Yonkers Developers, Listen Up!

Many Yonkers residents believe that the $1.6 billion redevelopment plan currently proposed for downtown Yonkers could be the answer to their prayers for a much-needed area renaissance. I believe that to be true, but along with great improvements come great waiting periods, so in the meantime, I also believe there are reasonable steps that could be taken to make Yonkers the commuter-friendly, much-happening hotspot that young professionals who moved here from Manhattan had hoped it would be:

1)    Going Postal – The oppressively long lines at the Yonkers Post Office offers those of us in the BlackBerry-wielding set the chance to have the life sucked out of our lunch hour while we fantasize about that magical “Brigadoon”-esque time of day when the lines disappear and we get service that is speedy and not Harlem-like (I’ve lived there, so I know). Young professionals are fast-moving and enjoy crossing tasks off our to-do lists, so why not install an Automated Postal Center for those of us self-reliants who have our envelopes and packages (and our debit cards) ready to go and just need the official USPS stamp of approval?

2)    Coffee (Money) Makers – As corporate as it is, Starbucks is uber-popular because people enjoy having more choices when it comes to their morning java. Opening a Starbucks or a Dunkin’ Donuts (if American runs on it, why not Yonkers?) would infuse the area with caffeinated commerce, and give workers an extra boost before they clock in, making for an all-around perkier neighborhood.

3)    More Food Choices – There’s a reason why Andiamo, at 61 Main St., is always crammed at lunchtime (other than its close quarters) – Yonkers professionals care about what they put in their bodies. We need more places like that and Pass Me Not International Green Market (15 Main St.); otherwise, it’s a choice between McDonald’s and pizza. Not to mention the fact that there is no supermarket in the downtown area. I’m all for supporting the mom-and-pop markets, but I can’t expect them to be open at 8 or 9 p.m., when I’m craving mint chocolate chip ice cream or reduced-price sushi. And can I be so bold as to suggest a Jamba Juice?

4)    A Little Help for the Car-less – Speaking of hours of operation, much like NYC’s Wall Street/Battery Park area, most merchants and services in downtown Yonkers shut down around 6 p.m., which leave those of us without a car virtually stranded. For example, the Bee-Line doesn’t offer a through-line bus after 5:30 p.m., so if I want to take a trip to Stew Leonard’s after work or hit the mall or a movie, my options are rather limited. Now if the MTA would offer evening buses out of Getty Square, I’d be a happy camper … er, commuter.

5)    Movies, Anyone? – A movie theatre downtown would be the perfect solution to finding ample after-work options in the downtown area. The Yonkers Downtown Waterfront BID had it right this summer when they offered outdoor movies, but we need our flicks fix year-round! Build a movie complex and model it after the Cinema de Lux at National Amusements City Center 15 in White Plains: Include comfortable couches in the lobby and a bar and restaurant, so cinephiles can grab a drink or a bite beforehand — a bite that doesn’t involve nachos and Goobers (don’t worry, junk mavens, they have those there as well).

Certainly, with $1.6 billion of development, the City of Yonkers will be given a real opportunity to flourish. But until the ribbons are cut, I urge our city services and merchants to consider making the above adjustments. We need a Yonkers that can keep up with the multitask-happy pace of a resident looking to maintain career, wellness and a social life on a day-to-day basis.  

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