Yonkers Rising Endorsements-Wilson Terrero City Council 2nd District

We Endorse Wilson Terrero for City Council Second District

In September, we endorsed Wilson Terrero for City Council in the Second District, representing southwest Yonkers. Since then, we are even more confident that Terrero, the Democratic candidate, pictured here receiving an honor from the Yonkers Rotary last week, is the best choice on November 3.
Terrero has a combination of community involvement and business experience, here in Yonkers, that make him an attractive candidate.

Whether it’s helping with children’s reading and recreation programs, his work in his church, St. Peter’s, or with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the city’s Community Development Agency, Terrero has a proven record of partnering with anyone and everyone to better the City of Yonkers.

Terrero is all about the future of Yonkers, and brings a positive voice to the council to help move the city forward.

Terrero’s opponent is Virginia Perez, who he narrowly defeated in the Democratic primary. Perez is an attractive new candidate in Yonkers politics, who brings a different perspective to this race —she is running to remember her murdered brother, Martin Perez.

But Perez has been unable to articulate a vision for Yonkers beyond the issues of crime, gangs and drugs, and, while we applaud her work to find ways to make southwest Yonkers a safer place, the exact strides she will take on this —her primary issue —are still unresolved.

Terrero is ready on January 1 to get to work on all of the issues facing Yonkers and its City Council as we enter the next decade. We endorse Wilson Terrero for City Council Second District on November 3.

County Board Approves Landmark Housing Settlement

See How the Four Yonkers Members Voted

The County Board of Legislators approved a landmark fair housing settlement agreement and bond act that will require Westchester to spend $50 million, over seven years, to build 750 homes in 37 communities across the county known for being overwhelmingly white and affluent.

The County Board’s actions were in response to a lawsuit against Westchester County by the Anti-

Discrimination Center (ADC), which accused the county of making false statements on federal applications about its efforts to integrate housing. The county settled the lawsuit, declining to go to trial, and, by a 12-5 vote, the County Board ratified the agreement.

The Board’s vote on the settlement put some legislators in difficult positions, with many fielding objections in their districts while simultaneously feeling pressure by County Executive Andy Spano regarding the need to pass the settlement.

Eleven democrats voted for the settlement, including Board Chairman Bill Ryan and legislators Jose Alvarado, Lois Bronz, William Burton, Peter Harckham, Ken Jenkins, Michael Kaplowitz, Judith Myers, John Nonna, Vito Pinto and Lyndon Williams. Republican County Legislator Bernice Spreckman, who frequently joins with Democrats on the County Board, cast the 12th vote needed for 2/3 of the County Board (the required amount) to have approved the settlement.

Three of the County Board democrats — Alvarado, Jenkins and Williams — had easier votes because the settlement does not affect the areas they represent, — Yonkers and Mt. Vernon — which already maintain their fair share of affordable and low-income housing.

The votes of the remaining eight were difficult, however, because this agreement will result in the building of low-income housing in the towns and villages they represent.

Yonkers is represented on the County Board with four members —Jenkins, Spreckman, Burrows and Alvarado. Jenkins, Alvarado and Spreckman voted for the settlement, with Burrows voting no.

“After holding a Town Hall Forum within the community, I listened to the concerns voiced by the residents of Bronxville, Tuckahoe and Eastchester,” said Burrows. “ I have clearly stated Westchester County is a leader in the building of affordable housing. The county should not be condemned because of the mistakes made by the county planning department and subsequently approved by the County Administration. The proposed settlement agreement is not clear, and it is ripe with potential problems. The next important step is how the administration will proceed with the implementation process.”

Jenkins, chairman of the Board’s Government Operations Committee, said, “The approval of this settlement provides a tremendous opportunity for the people of Westchester to develop fair and affordable housing in every area of Westchester. This settlement is fiscally responsible and morally correct.”

Spreckman has special insight into the County Board’s vote, as during the 1980’s desegregation crisis in Yonkers, she served on the Yonkers City Council.

“Since I’ve been a legislator I’ve always voted for affordable housing, senior housing and veterans housing in Westchester. To me, this vote is déjà vu all over again in Yonkers. I was on the City Council during the time when Yonkers had its desegregation issues,” she said.

“I’ve always done what my constituents wanted and not the party. I listen to the people. Back then, it was low-income housing, this is affordable housing. I was against it in Yonkers back then, when the rest of the world couldn’t care less about Yonkers and no one came to our defense.

