Yonkers applies for grant to help transform downtown area

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The City of Yonkers is applying for a grant that would help transform parts of downtown. It is through the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative. It's worth $10 million. The goal of the grant is to invest in projects that will revitalize downtown. Some ideas on the table include new and different access to the waterfront with the creation of a pedestrian bridge. Another one is extending the Hudson River esplanade north. "There's a lot of excitement of the pedestrian bridge getting people from Point Street to the Warburton side that isn't as connected to the waterfront. A lot of people are excited about the idea of a new Hudson River beach," says Jaime Martinez, who is the planning director for the City of Yonkers. Some longtime residents told News 12 this kind of change is needed. "More business is always good. More buildings going up, you need people to shop, eat and go out," says a longtime Yonkers resident. Other said they believe this kind of money could be used elsewhere. The city is working on finishing the grant application. Officials with the city say any of these projects would go through a local planning committee. They would include extensive community outreach. You can find more potential ideas here Also, the city is looking for feedback from residents. They are encouraging people to weigh in here. "