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WINTER 2014 VOL.

8 ISSUE 1
I N S I D E
Message from the BID, New
Businesses, Maya Linn, Award
Winterscape, Santa House,
Tree Lighting, Filming in Yonkers
Restaurant Week, Our Local
City Councilman, Grand by Design,
Presidents Day, Art of Video Games
About the BID, Contact
Information, Upcoming Events,
About the Yonkers Downtown BID
The Downtown/Waterfront Business
Improvement District, Inc. of Yonkers, NY is
a 501(c)(3) non-proft organization created
in 2002. The BID was formed to build
working partnerships, encourage
investment, and support initiatives for a
healthier commercial district in the Yonkers
Downtown.
We work to promote and implement
economic revitalization initiatives and
increase 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 Downtown
Waterfront BID
15 Main Street
Yonkers, NY 10704
Phone: 914-969-6660
Fax: 914- 969-0331
info@yonkersdowntown.com
Executive Director
Daniel Lipka
www.YonkersDowntown.com
Dont be alarmed if you happen to notice Boardwalk Empires Nucky Thompson (Steve
Buscemi) walking around the Yonkers Train Station or run into The Followings Ryan
Hardy (Kevin Bacon) strolling Main Street. Theyre just a few of the many actors and
actresses flming in Yonkers Downtown Waterfront area. More on page 4.
February 1: Third Annual Take Your Child to the Library
Day. Riverfront Library, 9:30am - 4:30pm.
February 2: Candlemas: Blessing of Candles. St. John's
Church, Getty Square. 10:00am - Noon.
February 3 - 9: Downtown Yonkers
International Restaurant Week.
February 8: Created Equal: Americas Civil Rights
Struggle Film Screenings and Discussions (1 of 4).
Riverfront Library, 2:00pm - 4:00pm.
February 13: Rivertalks: A Lecture Series on Art, Culture,
and Ecology of the Hudson River. Beczak Environmental
Center, 35 Alexander Street Yonkers, 7:00pm - 8:30pm.
Upcoming Events
Hollywood Comes to Yonkers
After each snowstorm, BID
Rangers work tirelessly to clean
paths, crosswalks, and bus
stops. Satefy is one of the
BIDs top priorities.
February 14: Valentines Day
February 15th: The Art of Video Games -
Opening Night. Hudson River Museum, 511
Warburton Avenue, Yonkers. 10:00am-1:00pm.
February 15: President's Day Event at Philipse Manor Hall.
29 Warburton Avenue. Noon - 4:00pm.
February 17 -21: Schools closed, Scheduled Winter Recess.
February 20: 4th Precinct Community Council Meeting.
7:00 - 8:00pm.
February 24: YONY present Seth Godin.
Riverfront Library, 6:30pm - 7:30pm.
February 28: Annual Black History Month Gospel Concert.
Riverfront Library, 6:00pm - 8:00pm.
YonkersDowntown. com
Downtown Yonkers really does something for everyone. From trendy clothing shops
and fne dining to the corner pub and our local hardware store, Downtown Yonkers
continues to grow. Recently, two new businesses opened. State Farm Insurance
opened on Warburton Avenue as well as the Inksplosion Art Gallery. The new owners
explain why they came to Yonkers and more on page 3.
New Businesses Open in the Downtown
Downtown Yonkers celebrated the holiday season in style. Organizations and
community groups hosted a variety of family events throughout December, each
bringing joy to hundreds of families. The season was highlighted by two amazing BID
events, the Annual Yonkers Tree Lighting celebration in historic Getty Square, and
Winterscape - A Holiday Concert in Manor House Square. More on page 4-5.
Local Holiday Celebrations
Page 8 YonkersDowntown. com
View details of these events and much
more on the BIDs new online calendar.
www.yonkersdowntown.com/calendar.shtml
p.2-3
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attractive to young people and new
businesses, and it is driving growth in our
Downtown Waterfront Neighborhood, said
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. Thousands of
Yonkers residents
ride the train to
Grand Central
Terminal every
day on their way
to work. This
exhibit gives
children, families
and train enthusiasts across Westchester
County the opportunity to slow down,
admire Grand Centrals history and
architecture and compare it with that of
Yonkers Station.
Page 2 YonkersDowntown. com Page 7
n January 11, the New York
Transit Museums multimedia
exhibition Grand by Design: A
Centennial Celebration of Grand Central
Terminal opened at the Riverfront Library
in Yonkers. The show features rare artifacts
and photographs from the museums
collection highlighting the Terminals rich
history. The exhibition was frst created for
a six week run in Vanderbilt Hall to kick of
Grand Centrals 100th birthday. This
adaptation gives visitors the chance to
compare Grand Central to the Yonkers
Train Station, a beautiful Beaux Arts
building designed by the same
architectural team. The exhibition is free
and will be open to the public during
regular library hours from Saturday,
January 11, 2014 through Sunday, March
16, 2014. Our proximity to Grand Central
Terminal is part of what makes Yonkers so
A Message From the BIDs Executive Director
This winter may have seen record low
temperatures, but that hasnt stopped
Yonkers Downtown BID from bringing
great events to the residents and promot-
ing our downtown. Over the past several
months, we have celebrated an extraordi-
nary amount of good news for the down-
town. In November, world renowned
artist Maya Lin and Daniel Wolf (her
husband and international art collector)
purchased the old Yonkers Jail on the
waterfront. They will transform this build-
ing into a beautiful and unique piece of
architecture which will act as Ms. Lins
personal studio and Mr. Wolfs art gallery.
Maya Lin brings something extraordinarily
unique to our community, which exempli-
fed Downtown Yonkers status as an art
and artist destination. The Downtown BID
plans to work with Ms. Lin, as well as many
other local artists, to further transform our
streets into something beautiful and
creative. Specifcally, the BID is looking
forward to cleaning up blighted store-
fronts and adding art to those buildings.
