New Marketing Campaign Celebrates Yonkers’ Remarkable Riverfront Renaissance

/in /by
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

Yonkers renter moved from Manhattan, during the pandemic

/in , , /by

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

/in , /by

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

/in , /by

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

/in , , /by

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

/in , /by

“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

/in , /by

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

/in , /by

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

YONKERS MAYOR MIKE SPANO APPOINTS MATTHEW GALLAGHER AS CITY’S CORPORATION COUNSEL

/in /by

YONKERS, NY – May 23, 2018 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced his appointment of Senior Associate Corporation Counsel, Matthew Gallagher, to the position of Corporation Counsel for the City of Yonkers. Gallagher will replace the recently departed Michael Curti, who  served as Corporation Counsel for the City since 2012.

“I am very proud today to appoint Matthew Gallagher as Corporation Counsel for the City of Yonkers,” said Mayor Spano. “Matt brings years of legal experience and professionalism at both the City and County level to our Cabinet.  His experience and understanding of New York State laws and policy are exemplary and he’s beyond deserving of this appointment.  I thank Michael Curti for his outstanding service to the City of Yonkers the past six years and wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Gallagher, the Senior Associate Corporation Counsel under Michael Curti since April 2014, has been vital to the City’s eight collective bargaining agreements under Mayor Spano’s tenure, along with the handling of litigation and contract negotiations involving the City of Yonkers.  He previously served as Legislative Counsel to the Westchester County Board of Legislators, as well an Assistant County Attorney in the Westchester County Attorney’s Office.  Gallagher began his career at the Law Firm of Grunert, Stout & Bruch after graduating from St. Francis College and Pace University School of Law.

Matthew Gallagher stated, “I would like thank Mayor Spano for affording me this wonderful opportunity to further serve the administration, the City Council and the residents of the great City of Yonkers.  I am grateful to Michael Curti, as well as First and Second Deputies Karen Ramos and Helen Aggrey – their expertise, wisdom and encouragement have been invaluable to me.  I look forward to continuing the fine work of Mayor Spano and his administration.”

Mayor Spano’s appointment of Matthew Gallagher as Corporation Counsel will be presented to the Yonkers City Council for final confirmation in the coming weeks.

CITY OF YONKERS TO RE-NAME LOCAL STREET IN HONOR OF YONKERS RESIDENT MICHAEL NOLAN

/in /by

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and Yonkers City Council will re-name the corner of Stockbridge Road and Middleboro Drive in the City of Yonkers “Michael Nolan Way “on Thursday, May 24 at 1:15 PM, in honor of Yonkers resident Michael Nolan.

Yonkers resident Michael Nolan was tragically killed by gunfire in Yonkers in 2015.  James Nolan Jr., brother of the late Michael Nolan, as well as parents Donna and Jimmy, have been strong advocates at the city, county and state level of Anti-Drag Racing legislation, along with Organ Donor awareness in memory of Michael Nolan.

***Interviews & Photo Opps*** 

Who:      Mike Spano, City of Yonkers Mayor

                  Yonkers City Council

                  The Nolan Family

                  LiveON NY Representative

What:     “Michael Nolan Way” Street Naming 

Where:  Corner of Stockbridge Road & Middleboro Drive

                  Yonkers, NY

When:   Thursday, May 24, 1:15 PM