The final stages of a long-awaited demolition project started in Yonkers Thursday morning at Cottage Gardens.

The last building of the abandoned public housing facility came down, clearing the way for new affordable housing.

City Council President Lakisha Collins Bellamy, who grew up there, reflected on its significance. "This property shaped me and made me the person I am today. So to see it come down, it’s hard. But I know that we’re rebuilding and that it will be better than ever and memories will last a lifetime," she said.

The site will become The Willow at Ridgeway, an eight-story, 92-unit, all-electric affordable housing complex for seniors.