Introduction: The Yonkers Ledger sent its questionnaire to all 7 City Council President Candidates. Six of the seven candidates sent in responses which are presented here without comment and with light edits for clarity or formatting. The Yonkers Ledger will conduct follow up interviews with each of the six candidates who responded.
City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy qualified for the Democratic Primary. Her answers are listed below.
Overview–What is your view of the State of the City?
The overall state of the City is good and it’s getting better, but we can’t turn back now. During my term we’ve largely kept within the tax cap and will do so again this year, which is critical with costs going up. Our schools remain among the best performing of the big five cities, and crime continues to be low compared to other cities of our size.
Having said that, we now face the dual threats of inflation and an affordability crisis, plus Donald Trump cutting essential services for the middle class, the young, senior citizens and the poor. He wants to trash the values that define Yonkers and so many other communities. Our biggest challenge will be fighting back against this onslaught.
How do You View Large-Scale Development in the City?
When I was growing up in Yonkers the downtown waterfront consisted of fenced-off brownfields and industrial sites. Now it provides middle class apartments with a healthy set-aside for moderate income people. Businesses are coming back, and the waterfront walkway is open to everyone. So, I think it’s an improvement.
As for other developments, they need to provide homes for a range of incomes and need to fit in with the City’s master plan. It’s also essential that each proposal measurably improves a neighborhood, which is why I am a big fan of community involvement in the decision-making process, and community benefit funding from developers. A good example is the Extell development on the waterfront. Extell is working with the city to build a new bridge over the railroad tracks that will provide a walkable connection between the Ravine Avenue neighborhood and the waterfront.
What is your view (or explain your previous vote) on the 10% Affordable Housing Ordinance?
I am proud that during my first term the City has approved 1,674 new units of affordable housing, many of which resulted from the 10 percent set aside. I believe we could increase the 10 percent requirement, but we need to do it in a way that will not deter people from building any new housing at all.
Are there any neighborhoods you feel have pressing concerns that the city can address?
Zoning changes should always support quality of life. It’s been many years since Yonkers took a comprehensive look at its zoning ordinance, so the time is probably right to take another look to see whether it’s working as well as possible in all neighborhoods. The key is to involve the residents and business owners of each neighborhood in the process.
Do you support zoning reform for different neighborhoods, for example, mixed-use in Northwest Yonkers or ADU (accessory dwelling units) in East Yonkers?
I think local retail, whether it’s a coffee shop, dry cleaner or small grocery strengthens almost any neighborhood. So, I wouldn’t be opposed, but there are a lot of issues to consider such as parking or noise. Again, this is an issue that is ripe for study and involvement of each neighborhood.
We have to tread very carefully on this (ADUs). We have a lot of illegal basement apartments that some people think should be legalized. But there are safety issues such as fire access and tenant safety. There are parking issues. I wouldn’t favor a zoning change that gave blanket approval to accessory apartments, and communities need to be involved in the decision-making process.
What are your budget priorities and are there any changes you would like to see in the 2025-6 City budget?
My priority is to maintain full funding for the schools, public safety, and other essential services, keeping taxes as low as possible. I’m fairly satisfied with the budget the Mayor has presented, though we will always take a close look to see if we can improve it. The potential problem is that the Trump administration is proposing a 2026 budget that will be devastating for cities like ours. If adopted, it will hit us right in the middle of our own budget year. Schools, senior services, community development and nutrition and health care would all take a hit. That’s why my priority is to work with every New Yorker and oppose the Trump administration’s plans.
What else do you think should be a budget priority for the City of Yonkers Administration and City Council
The cost of living is one of the biggest issues facing every Yonkers resident. Whether it’s rent, the mortgage, child care, or groceries, people are stretched. Our job is to look at every penny we spend and see how we can keep costs down.
What is your position (or explain your past vote) on extending Term Limits through the City Council?
The eight-year term limit was adopted before I was elected, but had already been overturned once. I voted against restoring term limits because I trust the people to make the right choice when it comes to electing their leaders. The previous Council President didn’t leave because of term limits, he left when he was voted out because of his scandals, his divisiveness, and his lack of effectiveness. Ultimately, it should be the voters who decide.
What role do you believe the City Council should play in ensuring ethical, honest and transparent government?
I’ll start by pointing out that my predecessor as Council President was publicly accused by one of his employees of sexual harassment. Then an Inspector General’s report confirmed that he gave a no-bid contract to a local attorney and then ran a business out of that attorney’s building but paid no rent. The matter has been referred to the District Attorney.
That was inexcusable, and I’ve made it my priority to clean up the office of City Council President and maintain the highest standards of ethics and integrity. The people deserve no less.
How should the City Council engage with the Yonkers Inspector General and the Ethic Board?
The Inspector General and the Board of Ethics are independent entities and the responsibility of the City Council is to let them do their job without pressure or any sort of interference. Other than authorizing funding in the annual budget, we shouldn’t be involved other than to cooperate with any questions or inquiries.
Read more about Lakisha Collins-Bellamy here: https://www.lakishaforyonkers.com/home
Read other candidates’ responses here:
