YONKERS, NY—Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano announced on Aug. 17 the launch of “Reimagine Central Avenue,” the city’s new planning initiative to redesign Central Park Avenue into a more walkable, connected and vibrant corridor.

Serving as a vital shopping and business destination for decades, the initiative aims at taking a fresh look at Central Avenue’s potential for more walkable residential-retail neighborhoods. Currently, Central Park Avenue’s commercial corridor stretches 2.3 miles from Tuckahoe Road to the northern Yonkers boundary.

Residents and business owners are encouraged to participate in the planning process and attend scheduled public workshops and a public hearing to help shape the look and future of the corridor. The first of three public workshops will be held on Monday, Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. at Grinton I. Will Library, at 1500 Central Park Ave. Additional workshops will be scheduled over the next 8-10 months, culminating in a public hearing in June 2027.

Led by the city’s Planning and Development Department and design, planning and engineering firms MUD Workshop, Colliers Engineering & Design and KSCJ Consulting, Reimagine Central Avenue will analyze land use, zoning, design and infrastructure systems along the corridor, in addition to community feedback, to propose thoughtful project and policy recommendations that enhance the quality of life for the area neighborhoods, city officials stated.

“Central Avenue has been an essential part of Yonkers for generations, and now we have an opportunity to reimagine its future in a way that reflects the evolving needs and aspirations of our community,” said Mayor Spano. “Shopping and living trends are changing nationally and this initiative is about creating a renewed corridor that reflects that, while supporting local businesses and creating new opportunities for residents.”

For more information on the Reimagine Central Avenue initiative, visit www.reimaginecentralave.com