Yonkers is positioning itself as a vibrant hub, balancing new opportunities with community growth. City officials are eagerly anticipating the arrival of a casino while also preparing for the opening of new schools, the development of housing projects, and the unique addition of a pickleball restaurant.
Opening New Schools
This fall, Yonkers is set to open two new schools, each bearing the names of distinguished individuals—Robert Halmi Sr. and Sonia Sotomayor. Robert Halmi Sr., known for his role as a WWII Hungarian freedom fighter and a successful movie and television producer, will be honored with a school on the Great Point Studios campus.
This facility, developed in collaboration with Syracuse University and New York University, aims to serve around 600 students from sixth to 12th grade. It emphasizes media, film, and television programs. The retrofitted school boasts modern amenities, including an Olympic-sized swimming pool, as noted by Mayor Mike Spano.
On the other hand, The Sotomayor School, named after Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the third woman and the first Hispanic person to hold such a position, will provide a state-of-the-art learning environment. This new institution is particularly vital as it compensates for the closure of the aging Thomas Cornell Academy and School 9.
Most Hispanic or Latino students from those schools, especially those qualifying for the dual-language program, will receive first preference at The Sotomayor School. Mayor Spano, expressing his enthusiasm, hopes to have Justice Sotomayor herself at the school’s opening. These new educational establishments are part of Yonkers’ broader strategy to meet the city’s growing capacity needs while celebrating notable figures who embody resilience and achievement.
Casinos
The potential opening of a full-scale casino in Yonkers has sparked significant anticipation, particularly because of its economic implications. Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts is primed to secure one of the three downstate full casino licenses, a process that has regrettably been delayed until late 2025. This delay, labeled as “very frustrating” by city officials, is disappointing given the substantial investments already made by MGM.
Mayor Mike Spano and Jim Cavanaugh believe MGM is perfectly positioned to transition quickly to gaming operations, significantly benefiting Yonkers. The economic impact is expected to be substantial, with projections of at least $30 million in annual revenue for the city government. Moreover, the development is also expected to create around 6,000 jobs, boosting the local economy and providing valuable employment opportunities for residents in Yonkers and neighboring areas like the Bronx and Mount Vernon.
Yonkers is actively rezoning the surrounding area to create a dedicated casino district, bolstering the application’s chances by demonstrating strong local support. This initiative aligns with the city’s long-term strategy to transform Yonkers into a regional destination, retaining local expenditure and enhancing community growth.
Housing and Retail Projects
Despite the challenges posed by soaring interest rates, Yonkers is pressing forward with several ambitious housing and retail development projects. Mayor Mike Spano and Cavanagh express optimism about the city’s progress. Chicken Island is set to add 2,500 units of housing, and despite it not having “shovels in the ground nor cranes in the air” yet, the project remains active with an anticipated move ahead in 2025. Cavanagh emphasizes that smart developers are taking a long-term view, undeterred by the current financial climate. The city’s reputation as the safest big city in New York State, coupled with more affordable rents compared to neighboring areas, continues to attract residents.
Adding to the momentum, the IDA has approved the $458 million Teutonia Towers project, which will feature a 41-story building comprising 906 apartments and nearly 3,000 square feet of commercial space. While this includes 90 affordable units, the city also prioritizes developments like MacQuesten’s St. Clair, which will offer 76 units of entirely affordable housing. Meanwhile, the Ridge Hill Shopping Center is transforming to become more pedestrian-friendly and boost its entertainment options, including an innovative pickleball restaurant with innovative rustic business signs. Spano hints at additional developments on the horizon, suggesting that development activity will accelerate significantly once interest rates decrease.
