New Rochelle City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting - June 9, 2026

The New Rochelle City Council held a Committee of the Whole meeting on June 9, 2026, beginning in the afternoon and continuing into the evening with a public hearing and citizens' comment period. The agenda included the annual financial audit presentation, a mid-year budget status report, proposed amendments to the Downtown Overlay Zone (DOZ), and a new zoning framework for the Davenport Neck area. The council also voted on numerous resolutions, many of which were moved to the consent agenda with roll-call votes on parking fee increases and the DOZ environmental impact statement.

Consent Calendar

• Item 6: Resolution authorizing application for FEMA flood mitigation assistance grant.
• Item 7: Resolution authorizing application for NYS Environmental Bond Act grant for coastal rehabilitation.
• Item 8: Resolution authorizing application for Westchester County stormwater management grant.
• Item 9: Amendment to establish a school speed zone on Lincoln Avenue (20 mph during school hours).
• Item 10: Amendment to reduce a loading zone on Huguenot Street to free up parking spaces.
• Item 11: Resolution to apply for a NYS Parks grant for Five Islands Park improvements ($500,000 grant with 20% match).
• Item 12: Acceptance of a $2,000 grant from Junior League of Westchester on the Sound for Youth Bureau's Mommy and Me program.
• Item 13: Acceptance of a Sexual Risk Avoidance Education Program grant for the Summer Youth Employment Program.
• Item 14: Acceptance of a donation from the New Rochelle Police Foundation for equipment and training.
• Item 15: Resolution to apply for FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant for self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Item 16: Resolution to apply for SAFER grant for firefighter staffing (25% match first two years, 65% third year).
• Item 17: Resolution to apply for Fire Prevention and Safety Grant for equipment and building inspector training.
• Item 18: Amendment to 2026 budget to accept $17,000 from the New Rochelle BID for a FIFA World Cup final watch event at Ruby Dee Park.
• Item 19: Amendment to parking regulations regarding commercial vehicles, oversized vehicles, and recreational vehicles.
• Item 23: Resolution to adopt parking fee and fine increases (demand-based pricing, elimination of overtime discount, 20% permit fee increase). Adopted 6-1, Councilmember Tarantino dissenting.
• Item 24: Resolution issuing a Notice of Completion under SEQRA for the DOZ 2026 updates. Adopted 6-1, Councilmember Tarantino dissenting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Hearing (Occupational Schools Zoning): No registered speakers; hearing closed.
• Citizens to Be Heard: Over 20 residents spoke. Key topics included:
  • High School Pool Closure: Multiple speakers urged the city to prioritize and expedite repairs to the New Rochelle High School pool, which has been closed since Hurricane Ida in 2021. They emphasized the pool's importance for physical education, swim teams, and lifeguard certification. Speakers noted the city's rapid approval of private developments contrasted with the stalled pool project.
  • Rat Infestation: Residents from Laurel Place and Stevenson Boulevard reported severe rat infestations traced to the city-owned Hagedorn building at 662 Main Street. They described homeless encampments, garbage accumulation, and health hazards, requesting immediate cleanup, sterilization bait, and better maintenance. Some residents noted spending hundreds of dollars per month on pest control.
  • Sewer Backups: Residents on Stevenson Boulevard reported recurring sewer backups, with one family experiencing two backups in 13 years. The city's insurance denied a recent claim, and residents called for accountability and routine sewer cleaning.
  • Parking Fee Increases: Speaker James O'Toole criticized the lack of public notice for the parking fee increases, arguing rates are already comparable to White Plains and that higher fees will hurt downtown businesses.
  • Development Concerns: Many speakers opposed the DOZ expansion and Davenport Neck zoning changes, citing overdevelopment, traffic congestion, parking shortages, and loss of neighborhood character. They called for a moratorium and greater transparency in how community benefit funds are used.
  • Other: Remarks on Thomas Paine Day, snow emergency route errors, and civic engagement.

