YONKERS—Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano announced on Nov. 5 he recently sworn in Commissioner Louis J. Albano and Deputy Commissioner Lee J. Ellman to head the city’s Department of Planning & Development. The Yonkers City Council confirmed the mayor’s appointments at its Council meeting last week.
“Collectively, Lou and Lee bring over 70 years of experience in municipal planning and community development,” said Mayor Spano. “Their in-depth knowledge and expertise with urban planning, zoning, and housing in Yonkers and with our surrounding communities make for a seamless transition in continuing the city’s ongoing economic development and urban renewal.”
Albano and Ellman have taken over their respective positions effective immediately.
Albano has served as the city’s Deputy Commissioner of Planning & Development since 2013 where he was directly responsible for coordinating and monitoring new and ongoing development projects for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program; developed plans in accordance with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and interpreted and analyzed zoning ordinances, regulations and renewal plans.
Previously, Albano served in the City of Mount Vernon’s Planning and Community Development department in various roles including Commissioner, Executive Director of its’ Urban Renewal Agency, and served as Director of Housing and as a Compliance Officer. Albano replaces former City Planning & Development Commissioner Wilson Kimball, who vacated her position in April 2020.
Ellman transitions into the Deputy Commissioner position after serving as Yonkers’ Planning Director since 1992. During his role as Director, Ellman has overseen the City’s Planning, Landmarks Preservation, Zoning Boards and Environmental reviews. He has led major Yonkers developments including the Alexander Street Master Plan, the Ravine Avenue Master Plan and Renewal Plan, the Ridge Hill Project Planning Renewal Zoning and Environmental Review and, most recently, the Ludlow Transit Oriented Development Plan.
Ellman holds a Bachelors of Arts from the State University of New York at Albany and a Masters of City and Regional Planning from Rutgers University.