The Holiday season was especially impor-
tant for everyone in the BID. This year, we
hosted three programs to celebrate our
community, our residents, and our history.
The Annual Yonkers Tree lighting is one of
the oldest and most loved events that still
Grand By Design
takes place in historic Getty Square. This
year, Mayor Mike Spano joined the BID to
light the tree and kickstart our annual
holiday concert. Our next event was
inspired by local business owners and
volunteers who wanted to give back to
their community. With their support, we
hosted WinterScape, a Holiday Concert at
Manor House Square. Hundreds of
families fought the bitter cold to come to
the Downtown to dance, listen to great
live music, meet Santa and his friends, and
enjoy time with their neighbors.
One of the most exciting holiday
programs in the downtown is the BIDs
weekend Santa Chalet. Each weekend in
December, Santa and his elves met
children in a custom Chalet in Getty
Square. Hundreds of children came every
day to meet Santa and get a gift. The BID
is grateful for CH Martin for providing
candy canes and presents for the children.
As 2014 begins, the BID is excited about
the future. Our Third Annual Downtown
Yonkers International Restaurant Week
was a huge success. People from all over
the region came to our downtown to eat
and enjoy the waterfront. Yonkers is
quickly becoming known as a destination
for fne cuisine and comfort food.
Every day the BID is working hard to keep
our streets safe and clean, attract new
businesses, and to utilize art to make life
more enjoyable for everyone. I invite
everyone to come down and ensure a
rejuvenated downtown.
Daniel Lipka
Executive Director,
Yonkers Downtown BID
Downtown BID Honored
For Community Services
Celebrate Presidents Day
at Phillipse Manor Hall
On Sunday, January 26th, the New
York City Church of Christ honored the
Yonkers Downtown BID for our
contributions to our local community.
The BID was nominated by David
Martin, owner of the Fly Me to the
Moon Flower Shop on North
Broadway.
The BID is honored to receive this
recognition and will continue to work
with our community to create a safe
and vibrant atmosphere.
The BID was among several regional
organizations and individuals who
were honored, including a
Westchester County Legislator, Fire
Chief, and School Superintendant.
The program concluded with a
screening of the Sundance Award
Winning flm Blood Brother. Blood
Brother is the documentary of one
young mans life-changing journey
through India serving HIV positive
orphans. This flm exemplifes the
impact that one person can have in
the world. The BID encourages
everyone to get involved in their
community and be part of a
collaborative team that has a positive
impact. There are numerous
volunteer opportunities in Yonkers,
which can be accessed through the
United Ways Volunteer Center,
www.volunteer-center.org.
We all need to appreciate and value
that fact that Yonkers is an amazing
and diverse community. There is so
much we can do by working together.
The Art of Video Games
February 15 - May 18
ne of the frst major exhibitions to
explore the 40-year evolution of
video games as an artistic medium,
The Art of Video Games focuses on the
mediums striking graphics, creative
storytelling, and player interactivity.
The Art of Video Games features the most
infuential artists and designers across fve
eras of game development, from early
pioneers to the contemporary artists, who
created some of the best games for 20
gaming systems that range from the Atari VCS
to PlayStation 3.
511 Warburton Ave, Yonkers, 914-963-4550
O
O
It was FDR who was elected four times,
right? asked the Yonkers high schooler
as she worked on her presidential quiz.
That day, the girl and her sisters took the
quiz, completed a scavenger hunt, and
even made their own sets of George
Washingtons famous false teeth. The
sisters live in downtown Yonkers, but
had never been inside Philipse Manor
Hall, even though they pass it every day.
All three were glad they had stopped in for last years Presidents Day
festivities and were excited by how much they learned from the museum.
This years Presidents Day celebration will take place on Saturday, February
15 from 12 PM to 4 PM. All are invited to the Manor Hall to wish Abraham
Lincoln a Happy 205th Birthday with birthday cake at 2 PM. Visitors can make
their own candles from 12PM2PM. At 2:30, Lincoln will recite the Gettysburg
Address. Additionally a variety of activities will be going on throughout the
event. Admission is $1 for children 12 and under and $3 for adults.
Philipse Manor Hall
29 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, NY. (914) 965-4027 ext. 102.
Fast Fact
Architects Warren and
Wetmore designed and
built the Yonkers MTA
Train Station three years
before they designed
Grand Central Station.
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Third Annual Yonkers Downtown International
Restaurant Week
Page 6
YonkersDowntown. com Page 3
he Third Annual Yonkers Downtown
International Restaurant Week was a delicious
success.
From February 3rd to February 9th, Downtown
Yonkers fnest restaurants ofered an across the
board discount to all guests. All participating
restaurants ofered 20% of lunch and 25% of dinner.
Restaurant Week showcased a remarkable variety of
culinary delights all located in Downtown Yonkers.
Peter Kellys X2O Xaviars on the Hudson was voted
Westchester/Hudson Valley's Most Popular
restaurant, and Zagats described X20 as
magnifcent and unbelievably creative.
Westchester Magazine voted Zuppa Restaurant &
T
t Inksplosion Tattoo, Piercing
and Art Gallery we are
committed to bringing over 20
years experience as an art studio and
gallery. We are unwavering in providing
a venue for local artists to show, not
only their art, but to show the diverse
multicultural panorama that is the
community of Yonkers.
As the Downtown area of Yonkers
continues to undergo its rebirth, and
more new businesses are introduced,
our goal is to be part of that process
through our Artistic infuence and the
additional foot trafc that our customers
bring from their diverse neighborhoods
of the Tri-State area.
We would also like to take this
opportunity to invite all our neighbors
and clients to drop by during our
working hours or give us a call so that we
may arrange for a private showing.
Come by and enjoy the art and
sculptures that will be displayed in our
space.

We also will be providing Body Art in the
mediums of Tattooing and Body
Piercing. We have on Staf well known
Tattoo Artist Michael Sharky Arbolay
and the expertise and famboyance of Ms.