“We went to court and I left the council, but Yonkers lost the case and paid fines and penalties and we got the housing anyway. The Westchester housing case is a landmark decision, and I don’t think the Federal government will let us win.

“Yonkers isn’t involved, but we will be involved if we fight it and end up paying $200 million or more. My taxpayers in Yonkers should not have to pay that cost. We need this housing desperately in the county, including some for seniors,” Spreckman said.

From the Desk of YPS Superintendent Bernard Pierorazio

Transforming the Community Through Education – Part 2

The Yonkers Public Schools is accomplishing academic gains for students, as education blossoms and “success leads to success.” In the previous issue of Yonkers Rising, elementary achievements were highlighted. Suffice to say, there are also many successes that are occurring on the high school level and in the area of adult education. When students graduate from high school or participate in adult education, the community is further transformed by the education of those who are well-prepared to attend college, enter the workforce and positively contribute to their families, neighborhoods and the City of Yonkers.

On the high school level, there has been an increase in the number of students graduating from the Yonkers Public Schools. The four-year graduation rate is at 64 percent and the five-year graduation climbed to 73 percent. The district has the highest rate of graduation among New York State’s “Big Five” cities, but the Yonkers Public Schools has established a goal of achieving a graduation rate of more than 90 percent. Presently, this expectation has been slowed because New York State procedures require districts to account for every student entering ninth grade in any given year, regardless of high mobility and poverty rates, by reporting each student’s status four years later. However, the district remains undaunted and determined.

Another outstanding achievement on the high school level is the number of scholarships awarded to graduating seniors over the past three years. In 2008-2009, graduates earned more than $30 million in scholarships, compared to $21 million in 2007-2008 and $13 million in 2006-2007. In addition, over 1,300 graduates from the class of 2009 were set to enter college in the fall, including schools such as Brown, Harvard, Columbia, SUNY Binghamton and a host of other great universities.

The district adult education program, Yonkers Pathways for Success, was transformed, with over 2,000 adults participating in coursework over a 12-month period. The four sites in southwest Yonkers of Hawthorne PEARLS, Eugenio Maria de Hostos Microsociety, Enrico Fermi and the VIVE Schools, are offering a plethora of courses in the technical training areas to the district’s largest-enrolled classes of English as a Second Language. Adult education, which, three years ago, was a financial drain on the Board of Education, is now a self-sufficient program. Pathways to Success recently won a competitive $300,000 Literacy Zone Grant from the New York State Department of Education, awarded to only 11 districts in the state, to continue work with adults in the community.

The rising high school graduation rate, increase in the amount of earned scholarships and the number of students attending adult education classes are a tribute to district educators, students, parents/guardians and citizens. Each is providing a foundation for the Yonkers Public Schools to transform the community through education.

Terrero Claims Victory in Second Council Democratic Primary

 Wilson Terrero, Democratic candidate for the Second City Council District, is claiming victory in the recent Democratic primary election and called on the other Democratic candidates to come together in support of his candidacy. Terrero defeated Virginia Perez, Eulogio Santiago and Jose Roman in last months’ primary, which boasted a very high voter turnout.

“The people of the Second District need to elect a councilmember with demonstrated experience in financial management who understands the needs of the community. I thank Democrats who came out in the Second District on primary day. They were the big winners, and they should be happy about their victory,” said Terrero.

While Terrero commended the other candidates, he called for the Democratic Party to come together and support the nominee selected by the voters in the Second District so that a Democrat can be elected on November 3.

Honoring a Fallen Yonkers Hero

The Yonkers community mourns the death of Lance Cpl. John J. Malone, who was recently killed in action in Afghanistan. Malone, a graduate of Gorton High School, died of gunshot wounds while on patrol in the Farah province of Afghanistan, a hot spot of Taliban activity against U.S. forces.

He was known for his positive and cheerful demeanor, which lightened up his family and friends. While at Gorton HS, Malone worked at the Pathmark on Central Avenue, before deciding that he wanted to serve his country in the Marines.

He served in Iraq last year before being redeployed to Afghanistan in May. Malone was due to return home in a few weeks, and his friends received recent e-mails from his saying that he had encountered a lot of dangerous missions in Afghanistan, and that his service in Iraq was easier and safer.

Malone was machine gunner and a member of the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, based at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. He joined the Marine Corps in 2007.

His awards include the Purple Heart Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Malone’s family in Yonkers and in Mahopac.

