First Presidential Visit to Yonkers Since 1976
The City of Yonkers recently became the 3rd most populated City in New York State. So it makes sense that Governor Kathy Hochul, and President Joe Biden visit Yonkers before Election Day Nov. 8 to get out the democratic vote.
Mayor Mike Spano Tweeted, “Yonkers, we’ve come a long way! Sunday will mark the first presidential visit here in nearly 50 years. I am proud to welcome @POTUS, signifying the importance of Yonkers in the upcoming election.”
US Senator Chuck Schumer, State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and a number of Westchester Democrats will be in attendance. As of 12 noon on Nov. 5, the location has not yet been revealed for security reasons.
In the early part of the 20th Century, Presidential visits to Yonkers were a common occurence, with Teddy Roosevelt and John F. Kenney making campaign stops to Yonkers.
The last sitting President to visit Yonkers was President Gerald Ford, on October 13, 1976. President Ford came to Yonkers City Hall and was welcomed by then Mayor Angelo Martinelli.
Yonkers Historian Mary Hoar, recently wrote the following in her weekly On This Day in Yonkers History column in Yonkers Rising and also here at Yonkerstimes.com.
October 13, 1976: President Gerald Ford visited Mayor Angelo Martinelli at Yonkers City Hall; while there he signed the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Amendments of 1976, while hundreds of school children and adults cheered. Besides our esteemed Mayor, other New York dignitaries witnessing the signing were Yonkers own Governor Malcolm Wilson, Senators Jacob Javits and William Buckley, Councilmembers, and children from several Yonkers schools.
Update: Yonkers Police issued a massive road closure for Biden’s visit, surrounding Sarah Lawrence College from 6am-10pm. “Due to a large scheduled event tomorrow in the Lawrence Park section of the City, residents and commuters are advised of intermittent and temporary street closures in the affected areas – please see attached highlighted map. Street closures may begin as early as 6 AM, with additional rolling closures throughout the day; slow re-opening is expected after 10 PM.
Kimball Avenue will be closed for the duration of the event.
Invited guests are advised to find legal street level parking south of the Cross County Parkway; event parking is limited – expect delays. Commuters and residents should plan accordingly. This information is subject to change,” writes the YPD.
President Biden will speak on the Westlands Lawn at Sarah Lawrence College around 3pm. Biden is expected to arrive at 230pm, and visitors should be expected to allow for delays and traffic in getting on campus.
After parking, please follow staff and sign instructions to the security check-in area. Everyone will pass through airport-style security, no exceptions. No bags, sharp objects, umbrellas, liquids, or signs will be permitted.
Registration is required at:
