PUBLIC HEARING -- and they're giving you just one!

Dear Scenic Hudson Member:

I'm writing to urge you to attend an important meeting that could determine the future of the Yonkers waterfront.

WHAT: Hearing on proposed Alexander Street Master Plan (112 acres on the waterfront; up to 18 skyscrapers)
WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 23, 7 p.m.
WHERE: Ceremonial Court Room, Yonkers City Hall

Huge opportunity -- only one chance to get it right
Decisions Yonkers makes now about revitalizing its waterfront will impact the city and its residents for generations. The last time this unique opportunity existed, the decision was to industrialize the waterfront. Residents lived with that decision for more than a century as the waterfront was transformed from a natural shoreline to one marked by fill and factories. The people were cut off from their Hudson.

Today we have a great chance to reconnect the community and its people with their river. Yonkers has a responsibility to think in a visionary way about the waterfront. Citizens in communities across the country are becoming increasingly concerned with issues of livability and quality of life. Moreover, they are discovering that good design makes economic sense: an attractive community draws new residents, jobs, and investment. Wednesday's hearing is your chance to weigh in and help improve the quality of life in Yonkers today, and for the future.

Turn out… and tell your friends to turn out
The city needs to hear your ideas for a waterfront that will meet the city's social, financial, recreational and other needs. Redeveloping the waterfront is absolutely critical to revitalizing the city, so we're asking you to urge our city leaders to insist on these points:

• No wall of skyscrapers on the waterfront -- buildings no taller than 8 stories
• More public parks and space for public events
• Protected views of the Hudson and Palisades (the city's natural skyline)
• Buildings that fit in downtown Yonkers
• A mix of residences and businesses so there's lasting economic benefits

And finally, tell them that more public hearings are needed so the community will have the opportunity to have real and meaningful input.

Thanks for all you do,

Ned Sullivan
President
Scenic Hudson