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FALL 2013 VOL. 7 IS
I N S I D E
YonkersDowntown.com
Message from the BID,21st Annual Yonkers Riverfest
BIDs Summer Music, Greyston,Fun-Run, Marathon, New Business, Parade
Harvest Fest, ShopRite , YoFi Fest
Daylighting Phase II, Casa De Cafe
About the BID, Upcoming
Events, Holiday Tree Lighting
The Sun Shines on the21st Annual Yonkers Riverfest
Over 20,000 people celebrated Yonkers at the 21st Annual Yonkers Riverfest. The Yo
Downtown BID produced the event, which included 25 live performances, across 5 st
an outdoor artist showcase, carnival games, and food from around the world.
More on page 6.
Hundreds of people gathered Friday
October 11th, to celebrate the opening of ou
first YoFi Fest. YoFi Fest is three days of specta
cinema, opportunities to meet emerging a
attend workshops, and more. Films covered
genre and topic; even a feature on Yo
Downtown Saw Mill River Daylighting.
More on pa
Wine in Due Time OpensYonkers Downtown welcomes a beautiful new wine
shop with a cosmopolitan feel, a friendly atmosphere,
and an international flavor. This shop is just the latest
addition to the Yonkers Downtown Renaissance.
More on page 5.
p.2-3
YoFi Fest: Cinema Showcase in Downtow
p.8
p.6-7
p.4-5
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New in Yonkers:A new Quality of Life camera has recently been installed
Page 2
A Message From the BIDs New Executive DirectorAt the Yonkers Downtown BIDs Annual
Meeting, held in June, I had the honor of
being introduced as the new Executive
Director of the BID. Times of transition
an be challenging, but they are also a
reat opportunity to build new relation-
hips, re-evaluate resources, and develop
ew strategic plans that will efficiently
meet our mission. Our general focus will
emain steady, always working to create a
ibrant, safe, clean, and interesting
nvironment in which businesses and the
ommunity can thrive.
or the BID to achieve our mission, we aim
o create long-term positive change on an
ntire community, but this is something
hat no organization can do by them-elves. I come from a background where
we were able to bring businesses, govern-
ment, service providers, community
roups, and residents together to create
omething special. We had to build
rusted relationships, share information,
be transparent, and look at the big picture
n order to meet our mission. The BID
eeds to facilitate a strong sense of
ommunity and utilize all our current and
potential partners to help downtownYonkers make that leap forward and maxi-
mize our impact.
Over the past year, the BID has undergone
everal changes to our staff and our
programs. While certain funding streams
hat have supported our work have been
ignificantly reduced, we have identified
others to help maintain our services. The
most notable change was end of the BIDs
anitation program, which provided theesources to hire up to 11 Rangers to keep
our streets, sidewalks, and the downtown
beautiful. When this program ended, we
ad to reduce our Ranger staff to only
our. The BID has secured additional new
unding to hire at least two more Rangers
his fall, which will have a significant
mpact. However, we need everyone in
Downtown Yonkers to work together to
take care of our shared community. I have
met so many wonderful residents,
business owners, and property owners
that understand the need for this shared
responsibility and I know that togetherwill improve the economic vitality of our
businesses and the quality of life for
everyone.
In my first couple of months I have seen
how the BID can achieve this goal. Thou-
sands of people visited our Waterfront to
enjoy another great season of Friday
Night Jazz, Blues, & More. For the first
time, the BID held music and enrichment
concerts in the new Van der Donck park.
This eight week series brought this new
park to life, increased foot traffic, and
provided high quality entertainment to
residents of all ages and backgrounds.
The summer was highlighted by the 21st
Annual Yonkers Riverfest. This event was
a tremendous success, attracting over
25,000 people to our downtown. River-
fest was a day to enjoy wonderful music,
art, dance, family workshops, and interna-
tional foods. The Riverfest celebrates our
community, but it also shows thousands
of visitors how beautiful and vibrant
downtown Yonkers has become.
I was born in Yonkers and my family and I
moved back four years ago. My daughter
goes to school in Yonkers Public Schools
and I believe this is a wonderful commu-
nity and a great place to do business. The
downtown BID is going to make those
opportunities for businesses even greater.
