After decades of urban disinvestment, the City of Yonkers is on the verge of renewal. A process that began in the mid-90s and has been guided by community visions and a recent master plan is about to create an esplanade park and new urban village on the Yonkers waterfront.
This transformation, however, has not been easy. It has endured 15 years of conflicting community interests, beginning when Scenic Hudson took legal action to block development of Pierpointe on Hudson, a six-tower high-rise that would have denied public access to the Hudson River and obstructed views of the Palisades.
A conservation easement on 25 acres was granted to us by the developer. That project was never built, and several years later the city took title to the waterfront property. The protections afforded by this easement remain and have enabled Scenic Hudson to scrutinize new development proposals for the area.
The current plan for the property calls for a continuous walkway bordering a public park and a low- to mid-rise, mixed-use development that protects views of the Palisades and provides places for community riverfront recreation.
River Access Assured
A five-acre park will stretch 1,400 feet along the river and provide an open, level expanse for walking, picnicking and enjoying scenic vistas. On its south end, the site will include a half-acre meadow, while its northern border will be anchored by the Beczak Environmental Center. The center's new riverfront home has been purchased by Scenic Hudson and Westchester County and will be renovated by the city. A groundbreaking ceremony for the park was held Jan. 31 with Yonkers Mayor John Spencer and Deputy Mayor Philip Amicone.
Views of Palisades to be Protected
The mixed-use project, to be constructed by Collins Enterprises, LLC, will be located on two derelict parcels totaling 2.25 acres to the north and south of Main Street.
The Collins proposal will feature 280 housing units as well as first-floor retail space and second-story offices. The low- to mid-rise buildings are designed with varied rooflines and architectural elements consistent with nearby period structures.
This project is the first phase of the Yonkers waterfront master plan. Scenic Hudson will continue working to ensure that the easement's conservation purposes are upheld and sound waterfront-planning principles are applied. We also will closely monitor all phases of future development.
Outreach Critical to Waterfront's Success
"We look forward to collaborating with Scenic Hudson to establish a vision for the length of the Hudson River shore in Westchester," said Edna Sussman, executive director, Federated Conservationists of Westchester County. "Working together will enable us most effectively to develop strategies that will best use the Yonkers waterfront."
Scenic Hudson is engaged in a dialogue with other environmental groups, local officials and developers in the area. This effort will help safeguard and enhance community resources along the city's 4.5-mile shoreline.
This report is also available en Espanol. |
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| Ground was broken for a mixed-use development in the City of Yonkers. |
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