FOIL Yonkers

Adaptive re-use of historic buildings is one of the best ways to stimulate economic development, help the environment and preserve the unique character of our cities. The land marking process with the Yonkers Landmarks Preservation Board ("LPB") is one of the best in the region, despite the efforts by the mayor to gut the process. As an engineer predisposed to tearing down our historic treasures and starting anew, this mayor has repeatedly tried (unsuccessfully) to change the City Charter to reduce the powers of the LPB and when that failed, to change the ideological make-up of the board, sacrificing hard working moderate consensus builders such as the prior acting chair. As council president I have and will continue to use our role of advice and consent to ensure the board reflects the values of the community and that it maintains its integrity and respect for the process.
Chuck Lesnick