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October 21, 2011
Long-entangled Ridge Hill complex opens to Yonkers throng
The Journal-News
by Ernie Garcia
THIS JUST IN: People who received valuable free gift cards at Ridge Hill grand opening say Ridge Hill is just peachy!
The official launch festivities for Westchester's Ridge Hill drew thousands Thursday seeking gifts and a first look at the $685 million retail-residential center.
...By 8:30 a.m. at least 160 people had lined up in front of L.L. Bean to receive one of 250 free gift cards. Chappaqua resident Steven Gwon, 63, who won a $500 gift card at L.L. Bean, predicted success for Ridge Hill.
"I think it's going to be terrific when it's fully open..." said Gwon.
...Denise Richmond took a $22 taxi ride from New Rochelle, arriving at L.L. Bean at 6:15 a.m. and taking her place as sixth in line.
"It's a beautiful place," said Richmond of the facility. She said she thought Ridge Hill will have a positive impact on Westchester County.
...The 81-acre center's inauguration Thursday included an early evening pyrotechnic show. The display recalled the many years of political fireworks spawned by the controversial project, which included arguments about millions in tax breaks for the property and the ongoing federal prosecution of former Yonkers councilwoman Sandy Annabi, who, with former Yonkers Republican chairman Zehy Jereis, is accused of conspiring to sell her City Council votes on Ridge Hill and an unrelated project.
...Bruce Ratner, Forest City's executive vice president, said his company couldn't have opened the complex without local support.
"We thank you so much for helping us get this through," Ratner told Amicone and Spencer.
[Wink, wink.]
Related coverage...
The Daily Harrison, Westchester's Ridge Hill is a 'City Within a City'
Ridge Hill wants to give Westchester County residents an unparalleled experience by combining shopping, dining and entertainment into one long, elegant and upscale outing.
NLG: Is it us, or is a "city within a city" fashioned around an upscale shopping mall symptomatic of everything that's wrong with America?
Posted by eric at October 21, 2011 11:19 AM