PRESS RELEASE: Yonkers Legislator Ken Jenkins Responds to Astorino’s Wasteful Indian Point Lawsuit

JENKINS: We Need Leadership, Not a Frivolous Lawsuit

County Executive Rob Astorino announced that Westchester will be filing an Article 78 lawsuit against the State of New York on the decision to close Indian Point nuclear power plant.

YONKERS, NY– May 9, 2017 —  “We need to work with all stakeholders to unite the community, and work on a plan for the future,” said Jenkins.

“Now is the time to lead instead of grandstanding to part of the solution. We need to bring the community together and work on a plan for the safety of residents in the surrounding areas. Now is the time to work together to mitigate the economic loss of the closing, and do what we can to create jobs.”

In a radio interview today, Rob Astorino announced his appeal of the state decision to close Indian Point. He called the decision an environmental catastrophe and railed against the state government for their neglect of the communities surrounding Indian Point.

“Westchester County should not waste a dime on this political sham of a lawsuit,” said Jenkins. “Astorino is once again wasting taxpayer funds to play politics, instead of leading the County. He should focus on how Westchester moves forward. The closing has already been announced, and the County Exec has made no plan. He should actually do his job, not waste our time and money.”

The Indian Point closing was announced in early January, after a long series of negotiations between the State and Entergy, the company who runs the plant. The County Executive’s lawsuit cites the closing decision did not properly consider the impact on the area because it was made before an Environmental Impact Study was finished.

PRESS RELEASE: City of Yonkers Budget Hearing Schedule

All hearings will be held in the City Council Chambers unless otherwise noted.

Tuesday, May 9th:

3:00pm-3:30pm – Planning & Development

3:30pm-4:15pm – DPW

4:15pm-5:00pm – Parks Department

5:00pm-5:30pm – Hudson River Museum

5:30pm-6:00pm – Library

6:30pm -7:00pm – Committee of the Whole

7:00pm –8:00pm – Council Meeting

#    #     #

Wednesday, May 10th

4:00pm-5:00pm – Finance Department/Special Items, Grant Budget

5:00pm-6:00pm – Engineering/CIP

6:00pm-6:45pm – Housing & Buildings

6:30pm-7:30pm – Department of Information Technology

#     #     #

Tuesday, May 16th

4:00pm-5:00pm – Police Department (Saunders High School)

5:15pm-6:15pm – Fire Department (Saunders High School)

6:30pm-7:00pm – Rules (Saunders High School)

7:00pm-8:00pm – Public Hearing (Saunders High School)

#     #     #

Thursday, May 18th

4:30pm-5:30pm – Board of Education

5:30pm-6:30pm – O’Connor Davies Budget Presentation

#     #     #

Tuesday, May 23rd

6:30pm-7:00pm – Committee of the Whole

7:00pm-8:00pm – Council Meeting

8:00pm-9:00pm – Public Hearing

Yonkers Priest Fr. Solanus Beatified

Former Yonkers Priest Beatified By Vatican
by Sam Barron

A priest who served in the Hudson Valley is on the track to sainthood.

***

Casey's first assignment was at Sacred Heart Church in Yonkers. He served as sacristan, director of altar servers and then a porter, answering the bell at the monastery door, according to his website.
Whole article

YONKERS EVENT: Nicole Benjamin-Horsford for Westchester County Legislator for District 16 – Sunday, May 21st At 4pm

PRESS RELEASE: Westchester County Legislator Virginia Perez Endorsed by the Yonkers Democratic Committee

YONKERS, NY — May 4, 2017 — Westchester County Legislator Virginia Perez (D-Yonkers) launched her bid for re-election to the County Board with some high-profile endorsements. Legislator Perez who represents southwest Yonkers, is the sole Latina on the Board of Legislators and she is seeking reelection for a fourth term.

After being formally endorsed by the Yonkers Democratic Committee, Wednesday night, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano sang her praises to a packed house Thursday night at a Perez Campaign Kick-off event.

“I am proud to support Virginia Perez for another term as County Legislator,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano (D-Yonkers), “Virginia is the right candidate to represent Yonkers — she is a fearless, independent leader who has the experience and knows the job well.”

A glowing endorsement followed from New York State Senator Marisol Alcantara (D-New York District 31), who said “Virginia Perez is an extraordinary individual who has responded to adversity by taking action to help her community. As the only Latina member of the Westchester County Legislature, she brings an invaluable perspective to discussions of policy and politics. We need more young women like her to respond to injustice by deciding to serve in government. As she announces her re-election bid, I offer my ongoing support for her work as an advocate for her community.”

