Stories
<p>Donald J. Trump has been elected as the 47th President of the United States. His second coming is riddled with controversy and an iron clad promise to deport undocumented asylum seekers. He has appointed former ICE director, Tom Homan, to follow through with his directive to round up migrants and collectively purge the country of their presence.</p><p>The presumption is that this will take place in all sanctuary cities throughout the United States. Yonkers, NY, although not specifically declared as a sanctuary city, subscribes to the dictates of the definition. It falls under the umbrella of Westchester County guidelines.</p><p>"In March 2018, Westchester County Executive George Latimer signed the Immigrant Protection Act into law. In a press release, the Westchester County Board of Legislators made a point of stating that this is not a sanctuary measure. Broadly, the bill defines what law enforcement can ask individuals about their citizenship status and how that information is shared with other levels of law enforcement. More specifically, it prevents Westchester County from using its resources to assist in federal investigations based on a number of identities, including national origin".- City and State</p><p>According to the Migration Policy Institute, there are approximately 54,000 undocumented people in Westchester County, New York, which is about 5% of the county's population. Of those, an estimated 13,000 are from Mexico and 9,000 are from Guatemala. An estimated 17,000 undocumented individuals are currently living in Yonkers</p><p>In 2017, prior to the present migration wave, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano stated:</p><p>"Mayor Mike Spano said he's "cautious" about a sanctuary city designation because officials can't stop ICE agents from coming into Yonkers and detaining illegal immigrants. Spano said such a declaration would give Yonkers residents who are in the country unlawfully a false sense of protection.</p><p>"Yonkers has always been a welcoming city for all of our people, including those who are documented and those who are undocumented," said Spano, adding the Yonkers police will only detain someone for federal authorities if there is an arrest warrant. "We do not arrest people based on immigration status. We arrest people based on crimes they commit. That's our policy. That's what we do." July 2017 Lo Hud</p><p>However, in 2023, The City of Yonkers was blind sided with a less than one week notice of a busload of asylum seekers bound for the Y.O. By 2023, the City of New York had become overwhelmed by a tsunami of migrants either bussed from Texas by a vengeful Governor Abbott or those who had sought refuge on their own. Either way, NYC was quickly running out of room and desperate to disperse the undocumented newcomers to less concentrated parts of New York. Some were sent to upstate New York, others, were mandated to the Ramada Inn located in Yonkers. In May 2023, one hundred families arrived in Yonkers to the consternation of a frustrated Mayor Mike Spano.</p><p>“We are compassionate to the plight of asylum seekers and the City of Yonkers will always step up to aid others in need. However, the sheer lack of communication and planning from New York City on this crucial matter is unacceptable.”</p><p>Mayor Mike Spano (D – Yonkers) May 2023</p><p>And so, they remained to date. When Donald Trump was elected in 2024, he vowed to organize a mass deportation. According to Trump, the largest in American history. Trump enlisted the aid of former ICE Director, Tom Homan. The tough as nails czar border echoes Trump's sentiments. Homan is not only quick to personalize his border experiences but has challenged anyone who will stand in his way.