PRESS RELEASE: Mayor Spano Appoints New Trustee to Yonkers Board Of Education

YONKERS, NY – December 2, 2016 – Mayor Mike Spano today announced Kevin Cacace as his newest appointment to the Yonkers Board of Education. As trustee of the Yonkers Board of Education, 

Cacace will join eight other members of the Board, which is the official policy making body of the School District.

The new trustee appointment comes after Trustee Curtis Kendrick relocated from Yonkers and vacated his position on the Board.

“As we work toward providing our students with the best education possible, I am proud to appoint Kevin Cacace to the Board of Education who comes with city leadership, key business and management  skills and is in step with the needs and concerns of the District and supports our schools’ goals for our students,” said Mayor Spano. 

A long-time business leader, Kevin Cacace currently serves as the Yonkers Chamber of Commerce President and serves as a board member to the Yonkers Public Schools’ Occupational Education Council and is the Vice President of the Queen’s Daughters Day Care Center in addition to other community boards. As President of the Chamber of Commerce, Cacace is responsible for policy making and strategic planning as well as the administration of the Chamber’s city, state and federal grants. Prior to joining the Chamber, Cacace worked in food services and contracting. Cacace attended State University of New York, Delhi.

Board of Education President Rev. Steve Lopez graciously noted, “The Trustees and I want to join the Mayor and thank Curtis Kendrick for his valuable and thoughtful contributions as a Trustee.  We welcome Trustee Cacace and look forward to his commitment and insight in our policy decisions.”  

“Trustee Cacace’s extensive knowledge of business across our city will be invaluable to our work as we enrich and expand the District’s Career and Technical Education opportunities for our students,” said Dr. Edwin M. Quezada, Superintendent of Schools.  “There is a lot of work ahead for our Trustees and staff to construct sustainable solutions for all of our students’ success; Trustee Cacace’s expertise will be appreciated.”

Kevin Cacace stated, “With the increasing graduation rates of our students and the recently announced plan for new investment in our school facilities, it is an exciting period for the Yonkers Public Schools.  I thank Mayor Spano for giving me the opportunity to serve as a trustee, and I promise to employ my best efforts for our Yonkers students.”

“I also want to extend my gratitude and appreciation to Mr. Kendrick for his years of service to the Board of Education and who served our City and our students with loyalty, professionalism and distinction,” added Mayor Spano.

Cacace will fulfill the remainder of Kendrick’s five-year term through May 5, 2019.

PRESS RELEASE: Yonkers Ranked 2nd Safest City of its Size in the U.S.

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and Police Commissioner Charles Gardner recently announced that the City of Yonkers has been ranked the second safest large city in the United States. According to the recently released “Uniform Crime Report, Part 1,” crime statistics posted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation,

Yonkers moved up from the third safest city to the second safest among the top 150 cities by population. “Yonkers is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents,” said Spano.

“We continually work to address the changing needs and challenges of our neighborhoods. These stats reflect that, and would not be possible without the steadfast and dedicated work of our Yonkers Police Department, especially the fine men and women who patrol our streets each day to safeguard our residents.” YPD also announced that the city’s overall crime rate has decreased by 30 percent since Jan. 1, 2012. Since Spano came into office in 2012 and appointed Commissioner Gardner,

Yonkers has recorded four straight years (2012-15) of crime reduction.

Additional crime and safety statistics released by YPD include: Yonkers has the second lowest crime rate of all U.S. cities with a population between 190,000 and 250,000; Yonkers has the second lowest crime rate of the top 25 cities in New York State; Yonkers has the lowest crime rate among New York’s “big five” cities (New York City, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse); and Yonkers has the lowest crime rate among Westchester County’s big cities (Mt. Vernon, White Plains and New Rochelle).

“Over the past five years the men and women of YPD have worked diligently to bring down overall crime in the city by 30 percent,” said Gardner.

“This is a significant accomplishment. We remain one of the safest cities in the nation and according to FBI statistics, we now have the second lowest crime rate in the country for cities of similar size and population. At the same time, we continue to improve relations with the community through a myriad of community outreach programs and initiatives.”

