WHITE PLAINS – Westchester County Family Court in the City of Yonkers will be relocated, to 131 Warburton Avenue, a half-mile from the current facility at 53 South Broadway. The Board of County Legislators approved the move on Monday.
Legislator Kenneth Jenkins of Yonkers cast the sole “no” vote in the 17-member board.
Lawmaker MaryJane Shimsky said the current facilities, dating back to 1979, are woefully inadequate.
“There is a lack of separate circulation areas needed for security for the court, the public and the prisoners,” Shimsky said. “There is only one elevator; there is a lack of second exits in many of the courtrooms and hearing rooms. The courtrooms and hearing rooms are very tightly packed. The hallways are very narrow. The child care center has insufficient capacity and no restrooms or access to drinking water. The holding cells used for our youngest offenders look like they come out of ‘Les Mis’.”
Republican Minority Leader James Maisano (right), of NewRochelle, makes his points in support of the move
Supporters say the new facilities are in the same building as the county’s social services offices, which is good for those in need.
The new Yonkers offices and courts are expected to save $14 million in operating costs compared to the existing facilities over the course of 20 years.
