Updates for Yonkersites on Hurricane Sandy Restoration and Recovery Efforts By Mayor MIKE SPANO

Residents Urged to Look Out for Neighbors as Weather Gets Colder

Shower Facilities Made Available For Residents at Several Locations Across Yonkers

YONKERS, NY – November 3, 2012 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today was joined by emergency responders at the Yonkers Organic Waste Yard where thousands of pounds of debris from Hurricane Sandy have been collected by City Clean-up Crews. The Mayor updated residents on the latest restoration and recovery efforts following Hurricane Sandy which has left tens of thousands of Yonkers residents without power and millions of dollars in damage.

“Since our restoration and recovery efforts began following Hurricane Sandy, our City crews have been removing debris at around 450 tons per day, twice the regular rate,” said Mayor Spano. “We are making progress, but we will not rest for a minute until every resident has their power restored, every street in this city is opened and life in Yonkers is brought back to normalcy.”

According to Con Edison, 13,961 customers remain without power in the City of Yonkers, down from the peak of over 24,000 affected customers in the immediate aftermath of Sandy earlier this week. City crews have cleared over 100 blocked roadways due to down trees since Tuesday.

“As Con Ed is able to clear live wires, our clean up crews are able to remove trees and reopen closed streets,” said Mayor Spano. “For those like my family who remain without power, the frustration continues to build, but Yonkers is tough, we’ve faced tough times before and I am confident we will come out of this a stronger city.”

The Mayor also announced showering facilities have been made available for residents at several locations today and tomorrow. Residents must bring their ID, towel and toiletries:

• Sarah Lawrence College Campbell Sports Center, Kimball and Wilgarth Avenues, 12PM-4PM (Sat and Sun).
• Bally Total Fitness, 589 Tuckahoe Road,  1PM to 7 PM (Sat) 1PM to 5PM (Sun)
• Equalize Fitness, 1 Odell Plaza, 7AM to 6PM (Sat) and 7AM to 5PM (Sun)
• Powerhouse Gym, 750 Central Park Avenue, 8AM to 7PM (Sat) and 8AM to 6PM (Sun)
• Lucille Roberts   , 1745 Central Park Avenue, Female Only, 9AM to 2PM (Sat) and 9am to 1PM (Sun)
• YMCA, 17 Riverdale Avenue, 5:30 AM to 7PM (Sat) and 5:30AM to 6PM (Sun) 

“I want to thank these businesses and organizations that are opening their doors for those in need during this difficult time,” said Mayor Spano. “This is the kind of support from our community that we need now more than ever and I encourage everyone to continue looking out for each other, especially our senior residents and children.”

The City of Yonkers remains under a State of Emergency as declared by Mayor Spano on Friday, October 26, 2012. As a result of “Sandy,” updates regarding City operations are as follows:

• Electronic Charging Centers are available to residents today through Sunday from 10AM – 5PM at Coyne Park, Chema Center, Cola Center, Scotti Center, Nodine Hill Community Center, Hudson River Museum and Lincoln High School. Lincoln High School also available for recreation.

• Yonkers Police Athletic League building (127 N. Broadway) remains open as an Emergency Shelter for any residents in need of a safe location to stay.

• Dry ice is being distributed by Con Ed at Yonkers Raceway today.

• Garbage collection remains as scheduled.

• Alternate side of the street parking is suspended through Sunday, November 4. Parking meter regulations have been reinstated.

• All Senior Centers are open (except St. Mark’s). Community recreation programs will continue as scheduled. The Coyne Park Range will be closed.

• All building permits have been reinstated.

• Yonkers Public Schools will open most schools on Monday, November 5. To make up for the loss in days, Tuesday, November 6, will now serve as a full day of instruction for District students. Casimir Pulaski School, Family School 32, Paideia School 15, Scholastic Academy and School 21 will reopen upon power restoration.

Additional information will continue to be announced through the restoration and recovery period. Residents with questions or non-emergency concerns should contact the Mayor's Help Line at (914) 377-HELP (4357). Information is also available on the City’s website - www.yonkersny.gov, Facebook - www.facebook.com/cityofyonkers, and Twitter, @CityofYonkers. All emergencies should be directed to 911 emergency response.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also has made an app available on storm safety tips at www.fema.gov/smartphone-app. Information for those who have suffered damage and would like to apply for FEMA assistance is available on the City’s website or by visiting www.fema.gov.

Comments

[Yonkers has a tremendous work force]

I am very grateful to the COY, it's leadership and working members for their hard working efforts related to Sandy. The Mayor, the elected officials, the Commissioners, DPW, YFD, YPD and SEIU members and other city workers were amazing. Everyone worked together to protect and serve those in need during a very difficult time. Their efforts on behalf of the residents is appreciated. God Bless DPW workers that worked throughout the week and even picked up the garbage today! And let's not forget the workers that answer the helpline and the dispatchers who were the frontline to those calling for help. We have a tremendous group of city employees who deserve to be recognized as such.

[Onestlee]

Bravo, way to come together Yonkers!!

[where are the dems]

hey did anyone else see that flake lesnick's facebook page right after the storm when he was taking swipes at mitt romney and making it storm related ? I see this as uncaring and completely inappropriate.

On the same token i see that Greg ball was out the next day delivering dry ice in his truck... hmm i didn't see andrea stewart cousing doing ANYTHING to help those affected....
Good job residents of yonkers, you elected another real winner in andrea.

[handymanny]

Perspective: Alpine NJ named 3rd most expensive zip in America...median home price 5.75 mill...guess where it is? directly across from YO waterfront. So close, yet sooooo far away.