Notice is hereby given, pursuant to law, that the City Council of the City of Yonkers, New York will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers, 40 South Broadway, Yonkers, New York on the following resolution, to wit:
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS TO HONOR THE FAMILY AND COMMUNITY’S REQUEST TO HONORARILY RENAME THE PORTION OF ROSE HILL TERRACE BETWEEN LEWIS STREET TO THE DEAD-END, “DETECTIVE SGT. FRANK GUALDINO” WAY.
Said hearing may be adjourned from time to time as necessary. Further information may be obtained at the City Clerk’s office, City Hall, 40 South Broadway, Yonkers, New York, and on the City’s Website.
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to law, that the City Council of the City of Yonkers, New York will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 at 6:45 P.M. in the City Council Chambers, 40 South Broadway, Yonkers, New York on the following General Ordinance, to wit:
PROPOSED GENERAL ORDINANCE
A PROPOSED GENERAL ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 43 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF YONKERS ENTITLED “ZONING” IN REGARD TO ROOMING HOUSES IN CERTAIN DISTRICTS
Said hearing may be adjourned from time to time as necessary. Further information, including access to a copy of said General Ordinance, may be obtained at the Yonkers City Clerk’s Office located at City Hall — Room 102, 40 S. Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to law, that the City Council of the City of Yonkers, New York will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 at 6:15 P.M. in the City Council Chambers, 40 South Broadway, Yonkers, New York on the following General Ordinance, to wit:
PROPOSED GENERAL ORDINANCE
A PROPOSED GENERAL ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 43 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF YONKERS KNOWN AS THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF YONKERS TO ADD A NEW “PLANNED FILM & EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT USE” AS A SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO THE MG DISTRICT AS DESCRIBED AND DEFINED IN SECTION 43-74 THEREOF
Said hearing may be adjourned from time to time as necessary. Further information, including access to a copy of said General Ordinance, may be obtained at the Yonkers City Clerk’s Office located at City Hall — Room 102, 40 S. Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to law, that the City Council of the City of Yonkers, New York will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers, 40 South Broadway, Yonkers, New York on the following General Ordinance, to wit:
PROPOSED GENERAL ORDINANCE
A PROPOSED GENERAL ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF FAMILY IN SECTION 43-8 TO PROVIDE THE BUILDING COMMISSIONER THE DISCRETION TO DETERMINE IF A GROUP OF PERSONS INHABITING A DWELLING ARE A FAMILY AND TO INCLUDE A REBUTTABLE PRESUMPTION BASED UPON SPECIFIC FACTORS THAT ANY GROUP OF 4 OR MORE UNRELATED PERSONS DO NOT CONSTITUTE A FAMILY AS DEFINED IN SECTION 43-8.
Said hearing may be adjourned from time to time as necessary. Further information, including access to a copy of said General Ordinance, may be obtained at the Yonkers City Clerk’s Office located at City Hall — Room 102, 40 S. Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701
The City Of Mount Vernon Comptroller’s office released the following statement, Tuesday.
The Office of the Comptroller recently identified unusual and unauthorized activity on one of its accounts. Upon receiving an electronic notification of suspicious activity, along with reports of fraudulent calls and impersonation attempts related to bank transactions, immediate action was taken to mitigate the threat.
Our investigation confirmed fraudulent activity, and we promptly notified the bank. Together, we successfully intervened to halt further transactions and safeguard the account. While approximately $400,000 in unauthorized transactions had been processed, an attempted fraud of over $800,000 was averted due to the robust security measures in place.
We are currently collaborating with the bank to recover the unauthorized funds and ensure the integrity of the account. This incident underscores our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of security and vigilance in protecting public resources.
It is important to note that this incident was not an internal matter or the result of any actions by an employee.
Stay tuned to Black Westchester for further updates as more information becomes available.
On Saturday, January 4th, the Mount Vernon The Lions Club and Mount Vernon Fire Department held a 3 Kings Toy Drive at Fire Station 3, 50 West 3rd Street, resulting in an incredible day of fun, camaraderie, and toys. Children aged 4 to 11 received toys, cookies, and drinks, explored the fire engine, and even got to sit behind the wheel of a fire truck! They watched in astonishment as firefighters dressed in full gear demonstrated how to extinguish a genuine fire, and provided fire safety advice—it was an unforgettable event.
The excellent men and women of the FDMV went above and beyond, fielding many questions from interested young minds, demonstrating how their equipment works, and sharing anecdotes about the challenges and joys of their careers. Their patience and enthusiasm inspired and impressed the children. Commissioner Deborah Norman emphasized the importance of early education, saying, “We want the community to be as safe as possible, and it starts with this young age.”
“This collaboration was important because exposing children to these heroes in action helps them understand the importance of safety and service to others,” Judy Williams-Davis secretary of the MV Lions Club shared with Black Westchester.
