Yonkers City Council approves special use permit for possible new film studios
The Yonkers City Council approved to create a special use permit for a "planning and educational development" use last week. It's related to the proposal to build new film studios on the Rising Ground property on Hawthorne Avenue.
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The Yonkers City Council voted last week to approve the creation of a special use permit for a “planning and educational development."
It's related to the proposal to build new film studios on the Rising Ground property on Hawthorne Avenue. The permit could bring the studios a step closer.
This permit is also the first of its kind for the city.
City officials told News 12 this vote doesn't mean they're ready to break ground on the project.
"We are grateful that the council voted in favor of our project and deeply appreciate the support of the Ludlow community," says Great Point Studios in a statement. "As we move forward, we remain committed to being a positive presence in the neighborhood. We will continue to listen, engage, and give back to the community as promised."
Residents are still upset but they're ready to negotiate.
"More people in our group have accepted the fact that this project will happen and so now we want to negotiate," says Eileen O'Connor, a resident and member of the Ludlow Park Residents Association.
But Ludlow Park residents are still worried about the size of the project, traffic and pollution.
"We're a disadvantaged community with very bad air," says resident Bob Morrow.
At last week's City Council meeting, National Resources said the studio is willing to make its footprint and parking garage smaller, increase the setback from Valentine Lane and have the community and landscape architect meet.
Residents say they'd also like to see the studios on the property's south side.
"That way, the character of this residential neighborhood would be maintained because you wouldn't see giant concrete buildings from either Valentine Lane or Hawthorne Avenue," says O'Connor.
City officials said the applicant must now apply for the use of the special permit. The Planning Board will review that application and make recommendations. It will then go to the City Council for approval.