“Yonkers Police leads by example,” added Spano. “Our police department continues to be efficient with the resources provided to them as proven by the numerous community outreach initiatives and enhanced training that bridges the gap between law enforcement officials and our residents. We will continue to work vigorously so that Yonkers remains a safe city to live, work and play.” FBI crime statistics can be found at www.fbi. gov.

PRESS RELEASE: Yonkers Hibernian President Chosen as Aide to Grand Marshal in 256th Annual NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade

YONKERS, NY — December 2, 2016 — The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee announced yesterday that Yonkers native Kevin Ellis has been chosen to serve as The Westchester County Aide to the Grand Marshal for the 256th Annual New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Originally born in the Bainbridge Ave. section of The Bronx, Mr. Ellis moved to Yonkers with his family in 1978. Kevin is an Eagle Scout from BSA Troop #1 of Bronxville. He is a graduate of St. Eugene’s Elementary School in Yonkers and Iona Preparatory School in New Rochelle. He studied communications at Westchester Community College before becoming an on air announcer and assistant engineer for WFAS AM/FM Radio in White Plains. Mr. Ellis is currently a 17 year employee of Verizon in its Emergency Communications Division and works as an on site support technician at the New York City E911 Public Service Answering Center (PSAC) in Brooklyn. He is also a member of The Communications Workers of America Local 1101.

His Irish roots come from his Grandparents who immigrated from Ireland to the United States from hail from Counties Mayo, Tipperary, Kerry, and Kildare. Mr. Ellis is very active within the Irish Community in Yonkers. He is the current President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), Myles Scully Division #1 of Yonkers, and also serves as Vice President of the AOH Westchester County Board. Mr. Ellis is a past Vice Chairman and current member of the Yonkers St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, and served as an Aide to Grand Marshal and past Yonkers Police Deputy Chief Owen McClain in the 2007 Yonkers St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

“To be chosen as an Aide to the Grand Marshal in the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the world is an honor that is beyond description”, said Ellis “It is also a tremendous honor to represent the entire Irish community of Westchester County”.

The Grand Marshal for the Parade is Limerick born Michael J. Dowling, who is the CEO of Northwell Health, the largest integrated healthcare system in New York State and is the state’s largest private employer with over 61,000 employees.

The 256th Annual NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade is scheduled to step off on 5th Ave. in New York City on Friday, March 17, 2017 beginning at 11am.

PRESS RELEASE: City of Yonkers Ranked Second Safest City of its size in the U.S.

YONKERS, NY – November 29, 2016 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano along with Yonkers Police Commissioner Charles Gardner today announced the City of Yonkers has been ranked the second safest large city in the United States. According to the recently released Uniform Crime Report (UCR) Part 1 crime statistics posted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Yonkers moved up from the third safest city to the second safest city among the top 150 cities by population.

“Yonkers is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “We continually work to address the changing needs and challenges of our neighborhoods. These stats reflect that, and would not be possible without the steadfast and dedicated work of our Yonkers Police department, especially the fine men and women who patrol our streets each day to safeguard our residents.”

The Yonkers Police Department also announced that the city’s overall crime rate has decreased by 30% since January 1, 2012.  Since Mayor Spano came into office in 2012 and appointed Commissioner Gardner, Yonkers has recorded four straight years (2012-2015) of crime reduction.

Additional crime and safety statistics released by the Yonkers Police Department include:

• Yonkers has the second lowest crime rate of all US cities in the with a population between 190,000 and 250,000
• Yonkers has the second lowest crime rate of the top 25 cities in New York State
• Yonkers has the lowest crime rate among New York’s big 5 cities (New York City, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse)
• Yonkers has a lowest crime rate among Westchester County’s big cities (Mt. Vernon, White Plains and New Rochelle)

“Over the past five years the men & women of the Yonkers Police Department have worked diligently to bring down overall crime in our City by 30%.  This is a significant accomplishment,” stated Police Commissioner Charles Gardner.  We remain one of the safest cities in the nation and according to FBI statistics we now have the second lowest crime rate in the country for cities of similar size & population.  At the same time we continue to improve relations with the community through a myriad of community outreach programs and initiatives.”  

Mayor Spano continued, “Yonkers Police leads by example. Our police department continues to be efficient with the resources provided to them as proven by the numerous community outreach initiatives and enhanced training that bridges the gap between law enforcement officials and our residents. We will continue to work vigorously so that Yonkers remains a safe city to live, work and play.”