The event was a resounding success thanks to Commissioner Norman and her outstanding crew. One enthusiastic four-year-old said it best: “Firefighters save lives!” Events like these highlight the necessity of the community banding together to provide a support structure for the children, who, in most cases, become what they see.
“We are all mentoring someone even if we don’t see it,” MV LIONS Club President Oscar Brizuela added. “We are trying to offer an opportunity to unite in these fragmented times we seem to be going through. We can’t make it like that.”
A 22-year-old man was fatally shot at Rhoda Quash Lane in New Rochelle after multiple shots were fired Monday. The shooting occurred at around 10:40 a.m. at the Heritage Homes, a public housing complex near Lincoln Avenue, on Monday morning, police said
New Rochelle Police Department informed Black Westchester “that we are indeed investigating a shooting that occurred at the Heritage Homes this morning. The victim is a 22-year-old male from Mt Vernon who was pronounced deceased. This is an active investigation and a press release is forthcoming once we have more information. The victim’s name will be released when next of kin have been notified and allowed time to make their notifications to other family members.”
“The Mayor extends its thoughts and support to the victim and affected loved ones of today’s tragic shooting. We remain committed to working closely with members of law enforcement to ensure the safety and security of our residents and visitors. As a community, we will continue to address the root causes of violence to prevent these senseless events from taking place in our community,” New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert shared with Black Westchester.
Talk Of The Sound reported; “Authorities have apprehended three suspects related to the shooting. The arrests were made on Lincoln Avenue and in the parking lot of 33 Lincoln Avenue [The Carrington Arms]. The suspects are currently in custody, though details regarding their identities and charges have not yet been released.”
Detectives are actively working on leads and processing the crime scene. Their current information is that the shooter knew the victim and that there is no known active danger to the public. They are asking anyone with information on this to call NRPD at 914-654-2300.
Stay tuned to Black Westchester for more on this developing story that will updated as more details come in.
Surrounded by colleagues, family members, and friends, Kenneth W. Jenkins was sworn in as Westchester County’s 10th County Executive. Jenkins was unanimously appointed County Executive by the Westchester County Board of Legislators, after serving as Deputy County Executive under George Latimer since January 1, 2018. As a leader in the administration, Jenkins worked to cut taxes, build affordable housing, protect a woman’s right to choose, reduce crime, restore aging infrastructure, and protect the environment. Jenkins, a Westchester County resident for the past 43 years, made history as Westchester’s first Black County Executive.
Jenkins said: “I am deeply honored to have been named Westchester County Executive, a challenge I am braced to take on with integrity, respect, and vision. As Deputy County Executive for the past seven years, I have fought hard to uphold our principles – democracy, safety, education, technology, and community engagement. We have made tremendous progress and have much we can feel proud of, seeing the completion of key infrastructure projects, environmental upgrades, and social justice issues. I am confident that in this new role as County Executive, we will continue to make great strides for Westchester, together.”
Former Acting Westchester County Executive Richard Wishnie said: “We are very fortunate to have had the leadership of Ken Jenkins as we navigate through this historic moment in time for Westchester. Ken brings a wealth of experience and talent and is by far the most prepared individual to take on the role of County Executive. I know he will lead with transparency, fairness, and heart, and there is no one more deserving of serving as Westchester’s 10th County Executive.” Westchester County Board of Legislators Chair Vedat Gashi designated County Emergency Services Commissioner Richard G. Wishnie as Acting County Executive after Congressman-elect George Latimer officially stepped down from the role after seven years on Thursday, January 2nd.
“Ken Jenkins is a leader who understands the needs of our residents and the complexities of our County government. He is dedicated to improving the lives of the people of Westchester and is uniquely suited to ensure the County continues to thrive during this critical time. His leadership will help ensure that the priorities of Westchester’s families, businesses, and varied communities remain on track. We look forward to continuing our productive collaboration with him now and in the future,” Gashi (D – New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) said
The ceremony (see video below) was presided over by Westchester County Clerk Timothy Idoni, and Jenkins’ oath was administered by New York State Supreme Court Justice Anne E. Minihan, 9th Judicial District, in the Michaelian Office Building.
Jenkins built an extensive career in telecommunications and technology, holding key roles at leading companies such as Apple, AT&T, Bell Atlantic, New York Telephone (Verizon), NYNEX, and Seer Technologies. As an owner and broker, he also gained valuable sales experience during his tenure at ERA Gem Realty, further enhancing his expertise in the real estate sector.
Jenkins’ extensive public and community involvement includes board service with the Greyston Foundation, United Way, Westchester County District Attorney’s Community Advisory Committee, Westchester County Crime Stoppers, and the Community Planning Council of Yonkers. He served as President of the Yonkers Branch of the NAACP and the Yonkers Community Action Program.
