Studios and are very excited to form part of the largest film and television production complex in the Northeast. We believe that with the increase in new content productions this space provides an opportunity for our in-house content creation, production and distribution factory, The Mediapro Studio, to grow, and also to increase our portfolio of studios to provide broadcast and media services to third parties.”

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY: S.I. NEWHOUSE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS

In a unique partnership between the academic and production worlds, the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University has also come on as a key partner at Lionsgate Studios. Syracuse University will work with Great Point Studios to create a distinctive learning and fully hands-on working experience for television, radio and film students. Beginning this month, the school will utilize the facility  as a giant classroom  and will have access to all stages and equipment at Lionsgate Studio Yonkers. The Newhouse NYC program is a specialized program for Newhouse students from all majors, placing them in NYC for a semester where they intern and take classes. This alliance will allow television, radio and film students enrolled in the Newhouse NYC program to become fully immersed in a production experience through coursework and hands-on internships. Undergraduate juniors and seniors will be part of the inaugural program.

“At the Newhouse School, we are always looking for ways to ensure that our students have access to front-line industry experiences,” says S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University dean Mark J. Lodato. “The immersive film environment at Lionsgate Studios Yonkers is visionary, and will propel our film experience, particularly on the East Coast. Thanks to our alumnus Robert Halmi and Great Point Studios, we are thrilled to be able to offer our film students the opportunity to learn and work at what will be one of the most cutting-edge media enterprises in the country.”

Great Point Studios founder Robert Halmi called upon decades of experience as founder of the Hallmark Channel and a producer of more than 400 film & television projects to create a facility that fits the needs of these cutting-edge companies. “We have a shared vision for the future of the entertainment industry, and it’s reflected in every detail we put into this complex,” Halmi says. “Given the expected rise in studio production post-Covid, we are confident that expanding our Yonkers studio will attract quality tenants. We are proud that Lionsgate, Mediapro and Syracuse University share our vision and are strongly supporting our project.”

A key investment partner and project developer at Lionsgate Studios Yonkers is National Resources. The company has operated in the New York area for 30 years and has tallied up more than $1.5 billion in construction and redevelopment projects. National Resources will be responsible for all phases of development  and construction of the studio complex. “We are very proud to work with Great Point Studios and Lionsgate to help change the production industry landscape,” says National Resources CEO, Joe Cotter. “Our combined efforts will help make the newly revitalized Yonkers a sought-after destination for talent from around the world.”

Great Point Studio’s institutional financial partner is an affiliate of Lindsay Goldberg, a private investment firm focused on partnering with entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses to help them grow.  David Goldberg, Vice President of Lindsay Goldberg, said: “Robi and Fehmi’s deep industry expertise and entrepreneurial spirit make them the ideal leaders to build Great Point into a premier global studio platform. We are delighted to partner with Great Point on building this business and look forward to helping it thrive over the long-term.”

Lionsgate Studios Yonkers is located on the Hudson River in downtown Yonkers, situated just a few steps away from the newly created Saw Mill River Plaza and Yonkers’ new Metro North Railroad station. The dynamic growth and revitalization of the city will underpin the value of the new facility and make it the premier tri-state venue for anyone needing production facilities.

Throughout this entire project, Great Point has received an abundance of support from the City of Yonkers and has worked closely alongside Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “This state-of-the-art media complex will help complete the transformation of the Yonkers waterfront.  Local commerce will benefit from the expected 1000+ people working at the studio complex daily,” said Mayor Spano. “We look forward to welcoming Great Point Studios, Lionsgate and all of the new companies to Yonkers in the new year.”    

ABOUT GREAT POINT STUDIOS

Great Point Studios is a media-focused investment fund specializing in film and television infrastructure.  It was founded by Robert Halmi and Fehmi Zeko.  They are presently expanding into new studio investment/management businesses in other locations in North America and the U.K.

Robert Halmi is the founder of the Hallmark Channel and was Chairman of Crown Media. Robert has been the Chief Executive Officer of four public companies.  As President and CEO of Hallmark Entertainment, Robert transformed the business from a small production company into one of the first modern studios, with production, distribution and broadcast all in one company. Under Halmi’s leadership, Hallmark Entertainment produced over 2,000 hours of original content. Halmi is an active member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and serves on the board of the International Emmy Committee. 