Allison Seda, whom is our Professional
Piercer. We provide a safe and sterile
environment. Tattoos, piercing and body
modifcations and art have existed since
the evolution of man. We appreciate all
styles of art and self-expression no matter
if you choose to see it on our walls or
decide for the more permanent form of
having them put on your skin.
Art is embraced here; all genres, styles,
and forms. So stop in, we cannot wait to
see you! - Lissette Delgado: Owner
A Message from your City Councilman
Khangri
Japanese Restaurant
Welcome
Our New Businesses
Inksplosion Tattoo, Piercing
& Art Gallery
14 Main Street
Yonkers, NY 10701
(914) 965-5100
Tues-Sat: 11:00am - 8:00pm
Mayor Mike Spano welcomes
internationally renowned architect
and artist Maya Lin and her husband
Daniel Wolf to Yonkers. Ms. Lin and Mr.
Wolf recently bought the abandoned
Yonkers Downtown Jail and plan to
refurbish the building, creating artists
lofts, and hosts Mr. Wolfs personal art
collection. As Yonkers continues its
renaissance, art and artists will
become more prominent throughout
the downtown.
Lounge Best Modern Italian Restaurant, and Dolphin
Restaurant was voted Best new restaurant. Almost
every restaurant in the downtown has been acclaimed
for its creativity and cuisine. Cuban, Japanese, Indian,
seafood, Italian, Mexican, and more; Downtown
Yonkers is an international destination for food lovers.
Yonkers International Restaurant Week will bring new
people to our downtown and our waterfront, allowing
everyone to see the new renaissance of Downtown
Yonkers., said Daniel Lipka, Executive Director of the
Yonkers Downtown Waterfront BID. Restaurant Week
gives us a chance to showcase our unique dining
spots and introduce them to a new audience.
A
T
INKSPLOSION
It was FDR who was elected four times,
right? asked the Yonkers high schooler
as she worked on her presidential quiz.
That day, the girl and her sisters took the
quiz, completed a scavenger hunt, and
even made their own sets of George
Washingtons famous false teeth. The
sisters live in downtown Yonkers, but
had never been inside Philipse Manor
Hall, even though they pass it every day.
All three were glad they had stopped in for last years Presidents Day
festivities and were excited by how much they learned from the museum.
This years Presidents Day celebration will take place on Saturday, February
15 from 12 PM to 4 PM. All are invited to the Manor Hall to wish Abraham
Lincoln a Happy 205th Birthday with birthday cake at 2 PM. Visitors can make
their own candles from 12PM2PM. At 2:30, Lincoln will recite the Gettysburg
Address. Additionally a variety of activities will be going on throughout the
event. Admission is $1 for children 12 and under and $3 for adults.
Philipse Manor Hall
29 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, NY. (914) 965-4027 ext. 102.
hen Jocelyn Mizrahi opened
her ofce in Yonkers earlier
this year, she wanted to be
able to work with people from all
diferent walks of life and fnancial
situations. I specifcally choose
Warburton Avenue to be part of the
revitalization of downtown Yonkers.
State farm is a full service insurance
company as well as providing other
fnancial products, such as banking, life
insurance, retirement rolloevers and 529
college savings plans.
Jocelyn and her team of insurance
experts has a variety of programs and
services allowing them to customize a
plan that is right for each individual.
Jocelyn graduated from NYU where she
studied fnance. Prior to opening her
State Farm ofce she worked in the
fnancial sector, most recently for Morgan
Stanley's wealth management
department.
Ofce Hours: Weekdays 9-6;
Thursday 9-7; Saturday 10-4
54 Warburton Ave., Yonkers, NY

Jocelyn Alperiz Mizrahi
914-292-4200
jocelynmizrahi.com
jocelyn@jmcoverage.com
54 Warburton Ave., Yonkers
On Tuesday,
January 28, 2014
the Yonkers City
Council passed a
r e s o l u t i o n
proclaiming that
February 2014 will
be observed as
Black History
Month in the City
of Yonkers. It is celebrated across the
country by people of all backgrounds. In
celebration of Black History Month, there
will be a Black History Month Reception
on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at 6:30pm
in the Mayors Reception Room at City
Hall, followed by a presentation during
the City Council Meeting the same
evening, beginning at 7:30pm.
On Friday, February 28, 2014, at 6:30pm, in
the auditorium of the Yonkers Riverfront
Library, I will host my 3rd Annual Black
History Month Celebration Gospel
Concert. The concert will be held in honor
of the late Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey as it
believed that modern Gospel music was a
movement led by Thomas A. Dorsey, a
composer best known for penning the
lyrics Precious Lord, Take My Hand and
Peace in the Valley that began in
Chicago in the1930s when the National
Baptist Convention frst publicly endorsed
the music. I have petitioned the
assistance of several community choirs to
join in the celebration of Black History
Month by rendering soul stirring Gospel
Music, in the hopes of drawing several to
the Downtown to celebrate.
In a recent announcement by Mayor Mike
Spano, each contract issued or executed
by the City of Yonkers will contain a
Minority Business Enterprise/Women
Business Enterprise tracking form. This
will help the City in assuring that
businesses owed by minorities and
women are getting equal opportunities to
do business with the City.
Always feel free to reach out to my ofce
by phone 914-377-6311 or e-mail
Christopher.Johnson@YonkersNY.gov if
there is any way I can be helpful.
Christopher A. Johnson
Yonkers City Council Member
District One
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YonkersDowntown. com Page 5 Page 4
Holiday Celebrations In Downtown Yonkers
Another great aspect of the Yonkers Tree Lighting is the opportunity to recognize a local
business that has given back to the community in exceptional ways. This year, the Yonkers
Downtown BID honored Domino Sugar. For more than 100 years, the Domino Sugar factory
has been operating in Yonkers, providing jobs, vitality, and deliciously sweet products.
