Yonkers city leaders hold community meeting to answer questions about possible new film studios
Wednesday night's community meeting comes as National Resources and Great Point Studios are looking to build new sound stages on the Rising Ground Property on Hawthorne Avenue.
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Ludlow Park residents continued to fight against the proposal to build new film studios in Yonkers.
"We need to keep fighting for what we need. What we want," says Eileen O'Connor of the Ludlow Park Residents Association.
"I support development in Yonkers but not in a residential area," says Maura Furfey, a Ludlow Park resident.
Wednesday night's community meeting comes as National Resources and Great Point Studios are looking to build new sound stages on the Rising Ground Property on Hawthorne Avenue.
"We're prepared to work with the community about the precise language of that use," says Lynne Ward, of National Resources.
Great Point Studios says it has listened to neighbors' concerns and has scaled back the project. It says there would be fewer stages, and it would set back from street and trees wouldn't be cut down. But some residents say they they're still worried about the size of the project as well as pollution and traffic.
"We want to maintain the character, the health of our neighborhood," says O'Connor.
City leaders answered resident's questions about the project.
"It's just a chance for people to be heard," says Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano.
Last month, residents toured the Lionsgate Studio to see how a film studio operates.
"We looked at exactly what you're going to get so that it's not talks. So that it was touch and feel and you could see it all," says Ward.
The City Council needs to approve the construction and zoning of these new studios.
Great Point Studios sent News 12 the following statement:
"We are always eager to hear from local residents, which is why we have held multiple community meetings. In response to concerns raised, we have already taken steps to adjust the size and scope of our plans. At the community’s request, we have reduced the overall project size, set the building further back from the street, and lowered its planned height. Additionally, we remain committed to preserving the green space and have no plans to remove trees. Our goal is to contribute positively to the community—not only by remaining open to feedback but also by actively supporting the existing local community programs."