Fehmi Zeko has established a record of helping global technology, media and telecommunications clients build strong companies and deliver profitable growth through landmark M&A, turnaround and growth initiatives. Fehmi has led the banking strategies in global communications, media, entertainment and telecom at Bank of America, Macquarie Capital and Citigroup.  Fehmi has had consistent success providing operating advice and capital to drive the completion of hundreds of transactions and raising hundreds of billions in equity and debt capital. He has built, led and/or expanded market sector practices in leading institutions through long-standing corporate relationships with clients such as Viacom, Lionsgate, Newscorp, Fox, Time-Warner, Comcast NBCUniversal, Cablevision, Disney, CBS, Yahoo, Facebook, Sony, Warner Music, Thomson Reuters, Bertelsmann, Vivendi, Sprint, American Tower, Apollo, Bain, TPG, KKR, TH Lee and Blackstone, among others.

ABOUT LIONSGATE

The first major new studio in decades, Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) is a global content leader whose films, television series, digital products and linear and over-the-top platforms reach next generation audiences around the world.  In addition to its filmed entertainment leadership, Lionsgate content drives a growing presence in interactive and location-based entertainment, video games, esports and other new entertainment technologies.  Lionsgate’s content initiatives are backed by a nearly 17,000-title film and television library and delivered through a global sales and distribution infrastructure.  The Lionsgate brand is synonymous with original, daring and ground-breaking content created with special emphasis on the evolving patterns and diverse composition of the Company’s worldwide consumer base.

ABOUT MEDIAPRO

MEDIAPRO is a leading group in the global audiovisual sector, unique in content integration, production and audiovisual distribution. With operations worldwide through its 56 offices distributed across 35 countries on 4 continents, MEDIAPRO provides the creativity and technical solutions necessary to design, produce and distribute any audiovisual or multi-channel project in any corner of the globe using state-of-the-art technology.

The MEDIAPRO Group has been present in the United States for 25 years, where it has 4 production centers equipped with a total of 12 studios, 9 in Miami and 3 in New York. Its US service portfolio includes content production, post-production, management and acquisition of sports TV rights, distribution and broadcast of TV channels, and more.

THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO is the content creation, production and distribution factory of the MEDIAPRO Group, responsible for implementing high quality projects worldwide, developed in association with renowned talent of national and international prestige. The Mediapro Studio is present in 24 of the 56 Group offices, from where it produces drama series, films, entertainment programs, short-formats and documentaries. The Mediapro Studio partners with many of the industry’s key operators globally, including HBO, Netflix, Amazon, DirectTV, Fox, Viacom, Yle and Disney and its productions have achieved many international awards, including 2 Oscars, 2 Golden Globes, 2 Daytime Emmy Awards and multiple Goya awards.

ABOUT NATIONAL RESOURCES

National Resources (NRE) has a wide range of experience in design and construction in the New York metro area.  NRE is a specialist real estate development and investment firm that focuses on the redevelopment of corporate and industrial sites. In the past 30 years, NRE has built a solid foundation of acquisitions, leasing and redevelopment with the unique value-added dimension of sustainability.

They have redeveloped over $1.5 billion of projects with some of the world’s largest capital partners, while producing strong financial returns for investors. Their established projects include the innovative iParks and landmark Hudson River waterfront residences. Under the iPark brand, NRE has transformed some of America’s largest former industrial sites into vibrant workplaces. During the past 15 years, NRE has developed over eight million square feet of space in six states while creating more than 20,000 new jobs in formerly vacant spaces.

ABOUT LINDSAY GOLDBERG

Lindsay Goldberg is a private investment firm that focuses on partnering with families, founders and management teams seeking to actively build their businesses. Since 2001, Lindsay Goldberg has raised more than $17 billion of equity capital and has invested in over 50 platform companies and over 250 follow-on opportunities. For more information, visit www.lindsaygoldbergllc.com.

New Marketing Campaign Celebrates Yonkers’ Remarkable Riverfront Renaissance

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Attending the June 28th press conference were L-R: Jessica Ardrey, Yonkers Waterfront/Downtown BID; Kelly Chiarella, Yonkers Office for the Aging; John Mueller, Yonkers Police Commissioner; Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano; Brigitte Griswold, Groundwork Hudson Valley; Wilson Kimball, Municipal Housing Authority for the City of Yonkers; Roddy Wildman, Warburton Galerie; Sara Brody, Yonkers Waterfront/Downtown BID; Steve Sansone, Yonkers Parks & Recreation Commissioner; Jesse Montero, Yonkers Public Library; Lisa McKay-Harris, Yonkers Parks & Recreation Deputy Commissioner; Henry Djonbalaj, Yonkers IDA Board; Roberto Espiritu, Yonkers Mexican Chamber of Commerce

YONKERS, NY (June 28, 2021) – As one of the world’s great rivers, the majestic Hudson has long been attracting attention from early explorers to major industries to today’s residents who live in the growing number of residential towers that dot the Yonkers riverfront.       

