New Rochelle Committee of the Whole Meeting – October 13, 2026

The New Rochelle City Council met as a Committee of the Whole on October 13, 2026, to discuss proposed ordinances, budget amendments, grant acceptances, and other items. The meeting included four public hearings on garbage, speed cameras, rodents/pet waste, and site plan fees, followed by community comments. All remaining action items were moved to the consent agenda for later approval.

Consent Calendar

• Item 5: Advanced payment acceptance for EDPL legal proceedings regarding Hudson Park and Beach.
• Item 6: Amendment to the property tax exemption for permanently and totally disabled veterans (to align with state law).
• Item 7: Tax abatement for rent-controlled properties occupied by senior citizens and disabled citizens (state threshold increased from $50,000 to $75,000).
• Item 8: Third-quarter budget adjustments for fiscal year 2026 (revenues and expenses balanced).
• Item 9: Acceptance of a $376,892 state grant for playground improvements at Five Islands Park.
• Item 10: Acceptance of a $283,705 grant from the Westchester Putnam Workforce Development Board for the 2026 youth employment program (fall, winter, spring).
• Item 11: Amendment to the 2026 budget to fund a gun buyback program from forfeiture funds.
• Item 12: Acceptance of an $855,502.24 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters grant for new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) equipment.
• Item 13: Acceptance of a NYS DEC grant for electric vehicle (EV) charger upgrades at Hamilton (two Level 2 chargers with four ports).
• Item 14: Application for a $1.2 million NYSERDA grant (80% state, 20% local match) to add 60 public EV charging ports in downtown parking facilities.

Public Comments & Testimony

Public Hearings (four topics):

• Garbage, rubbish, and refuse: Vince Malfitano expressed concern over fines for improper containers and requested a grace period. No other speakers.
• School speed zone cameras: Vince Malfitano opposed, calling it a revenue generator and predicting expansion citywide. Jesse Laufer (29 Glenmore Dr.) strongly supported, citing improved safety in NYC and dangerous conditions at Webster Avenue. Alicia Jones (26 Glenwood Ave.) urged placement at Daniel Webster School after a student was struck in June. Miriam DeSane (Mount Joy) opposed, arguing that speed bumps and four-way stops would be more effective and that the program focuses on revenue rather than safety.
• Rodents, pet waste, and waste storage: No speakers.
• Site plan administration fees: No speakers.

Community to Be Heard:

• Three groups of Iona University social work students presented:
  1. Housing insecurity: Antasia Smith, Vanessa Rivera, Vita Debona highlighted high rents ($1,917 median) and called for rent control and rehabilitation of affordable properties.
  2. Transportation accessibility: Ali Felix, Braden Crispino, Grace Poluani noted cracked sidewalks, limited pedestrian signals, and barriers for people with disabilities.
  3. Physical accessibility: Victoria Polidoro, Diana Bernard, Matthew Gugliemo cited a 2025 state audit finding 19% of sampled city facilities needed accessibility improvements.
• Minister Noel Arroyo (Atelier Tenant Association, 40 Westchester Pl.) requested a city investigation into 12% rent increases, rodent issues, and management failures, citing possible Good Cause Eviction Law violations.
• Stephanie Lopez (40 Westchester Pl.) echoed concerns about rent calculations, fees, and lack of transparency on affordability requirements.
• Miriam DeSane criticized the rodent ordinance as placing burden on residents while ignoring construction-caused rodent problems.
• Vince Malfitano spoke against new state traffic laws, including a one-point violation for broken brake lights.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 (Garbage ordinance): Councilmember noted a misalignment in sections about paper recycling; a non-material edit was acknowledged.
• Item 6 (Veterans tax exemption): Commissioner explained the need to align with revised state law changing eligibility from 100% service-connected disability to permanent and total disability. Councilmembers requested cost analysis and data on average household impact; city manager agreed to recirculate figures. The exemption was described as neutral for equalization rates.
• Item 7 (Senior/disabled tax abatement): Commissioner estimated current cost at $50,000, which could rise to $90,000 with expanded income threshold. Councilmember requested periodic updates.
• Item 9 (Five Islands grant): Commissioner said the grant funds an aging playground. Discussion expanded to park bathroom needs: plans for Five Islands, Dinofrio, Davenport, Ward Acres, and Hudson Park band shell restrooms. Councilmember asked about Neptune Park; flood zone challenges noted.
• Item 10 (Youth employment grant): Executive Director Johnson described the program: matching youth with employers, site visits, and support. Councilmembers praised the work and emphasized the program's role in connecting youth and local businesses. Grant covers fall, winter, spring; summer program remains separate.
• Item 14 (EV charger grant): Commissioner noted the grant builds on the EV master plan, targeting downtown city-owned parking. Councilmember raised equity concerns about the north end's lack of chargers; commissioner agreed to explore other locations and mentioned separately working with houses of worship and shopping centers. Discussion included power sourcing (solar at ITC, grid for others) and revenue neutrality.

Key Outcomes

• All consent agenda items (5–14) were moved to the consent agenda by voice votes with no opposition.
• The four public hearings were closed after hearing from registered speakers.
• The meeting adjourned to executive session for pending litigation and performance evaluation.
• Council directed staff to provide cost analyses for items 6 and 7 and to explore north-end EV charging options.