Public Meetings - New Rochelle, New York

The New Rochelle City Council held a brief regular legislative meeting on April 21, 2026, at 11:15 a.m. The meeting included a moment of silence for former council member Catherine Conroy, the approval of previous meeting minutes, and the adoption of items on the consent agenda before adjournment. Consent Calendar - The council adopted items 2 through 11 on the consent agenda by a voice vote (Motion by Councilmember Kay, seconded by Councilmember Peters). The specific items were not discussed or read into the record. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: The council approved the minutes from the regular legislative meeting of February 17, 2026, and the committee of the whole session of March 10, 2026 (Motion by Councilmember Kay, seconded by Councilmember Stone). - Minutes Noted: The clerk noted the submission of minutes from the regular legislative meeting of March 17, 2026, and the committee of the whole session of April 14, 2026; no vote was taken on these minutes. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by a voice vote (Motion by Councilmember Kay, seconded by Councilmember Peters).

On April 21, 2026, New Rochelle City Hall hosted the first ever Thrive Nonprofit Grant Program Award Ceremony. The ceremony was led by Mayor Indira Ramos Herbert (as transcribed: Idiro Ramos Herbert) and City Manager Wilfredo Melendez, who presented grants to 14 nonprofit organizations. The program aims to support local nonprofits that fill critical community gaps, enhance quality of life, and provide services the city cannot directly offer. Council members Sarah Kay (District 5) and Shane Oshinoye (District 4) were acknowledged. Welcome and Remarks Mayor Ramos Herbert opened the ceremony, thanking the city manager and staff for creating the grant program and emphasizing the innovative approach to supporting grassroots organizations. City Manager Melendez thanked the city council for their vision and noted that nonprofits are “an extension of our arm” in providing essential services. Award Presentations Economic Empowerment and Workforce Development - Hudson Park Children’s Greenhouse – Funding for Cornell Cooperative Extension classes and greenhouse learning projects, expanding hands-on STEM and environmental education for children and families. Education and Youth Services - New Rochelle Campership Fund & Songcatchers Incorporated (The Broadway Arts Experience) – Provides 40–50 campers with a fully funded trip to the 2026 Songcatchers Summer Music Program in NYC, including Broadway tickets, transportation, meals, and pre/post-show learning activities. - Tutti Bravi – Two projects: three original historical productions for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, and revival of the historic New Rochelle Jazz Festival, including a cultural exchange with sister city La Rochelle, France. - Thomas Paine Historical Association – Eight touch-screen digital displays with multilingual functionality to make exhibits more interactive for students, scholars, and tourists. - Trifecta Steppers and Company Incorporated – Uniforms, sneakers, props, and equipment for approximately 20 middle and high school students engaging in after-school STEP practices year-round. - Songcatchers & Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle (Music Connects Program) – Weekly individual and small group music lessons for up to 35 youth, with two recitals, covering instruments and materials. - STEM Alliance of Larchmont-Mamaroneck – Summer camp STEM enrichment program in partnership with Shiloh Baptist Church, serving up to 30 children (grades 1–5) with 30 hours of hands-on STEM learning. - National Scholastic Chess Foundation – After-school chess program for fifth graders across all six New Rochelle elementary schools (28 weeks, 140 students), with reduced fees and scholarships. - New Rochelle Public Library Foundation – Vacation Week Enrichment Program during August and December 2026 school breaks, expected to serve more than 2,500 children and caregivers with free live performances, educational presenters, and hands-on workshops. Food, Environment, and Health - Energy Justice Law and Policy Center (Food and Environment in New Rochelle) – Eight community meals in 2026 pairing shared meals with youth-focused discussions on nutrition, food waste, air quality, and community gardens. - Symphony of Westchester – Educational mentoring experience for 35 New Rochelle High School orchestra students, including rehearsals with professional musicians, a combined performance, and complimentary tickets for local families. - Mental Health and Substance Use Support Program (organization not named in transcript) – Immediate walk-in access to crisis intervention, assessments, and referrals without appointments or insurance, serving an estimated 150–200 individuals. Key Outcomes - All 14 organizations received Thrive grant funding, with checks presented at the ceremony. The program is a new city initiative to support nonprofit services that enhance community well-being. - The ceremony concluded with staff directing recipients to collect their checks.