The Hudson is now the focus of a new and innovative marketing campaign unveiled today by Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano to celebrate the city’s remarkable riverfront renaissance where residents can live, work and play. The goal of the campaign is to rebrand the Yonkers riverfront which has emerged as a vibrant and diverse community that is attracting new residents, restaurants and shops.

The theme is Yonkers On The River with the tagline Go Anywhere From Here. The taglinehas an aspirational meaning for anyone, with endless options for career, home or play. It also refers to Yonkers unmatched accessibility with two Metro-North train lines, easy access to all major highways and parkways, only 40 minutes to every major airport in the Tri-State region and only 20 minutes to Grand Central Terminal.

“The incredible revitalization under way in our city’s riverfront community is nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you’re dining at one of our award-winning restaurants, taking in an outdoor concert, kayaking on the river or simply enjoying the spectacular views of the Palisades, the Yonkers riverfront has something for everyone. With this exciting new marketing campaign, we are letting everyone know that Yonkers On The River is the place to be,” said Mayor Spano.    

The new campaign, which will run through the end of the year, is the next generation of the highly successful Generation Yonkers campaign that has positioned Yonkers as the region’s next go-to urban center. As the City of Yonkers has evolved, so has the marketing campaign over the years. Now in its eighth year, the Generation Yonkers campaign is credited with putting Yonkers on the map and contributed to the city’s tremendous growth which has seen more than $4 billion in private investment and over 9,100 multifamily units planned, completed, under construction and approved for developments.

The Yonkers On The River marketing campaign, which was developed by the Westchester-based communications and advertising agency Thompson & Bender, features an integrated media mix including social, digital, TV, outdoor and signage.

Yonkers On The River signage is being prominently displayed along the Yonkers riverfront and throughout parts of the city. The Generation Yonkers website is updated with a new domain: YonkersOnTheRiver.com which will be displayed on all advertising and signage. The website features testimonials from residents who live along the riverfront as well as businesses that are located there. 

The Yonkers riverfront is drawing significant private investment by major residential developers such as RXR, Extell, Avalon, Hudson Park, Apex, Ginsburg Development, AMS Acquisitions and Confier Realty. In another big boost for the Yonkers riverfront, Lionsgate Studios is nearing completion of a $100 million TV and film studio at the iPark site. The project is expected to bring more than 400 full-time jobs to the area.   

The residential boom underway along the Yonkers riverfront is being driven by the business-friendly climate created under the leadership of Mayor Spano as well as the work of the Yonkers Industrial Development Agency (IDA) which provides financial incentives to developments projects. Over the past two years, the Yonkers IDA has provided financial incentives to development projects representing a total private investment of approximately $1.1 billion. The developments are projected to create approximately 2,700 new residential units, 234,400 square feet of commercial and industrial space and approximately 3,450 in construction, permanent and part-time jobs. Ten percent of all new residential units are set aside for affordable housing.

Media Contacts:

Christina Gilmartin, Communications Director, Office of the Mayor
City Hall: 914-377-6208
Cell: 914-512-4017
Christina.gilmartin@yonkersny.gov

Dean Bender, Thompson & Bender
Cell: (914) 391-6042
Dean@thompson-bender.com

Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson, Thompson & Bender
Cell: (914) 714-8482
elizabeth@thompson-bender.com

CITY OF YONKERS ATTAINS PERFECT SCORE FOR SIXTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR ON MUNICIPAL EQUALITY INDEX

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Yonkers Rated as One of the Top U.S. Cities Exhibiting LGBTQ Inclusion in Municipal Law & Policy

YONKERS, NY – December 3, 2020 – The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, in partnership with the Equality Federation Institute, this week released its ninth annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI www.hrc.org/mei), the only nationwide rating system of LGBTQ inclusion in municipal law and policy, scoring the City of Yonkers with a perfect 100 for the sixth consecutive year. Yonkers was one of five cities in New York to receive a perfect score and one of 94 nationally out of 506 surveyed.

“Our administration continually works toward full equality amongst our residents and employees,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “We are once again extremely proud to be part of the growing list of communities with a perfect score on the Municipal Equality Index. Our rating reflects diversity as Yonkers’ greatest strength and the respect we have for one another, regardless of who you love.”

