Like the rest of the nation, the Yonkers Downtown Waterfront district is feeling the effects of the economic crisis. On the positive side, though, there have been recent significant events that augur well for this area’s future. The most important occurred in early October when the Yonkers City Council voted to accept Struever Fidelco Cappelli’s (SFC) Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), a key step in moving the project toward final approval, When the vision of this comprehensive development plan becomes reality, it will translate into the most significant economic revitalization undertaking yet—bringing new residents, businesses, retailers, restaurants and visitors to the district.

Meanwhile, the vitality, energy and excitement of this area continue unabated as the Yonkers Downtown BID advances its mission to support the merchants and other business people who make their livelihood here. On October 10, I was honored to join city officials and other dignitaries in two ribbon cutting ceremonies—the first to celebrate Affinity Health Plan’s new and expanded offices at 10 Palisades Avenue. I presented Affinity’s representatives with a special plaque and wished them continued success in meeting the health insurance needs of Yonkers residents in the new location— across the street from the much smaller office Affinity occupied for the past three years.

Later that afternoon, city officials joined me and the owners and employees of the Yonkers Diner in cutting the ribbon for this new business at 53 South Broadway, directly across from City Hall.  I welcomed the owners to Yonkers who are successful operators of three diners in Queens.

Following the best-ever Riverfest Festival on September 13 that attracted a record crowd of more than 25,000 visitors from the region who enjoyed a full day devoted to non-stop free fun events, the Yonkers Downtown BID will host new throngs of visitors who journey here to see and tour the replica of the Halve Maen (“Half Moon”), the Dutch ship that Henry Hudson used to navigate his way up the famous body of water that takes his name four hundred years ago. The 85-foot schooner will be anchored at the Yonkers Pier through October 30.

On October 16, the Yonkers Downtown BID hosted city, county and state officials in a kick-off ceremony to mark the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s voyage in 1609. As the host site for ”Half Moon,” the Yonkers Downtown BID is presenting a series of free, fun-filled events over two successive weekends in October.

The first these last Sunday saw the transformation of the district into a major art destination. Billed as the “Half Moon” Visual Arts Day, a full afternoon of arts programs was offered including Evolution Arts, the new monthly offering of free exhibits showcasing the art of local artists that the Yonkers Downtown BID introduced earlier this year.

Several Yonkers artists were represented including photographers Ellen Gordon, Turhan Von Brandon, Stephen Tyler and Ana Bernstein as well as stained glass artist Jamie Korb; mixed media/graffiti artist Marco Avedano and sculpture artist Teresa Hobson. In addition, on display was the work of mixed media artist Rt Vegas of White Plains and others. Multi-disciplinary performing artist Katherine Adamenko from Manhattan joined in the celebration of art. In addition to indoor exhibit sites at 66 Main Street/Metro Partners and The Lofts at Metro 92, art was on view outdoors at the Ella Fitzgerald Park near the Metro North train station, accompanied by live and free entertainment. 66 Main Street’s “We Believe in Yonkers” featured the unveiling of historic photographs under the art direction and photo selection of Jef Campion of Narcissus, NY.

Art lovers are also enjoying the “All Fired Up” exhibit at the Yonkers Library at
1 Larkin Center, a county-wide celebration of art created with clay that the Westchester Arts Council is presenting with the Blue Door Art Gallery in October.

As this column goes to press, the Yonkers Downtown Waterfront BID is busy planning other events to celebrate “Half Moon” including a performance by the Owl Redman Intertribal Native American Group on Sunday, October 26 at Noon followed at 2 PM by a Halloween Pet Parade which will provide canines and their significant others the opportunity to celebrate Halloween early and in an unusual way. The dogs are invited to parade attired in Halloween themed costumes. Registration is not required but dog lovers are requested to assemble with their pets at the Yonkers Amphitheatre on the Yonkers waterfront at 2:00 PM. In addition to the Halloween Pet Parade, there will be an appropriate seasonal Harvest Festival.

The “Half Moon” celebrations symbolize a new beginning for Yonkers as we embrace the pioneering spirit of Henry Hudson to make a new and exciting future for the Yonkers Downtown Waterfront– rich in history and the cyclical challenges that generations have faced and met and in the rich culture and diversity of the people who have lived and worked here over the centuries. For more information about ”Half Moon” celebrations and other events, visit www.YonkersDowntown.com.