(07/11/06) YONKERS ? The knockdown, drag-out battle between Ridge Hill supporters and opponents came to an end Tuesday night when the Yonkers City Council voted to approve the project 5-2.

The vote was preceded by a heated forum in which 36 people, most of whom were against the project, voiced their opinions. One man even took his allotted time at the podium to sing his opposition. Traffic problems were the main sticking point among critics. While a few people did voice positive opinions, they were largely booed by those in attendance.

In the end, the criticism failed to sway the council. Councilwoman Dee Barbato (R) and Councilman John Murtagh (R) cast the dissenting votes. They said they were against potential traffic problems in the area.

Related information: The Battle of Ridge Hill - Part I Battle of Ridge Hill - Part II Battle of Ridge Hill - Part III Ridge Hill project gets green light by Yonkers Planning Commission Major setback in court for Ridge Hill development project Ridge Hill developer misses opportunity to push project forward