On Monday, April 20, 2026, at approximately 10:00 AM, the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of Wingstop at 500 Main Street/12 Church Street in downtown New Rochelle. The event featured remarks from city officials, business leaders, and the Wingstop team, highlighting the restaurant's contribution to the downtown community and its successful launch. Speeches & Remarks - Catherine White (Executive Director, New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce) welcomed attendees and introduced the speakers. She noted the bright, sunny day and the addition of Wingstop providing lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks seven days a week. - Shane O'Sheen Loyer (City Council Member for the district, Department of Economic Development) expressed excitement and admitted to visiting Wingstop twice before the grand opening. He praised the restaurant's panoramic view and encouraged the community to visit. - Ann Gold (Executive Director, New Rochelle Business Improvement District) highlighted the brand name recognition and the welcoming atmosphere created by the staff. She reported that tables are consistently full and that students from Monroe University make daily pilgrimages to the restaurant. She wished the team continued success. - Spencer Rubin (CEO, Wingstop) thanked everyone for attending and noted that this was Wingstop's 30th restaurant opening in approximately three years, calling it the smoothest opening to date. He credited the local team and expressed gratitude for the support from the city. - Shaheem Watson (General Manager, Wingstop New Rochelle) thanked the staff, city officials, and higher-ups for their support. He emphasized the team's hard work during training and long hours, and set a goal to become the number one Wingstop in Westchester County. - Mary McDonald (President, Lions Club, speaking on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce) presented a commemorative gift to the Wingstop team to congratulate them on the opening, followed by a photo opportunity. Key Outcomes - The ribbon-cutting ceremony formally welcomed Wingstop to downtown New Rochelle. - No formal votes or decisions were made; the event was a celebratory gathering.

The Municipal Civil Service Commission held a regular meeting on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 3:39 PM in City Hall. Commissioners present included Chairman Bishop Fetzenleak, Guadalupe Avila, and Margaret Chadwick. The meeting lasted approximately 4 minutes, concluding at 3:43 PM. The commission approved minutes, received updates on a residency request, established and extended several eligible lists, and reviewed the upcoming examination schedule. Approval of Minutes - Minutes from the previous meeting on March 25, 2026, were approved as written. Residency Request Update - The commission was informed of a previously approved residency request for the Assistant Director of Food Service, posted in New York State on April 4, 2026. The posting had been open for only two to three days and will remain open for two weeks. Eligible List Actions - Operations Manager Promotion List: List number 2715 was established for a period of one year until April 15, 2027, approved unanimously. - List Extensions: The following eligible lists were extended: - Bookkeeper Open List (2680) extended until May 21, 2027. - Senior Account Clerk Open Competitive List (2681) extended until May 21, 2027. - Senior Data Manager Open List (2671) extended until April 16, 2027. - Senior Network Specialist Open List (2679) extended until May 21, 2027. - Senior Systems Engineer (Library) List (2677) extended until May 21, 2027. - Systems Engineer Open List (2678) extended until May 21, 2027. All extensions were approved. Examination Schedule - The next examination is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 8:30 AM in City Hall. Positions include Principal Clerk (promotion and open competitive for the school district and Board of Education), Purchasing Specialist (promotion), Manager of Sewers, and Manager of Streets. Approximately 60 candidates are expected. Next Meeting - The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 20, 2026, at 3:30 PM. Key Outcomes - The minutes of March 25, 2026, were approved. - The operations manager promotion list was established for one year. - Six eligible lists were extended to various dates in 2027. - The meeting was adjourned at 3:43 PM.

The Municipal Arts Commission met on April 15, 2026, at 12:15 PM. Chairperson Marissa Bowen presided, with board members Mark Michael Morero, Linda Key, Fred Spinowitz, Joe Guglielmo, and Kevin Jimenez present. The meeting covered three new sign/awning applications and two adjourned cases where applicants were absent. Discussion Items - Case 08-2026 (Joseph Lanza): Application for one illuminated blade sign at 251 North Avenue for Monarch Dispensary. David Lanza presented, noting it was the only sign for this business, to be hung perpendicular to the building with push-through letters and vinyl to block direct light. The sign is 30 inches in diameter. The board confirmed it would be dim at night. Motion to approve passed unanimously. - Case 09-2026 (Deborah Mustich): Application for one awning with lettering at 75 Center Avenue for La Hacienda (new owner). Eric Santiago of More Group presented, showing a green sombrero and white lettering. The board asked about size compared to prior sign and color (hunter green). Motion to approve passed unanimously. - Case 10-2026 (Tina R. Curry): Application for two channel letter wall signs and two double-sided projected signs at 175 Huguenot Street. Ashley Castillo from the sign company presented, noting a change: they would install only one blade sign instead of two, replacing the existing sign of the same size. The sign on the back faces I-95 and is 12 feet tall, but smaller than the previous sign (which had a logo above wording). The front sign is also smaller. The board discussed variances for letter height, number of signs, and area. Motion to approve passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Case 08-2026: Approved unanimously. - Case 09-2026: Approved unanimously. - Case 10-2026: Approved unanimously. The applicant agreed to arrange a free inspection before installation. - Adjourned Cases: Case 19-2025 (Lloyd Silverman, awning at 138 North Avenue) and Case 2-2026 (Nicola Doyle, illuminated channel letter sign at 20 East Main Street) were not heard because applicants were not present. The meeting adjourned after a final call for these cases.

The Historical and Landmark Review Board (HLRB) met on April 15, 2026, to consider two items: a certificate of appropriateness application for substantial alterations to a historic home at 10 Manhattan Avenue, and a referral from the Planning Board regarding a proposal to convert an existing office building into a place of worship at 3 of the Boulevard. The board heard public testimony and deliberated on materials, design compatibility, and parking impacts. Public Comments & Testimony - Alena Harrison Cowie (70 Hunter Avenue) expressed strong opposition to the use of plastic materials (composite decking, PVC railing, vinyl-clad windows) in a historic district, stating, "a lot of plastic is no longer historic" and urged the board to require all-wood windows on the front elevation. - Margaret Chadwick (95 Hamilton Avenue) voiced concerns about allowing vinyl-clad wood windows, noting she had been told aluminum-clad was required; questioned the proposed nine-foot extension of the carport as visually out of scale; and requested that approval documents explicitly list approved brands, colors, and styles to prevent future deviations. - Gordon Bell (51 Hamilton Avenue) spoke in support of the homeowners, acknowledged the maintenance burden of wood windows, and encouraged the board to weigh practical durability versus historic integrity. He also advised the applicant to consider removing additional diseased trees for yard usability. Discussion Items 1. Application HLRB 52-2025 – 10 Manhattan Avenue (Certificate of Appropriateness) The applicant, represented by Benito Seha (Senior Project Manager), presented a comprehensive plan to: square off shallow-arched first-floor windows, add a third window on the second floor, remove a door and several windows, enlarge the existing carport by 3 feet in width and 9 feet in depth, replace the roof, gutters, deck, railings, front door (re-painted dark blue), and install composite columns and railings. All six existing trees were proposed for removal due to disease or root damage, with ten new coniferous trees to be planted. The board raised several concerns: - Don Richards questioned the use of vinyl-clad wood windows on visible facades and suggested matching wood windows for side elevations visible from the street. - Rosal Famante asked whether the arched windows on either side of the front door could be retained, citing their consistency with the transom. - Leanne Merchant inquired about the choice of vinyl cladding versus aluminum, and noted that composite decking and PVC railings were departures from traditional materials. - Jim Fleming requested an arborist report to justify the removal of six trees. - Multiple board members expressed a preference for wood over composite materials (columns, deck, railings) and asked the applicant to consider all-wood windows on the front and side elevations. The applicant indicated willingness to revisit material choices and adjourn to address feedback. 2. Planning Board Referral – Application PB 3-2026 (3 of the Boulevard) The board reviewed a referral from the Planning Board for a proposal to convert an existing non-conforming office building into a place of worship with a 191-person sanctuary. The primary change from a prior application was the addition of a valet parking plan. Board members expressed strong concerns: - Rosal Famante and Don Richards stated the valet plan would create a chaotic traffic situation in a residential historic district, with 55 parking spaces in a tight lot with no apparent circulation flow. - Benito Seha noted that religious land uses receive legal deference under the Supreme Court, but the board could still relay its concerns. - Jim Fleming maintained a neutral position, preferring to let the Planning Board evaluate the details. The board ultimately voted on a recommendation: three members (Famante, Merchant, Fleming) voted neutral, and two (Richards, ?) voted negative. The motion for a neutral recommendation passed. Key Outcomes - 10 Manhattan Avenue Application Adjourned: The board agreed to adjourn the application to the next monthly meeting without a vote, allowing the applicant to address concerns regarding material choices (wood vs. composite, vinyl vs. aluminum cladding), the carport extension, and the arborist report. The applicant will return with revised proposals. - Planning Board Referral – Neutral Recommendation: The HLRB voted (3 neutral, 2 negative) to refer the place of worship application to the Planning Board with a neutral recommendation. The board will also convey its members' concerns about the feasibility and neighborhood impact of the valet parking plan.

