Westchester County Executive George Latimer, at podium, in Southwest Yonkers, with Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, left, County Legislator Jose Alvarado, 2nd left, and Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins, 2nd right, announcing funding for $20 Million Riverside Park in Ludlow, Yonkers
Many Westchester residents do not know that most of their sewage heads to Yonkers, and the Westchester Treatment plant located in the Ludlow, Southwest portion of the city. And most Westchester residents are unaware that the treatment plant emits odors and fumes that are difficult for the residents to deal with and live near.
The County Legislator for this area, (17th District) is Jose Alvarado. Legislator Alvarado recently commented on the treatment plant and the resident in his district, “The Sewage Treatment Plant has been a sore subject in the Ludlow Park community for decades. Sitting on the Hudson River, the plant is a source of air pollution to the disgust of our residents. Despite cries from locals, officials have done little to fix the problems caused by the plant.
“I have always recognized the air pollution from the plant as a serious health hazard. For years, I have worked to fund various remedial projects to correct the problem.The Ludlow Park community has borne the burden of the entire county’s waste for decades now. Rather than building a plant in another part of the county, Ludlow Park has born the environmental impact. It is well past the time to right this injustice and clean up the plant.” Stated Legislator Alvarado.
“I do not believe that in my lifetime I will see another plant built, whether in the north or elsewhere. Rather than watch our residents get sick, we need to fix the problems that are causing the unhealthy air, while working on responsible development in the surrounding area. I continue to work to keep improvement projects funded and moving forward.
“I have also worked to establish more green space along the water. I have secured $10 million for a county park in the vacant lot adjacent to the plant. I have also partnered with Yonkers Mayor, Mike Spano to establish more green space for our residents along the waterfront.
“Over 19 years, I have supported and advocated for efforts to clean the air in a phased-in approach. Through that work, projects have been undertaken to modernize engines, blower aeration, and flood prevention systems. We have executed four phases of odor control projects.
“Last year alone, $35 million dollars was allocated for further improvements across the facility. $108 million and counting to clean the air for Ludlow Park residents, but we need to do more. I have joined with County Executive George Latimer to request an additional $69 million in federal funds to improve the facility further. The $69 million will go toward the installation of caps on the tanks of the sewage in the treatment process. With the support of our Congressmember, Jamal Bowman, together we intend to lobby the federal government until the funds are allocated,” said Alvarado, who
Showed his knowledge of what is perhaps the biggest county issue for the residents of the 17th District. Legislator Alvarado joined last week with County Executive George Latimer and Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano to announce funding for a $20 Park in Ludlow on the Hudson River and near the plant.
What is now just a vacant overgrown lot will one day be the site of the second Hudson River access point in Yonkers and the County’s newest park. The County, at the request of County Legislator Jose Alvarado, has included $10 million in the 2021 capital budget – project number BLA1A – to build the public park. The City of Yonkers has also allocated $10 million dollars for the project. The park will be located in the southwest section of Yonkers, with breathtaking views of the Palisades and Hudson River.
County Executive George Latimer said: “With my partners in government Legislator Alvarado & Mayor Spano, the County is eager to bring this beautiful waterfront space to life. The residents who call this neighborhood home deserve waterfront access – and there is no good reason why this scenic view has been shuttered. We stand here today with a vision and look forward to one day stand here as this vision comes to fruition.”
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said: “Thank you to Westchester County for matching the City’s contribution in this joint public partnership. Once transformed, the park will breathe new life into the community by making another direct access point to the Hudson River. Working with County Executive George Latimer and County Legislator Jose Alvarado shows the realm of possibilities when local government works together.”
Alvarado said: “The creation of a new scenic riverfront park in southwest Yonkers has been a dream for our community, and for me personally, for years. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us all just how important green space and outdoor recreation is, especially for residents of the most densely populated areas in our County. This is something our great community needs and deserves. My heartfelt thanks go out to County Executive Latimer and Mayor Spano for their support in helping me make this project a reality. I look forward to the day we can all join together here again for a ribbon cutting.”