RESIDENTS NEED APPROPRIATE TIME FOR YONKERS SFC PROPOSAL

Scenic Hudson asks for at least 150-day public comment period

(Yonkers) - Scenic Hudson is asking the City of Yonkers to provide at least a 150-day public comment period -- with at least two public meetings convenient for working people -- for the waterfront development proposed by Struever Fidelco Cappelli. In making the request Scenic Hudson cited that the project is among the largest in the Northeast, that reviewing complexities of the massive development plan will be a challenge, and that Yonkers residents will live with the outcome for generations.

PART OF PROCESS SHOULD BE REVIEWING ALTERNATIVES SUCH AS ONE DUE FROM SCENIC HUDSON

While crediting developers for holding informational meetings for residents and highlighting that it has held its own public forums about the waterfront project, Scenic Hudson said many in the city need more time to study the specifics. The group also highlighted the importance of the formal hearings because to date SFC has not altered its proposal in spite of public calls for no skyscrapers, for more natural areas along the Hudson for public use, and for roughly halving the number of housing units proposed so as to conform to the city's current master plan. Scenic Hudson also said that a minimum of 150 days for reviewing the SFC proposal would allow residents and community leaders to evaluate an alternative development concept for the waterfront that Scenic Hudson plans to unveil during the public review.

"Redeveloping the city's Hudson riverfront with a mix of places for people to live and work is a great idea. But residents want to know it will be done right because there aren't any second chances," said Ned Sullivan, president of Scenic Hudson. "People want to know whether they'll be looking at the sides of towers or the majestic Palisades. They want to know if this will help Yonkers financially or burden it with rising taxes that typically accompany overdevelopment. They want to know whether they'll be living with traffic jams, unhealthy sewage treatment facilities and overcrowded schools for their kids. They also want to know if there will be places left for them to enjoy this waterfront," he added.

MEETING SCHEDULING AND PROMOTION ARE KEY

With many Yonkers residents commuting to Manhattan or other locations, the public hearings should not start earlier than 6:30 p.m. Scenic Hudson also requested that meeting dates be promoted at least two weeks in advance via English- and Spanish-speaking news outlets.

Scenic Hudson said they are committed to engaging the broad community of Yonkers in reviewing the SFC proposal. The group has to date held more than 10 forums with area residents to discuss what kind of waterfront could deliver economic opportunity and enhanced quality of life in the city. The group continues to seek opportunities with area organizations and encourages those seeking a group meeting with Scenic Hudson to contact Ivy Reeves at 845 473 4440, ext. 250, or ireeves@scenichudson.org.

SKYSCRAPERS KEY ISSUE OF PUBLIC CONCERN

One of biggest concerns Scenic Hudson has heard residents express is SFC's proposal to build two 25-story-tall towers along the waterfront north of the sugar factory. This proposal would more than triple the building heights allowed in the existing 1998 Downtown Waterfront Master Plan, which established "buildings modest in scale -- no more than two to eight stories with simple yet distinctive forms and details."

Scenic Hudson also requested that any changes to the city master plan considered for the SFC proposal be vetted publicly along with opportunities for public input on a parallel basis, rather than simply in response to the developers' proposals.

"We fought so hard alongside residents and city officials to create the existing master plan as a roadmap for a reasonably scaled waterfront where all people could enjoy the river," said Mr. Sullivan. "We envision an energized waterfront, alive with people working, living and enjoying one of the river's most picturesque stretches. It would be a shame now to see Miami Beach-style skyscrapers squander this once-in-a-generation opportunity."

Another of Scenic Hudson's core objectives for downtown Yonkers is the "daylighting" of the Saw Mill River, which calls for unearthing portions of the historic waterway that were covered over in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Scenic Hudson has worked with the Amicone administration, Governor Pataki and the developers to develop a plan that would allow for daylighting around the proposed stadium, at Larkin Plaza and possibly between the two sites as well as throughout the Nepperhan Valley. Scenic Hudson's advocacy in Albany helped produce a $34 million commitment by the state for the daylighting initiative. Mr. Sullivan said, "We are pleased that Struever Fidelco Cappelli has now incorporated a commercial zone around the ballpark that includes a daylighted Saw Mill, allowing people to stroll alongside it while they shop.

"This riverwalk will allow Yonkers residents to reconnect with an important part of their city's past and should attract tourists, as similar riverwalks in San Antonio, Texas, and Providence, Rhode Island, do," said Mr. Sullivan. "The city can create a downtown that will be the envy of any community in the Hudson Valley  indeed in the entire United States. "I urge Yonkers residents to get involved in the planning process and let their leaders know that they support this crucial aspect of the plan."