Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert opened the meeting at 6:30 PM, welcoming residents to a forum focused on Districts 5 and 6. The format included brief remarks from city council members and the city manager, followed by individual conversations with department commissioners at stations. Councilmember Sarah Kay (District 5) and Councilmember Matt Stern (District 6) reported on local projects, and City Manager Wilfredo Melendez presented the 2026 work plan highlighting initiatives across five major themes.
Mayor’s Opening Remarks – The mayor thanked staff, the school district for hosting, and recognized attending council members. She explained the goal of fostering productive dialogue and described the station‑based format used successfully the previous year.
Councilmember Sarah Kay (District 5) – Kay noted that many long‑planned projects are now becoming visible. She highlighted improvements at Ward Acres (restrooms, crosswalk at Ward Elementary, pathways, signage), Phase 1 of Timewood Boulevard upgrades (bike lanes, crosswalks, drainage), and seven completed drainage projects in District 5 over the past two years. Additional drainage projects are advancing in City Park, Ashland Place, Almore Avenue, Quaker Ridge, and East Chester Road. She pointed to the community forest management plan (aiming to reduce extreme heat and improve air quality) and a growing calendar of neighborhood events such as park cleanups, tree plantings, and Halfway to Earth Bank. She also mentioned a cannabis trust fund for youth programs and support for local businesses.
Councilmember Matt Stern (District 6) – Stern emphasized flooding as a top concern, noting that $10 million is invested each year to address it. He said nearly every area where he heard flooding complaints now has a project completed or underway. He reported new crosswalks, a sidewalk on Wilmot Road, and other street‑safety improvements. He introduced participatory budgeting, a pilot program at New Rochelle High School that lets residents propose and vote on physical neighborhood projects (e.g., safer crosswalks, bus‐stop benches).
City Manager Wilfredo Melendez – 2026 Work Plan Overview – Melendez explained that the work plan was developed with direct input from city council and departments, organized under five buckets: Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness, Resilient Infrastructure, Environmental Sustainability & Stewardship, Economic Development & Prosperity, and Community Building. Key items included:
The meeting concluded with an invitation for residents to visit department stations for direct conversations.
Alright, so we will get started in the spirit of maximizing the time. Good evening, everyone. You're an intimate audience this evening. If you don't know, I'm the dear of Ramos Herbert, the privilege of serving as the mayor of our amazing city, and it's really a pleasure to welcome you to tonight's community meeting focusing on districts five and six. I want to begin by thanking our dedicated professional staff who you see sort of surrounding the space here, who are here with us tonight, our city manager, each of our department commissioners, and so many others who are here representing City Hall. They work tirelessly on behalf of our entire city, and I'm grateful for their partnership and service. And maybe I'll ask for us to give them a round of applause for taking time to be here. I want to thank the school district for hosting and all the hands that get the chairs and the tables together. This doesn't just manifest on its own. We really appreciate the partnership. I want to make sure I recognize a few other electeds in the room. Of course, the Stellar District 5 and 6 council members, Councilmember Kay representing District 5, and Council Member Story, representing District 6. And we have Shane Austin Louis, representing District 4. And who's representing District 3. And we have Corey Galloway here from the library, here to listen, and also answer any questions you might have about the project. So tonight, like last year, we've gathered for one clear goal to foster productive dialogue and ensure every resident has the chance to engage directly with the people working on the issues that impact your part of your show. In terms of format, your city council rep, Sarah Kay and Matt's turn will spend a few minutes sharing their priorities for the district. Following that, our city manager, Wilfredo Melendez and provide a high-level overview of the city's 2026 work plan, highlighting the projects, initiatives, and improvements that affect districts five and six. Once they're finished, you're going to have the opportunity to stand up and speak with each of the department commissioners who will be available at individual stations. Everyone has a little sign and even like a summary of the focus of the office and able to speak directly with you. So whether you have a specific concern about public works, public safety, parts, or topics and questions for multiple offices. This is your chance to have a focused conversation, ask questions, and share your feedback with the people most closest to the work on the ground. We piloted this format last year at four different meetings just like this, and we heard from many residents it was a refreshing change. These small conversations really give space for real dialogue. Concerns won't be lost in the crowd, and everyone can be heard. So thank you for showing up. Thank you for caring for your community and for being a part of the work that makes New Michelle stronger. I now have the privilege of welcoming Sarah King. Good evening, everyone, and thank you for being here. After several years of doing this work, I've been thinking about how many of the projects we're going to talk about tonight started as a simple conversation. A concern raised by a resident, an idea about how something could be better. From there, it's a long process, figuring out what's actually possible, securing funding, working through design, and staying with it through all the setbacks along the way. And most of that work happens quietly behind the scenes. But what makes this moment different and really exciting is that we're now starting to see the results of work that takes shape here in District 5. Recently, I caught myself looking at parts of the district differently, not just as they are today, but what they're about to become. Projects that started years ago are now becoming real visible improvements in our neighborhoods. Things you can see, experience, and benefit from in your day-to-day lives. And you're starting to see that most clearly in places like Ward Acres along Timewood Boulevard. At Ward Acres, we're moving forward with a series of long-planned improvements focused on access, safety, and preserving what makes the park special. That includes things like restrooms, a new crosswalk, a ward elementary, additional pathways and signage, and long overdue upgrades, all designed to make the park easier to navigate and more welcoming for everyone. And along Time World Boulevard, we're preparing for phase one of improvements that will make the streets safer. With new bike lanes and crosswalks, improved drainage, and other changes that will help slow traffic and make it easier and safer to walk and bike. These are not small projects. They are foundational investments and help people move through, experience, and live in this city. And at the same time, we're making real progress on something that I know is top of mind for many residents. Flooding. Over the past two years, seven drainage projects have been completed in District 5 alone. And we're not stopping there. Multiple additional projects are advancing through design, including City Park, Ashland Place, Almore Avenue, Quaker Ridge, and East Chester Road. This work is part of a much larger effort to address flooding issues that have connected homes and neighborhoods for years.