</p><p>"Incoming Border Czar Tom Homan also indicated that Trump would withhold federal funding during an interview with Mark Levin. When Levin suggested that federal funds should be withheld from states with governors who don’t cooperate, Homan replied, “That’s going to happen. President Trump will do that.”</p><p>This poses a dilemma for the City of Yonkers. A sizable portion of the Yonkers budget is derived from Federal Funds. In the event those funds are cut, it could have a large impact on the city. Federal funds have provided the following to the City of Hills:</p><p>The City of Yonkers receives federal funding from a variety of sources, including:</p><p>U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)</p><p>The city's 2024 allocation includes $3,403,142 for CDBG, $1,256,794 for HOME, and $296,167 for ESG.</p><p>Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)</p><p>The Yonkers Fire Department received an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) for $807,545 to support operations and safety programs.</p><p><strong>U.S. Department of Energy</strong></p><p>Yonkers received nearly $500,000 in federal grant money to create a green building standard for residential and commercial buildings.</p><p><strong>HOME Program</strong></p><p>This program provides formula grants to states and localities to fund affordable housing for low-income households.</p><p><strong>Empire City</strong></p><p>Yonkers receives $19.6 million annually as a host city for Empire City, plus a variable impact payment of $1.5–$2 million.</p><p>The city's 2024–2025 budget totals $1.51 billion, with 37.14% coming from state and federal aid.</p><p>There are no easy solutions here. The City of Yonkers must decide to protect the rights of the majority or protect the well being of the less fortunate.</p>
<p>MRAP i.e. Migrant Relocation Assistance Program, may soon be the source of apartment rental funding in Yonkers, NY. <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">The program will help pay up to one year's rent and provide services to eligible families relocating in Albany, Erie, Monroe, Suffolk, and Westchester counties. The program is paid for by both the NYC and NY State government. </span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Presently, </span><span style="color: rgb(4, 45, 77);"> 1,549 migrants are living in Albany, Monroe, Erie, Westchester and Suffolk counties. However, New York City and upstate county leaders recently stated plans to relocate more than 1,500 migrants living in upstate hotels by the end of the year.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(4, 45, 77);">Upstate officials have consistently complained that their counties cannot afford the migrants and their associated costs. There has also been an increase in crime associated with migrants in a few counties.</span></p><p><br></p><p>The plan is to place migrant families with children in other housing by Aug. 15, 2024, before school starts.</p><p>"</p><p>The goal is to resettle most migrants in permanent housing upstate, but some will have the option to return to the city, or another city in the U.S. The relocation plan is different than what county leaders said earlier this week. The plan, however is fraught with controversy. </p><p><br></p><p><strong>"</strong><a href="https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/politics/2024/06/25/hundreds-of-upstate-migrants-expected-to-be-relocated-back-to-n-y-c-" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 85, 130); background-color: transparent;"><strong>County leaders on Monday said</strong></a><strong> they've been negotiating with city leaders for weeks about relocating all migrants living in hotels back to the five boroughs. They maintain that earlier this month, officials with Adams' office said all migrants living upstate would be sent back to the city this summer.</strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>The Adams' administration said Wednesday the city has no active plans to return families to the five boroughs, as about 1,000 migrants continue to arrive in the city each week from the Northern and Southern borders." --Spectrum News 12</strong></p><p><br></p><p>Presently, three towns in Westchester County are designated migrant hotels. They are located in Yonkers, White Plains, and Ardsley. The combined population is approximately 400. The Yonkers Ramada Inn shelter has been the location of several police involved incidents. Sources state that police have been summoned to the Ramada in excess of one hundred times on various calls. </p><p><br></p><p>NYC officials appear confident that the majority of migrants will have secured work permits by the end of 2024. In theory, this would allow them to find apartments on their own. However, the present back log for migrants to obtain a work permit remains steady. Many must wait several months for paperwork to secure legal employment in the United States. This would mandate NYC and local municipalities to assist those migrants with paying for their apartments for one year. </p><p><br></p><p>If migrants did not have sufficient income to pay for their housing at the end of that period, municipalities would still be liable. A similar program was implemented for the homeless under NYC Mayor Bill DeBlasio in 2018. It was not sanctioned by Westchester officials who accused the then mayor of "pulling a fast one." </p><p><a href="https://nypost.com/2018/03/08/town-says-nyc-is-illegally-shipping-homeless-families-upstate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://nypost.com/2018/03/08/town-says-nyc-is-illegally-shipping-homeless-families-upstate/</a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09ZjDREttOE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09ZjDREttOE</a></p><p><br></p><p>It remains to be seen how this plan will work out. A shortage of low income housing reduces the options for minimum wage workers in Westchester County. Yonkers continues to woo luxury housing developers and big business while the income criteria for Affordable Housing rises. </p><p><br></p><p>The potential for asylum seekers to become homeless remains a reality. <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/01/30/metro/nyc-homeless-shelter-population-surges-53-amid-migrant-crisis-mayors-report" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://nypost.com/2024/01/30/metro/nyc-homeless-shelter-population-surges-53-amid-migrant-crisis-mayors-report/</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
<p>The building collapse at 9 North Broadway in South Yonkers signaled both an end and a beginning. Nine is no more. Still, the razing of this nineteenth century building highlights the development of three others a few feet away. </p><p><br></p><p>The Wheeler Block building built in 1896 will be converted to lofts and studio apartments Two others will also be renovated in the same vicinity. The properties to the immediate east of 9 N. Broadway may not enjoy the same conversion. Sources say that those store merchants may not be permitted to resume business. </p><p><br></p><p>The good news is that the newly opened Mexican ice cream shop will remain as well as Getty Liquors. </p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://newyorkyimby.com/2022/09/city-agency-approves-five-mixed-use-residential-developments-in-yonkers-new-york.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3mrSwitc6Bo-1NgMkHwFYOO6fTZVij9X9PujcIclNQODbn1I65jQWJBPI_aem_RpfIFOmfXTa-qIF0nKwWyg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://newyorkyimby.com/2022/09/city-agency-approves-five-mixed-use-residential-developments-in-yonkers-new-york.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3mrSwitc6Bo-1NgMkHwFYOO6fTZVij9X9PujcIclNQODbn1I65jQWJBPI_aem_RpfIFOmfXTa-qIF0nKwWyg</a></p>
