YONKERS TRIBUNE EXCLUSIVE: Gail Burns Mayoral Designee to Succeed Ailing Lisa Mrijaj as Yonkers Parking Authority Executive Director

YONKERS, NY — December 11, 2015 — Yonkers Parking Authority Executive Director was the center of attention last week in celebration of her four-year contribution to the evolution of her efforts. 

Yonkers Tribune has learned that Mayor Mike Spano has designated Gail Burns to succeed Ms. Mrijaj in anticipation of the next Yonkers Parking Authority Board of Directors Meeting to be called to order sometime before the close of December 31, 2015.

The position may be contractual for a four-year term and be remunerated at $150,000 per annum as it has been for the last 4 years.

http://www.yonkerstribune.com/2015/12/exclusive-gail-burns-mayoral-designee-to-succeed-ailing-lisa-mrijaj-as-yonkers-parking-authority-executive-director-by-hezi-aris

PRESS RELEASE: Yonkers Wins $3 Million as Part of Governor Cuomo’s Economic Development Competition

YONKERS, NY — December 11, 2015 — Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced that projects in the City of Yonkers have been awarded nearly $3 million in economic and community development funding as part of Round V of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council Initiative and the Upstate Revitalization Initiative.

“Combined with $1 billion of private investment in Yonkers, this funding proves that economic development, job creation and investment are back on track,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “I’d like to thank Governor Andrew Cuomo and our State Delegation for these latest awards and their continued support as we work to further grow our city, improve our economy and position Yonkers as the best city in which to live, work and play.”

About the Projects

SoYo Mixed-Use Development, $1,250,000 – SoYo Exalta, LLC will undertake the construction of a mixed-use transit-oriented development at Larkin Plaza, nearly a full square block in the center of downtown Yonkers adjacent to Van der Donck Park, which features the daylighted Saw Mill River, and near the Yonkers Train Station. Plans call for the construction of 25-story and 17-story residential unit towers and 40,000 square-feet of ground-level retail and restaurant space.

Yonkers Carpet Mills Arts District Revitalization Project, $500,000 – R.J. Rose Realty, LLC will make critical improvements to the former Alexander Smith Carpet Mills site to transform the aging facility into a working arts and new technology hub.

Yonkers Downtown Riverwalk Expansion, $400,000 – The City of Yonkers will expand and enhance the downtown waterfront esplanade.

Yonkers Rail Trail Phase One Capital Construction, $394,280 – Groundwork Hudson Valley will use funding to construct phase one of a 2-mile rail-trail that stretches from the Downtown Yonkers Waterfront to the 242nd Street subway station in Riverdale. This segment includes a major new park and play area along the trail, which was a primary request from local residents during the planning phase.

Greyston Bakery Capital Improvements, $200,000 – Greyston Bakery will invest in equipment upgrades utilized within its Yonkers Facility; upgrades will include environmental control and electrical system upgrades.

Yonkers Arts and Culture Project, $90,000 – The City of Yonkers, ArtsWestchester and the Yonkers Board of Education will work with local artist Vinnie Bagwell to develop an urban-heritage public sculpture.

Production Training, $99,888 – Greyston Foundation Inc. of Yonkers will train 75 workers.

 CONTACT: Eddie Ayala, Deputy Communications Director, City of Yonkers, Office of the Mayor

BLUE TRUTH HEZITORIAL: ‘Tis the Season When Not All Is Jolly in Yonkers

YONKERS TRIBUNE: Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano has a lot on his plate with respect to the beautification and modernization effort intended for the Yonkers Waterfront.

HEZI ARIS: Some will acknowledge he has engaged in an intentioned pace to imprint a sense of modernity and a rejuvenated perception to the fourth largest city in New York State.

The restructuring he insinuated into governance has clearly placed a burden of responsibility that will follow him toward future political adventures as he takes the helm of the City of Yonkers (CoY) for a second term come January 1, 2016. He carries an enviable 80 percent plus majority of those who voted in the November 3, 2015 General Election into his next term based on support of Yonkersites. The prospects are many for him and for CoY, yet the baggage for both is daunting. 

The historical chapters and tenor of the city continues to exact ingredients that serve a bitter aftertaste comprised of internal political strife, budgetary constraints, and diminishing funding capacity as is plainly and painfully the major issue impacting an urban city setting. One would be unfair were Mayor Spano’s responsibility and concern not recognized to be his uppermost concern and resolve.

