Yonkers Committee for Smart Development & I Love Yonkers
Target:
Yonkers City Council
Sponsored by:
Yonkers Committee for Smart Development and I Love Yonkers ask YONKERS RESIDENTS to tell our City Council to take more time to vet the $1.2 billion SFC Project for the downtown and waterfront. Many unanswered questions remain about the funding, traffic, affordable housing, infrastructure, and public open space. The project may bring very, very little revenue to the city.The City Council still has six months under the City Charter to study the Environmental Impact Statement on the project.
We speak emphatically to the City Council and ask them to continue the pocess of thoroughly studying ALL the topics associated with such a massive redevelopment plan.
We speak emphatically to the City Council and ask them to continue the pocess of thoroughly studying ALL the topics associated with such a massive redevelopment plan.
Yonkers Committee for Smart Development and I Love Yonkers ask YONKERS RESIDENTS to tell our City Council to take more time to vet the $1.2 billion SFC Project for the downtown and waterfront. Many unanswered questions remain about the funding, traffic, affordable housing, infrastructure, and public open space. The project may bring very, very little revenue to the city.The City Council still has six months under the City Charter to study the Environmental Impact Statement on the project.
We speak emphatically to the City Council and ask them to continue the pocess of thoroughly studying ALL the topics associated with such a massive redevelopment plan.
We speak emphatically to the City Council and ask them to continue the pocess of thoroughly studying ALL the topics associated with such a massive redevelopment plan.
City Council: I/We join with YCSD to ask that you take more time to carefully evaluate the SFC downtown and waterfront redevelopment project. There are still too many unaswered questions in the Final Environmental Impact Statement. We are concerned that the city's financial advisors predict such a low rate of financial return to the city. It is disturbing that there has been an abrupt change in the financial instrument from Tax Incremental Financing to Payments in Lieu of Taxes. Furthermore, we have questions about the traffic; open space; high rises; and affordable housing. Thank you very much for your consideration.
We signed the "Yonkers Committee for Smart Development & I Love Yonkers" petition!
# 44:
11:33 am PDT, Sep 29,
Lucille Dahm, New York
In these unusually tough times, even considering such a proposal is foolhardy. If this proposal is passed, the current City Council will be remembered in the same disparaging way as the Council which said OK to the demolition of the old Getty Library on South Broadway. And none will get my vote!
In these unusually tough times, even considering such a proposal is foolhardy. If this proposal is passed, the current City Council will be remembered in the same disparaging way as the Council which said OK to the demolition of the old Getty Library on South Broadway. And none will get my vote!
# 42:
11:45 pm PDT, Sep 23,
Miriam Emery, New York
# 40:
1:47 pm PDT, Sep 23,
Diane Scott, New York
50 stories is just too much. Be reasonable. Plus, in this economy, who are they going to get to fill a building that tall?
50 stories is just too much. Be reasonable. Plus, in this economy, who are they going to get to fill a building that tall?
# 39:
12:26 pm PDT, Sep 23,
Nan Beer, New York
We are being asked to put up with so much--a degraded scenic environment, more traffic, more demands on city services, cost pressures on existing downtown housing, to name just a few-- for the promise of an increased tax base. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that the project will yield the cash Yonkers needs. And absent a letter of credit to back up the proposed TIF bonds, there is the very real possibility that the city will be on the hook for the cost of the needed parking and other improvements. Let's not rush into this, especially in a weakening economy.
We are being asked to put up with so much--a degraded scenic environment, more traffic, more demands on city services, cost pressures on existing downtown housing, to name just a few-- for the promise of an increased tax base. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that the project will yield the cash Yonkers needs. And absent a letter of credit to back up the proposed TIF bonds, there is the very real possibility that the city will be on the hook for the cost of the needed parking and other improvements. Let's not rush into this, especially in a weakening economy.
# 38:
6:23 am PDT, Sep 23,
Deborah Holcombe, New York
I am all for development of Yonkers downtown and waterfront but it must be done responsibly and with citizen imput.
I am all for development of Yonkers downtown and waterfront but it must be done responsibly and with citizen imput.
# 34:
7:27 am PDT, Sep 22,
Pamela Battle, New York
Yonkers continues to look to large oversized developments at the expense of current residents' and tax payers' quality of living. Investing in making our school systems outstanding attracts a better tax base for our city, scale down the buildings and include more public and visual access to our river for the rest of Yonkers residents. Living on upper Warburton, we have watched as our neighborhood has been blighted with developments that are too large, abandoned by the developers who run out of money, inflicting damage on our quality of life and property values. The prospects for these oversized developments is poor with the current economic climate. Financing, including for cost overruns ,needs to be secure and guaranteed before allowing existing structures to be torn down.