Discussion Items

• Financial Audit (EFPR Group): Tom Smith presented the audit for the year ending December 31, 2025. The city received a clean (unmodified) opinion for the first time since 2020, meeting the GFOA deadline. Key highlights: general fund balance increased by $10.1 million to $33.9 million; unassigned fund balance rose by $12.6 million to $23.1 million. ARPA funding: $6 million expended in 2025 on capital projects, with $1.8 million remaining. The audit noted a material weakness in internal controls over financial reporting (78 adjustments, down 20% from prior year) and two new findings related to a $19 million transfer from the capital projects fund to the general fund for timing of school tax payments and overspending in the general fund and Section 8 fund. Councilmembers discussed the composition of fund balance and the impact of ARPA. Finance staff committed to providing quarterly updates.
• Budget Status Report (April 30, 2026): Finance staff presented the fiscal year 2026 budget status. General fund revenues reached 62% of budget ($150 million), with property tax collections at 98%. Expenditures across all funds were 40% of budget ($103 million). Two major snowstorms cost $250,000. Overtime for police and fire remains a challenge. The city did not use fund balance to balance the budget. Staff outlined quarterly milestones, including completing the audit, processing tax bills, and beginning the FY 2027 budget.
• Downtown Overlay Zone (DOZ) 2026 Updates: Adam Salgado, Sarah Yake (BFJ), and Kevin King presented. A 66-day public comment period yielded 20 letters and 23 speakers at the April hearing. Major themes: sustainability, green building, retail, housing affordability, homeownership, parking, public engagement, and local labor. The city revised the proposal to strengthen storefront requirements (mandated only in the core Vanguard district), require 30% of civic space as planted/green infrastructure, increase fair share mitigation fees by 25%, and incentivize missing-middle housing (e.g., townhomes). A new Climate Smart checklist will be established for site plan approvals. Council debate included concerns about overdevelopment, declining rents, parking, traffic, and the expansion of DO8 into the West End. Councilmember Tarantino questioned the pace and absorption of existing units. Councilmember Peters stressed the need to include the African American community in homeownership opportunities. The council accepted the Supplemental Final Generic Environmental Impact Statement (SFEIS) as complete (vote on consent agenda).
• Davenport Neck Zoning: Adam Salgado presented a proposed zoning update to manage change along the waterfront, prompted by a developer petition for the Surf Club site. The plan maintains overall density (210 units allowed) but permits 64 units at the Surf Club (up from 20) due to its location outside the floodplain. Requirements include structured parking, 45% open space, a 150-foot setback from single-family homes, and a mitigation fee of $35,000 per unit plus the existing $10,000 waterfront access fee. The fee would fund infrastructure improvements (traffic, stormwater, sidewalks). Councilmembers raised concerns about floodplains, traffic on Church Street, school impacts, and the lack of a public presentation of specific density figures. City staff promised to share maps and detailed information with the community before formal introduction. No vote was taken; the item will return for introduction at a future meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Accepted the 2025 financial audit and received the FY 2026 budget status report.
• Adopted the DOZ 2026 SFEIS as complete (Notice of Completion) via roll-call vote 6-1, with Councilmember Tarantino opposed. The actual zoning amendments will be considered in July.
• Adopted parking fee and fine increases via roll-call vote 6-1, with Councilmember Tarantino opposed. Changes include demand-based pricing, elimination of the discount for paying overtime at the meter, and a 20% increase in permit fees.
• Approved all other consent agenda items unanimously.
• Closed the public hearing on the occupational schools zoning amendment.
• Set a public hearing for July 14, 2026, on the CDBG and HOME Annual Action Plan (items 21-22).
• Deferred the introduction of Davenport Neck zoning to a future meeting. Staff will conduct additional community outreach with detailed maps.
• Referred the discussion of a civilian complaint review board co-chair to executive session; will return at the Regular Legislative Meeting.