Pinwheels for Peace at Montessori Academy

Last week, over 1,000 students created Pinwheels for Peace swirling in the wind on the front lawn at Yonkers Montessori Academy in celebration of the International Day of Peace. Peace education is an underlying theme of Montessori education, and this event was the kick-off to a year of activities focused on the theme of world peace.

The pinwheels are creativity embellished with the students’ thoughts about war and peace, tolerance and living in harmony with others. Poetry, prose, haiku and essay-style writing were used to express their thoughts. As the pinwheels were planted, students shared their thoughts on peace with their peers.

Pinwheels for Peace is an art installation project started in 2005 by two art teachers at Monarch High School in Coconut Creek, Fla. as a way for their students to express feelings about what’s going on in the world and in their lives. A pinwheel is a childhood symbol that reminds us of a time when things were simple, joyful and peaceful. The spinning of pinwheels in the wind spreads thoughts and feelings about peace throughout the country and the world.

The Yonkers Montessori Academy is located at 160 Woodlawn Ave. For more information, visit www.pinwheelsforpeace.com.

Yonkers Columbus Day Parade

The City of Yonkers started their celebration of Columbus Day last week with the Columbus Day Parade on Sunday, September 27. On Thursday, September 24, Mayor Phil Amicone, Commissioners Mitch Tutoni and John Liszewski, former State Senator Nick Spano, Ann Muro, Frank Cardone and members of the Columbus Day Celebration Committee joined in the ceremonial painting of the red, white and green parade line along Park Hill Avenue.

On Saturday, September 26, a celebratory Mass was held at Mt. Carmel Saint Anthony Catholic Church on Park Hill Avenue.

On Sunday, the parade began with the ceremonial raising of the Italian flag at City Hall. Despite the rainy weather, the parade was a big hit, with Miss Columbus 2009, Gianna Tummolo, greeting all of the parade watchers. Parade Committee Chairman John Rubbo, and Grand Marshal Councilwoman Dee Barbato, happily walked the route with dozens of other marchers, including schools, bands, veterans organizations and Yonkers Police and Fire departments.

Columbus Day celebrations continue in Yonkers on Sunday, October 14, with the Columbus Day Classical Concert at Saunders High School at 2 p.m., featuring a performance by the Yonkers Concert Band.

Look for more photos in next week’s Yonkers Rising as we get closer to Columbus Day, Monday October 12.

Council Ready to Vote on SFC

As previously reported only in Yonkers Rising and online at YonkersRising.com, the Yonkers City Council is ready to vote on the proposed $1.5 billion Struever Fidelco Cappelli (SFC) redevelopment plan for downtown Yonkers.

The council’s Real Estate Committee has scheduled a public meeting for this week on the plan, with public comment welcomed. The council will then vote on the Land Disposition Agreement (LDA) and several zone changes required to approve the project at their October 6th meeting, or shortly thereafter.

Council members Dee Barbato and Liam McLaughlin were the two holdouts on the council, not willing to agree to vote for the project until concessions were given to the city from the developers. By moving forward with a council vote, it now appears that there are five votes on the council in favor, (Council President Chuck Lesnick and council members Barbato, McLaughlin, Patricia McDow and John Murtagh), enough to win passage.

Major issues that were negotiated between the City Council and SFC included the following proposals: the increase of revenues for the city’s tax base; affordable housing and increased assurances that the River Park Center project would be built.

Key highlights of the proposed agreement include:

·    At full build-out, the council has obtained additional revenue and savings of $100 million over the life of a 30-year estimated bond issue, which includes approximately $5.1 million in estimated annual contributions to the city’s tax base. This was achieved through increasing the percentage of incremental revenue that the city will receive during the lifetime of the bonds from 25 percent to 40 percent for a net improvement of more than $57 million.

·    Under the original agreement, SFC was requiring that the city enter into a $43 million lease agreement for space in a new building to be built on property that is part of the Cacace Justice Center site. The lease agreement was for space to house municipal offices currently occupying the Health Center Building at 87 Nepperhan Avenue. Under the City Council agreement, such a lease agreement mandate is no longer a requirement. Instead, entering into such a lease agreement could be considered at a later date should the city desire to do so. For now, the city is under no obligation to enter into a $43 million dollar lease.

·    The council’s negotiated agreement maintains that the developer assumes all costs for building the ball park and operating such.

·    The negotiated plan allows for affordable housing production based on 14 percent of the total rental units to be developed. While initial plans only called for affordable housing rights to last 15 years, the council obtained guarantees for 30 years, including a clause that allows occupants in the 29th year to maintain a right to affordability for an additional 20 years.

