Plans Unveiled to Transform Yorktown Shopping Center

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Plans to transform one of Yorktown’s most prominent commercial retail sites from an outdated, largely vacant shopping center to a vibrant mixed-use center featuring 150 apartments, ground-level retail shops and a new supermarket were unveiled this week.

Oster Properties’ concept for the Yorktown Green, which occupies 15 acres in the heart of the Yorktown Heights business district, would demolish the defunct, 90,000-square-foot former Kmart store to make way for a four-story U-shaped building featuring 84 one-bedroom and 66 two-bedroom residences, ground floor retail, underground parking for residents all surrounding a small park.

“This proposal recognizes the evolving economy that we are facing, especially e-commerce,” said Supervisor Matt Slater. “Yorktown Green has languished for too long and I look forward to seeing more details about Oster’s proposal. It is a key property in many ways, not the least of which is its prominent location in the heart of town. The commitment to a complete re-thinking and renewal of the property. This is very welcome news and yet another sign of the economic upswing we are working hard to see in our town.”

The Business Council of Westchester commended Yorktown’s ongoing efforts to promote economic development. “The Business Council of Westchester applauds Supervisor Slater and the Town Board for their vision and willingness to move aggressively with a post-Pandemic future in mind. When it comes to promoting economic renewal and re-development, we need our county and municipalities to be flexible, creative and innovative,’ said John Ravitz, Executive Vice President and COO of the BCW.

Ravitz noted that last January, Supervisor Slarter reached out to the BCW to solicit ideas. “The Business Council of Westchester is pleased to have provided ideas and guidance in Yorktown’s efforts and we look forward to continuing to work cooperatively with the town in its creative approaches to economic development, he added.

The property at 335 Downing Drive has two empty anchor tenant buildings. The free-standing former Food Emporium supermarket has been vacant for almost 10 years, and Kmart has sat empty since closing two years ago.