We are going to continue our great eventsthat bring people into the downtown. We
try to bring lots of diverse activities, such
as the tree-lighting, the pet parade, and
sidewalk sales to the downtown in order
to engage residents, increase foot traffic,
and increase the vitality for local
businesses. Behind all of these efforts,
and our work every day, the BID andedicated Rangers are going to kee
street clean and promote a po
energy wherever we go.
Over the past few years, under the le
ship of Steve Sansone, the Yonkers D
town BID has accomplished so much
organization has endured challenge
changes, but has always focused o
mission of the BID. The entire BID
has been part of the positive transfotion in the downtown over the
decade, and I hope to continue their
and make the downtown a special
not just in our city, but in this re
There is so much we can do with a s
vision, focused energy, efficient u
resources, and hard work. Im lo
forward to this next step for the BID
encourage everyone to become eng
invest in our downtown, and suppo
the local initiatives that will lead healthier community.
Daniel Lipka
Executive Director,
Yonkers Downtown BID
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Yonkers Riverfest
YonkersDowntown .com Pa
Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty Bobs Discount Furniture Hudson Park
Dolphin Restaurant Greyston Foundation Jacobs Engineering K-LOVE Radio
Kawasaki Liberty Lines Numeric Pictures McDonalds Rising Development
Smith, Buss & Jacobs LLP St. Johns Riverside Hospital
St. Josephs Medical Center Westchester Center for Independent & Assisted Living
he 21st Annual Yonkers Riverfest was an amazing day to
celebrate Yonkers and everything that makes our
community special. This year, the Yonkers Downtown BID
was able to combine world famous musicians, local performers,
artists, and attractions to celebrate the City of Yonkers. The day
featured the winner of NBCs The Voice, Jermaine Paul; and
Nickelodeons Dirty Socks Fun-Time Band.
The streets were packed as families moved from one great show to
another. With five stages of live music, we brought 25 live shows
ranging from childrens music, Jazz, R&B, Rock and Hip-Hop. And, for
the first time, we showcased local artists in the new Van der Donck
Park. There was great food, family activities, music, games, and
attractions. Over 25,000 people enjoyed our downtown, shopped in
our stores, and felt good about being part of the Yonkers community.
Reports from local businesses were extremely positive. One
restaurant reported that Riverfest 2013 was the third busiest day
since I opened my doors eight years ago. The success of localbusinesses, in both the short and long-terms is critical to the mission
of the BID.
We are grateful to all our sponsors who make this event possible,
especially the City of Yonkers. This great event is a superb example of
how community organizations, government, businesses, and
residents can work together to create something special and unique
to our community. Riverfest symbolizes the bright future ahead of us
for downtown Yonkers.
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Page 4
reyston Child Care Center provides
quality childcare for families in
Yonkers and surrounding
communities. The center, with teachers
specializing in early child education, provides
a safe, nurturing environment and utilizes
the Creative Curriculum, which fosters and
enhances the cognitive, physical, emotional
& social development needs of children. The
center provides a challenging and engaging
climate for children to learn, play and grow in
until they are ready for kindergarten.
Community ResourcesGreyston Child Care Center
Yonkers Downtown BIDsSummer Music Series
Greyston Child Care Center provides the
following activities:--Extended day
--Literacy development, Monthly field trips
--Creative arts activities. Computer classes
--Hands-on science enrichment programs
--Music and movement activities
--Parent workshops and support groups
--Parent/teacher conferences
--Male involvement meetings (for Fathers)
--Early Intervention
Greyston Child Care accepts private pay,Department of Social Services (DSS) and
Title XX child care payment sources. They
can help parents navigate the tuition
subsidy process. Greyston Child Care
Center, located at 68 Warburton Avenue in
Yonkers, serves children ages six weeks to
five years old. For further information,
please contact Deborah Stokes, Enrollment
Coordinator at (914) 376-7200 or
his summer, the Yonkers Downtown BID and
Domino Sugar presented 16 free, live musical
performances.
The 10th Annual Friday Night Jazz, Blues, & More
concert series was a tremendous success. Hundreds
gathered each Friday in July and August to see their
favorite performers. The series was highlighted with
performances by Curtis Winchesters Twisted Soul
Band, featuring Grammy nominees Jon Colbert and
Gill Paris. Other amazing performances included Soul
Synergy Orchestra, The Amanda Ruzza Band, Kenny
Lee & the All Stars, and Full Moon in June. We are so
grateful to Domino Sugar for supporting this series.