·    In the worst-case scenario, if market conditions prevent the developer from building out River Park Center, SFC may commence construction on the residential towers at Palisades Point (H&I). In that instance, SFC will pay the City of Yonkers up to $2 million additional. The H&I project now also includes a development lease which mandates that the city will not relinquish ownership of the land until the project has been substantially completed.

·    The agreement calls for SFC to also hire a minority and women business recruitment consultant who will assist the developers in hiring local, minority and women-owned businesses and employees for both the construction and permanent jobs associated with the project.

The number of jobs at local area businesses is currently approximately 175, including both full-time and part-time positions. It is estimated that 5,300 new permanent jobs will now be generated in the proposed office, hotel, residential, retail, restaurant and entertainment businesses. In addition, it is believed that the development will create approximately 13,000 construction jobs over the period of construction. The SFC project is an important economic development initiative that will bring vital new employment opportunities to downtown Yonkers, benefiting both residents and businesses city-wide.
Recreation and Open Space

Residents will be able to enjoy the new public-accessible open space areas along the Hudson River and at the Riverwalk at River Park Center.

In addition, SFC has committed to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for all residential building construction.

To encourage pedestrian and non-automobile use in the downtown area, SFC has committed to install bike racks within the parking structures. These publicly accessible areas will be shared by both new and existing residents.

The project will result in a total of approximately 6.3 acres of open space through a combination of parkland, public open space and privately owned/publicly accessible open space (the River Park Center Riverwalk and the landscaped lawn area at Palisades Point). The “at-grade” publicly accessible open space at the Cacace Justice Center, River Park Center and Palisades Point sites totals approximately 6.3 acres.  

This includes 3.37 acres at River Park Center (not including the ballpark, with over two acres of playing field), one acre at the Cacace Justice Center and 1.93 acres at Palisades Point. The Hudson River esplanade at Palisades Point and the open space at Cacace Justice Center (except for open space immediately adjacent to the office/hotel building) will be public; other spaces would be private but publicly accessible. Public accessibility and use would be assured through easements.

Mayor Phil Amicone commended the council for moving the SFC vote forward:

 “The City Council announced its intention to schedule a final approval vote on the landmark SFC project, signaling a possible major step forward in continuing the revitalization of downtown Yonkers. I acknowledge the significance of the impending milestone and encourage the council to continue moving toward a final vote as soon as possible.

“From the day it was announced in early 2006, it was clear that SFC would be the most important urban renewal program in our city’s history. If approved, the jobs, excitement and revenue generated from this development will completely transform downtown Yonkers and will put our city on more stable financial ground for the next generation of Yonkers residents. And after more than three-and-a-half years of intense scrutiny, the public can be assured that the city is getting a great deal for our taxpayers.

“Again, I want to commend the City Council for recognizing the need to end this lengthy review period and move the project toward finality. It’s what the people of Yonkers want.”

While the minimum development for the SFC project has a cost of $400 million, the $1.5 billion plan calls for the construction of River Park Center, Cacace Justice Center and Palisades Point (H&I) and involves the creation of 1,436 housing units amidst the vibrant renovation of the commercial sector.

At the base of the 6,500-seat stadium in the River Park Center (Nepperhan Avenue and New Main Street) there will be restaurants, retail shops and a cinema.  At the Cacace Justice Center component, there will be the new location for the City of Yonkers Fire Department Headquarters, the proposed 150-room hotel and a 150,000 square foot office building. Between both the River Park Center and Cacace Justice Center locations, the project will create 6,400 parking spaces.

Additionally, the daylighting and landscaping of the Saw Mill River will create a Riverwalk, giving this structural complex an elegant, natural vista that will appeal to both consumer and environmentalist alike.

2009 Marks 84th Running of the Yonkers Marathon!

 

 By Liz Ehrlich

Runners of the Yonkers Marathon crossed the finish line of another challenging race on Sunday, September 20, completing the 84th year the country’s second oldest continuously running marathon has been held. The race, which began at 8 a.m. at the Riverfront Library, is famous — or infamous, as some would argue — for its grueling hills, although its scenic route and exceptional organization are what stand out most in runners’ minds.

The marathon, run along a double loop course that also serves a half marathon, takes entrants from River Street to Nepperhan Avenue, to City Hall, to South Broadway and, 13.1 miles later, back to River Street to begin again.