Yonkers continues to look to large oversized developments at the expense of current residents' and tax payers' quality of living. Investing in making our school systems outstanding attracts a better tax base for our city, scale down the buildings and include more public and visual access to our river for the rest of Yonkers residents. Living on upper Warburton, we have watched as our neighborhood has been blighted with developments that are too large, abandoned by the developers who run out of money, inflicting damage on our quality of life and property values. The prospects for these oversized developments is poor with the current economic climate. Financing, including for cost overruns ,needs to be secure and guaranteed before allowing existing structures to be torn down.
# 32:
1:14 am PDT, Sep 22,
Steven Haws, New York
# 30:
6:44 pm PDT, Sep 21,
Mike Hertz, New York
# 29:
12:43 pm PDT, Sep 21,
Meryl Nadel, New York
# 28:
10:18 am PDT, Sep 21,
Dorothy Fitch, New York
The SFC proposed waterfront project would be an environmental atrocity against current and future generations. This project threatens the health, safety and financial security of Yonkers residents. This kind of thinking is what has caused global warming. Please think of the future.
The SFC proposed waterfront project would be an environmental atrocity against current and future generations. This project threatens the health, safety and financial security of Yonkers residents. This kind of thinking is what has caused global warming. Please think of the future.
# 27:
4:30 am PDT, Sep 21,
Maureen Kennedy, New York
please remember that the hudson river should not be cut off from the population that does not live directly at water's edge. development at water's edge should be low in height so that it does not impact on the majesty of our river. we are its conservators, its stewards, and so are preserving its beauty for future generations. traffic congestion and emissions during peak hours in this community are at an all time high. the access roads cannot accommodate the increase in population that is currently proposed. sewerage, air quality, and pollution has not yet been satisfactorily addressed. i encourage you to override your personal interests and views and to take action based on the larger issues of the environment and the personal well being of the neighborhood, which has stood firm and anchored this west side community to bring forth the economic growth that it is now experiencing. let's work together. let's go slow.
please remember that the hudson river should not be cut off from the population that does not live directly at water's edge. development at water's edge should be low in height so that it does not impact on the majesty of our river. we are its conservators, its stewards, and so are preserving its beauty for future generations. traffic congestion and emissions during peak hours in this community are at an all time high. the access roads cannot accommodate the increase in population that is currently proposed. sewerage, air quality, and pollution has not yet been satisfactorily addressed. i encourage you to override your personal interests and views and to take action based on the larger issues of the environment and the personal well being of the neighborhood, which has stood firm and anchored this west side community to bring forth the economic growth that it is now experiencing. let's work together. let's go slow.
# 26:
3:40 pm PDT, Sep 20,
Audra Moran, New York
# 25:
3:28 pm PDT, Sep 20,
Deane Prouty, New York
I am vehemently opposed to the Yonkers downtown waterfront project as it has been presented, including the ball park and towers. The residents of Yonkers have not yet been given accurate actual numbers in terms of tax dollars and assessments that will be a huge burden on the city and its residents. By all accounts this project is smoke and mirrors and will not bring the kind of revenues promised to the city as planned. The tax incentives to the developers are too great and we, the citizens of Yonkers will pay the price. I would like to see some development of downtown, but not on a scale such as this, and not on a project, the actual cost of which is not guaranteed by the developers. If I hire a contractor to do work for me, and he gives me a quote and the costs are more than quoted, the contractor pays for the difference. There are NO TAX BENEFITS to the Yonkers residents who will according to the Developers wind up footing the bill. SFC has publically stated that they will be 'responsible' only for the original TIF figure of $160 million plus some soft costs. The estimated costs of 'infrastructure' to be covered by the TIF (Tax Incremental Financing ie. city borrowing) have gone from $160 million to $232 million AFTER the elimination of the Prospect St bridge and some of the planned parking garages. The citizens of Yonkers will wind up paying this difference of 72 MILLION DOLLARS! If SFC can guarantee no cost overruns, and guarantee all the tax and revenue benefits proposed, then I could see a scaled back version of the plans. But unless the developers are willing to agree to reimburse the city the amount of revenue lost when this plan fails, and cover the cost of tax increases to Yonkers residents, there is no way it should be approved. As proposed, there would be a huge influx of vehicular traffic to downtown, and not enough spaces for drivers to park their cars, let alone enough access from the Saw Mill which is constantly backed up to come downtown already. There are not enough "affordable housing" units. The percentage is too small. We are all overburdened by the current direction the economy has taken, and this plan shows no proof of income generation for the city of Yonkers. It will be a burden to all of us. The temporary jobs created will benefit a few and not the many. Many of the Union laborers who have spoken out at City Council meetings, do not even live in Yonkers. Sure the Union laborers are all for the project, because it provides them with income, while draining the pockets of the citizens of Yonkers. I am a proud Union member and I am opposed to this project. It just doesn't make sense to me.
