Yorktown Heights, NY - The New York State Supreme Court has upheld the Yorktown Heights Overlay District, which was the cornerstone of New York State Assemblyman Matt Slater’s economic development plan when Slater served as Yorktown supervisor.

“The court’s ruling validates the great care we used to craft an economic development plan that will revitalize the Yorktown Heights business district,” said Assemblyman Slater. “The Overlay District law has been the key to attracting millions of dollars in new private investment in Yorktown Heights, and it will continue to transform our town and grow the local commercial tax base.”

The Overlay District law provides greater flexibility over land use, including mixed-use concepts, to encourage private developers to invest in Yorktown Heights. The Overlay District was a key component of Slater’s economic development plan, which was hailed by the Business Council of Westchester as a model for the rest of the state and nation.

John Ravitz, executive vice president and COO of the Business Council of Westchester added, “The BCW recognized early on that then-Supervisor Slater was trying to think outside of the box and crafted an economic development approach that could be a model for local governments across the state and nation. Matt’s approach will transform the Yorktown Heights Hamlet by making it more attractive to potential businesses and economic development projects. We applaud the court’s decision and are excited for Yorktown’s future.” 

In its decision, the State Supreme Court concluded Yorktown’s Overlay District law complies with the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and that the Town Board properly considered the law’s cumulative impact. According to Supreme Court Judge George Fufidio, “The whole plan was carried out in a proper, careful and reasonable manner.”

Slater first introduced the Overlay District as part of his Reboot Yorktown Task Force, which he convened following the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan also included a comprehensive rebranding of the town through the “Destination Y” campaign.

“The current and former members of the Town Board were thoughtful, deliberate, and respectful of all our obligations under the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. We adopted this overlay zoning ordinance with the goal of bringing an economic rebirth to our business hamlets that have struggled for years because of changes in the retail landscape,” said Supervisor Diana. “This overlay zoning is intended to position Yorktown businesses for success, and that’s where we are headed.”

To date, both the Underhill Farms redevelopment of the former Soundview campus and the Gardena Boutique Hotel have been approved under the Overlay District.