Public Meetings - New Rochelle, New York

The meeting convened on December 12, 2025 at 6:30 PM. The only recorded content was a brief exchange of holiday greetings ("Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas."). No agenda, minutes, or other business were presented. The meeting adjourned shortly thereafter with no discussions, decisions, or public comments.

The New Rochelle Department of Development Historical and Landmarks Review Board (HLRB) met on December 10, 2025, in the council chambers. Chairperson Benito Seha presided with a quorum of four members present (Rosetta Bofamante, Jim Fleming, Keith Gordon, Leanne Merchant). Staff members Kevin Kane and Benito Seha were also present. The meeting's single public hearing addressed a Certificate of Appropriateness for a residential solar panel installation. A previously listed application for a pool project was adjourned without discussion. Consent Calendar - Item 1.1 (Minutes): No minutes were presented for approval. Public Comments & Testimony - Elena Harrison Cowie (70 Hunter Avenue): Ms. Cowie spoke to clarify the color scheme of the proposed solar project. She asked the applicant to confirm the existing brownish/cedar roof would be replaced with black asphalt shingles to match the proposed black solar panels. The applicant confirmed this, and Ms. Cowie indicated that the clarification resolved her concerns. Discussion Items - Item 2.1 (HLRB 5-2025) - Pool Project Adjourned: Chair Seha read the agenda item for a Certificate of Appropriateness for a pool, paving, fence, and hedging at 10 Manhattan Avenue in the R-1 Historic Zone. He immediately stated the item was "adjourned till further notice" and the board took no further action on it. - Solar Panel Installation (Un-numbered Agenda Item): The board conducted a public hearing and deliberated on an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for a residential solar panel system, which the Chair referred to as "our only hearing tonight." The applicant presented a plan set featuring 20 Q Cells black-on-black flush-mounted panels on the front roof plane and 4 panels on the rear plane. The applicant confirmed the existing roof would be replaced with "granite black" asphalt shingles to create a cohesive all-black appearance. Board members noted the south-facing roof was sufficiently set back from the street and angled to minimize visual impact, and that the uniform coverage of the roof surface by panels was less visually disruptive than partial coverage. Key Outcomes - Adjournment of Pool Application: Application HLRB 5-2025 (10 Manhattan Avenue) was continued to a future date without board deliberation or public comment. - Approval of Solar Panel Application: A board member moved to approve the solar panel installation as presented. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously with all present members voting in favor. - Meeting Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned immediately after the vote.

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.

On December 8, 2025, the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce hosted a holiday lighting ceremony at Memorial Plaza in downtown New Rochelle. The event featured speeches from city and county officials, musical performances, and the lighting of a Christmas tree, menorah, and Kwanzaa kinara (trio menorah). The celebration highlighted community unity and the holiday season. The indoor holiday market at New Rock City was promoted, offering shopping, free ice skating, and activities through December 14. Speeches and Remarks - Catherine White (Chamber of Commerce) welcomed attendees and introduced officials: Mayor Yadira Ramos Herbert, City Manager Will Melendez, Deputy City Manager Todd Costaldo, Fire Chief Andy Sandor, City Council Representative Shane Ocean Loyer, County Executive Ken Jenkins, County Legislators Judith Holstein and Terry Clements, Council Representative Martha Lopez, Parks Commissioner Vin Parisi, and Downtown BID Executive Director Ann Gold. - Mayor Yadira Ramos Herbert spoke briefly in English and Spanish, stating: "Tonight we're celebrating not only the lighting of the trio menorah, but the light of our community. May this holiday season bring us peace, joy, and moments of togetherness." - City Manager Will Melendez thanked the Parks Department and staff for setting up, and noted the importance of tradition and family during Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. - County Executive Ken Jenkins offered holiday greetings for Hanukkah, Christmas, Three Kings, and other festivals, thanking the Chamber and sponsors. - Ann Gold (Downtown BID) encouraged attendees to patronize local businesses and the holiday market, and praised Catherine White for organizing the event. Performances - Songcatchers Choir performed two songs: "Spin Spin Spin" (a Hanukkah song) and a Spanish song titled "Burrito" about a donkey going to the manger. Director Robert Paleo introduced the choir. - Sisters in Christ Gospel Quartet (led by Minister Angela Davis Farish) performed "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," "Winter Wonderland," and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." The quartet included singers from Bethesda Baptist Church and Charlotte Baptist Church. Sponsors and Community Involvement - Tree sponsor: High Life Health - Menorah sponsor: Cannabis Reserve, owner Jay Gutierrez present - Kwanzaa sponsor: Humble Bumble booksellers - Dreidel sponsor: Riverside Memorial Chapel (distributed dreidels and gelt) - Cookie donations: New Rochelle Bakery, Alicia's Bakery, Stop and Shop, Sea Town - Hot chocolate supplied by: Beachbond Tavern, Lions Club, Kenny's on the Water, and Leibans - Holiday market at New Rock City (second floor) runs until December 14, with hours: weekends 12–8 p.m., weekdays 4–8 p.m., featuring free ice skating and shopping. Key Outcomes - Tree lighting ceremony took place with a countdown led by the mayor and attendees. - Santa was expected to arrive with candy canes (mentioned but not shown in transcript). - The event marked the first indoor holiday market in New Rochelle, encouraging community support for local businesses.

The Municipal Arts Commission of New Rochelle met on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting covered administrative items including two art proposals and an artist certification application, and concluded with a vote on a signage application for a grocery store rebranding. Consent Calendar - Two adjourned cases (19-2025 and 24-2025) were called for a second time but no applicants responded, so the board moved to administrative items without action on those cases. Discussion Items - Art Proposal at 33 Westchester Place: Rachel Spader (All State Ventures) and Kate Cox (IndieWalls) presented a proposal for a fiberglass sculpture by New York-based artist Alex Proba, intended for the city's art betterment program. The sculpture would consist of four colorful elements, 8-10 feet tall, connected by steel ballasts on a concrete base, with lighting to be added separately. The estimated cost is $250,000 plus additional expenses for plans and lighting. The board gave an initial "blessing" to proceed with developing detailed renderings, engineering, and site planning, with final design approval required later. Financial review will be handled separately by city staff. - Art Proposal at 11 High Garden: An artist (representing their studio) presented progress on a multi-window art installation featuring seasonal color schemes. One piece is already installed in a private gallery as a mock-up. The board noted that the formal application had been submitted but not fully reviewed; they advised the applicant to bring completed, signed forms to the building department. No formal vote was taken; the applicant is expected to return for final approval. - Artist Certifications: Chastity for Bone, owner of Feel It Healthy Spots, a nutrition club, applied for artist certification. She described her work as culinary art, emphasizing the artistic presentation of healthy drinks and foods. She seeks certification to expand her business and contribute to the community. The chair stated she would be contacted via email with the board's determination; no formal vote was taken. Key Outcomes - Case 24-2025 – Key Food Signage at 465 North Ave. (Jose Felipe): The board approved a motion to allow rebranding of New Ro Show Farms to Key Food (a cooperative), including replacement of existing illuminated signs and addition of two new illuminated signs: one on the side facing the church (36-inch logo) and one at the rear parking lot. The approval was conditioned on reducing the rear sign size so that it fits entirely within the stucco surface and does not extend over the stone wall. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously. - No actions taken on adjourned cases (19-2025 and 24-2025) due to applicant absence. - Meeting adjourned following the vote.