Additionally, Domino has been particularly supportive of local community organizations and
events. Domino Sugar represents the best of what Yonkers has to ofer; they are a thriving
business, they support their community, and they remember their roots.
Santa Comes to Downtown Yonkers
With a promise of lunch at X20, the Yonkers Downtown BID
convinced Santa Claus to come to Getty Square each weekend in
December. Santa and his elves even brought their magical holiday
chalet and set up shop in the heart of our city. Hundreds of excited
children visited Santa everyday he was there, each with a special
wish to share with St. Nick.
Ive been all over the world, but my favorite city to visit is Yonkers.
The children in Yonkers will always have a special place in my heart
said Santa. He also gave a shout-out to CH Martin who provided
extra toys and candy canes for all of the children.
The BID isnt as good as Santa, but please send us your wishes for
what you would like to see in our downtown. Email us at
dlipka@yonkersdowntown.com with any ideas.
or the fourth straight year, merchants from North
Broadway joined the Yonkers Downtown BID to host
WinterScape, a Holiday Concert at Manor House
Square. This free family event, showcased local musicians
and other wonderful performances. Santa Claus and all his
friends were on hand to meet with kids and celebrate our
community. There was free hot chocolate, face-painting,
games, and more for everyone to enjoy. This year, we had
our largest crowd ever.
WinterScape is held in historic Manor House Square, in
Downtown Yonkers. Manor House Square is part of local
treasure Philipse Manor Hall, built in 1682.
The Yonkers Downtown WinterScape is a perfect example of
businesses and community organizations coming together
to create something special. This event is the pride of local
residents and a wonderful way to bring new people into our
downtown area. The Downtown BID produces WinterScape
with support from Fly Me to the Moon Florist, NY
Commercial Bank, and Warburton River View Owners, LLC.
WINTERSCAPE 2014
Television productions including
Boardwalk Empire, The Blacklist, Law &
Order: SVU, Hostages, The Following
and Believe, as well as feature flms
including The Other Woman and Gods
Pocket, which was recently featured at
the world renowned Sundance Film
Festival, have all recently flmed in the
Downtown area.
Just over a year
ago I stood before
the 32,000 square
foot Yonkers Stage
to ofcially launch
the newly
revamped Mayors
Ofce of Film &
Photography and
FilmYonkers.com.
Today, I am proud to say that Yonkers is
not only open for flming, but we are now
one of the most sought after cities for
flming in the state. Through our collab-
orative eforts, flm and photography
production has tripled over the past year
and Yonkers has been host to some of the
biggest feature flm and television
productions nationwide.
What makes Yonkers such a great place
for flm and photography production?
The most obvious answer is our citys
strategic location along the Hudson
River, diverse landscape and proximity to
major transportation thoroughfares, just
minutes from Manhattan. But our ideal
location is only as good as our ability to
showcase Yonkers for all it has to ofer,
and promote a flm friendly environment.
The increase in flm production has
brought in new revenue to the City and
investment in local businesses. As flm
productions come to Yonkers, our goal,
working with the Downtown Waterfront
BID, is to enhance the economic oppor-
tunity that exists for local businesses.
Each flm production that comes to
Yonkers typically brings hundreds of cast
and crew members, providing an oppor-
tunity for our city to showcase the many
businesses and attractions nearby. Its
this positive exposure that helps spread
the word about the great restaurants and
shops, parks and prime waterfront living
that Yonkers Downtown Waterfront has
to ofer and the word is spreading.
YONKERS DOWNTOWN WATERFRONT TAKES CENTER STAGE
By Mayor Mike Spano
F
On Tuesday,
January 28, 2014
the Yonkers City
Council passed a
r e s o l u t i o n
proclaiming that
February 2014 will
be observed as
Black History
Month in the City
of Yonkers. It is celebrated across the
country by people of all backgrounds. In
celebration of Black History Month, there
will be a Black History Month Reception
on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at 6:30pm
in the Mayors Reception Room at City
Hall, followed by a presentation during
the City Council Meeting the same
evening, beginning at 7:30pm.
On Friday, February 28, 2014, at 6:30pm, in
the auditorium of the Yonkers Riverfront
Library, I will host my 3rd Annual Black
History Month Celebration Gospel
Concert. The concert will be held in honor
of the late Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey as it
believed that modern Gospel music was a
movement led by Thomas A. Dorsey, a
composer best known for penning the
lyrics Precious Lord, Take My Hand and
Peace in the Valley that began in
Chicago in the1930s when the National
Baptist Convention frst publicly endorsed
the music. I have petitioned the
assistance of several community choirs to
join in the celebration of Black History
Month by rendering soul stirring Gospel
Music, in the hopes of drawing several to
the Downtown to celebrate.
In a recent announcement by Mayor Mike
Spano, each contract issued or executed
by the City of Yonkers will contain a
Minority Business Enterprise/Women
Business Enterprise tracking form. This
will help the City in assuring that
businesses owed by minorities and
women are getting equal opportunities to
do business with the City.
Always feel free to reach out to my ofce
by phone 914-377-6311 or e-mail
Christopher.Johnson@YonkersNY.gov if
there is any way I can be helpful.
Christopher A. Johnson
Yonkers City Council Member
District One
he Annual Yonkers Tree Lighting
is one of the grandest, traditional
events in the City of Yonkers.
Presented by the Yonkers Downtown
BID, in conjunction with the City of
Yonkers and the Yonkers Department of
Parks and Recreation, this event
brought hundreds of residents to
historic Getty Square to celebrate the
beginning of the holiday season. The
crowd was treated to live holiday music
and entertainment, highlighted by 2013
Yonkers Idol winners Daphne
Thompson and Merissa Beddows
(pictured to the right). Visits from Santa
Claus, free hot chocolate, lights, and a
wonderful community all came
together during this time of celebration.