The BID premiered Riverwalk Wednesdays at the new
Van der Donck Park in Downtown Yonkers. This
8-week family-friendly music series was a tremendous
success and a great addition to our summer events
calendar.
Several hundred people gathered each week toenjoy live music at the Yonkers Waterfront. CurtisWinchesters Twisted Soul Band - Upper right, andFull Moon in June - Bottom Right.
Wesley and FriendsCommunity 5K Fun RunOctober 26, 2013
Children, parents, and grandparents joi
the Yonkers Police Department to
participate in the Wesley and Friends
Community Fun Run. The run started
Lennon Park and continued through
Downtown Yonkers, and ended with a B
at the PAL. This event is a collaborativ
effort to encourage positive relationshbetween our children and the Yonker
Police Department.
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YonkersDowntown .com Pag
WelcomeOur New Businesses
From L to R: Councilman Chris Johnson, City Council President Chuck Lesnik,
Owner Sepi Pashaie, Wine Expert Don Zheng, Mayor Mike Spano, BID
Executive Director Daniel Lipka, Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Councilman
Wilson Terrero, and Councilman Michael Sabatino.
Historic Marathon Held in Downtown Yonkers
n Friday, October 4th, Downtown Yonkers officially celebrate
opening of WINE IN DUE TIME. This boutique wine store
modern decor, featuring an array of carefully selected wines
offer great value at an affordable price range. The setup of the sto
unique and meant to make shopping for wine easy and fun.
Owner, Sepi Pashaie is really excited to bring a unique and special tas
our downtown. Intelligent and creative, with an international flare
looked to develop something unique and captivating. She specifically c
the Yonkers Downtown Waterfront as the perfect setting for her new
Wine in Due Time is creative and sophisticated, yet has a frie
atmosphere, where everyone is welcome.
They also host complimentary tastings every Friday and Saturday from
and plan to continue the tastings as long as there are people to enjoy t
1 Pier Point St, Yonkers, NY 10701 (on the waterfront)
Phone: 914-966-9669
Hours: Tues - Sun: 1 pm - 9 pm
http://wineinduetime.com/
WINNERS - YONKERSMARATHON2013
Mens Marathon
1st Place - Oz Pearlman
2nd Place - Daniel Siegers
3rd Place - Phillip Shea
Christopher Pert has some fun, jugglingthrough the entire Yonkers Marathon
undreds of runners, from all
around the world, gathered
on September 29th to
compete in either the full or half
marathon competition. The runners
paced themselves through the
streets of a revitalized Downtown
Yonkers. It was a wonderful day for
all the runners and their friends and
families who came down to cheer
them on.
Worlds Second Oldest Marathon
Before Johnny Hayes won the
Marathon, and the gold medal for
the US during the 1908 Summer
Olympics, he was the winner of thevery first Yonkers Marathon. 106
years later, Oz Pearlman became the
most recent winner of the Yonkers
Marathon, the 2nd oldest marathon
in the world. He finished in an
amazing time of 2 hours, 35 minutes.
Womens Marathon
1st Place - Blanca Lucero
2nd Place - Lauren Dorsky
3rd Place - Heidi Ball
5th Annual Pet Parade
The Yonkers Downtown BIDs Pet Parad
was once again a tremendous success
Dozens of pets, dressed in Halloween
costumes, paraded from the waterfron
esplanade to our sculpture garden and
back. It was a great day for pet owners
to socialize, while exploring our
beautiful waterfront.
We awarded prizes for cutest pet, mos
unusual costume, scariest pet, and bes
overall costume. The BID thanks
everyone who participated and hope
they come back again next year.
After the parade, children headed ove
to the Science Barge for Pumpkin
Painting or the Riverfront Library for a
showing of Scary Movie 5.
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Fun Run
Harvest Fest - Fun For the Whole Family
Page 6
ShopRite Grand Re-Opening
aturday, October 26 from Noon to
6:00 PM, St. Johns Episcopal
Church hosted a family friendly
Harvest Fair. Hundreds of people gathered
for a fun afternoon of food and
entertainment. The Church revived this
event three years ago, and it has become a
community favorite.
