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 Yonkers, NY - On Saturday, April 19, the City of Yonkers will welcome Pope Benedict XVI to Saint Joseph's Seminary, located at 201 Seminary Avenue. In preparation for the event, the City has implemented an extensive security plan to ensure a safe environment for the Pope's visit and provide maximum public safety for all residents of Yonkers.
The Yonkers Police Department has been working vigorously on the security plan which utilizes personnel, resources and equipment from multiple law enforcement agencies.
Lt. Diane Hessler commented on the police department's efforts to enhance public safety. She said, "We have teamed up with the Secret Service, State Police and Westchester County's Department of Public Safety to create an elaborate plan that will make the event a safe and enjoyable occasion. There will be a heightened police presence, including uniformed and plain clothes personnel, at the seminary as well as throughout the city on Saturday."
Law enforcement is urging anyone who is not a ticket holder for this event to avoid St. Joseph's Seminary and the surrounding area from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday unless absolutely necessary.
In addition, the city has issued the following traffic advisories:
* From 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, Valentine Street and Seminary Avenue will be completely closed to vehicular traffic, pedestrians and parking.
* From 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. the Cross County Parkway will be closed between the Saw Mill River Parkway and Central Park Avenue.
* Traffic delays and congestion are also expected on Yonkers Avenue from Empire City at Yonkers Raceway to St. Joseph's Seminary.
If you cannot avoid these areas on Saturday, please keep alternate routes in mind. For more information, contact the Yonkers Police Department's Community Affairs Division at (914) 377-7375.
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