Yonkers Launches ‘Reimagine Central Avenue’ to Shape the Corridor’s Future

The BCW applauds Mayor Mike Spano’s announcement of the creation of “Reimagine Central Avenue,” a long-term planning initiative focused on transforming Central Park Avenue to better meet the changing needs of residents, businesses and visitors.

Mayor Mike Spano announced the initiative on Aug. 17, outlining a community-driven process that will combine public input with the expertise of professional planners, engineers and design consultants. The effort comes as changing patterns in shopping, housing and development are prompting communities across the country to rethink traditional commercial corridors.

“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.

The mayor emphasized that supporting existing businesses, creating new opportunities for residents and ensuring that the corridor remains an important part of the city’s future will be central to the process. He also encouraged those who live, work and shop in Yonkers to participate in the public workshops and provide feedback as the plan develops.

Stretching approximately 2.3 miles from Tuckahoe Road to the city’s northern border, Central Park Avenue is home to a wide range of stores, shopping centers, restaurants, businesses and other commercial properties.

Yonkers’ Department of Planning and Development will oversee the planning process with assistance from MUD Workshop, Colliers Engineering & Design, KSCJ Consulting and Moore Iacofano Goltsman, Inc. (MIG). Together, the firms bring expertise spanning urban planning and design, transportation, land use, zoning, environmental review, civil engineering, landscape architecture and economic development.

Community participation will play a significant role in determining what the corridor could become. The first of three planned public workshops is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. at the Grinton I. Will Library, 1500 Central Park Ave.

Additional workshops and planning activities are expected to take place over the following eight to 10 months. The process is anticipated to culminate in June 2027, when the city plans to hold a public hearing on a draft of the new Central Park Avenue plan.

The BCW recognizes the vital role of transportation and street design in supporting vibrant economies and healthy communities.  BCW President & CEO Marsha Gordon has played a key leadership role in implementing DRI awards in several municipalities, many of which featured multi-modal “complete streets” as a core element.  The BCW applauds Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and his team for their commitment to an efficient, safe, and attractive Central Avenue that better serves all of its users. Mayor Spano’s Reimagine Central Avenue project is another example of his laser focus approach to continuing to highlight why the City of Yonkers is a place to work live and play. The BCW looks forward to continuing to work with the Mayor on this and his further projects.