FBI crime statistics can be found at www.fbi.gov. 

PRESS RELEASE: City of Yonkers Celebrates the Holiday Season with Neighborhood Tree and Menorah Lightings

YONKERS, NY -- November 22, 2016 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced the City of Yonkers will usher in the 2016 holiday season with several neighborhood Christmas tree and Menorah lightings during the month of November & December. Yonkers kicks off the season with the Yonkers City Hall Christmas Tree Lighting, Tuesday, November 29 at 4:30pm, which will feature performances from Yonkers Idols, Yonkers Public Schools students and Sarah Lawrence College and a visit from Santa Claus.

“The holidays are the most wonderful time of year to join together with family, friends and neighbors,” said Mayor Spano. “I encourage all to come out and join in the festivities as events like these create a stronger and more vibrant community.”

The schedule for the Christmas tree lightings in Yonkers are as follows:

·  City of Yonkers (City Hall exterior facing S Broadway) – November 29 at 4:30pm

· Downtown/Waterfront BID (Getty Square, Intersection of Main St., New Main St., & N. Broadway)
- December 1 at 4:30pm

· Untermyer Performing Arts Council (Untermyer Park, 945 N. Broadway)
- December 2 at 5:00pm

· Colonial Heights Residents’ Association (St. George Pkwy & Longvue Terrace)
- December 2 at 7:00pm

· McLean Avenue Merchants Association (Conor Park, McLean Ave and Central Park Ave)
– December 7at 6:00pm

· Park Hill Residents’ Association (Rumsey Rd & Spring St) – December 7 at 7:00pm

· South Broadway BID (Lincoln Park) – December 8 at 5:30pm

· Crestwood Tree Lighting (American Legion Plaza) – December 8 at 7:00pm

· Untermyer Conservancy (Untermyer Park, 945 N. Broadway) – December 9 at 6:00pm

The schedule for Menorah lightings in Yonkers are as follows: 

· City of Yonkers Menorah Lighting (City Hall Rotunda) – December 20, at 4:30pm

· Cross County Shopping Center Chanukah Celebration – December 27, Time TBD

· Ridge Hill (outside Fountain Plaza, 1 Ridge Hill Blvd) – December 28, Time TBD

DENNIS SHEPHERD, YONKERS COUNCILMEMBER, 4TH DISTRICT

Councilman Shepherd is serving his second term as an elected official in the city of Yonkers, but this is not the beginning of his work to help improve our city. He moved to the city in 1984 and since 1996 has been active in the Hyatt Association, a 1500 member neighborhood association, on the Southeast side of Yonkers. In 2001 he became President of the association and worked tirelessly on community issues till the start of his campaign in 2009.

While working with the Hyatt Association he was able to help facilitate many issues such as renovating the Mclean Avenue commercial strip, upgrading Stillwell Park and removing graffiti, and lobbying to tear down the old parking lot at Empire City and improve local security. As a part of the McMansion Taskforce, a committee designated for sensible housing development, Shepherd fought for tougher zoning laws.

Some of Shepherd’s other accomplishments include working with Senator Jeff Klein to secure additional funding for flooding issues in Southeast Yonkers, working with Congressman Eliot Engel’s office to prevent spending $1.6 billion on unnecessary cover for the Hillview Reservoir and raising thousands of dollars in private funds to provide cooling vests for U.S. troops serving in Iraq.

He is prepared now with his increased influence on city matters as a Councilman to continue his work for the citizens of our city. Quality of life issues are a top priority for him. He is aware, as a citizen and homeowner in Yonkers, of the concerns of our neighborhoods. Creating jobs, concerns of elderly and education of our youth, local safety, smart business development, and tax burden are just some of the issues he will continue working on.

Councilman Shepherd was born in the Bronx and attended St. Rita’s parochial school and Mater Christi (now St. John’s Prep) High School. He graduated from St. John’s University with a B.S. in Marketing in 1974.

He began his career at IBM in 1971 while in college and was hired full time after graduation. He went on to a successful career with IBM and was in the top 1% in the US with $30million in sales. He received several prestigious awards while there, including the 100% Club for 5 years and the 1996 Golden Circle. During his career he was responsible for managing $90millon budgets while working as a Financial Analyst with select Wall Street corporations.