Cash prizes are awarded to top performers in four categories, although all competitors undoubtedly feel proud (and sore!) upon the race’s completion. This year, Derese Deniboba, 28, of the Bronx, took the Overall Male Winner title and $1,000 cash prize with a time of 2:30:33 and Muliye Gurmu, 25, of Silver Spring was deemed the Overall Female Winner with a time of 2:54:38, also taking home $1,000.

In addition, the male and female Masters Winners — Orest Babyak, 41, and Meg Fukami, 42, respectively — each walked away with $500, and local resident top performers in their age groups —John Zatkovich, 17, of Yonkers;  Jonas Woldeselassie, 24, of White Plains; Gaby Kappes, 22, of Yonkers; Margaret Duggan, 23, of Bronxville; Michael Oliva, 30, of Tarrytown; Lance Levine, 40, and Mark Thompson, 46, of Mamaroneck; and Anibal Barrero, 60, of White Plains — gave Westchester, and the City of Yonkers, a reason to be proud.

Congratulations to all those who rose to the challenge and crossed the finish line!

John Larkin, City Council Candidate in the 6th District — In His Own Words

• Why are you running?

“For more than 15 years, I have had the honor of serving as president of the Nepera Park/Grey Oaks Neighborhood Association and have been a longtime member of the Tuckahoe Road Watchdog Group. As such, I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to work with elected representatives on every level of government so that I could effectively advocate on behalf of the community on quality-of-life issues ranging from public safety to land development and more. I’d like to take that experience and put it to work for the people of the Sixth District and our city. As a homeowner and taxpayer, I want to ensure that government is working for the taxpayer, not the taxpayer working for government!”

 

• What are the biggest issues you are talking about in your campaign?

“Residents are concerned over rising taxes, the cost of education and the impact of development on the financial stability of our city. Taxes are by far the most important issue. One of the most important functions of the City Council is to approve a budget for the city. Many homeowners are feeling the brunt of rising taxes. City services such as police, fire, sanitation and schools are important to the residents, and every effort needs to be done to find cost-saving measures — no matter how small — so that the services we do pay taxes for are not impacted. Emphasis needs to be placed on a city government that is run efficiently and city services that are delivered properly.

“Senior citizens, many on fixed incomes who are struggling to pay their monthly bills and taxes, are now joined by many residents who, faced with the financial crisis in our country, are also struggling to pay their bills. I will take a hard look at the city’s budget to reduce unnecessary spending.

“Residents are concerned about their tax dollars being spent on unnecessary perks, such as providing take-home cars and gasoline to city employees. In these tough economic times, common sense would dictate that this cannot continue. It is time for elected officials to lead by example. That is why I will not be taking a city car when elected as councilman.

“As a longtime advocate for the community, I recognize that it is our school system which allows for stability within the neighborhoods. Having good, strong, neighborhood schools encourages our young families to stay in Yonkers. I will be a strong advocate of returning to neighborhood schools, especially K-8.” 

 

• What qualities would you bring to the City Council?

“My community involvement — not only within my neighborhood, but also in organizations such as the Tuckahoe Road Watchdog Group, the First and Fourth Precinct Community Councils, Untermyer Performing Arts Council, as well as being active in my church, St. Anthony’s in Nepera Park as both a trustee and president of the Parish Council — has afforded me the opportunity to meet and understand the concerns of these groups. This was accomplished by listening.   

“Listening is one of the most important qualities that a council person should posses. It’s what keeps a council person informed and up to date about the needs and problems of his constituents.

“I have the ability to build consensus and agreement because of my past work experience as a systems specialist for Verizon and my many years of being active in my community. This is essential to being an effective council person.

“As president of my neighborhood association, I have effectively dealt with and resolved issues and concerns similar to those a council person would deal with, such as quality-of-life issues, concern over development projects and public safety issues.”    

 

• What are your views on development?

Development has been championed as the answer to our financial crisis. I believe it can be, as long as both the needs of the developer and community are addressed. We need to ensure that development projects have a positive impact on reoccurring revenues so that the burden of taxes is lessened for the taxpayers. An open and transparent process is critical between developers, the city, and most importantly, the residents, to bring about positive results. We must advocate for smart development that produces reoccurring revenue to ease the burden on the taxpayers.”

 

• What is wrong with city government today?

“The emphasis needs to be placed on what is best for Yonkers and not the political or personal agendas that so often get in the way of success for our city. Taxpayers’ interests and the financial stability of our city should far outweigh these agendas. The residents of Yonkers deserve a City Council that will work for the common good of the city. We should ensure that we have an open and transparent government that listens and seeks input from all citizens.”