Offered as a family activity for the people
in the neighborhood, the fair also provides
an opportunity for people to learn about
local history and this famous Yonkers
Colonial landmark. All the proceeds from
the day went towards the Windows
Restoration Project whose website is
www.landmarksociety.info.
Children were a focus for the event, which
included bouncy castles other fun activities
and crafts. Dozens of children came in their
Halloween costumes and participated in a
parade. Prizes were awarded for creative
and outstanding costumes. A flea market
was also on the lawn of the church. It was a
beautiful day and the community
celebrated a traditional autumn festival. For
more information call (914) 512-8156.
Building upon the positiv
momentum that the awa
winning Van der Donck Pa
generated (Daylighting Phase
the City of Yonkers was approve
for Phase II, THE MILL STRE
COURTYARD PROJECT. Finance
through NYS Environment
Facilities grants, Empire Sta
Development, and City Capit
funds, Phase II will create
beautiful piazza and courtyard
downtown Yonkers. Working in
public/private partnership, th
City is collaborating with Risin
Development to create
pedestrian gateway to th
courtyard from Warburton Av
Plans to move forward a
currently underway and work w
begin this spring.
n September 29, 2013, ShopRite
reopened its Greenway Plaza
location in Downtown Yonkers
after undergoing a complete store
renovation. The 49,000 square foot store
closed for approximately three months to
undergo a complete transformation,
expanding the store to include a wide array
of new offerings and unique services.
The new ShopRite of Greenway Plaza
features expanded produce, seafood, deli
and cheese departments, which will also
offer store-made specialties. In response to
the communitys needs, the bigger, better
and fresher ShopRite will also offer
expanded natural, organic and gluten-free
products in every department of the store,
as well as a wider selection of prepared foods
and to-go items.
New to the ShopRite of Greenway Plaza are
the free services of an on-site Registered
Dietitian. The store will also offer ShopRite
from Home delivery service, where
customers can place an order online and
have their groceries delivered right to their
home. The new store is outfitted with the
latest energy-saving and sustainable
technologies in refrigeration and lighting.
Mayor Mike Spano stated, I am proud to
celebrate the re-opening of this renovated,
expanded and green store. The ShopRite of
Greenway Plaza is a mainstay of the
Downtown community and a job creator in
the City of Yonkers.
Harvest Fair at St. Johns Church
1 Hudson St., Yonkers
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Noon till 6:00pm - www.stjohnsgs.or
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f Prospect Avenue and South Broadway.
YonkersDowntown .com Page
or three days, Downtown Yonkers
was the home to some of the
finest, creative, and cutting edge
films in the country. The first annual YoFi
Fest attracted hundreds of visitors, who
enjoyed everything from full-length
feature films, documentaries, student
films, opportunities to meet industry
leaders, childrens workshops, and much
more. One of the highlights for local
residents was a special presentation of
Lost Rivers, including an opportunity to
meet the producer of the film. Lost Rivers
chronicles the daylighting of the Saw Mill
River in Downtown Yonkers. The first
phase of the daylighting was todeconstruct the parking lot at Larkin
Plaza, revealing the natural beauty of the
Saw Mill River, which flowed underneath
the lot since 1922. Surrounding the R
the City of Yonkers built a wonderful
park, now called Van der Donck Park.
YoFi Fest was created by Yonkers resid
Dave Steck and Patty Schumann. Dave
Patty own and operate Numeric Pict
located in Downtown Yonkers. Num
Pictures is a full service, award win
creative production company special
in cinematic storytelling, intera
content and experiential media.
The YoFi Fest is just the first of a seri
film events that Numeric Pictures wi
presented in the Downtown. Stay tune
their next great production.
YoFi Fest
Casa De Cafsoft sounds of falling water will
give one a feeling of serenity
and comfort. We offer the
comfort of home with options
like free wireless internet, a
relaxing reading area, andeven a cozy in the cuff
lounge area where you can
have coffee with friends, family
or colleagues.
