Ridge Hill seeks approval for stage, screen

As part of its redevelopment plan to expand public spaces, revise vehicular and pedestrian flows and enhance the Ridge Hill shopping center located just off Tuckahoe Road as a place for more than shopping, North American Properties, which acquired Ridge Hill in a joint venture with Nuveen Real Estate and Taconic Partners, is asking the Yonkers Planning Board to approve plans to erect a stage and large screen.

In May 2023, the Planning Board approved upgrades that included closure of Second Street to vehicular traffic and expansion of the central Town Square Plaza green space. This enhanced green space will facilitate larger community gatherings for events including seasonal celebrations, exercise classes and family events. Ridge Hill says that the proposed stage and screen will provide a central focal point for events.

“The stage can be used by musical performers, youth recitals, exercise instructors or event announcers. It can also be used as a covered common seating area when no events are scheduled,” Ridge Hill said. “The screen can be used to display a wide variety of images: big-screen video of the performers on the stage, broadcasts of sporting events (college or pro football, U.S.. or international soccer, Olympic competition), information related to on-site events, public service announcements, advertising and promotional information.”

Ridge Hill said that the screen would constitute an “internal sign” as allowed in Yonkers zoning.

Ridge Hill General Manager Meghann Hongach previously told the Business Journal that Ridge Hill would “like to get to the point where we’re hosting over 100 events per year, whether that’s music events and movie events and fitness events.”

Hongach had said that Ridge Hill wants to be seen as more than just a place to shop or visit a health care provider at one of the medical offices that are located at the site.

“You’ve been seeing for years the changing face of retail and what’s bringing people out these days,” Hongach said. “The first phase is focused on public areas and focusing on enhancing what’s here right now, but further on down the road we do see Ridge Hill getting more into the mixed-use realm as well.”