Yonkers was specifically recognized for the following categories on its 2020 MEI Scorecard (https://bit.ly/33GuCyi):

  • Non-discrimination Laws
  • Municipality as Employer
  • Municipal Services
  • Law Enforcement
  • Leadership on LGBTQ Equality

Michael Sabatino, Yonkers Director of Constituent Services/Former City Council Majority Leader stated, “I am proud to know that Yonkers was one of 94 cities nationwide to score a perfect score on the Municipal Equality Index.  We can attribute this to the hard work of Mayor Spano’s administration and the Mayor’s LGBTQ advisory board.   Yonkers is truly a diverse city where our residents are respected and embraced regardless of their ethnicity, religion or their sexual orientation.  We promote a safe environment that allows everyone to co-exist and creates an atmosphere that allows all to contribute to the betterment of the City of Yonkers. Congratulations to all.”

Anthony Nicodemo Chair of  Mayor Spano’s LGBTQ Advisory Board stated “The fact that Yonkers has earned a 100% shows how the city has embraced the spirit of inclusion. Mayor Spano and the City Council has made a concerted effort to embrace and support the LGBTQ community. Yonkers is a terrific place for LGBTQ people to live work and play.”

The 2020 MEI reveals that cities across the nation are not waiting for their states to extend vital protections to the LGBTQ community, nor are they intimidated by some state elected officials threatening to deny cities the ability to extend fully-inclusive protections to their residents and workers. This year, 94 cities earned perfect scores for advancing fully-inclusive policies and practices — at a time when the nation has been seeing a record number of anti-LGBTQ measures proposed by state elected officials bent on promoting discrimination.

Yonkers renter moved from Manhattan, during the pandemic

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Tanya Gonzalez moved from the Upper West Side of Manhattan, to her rental apartment building, River Tides in Yonkers.

Watch the full video here: LoHud

CITY OF YONKERS TO PROVIDE FREE REUSABLE BAGS FOR RESIDENTS AT LOCATIONS ACROSS CITY

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Bags Made Available at Yonkers City Hall & Yonkers Public Library Branches and at ShopRite Wednesday, February 26th from 12-2PM

 

YONKERS, NY – February 25, 2020 – In anticipation of the start of the statewide ban on single-use plastic bags beginning March 1, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced the city will provide free Yonkers Green City reusable bags to residents across the city.

 

“In Yonkers, we are doing our part in being stewards of the environment by relieving residents’ reliance on plastic bags,” said Mayor Spano. “Making these free bags available to our residents hopefully will ease the transition from plastic to more sustainable carry-out bags. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener Yonkers. I urge all our residents to do their part and reuse.”

Residents are encouraged to visit Yonkers City Hall (40 S. Broadway) Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm or any of the three Yonkers Public Library branches during its hours of operation to receive their free Yonkers Green City bag. Bags also will made available Wednesday, February 26 from 12pm-2pm at ShopRite located at 25-43 Prospect Street.

The City of Yonkers has already distributed over 10,000 reusable bags to residents over the last year. For more information on the New York State Bag Waste Reduction Law, visit www.dec.ny.gov.

CITY OF YONKERS AWARDED $1.25 MILLION GRANT FOR SAW MILL RIVER DAYLIGHTING PHASE 4 BY MID-HUDSON REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

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YONKERS, NY – December 19, 2018 – The City of Yonkers this week was awarded a $1.25 million grant for the continued daylighting of the Saw Mill River by the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council. The grant will help fund Phase 4 of the multi-phase revitalization project which includes a new urban river and parks through the center of downtown Yonkers.

“The daylighting of the Saw Mill River has provided a tremendous boost to Yonkers’ economy, helping to spur economic development, create jobs and bring new businesses to our downtown,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “With this new grant, Yonkers will continue to build inviting public parks, uncover the buried river and revitalize the city.”

Mayor Spano continued, “New York State has been instrumental to the success of not only the daylighting project, but Yonkers as a whole. I want to thank Governor Andrew Cuomo, our State Delegation and the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council for their continued commitment and investment in Yonkers.”