Casa de Caf is not your
average coffeehouse; it is the cultural arts
haven of Yonkers. We pride ourselves in
cultural exchange and developing a
foundation of community. We work with
the community by collaborating withmultiple local community organizations
initiatives, and in addition, we proudly
display and sell art work and photography
of local artist; feature poets, singers, and
musicians at our Sunday Night Open; hold
book readings and signings for authors;
mix generations with our
intergenerational storytelling; show
documentary films with discussion; and
host various cultural awareness
conversations, while serving world
coffee and pastries. Casa de Caf
home away from home, also known as
Third Place, in Yonkers.
So, whether you come in to visit for a qcup of great cappuccino or stay to
your latte and bagel, or meet up
friends, family or colleagues for desse
Casa de Caf, you will be sure to encou
excellence, culture and a warm, frie
relaxing atmosphere.
Casa de Caf is the brainchild of Julio
Julio has over 40 years experienc
entrepreneurship, and his decision to
a community coffee house became hisdream. With the support of his daug
Rhonda and Nova Soto, along with
grandson Shaun Texeira, his dream cam
fruition. We are very excited to bring
de Caf to Downtown Waterfront Yon
Warm Reg
The Soto F
t Casa de Caf our motto is Mi
Casa Es Su Casa (My house is
your house). We provide a
warm, friendly, and relaxing family
atmosphere where people will come in,
sit down and feel an instant sense of
home. We take pride in our selection of
specialty coffees; each cup made with our
freshly grounded Columbian Supremo
coffee beans, our scrumptious
assortment of fresh pastries, and our
variety of freshly baked goods. Our
home-like ambience coupled with the
Community members gather at Case de Cafe for an
Open Mic Night. Credit: Donna Davis.
Casa de Caf
45 Main Street
Yonkers, NY 10701
(914) 375-2272
YoFi Fest: Film Business panel about shooting films in
Yonkers (top) Opening night crowd on the red carpet
bottom). Credit Donna Davis.
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About the Yonkers Downtown BID
Page 8
Upcoming EventsOctober 24:The Yonkers Riverfront Library Childrens
Department will host its Annual Halloween Party from
4:00 to 5:30.
October 27: Meet Jonathan Schuppe , author of A Chance
to Win: Boyhood, Baseball, and the Struggle for Redemp-
tion. Riverfront Library, 4th Floor 2:00 pm.
October 27: Yonkers Downtown BID presents the 5th
Annual Pet Parade, 1:00 at the waterfront Esplanade. At
2:00pm, pumpkin painting at the Science Barge.
November 2: Yonkers Green City Walking tour. Yonkers
Train Station, 5 Buena Vista Ave. Starts at 10:30am.
November 9th: Album Release Party: Aaron David. 44
Hudson Street. Doors open at 7pm.
November 13th: Ribbon Cutting: Palisades Point. Location:
Esplanade Walk Way and 20 Water Grant St. 2:30pm.
November 15th: December 28th: Blue Door Gallery's
Annual Holiday Art Show & Boutique, 13 Riverdale
Avenue.
December 13th: Manor House Square Holiday
Concert. 5:30 - 7:30.
Yonkers Downtown BID Presents:
Getty Square Holiday Tree LightingTuesday, December 3rd, 20134:00pm - 6:00pm - Santas and Friends - Candy Canes for all kids - Free Hot Chocolate - Live Music - Business Recognition
Award
The Downtown/Waterfront Business
mprovement District, Inc. of Yonkers, NY is
a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created
n 2002. The BID was formed to build
working partnerships, encourage
nvestment, and support initiatives for a
healthier commercial district in the Yonkers
Downtown.
We work to promote and implement
economic revitalization initiatives and
ncrease the quality of life for all those in
Downtown Yonkers. We promote and
preserve the cultural, historic, tourist and
civic interests while mobilizing public and
private resources for these purposes.
Contact Information
Yonkers DowntownWaterfront BID15 Main Street
Yonkers, NY 10704
Phone: 914-969-6660
Fax: 914- [email protected]
Executive DirectorDaniel Lipka
www.YonkersDowntown.co
Accomplishments:
Yonkers Riverfest
Street Cleaning
Gum Busting and Powerwashing
Installation of Street Cameras
Landscaping and Planters
Business Seminars
Friday Night Jazz, Blues, and More
Halloween Pet Parade
Holiday Tree Lighting
Riverfront Wednesday Summer Music
Main Street Film Series
International Restaurant Week
Ribbon Cuttings
Government Advocacy
WinterScape
Community Parades
and much more