He has been married for 14 years to his lovely wife, Roberta Morreale Shepherd, a lifelong Yonkers resident and graduate of Maria Regina High School.

During his first term in office, Dennis advocated on behalf of his constituents to address many quality of concerns. He continues to work closely with the community and home owner associations in the 4th District, having been able to establish the now annual McLean Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Fall Festival. One of the Councilmember’s proudest accomplishments was being able to work with the mayor and MAMA to erect the 9-11 Memorial at Conor Park, honoring Yonkers’ fallen heroes.

PRESS RELEASE: Yonkers Police Department and U.S. Department of Justice Sign Agreement Closing Investigation Into Alleged Police Practices

YONKERS, NY – November 14, 2016 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced the Yonkers Police Department (YPD) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) have signed an agreement regarding a federal investigation concerning alleged improper police practices by the Yonkers Police Department.

In the agreement, signed by Mayor Spano and U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, the Department of Justice states there is no sufficient evidence of a pattern of race-biased policing by the Yonkers Police Department. 

“Today’s settlement is the result of many years of negotiations between the City and our Department of Justice -- exhibiting cooperation, not confrontation,” said Mayor Spano. “As a result, the federal government is not imposing a federal monitor, consent decree, nor any punitive or financial measures against the city. Our Yonkers Police Department continues to implement best policing practices that build improved relationships with our community.”

Since the initial complaints were made regarding the Yonkers Police, the department has made considerable strides in community policing initiatives, including the implementation of several programs that bridge the gap between the police and the community. Programs like the Youth Police Initiative bring patrol officers and at-risk young people together to work out conflicts in advance. Other services such as the Police Explorer Program, the Youth Police Academy and the Youth Police Coalition also have proven to be highly effective in connecting residents with local police officers.

The implementation of new police training practices and community policing initiatives has resulted in the Yonkers Police Department experiencing a 76% decrease in excessive force complaints and a 44% decrease in citizen complaints since 2011.

“The Yonkers Police Department is completely supportive of constitutional police practices,” noted Yonkers Police Commissioner Charles Gardner.  “The provisions of this mutual agreement represent the values we already hold and have sought to implement over the years.  We will continue to work collaboratively with the DOJ on the implementation of the agreement.”

The final signed agreement includes the following:

·         There is no court-filing, assigned judge, injunction or court monitor.

·         The agreement is not an admission of wrongdoing

·         No aspect of the YPD’s managerial discretion is impaired. The Commissioner and his staff have full authority to run the YPD without outside interference.

·         If a court or other agency determines that the agreement conflicts with a union contract, the union contract shall control.

·         To adopt use of force policies and procedures that ensure that significant uses of force are reported and reviewed by the chain of command or Internal Affairs.

·         Procedures for proper implementation of stop-and-search activities will be put in

place with reporting requirements. Traffic stops are excluded from the agreement (unless coupled with a stop for a reason other than traffic enforcement).

·         Provisions for an enhanced computerized data or risk management system require

YPD to collect more data to identify areas for potential improvement.

·         All YPD personnel must have enhanced training including at least 32 hours per year of special training away from their normal duties.

·         There will be no independent monitor paid for by the City.  DOJ will hire its own consultant to periodically review and report to DOJ on YPD’s progress toward compliance. 

·         The agreement must be in place for at least two years. It may be dissolved after two years if the YPD has been in compliance with all substantive provisions for at least 12 months.

In August 2007, the Department of Justice opened the investigation regarding alleged pattern of improper police practices based on a series of complaints received by the DOJ in 2006-2007.  In April 2012, the Department of Justice informed the City of Yonkers that the investigation was complete. From September 2012 until June 2016, the City of Yonkers and the DOJ engaged in a negotiation to resolve the matter, resulting in the final agreement signed today.

Mayor Spano added, “We thank the federal government and our local U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara for working with us in resolving this matter. I especially thank Yonkers Police Commissioner Gardner for implementing best police practices that have proven to make great strides in improving relationships with our community.”

PRESS RELEASE: Yonkers Police Department and U.S. Department of Justice Sign Agreement Closing Investigation Into Alleged Police Practices

YONKERS, NY – November 14, 2016 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced the Yonkers Police Department (YPD) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) have signed an agreement regarding a federal investigation concerning alleged improper police practices by the Yonkers Police Department.

