In the view of Mayor Mike Spano, Yonkers has entered into a glorious new era, with the city now gaining fame as “Hollywood on the Hudson” and “Destination Yonkers.”
In his March 27 State of the City address, Spano depicted Yonkers as a place that combines small town charm with big city glamour. “No longer is Yonkers just a pin drop on the map or a pass-through to New York City or Upstate,” Spano said in his 12th state of the city address (watch the video here or read the transcript here). ”We are a growing City that still has that small town feel, a place to raise your family, to open your business, to be entertained, shop, dine and be inspired – Yonkers is a state of mind and we’re taking off in ways we’ve never seen before.”
City Residents Weigh In
Do you agree with the Mayor? Do you think he must be talking about a city on another planet? Now it’s your turn to give us your state of the city address. The Ledger invites our readers to send us their views of the State of the City 2025, along with one or two proposals for how to make it better. While the Mayor required close to 6000 words to offer his vision, we ask that you limit your emails to 400 words. Please send them to: https://yonkersledger.creativeopen.net/submit-your-story/
Details of the Mayor’s Perspective
In the Mayor’s speech, Spano offered a broad picture of the many signs of progress that in his view have continued into his fourth term. They include:
- Economic development and jobs. The building of new studios in the city, and the related increase in film and TV production in Yonkers, were cited as the main new drivers of job growth. Spano emphasized the impact of the MGM Empire City Casino – the critical importance of winning a full gaming license from the state. If Yonkers loses out in the competition for a license, he predicted that many of the current jobs will be lost.
- Education. He touted the building of new schools, including the new school for Film & Television in SW Yonkers and the plans for a new school on the Mulford Gardens site. Yonkers has had the highest graduation rate of any of the state’s big five school districts for the past nine years.
- Crime. Spano pointed to a decrease in the crime rate, saying that the rate is down by double digits in the past year, and down by 30 percent since 2011.
- Housing. Spano noted that he has overseen the construction of new affordable housing developments for seniors and an innovative homeownership program.
Ending on a sentimental note, the Mayor said: “Yes, Yonkers is indeed a destination. But not just one marked on a map or by a slogan, but one that lives in our hearts.”
Your Views?
Let us know! https://yonkersledger.creativeopen.net/submit-your-story/