Phase 4 of the Daylighting of the Saw Mill River proposes continuing the return of the Saw Mill River to its natural state by ‘daylighting’ it. The river was once buried in a concrete flume throughout downtown in the 1890s-1920s. The City of Yonkers plans to build on the major ecological, economic and educational impacts of earlier Daylighting phases, which have been nationally and internationally acclaimed. Phase 1 and 2 spurred $500 million of housing and mixed-use projects, plus an additional $500 million approved or proposed developments including the $190 million Rising/RXR Realty mixed-use development with 440 units being constructed on the south edge of Phase 1 now known as Van der Donck Park.  Several other major residential developments are also under construction, approved or being proposed, continuing the downtown transformation. The daylighting has attracted new restaurants and high-quality tech jobs including 185 employees at the new headquarters of tech giant IAC Applications.

On November 14, 2018, Daylighting Phase 3 was officially completed, which creates a gateway river-themed 1.25 acre park along the Nepperhan Avenue arterial.  Phase 3 is a seamless river walk park with the adjacent Phase 4, which will unearth the river near the Chicken Island parking lot, recently purchased by AMS Acquisitions, which plans to construct a major mixed-use redevelopment that will create hundreds of construction and permanent jobs.

The grant award comes from the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation’s (EFC) Green Innovation Grant Program, which previously funded Phase 1, 2 and 3.  This EFC grant coupled with the 2016 award of $2.4 million from Empire State Development’s Capital Program now gives Yonkers a total of $3,650,000 for the Phase 4 project.

YONKERS MAYOR MIKE SPANO ANNOUNCES COOLING CENTERS AS EXTREME HEAT HITS THE CITY

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YONKERS, NY – August 28, 2018 – Mayor Mike Spano announced today the City of Yonkers will designate several locations throughout the city as Cooling Centers as temperatures will reach 95+ degrees, combined with high levels of humidity.

“As a city it is important that when heat waves hit our area, we make Cooling Centers available to all residents in need of a cool place to rest and stay hydrated,” said Mayor Spano. “I especially encourage our city’s older adults, residents with medical conditions and those working outside to please stay safe and utilize a Cooling Center located nearest to you if needed.”

Mayor Spano said each Cooling Center will be equipped with water, seating and air conditioning. The following locations will be open as Cooling Centers during specified hours for all residents:

Bernice Spreckman Community Center

777 McLean Avenue

12:30 PM to 4:00 PM

Scotti Community Center

680 Bronx River Road

11:30 AM to 3:30 PM 

Nodine Hill Community Center

140 Fillmore Street

12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Nepperhan Community Center

342 Warburton Avenue

Until 3:00PM

North Yonkers Preservation

219 Ridge Avenue

Until 2:00PM

Yonkers Riverfront Library

One Larkin Center
Until 8:00PM

Grinton I. Will Library

1500 Central Park Avenue

Until 9:00PM

Crestwood Library

16 Thompson Street

Until 9:00PM

Chema Community Center

435 Riverdale Avenue

Until 4:30PM

To ensure safety, the Mayor is also raising awareness of heat safety precautions residents should take during periods of extreme heat:

·         If you have air conditioning already installed, make sure it works properly before the use.

·         Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate them if necessary. Check your home’s air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.

·         Install temporary window reflectors, such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, between windows and drapes to reflect heat back outside.

·         Install weather stripping on your home’s doors and windowsills to keep cool air in and hot air out.

·         Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers, which can reduce the heat entering a home by up to 80 percent.

·         Keep storm windows in place year-round.

·         If you don’t have air conditioning, open your windows during the coolest part of the day and keep fresh air moving around your home with circulating fans.

·         Drink plenty of cool non-alcoholic liquids, especially water.

·         Protect your face and head with a wide-brimmed hat, and wear light-colored clothing to reflect sunlight (dark clothing more readily absorbs sunlight).

·         Keep pets indoors and refill their water bowls frequently.

For more information on City Cooling Centers or for any additional assistance, please call the Mayor’s Help Line at 377-HELP.

MAYOR SPANO ANNOUNCES “YONKERS PARKS DAY” IN CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL PARKS & RECREATION MONTH

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“Yonkers Parks Day” Set for Saturday, July 14, at 4 Neighborhood City Parks

YONKERS, NY – June 20, 2018 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced the City of Yonkers will celebrate Yonkers Parks Day in honor of National Parks and Recreation Month on Saturday, July 14th from 2 PM to 6 PM, at four of Yonkers’ City parks. 

“Our parks are the cornerstones of our City and the fabric our neighborhoods and communities,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “It is only fitting we pay tribute to our parks during National Parks & Recreation Month by hosting a fun-filled day for all ages to enjoy. I encourage our residents to visit these four local parks to enjoy great music, food, games and the company of their neighbors.”