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YonkersDowntown. com Page 5 Page 4
Holiday Celebrations In Downtown Yonkers
Another great aspect of the Yonkers Tree Lighting is the opportunity to recognize a local
business that has given back to the community in exceptional ways. This year, the Yonkers
Downtown BID honored Domino Sugar. For more than 100 years, the Domino Sugar factory
has been operating in Yonkers, providing jobs, vitality, and deliciously sweet products.
Additionally, Domino has been particularly supportive of local community organizations and
events. Domino Sugar represents the best of what Yonkers has to ofer; they are a thriving
business, they support their community, and they remember their roots.
Santa Comes to Downtown Yonkers
With a promise of lunch at X20, the Yonkers Downtown BID
convinced Santa Claus to come to Getty Square each weekend in
December. Santa and his elves even brought their magical holiday
chalet and set up shop in the heart of our city. Hundreds of excited
children visited Santa everyday he was there, each with a special
wish to share with St. Nick.
Ive been all over the world, but my favorite city to visit is Yonkers.
The children in Yonkers will always have a special place in my heart
said Santa. He also gave a shout-out to CH Martin who provided
extra toys and candy canes for all of the children.
The BID isnt as good as Santa, but please send us your wishes for
what you would like to see in our downtown. Email us at
dlipka@yonkersdowntown.com with any ideas.
or the fourth straight year, merchants from North
Broadway joined the Yonkers Downtown BID to host
WinterScape, a Holiday Concert at Manor House
Square. This free family event, showcased local musicians
and other wonderful performances. Santa Claus and all his
friends were on hand to meet with kids and celebrate our
community. There was free hot chocolate, face-painting,
games, and more for everyone to enjoy. This year, we had
our largest crowd ever.
WinterScape is held in historic Manor House Square, in
Downtown Yonkers. Manor House Square is part of local
treasure Philipse Manor Hall, built in 1682.
The Yonkers Downtown WinterScape is a perfect example of
businesses and community organizations coming together
to create something special. This event is the pride of local
residents and a wonderful way to bring new people into our
downtown area. The Downtown BID produces WinterScape
with support from Fly Me to the Moon Florist, NY
Commercial Bank, and Warburton River View Owners, LLC.
WINTERSCAPE 2014
Television productions including
Boardwalk Empire, The Blacklist, Law &
Order: SVU, Hostages, The Following
and Believe, as well as feature flms
including The Other Woman and Gods
Pocket, which was recently featured at
the world renowned Sundance Film
Festival, have all recently flmed in the
Downtown area.
Just over a year
ago I stood before
the 32,000 square
foot Yonkers Stage
to ofcially launch
the newly
revamped Mayors
Ofce of Film &
Photography and
FilmYonkers.com.
Today, I am proud to say that Yonkers is
not only open for flming, but we are now
one of the most sought after cities for
flming in the state. Through our collab-
orative eforts, flm and photography
production has tripled over the past year
and Yonkers has been host to some of the
biggest feature flm and television
productions nationwide.
What makes Yonkers such a great place
for flm and photography production?
The most obvious answer is our citys
strategic location along the Hudson
River, diverse landscape and proximity to
major transportation thoroughfares, just
minutes from Manhattan. But our ideal
location is only as good as our ability to
showcase Yonkers for all it has to ofer,
and promote a flm friendly environment.
The increase in flm production has
brought in new revenue to the City and
investment in local businesses. As flm
productions come to Yonkers, our goal,
working with the Downtown Waterfront
BID, is to enhance the economic oppor-
tunity that exists for local businesses.
Each flm production that comes to
Yonkers typically brings hundreds of cast
and crew members, providing an oppor-
tunity for our city to showcase the many
businesses and attractions nearby. Its
this positive exposure that helps spread
the word about the great restaurants and
shops, parks and prime waterfront living
that Yonkers Downtown Waterfront has
to ofer and the word is spreading.
YONKERS DOWNTOWN WATERFRONT TAKES CENTER STAGE
By Mayor Mike Spano
F
On Tuesday,
January 28, 2014
the Yonkers City
Council passed a
r e s o l u t i o n
proclaiming that
February 2014 will
be observed as
Black History
Month in the City
of Yonkers. It is celebrated across the
country by people of all backgrounds. In
celebration of Black History Month, there
will be a Black History Month Reception
on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at 6:30pm
in the Mayors Reception Room at City
Hall, followed by a presentation during
the City Council Meeting the same
evening, beginning at 7:30pm.
On Friday, February 28, 2014, at 6:30pm, in
the auditorium of the Yonkers Riverfront
Library, I will host my 3rd Annual Black
History Month Celebration Gospel
Concert. The concert will be held in honor
of the late Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey as it
believed that modern Gospel music was a
movement led by Thomas A. Dorsey, a
composer best known for penning the
lyrics Precious Lord, Take My Hand and
Peace in the Valley that began in
Chicago in the1930s when the National
Baptist Convention frst publicly endorsed
the music. I have petitioned the
assistance of several community choirs to
join in the celebration of Black History
Month by rendering soul stirring Gospel
Music, in the hopes of drawing several to
the Downtown to celebrate.
In a recent announcement by Mayor Mike
Spano, each contract issued or executed
by the City of Yonkers will contain a
Minority Business Enterprise/Women
Business Enterprise tracking form. This
will help the City in assuring that
businesses owed by minorities and
women are getting equal opportunities to
do business with the City.
Always feel free to reach out to my ofce
by phone 914-377-6311 or e-mail
Christopher.Johnson@YonkersNY.gov if
there is any way I can be helpful.
Christopher A. Johnson
Yonkers City Council Member
District One
he Annual Yonkers Tree Lighting
is one of the grandest, traditional
events in the City of Yonkers.