I am vehemently opposed to the Yonkers downtown waterfront project as it has been presented, including the ball park and towers. The residents of Yonkers have not yet been given accurate actual numbers in terms of tax dollars and assessments that will be a huge burden on the city and its residents. By all accounts this project is smoke and mirrors and will not bring the kind of revenues promised to the city as planned. The tax incentives to the developers are too great and we, the citizens of Yonkers will pay the price. I would like to see some development of downtown, but not on a scale such as this, and not on a project, the actual cost of which is not guaranteed by the developers. If I hire a contractor to do work for me, and he gives me a quote and the costs are more than quoted, the contractor pays for the difference. There are NO TAX BENEFITS to the Yonkers residents who will according to the Developers wind up footing the bill. SFC has publically stated that they will be 'responsible' only for the original TIF figure of $160 million plus some soft costs. The estimated costs of 'infrastructure' to be covered by the TIF (Tax Incremental Financing ie. city borrowing) have gone from $160 million to $232 million AFTER the elimination of the Prospect St bridge and some of the planned parking garages. The citizens of Yonkers will wind up paying this difference of 72 MILLION DOLLARS! If SFC can guarantee no cost overruns, and guarantee all the tax and revenue benefits proposed, then I could see a scaled back version of the plans. But unless the developers are willing to agree to reimburse the city the amount of revenue lost when this plan fails, and cover the cost of tax increases to Yonkers residents, there is no way it should be approved. As proposed, there would be a huge influx of vehicular traffic to downtown, and not enough spaces for drivers to park their cars, let alone enough access from the Saw Mill which is constantly backed up to come downtown already. There are not enough "affordable housing" units. The percentage is too small. We are all overburdened by the current direction the economy has taken, and this plan shows no proof of income generation for the city of Yonkers. It will be a burden to all of us. The temporary jobs created will benefit a few and not the many. Many of the Union laborers who have spoken out at City Council meetings, do not even live in Yonkers. Sure the Union laborers are all for the project, because it provides them with income, while draining the pockets of the citizens of Yonkers. I am a proud Union member and I am opposed to this project. It just doesn't make sense to me.
# 24:
2:47 pm PDT, Sep 20,
Marie Rama, New York
# 23:
2:38 pm PDT, Sep 20,
Name not displayed, New York
# 22:
2:36 pm PDT, Sep 20,
Name not displayed, New York
# 21:
1:58 pm PDT, Sep 20,
Kathryn Anastos, New York
A decision of this scope needs a full assessment of its impact on the city and the neighborhood, and a realistic estimation of the range of expected revenue, especially with the recent financial collapse on Wall Street. Taking more time before rendering a decision is advisable.
A decision of this scope needs a full assessment of its impact on the city and the neighborhood, and a realistic estimation of the range of expected revenue, especially with the recent financial collapse on Wall Street. Taking more time before rendering a decision is advisable.
# 20:
1:49 pm PDT, Sep 20,
Judy Bartunek, New York
We must study rhe EIS more thoroughly and make intelligent choices that will protect the environment and help our city at the same time. Please consider the long term impact the projects will have in every aspect of our communities - traffic,parking, emergency and sanitation services,schools,etc. We need to develop the area but it must be SMART Development. It should be planned by smart, intelligent, thoughtful,educated, and informed city officials with LOTS of input by the citizens of Yonkers
We must study rhe EIS more thoroughly and make intelligent choices that will protect the environment and help our city at the same time. Please consider the long term impact the projects will have in every aspect of our communities - traffic,parking, emergency and sanitation services,schools,etc. We need to develop the area but it must be SMART Development. It should be planned by smart, intelligent, thoughtful,educated, and informed city officials with LOTS of input by the citizens of Yonkers
# 19:
1:28 pm PDT, Sep 20,
Dave Wuchinich, New York
I believe that the city should make available to all residents in the city offices and its public libraries the simulated views from the streets facing the proposed development so that residents could see how much of our scenic waterfront will be obstructed for anyone not living in the proposed buildings.
