Evan Bray Gets The Yorktown Democratic Committee Nomination!

Just kidding.  I put my best foot forward though.

Susan Siegel deservingly received the nod. Bob Giordano gracefully bowed out-- even with robust support--because of the great demands a political campaign put on a person, their family and professional life--he conceded this round was not his time.  It was fun to have a spirited debate and see the party come together.

One thing that both Susan and I agreed on was the need for serious reform in the planning, zoning and permitting process in Yorktown. 

We inherited 100 years of bureaucracy and are now tasked with revamping it to expedite business, and residential, development in town.  It shouldn't take 4 years to approve anything.  The new Freedom Tower was approved in less time.  Literally

I was on a team that just combined two Landmarked (capital L) buildings in the literal center of Times Square (46th and Broadway) to create a 3 story retail space and 8,500 square feet LED signs for Express, the clothing retailer. 

We needed approval from the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, Department of Buildings, Department of Environmental Protection, New York City Transit (MTA), Con Edison, Fire Department of New York, Department of Transporation, and Department of Finance. 

I filed all of the applications and coordinated permits after Costco's application was filed in Yorktown.  Long story short, Express is open and paying $50,000 a day in rent.  Please visit them at 1552 Broadway.  Yorktown's processes and services can be improved--significantly--to the benefit of both residents and businesses. 

The pledges I received for my candidacy are going to fund a few events leading up to the November election which will focus on the reform of Yorktown planning, zoning and permitting with an eye towards expediting business development and easing the process on the average citizen.  The first event will occur next month at Jefferson Valley Lanes.  The event will be free with food, drink, bowling for the kids, and lots of discussion of what and how we can do better with the adults.

Details to follow shortly.