In the agreement, signed by Mayor Spano and U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, the Department of Justice states there is no sufficient evidence of a pattern of race-biased policing by the Yonkers Police Department. 

“Today’s settlement is the result of many years of negotiations between the City and our Department of Justice -- exhibiting cooperation, not confrontation,” said Mayor Spano. “As a result, the federal government is not imposing a federal monitor, consent decree, nor any punitive or financial measures against the city. Our Yonkers Police Department continues to implement best policing practices that build improved relationships with our community.”

Since the initial complaints were made regarding the Yonkers Police, the department has made considerable strides in community policing initiatives, including the implementation of several programs that bridge the gap between the police and the community. Programs like the Youth Police Initiative bring patrol officers and at-risk young people together to work out conflicts in advance. Other services such as the Police Explorer Program, the Youth Police Academy and the Youth Police Coalition also have proven to be highly effective in connecting residents with local police officers.

The implementation of new police training practices and community policing initiatives has resulted in the Yonkers Police Department experiencing a 76% decrease in excessive force complaints and a 44% decrease in citizen complaints since 2011.

“The Yonkers Police Department is completely supportive of constitutional police practices,” noted Yonkers Police Commissioner Charles Gardner.  “The provisions of this mutual agreement represent the values we already hold and have sought to implement over the years.  We will continue to work collaboratively with the DOJ on the implementation of the agreement.”

The final signed agreement includes the following:

·         There is no court-filing, assigned judge, injunction or court monitor.

·         The agreement is not an admission of wrongdoing

·         No aspect of the YPD’s managerial discretion is impaired. The Commissioner and his staff have full authority to run the YPD without outside interference.

·         If a court or other agency determines that the agreement conflicts with a union contract, the union contract shall control.

·         To adopt use of force policies and procedures that ensure that significant uses of force are reported and reviewed by the chain of command or Internal Affairs.

·         Procedures for proper implementation of stop-and-search activities will be put in

place with reporting requirements. Traffic stops are excluded from the agreement (unless coupled with a stop for a reason other than traffic enforcement).

·         Provisions for an enhanced computerized data or risk management system require

YPD to collect more data to identify areas for potential improvement.

·         All YPD personnel must have enhanced training including at least 32 hours per year of special training away from their normal duties.

·         There will be no independent monitor paid for by the City.  DOJ will hire its own consultant to periodically review and report to DOJ on YPD’s progress toward compliance. 

·         The agreement must be in place for at least two years. It may be dissolved after two years if the YPD has been in compliance with all substantive provisions for at least 12 months.

In August 2007, the Department of Justice opened the investigation regarding alleged pattern of improper police practices based on a series of complaints received by the DOJ in 2006-2007.  In April 2012, the Department of Justice informed the City of Yonkers that the investigation was complete. From September 2012 until June 2016, the City of Yonkers and the DOJ engaged in a negotiation to resolve the matter, resulting in the final agreement signed today.

Mayor Spano added, “We thank the federal government and our local U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara for working with us in resolving this matter. I especially thank Yonkers Police Commissioner Gardner for implementing best police practices that have proven to make great strides in improving relationships with our community.”

PRESS RELEASE: Mayor Spano Presents Roosevelt High School Early College Studies with October 2016 School of The Month Award

YONKERS, NY – November 9, 2016 – Mayor Spano this week joined members of Yonkers City Council and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin M. Quezada to present the School of the Month Award for October 2016 to the deserving administration, faculty, staff, parents and students at Roosevelt High School Early College Studies.

Under the leadership of Principal Edward DeChent, Roosevelt High School Early College Studies is achieving great success with their college degree program and an overall increase in graduation rates. 

“Roosevelt High School Early College Studies has clearly over the course of the last three years placed a strong focus on the overall quality of education given to our students,”said Mayor Spano. “Improvement at any school starts at the top, and I would like to commend Principal DeChent, as well as the administrators, teachers and staff for their continued investment in our students. It’s clear our young and up and coming stars are motivated more than ever as it directly correlates to the graduation rate being increased fifteen percent over the last three years. That’s a true testament to each and every one of our students and the hard work they’ve put in, congratulations to all.”