Unconfirmed rumors abound contending Mayor Spano is keen to challenge incumbent Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino for his office in two years time. CE Astorino, described in positive fashion, akin to those descriptive of Mayor Spano above, suggest CE Astorino has delivered in cutting costs, not increasing property taxes since acceding to office, challenging confrontational unions, and trimming down wasteful programs. Both Spano and Astorino have set the chessboard for play and thereby painted a “pretty picture” that is stymied by yet unannounced fiscal challenges to their respective political resumes.

Mayor Spano may hunger for higher office while Yonkersites are concern over hyperlocal concerns. Mayor Spano must resolve to resuscitate the Yonkers Police Department by depoliticizing the YPD and instead infusing the YPD with the professional integrity it had once earned to the acclaim of most familiar with the department. Mayor Spano’s Office has by him or in his name chosen to impose and insinuate a political outcome that has exacerbated turmoil since Mike Spano acceded to office. Worse still, the Yonkers Police Benevolent Association (PBA) can’t seem to reduce the political controversy it creates that undermines its president, Keith Olson, and the union membership.

The Yonkers Tribune has for over two years engaged in telling the alleged misconduct of Yonkers PBA President Keith Olson specifically in the Blue Truth series of articles.There is no doubt that Olson and others close to him are huge liabilities for Mayor Spano. Serious legal allegations of internal police misconduct, alleged internal corruption stemming from the Dario Tenor police raid and subsequent death led to the indictments and arrests of two Yonkers Police Officers.

Olson has revealed himself to be the biggest liability and threat to Mayor Spano’s political future prospects. U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara’s continuing success in convicting the likes of Sheldon Silver, in the federal courts, and the pending conclusion likewise of Dean Skelos, is a loud shot across the bow, that signals Mayor Spano wash his hands, and avoid the simmering conundrum devised and allowed to be defined by the rogue police union leader.

Sources confirm that Olson is bad for the Yonkers PBA, and bad for Yonkers in how the city is perceived and the alleged liability to which he exposes the city financially. Further, Olson’s fixation in pushing and / or using the membership’s funds to make ” Acting Chief ” John Mueller the Police Commissioner is the “smoking gun” that has been made the catalyst to the disarray and divisions among the YPD.

Police morale is in the gutter; it is not Yonkers Police Commissioner Charles Gardner that created this cesspool contrary t professional police departments. It was Olson who targeted members of the Captains, Lieutenants, and Sergeants Association (CLSA) and the PBA that trampled the standards and protocol of command. Olson and some members of the PBA Board engaged in pre-meditated confrontations with other police personnel both during and after work hours.

All these alleged incidents reek of Olson’s “dirty union” hand and conduct. PBA members were quick to learn they could be “blackballed”; they would come to fear being targeted just for being friends with officers that Olson did not approve. Sources report Olson announced his re-election bid for PBA President at the PBA Christmas party held December 3rd at Zuppa’s Restaurant. Olson’s telling may have placed a kibosh on his prospects for another term in office.

Reports advise the Yonkers Tribune there was a recent late night police brawl during which President Keith Olson was one of the combatants. Olson, along with Yonkers PBA Trustee Joseph Galinski were involved in a brawl.

The union trustee was allegedly drunk when he attempted to verbally intimidate other Police Officers aligned with Olson. In response, the trustee became enraged and attacked another member instigating a melee by his physical response.

That union leader was allegedly ejected from the police gathering to the Main Street sidewalk. Sources advise Olson was allegedly unaware of the brawl because he was imbibing drinks in a private dining room with Acting Chief John Mueller. Eyewitnesses said that when Olson learned his union trustee was involved in a fist-fight, Olson became enraged and stormed out of the private dining room to confront one or more of the attending police officers.

Those same eyewitnesses advise that Olson had allegedly walked up to the person he thought was involved and slapped him across the face as that officer began to turn his head toward Olson...... 

http://www.yonkerstribune.com/2015/12/the-hezitorial-tis-the-season-when-not-all-is-jolly-in-yonkers-by-hezi-aris

HEZITORIAL EXCLUSIVE: Political Assassination Part of Plot Behind Yonkers City Councilmembers’ Intent to Push Part-time Pay / Benefits Legislation to $100,000 Plus Valuation Each

YONKERS TRIBUNE: The lowest paid Yonkers City Councilmember earns a base pay of $38,500 each. Last Tuesday they held a Rules Committee Meeting during which they rationalized that a $49,000 base pay was appropriate.

HEZI ARIS: The political “spin” and rationalization for the suggested increase is explained to be appropriate by noting that there has been no pay increase for the past 12 years. Please note that each member of the Yonkers City Council hold a part-time job, allowing each to be also employed elsewhere; only one is retired, the others all have a second job.