<p>The political season is in full swing with primaries looming in the immediate future.</p><p>The race for Westchester County DA is not only one of the most interesting but also one of the most followed. </p><p>The three candidates represent diverse sections of the Westchester landscape.</p><p><br></p><p>Former Westchester County Judge, Susan Cacace is noted to have Conservative leanings. Cacace follows in the footsteps of her father, Judge Robert Cacace, who had a distinguished career as an administrative judge in Yonkers. He too was aligned with conservatives. The Yonkers Justice Center bears his name and is now known as the Cacace Justice Center, located in the Yonkers downtown area. </p><p><br></p><p>William Wagstaff, another candidate, is an African American civil rights attorney who has an arrest record. Wagstaff pleaded guilty in 2004 to one misdemeanor charge of unlawful use of a scamming device to obtain credit card numbers, and was sentenced to three years probation, six months house arrest, community service, and restitution by District Judge Lisa Margaret Smith of the Southern District of New York. Yet, Wagstaff persevered and started law school while on federal house arrest.</p><p><br></p><p>The third candidate is Adeel Mirza, who is a general practice lawyer in New Rochelle. Prior to that, Mirza worked as a Westchester County prosecutor. While employed there, Mirza was disciplined over his interaction with a female subordinate, eventually losing his job because of it, and still faces a federal lawsuit over the issue.</p><p><br></p><p>In February 2024, Mirza accused the chairwoman, Myra Saul, of the Scarsdale Democratic Party of Islamophobia, claiming she prevented him from presenting his credentials to the committee because he is Muslim. Other candidates were allowed the forum. In response to the allegation, Myra Saul, stated in a message to the Journal News/Lohud when asked for a reason.</p><p> </p><p>"Based upon the press reports regarding the sexual harassment litigation concerning him, the Scarsdale Committee chose not to consider Mr. Mirza. He was informed that he was not on our agenda,"</p><p><br></p><p>Mirza also spoke about his religion in September, 2001, shortly after 9-11.<a href="https://www.loc.gov/item/afc911000172" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.loc.gov/item/afc911000172/</a></p><p><br></p><p>In the brief interview, Mirza, who was 26 at the time and a lawyer, stated the following in regards to US political policy practices in the Middle East and possible causes for 9-11. At that time, he stated he was a non practicing Muslim. </p><p><br></p><p>"We need to evaluate our policy in the Middle East. When you are supporting a tyrannical regime such as Israel who is oppressing the Palestinians. If you're supporting them, the people who are being oppressed are going to lash out against you."</p><p><br></p><p>Despite the differences, thousands of voters will let their experiences and their trust in the justice system determine who will get the job as Westchester District Attorney</p><p><br></p>
