Oversized Development Raises Concerns
“Did you know two 36-story buildings are being planned that will block your view of the river?” I tell this to a shocked neighbor who has a Hudson River view from their apartment. No one has heard of this project or any of the nine tall buildings being planned or in the process of being built in Yonkers’ District 1.
These proposed two 36-story projects, monikered “The Twin Towers”, are planned for 143 Woodworth Avenue a small 2-lane street currently home to the European Beauty Concepts and represented by TCP Realty, LLC. They are a block west of the Charter School of Exceptional Excellence. This project is moving through the Planning and Zoning boards of the City of Yonkers despite being deemed a traffic and safety disaster by the Traffic Engineering Division and local police and fire departments.
The “towers” will house approximately 1,600 new residents, contain a drive-through restaurant, valet parking, and luxury apartment amenities such as an indoor play space, gym, and pool. According to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement [DEIS], neighborhood residents will be displaced. The nine ongoing construction projects would increase the population by approximately 6,420 people.
The 474-page DEIS with 5,081 pages of appendices, was released only a few weeks before the public needed to read and prepare statements for a hearing. The public requested more time to read the 5555 pages but was denied by the respective boards. Below is information from the DEIS:
Fire Department Concerns
Fire Chief DeSantis stated, “water mains… are older and tuberculated [corroded]. Responding to calls, which are projected to double, would be difficult in inclement weather due to the topography. He noted “the Metro-North rail line adjacent to the Project site restricts ladder access at the Project Site.” Fire events “are expected to . . . increase pushing response times beyond acceptable limits.”When there was a fire on Woodworth, the fire trucks could not make the turn onto the street.
Police Department Concerns
Lt. Curtis, Yonkers police department, estimated potentially an additional 529 calls for service aside from calls related to the increased traffic.
Traffic Concerns
The Traffic Engineering Division said it would create even more congestion than is currently experienced and saw no means of alleviating the problem.
Variances
TCP Realty requested variances are totally misaligned with present regulations. Here are a few:
- The proposed use of the property is not permitted, Section 43-27.
- Maximum height is 75 feet, Section 43-27. They are requesting 372 feet.
- Required parking spaces are 944, Section 43-128. They are limiting them to 702.
When asked, the Zoning Board members stated that there was no image or plan of what all these building projects would look like in the neighborhood should they all be built. Residents have no idea what their “New” neighborhood will look like or the traffic issues they will have. The community has voiced their opposition to this project at every Planning and Zoning Board meeting for two years, yet council members keep pushing this project forward.
Council Representative
Councilwoman Deanna Robinson, District 1, is nowhere to be found when addressing this issue despite the community asking for her assistance.
Apparently, the entire council has decided to block the residents of District 1 from their collective view.
Zoning Board of Appeals Review
Tonight, February 19, 2025, the project is before the Zoning Board of Appeals, 6PM at Yonkers City Hall.