Were one to consider how many days was demanded of each councilmember to attend a Yonkers City Council function, it is unlikely they would attend even 30 days throughout any given year. Each councilmember has at minimum one aide, the majority and minority leaders each have two aides, and the Yonkers City Council President has a minimum of at least three aides.

Councilmembers’ filled calendar events are part of garnering support and votes; the councilmembers need not attend such functions to conduct the business of governance. Yet the Legislative branch is set to increase their respective salaries as they deem proper without public input. Each intends to approve their salary / benefits increases irrespective of the public’s interests or their sensibilities.

The councilmembers are intent to pass this legislation during the last days of December. In fact, it would be considerate and transparent to present the entire issue before the public in a future referendum instead of deciding to do so on their own. The proposal will be voted upon this Tuesday, December 8, 2015.

Take the baseline pay, add the value of a Cadillac medical health insurance plan valued at approximately $30,000, to which they do not pay a penny and their remuneration is now valued at $69,000. Note that public sector employees would have to earn in excess of $30,000 to arrive at being able to pay for an equivalent health benefit plan. No Obama Care Plan for the Yonkers City Councilmembers

Then you have free, four wheel drive “trucks” that are afforded each councilmember. Were anyone to even lease such a “truck”, expect a cost of $250 after taxes per month or $3,000 per year. We have reached the threshold of $72,000 per annum. Then there there is the value of gasoline; another free benefit. Add an additional $3,000 per annum to the freebees made available to the Yonker City Council membership.

The compensation given each Yonkers City Councilmember has now reached $75,000. Let us further not forget the cost of car insurance for such a “truck”… $1,500 per year seems a fair costing. We are at the point of $76,500.

The $3,000 value of gasoline, and the value of free “truck” insurance of $1,500 together total $4,500 which is the cost after taxes. One must recognize that we are in the zone of approximately $80,000 in compensation value so far.

Now add the icing to the cake, the over $10,000 pay increase for the least paid councilmember, and we are at a yearly compensation package of $90,000 each. But there is more!!!

The largest aspect of their respective remuneration / compensation benefits package is the pension plan that is based on full-time employment, not the part-time basis required of them. So we now stand at $90,000 plus retirement pension bringing each to pulling over $100,000 each.

Were their proposed pay increase to be adopted unanimously with a 7 – 0 vote, their total remuneration / salary would be valued at $100,000 plus for four councilmembers; $110,000 plus each for the majority and minority leaders, and $120,000 per annum for the Yonkers City Council President. This is not chump change by any stretch of the imagination for a part-time gig.

Please do not dismiss the heavy lifting and responsibility undertaken by the aides to each of the elected councilmembers; they conduct the work of constituent services and everything else other than casting their vote and participating in photo-ops . Too often the public believes the councilmembers are involved, instead they are too often unaware of the issue(s), much less the concerns...... 

http://www.yonkerstribune.com/2015/12/hezitorial-exclusive

YONKERS PD PRESS RELEASE: Yonkers Police Department Detective Investigations Continue

YONKERS NY -December , 2015 — On 12-05-2015 at approximately 1:03 p.m., the Yonkers Police Department Communications Division received a call of woman who was unresponsive in the back of a red jeep parked at 47 North Broadway.

Medics pronounced a 27 year old female Yonkers resident deceased at scene inside of the rear of the vehicle.

Members of the Detective Division are investigating this incident as a possible overdose at this time, pending further review of evidence. Initial investigation has revealed that the deceased was in the vehicle the previous night and at some time expired.

The deceased’s name is not being released at this time pending notification to family members. Anyone with information should contact the Detective Division at 377-7724 or text an anonymous tip by texting the key word ypd plus the tip to 847411.

On 12-05-2015 at approximately 7:38 p.m., the Yonkers Police Department Communications Division received a call of male shot during a robbery at an apartment located at 143 Voss Avenue. The suspects were described as 6 males/females wearing all black and masks. It was reported that the suspects fled to an unknown direction. The victim, a 24 year old male

Yonkers resident, was transported to a local trauma center for a gunshot wound to his right leg, he is expected to survive his injuries. Initial reports indicate that a male knocked on the door, when victim opened the door several suspects pushed their way in, ransacked the apartment and shot the victim in the leg.

It is unknown at this time if anything was removed from the apartment. Anyone with information should contact the Detective Division at 377-7724 or text an anonymous tip by texting the key word ypd plus the tip to 847411.

