Yonkers: YONKERS MAYOR SPANO ANNOUNCES MAJOR RENOVATIONS TO BE MADE AT NEPPERHAN COMMUNITY CENTER

Nepperhan Community Center

L-R: Murat Mutlu, INOA Architecture; Michael Fragin, Azorim North America; Chesky Friedman, Azorim North America; Yonkers Deputy Mayor Sue Gerry; Symra Brandon, former Yonkers City Councilmember; Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano; Yonkers City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy; Yonkers City Council Majority Whip Deana Norman; Yonkers City Councilmember Tasha Diaz; Westchester County Legislator Shanae Williams; Yonkers City Councilmember Corazon Pineda-Isaac; Yonkers City Council Majority Leader John Rubbo; Steve Sansone, Commissioner, Yonkers Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation; Kelly Chiarella, Director, Yonkers Office for the Aging

(Photo Courtesy: Maurice Mercado, City of Yonkers)

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Yonkers, NY — January 9, 2026 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced transformative renovations will be made to the historic Nepperhan Community Center, on 342 Warburton Avenue, marking a major investment in a cornerstone of the City's west side and African American community.

First founded in 1942 in the Runyon Heights neighborhood, one of the first predominantly Black suburban neighborhoods in the country, the Nepperhan Community Center has served families as a gathering place for education, celebration, and civic life. After operating in several locations, the center established its permanent home in 1982 at 342 Warburton Avenue, the site of a former A&P supermarket. The center was led in its early years by Mary Gaines, its first Executive Director, whose leadership helped shape The Nepp into a vital community anchor.

Today's announcement signals a new chapter. Through a multi-million-dollar Community Benefits Agreement, Azorim North America, developer of Miroza Tower at 44 Hudson Street and Miroza at Ridge Hill, has committed to rebuild and fully revitalize the Nepperhan Community Center.

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"The Nepperhan Community Center represents history, resilience, and opportunity," said Mayor Mike Spano. "I am grateful to Azorim North America for offering a Community Benefits Agreement unlike any other, restoring a vital institution without costing taxpayers. This investment ensures the New Nepp will once again serve as a vibrant, welcoming space for families, seniors, and young people for generations to come."

Through a multi-million-dollar Community Benefits Agreement, Azorim North America, developers of Miroza Tower at 44 Hudson Street and Miroza at Ridge Hill, has committed to rebuilding and fully revitalizing the Nepperhan Community Center.

Azorim Chairman Hershey Friedman said, "Azorim is honored to partner with the City of Yonkers in the transformation of the Nepperhan Community Center, a cherished community institution. This expanded and enhanced community center project is a testament to the commitment of Mayor Spano and the members of the Yonkers City Council to make Yonkers a wonderful place to live."

Renovations will utilize the entire building, including the basement, which will function as another community space with workout equipment. The New Nepp will also feature modern amenities such as Wi-Fi and internet capability, office space, and a commercial kitchen, ensuring the center can once again meet the evolving needs of the community.

New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. "For over 80 years, the Nepperhan Community Center has been a pillar of Yonkers' West Side and a vital institution for the Black community. This renovation will deliver long-awaited improvements that are necessary to continue the center's legacy, while enhancing its ability to serve the surrounding area for many years to come."

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said, "The Nepperhan Community Center represents more than just a building for the City of Yonkers — it is a place where history, culture, and community have come together, creating a safe haven for residents and families. This significant investment to redevelop the Community Center honors the generations of residents who have relied on this facility as a source of opportunity, connection, and support. I would like to thank Mayor Mike Spano and all of the partners involved for ensuring this treasured institution is restored, so it can continue serving families, seniors, and young people for decades to come."

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Yonkers City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy said, "This multi-million dollar investment is more than a renovation, it's a commitment to the people of our community. The redevelopment of the Nepperhan Community Center represents a renewed promise to provide safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces where our families, youth, and seniors can thrive for generations to come."

Yonkers City Council Majority Whip Deana Norman said, "I am elated that the Nepperhan Community Center is receiving a complete renovation. This project has been a long time coming and represents a tremendous win for our community, our city, and our district. I want to thank the Mayor, my fellow Councilmembers, the developer Azorim, and the community for their commitment and collaboration in making this project a reality. The Nepperhan Community Center has meant—and continues to mean—so much to our community, and this renovation ensures it will remain a vital and accessible space for generations to come."

"People have been waiting for this for a long time. The Nepperhan Community Center has always been a hub of the community, providing support and services," said Former Yonkers City Councilmember Symra Brandon. "I would like it to continue to have that kind of face and increased accessibility. Thank you to Mayor Spano and our community partners for keeping Mary Gaines' dream alive."

Construction is expected to begin in spring 2026 and be completed in 12-18 months. All current city programming housed at the Center will be relocated while the building is renovated.

About the City of Yonkers:

The City of Yonkers is the third-largest city in New York State and Westchester County's largest city. Yonkers serves as the gateway to the Hudson Valley with more than 40 vibrant and diverse suburban neighborhoods. First settled as a small farm town in 1646 settled by Dutchman Adriaen Van Der Donck, Yonkers evolved into a major trading and industrial center. Today, Yonkers hosts the largest film production studios in the Northeast, claiming the title Hollywood on Hudson. Yonkers is one of the safest cities of its size in the nation and is home to a vibrant arts district along with more than 80 local parks.

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