The meeting convened at 9:00 AM with a Committee of the Whole session, featuring presentations from the Department of Public Works (DPW) on flood mitigation progress and snow/pothole management, followed by consideration of multiple legislative items. The evening session (7:00 PM) included a public hearing on the proposed 2026 Downtown Overlay Zone (DOZ) amendments and a citizens-to-be-heard period. The public hearing remains open for written comments until April 24, 2026. Consent Calendar - Item 4: Negative declaration regarding acquisition of 38 First Street (parking). Moved to consent unanimously. - Item 5: Amendment to city code on property tax exemption for veterans with 100% service-connected disability (verbal amendment to clarify language). Moved to consent unanimously. - Item 6: Authorization to execute intermunicipal agreement with Westchester County for BPL-26 stormwater grant (Sub Basin 5 project). Moved to consent unanimously. - Item 7: Acceptance of New York State grant for Reservoir No. 1 (Lake Isle Dam) – $4.1 million. Moved to consent unanimously. - Item 11: Amendment to 2026 budget for NYS DHSES Tactical Team Grant ($75,000). Moved to consent unanimously. - Item 12: Amendment to 2026 budget for NYS DHSES Explosive Detection Canine Team Grant ($60,000). Moved to consent unanimously. - Item 13: Acceptance of additional NYS Office of Mental Health funding ($10,000/year for peer support training). Moved to consent unanimously. - Item 14: Amendment to 2026 capital budget (reallocating ARPA funds to paving contracts; verbal amendment to move $417,593.43 into paving project code). Moved to consent as amended unanimously. - Item 15: Transfer of Councilmember Albert Tarantino’s stipends ($2,500 each to New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence and Hudson Park Children’s Greenhouse). Moved to consent unanimously. - Item 17: Authorization to award consulting contract (MPAC Collective) for innovative finance and asset scan related to Reconnecting Communities TOD. Moved to consent unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony Public Hearing – 2026 Downtown Overlay Zone (DOZ) Amendments - Aisha Cook (NewRoar) urged codification of community benefits, local hire, green space, true affordability, and enforcement of penalties for developers not meeting job creation targets. - Dr. Bruce Soloway (former resident) called for required labor standards, compliance oversight, and transparent reporting of community benefits bonus funds; noted that AMI should be compared to local census tract AMI. - Michael Yellen (New Rochelle Alliance for Justice) argued that the SDGEIS wage projection ($101,230/year) is inconsistent with actual wages paid ($20–$25/hr to New Rochelle residents); urged project labor agreements and apprenticeship requirements. - Dominic Casanelli Jr. (VP, Teamsters Local 456; Recording Secretary, Westchester Putnam Building Trades Council) said development has not created enough local, family-sustaining jobs; called for Project Labor Agreements, local hiring, and enforceable apprenticeship standards. - Anthony Umbro (39-year operator engineer, lifelong resident) described being locked out of local construction work; criticized tax abatements without wage requirements. - James O’Toole (60-year resident) opposed DOZ expansion, citing oversaturation, poor construction quality, increased police incidents, loss of parking, and inadequate bus stop maintenance. - Jim Calorin (Enough is Enough) criticized lack of homeownership, green space, and bike lanes; said developers control the development department. - Steve Mayo (38-year resident) asked where promised retail and tax relief are; called transit-oriented development a failure for residents. - John Delfs (Residents Park Neighborhood Association) urged requirements for green space (10% of lot area), 15-foot clear sidewalks with tree canopy, and a dedicated downtown parking fund. - Michael Cammer expressed concern that developers are clawing back PILOT payments retroactively, affecting school and library budgets; called for investigation and prohibition of such practices, plus local and union labor requirements. - Michael Umbro (lifelong resident) emphasized that unions build careers and families, unlike developers who use and discard labor. - Marion Whitaker (Enough is Enough) said high-rise development has not provided real green space or affordable homeownership; traffic studies already showed failing levels of service by 2021. - Lisa Burton (Center Ave) urged council to use the amendment to move from incentives to enforceable requirements; cited hidden fees on “affordable” units (water, heat, garbage). - Serge Becker (25 