City Of Yonkers Announces Plans To “Reimagine” Central Ave

YONKERS, NY — The City of Yonkers is setting in motion a plan that city officials say will reimagine the 2.3-mile stretch of Central Park Avenue between Tuckahoe Road and the city's northern border.

Mayor Mike Spano referred to the two-mile stretch of Central Park Avenue as the city's "Platinum Mile," referring to the high amount of retail business that has historically taken place there.

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Now, as big box stores around the country close and retail moves digital, Spano said the city is faced with questions about the future of the major thoroughfare.

"How can we make Central Avenue more walkable? How can we make Central Avenue a place where you want to live? How can we make Central Avenue a better place to shop?" Spano asked in a video announcing the plan. "These are questions that need to be answered."

In an announcement Monday, Spano said that the first of three workshops on the plan would be held Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. at the Grinton I. Will Library. Those workshops, Spano said, would be focused on giving the public a voice in the planning for Central Ave's future.

"Central Avenue has been an essential part of Yonkers for generations, and now we have an opportunity to reimagine its future in a way that reflects the evolving needs and aspirations of our community," Spano said. "Shopping and living trends are changing nationally and this initiative is about creating a renewed corridor that reflects that, while supporting local businesses and creating new opportunities for residents. Most importantly, this plan must be shaped by the people who live, work and shop here. I encourage Yonkers residents to participate in the upcoming workshops and public hearing, share their ideas and help us build a Central Avenue that will serve our city for generations to come."

Following this first public workshop, the city said there will be two subsequent workshops and a public hearing. Dates for those workshops and the hearing have yet to be announced.