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Developer SFC Unveils New Proposal for Downtown Yonkers
But Yonkers Residents Had Already Said "No"
( YONKERS, New York) - Scenic Hudson applauds developer Struever Fidelco Cappelli (SFC) for including a "daylighted" (uncovered) Saw Mill River in its plans for Yonkers. Clearly SFC understands that the restored section of the river will add value both to its project and the city's downtown.
Scenic Hudson is committed to working with the City of Yonkers and State of New York to implement the daylighting of the Saw Mill. We commend the city's commitment to the daylighting project and the state for providing $34 million in funding to make this vision a reality.
However, Scenic Hudson is dismayed by SFC's proposal to construct two 25-story skyscrapers on the city's waterfront. This announcement follows SFC's reassurance that it wouldn't build towers if residents opposed them.
"If you don't want a 30-story building, then we're not building a 30-story building. I'm telling you right here," pledged SFC Vice President Joseph Apicella to a room full of people on June 28 (quote appears in "Yonkers Builders Get an Earful, Pledge to Listen," Journal News, June 29, 2006).
Yonkers citizens have spoken loud and clear -- at numerous community forums conducted by SFC and Scenic Hudson -- that they are against a towering skyline obliterating views of the Palisades, their city's natural skyline.
SFC proposal undercuts master plan developed with citizen input
SFC's double towers proposal is diametrically opposed to Yonkers' 1998 Downtown Waterfront Master Plan, which offered a sound vision for future waterfront development. Drafted with considerable citizen input, it calls for: - Establishing a small-scale yet urban residential atmosphere.
- Promoting low-rise development with buildings no taller than eight stories.
- Reinforcing and enhancing visual connections from downtown to the Palisades.
Under that plan, Hudson Park at Yonkers has created an inviting riverfront all residents can enjoy. It includes properly scaled housing, shops and restaurants and a five-acre riverwalk and sculpture park
Yonkers residents have made it clear: they don't want waterfront towers
At a community forum convened by SFC on June 28, residents told the developer in no uncertain terms that they want future development to conform to the master plan. In minutes taken by SFC and posted on its Web site, citizens demanded the following:
- No 30-story buildings.
- No buildings over nine stories.
- Low-rise building encouraged.
- Maintain clear view of river.
- Sufficient access to the river/waterfront.
- Keep natural landscape; make it welcome for people.
At Scenic Hudson's community meetings, residents have said the same thing: buildings should not be constructed higher than the 1998 master plan allows.
Scenic Hudson President and Yonkers native Ned Sullivan said: "Yonkers residents deserve an economically healthy downtown and waterfront that enhances rather than compromises their natural environment or their views of the Palisades. Daylighting the Saw Mill achieves these goals. Building towers on the waterfront will not achieve these goals. Instead it will dwarf and overwhelm nearby homes and businesses and block views of the river forever. That's no way to build a successful riverfront or encourage lasting economic progress."
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