I believe that the city should make available to all residents in the city offices and its public libraries the simulated views from the streets facing the proposed development so that residents could see how much of our scenic waterfront will be obstructed for anyone not living in the proposed buildings.
# 17:
12:05 pm PDT, Sep 20,
Susan Lally, New York
I am concerned as a long term resident that the proposed development does not deplete Yonkers financially but, instead, contributes revenue to the City as well as provides affordable housing.
I am concerned as a long term resident that the proposed development does not deplete Yonkers financially but, instead, contributes revenue to the City as well as provides affordable housing.
# 16:
10:16 am PDT, Sep 20,
Elita Agee, New York
i urge the yonkers city council to take longer to consider the proposed SFC Project for the waterfront in our city. as time goes on there appear more aspects of the proposal and its funding that are alarming to taxpayers here.
i urge the yonkers city council to take longer to consider the proposed SFC Project for the waterfront in our city. as time goes on there appear more aspects of the proposal and its funding that are alarming to taxpayers here.
# 13:
6:30 pm PDT, Sep 19,
Colin Cooke, New York
yonkers will lose that valuable and beautiful waterfront by moving at the speed that the developers are pushing for. and how can they possibly make money in this current real estate atmosphere? have you seen all of the empty apts at the twin towers across from the train station?
yonkers will lose that valuable and beautiful waterfront by moving at the speed that the developers are pushing for. and how can they possibly make money in this current real estate atmosphere? have you seen all of the empty apts at the twin towers across from the train station?
# 11:
5:36 pm PDT, Sep 19,
Anne Lawday, New York
I feel that the project is just too enormous, too hastily conceived and developers are too anxious to proceed without studying the impact on the existing city of Yonkers.
I feel that the project is just too enormous, too hastily conceived and developers are too anxious to proceed without studying the impact on the existing city of Yonkers.
# 9:
4:22 pm PDT, Sep 19,
Michelle Jacobs, New York
While I am sure the pressure is great from the Mayor, the developers and those who stand to gain from this project temporarily, remember they have the power of the developers' money behind them. Most citizens are entirely unaware this is going on and are appalled when they find out about it. Don't sell Yonkers to the highest bidder. PLEASE, PLEASE, DO THE RIGHT THING FOR YONKERS, NOT FOR THE DEVELOPERS. Thank you.
While I am sure the pressure is great from the Mayor, the developers and those who stand to gain from this project temporarily, remember they have the power of the developers' money behind them. Most citizens are entirely unaware this is going on and are appalled when they find out about it. Don't sell Yonkers to the highest bidder. PLEASE, PLEASE, DO THE RIGHT THING FOR YONKERS, NOT FOR THE DEVELOPERS. Thank you.
# 8:
4:07 pm PDT, Sep 19,
William Averill, New York
# 7:
1:46 pm PDT, Sep 19,
MJ Territo, New York
Moving ahead with a project of this size and scope without using every possible minute for careful consideration is irresponsible, especially given the current state of the real estate and financial markets.
Moving ahead with a project of this size and scope without using every possible minute for careful consideration is irresponsible, especially given the current state of the real estate and financial markets.
# 5:
8:57 am PDT, Sep 19,
Monroe Spero, New York
There is no need for 50 story buildings & a mega mall in downtown Yonkers. And, above all presrve the waterfront for public use with minimal housing development. monroe spero
There is no need for 50 story buildings & a mega mall in downtown Yonkers. And, above all presrve the waterfront for public use with minimal housing development. monroe spero
# 4:
8:57 am PDT, Sep 19,
Monroe Spero, New York
There is no need for 50 story buildings & a mega mall in downtown Yonkers. And, above all presrve the waterfront for public use with minimal housing development. monroe spero
There is no need for 50 story buildings & a mega mall in downtown Yonkers. And, above all presrve the waterfront for public use with minimal housing development. monroe spero
# 2:
8:25 am PDT, Sep 19,
Michael Sabatino, New York
Sensilbe development PLEASE
Sensilbe development PLEASE
# 1:
7:37 am PDT, Sep 19,
Name not displayed, New York
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