Each of the four park locations will include arts and crafts, music, refreshments, sports including; badminton, volleyball, relay races, along with so much more, FREE of cost for all Yonkers residents.

Yonkers Parks Day will be held on Saturday, July 14th from 2PM to 6PM at the following locations:

·        Kinsley Park –  Park & Chase Avenues

·        Cerrato Park – Riverdale Avenue at Vark Street

·        Annette Vizzini Park – Mile Square Road at Little John Place

·        Lt. Roy McLaughlin Park – Kneeland & Teresa Avenues

 

For further information regarding the day’s festivities, contact the City of Yonkers Parks, Recreation & Conservation Department offices at 914-377-6450.

YONKERS MAYOR MIKE SPANO ANNOUNCES COOLING CENTERS AS EXTREME HEAT HITS THE CITY

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YONKERS, NY – June 18, 2018 – Mayor Mike Spano announced today the City of Yonkers will designate several locations throughout the city as Cooling Centers as temperatures will reach 95+ degrees, combined with high levels of humidity.

“As we enter this first brief heat wave of the summer, we will make Cooling Centers available to all residents in need of a cool place to rest and stay hydrated,” said Mayor Spano. “I especially encourage our city’s older adults, residents with medical conditions and those working outside to please stay safe and utilize a Cooling Center located nearest to you if needed.”

Mayor Spano said each Cooling Center will be equipped with water, seating and air conditioning. The Mayor has released the following list of locations that will be open as Cooling Centers during specified hours for all residents:

Peter Chema Center

435 Riverdale Avenue

Yonkers

10:00am-4:30pm

Charles Cola Community Center

945 North Broadway

Yonkers

12:30pm-4:30pm

Coyne Park Community Center

777 Mclean Avenue

Yonkers

12:00pm-4:00pm

Scotti Community Center

680 Bronx River Road

Yonkers

11:30am-3:30pm

Nodine Hill Community Center

140 Fillmore Street
Yonkers
12:00pm-4:00pm

Yonkers Riverfront Library

1 Larkin Center

Yonkers

9:00am-8:00pm

Grinton I. Will Library

1500 Central Park Avenue

Yonkers

9:00am-9:00pm

Crestwood Library

16 Thompson Street

Yonkers

9:00am-5:00pm

For more information on City Cooling Centers or for any additional assistance, please call the Mayor’s Help Line at 377-HELP.

CITY OF YONKERS ADOPTS 2018-2019 BUDGET

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Adopted Budget Contains Additional State Aid and No Cuts in Essential Services or Layoffs

 

City Increases Contribution to Yonkers Board of Education

 

Yonkers, NY – June 13, 2018 — Following weeks of budget hearings and public advocacy meetings, the City of Yonkers 2018-2019 Budget tonight was adopted with a 7-0 vote by the Yonkers City Council. The amended Adopted Budget submitted by Mayor Mike Spano includes $8.8 million in additional state aid, increased funding to the Yonkers School District and contains no cuts in services or layoffs and eliminates most vacant positions.

“After numerous discussions with our State leaders about the financial needs of our city, I was able to submit an amended budget to our City Council that contains additional funding to our schools and avoids layoffs. I thank Governor Andrew Cuomo and his staff for recognizing the discrepancies in funding to Yonkers and their help in restoring positions and services vital to our residents,” said Mayor Spano.

The City of Yonkers is increasing the Board of Education’s (BOE) operating budget to $582.6 million. On the municipal side, the Adopted 2018-2019 Budget maintains all departments and funds vital services. Tonight’s vote includes an increase in the property tax levy of 6.2%.  A typical one-to-three family home at the median assessed value of $11,200 would see their annual property tax bill increase by approximately $560, or $46 per month. The Municipal Operating Budget also includes a $5 million appropriation of specialized aid by the New York State Financial Restructuring Board for Local Governments.

Mayor Spano commented, “We have reasonable expectations Yonkers will receive the maximum allowance granted under this program. We are most appreciative to the Board for considering Yonkers for the grant as it will help offset devastating cuts to city services.”

Mayor Spano added, “Clearly this year’s budget is a tough one, but by working together with our state and local leaders, we closed the gap avoiding any layoffs and cuts to the quality of life of our residents. Thank you again to the Governor, our State delegation and our City Council for investing in our city and recognizing the need to continue to move Yonkers forward.”  

Budget Snapshot:

•        $1.19 billion total budget

•        Eliminates most vacant positions; does not contain any municipal layoffs

•        Contains 6.2% increase in property tax levy

•        Contains $8.8 million in additional state aid