A longstanding member of the Democratic Party, Jenkins has held various leadership positions, including Treasurer of the New York State Democratic Committee, Chairman of the Yonkers Democratic Committee, Chairman of the Black Democrats of Westchester, and Secretary of the Westchester County Democratic Committee, in addition to serving on its Executive Committee. He has also shared his political insights as a frequent analyst on News 12 Westchester.
Jenkins will serve as County Executive until the certification of the special election on Tuesday, February 11. The public will vote to elect a County Executive to serve the remainder of Congressman George Latimer’s original term through December 2025.
President Joe Biden also honored Hillary Clinton, Lionel Messi, George Soros, Bill Nye the Science Guy, and more at the White House Saturday!
Denzel Washington can now add Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient to his list of accolades. In addition to Washington’s Oscar-winning acting career, the White House noted that he “served as National Spokesman for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for over 25 years.” Washington was previously selected to receive the honor in 2022, but he was unable to attend the ceremony due to contracting COVID-19. President Biden pledged to award him the honor at a future date.
President Joe Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 of the most famous names in politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and science. Actor-director Denzel Washington, retired Los Angeles Lakers basketball legend and businessman Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Spanish American chef José Andrés, whose World Central Kitchen charity has become one of the world’s most recognized food relief organizations, and Bono, the frontman for rock band U2 and a social justice activist were among those awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor on Saturday in a White House ceremony.
The White House said the recipients have made “exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.”
“President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else,” a statement from the White House read. “These nineteen Americans are great leaders who have made America a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”
The Mount Vernon native is one of his generation’s most celebrated actors, directors, and producers. Throughout his career, he has won two Oscars for the films “Glory” and “Training Day,” in addition to receiving eight other nominations (including this year, for “The Tragedy of Macbeth”). Other honors he has received include a Tony Award for his work in the 2010 revival of “Fences” and a Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award (an honorary Golden Globe Award) in 2016 for outstanding contributions to the entertainment world. In 2020, The New York Times named Washington the greatest actor of the 21st century.
Four medals are to be awarded posthumously. They are going to Fannie Lou Hamer, who founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and laid the groundwork for the 1965 Voting Rights Act; former Attorney General and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy; George W. Romney, who served as both a Michigan governor and secretary of housing and urban development; and Ash Carter, a former secretary of defense.
The awards will be presented at the White House on January 4, 2025. The following individuals will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom:
José Andrés
José Andrés is a renowned Spanish-American culinary innovator who popularized tapas in the United States. His World Central Kitchen provides large-scale relief to communities affected by natural disasters and conflict around the world.
Bono
Bono is the frontman for legendary rock band U2 and a pioneering activist against AIDS and poverty. He brought together politicians from opposing parties to create the United States PEPFAR AIDS program, and is co-founder of campaigning organizations ONE and (RED).
Ashton Baldwin Carter (posthumous)
Ash Carter served as the 25th Secretary of Defense and devoted his career to making the nation safer for all. Throughout his career, he served under 11 Secretaries of Defense in both Democratic and Republican administrations.
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary Clinton made history many times over decades in public service, including as the first First Lady elected to the United States Senate. After serving as Secretary of State, she became the first woman nominated for president by a major United States political party.
Michael J. Fox
Michael J. Fox is an actor who has won five Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Grammy Award. He is a world-renowned advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development.
Tim Gill
Tim Gill is a visionary entrepreneur whose work has advanced LGBTQI rights and equality. After transforming the publishing industry through groundbreaking software, he leveraged his success to secure key victories in the fight for marriage equality and anti-discrimination protections.
Jane Goodall
Dr. Jane Goodall is a world-renowned ethologist and conservationist whose research transformed our understanding of primates and human evolution. She is a passionate advocate for empowering individuals and communities to protect and preserve the natural world.
Fannie Lou Hamer (posthumous)
Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer transformed the struggle for racial justice in America. As a founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, she challenged the exclusion of Black voices in the political system and laid the groundwork for the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
Earvin “Magic” Johnson
Earvin “Magic” Johnson is a legendary retired basketball player who led the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships. Off the court, he is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who supports underserved communities through his Magic Johnson Foundation.
In a biography read during the ceremony, the White House cited Johnson’s success as a basketball player — citing his accolades as an MVP-winner, Olympic gold medalist, and Hall of Famer — as well as his business empire, his philanthropy with underserved communities and his groundbreaking advocacy around HIV/AIDS.
“With unmatched vision and versatility, Earvin “Magic” Johnson drove the “Showtime” era for the Los Angeles Lakers … Under the same bright lights, his honesty about his HIV status shattered stigma and saved lives,” the bio read, leading to an applause from the audience. “With a legendary will and smile, Magic Johnson rose from the playground in Lansing, Michigan to become one of the most beloved athletes of our time.”