From the 2014-2016 school years, Roosevelt High School Early College Studies have experienced an increase in their graduation rate rising by 15 percentage points and designated as one of New York State’s most improved schools. 

“On behalf of the Board of Education Trustees, we applaud the outstanding work of the administrators, teachers and support staff at Roosevelt High School Early College Studies who created an environment in which students can thrive and do achieve at high levels.  We congratulate them on receiving this well-deserved award,” said Board of Education President Rev. Steve Lopez.

According to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin M. Quezada, “Roosevelt is recognized across the state as an example of a turn-around school.  Principal DeChent, administrators and teachers have transformed their learning community into a place where students, families and staff are learning and achieving together.  The process begins with leaders and professionals who believe that all children can achieve, we have those individuals at Roosevelt.”

Mayor Spano’s School of the Month recognition program began in January 2014 as a way to celebrate the significant academic success, extracurricular achievements and community volunteerism of Yonkers’ students, teachers, administration and staff at Yonkers Public Schools.

PRESS RELEASE: City of Yonkers and Empire City Casino to Host Veterans Job Fair on Thursday, November 17th from 1PM to 6PM

YONKERS, NY – October 28, 2016 -- Mayor Mike Spano and the City of Yonkers Department of Veterans Services, in conjunction with Empire City Casino today announced the City of Yonkers will host HIRE A HERO INITIATIVE – a job fair for veterans and military spouses who are seeking employment, November 17th from 1PM to 6PM at Empire City Casino, at 810 Yonkers Avenue. 

The event will take place in The Good Time Room and is aimed towards connecting employers with service men and women who are returning from overseas and are looking to re-enter the workforce.  

“The ‘Hire a Hero’ Veteran’s Job Fair is going to be a special day in Yonkers as veterans of all ages will be afforded the opportunity to meet representatives from both the public and private sector,” said Mayor Mike Spano.  “We are grateful to Empire City Casino for partnering with us on this venture as we aim to secure as many jobs as possible for veterans looking for work. Veterans have served our country well – it’s now time for us to serve them.”

The men and women who have bravely served in the military will have the opportunity to network, interview and engage with employers from all sectors of industry. Among the employers expected to attend the fair include The Home Depot, ShopRite Supermarket, Con Ed, Merrill Lynch, Liberty Lines, Sears, Metro North, MTA, Westchester Community College, the Yonkers Fire Department and Yonkers Police Department.

“We owe these young men and women a debt we’ll never be able to repay,” said Timothy Rooney, Owner & Operator of Empire City Casino. “This is our way of saying thank you and our way of giving other employers a way to show their gratitude as well.”

New York has one of the highest veteran population rates in the nation with over 800,000 veterans living within the Empire State.  Veterans from the entire tri-state area and beyond are encouraged to attend and apply for available positions from participating employers.

Employers who are interested in submitting an application and veterans who are interested in pre-registering should visit www.empirecitycasino.com/veterans for more details and information.

Veterans must present their military identification or a valid government issued photo ID to participate in the event.

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The City of Yonkers Department of Veterans Service & Director Lou Navarro assist veterans, spouses, and dependents in the community obtain every benefit they are eligible for under the law. There are never any costs for the department’s services to veterans.  They are located at 120 New Main Street in Yonkers and are open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.  Contact Louis.Navarro@YonkersNY.gov for any questions or inquires.  

Empire City Casino is one of the largest entertainment and gaming destinations in the northeast. Featuring 5,300 of the hottest slots, electronic  craps, roulette, baccarat and sic bo, Empire City Casino also offers guests  year-round harness racing and International simulcasting, live entertainment including the best party, tribute and Latin bands, comedy, New York’s hottest DJ’s, and more. A plethora of dining options will satisfy even the most discerning palate with Italian cuisine at Nonno’s Trattoria; Dan Rooney’s, a high-energy sports bar; Alley 810, a craft cocktail lounge with retro bowling lanes; and  convenient delicious options at the International Food Court or Lil’ Cocina. Visit Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway located at 810 Yonkers Avenue (off I-87 at Central Avenue) Yonkers, NY, Westchester County, open seven days a week from 10:00am to 6:00am. Visit www.empirecitycasino.com or call 914.968.4200 for information.