On 12-05-2015 at approximately 2:21p.m., the Yonkers Police Department Communications Division received a call of shots fired at 2 S Cottage Gardens. Responding units located a 16 year old male Bronx resident at 201 North Broadway with a gunshot wound to his left buttocks.

The victim was transported to a local trauma center where he underwent surgery for non-life threatening injuries. A crime scene was located at 2 S Cottage Gardens and was processed for evidence by members of the Crime Scene Unit. Initial reports indicate the victim was walking in the area of 2 S Cottage Gardens when he was shot for unknown reason(s).

It appears at this time that only one shot may have been fired. Anyone with information should contact the Detective Division at 377-7724 or text an anonymous tip by texting the key word ypd plus the tip to 847411

IN MEMORIAM: Charles Scott Adler, July 23, 1922 – October 10, 2015

Charles Scott Adler passed on October 10th. He was a true ‘son of Yonkers’. His parents were Ulysses Sam Adler and Besser Adler and they lived on Prospect Dr. Charles was a multi sport athlete in high school, including football and swimming. He won tennis tournaments at several levels.

Charles attended MIT for 2 years. He then received an appointment to West Point where he majored in engineering and graduated in the top 10% of his class. and West Point. In addition he received Masters Degrees from Purdue University and the University of New Mexico.

For 22 years he served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. This took he, his wife Harriett and his 2 children, Paul and Joyce around the globe. He lived in Japan, Germany, England and many States, including Hawaii before it became a state. The 2 assignments about which Charles frequently shared stories were Iran where he designed communication systems for the Shah; and Sandia Base in New Mexico where he was part of the post-Manhattan project and helped to arm the bombs that were tested in Bikini Atoll.

Charles was an avid golfer and sportsman. During an assignment to Augusta, Georgia, he twice lead an Army battalion that was part of the gallery for the Masters Golf Tournament.

After retiring from the U.S. Army, he had a career as an executive with Martin Marietta in Bethesda, Maryland.

He is survived by a brother, Richard Adler in Oregon, son Paul Adler in Chevy Chase, Maryland, daughter Joyce Adler-Kahn, in Glen Rock, Maryland and 4 grandchildren. Charles’ wife, Harriett, died in 2009.

The funeral will be at 2pm on December 14th at Arlington Cemetery next to Washington, DC.

YONKERS POLICE DEPARTMENT MISSING PERSON ALERT – Fernanda Jimenez, Aged 13

YONKERS NY — December 4, 2015 –The Yonkers Police Department (YPD) Youth Division is currently investigating a missing persons report involving Fernanda Jimeniz, a 13-year-old female; a Yonkers resident.

She was reported missing to the YPD last night at approximately 9m EST. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Yonkers Police Department at 914-377-7900.

UPDATE: She was found later that day

BREAKING NEWS: Yonkers City Council Hears the Spirit of Holiday Cheer; KaChing, KaChing

YONKERS TRIBUNE: YONKERS, NY — December 1, 2015 — The Yonkers City Council held a discussion on Tuesday, December 1, 2015, during which the issue of pay raises was central to their concern. 

HEZI ARIS: They have moved the issue, out of the Rules Committee so that it may be voted upon by the seven members when the city council next meets: on Tuesday, December 8, 2015.

Many Yonkersites would likely believe that for the Yonkers City Council, the legislative branch, voting themselves a pay raise reveals a conflict of interest as issues so often do among our polticans. Perhaps its the spirit of holiday cheer that has infused all seven councilmembers to come together with benevolence of heart to present each other with an increase in pay of 35 to 40 percent over their remuneration today.

The timing is perfect. Hanukkah is only days away; Christmas will be celebrated toward the end of month. The Yonkers City Council, always ahead of the curve will get a jump on the cheer they will bestow upon themselves. Can you feel the cheer? The laughter? The joy? 

It does however seem incongruous and a bit off kilter that the very people intent on embellishing the payment scale earned by a councilmember desire it become effective among the present office holders. If the proposed 35 to 45 percent pay increase is deemed appropriate, it should not apply to anyone voting to increase salaries for themselves unless they win future elections.

For example, should this legislation win approval, and it is expected that it will win the day by a vote of 7 – 0, the new pay scale should only apply to winners of election and / or re-election campaign efforts. That is fair.

The fact that Yonkersites have been kept out the loop is troubling.

Did I mention that the stipend specific only to the Majority and Minority leaders will also gain in girth by 35 to 40 percent? No? Well it will!!!