Congressman Adriano Espaillat (D-New York District 13) said, “We need more Latinas in public service. Westchester County Legislator Virginia Perez is an outstanding public servant and serves as a strong role model for our young women. Her heartfelt commitment to the people of Yonkers coupled with her ability to work in a bipartisan manner has produced results. We need to elect more like her in Congress.”

Perez responded with gratitude and stated that “you have to work with everyone in order to get things done. Anyone who doesn’t believe or practice that is just a facilitator of government gridlock and that is not what the taxpayers want or deserve.”

PRESS RELEASE: Liam McLaughlin Makes Announcement In Yonkers

YONKERS, NY – Yonkers City Council President Liam McLaughlin announced his plans for re-election in the 2017 campaign season this Wednesday in Yonkers.

Hundreds of local residents and supporters were on hand to hear this special announcement.

“Together, in 2013 we campaigned on the message that we could believe in a better Yonkers, a city that would no longer be beset by the partisan rancor and bickering that had for far too long plagued Washington and Albany,” McLaughlin said. “A city where the politics of the past would be set aside, where we could enjoy a government of, by, and for the people. A city where everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed. A city moving forward.”

He continued, “Four years later, here we stand, and in my view, those beliefs have come to fruition. It has been my great honor to serve as your Council President, and today, I humbly come before you to seek your support as I announce that I am once again a candidate for Yonkers City Council President.”

McLaughlin is a CPA and attorney. He lives in Yonkers with his wife, Debbie, and their son, Ryan Patrick. The Republican is currently serving in his first term as City Council President after having been elected with 57% of the vote in 2013.

“This is about public service, not about politics, and certainly not about self-service,” McLaughlin said. “Wouldn’t it be nice to see Albany or Washington working together in a similar fashion? Perhaps it’s something we can all hope for. Because that’s what we deserve.

“I’ve traveled all around our City and I’ve been inspired by the people I’ve met,” he continued. “I understand your frustrations with government but together we have worked to move Yonkers forward. If I am fortunate enough to be granted a second term as your Council President, we will continue do just that. Yonkers is a great City, with great people. It will be my honor to continue serving the City I love….and to deliver leadership, as promised.”

PRESS RELEASE: Latimer Locks Down Broad Support Across Westchester as Convention Nears

PEEKSKILL, NY — May 1, 2017 — Weeks into his campaign for County Executive, with support growing faster than expected, Senator George Latimer has garnered broad-based support in advance of the Democrats‘ May 10th convention.

After adding endorsements from the Democratic Committees of Eastchester, Peekskill, Mt. Pleasant and ten chairs in northern Westchester this week, Senator George Latimer today thanked the growing coalition of nearly one dozen town and community Democratic groups for their enthusiastic support, while also urging that all Democrats focus on the tough fight ahead in November.

“In the weeks since I announced my intention to run for County Executive, I am honored by the support I have received from district leaders, elected officials, and party committees. From Westchester’s cities in the south to our towns in the north; from the Long Island Sound to the banks of the Hudson, our support and organization grows every day.  Democrats are coming together to stand up for our values and for middle class families, and we are building the strength to win in November,” Senator George Latimer (D-Rye) said today.

“With ten days left to go until the convention, we’re gaining momentum and have no plans of slowing down. I’ve said from the beginning that we’re going to respect the nominating process and let it reach its conclusion when we convene on May 10th.  From there, I hope that all of us as Democrats can unite to get our county back on track for all the taxpayers who have been ‘Rob’d’ by the current administration’s Trump-like adherence to politics over people,” he added.

Latimer, one of Westchester’s most visible elected officials, is continuing to meet with Democrats across the county to secure their support right up through the May 10th convention. As of today, Latimer has secured the following endorsements:

Local Democratic committees:

Bedford Democratic Committee
Eastchester Democratic Committee
Harrison Democratic Committee
Mamaroneck Town Democratic Committee
Mt. Pleasant Democratic Committee
North Castle Democratic Committee
Peekskill Democratic Committee
Rye City Democratic Committee
Rye Town Democratic Committee
Scarsdale Democratic Committee

Local Party Leaders (in addition to local Democratic Committees)

