YONKERS - City officials turned out in force last night to inaugurate a new, environmentally-friendly apartment building downtown.

Mayor Phil Amicone and others cut the ribbon at 66 Main St., a "green" building that taps the Earth's power.

"This building is heated and cooled with geothermal energy, the first time this has been done in the city of Yonkers," said Amicone, who came to 66 Main as part of a Yonkers Business Week event.

Amicone praised Ken Dearden, the developer who erected the 170-unit residence that opened in February. The mayor noted that the developer has signed 125 leases in less than three months.

Dearden told last night's guests who showed up for a tour of the building that his company's vision is to fill the building with people who reflect Yonkers' diversity.

Dearden's company, Metro Partners LLC, will by honored by Amicone and other city officials on Thursday as a Yonkers Rising Star during Yonkers Business Week's awards dinner at the Hudson River Museum.

Left to Right: Louis Kirven, Yonkers commissioner of Planning and Development, stands with Yonkers Mayor Phil Amicone, James Pinto, director of waterfront development, Councilwoman Patricia McDow, D-1st District, and Ken Dearden of Metro Partners LLC at the ribbon cutting for 66 Main St. on Monday evening. (Photo by Ernie Garcia)