Leroy Pl) noted that DOZ residential units have soared from 5,500 (2015) to 6,400 in DOZ2 alone; the proposed 2,800 additional units would exceed studied limits; no real traffic/parking studies have been done. - Sean Wyowatsky (25 Leroy Pl) called for a moratorium on DOZ2 development; criticized carved-out “vested properties”; asked for parking cost caps, halving maximum heights, and halting the process until approved projects are built. - Alison Rivers (147 Storer Ave) said promised tax benefits never materialized; her taxes increased; union labor (IBEW) enables her family to live in the city. - Paul Martin (55 Decatur Rd) objected to the rushed process and exclusion of Councilmember from district 2; fiscal analysis excludes PILOTs; parking incentives should be removed; opposed conversion of River Street commercial area to residential. - Matt Rooney (66 Decatur Rd) asked who requested the amendments and why the rush; criticized lack of local hire and apprenticeship programs; questioned removal of waterfront access fees. - Miriam DeSim (Mountjoy) called for elimination of overlay zones entirely, saying they remove citizen input and have priced out residents; opposed any expansion. - Joe Cinquamani (115 Harding Dr, Republican congressional candidate) criticized one-party rule, tax abatements, and lack of union labor; advocated for large employer to anchor downtown. - Unnamed speaker (Ortega) urged council to empathize with homeowners facing high-rise construction next to their properties. - Sarah Longstreth (young professional) said development has not delivered promised amenities (bookstore, theater, queer-friendly spaces); the city needs third spaces. Citizens to Be Heard - James O’Toole (230 North Ave) complained about businesses placing garbage bins on sidewalks, lack of enforcement of snow parking bans, and alternateside parking hindering plowing. - Jim Calorin (25 Leroy Pl) highlighted New Rochelle’s last-place ranking in homeownership; criticized lack of bike lanes; opposed proposed bike lane on Quaker Ridge; urged bringing a large employer to fill empty retail. - Steve Mayo (55 Decatur Rd) said developers brag about lax parking requirements and local governance. - Lisa Burton (257 Center Ave) acknowledged downtown vibrancy but said her sons cannot afford to buy in the city; urged council to prioritize homeownership and affordability. - Miriam DeSim (Mountjoy) reiterated opposition to overlay zones; criticized the city’s “math” that favors developers; cited rent increases in existing affordable housing (City Park, Carrington Arms). - Jackie Mills (2 Lemke Pl, Rochelle Heights) said the city is oversaturated; worried about impacts on historic districts, deer population, traffic, and public safety; urged council to listen. - Paul Martin (55 Decatur Rd) urged council not to rush the DOZ amendments; pointed to optics of a developer receiving a pilot extension the same week the amendments were announced; said the process lacks adequate public input. - Sheila Small (historic district resident) said residents do not want development abutting their neighborhoods; offered a homeownership program developed during a prior city study. Discussion Items DPW Flood Mitigation Update (Gino & Alvaro) - Presented completion of six construction projects and two engineering studies (2024–2026), adding over 62,000 cubic feet of flood storage in the Upper Hutchinson River system. - Nine active projects in various stages; three major projects (Sheldrake River culverts, Wiltshire Road, Pelham/Whitewood Avenue) to begin construction in 2026. - Sub Basin 5 (East Chester Rd/North Ave) awarded $1M Westchester County grant; engineering design to start Q3 2026. - Introduced a proposed drainage model (USGS compound flood hazard tool) to prioritize improvements within distinct corridors; pilot planned for Quaker Ridge corridor. - Grant highlights: $4.2M total grants received; City Park project (90% design) may qualify for a $5M RISK construction grant. - Councilmembers asked about permitting timelines (Sheldrake: 30 days for Army Corps permit), utility conflicts, integration with Complete Streets projects (Quaker Ridge), and the need to address tidal backflow at outfalls. - Councilmember Peters pressed for a pathway to advance flood mitigation in the Lincoln Avenue area and integrate the new drainage model into project selection. DPW Snow Removal & Pothole Update - Winter 2025–2026 had nearly twice the snowfall of 2021 and four times that of recent years, with sustained low temperatures. - DPW managed 13 snow routes with in-house and contracted resources; challenges included weekend storm timing, equipment breakdowns, parked vehicles, and