The 6’9″ Johnson had to squat to allow Biden to attach the medal around his neck, prompting a good-hearted laugh from the audience.
Robert Francis Kennedy (posthumous)
Robert Francis Kennedy is remembered as an Attorney General who fiercely combatted racial segregation, and as a United States Senator who sought to address poverty and inequality in the country. His legacy continues to inspire those committed to justice, equality, and public service.
Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren is a fashion designer who redefined the fashion industry with a lifestyle brand that embodies timeless elegance and American tradition. He has influenced culture, business, and philanthropy, notably in the fight against cancer and the preservation of the Star-Spangled Banner.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is the most decorated player in the history of professional soccer. He supports healthcare and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
William Sanford Nye
Bill Nye has inspired and influenced generations of American students as “Bill Nye the Science Guy.” His dedication to science education continues through his work as CEO of the Planetary Society and as a vocal advocate for space exploration and environmental stewardship.
George W. Romney (posthumous)
George Romney was a businessman who served as the chairman and president of American Motors Corporation. A public servant, he later served as both the 43rd Governor of Michigan and the 3rd Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
David M. Rubenstein
David Rubenstein is co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group, where he built one of the most successful global investment firms. He is renowned for his philanthropy and generous support for the restoration of historic landmarks and the country’s cultural institutions.
George Soros
George Soros is an investor, philanthropist, and founder of the Open Society Foundations. Through his network of foundations, partners and projects in more than 120 countries, Soros has focused on global initiatives that strengthen democracy, human rights, education, and social justice.
George Stevens, Jr.
George Stevens, Jr. is an award-winning writer, director, author, and playwright. His career has been dedicated to preserving and celebrating the best of American film and the performing arts, including by founding the American Film Institute and creating the Kennedy Center Honors.
Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington is an actor, director, and producer who has won two Academy Awards, a Tony Award, two Golden Globes, and the 2016 Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also served as National Spokesman for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for over 25 years.
Anna Wintour
Anna Wintour is a renowned fashion icon who has led Vogue as editor-in-chief since 1988. A champion for philanthropic causes, she is also the leading architect behind the annual Met Gala fundraiser and chief content officer of Condé Nast.
Before Saturday, President Biden had awarded 37 medals during his tenure in office. This latest round of honorees will bring his total to 56, the most ever given during a single presidential term. Biden’s previous honorees include Olympians Megan Rapinoe, Katie Ledecky, and Simone Biles (the youngest recipient ever at 25 years old); politicians Gabrielle Gifford, John McCain (posthumously), and Nancy Pelosi; and actress Michelle Yeoh.
Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has issued a stark warning about the connection between alcohol consumption and cancer, bringing urgent attention to a significant but often overlooked public health crisis. With approximately 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 deaths each year in the United States linked to alcohol use, Dr. Murthy’s findings underscore the pressing need for awareness, preventive measures, and policy interventions.
Alcohol, long considered a normal part of social and cultural practices, is now confirmed to be a leading preventable cause of cancer. The risks associated with alcohol include increased likelihood of developing cancers such as breast, liver, colon, throat, and others. Dr. Murthy’s announcement highlights the pervasive lack of public understanding about these risks and calls for immediate action to educate and protect communities.
Consumption patterns vary across racial and ethnic groups, but the risks are universal. Data indicate that Black and Asian populations generally report lower rates of drinking and heavy alcohol use compared to White and Hispanic groups. However, the danger posed by alcohol-related cancers remains a shared public health challenge. Tailored interventions and equitable access to health education are critical to ensuring all communities are well-informed and able to reduce their risk.
Dr. Murthy’s findings have significant policy implications, adding weight to calls for measures such as cancer warning labels on alcoholic beverages. Modeled after successful cigarette labeling strategies, such warnings could provide consumers with essential information about the health risks of alcohol and encourage healthier choices. By making these risks more visible, public health officials hope to reshape perceptions and reduce alcohol-related harm.
The Surgeon General also emphasized that no level of alcohol consumption is entirely safe, challenging the notion that moderate drinking is risk-free. Even small reductions in alcohol intake can significantly decrease cancer risk, making this an actionable area for prevention. Dr. Murthy’s statement provides a clear directive for individuals to reassess their relationship with alcohol and prioritize their health.
Beyond individual behavior, the announcement serves as a call to action for the medical and scientific communities to deepen their understanding of the biological mechanisms linking alcohol to cancer. Ongoing research will be essential for crafting effective prevention strategies and refining public health policies.
Dr. Murthy’s declaration marks a pivotal moment in public health advocacy. By confronting the reality of alcohol’s impact on cancer, it seeks to galvanize individuals, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to work collectively toward reducing the burden of alcohol-related cancers. This call to action has the potential to save lives, reshape societal attitudes, and build a healthier future for all Americans.
