After reading about the Triangle Shopping Center renovation and watching the accompanying Facebook video, I believe residents deserve a more complete picture of what this project actually delivers for our community – and what critical opportunities it misses.
While the $10 million investment in facade updates addresses long-overdue maintenance needs, let’s be honest about what we’re getting: this is cosmetic renovation, not the transformative “investment in Yorktown” that was repeatedly emphasized.
Most notably absent from the celebration was any mention of the locally-owned businesses that continue to serve our community throughout this construction period. For elected officials who frequently champion being “pro-business,” this oversight speaks volumes. These local entrepreneurs deserve recognition and support, not to be overlooked in favor of discussions about attracting national chain retailers.
Property Values vs. Community Character
Supervisor Lachterman’s claim that this shopping development helps property values deserves scrutiny. When we focus on attracting big box stores and national chains, we’re essentially subsidizing regional shoppers who use our roads and infrastructure – which Yorktown taxpayers maintain – while the sales tax revenue gets distributed across all Westchester municipalities. We bear the costs while sharing the benefits.
I don’t share the Board’s enthusiasm for creating what Councilman Murphy calls making “Yorktown a destination.” The kind of destination being celebrated here changes our community’s character in ways that may not benefit residents. Do we want to be the next strip mall town, or do we want to be a place where people choose to live and build their lives?
Councilman Esposito’s excitement about attracting national retailers is particularly striking given his 2021 campaign, when he specifically decried “The Amazon Effect” on local businesses.
What’s Missing from This “Investment”
The project plans reveal what’s absent from this renovation: no solar panels despite our stated commitment to sustainability, no electric vehicle charging stations for our evolving transportation needs, and no community gathering spaces – benches, pocket parks, or other elements that would create genuine neighborhood character rather than just another strip mall.
Most tellingly, there are no meaningful improvements to create the “walkable town” this Board regularly champions. The press release proudly notes that Triangle Shopping Center “is within walking distance of the Yorktown Green center—about 12 minutes, according to Apple Maps.” But if you’ve actually tried to walk between these locations, you know the sidewalks along that route are in desperate need of repair and refurbishment. Measuring walking distance on Apple Maps is meaningless if residents can’t safely navigate deteriorating sidewalks.
Real Investment vs. Private Property Improvements
Let’s be clear about what’s actually happening here: this is not a “$10 million investment in Yorktown” as it’s being celebrated. This is a $10 million investment in much-needed improvements to private property that will primarily benefit the owner through increased rents from the national chain retailers they’re courting (and they only need to apply for a 10-year tax exemption on the improved value of the property to receive it). Meanwhile, our community gets the traffic, infrastructure wear, and regional shoppers while the property owner reaps the financial rewards.
Real community investment would mean putting resources into ourselves – supporting local businesses that keep money circulating in our community, creating gathering spaces where neighbors connect, and building infrastructure that serves residents, not just consumers. I want to see Yorktown attract young families and seniors who can downsize while staying near friends and family, not just become a pit stop for regional shoppers.
As a candidate for Yorktown Supervisor, I believe we can and must think bigger about our community’s future. We deserve leadership that creates a genuine vision for Yorktown as a place where people want to build their lives, not just a destination where people shop and leave.
Sincerely,
Jann Mirchandani
Candidate for Yorktown Supervisor