salt shed location. - Improvements implemented: coordination with school district, cloud-based complaint tracking, early towing enforcement, staff radios, and driver training with edge markers. - Road damage: 47 water main breaks (Veolia), 1,800 potholes repaired (24% increase over prior year), 82 streets still in queue. - Future plans: pre-winter education campaign, GPS tracking (public-facing option considered), deployment of a blacktop crew for enhanced repairs, and potential capital upgrades (PTOs, salt shed partnerships). - Councilmembers praised responsiveness and suggested using local contractors, communicating plow routes, and addressing bus stop clearance. Other Discussion Items - Item 3 (Public hearing notice for DOZ amendments): Councilmember Lopez requested keeping the hearing open if public input is substantial; Councilmember Kay asked for integration of green standards into the amendments. City Manager Cook said a final Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (SGEIS) with responses to all comments will be presented in June. - Item 5 (Veterans tax exemption): Verbal amendment to correct qualifying language; moved to consent. - Item 8 (Grant application for Prem Book Blvd): $11.4M NYS DOT grant with $600K city match; council voted to authorize submission unanimously. - Item 14 (Capital budget amendment): Verbal amendment to reallocate ARPA funds to paving; approved. - Item 16 (Climate Vulnerability Assessment): Adopted as amended (correction to figure A26 – misidentified housing). - Items 18 & 19 (CDBG reallocation): Public hearing set for May 12, 2026. Key Outcomes - Flood Mitigation: Three projects (Sheldrake, Wiltshire, Pelham/Whitewood) on schedule for 2026 construction; Sub Basin 5 design to begin Q3 2026; drainage model RFP planned. - Snow & Potholes: GPS tracking and radio communications to be deployed; blacktop crew to start enhanced repairs in May 2026; budget adjustment request to follow. - Consent Agenda Items: All moved items approved unanimously. - Grant Authorization: Approved submission of NYS DOT grant for Prem Book Boulevard (unanimous). - Climate Vulnerability Assessment: Adopted as amended (unanimous). - Public Hearings Set: May 12, 2026 for vehicle impoundment code amendment (Item 9/10) and CDBG reallocation (Item 18/19). - DOZ Public Hearing: Held on April 14; written comments accepted until April 24; SGEIS with responses due in June 2026. - Executive Session: Council moved to executive session to discuss pending litigation (no details released).

On April 8, 2026, city and county officials, community members, and club leadership gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the New Rochelle Racket Club. The event highlighted the club's long history, community impact, and resilience. Speeches and Remarks - Catherine White (Executive Director, New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce) opened the celebration, emphasizing the importance of honoring longstanding businesses. - Mayor Yadira Ramos Herbert shared personal ties to tennis and praised the club as an institution for community, health, and friendships. - Congressman George Latimer recalled first seeing the building 50 years ago and noted the club's evolution and endurance. - Councilman Al Tarantino recalled initial neighborhood opposition but celebrated the club's continued prosperity. - County Legislator Terry Clements congratulated the club on behalf of Westchester County, highlighting its contributions to health, well-being, and community. Family and Management Remarks - Marcy Stuchin, widow of former managing member Miles Stuchin, recounted the club's founding by a group of partners including her father-in-law Bernie Stuchin, and the club's role in family memories across generations. - Blake Stuchin, managing member, thanked attendees and shared extensive statistics and milestones. He noted the club's near-closure during COVID-19, the decision to keep all 93 employees on payroll, and the subsequent recovery and growth. Presentations and Acknowledgements - Lorraine Alexander (Co-op City Tennis Club) and Scott Daly (New York Junior Tennis League) presented a plaque to the club in appreciation of its ongoing support and commitment to young athletes. Key Statistics and Milestones - 1,419,835 hours of tennis played since opening. - Over 500 players enrolled in 55 programs. - 93 employees retained during the COVID-19 pandemic. - 1,100+ tennis rackets restrung, 32,000 tennis balls recycled, 44,000 plastic bottles saved in the past five years. - Coaching staff representing 11 different countries. - Membership spanning ages 3 to 80+. The event closed with a group photo and continued celebration.