The Town/Village Democratic Chairs of the following communities:
Villages: Bronxville, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Pelham Manor, Tuckahoe
Towns:  Mt. Kisco, New Castle, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers, Yorktown

Local elected officials:

Jose Berra, North Castle Town Councliman
Dan Brakewood, Port Chester Village Trustee
Chris Burdick, Bedford Town Supervisor
MaryAnn Carr, Bedford Town Councilwoman
Drew Claxton, Peekskill City Councilwoman
Jaine Elkind Eney, Mamaroneck Town Councilwoman
Peter Fanelli, Larchmont Village Trustee
Barry Fertel, New Rochelle City Councilman
Malcolm Frouman, Larchmont Village Trustee
Emily Hurd, Rye City Councilwoman
Abby Katz, Mamaroneck Town Councilwoman
Luis Marino, Port Chester Village Trustee
John Martin, White Plains City Councilman
Carol Miller, Larchmont Village Trustee
Tom Murphy, Mamaroneck Town Councilman
Tom Nardi Rye Town Councilman
Ernie Odierna, Mamaroneck Town Councilman
Catherine Parker, County Legislator, 7th  CLD, Rye
Leon Potok Mamaroneck Village Trustee
Manny Quesada, Ossining Village Trustee
Barry Reiter. North Castle Town Councilman
Karen Schleimer, Mt. Kisco Village Trustee
Nancy Seligson, Mamaroneck Town Supervisor
Victor Tafur, Mamaroneck Village Trustee
Danielle Taggar-Epstein, Rye City Councilwoman
Kathleen Talbot, Peekskill City Councilwoman
Keith Waitt, Mamaroneck Village Trustee
Lorraine Walsh, Larchmont Village Mayor

YONKERS EVENT: Liam McLaughlin to Announce Re-election Campaign – May 3rd At 6:30pm

YONKERS, NY — May 1, 2017 — Yonkers City Council President Liam McLaughlin will announce his plans for re-election in the 2017 campaign season this Wednesday, May 3rd, in Yonkers.

Local residents and supporters will be on hand to hear this special announcement.
McLaughlin is a CPA and attorney. He lives in Yonkers with his wife, Debbie, and their son, Ryan Patrick. The Republicanis currently serving in his first term as City Council President after having been elected in 2013.

He also served 10 years in various capacity on the Yonkers City Council prior to that, such as City Councilman, Minority Leader, and Majority Leader in those years.

PRESS RELEASE: ThePowerLab, Yonkers Non-Profit Incubator New Co-working Space and Neighborhood Plan

YONKERS, NY — May 1, 2017 — On Thursday, May 4th, at 6pm, CGDC (Community Governance & Development Council) 45 Ludlow Street, Suite 310 (ThePowerLab), a Yonkers based non-profit, will hold an event to present the initial phase of their neighborhood plan for Southwest Yonkers, unveil ThePowerLab, a community business incubator and co-working suite located at 45 Ludlow Street, Suite 310 (ThePowerLab), where the presentation will be held. Telephone contact: 914-281-1109.The ThePowerLab has been defined and devised to provide affordable workspace for local entrepreneurs, community projects, and start-up community businesses.

The space will also provide technical assistance and support services for local start-ups, and will also serve as a community space for classes and workshops on topics like financial literacy and business development. CGDC has partnered with Defiant Media Group (DMG) — a strategic marketing and brand development agency that will be leading the operations and marketing for the ThePowerLab.

“We saw this partnership as the perfect catalyst to create the foundation for social and economic development in this community,” advised Anthony Bailey, CEO of DMG.

In his support letter for the project, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano wrote: “Start-up incubators and coworking facilities are becoming common and necessary throughout major cities and this project is in alignment with the city’s goal to assist residents and business owners to build strong sustainable communities by creating employment opportunities and investing in local entrepreneurs, and the facilities that house them.”

LaMont OyeWale’ Badru, CGDC Executive Director said, “We want ThePowerLab to play a transformative role in Southwest Yonkers. There’s a lot of development happening around us, and unless we prepare local residents to participate in the growth of Southwest Yonkers, people will end up priced out of their own communities. ”

ThePowerLab is one of three projects that make up the first phase of CGDC’s neighborhood plan that they will outline on Thursday, all relating to the economic revitalization of Southwest Yonkers. The neighborhood plan also includes the proposed creation of a “community innovation center” which would be a facility to house business, technology, coding, and engineering training for youth and community members. The final key part of the plan is building a coalition to promote the adoption of a “community benefit ordinance” for the City of Yonkers, that would create requirements for large developers to provide benefits (local hiring, prevailing wages, etc.) to the neighborhoods within which they are developing.