Presented by the Yonkers Downtown
BID, in conjunction with the City of
Yonkers and the Yonkers Department of
Parks and Recreation, this event
brought hundreds of residents to
historic Getty Square to celebrate the
beginning of the holiday season. The
crowd was treated to live holiday music
and entertainment, highlighted by 2013
Yonkers Idol winners Daphne
Thompson and Merissa Beddows
(pictured to the right). Visits from Santa
Claus, free hot chocolate, lights, and a
wonderful community all came
together during this time of celebration.
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Third Annual Yonkers Downtown International
Restaurant Week
Page 6 YonkersDowntown. com Page 3
he Third Annual Yonkers Downtown
International Restaurant Week was a delicious
success.
From February 3rd to February 9th, Downtown
Yonkers fnest restaurants ofered an across the
board discount to all guests. All participating
restaurants ofered 20% of lunch and 25% of dinner.
Restaurant Week showcased a remarkable variety of
culinary delights all located in Downtown Yonkers.
Peter Kellys X2O Xaviars on the Hudson was voted
Westchester/Hudson Valley's Most Popular
restaurant, and Zagats described X20 as
magnifcent and unbelievably creative.
Westchester Magazine voted Zuppa Restaurant &
T
t Inksplosion Tattoo, Piercing
and Art Gallery we are
committed to bringing over 20
years experience as an art studio and
gallery. We are unwavering in providing
a venue for local artists to show, not
only their art, but to show the diverse
multicultural panorama that is the
community of Yonkers.
As the Downtown area of Yonkers
continues to undergo its rebirth, and
more new businesses are introduced,
our goal is to be part of that process
through our Artistic infuence and the
additional foot trafc that our customers
bring from their diverse neighborhoods
of the Tri-State area.
We would also like to take this
opportunity to invite all our neighbors
and clients to drop by during our
working hours or give us a call so that we
may arrange for a private showing.
Come by and enjoy the art and
sculptures that will be displayed in our
space.

We also will be providing Body Art in the
mediums of Tattooing and Body
Piercing. We have on Staf well known
Tattoo Artist Michael Sharky Arbolay
and the expertise and famboyance of Ms.
Allison Seda, whom is our Professional
Piercer. We provide a safe and sterile
environment. Tattoos, piercing and body
modifcations and art have existed since
the evolution of man. We appreciate all
styles of art and self-expression no matter
if you choose to see it on our walls or
decide for the more permanent form of
having them put on your skin.
Art is embraced here; all genres, styles,
and forms. So stop in, we cannot wait to
see you! - Lissette Delgado: Owner
A Message from your City Councilman
Khangri
Japanese Restaurant
Welcome
Our New Businesses
Inksplosion Tattoo, Piercing
& Art Gallery
14 Main Street
Yonkers, NY 10701
(914) 965-5100
Tues-Sat: 11:00am - 8:00pm
Mayor Mike Spano welcomes
internationally renowned architect
and artist Maya Lin and her husband
Daniel Wolf to Yonkers. Ms. Lin and Mr.
Wolf recently bought the abandoned
Yonkers Downtown Jail and plan to
refurbish the building, creating artists
lofts, and hosts Mr. Wolfs personal art
collection. As Yonkers continues its
renaissance, art and artists will
become more prominent throughout
the downtown.
Lounge Best Modern Italian Restaurant, and Dolphin
Restaurant was voted Best new restaurant. Almost
every restaurant in the downtown has been acclaimed
for its creativity and cuisine. Cuban, Japanese, Indian,
seafood, Italian, Mexican, and more; Downtown
Yonkers is an international destination for food lovers.
Yonkers International Restaurant Week will bring new
people to our downtown and our waterfront, allowing
everyone to see the new renaissance of Downtown
Yonkers., said Daniel Lipka, Executive Director of the
Yonkers Downtown Waterfront BID. Restaurant Week
gives us a chance to showcase our unique dining
spots and introduce them to a new audience.
A
T
INKSPLOSION
It was FDR who was elected four times,
right? asked the Yonkers high schooler
as she worked on her presidential quiz.
That day, the girl and her sisters took the
quiz, completed a scavenger hunt, and
even made their own sets of George
Washingtons famous false teeth. The
sisters live in downtown Yonkers, but
had never been inside Philipse Manor
Hall, even though they pass it every day.
All three were glad they had stopped in for last years Presidents Day
festivities and were excited by how much they learned from the museum.
This years Presidents Day celebration will take place on Saturday, February
15 from 12 PM to 4 PM. All are invited to the Manor Hall to wish Abraham
Lincoln a Happy 205th Birthday with birthday cake at 2 PM. Visitors can make
their own candles from 12PM2PM. At 2:30, Lincoln will recite the Gettysburg
Address. Additionally a variety of activities will be going on throughout the
event. Admission is $1 for children 12 and under and $3 for adults.
Philipse Manor Hall
29 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, NY. (914) 965-4027 ext. 102.
hen Jocelyn Mizrahi opened
her ofce in Yonkers earlier
this year, she wanted to be
able to work with people from all
diferent walks of life and fnancial
situations. I specifcally choose
Warburton Avenue to be part of the
revitalization of downtown Yonkers.
State farm is a full service insurance
company as well as providing other
fnancial products, such as banking, life
insurance, retirement rolloevers and 529
college savings plans.
Jocelyn and her team of insurance
experts has a variety of programs and
services allowing them to customize a
plan that is right for each individual.
Jocelyn graduated from NYU where she
studied fnance. Prior to opening her
State Farm ofce she worked in the
fnancial sector, most recently for Morgan
Stanley's wealth management
department.
Ofce Hours: Weekdays 9-6;
Thursday 9-7; Saturday 10-4
54 Warburton Ave., Yonkers, NY

Jocelyn Alperiz Mizrahi
914-292-4200
jocelynmizrahi.com
jocelyn@jmcoverage.com
54 Warburton Ave., Yonkers
On Tuesday,
January 28, 2014
the Yonkers City
Council passed a
r e s o l u t i o n
proclaiming that
February 2014 will
be observed as
Black History
Month in the City
of Yonkers. It is celebrated across the
country by people of all backgrounds. In
celebration of Black History Month, there
will be a Black History Month Reception
on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at 6:30pm
in the Mayors Reception Room at City
Hall, followed by a presentation during
the City Council Meeting the same
evening, beginning at 7:30pm.
