Nepera Park Residents Push Back Against School Bus Operation as Yonkers Officials Promise Action

Residents say a newly established bus parking facility has brought early-morning noise, traffic, and parking problems to their neighborhood. Mayor Mike Spano and Councilman Tim Hodges have pledged to address the complaints as questions mount over zoning compliance and enforcement.

Residents of the Grey Oaks and Nepera Park neighborhoods are demanding action after a school bus company relocated its operations to 40 Barney Street, bringing what neighbors describe as a significant disruption to their daily lives.

The facility, operated by All County Bus, has prompted complaints about early-morning activity, increased traffic, limited residential parking, and noise from buses and fueling operations. Residents say the problems began shortly after the company moved into the area, leaving many questioning how such a large operation was permitted to establish itself near their homes.

The concerns came to a head during an October 5th community meeting at La Lanterna restaurant, where approximately 75 residents gathered to confront city officials and seek answers.

Mayor Mike Spano, Sixth District Councilman Tim Hodges, Building Commissioner James Gibbons, and First Deputy Police Chief Daniel Campanini attended the meeting, where residents pressed for enforcement and a plan to address the growing complaints.

Residents Describe Disruption to Neighborhood Life

According to residents who spoke at the meeting, the bus operation has introduced activity beginning as early as 4 a.m., with approximately 175 buses reportedly departing and returning multiple times throughout the day.

Neighbors also raised concerns about overnight fueling operations, employees parking along residential streets, blocked driveways, idling vehicles, and litter.

Some residents alleged that bus company employees have engaged in inappropriate behavior in public areas, including urinating on neighborhood streets.

The impact reportedly extends beyond the immediate vicinity of Barney Street. Residents said employees have parked on both sides of the Saw Mill River Parkway, with some crossing the roadway on foot to reach the facility, raising additional safety concerns.

For residents, the dispute is not simply about the presence of school buses. It is about the scale of the operation and whether the surrounding neighborhood can reasonably accommodate the traffic, parking demand, and commercial activity it generates.

The company previously operated from a waterfront property near Ludlow Street, which was reportedly acquired by the city for a future park project. Its relocation to Barney Street has shifted the effects of the operation into the Grey Oaks and Nepera Park area.

City Officials Acknowledge Concerns, Promise Enforcement

During the meeting, Mayor Spano acknowledged the complaints and said the bus company was operating under a temporary certificate of occupancy.

Spano said he had directed the city's Building Department to enforce applicable zoning requirements and that the city was pursuing court action over alleged violations.

Building Commissioner James Gibbons also addressed questions about permits and the number of buses operating from the site. He indicated that the company appeared to have more buses on the property than were permitted under its temporary certificate of occupancy.

Hodges, who organized the community meeting, said the buses had arrived unexpectedly and that he contacted the mayor to seek assistance. Police officials also pledged increased patrols in the affected neighborhoods. First Deputy Police Chief Daniel Campanini encouraged residents to report parking violations and other concerns directly to the department.

Spano and Hodges committed to following up with residents, potentially within a month, to discuss progress and further action.

Residents Await Next Steps

For now, the central question is whether the commitments made by city officials will translate into meaningful changes on the ground.

Residents are looking for solutions to the traffic, parking, and noise problems they say have disrupted their neighborhood, while city officials must determine whether the bus operation can comply with applicable zoning and permit requirements.

Spano and Hodges have indicated that they intend to revisit the issue with residents, potentially by early November.

Whether that follow-up brings new enforcement measures, changes to the company's operations, or a longer-term resolution remains to be seen.

For the Grey Oaks and Nepera Park communities, the outcome will test how effectively Yonkers balances the operational needs of a school transportation provider with the quality-of-life concerns of the residents living nearby.