CGDC’s neighborhood planning project, The Highland Hill Project, was begun in response to the sale of the then abandoned Yonkers Public School 19 building, located at 70 Jackson Street, to a Long Island-based developer 4 years ago. They informed that they will build 91 market rate housing units. School 19 was a property that CGDC had planned to convert into a community facility but was outbid by Alma Realty. Even so, there was strong community opposition to the sale of School 19 because of strong local support for the community center.

CGDC is asking the developer to invest in the local neighborhood by supporting their efforts to revitalize the surrounding neighborhood. CGDC believes that with the developer investing in projects like ThePowerLab, they and the community would be bridging their efforts in compromise, facilitating the development to provide a concrete community benefit, while helping to revitalize the neighborhood surrounding the development site. The developer is currently awaiting approval from the Yonkers Industrial Development Agency for $1.6 million in tax abatements.

CGDC is currently crowdfunding the remaining needed dollars to officially launch ThePowerLab in June. To make a donation, or to learn more visit: cgdcny.org/powerlab

ThePowerLab will be a community incubator and co-working suite in the heart of Southwest Yonkers. We provide space and resources for local entrepreneurs and leaders to help take their projects and businesses to the next level, with the goal of revitalizing Southwest Yonkers.

PRESS RELEASE: South Broadway Business Improvement District Update

YONKERS, NY — May 1, 2017 — A brief update from the South Broadway BID (SBBID):

1)      YONKERS ARTS WEEKEND REACHES SOUTH BROADWAY THIS YEAR!
At 262 South Broadway, (J&M Party Supply/True Value Hardware) the South Broadway BID welcomes Colombian artist Juan Bernal who has begun his mural. He will be painting throughout next week and they invite residents to come see him as he works. 

2)      FRIENDS OF VAN CORTLANDT PARK and the NY PHILHARMONIC:

Herein is the invitation from the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park and also for their June 13th VIP event with the NY Philharmonic in the Park.

3)      SECRET DINING ON SOUTH BROADWAY:
The South Broadway BID is eager for Ludlow Residents to dine along the South Broadway ribbon and share their culinary reviews with the new “Secret Diner” Program. The survey can be downloaded from the SBBID website (http://southbroadwaybid.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Secret-Diner-Survey-Form-public-2017.docx).  This will assist in assessing “infrastructure” work to embellish business and restaurant upgrades. 

4)    Cinco de Mayo! A propitious time to discover the 8 Mexican restaurants on South Broadway—with three new ones to satisfy your palate with family and friends!

·      NEW! PICANTE MEXICAN GRILL, 299 S. Broadway 914.963.7268 and 914.963.7269. (http://southbroadwaybid.org/picante-mexican-grill/)

·      NEW! FRIDA’S TACOS DELI & GRILL, 405 S. Broadway 914.963.0062. (http://southbroadwaybid.org/fridas-tacos-deli-grill/)

·      FONDA 5 DE MAYO, 427 S. Broadway 914.920.5242. (http://southbroadwaybid.org/fonda-5-de-mayo/)

·      CAFÉ TACUBA, 332 S. Broadway 914.349.9333. (http://southbroadwaybid.org/cafe-tacuba/)

·      NEW! EL RANCHERO MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 350C S. Broadway 914.968.0468. (http://southbroadwaybid.org/el-ranchero-mexican-restaurant/)

·      TEX-MEX CAFÉ, 299 1/2 South Broadway 914.920.5090. (http://southbroadwaybid.org/tex-mex-cafe/)

·      ATLIXCAYOTEL RESTAURANT, 297 South Broadway 914.294.0334 (http://southbroadwaybid.org/atlixcayotel-restaurant/)

·      NELLY’S MEXICAN FOOD, 180 South Broadway 914.613.9573      ( http://southbroadwaybid.org/nellys-mexican-food/)

 South Broadway B.I.D. Executive Director Karel Littman, “looks forward to being of service to the neighborhood and is always available for residents’ questions, concerns, visions and hopes.

The office of the South Broadway B.I.D. Is located at 8 St. Andrews Place, Yonkers, NY 10705. Direct email to: KLittman@southbroadwaybid.org . Sign up for the SBBID Newsletter and learn more at www.SouthbroadwayBID.org