New York City is moving forward with plans for a construction project on a 1.3-acre property that it owns in Yonkers, specifically at 601 Midland Ave. This site, currently home to the unused New York City Dunwoodie Fluoride Building, is undergoing reviews as part of a repurposing initiative.
The project site is strategically located between several landmarks, including an off-ramp to the Cross County Parkway to the north, Westchester County Tibbetts Brook Park and the Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park to the west and south, with Midland Avenue lining the eastern border.
The existing Fluoride Building, which has been out of operation since November 2013, previously housed fluoride used for the fluoridation of a portion of New York City’s water supply. Alongside fluoride, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) also adds phosphoric acid and sodium hydroxide to the drinking water to enhance safety by reducing lead release from plumbing and minimizing corrosion.
As part of the redevelopment, the underground chemical storage vault currently on-site will be removed. The project will introduce a new two-story Field Operations Building specifically designed for use by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) field personnel, primarily those engaged in water supply operations.
This new structure will measure approximately 15,600 square feet and rise to about 46 feet in height. The layout for the first floor will entail an indoor maintenance vehicle parking garage, a workshop, and storage facilities, while the second floor will be equipped with office spaces, locker rooms, a cafeteria, and a conference room.
The construction plan also includes the addition of 23 parking spaces, six of which will be designated for electric vehicle charging. A generator is set to be installed for backup electrical power, and solar panels will be incorporated into the new building’s design as part of sustainable practices.
New York City has committed to preserving the historical integrity of the existing Fluoride Building by repairing its facade with original or similar materials.
In addition to the new construction, New York City is proposing to install a 450-foot-long water service line and a 400-foot-long low-pressure plastic gas service line stretching from Yonkers Avenue along Midland Avenue to the site. To enhance vehicle access, the driveway will be reconfigured, allowing entry from either direction on Midland Avenue.
The DEP has informed the Yonkers Planning Board that it has completed an environmental review, concluding that the project will not have significant negative environmental effects. The agency has appointed itself as the lead agency for this environmental assessment.
Earlier, the Yonkers Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) approved two variances essential for the project’s advancement. The first variance pertains to a rear yard setback that necessitates a reduction from 25 feet to 15 feet, while the second variance allows for a building height of 46 feet in a zone where the maximum height permitted is 35 feet.
Currently, the site is zoned S-60 residential, although it has been utilized by New York City as a non-conforming use for some time.
The ZBA acknowledged that the character of Midland Avenue near the project is predominantly commercial, featuring various businesses such as automotive facilities, an engineering firm, and a cardiovascular center. Directly across Midland Avenue from the project location lies a car dealership and an automotive repair business, indicating a dynamic commercial landscape.
In its assessment, the ZBA expressed that the proposed project would enhance the visual appeal of the community by repurposing the historic Fluoride Building and introducing a new construction that upholds sustainability guidelines. They further noted that the new facility would not contribute significant new sources of air pollution or noise during its operational phase.
As the project progresses through regulatory approvals and planning processes, the focus remains on blending historical preservation with modern environmental and operational standards.
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