<p><a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC5esG3dWPcahUTD8FnNtALQ-3DU0eo_Ij1XgsWtWeAdz0mTEGIcEh6byeAwrCr1n-2Fdtm09E61q1gufQgi3uo3sO5-2BIoQsNjgf4iqXmt9uazDd1G1KzkN-2BFfEEtDmQ9DtcHiVLUzLek68fgmSKfHNYnfAO1s1l4d-2FHFXItTdWE2ESaMQ8rPwojkYsvIBhqnOEjr8rqz5Syla81-2BQcoVWb0i8WBdA9jsXGU-2B5uN5H7rl7i-2By3ljOPLhAO70LsLdFYwIFT9HLTse2-2F09XBTxwceUBD8xm8iQeU3r3dIWDdBNQv0cHVJXuJqA3etUOpleN5Q9-2F-2B2FvTcGjmwBmjKqRMrLbT5kMWWURjcP-2BU-2BytWrpByOBKc-2BgE8Fn50WHSDCIb6of4jSFofHbo-3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);"><strong><u>Westchester Parks Foundation</u></strong></a> and <a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2FNLZxz8dc-2FHsAN7-2BX-2FMb6pdNBus4CRw75K928T0QRLM9djD_Ij1XgsWtWeAdz0mTEGIcEh6byeAwrCr1n-2Fdtm09E61q1gufQgi3uo3sO5-2BIoQsNjgf4iqXmt9uazDd1G1KzkN-2BFfEEtDmQ9DtcHiVLUzLek68fgmSKfHNYnfAO1s1l4d-2FHFXItTdWE2ESaMQ8rPwojkYsvIBhqnOEjr8rqz5Syla81-2BQcoVWb0i8WBdA9jsXGU-2B5uN5H7rl7i-2By3ljOPLlSQ98N-2Fp87-2FI-2FXBZq5wQ-2BYK163aWSCLNJvKkVngRJDchNeBLpeSXEEmbb-2Bp-2FJeC7xa4ehrv2SeawpBu6R7yJ-2FvtRHC0UkN5V3GZOEKoX5FZHDbUaT5nktqVSEC69eA9JKoAePgGROjbStq85QDU0IA-3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);"><strong><u>Westchester County Parks</u></strong></a> joined together on the steps of the County Center to mark the 50th Anniversary of the <a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC5vWbbHyjkBZk6Dm1vf4OfCpqNkDww4yxR-2FwzpySbWSrGXdk_Ij1XgsWtWeAdz0mTEGIcEh6byeAwrCr1n-2Fdtm09E61q1gufQgi3uo3sO5-2BIoQsNjgf4iqXmt9uazDd1G1KzkN-2BFfEEtDmQ9DtcHiVLUzLek68fgmSKfHNYnfAO1s1l4d-2FHFXItTdWE2ESaMQ8rPwojkYsvIBhqnOEjr8rqz5Syla81-2BQcoVWb0i8WBdA9jsXGU-2B5uN5H7rl7i-2By3ljOPLsfezZwchiRDxpYww14xlA4ATFhH4zpoE-2F6WSehBJRiVaH5Y8Uzb612ujJXOlbGXIROIrlrjduJz4YpG6MvlOGlKoYDcDInUC-2F4Oca-2FMHMtIKdrjyatVxKYQmDSX-2FmeqlUzuTZsMXt3R4wpxi9dHuKY-3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);"><strong><em><u>Bicycle Sundays</u></em></strong></a><strong> </strong>season. Since July 21,1974, Westchester County residents have been enjoying the popular <strong><em>Bicycle Sunday</em></strong><em>s</em> program that opens a 6.5 mile stretch of the historic Bronx River Parkway to bicyclists, skaters, joggers, and walkers on a series of Sundays throughout the warner weather months each year. </p><p>Bicycle Sundays annually attract 60,000 participants on weekend dates in May, June and September except Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. The event runs through six municipalities including: White Plains, Hartsdale/Greenburgh, Scarsdale, Eastchester, Tuckahoe, and Yonkers. Starting May 5, residents and visitors can enjoy the iconic event on the following dates between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.: </p><ul><li>May- 5, 12, 19</li><li>June- 2, 9, 16, 23, 30</li><li>July - 7, 14, 21, 28 <em>(*Note earlier time 8am-12pm</em>)</li><li>September- 8, 15, 22, 29</li><li>October- 6 </li></ul><p>Since 2012, Westchester Parks Foundation has raised funds from private sources to sponsor the closures. Generous donations from long standing co-presenting sponsors <a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC1lXJuxZXi8AErrjAJTJMbh2fxvghjhcBI7g9I4wkx7oCA-2BSbh4OQ6FJ-2BRkaUNHjzxJDGlLvILeXLIkMvDRj4cNfarn0VYPWtBNNaLlz-2FHZRRyw-2Folfq7NQVcKKnX4noBfmatOkTWHfVWrPe1Fz-2FofV9I60z2jlgF2kZ72wCHDwvVejcHMG-2BrT-2FAbNmaJriZd6fCEAuA4P3JsYSkQSdAgjVVLu2rAx3vLuJsY8J3eev39zRciKHNquKG1c51W07-2FK1LRCMw3AD8kuhsRhEVhNsOBDRszIlscoQNmNM-2F5H-2B14WMZJzbDsgCSilk-2FUZUdn73vysCkQAmWAF-2FYRwwsLpfty7m5MN43TYp4TiLa68Lg3f1fCNTZiW0gkSeyIV86su49QZqnAkH5ZYl7kX3Mjc0x9eA-2Ba9BVjcGs-2BHwPJXrhQ8IKkwiMCBiOOXiBhHMv87REEk-2BhWQA501xy3z-2BOQblluP6uEd3SCQdt-2BDqTba8VFpLp48L6IPvi5ZM180-2FAUXA-3D-3Dqvgl_Ij1XgsWtWeAdz0mTEGIcEh6byeAwrCr1n-2Fdtm09E61q1gufQgi3uo3sO5-2BIoQsNjgf4iqXmt9uazDd1G1KzkN-2BFfEEtDmQ9DtcHiVLUzLek68fgmSKfHNYnfAO1s1l4d-2FHFXItTdWE2ESaMQ8rPwojkYsvIBhqnOEjr8rqz5Syla81-2BQcoVWb0i8WBdA9jsXGU-2B5uN5H7rl7i-2By3ljOPLgP-2F2wA-2FcWn25c15du7UHd2OKiAnFLEeh7bPcycPAViHLNgekUWt1kgQhzZOxnjV8hEOkiNyOQlsRW8Jx7w7Bu9bhqTEC7RhD-2F-2Fwseofh0Gku-2B5UD509i-2FQUDh-2FRLhyIKoJcJkedAkf0nbHNwDeJXsI-3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);"><strong><u>Con