On Friday, February 28, 2014, at 6:30pm, in
the auditorium of the Yonkers Riverfront
Library, I will host my 3rd Annual Black
History Month Celebration Gospel
Concert. The concert will be held in honor
of the late Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey as it
believed that modern Gospel music was a
movement led by Thomas A. Dorsey, a
composer best known for penning the
lyrics Precious Lord, Take My Hand and
Peace in the Valley that began in
Chicago in the1930s when the National
Baptist Convention frst publicly endorsed
the music. I have petitioned the
assistance of several community choirs to
join in the celebration of Black History
Month by rendering soul stirring Gospel
Music, in the hopes of drawing several to
the Downtown to celebrate.
In a recent announcement by Mayor Mike
Spano, each contract issued or executed
by the City of Yonkers will contain a
Minority Business Enterprise/Women
Business Enterprise tracking form. This
will help the City in assuring that
businesses owed by minorities and
women are getting equal opportunities to
do business with the City.
Always feel free to reach out to my ofce
by phone 914-377-6311 or e-mail
Christopher.Johnson@YonkersNY.gov if
there is any way I can be helpful.
Christopher A. Johnson
Yonkers City Council Member
District One
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attractive to young people and new
businesses, and it is driving growth in our
Downtown Waterfront Neighborhood, said
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. Thousands of
Yonkers residents
ride the train to
Grand Central
Terminal every
day on their way
to work. This
exhibit gives
children, families
and train enthusiasts across Westchester
County the opportunity to slow down,
admire Grand Centrals history and
architecture and compare it with that of
Yonkers Station.
Page 2 YonkersDowntown. com Page 7
n January 11, the New York
Transit Museums multimedia
exhibition Grand by Design: A
Centennial Celebration of Grand Central
Terminal opened at the Riverfront Library
in Yonkers. The show features rare artifacts
and photographs from the museums
collection highlighting the Terminals rich
history. The exhibition was frst created for
a six week run in Vanderbilt Hall to kick of
Grand Centrals 100th birthday. This
adaptation gives visitors the chance to
compare Grand Central to the Yonkers
Train Station, a beautiful Beaux Arts
building designed by the same
architectural team. The exhibition is free
and will be open to the public during
regular library hours from Saturday,
January 11, 2014 through Sunday, March
16, 2014. Our proximity to Grand Central
Terminal is part of what makes Yonkers so
A Message From the BIDs Executive Director
This winter may have seen record low
temperatures, but that hasnt stopped
Yonkers Downtown BID from bringing
great events to the residents and promot-
ing our downtown. Over the past several
months, we have celebrated an extraordi-
nary amount of good news for the down-
town. In November, world renowned
artist Maya Lin and Daniel Wolf (her
husband and international art collector)
purchased the old Yonkers Jail on the
waterfront. They will transform this build-
ing into a beautiful and unique piece of
architecture which will act as Ms. Lins
personal studio and Mr. Wolfs art gallery.
Maya Lin brings something extraordinarily
unique to our community, which exempli-
fed Downtown Yonkers status as an art
and artist destination. The Downtown BID
plans to work with Ms. Lin, as well as many
other local artists, to further transform our
streets into something beautiful and
creative. Specifcally, the BID is looking
forward to cleaning up blighted store-
fronts and adding art to those buildings.
The Holiday season was especially impor-
tant for everyone in the BID. This year, we
hosted three programs to celebrate our
community, our residents, and our history.
The Annual Yonkers Tree lighting is one of
the oldest and most loved events that still
Grand By Design
takes place in historic Getty Square. This
year, Mayor Mike Spano joined the BID to
light the tree and kickstart our annual
holiday concert. Our next event was
inspired by local business owners and
volunteers who wanted to give back to
their community. With their support, we
hosted WinterScape, a Holiday Concert at
Manor House Square. Hundreds of
families fought the bitter cold to come to
the Downtown to dance, listen to great
live music, meet Santa and his friends, and
enjoy time with their neighbors.
One of the most exciting holiday
programs in the downtown is the BIDs
weekend Santa Chalet. Each weekend in
December, Santa and his elves met
children in a custom Chalet in Getty
Square. Hundreds of children came every
day to meet Santa and get a gift. The BID
is grateful for CH Martin for providing
candy canes and presents for the children.
As 2014 begins, the BID is excited about
the future. Our Third Annual Downtown
Yonkers International Restaurant Week
was a huge success. People from all over
the region came to our downtown to eat
and enjoy the waterfront. Yonkers is
quickly becoming known as a destination
for fne cuisine and comfort food.
Every day the BID is working hard to keep
our streets safe and clean, attract new
businesses, and to utilize art to make life
more enjoyable for everyone. I invite
everyone to come down and ensure a
rejuvenated downtown.
Daniel Lipka
Executive Director,
Yonkers Downtown BID
Downtown BID Honored
For Community Services
Celebrate Presidents Day
at Phillipse Manor Hall
On Sunday, January 26th, the New
York City Church of Christ honored the
Yonkers Downtown BID for our
contributions to our local community.
The BID was nominated by David
Martin, owner of the Fly Me to the
Moon Flower Shop on North
Broadway.
The BID is honored to receive this
recognition and will continue to work
with our community to create a safe
and vibrant atmosphere.
The BID was among several regional
organizations and individuals who
were honored, including a
Westchester County Legislator, Fire
Chief, and School Superintendant.
