Page 9 - 2019 Westchester Economic Development Guide

Here, Yonkers Commissioner of Planning Wilson Kimball discusses Yonkers’ ongoing transformation into a thriving economic and cultural center.
Why is Yonkers great for business?
There are several reasons. First, its proximity to New York City. Second, an educated and diverse workforce. If your business is anything from manu- facturing to high tech, we have a tal- ented, diverse and motivated work- force. Third, incentives. Whether it’s incentives offered by the New York State Governor’s Film Office or the Federal Qualified Opportunity Zone program, Yonkers is ready, willing and able to help you maximize your incen- tives package.
What makes Yonkers attractive to businesses?
Besides the benefits mentioned above (NYS Film Office and Federal QOZ) the Yonkers Industrial Development Agency also can offer businesses a mortgage recording tax exemption, sales tax exemption and Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOTs).
What types of businesses are best suited to the area?
We believe we’re uniquely suited for a wide range of businesses. High tech firms like IAC Applications and Con- trafect have made their homes at iPark and can draw staff from multiple mar- kets because of our accessibility. We also think co-working space makes sense in our active downtown. Post- production movie businesses are well suited to Yonkers. We also see the rise of breweries and liquor interests like Yonkers Brewing Company, Chicken Island Brewing and Nahmias et Fils. Also, artists and small businesses that do everything from stained glass win- dow repair to piano refurbishment continue to find a home in the former Alexander Smith Carpet Mills.
What would be most surprising to someone considering doing busi- ness in the area?
Not only the changing face of the downtown with its 3,000 new resi- dences, but also its physical beauty as a city. Yonkers is a city of amazingly diverse and accomplished people and beautiful, natural open-space.
Opposite: Drone aerial image of Yonkers Above: The Yonkers Metro North train station, Yonkers Brewery
Right: The Sunset Jazz Festival on The Hudson River
“In the last seven years under Mayor Mike Spano, Yonkers has become the best place to live, work and play.”
Learn more about Yonkers at www.thebcw.org/data
WESTCHESTER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE 7
© Yonkers Downtown BID