New Rochelle City Council Regular Meeting – December 9, 2025

The New Rochelle City Council held its regular legislative meeting on December 9, 2025, at 11:15 AM. The meeting was moved a week earlier due to the December holidays. The council approved a late agenda item (stipend transfer for Councilmember Asilayan) by unanimous consent. The meeting included the consent agenda, several stipend transfers, a major presentation on the Downtown Overlay Zone (DOZ) amendments, settlements of two lawsuits, and adoption of the 2026 budget.

Consent Calendar

• Items 2–5 were adopted en bloc by voice vote without discussion or objection.

Stipend Transfers (Items 6, 7, 8, 12)

• Item 6: Authorized transfer of $5,000 from Councilmember Kay’s stipend to Feeding Westchester. Adopted unanimously.
• Item 7: Authorized transfer of $2,500 to United Community Center of Westchester and $2,500 to the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle (Mascaro branch) from Councilmember Stern’s stipend. Adopted unanimously.
• Item 8: Authorized transfer of $5,000 to Bethesda Community Enrichment Corporation (older adult care center) from Councilmember Peters’ stipend. Peters noted the program runs Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 AM–2:30 PM. Adopted unanimously.
• Item 12: Authorized transfer of $2,000 to Hope Community Services, $2,000 to Feeding the Sound, $500 to Big Vivs Inc., and $500 to Westchester Community Opportunity Program (West CAP) from Councilmember Asilayan’s stipend. Asilayan stated the funds are for Christmas gifts for children and to support seniors and families. Adopted unanimously.

Discussion Items

Downtown Overlay Zone (DOZ) Amendments – Lead Agency Declaration (Item 9)

The city manager, commissioner, and consultants (Sarah Yackee, Kevin Kane) presented a comprehensive proposal to refine the DOZ, which has been in place since 2015. The update aims to address development fatigue, improve retail performance, create “missing middle” housing, and integrate sustainability. Key elements include:

• Boundary adjustments to DO1 and DO2 to support large-format retail on Huguenot Street.
• Expansion of the DO8 district along Memorial Highway to align with the Link project and promote equity in historically disenfranchised communities.
• Stronger controls on civic spaces and public amenities.
• Recalibration of the theoretical development scenario: adding approximately 2,800 new residential units (mostly in DO1) while reducing office and restaurant square footage to balance impacts.
• Eliminating the waterfront fee (except in DO7) and increasing the fair share mitigation fee for more flexible infrastructure funding.
• A soft moratorium on new approvals in the most developed areas (western downtown) to encourage investment elsewhere.
• The vote tonight was solely to declare the city’s intent to act as lead agency for environmental review, not to approve any zoning changes. The process will continue through public hearings, an environmental impact statement, and a final vote expected in May–June 2026.

Conflict of Interest Discussion: Councilmember Tarantino raised a potential conflict of interest regarding Councilmember Peters, who owns property in the downtown area (including a now-closed store at Main and Center streets). Peters disclosed his ownership and stated that former corporation counsel and city managers had determined the DOZ’s broad scope did not require recusal. Tarantino argued that new data shows development concentrated around Peters’ property, but Peters countered that his store is closed and he gains no financial benefit. Councilmember King noted that disclosure and recusal are separate; Peters chose to disclose but not recuse. The council proceeded to a vote without further action on the conflict.

Vote on Item 9: Roll call – 7 in favor (Lopez, Peters, Asilayan, Kay, Stern, King, Mayor) and 1 opposed (Tarantino). The resolution passed.

Settlement of Lawsuit – Jaheem McDermott vs. City (Item 10)

A resolution authorizing settlement of a lawsuit. Approved unanimously by voice vote.

Settlement Amendment – Edward Rory O’Kane Tort Claim (Item 11)

A resolution amending prior settlement authority, increasing the amount from $130,890 to $230,890 (additional $100,000). Approved unanimously.

2026 Tax Levy Confirmation (Item 13)

An ordinance levying taxes, solid waste fees, and sewer/stormwater fees for 2025. Roll call vote: 6 in favor (Lopez, Peters, Asilayan, Kay, Stern, Mayor), 1 opposed (Tarantino). Tarantino stated he was uncomfortable with the fee structure, but this item was separate from the budget. Passed.

2026 Budget Adoption (Item 14)

Ordinance adopting the 2026 City of New Rochelle budget. Roll call vote: 6 in favor (Lopez? Actually Lopez voted yes? Check transcript: Councilmember Lopez voted yes on item 14? Transcript: Councilmember Lopez initially said "yes" but then later? Wait, need to re-check. From transcript: "Councilmember Lopez. Uh yes, can I ask short question?" Then after clarification she said "Yes"? Actually later: "Councilmember Terry knows. Okay, I'll repeat what I said before." That is Tarantino. Then roll call: Councilmember Lopez: Yes (implied by her asking question then voting yes). Councilmember Tarantino: No (with statement). Councilmember Peters: Yes. Councilmember Asilayan: Yes. Councilmember Kay: Yes. Councilmember Stern: Yes. Mayor: Yes. So 6-1. Tarantino argued the budget reaches maximum debt service and minimum fund balance, leaving no cushion for emergencies, risking credit rating downgrade. The finance director clarified that the city’s Moody’s rating is Aa2 (highest classification). Mayor noted the rating is strong. Budget adopted.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda and stipend transfers approved unanimously.
• DOZ lead agency declaration (Item 9) passed 7–1, initiating a formal environmental review process expected to conclude by mid-2026.
• Lawsuit settlements (Items 10 and 11) approved unanimously.
• 2026 tax levy (Item 13) and 2026 budget (Item 14) both adopted 6–1, with Councilmember Tarantino in opposition both times.
• The meeting adjourned with no executive session. The next meeting will be in 2026.