Edison</u></strong></a> and <a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC1bb4J9cTlK-2B3UXH7D5qTEH5jkjiWeZnpZM3xIRDMrYWsFtn_Ij1XgsWtWeAdz0mTEGIcEh6byeAwrCr1n-2Fdtm09E61q1gufQgi3uo3sO5-2BIoQsNjgf4iqXmt9uazDd1G1KzkN-2BFfEEtDmQ9DtcHiVLUzLek68fgmSKfHNYnfAO1s1l4d-2FHFXItTdWE2ESaMQ8rPwojkYsvIBhqnOEjr8rqz5Syla81-2BQcoVWb0i8WBdA9jsXGU-2B5uN5H7rl7i-2By3ljOPLhVbT-2BM5gkIy7WR9SMlENjesyOveHCwAfiv6JyR89DLiXxg0h6nKzDVwCZm77ZYIxaI49KVGO3Vk-2BNjHhZP9tqVMCNQPP6aTI6JBNtCTtJTZ4qckcSR-2FzrmUUgj3BoZ6GCT10pf82T6WQNcttpSGNiw-3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);"><strong><u>NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester</u></strong></a> make the event possible this year, along with <a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC3Z7lkACg7o4BHGQjdSl05OmKsUJHt5z32NBacHXoJUIm6Bp_Ij1XgsWtWeAdz0mTEGIcEh6byeAwrCr1n-2Fdtm09E61q1gufQgi3uo3sO5-2BIoQsNjgf4iqXmt9uazDd1G1KzkN-2BFfEEtDmQ9DtcHiVLUzLek68fgmSKfHNYnfAO1s1l4d-2FHFXItTdWE2ESaMQ8rPwojkYsvIBhqnOEjr8rqz5Syla81-2BQcoVWb0i8WBdA9jsXGU-2B5uN5H7rl7i-2By3ljOPLqViSJy8qhLkHy-2BYsAFpYQL33EggT5Kzxbv6dcWTit6Evei8vyGj6cg5z5IQzZurCI5qlK7yerahl-2BthqfTYDGUHbnkHQ0JOe97dJ3nfWCRx6V49Q3WC5OPPhQmlRwDRm31ADR3CsrPKcDx4BxPR6wc-3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);"><strong><u>Jen’s Cycles</u></strong></a> in Yonkers, the official Bicycle Sponsor. </p><p>To mark the occasion, six hand cycles will be available to those who need extra assistance, thanks to a grant from the <a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC9uxBiyI58fAxL-2Fu0GE7ZDQOXO1A8g1dZYI8aZigprjuuWDA_Ij1XgsWtWeAdz0mTEGIcEh6byeAwrCr1n-2Fdtm09E61q1gufQgi3uo3sO5-2BIoQsNjgf4iqXmt9uazDd1G1KzkN-2BFfEEtDmQ9DtcHiVLUzLek68fgmSKfHNYnfAO1s1l4d-2FHFXItTdWE2ESaMQ8rPwojkYsvIBhqnOEjr8rqz5Syla81-2BQcoVWb0i8WBdA9jsXGU-2B5uN5H7rl7i-2By3ljOPLgGYJlciIy7z2EJ9GpSrpBX7GgWcWmLPfMFL8ySCEo8B4Vb4FR8J-2Fsjb7-2B2ZTozerup06l1fBT-2FVhoWQjU7PSAJhgCnPEl-2BTWzgbJg4D5ue4u6rD0WScg9N7x7as4MSEvzbv8ADUdG9IMxRAxW9LZx4-3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);"><strong><u>Craig H. Neilsen Foundation</u></strong></a> to expand the WPF Trails Without Limits. Westchester Parks Foundation and the Westchester County Parks Department are also encouraging residents to share their memories by posting old photos and tagging both organizations on social media and using the <strong><em>#BicycleSundaysTurns50</em></strong> </p><p>Each year, thousands of cyclists, joggers, and others come out to enjoy the curves and wooded scenery that make the nation’s first parkway a national historic landmark. The path winds alongside the wooded Bronx River Reservation. For more information visit: <a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC5vWbbHyjkBZk6Dm1vf4OfCpqNkDww4yxR-2FwzpySbWSrdk9O_Ij1XgsWtWeAdz0mTEGIcEh6byeAwrCr1n-2Fdtm09E61q1gufQgi3uo3sO5-2BIoQsNjgf4iqXmt9uazDd1G1KzkN-2BFfEEtDmQ9DtcHiVLUzLek68fgmSKfHNYnfAO1s1l4d-2FHFXItTdWE2ESaMQ8rPwojkYsvIBhqnOEjr8rqz5Syla81-2BQcoVWb0i8WBdA9jsXGU-2B5uN5H7rl7i-2By3ljOPLpaV0DonKeiBYiYvPCHWKwh7C57ms9S95SPMwpFEtbp3XsDlVzlPrfxKt4OouT-2B8CKtNt7sSQOspjLd6mFt5YN391Slo8PwUYbLM7Uo6pJv9f1aHNBswrnht2Q9Avdh6CiavGflJ75R6n5Xz7A7u-2B7Q-3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);"><u>https://www.thewpf.org/bicycle-sundays</u></a> </p>
Apr