The program concluded with a
screening of the Sundance Award
Winning flm Blood Brother. Blood
Brother is the documentary of one
young mans life-changing journey
through India serving HIV positive
orphans. This flm exemplifes the
impact that one person can have in
the world. The BID encourages
everyone to get involved in their
community and be part of a
collaborative team that has a positive
impact. There are numerous
volunteer opportunities in Yonkers,
which can be accessed through the
United Ways Volunteer Center,
www.volunteer-center.org.
We all need to appreciate and value
that fact that Yonkers is an amazing
and diverse community. There is so
much we can do by working together.
The Art of Video Games
February 15 - May 18
ne of the frst major exhibitions to
explore the 40-year evolution of
video games as an artistic medium,
The Art of Video Games focuses on the
mediums striking graphics, creative
storytelling, and player interactivity.
The Art of Video Games features the most
infuential artists and designers across fve
eras of game development, from early
pioneers to the contemporary artists, who
created some of the best games for 20
gaming systems that range from the Atari VCS
to PlayStation 3.
511 Warburton Ave, Yonkers, 914-963-4550
O
O
It was FDR who was elected four times,
right? asked the Yonkers high schooler
as she worked on her presidential quiz.
That day, the girl and her sisters took the
quiz, completed a scavenger hunt, and
even made their own sets of George
Washingtons famous false teeth. The
sisters live in downtown Yonkers, but
had never been inside Philipse Manor
Hall, even though they pass it every day.
All three were glad they had stopped in for last years Presidents Day
festivities and were excited by how much they learned from the museum.
This years Presidents Day celebration will take place on Saturday, February
15 from 12 PM to 4 PM. All are invited to the Manor Hall to wish Abraham
Lincoln a Happy 205th Birthday with birthday cake at 2 PM. Visitors can make
their own candles from 12PM2PM. At 2:30, Lincoln will recite the Gettysburg
Address. Additionally a variety of activities will be going on throughout the
event. Admission is $1 for children 12 and under and $3 for adults.
Philipse Manor Hall
29 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, NY. (914) 965-4027 ext. 102.
Fast Fact
Architects Warren and
Wetmore designed and
built the Yonkers MTA
Train Station three years
before they designed
Grand Central Station.
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WINTER 2014 VOL. 8 ISSUE 1
I N S I D E
Message from the BID, New
Businesses, Maya Linn, Award
Winterscape, Santa House,
Tree Lighting, Filming in Yonkers
Restaurant Week, Our Local
City Councilman, Grand by Design,
Presidents Day, Art of Video Games
About the BID, Contact
Information, Upcoming Events,
About the Yonkers Downtown BID
The Downtown/Waterfront Business
Improvement District, Inc. of Yonkers, NY is
a 501(c)(3) non-proft organization created
in 2002. The BID was formed to build
working partnerships, encourage
investment, and support initiatives for a
healthier commercial district in the Yonkers
Downtown.
We work to promote and implement
economic revitalization initiatives and
increase 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 Downtown
Waterfront BID
15 Main Street
Yonkers, NY 10704
Phone: 914-969-6660
Fax: 914- 969-0331
info@yonkersdowntown.com
Executive Director
Daniel Lipka
www.YonkersDowntown.com
Dont be alarmed if you happen to notice Boardwalk Empires Nucky Thompson (Steve
Buscemi) walking around the Yonkers Train Station or run into The Followings Ryan
Hardy (Kevin Bacon) strolling Main Street. Theyre just a few of the many actors and
actresses flming in Yonkers Downtown Waterfront area. More on page 4.
February 1: Third Annual Take Your Child to the Library
Day. Riverfront Library, 9:30am - 4:30pm.
February 2: Candlemas: Blessing of Candles. St. John's
Church, Getty Square. 10:00am - Noon.
February 3 - 9: Downtown Yonkers
International Restaurant Week.
February 8: Created Equal: Americas Civil Rights
Struggle Film Screenings and Discussions (1 of 4).
Riverfront Library, 2:00pm - 4:00pm.
February 13: Rivertalks: A Lecture Series on Art, Culture,
and Ecology of the Hudson River. Beczak Environmental
Center, 35 Alexander Street Yonkers, 7:00pm - 8:30pm.
Upcoming Events
Hollywood Comes to Yonkers
After each snowstorm, BID
Rangers work tirelessly to clean
paths, crosswalks, and bus
stops. Satefy is one of the
BIDs top priorities.
February 14: Valentines Day
February 15th: The Art of Video Games -
Opening Night. Hudson River Museum, 511
Warburton Avenue, Yonkers. 10:00am-1:00pm.
February 15: President's Day Event at Philipse Manor Hall.
29 Warburton Avenue. Noon - 4:00pm.
February 17 -21: Schools closed, Scheduled Winter Recess.
February 20: 4th Precinct Community Council Meeting.
7:00 - 8:00pm.
February 24: YONY present Seth Godin.
Riverfront Library, 6:30pm - 7:30pm.
February 28: Annual Black History Month Gospel Concert.
Riverfront Library, 6:00pm - 8:00pm.
YonkersDowntown. com
Downtown Yonkers really does something for everyone. From trendy clothing shops
and fne dining to the corner pub and our local hardware store, Downtown Yonkers
continues to grow. Recently, two new businesses opened. State Farm Insurance
opened on Warburton Avenue as well as the Inksplosion Art Gallery. The new owners
explain why they came to Yonkers and more on page 3.
New Businesses Open in the Downtown
Downtown Yonkers celebrated the holiday season in style. Organizations and
community groups hosted a variety of family events throughout December, each
bringing joy to hundreds of families. The season was highlighted by two amazing BID
events, the Annual Yonkers Tree Lighting celebration in historic Getty Square, and
Winterscape - A Holiday Concert in Manor House Square. More on page 4-5.
Local Holiday Celebrations
Page 8 YonkersDowntown. com
View details of these events and much
more on the BIDs new online calendar.
www.yonkersdowntown.com/calendar.shtml
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