At issue is whether even one iota of time will be expended to benefit Yonkersites or will Santa Clause only visit the Yonkers City Councilmembership with such magnanimity? What about the taxpayer? Doesn’t he / she have a say? Why not? When will Yonkersites be acknowledged? Are we invisible? What are the Yonkers City Councilmembers thinking?

Do Yonkersites gain in any way by the Yonkers City Councilmembers’ gain? If you know the answer, please share it with the editor. I can’t figure it out!

                                                   *     *     *

The locallaw in regard to the compensation of the City Council President and the Councilmembers as follows;

President: $74,000* per annum, payable bi-weekly;

Mayority and Minority Leaders: $58,000*;

* Plus a $5,000 stipend applicable to the President, Majority, nd Minority leaders for serving n the capacity of “Chair” of a committee.

Councimembers: $48,000 each.

If / when enacted, the legislation becomes effective 45 days after adoption......

CITY OF YONKERS: City Council Municipal Operations and Public Safety Committee Meeting

PRESS RELEASE: Resolution Concerning the Use of Body Cameras Within the Yonkers Police Department

YONKERS, NY — December 1, 2015 — “Tonight we started an important dialogue as to whether the City of Yonkers’ Police Department should implement the use of body cameras within its force,” said Yonkers City Council Member Corazón Pineda-Isaac.

Tonight the Yonkers City Council’s Municipal Operations and Public Safety Committee, chaired by Pineda-Isaac, met to discuss a proposed resolution introduced by the Democratic Councilmembers that urged Mayor Mike Spano and the Yonkers Police Department to equip all members of the Yonkers Police Department with body cameras.

Members of the community and local organizations were present at the meeting, including the Yonkers branch of the NAACP and Community Voices Heard, as well as an expert in the field, Professor Joseph Ryan, Chair of the Criminal Justice and Security Department at Pace University.

Minority Leader Michael Sabatino, a co-sponsor of the resolution, said “I’m delighted that the discussion has commenced. While the technology is available, I want to ensure that all issues are addressed prior to implementation”.

Councilman Christopher Johnson, who also co-sponsored the resolution, stated that meetings like this help to build trust between the community and police. Using the latest technology in policing will strengthen that relationship.

A federal study was published in 2014 by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services of the United States Department of Justice, in collaboration with the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). The study puts forth policy recommendations for police departments using body cameras, and touches on issues of concern that have to be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not to adopt the use of this new technology. The study can be found at

http://www.justice.gov/iso/opa/resources/472014912134715246869.pdf

This meeting was the first of what is sure to be a series of such meetings meant to facilitate a community dialogue between elected officials, the Yonkers Police Department, and community members regarding the use of body cameras by the Yonkers Police Department in the City of Yonkers.

Council Member Pineda-Isaac said she “was glad to hear Commissioner Gardner state that the Yonkers Police Department is planning to implement a 3-6 month pilot program in the City of Yonkers in early 2016, and we are all looking forward to hearing the results and findings of that pilot program. The City of Yonkers continues to move in the right direction”.

The next Municipal Operations and Public Safety Committee Meeting will be scheduled in early 2016 to continue the dialogue in regard to the use of body cameras within the Yonkers Police Department.

HAMLET HUB: Shooting at SOYO Bar in Downtown Yonkers

YONKERS Police are investigating two early Sunday morning shooting incidents in the city that left two people wounded.

A 33-year-old Yonkers man was hospitalized after being shot several times in the torso just after 2:30 a.m. outside the So Yo bar at 38 Main St., Yonkers Detective Lt. Patrick McCormack said. Officers found shell casings on the street and apparent bullet holes in two parked vehicles, but no victim.

At 2:44 a.m., police got a call from St. John's Hospital that a man came into the emergency room with multiple gunshot wounds. The man had surgery at the Westchester Medical Center and was listed in serious, but stable condition, police said.

Within an hour of the first incident, officers found a 28-year-old Yonkers man a few blocks from the bar in front of 5 Cottage Place Gardens with a gunshot wound to his foot. He was treated and is expected to survive, McCormack said.

The So Yo bar was recently featured on the cable television show, "Bar Rescue," he added.

Police are investigating whether the two shooting incidents were linked, McCormack said.

"We think this is possibly related," he said. "The second male was found a few blocks away from the first shooting. We're still looking into what happened and who is responsible."

Detectives are asking anyone with information to call 914-377-7724. All calls will remain confidential. Police said anonymous tips also can be sent in by texting the key word ypd plus the tip to 847411.

http://news.hamlethub.com/swyonkers/publicsafety/1510-shooting-at-soyo-bar-in-downtown-yonkers