The New Rochelle Zoning Board of Appeals held a regular meeting on April 7, 2026, chaired by Erica Eisner, to hear applications for area variances and an administrative extension request. The board considered four cases and one administrative item, approving two variances, adjourning one application, referring one case to the planning board, and granting a 12-month extension. All votes required four affirmative votes to pass. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were presented. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the meeting. Discussion Items - Case 7-2026 – 516 Pelham Road – Applicant Mark Blanchard (Blanchard Law Group) presented on behalf of the project for demolition of an abandoned service station and construction of three attached dwelling units (reduced from four) with six parking spaces. This was the third hearing; the applicant noted reductions in floor area ratio (FAR) from 0.5 to 0.65? (transcript states FAR 0.65, which exceeds the 0.5 maximum), gross floor area, and unit count. The board discussed the front yard parking space setback of 4 feet (required 20 feet) and the use of a hammerhead turnaround. The applicant argued the project would be an asset to the neighborhood, replacing an eyesore, and that the self-created hardship was standard. - Case 12-2026 – 12 Elmridge Drive – Stephanie Melinski (SM Architecture Studio) presented for homeowners David and Rona Abish to renovate a single-family home, removing the second floor and adding approximately 460 square feet (including double-height family room) to improve layout. The requested variance was for FAR, with the proposed FAR exceeding the allowed 0.5. Board members expressed concern that the variance was substantial and questioned whether the benefit could be achieved with less expansion. The board requested comparative FAR data for surrounding homes and suggested the applicant consider reducing the scope. The applicant requested an adjournment to revise the proposal, which was granted until the May 5, 2026 meeting. - Case 14-2026 – 73 Abbey Close – Jacqueline Tyler (Tyler Architecture and Planning) presented for homeowners Coco and Castacata to construct a new deck (14.5 ft x 10 ft) and legalize an existing 50 sq. ft. shed that had been in place for 15 years. The deck rear yard setback of 18.5 ft is less than the required 27 ft; the shed setback of 0.3 ft is less than the required 3 ft. The applicant noted the deck was minimized to 10 ft width to reduce impact, and the shed location screens the adjacent shopping center. One letter of support was submitted. A board member noted the deck would be screened from neighbors and the shed is non-conforming but serves a purpose. The board confirmed that the variance for the shed would apply only to the current shed location. - Administrative Item – Case 1-2025 (22 Acacia Terrace & 22 Soundview Street) – Applicant Casimo Trippy requested a 12-month extension of resolution number 7-25 for a subdivision of two lots into four lots, with two new dwellings not yet included. The board moved and voted unanimously to grant the extension. Key Outcomes - Case 7-2026 (516 Pelham Road) – APPROVED with a 6–1 vote (Mark McLean dissented). Variances granted for: three units instead of two (density); FAR (0.65 vs. 0.5 max); lot area per dwelling unit (3,040 sq. ft. vs. 3,500 minimum); front yard parking setback (4 ft vs. 20 ft); rear yard setback (10 ft vs. 30 ft). The motion found the benefit could not be achieved feasibly otherwise, the project would not change neighborhood character, the rear yard variance was not obtrusive, and the self-created hardship was not a reason to deny. - Case 12-2026 (12 Elmridge Drive) – ADJOURNED to May 5, 2026, at the applicant’s request to revise the proposal and provide comparative FAR data for neighboring properties. - Case 14-2026 (73 Abbey Close) – APPROVED unanimously. Variances granted for deck rear yard setback (18.5 ft vs. 27 ft) and shed rear yard setback (0.3 ft vs. 3 ft). The motion cited minimal impact, screening, and the shed’s long-standing presence without complaints. - Case 1-2025 (Extension) – APPROVED unanimously. 12-month extension granted for the subdivision resolution. - Case 13-2026 (21 Circuit Road) – REFERRED to the planning board for a recommendation; will be placed on the calendar for the May 2026 meeting.