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<p>Mayor Mike Spano recently stated in his State of the City address that crime was down.</p><p><strong>"Crime is down 24 percent since 2011. And we intend to keep it down." -March 13, 2024</strong></p><p>However, a recent NY Post article details a dramatic surge in crime in Yonkers. </p><p><a href="https://nypost.com/2024/04/27/us-news/crime-up-in-ny-majority-leader-andrea-stewart-cousins-hometown" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://nypost.com/2024/04/27/us-news/crime-up-in-ny-majority-leader-andrea-stewart-cousins-hometown/</a></p>
<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>Historic 125th Racing Season Continues at Iconic Yonkers Raceway as </strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong>Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts Hosts 2024 Borgata Pacing Series Finale</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong>Monday, April 22, 2024, at 7 p.m.</strong></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong>(Yonkers, NY)</strong> <strong>– </strong>A 125th year milestone season continues at the historic Yonkers Raceway on Monday, April 22, 2024 as <a href="https://empirecitycasino.mgmresorts.com/en.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts</a>, one of the premier gaming and hospitality destinations in the country, will host the finale of the <strong>2024 MGM Resorts Borgata Pacing Series</strong> with a purse of <span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">$457,000</span> up for grabs. <span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">In the same action-packed evening, the raceway will also host the </span><strong style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">Blue Chip Matchmaker</strong><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);"> </span><strong style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">Series</strong><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">, with a purse of $276,200.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify">Guests can enjoy a night of live harness racing and dinner with an a la carte menu featuring many options, including ribeye steak, stuffed sole, blackened chicken, and the favorite classic cheeseburger. The dessert menu will include classics such as New York cheesecake and tiramisu. </p><p class="ql-align-justify">The 2024 racing schedule consists of 240 race days - the most of any track in the country - with over 80 equine athletes competing nightly, five days per week, including several feature races: <strong>$300,000 MGM Yonkers Trot</strong> and anticipated <strong>$200,000 MGM Grand Messenger</strong> with eliminations on Friday, June 21, 2024, and finals on Friday, June 28, 2024; the world-famous<strong> $1 Million</strong> <strong>MGM Yonkers International Trot</strong> scheduled for Saturday, September 7, 2024, with eight <strong>New York Sire Stakes </strong>finals also taking place that same day. MGM Yonkers Raceway will payout over $50 million in purses in 2024, more than any racetrack in the world.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Since opening in 1899 as Empire City Racetrack, the legendary Yonkers Raceway has been home to many memorable moments. Celebrities, notable politicians and athletes such as Frank Sinatra, Ed Sullivan, Mickey Mantle, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan frequented the track throughout its history. In addition, the legendary champion thoroughbred racehorse Seabiscuit won a purse of $7,300 at the Scarsdale Handicap at the track in the 1930s when the track was a thoroughbred track. </p><p class="ql-align-justify">More information about the historic Yonkers Raceway and Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts can be found online at <a href="http://www.empirecitycasino.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">www.empirecitycasino.com</a>. </p><p> </p>