Public Meetings - New Rochelle, New York

The New Rochelle Planning Board met on September 22, 2026, at 12:00 PM for a regularly scheduled meeting. The meeting consisted of a public hearing portion for two applications and an administrative portion covering four additional items, including presentations, referrals, and a code amendment. Board members present: Isabel Cuala Marquez (out), Sylvia Hamer, Doug Houston, John Lancer, Kate Mercado (out), Christine O'Connell. Staff present: Deputy Corporation Counsel Jeff Bream, Commissioner of Buildings Paul Vaca, Director of Planning and Sustainability Kevin Cain, and Board Clerk Benito Saiha. Public Comments & Testimony - Charlene Claxton (126 Church Street, New Rochelle) expressed concern about traffic congestion on Church Street due to parking garage backups, valet slowness, and lack of enforcement. She also noted potential issues with food delivery trucks for the proposed Toast Coffee & Kitchen at 50 Clinton Place, given limited street space. The applicant acknowledged the concerns and noted coordination with RXR for loading dock use. Discussion Items - PB 2026-1 – Site Plan Approval for New Residence at 8 High Ridge Road: The applicant presented a proposal for a new two-story farmhouse-style residence (board and batten siding, AZAC trim, metal roof on porch, asphalt shingle main roof). Existing single-story ranch to be demolished. New curb cut being relocated from High Ridge Road to Crestwood Avenue. Impervious surface increase of 269 sq ft (from 3,206 to 3,475 sq ft) triggers one required tree; applicant proposed two red maples. Board discussed egress window, collar ties, and zoning compliance. Public hearing: no public comments. Conditions of approval read and accepted. Vote: unanimous (all ayes) for site plan approval. - PB 2026-2 – Site Plan and Special Permit Approval for Toast Coffee & Kitchen at 50 Clinton Place: Applicant Mark Blair and CEO Terry Scarlatus proposed an interior build-out and outdoor dining for a breakfast/lunch/brunch concept (5,000 sq ft, 140 seats total). Hours initially stated 8 AM to 10 PM but clarified as 8 AM to 3 PM, with potential seasonal extension for “golden hour.” Grease exhaust louver location justified to avoid property lines and residential windows; interior pollution control unit required. Parking: no off-street parking required in district; nearby garages available. Public comment from Charlene Claxton (traffic concerns). Conditions added: applicant must use loading dock for food deliveries. Votes: unanimous for site plan approval and special permit approval. - PB 192026 – Presentation for Affordable Senior Housing at 50 Lockwood Avenue: For presentation only; no vote. Applicant Janet Garris introduced a joint venture (PRC and Community Builders) proposing an 89-unit affordable senior housing building (9 stories, all-electric, solar PV, bioswale). Unit mix: 24 studios, 64 one-bedrooms, 1 two-bedroom (superintendent). Site includes 31 parking spaces, 4 EV charging stations, and a public plaza. Board discussed community center programming, accessibility for paratransit, shared parking, and potential seating areas. Applicant noted church salvage and will incorporate artifacts. Next steps: more comprehensive presentation and public hearing next month. - Administrative Amendment for Shady Glen Court Condominiums: Applicant Robert Sansiel requested approval to revise parking layout from 20 approved spaces to 22 spaces (tandem) at 10 Shady Glen Court. Original plan had oversized 11-ft-wide spaces; re-striping allows 22 compliant spaces. Vote: unanimous approval. - BAZ Referral – 777 Webster Avenue Subdivision: Applicant Jessica Zalin requested area variances to subdivide two tax lots (Lot 25 and Lot 27) for future single-family and two-family dwellings. Nine variances requested, primarily lot dimension and frontage variances. Attorney argued contextual compatibility: adjacent lots have similar non-conformities (e.g., 32 of 33 parcels on the same block have non-compliant lot widths). Board noted the significant number of variances but found the development pattern contextual. Vote: motion for neutral recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals (all in favor). - City Council Referral – Proposed Amendments to Chapter 331 (Site Plan Amendments): Staff proposed creating a new “administrative amendment” category for changes between minor and substantial, with a fee equal to 50% of the original application fee. Board discussed cost proportionality. Vote: unanimous positive referral to City Council. Key Outcomes - 8 High Ridge Road – Site Plan Approved: Unanimous (all ayes). Conditions include DPW permits, sidewalk replacement, and maintaining address 8 High Ridge Road. - 50 Clinton Place – Site Plan and Special Permit Approved: Unanimous for both. Conditions include DPW permits, fire department compliance, and use of loading dock for food deliveries. - Shady Glen Court – Administrative Amendment Approved: Unanimous. - 777 Webster Avenue – Neutral Referral to BAZ: Unanimous motion to provide neutral recommendation. - Chapter 331 Amendments – Positive Referral to City Council: Unanimous. - Next Meeting: PB 192026 (50 Lockwood Avenue) will return for public hearing and potential vote next month.

A meeting record for September 21, 2026, was provided with no accompanying agenda or minutes. The raw transcription contains only the phrase "Street Fair twenty twenty six," repeated twice. As a result, no detailed deliberation, motions, or formal actions can be identified from the available record. Record Limitations - No agenda or minutes were provided for this meeting. - The raw transcription consists solely of the repeated phrase "Street Fair twenty twenty six," suggesting the meeting may have concerned the Street Fair 2026 event, but no substantive discussion was captured. Key Outcomes - No formal decisions, votes, or directives can be confirmed from the provided transcription. - No public testimony or speaker positions were recorded beyond the repeated "Street Fair twenty twenty six" reference.

The New Rochelle City Council held its regular legislative meeting on September 15, 2026. The council approved prior meeting minutes, adopted a large consent agenda, authorized a litigation settlement and several appointments, and discussed next steps for Davenport Neck zoning. No public comments were taken during the meeting, but item 27 included a staff review of comments from earlier public meetings and hearings. Consent Calendar - Minutes of the June 16, 2026 regular meeting and the July 14, 2026 committee-of-the-whole session were approved. Minutes for the July 21, 2026 regular meeting and September 8, 2026 committee-of-the-whole session were noted as submitted. - Items 2 through 21 were adopted by consent, with an announced correction to item 13: Section 1 was corrected from Section 312-79, Schedule Eight stop intersections, to Section 312-73, Schedule Two speed limits. Settlement and Appointments - Item 22, a resolution authorizing settlement of 'Reading v. City of New Rochelle et al.' in the amount of $151,294.11, was approved. Items 22 through 25 had been discussed in executive session. - Item 23, approving the appointment of Carol and Jordan to the New Rochelle Board of Ethics, was approved. - Item 24, reappointing Katarina Mazaregley to the Board of Assessment Review, was approved. - Item 25, appointing Councilmember Shane Austin-Loye as the city council representative to the New Rochelle Business Improvement District, was removed after Councilmember Austin-Loye commented. He stated that the BID board term is two years, from 2025 to September 2027, and is not 'at the pleasure of the council,' though removal can occur for cause. He also reported that he had been elected secretary of the BID executive board at a meeting that day. Housing Choice Voucher Program - Item 26, a resolution approving the 2027 annual Public Housing Authority (PHA) plan and administrative plan for the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program, was adopted. The item had been the subject of a public hearing the previous week. Discussion: Davenport Neck Zoning - Commissioner Adam Falgado of the Department of Development reported that staff will review public testimony and comments received on the proposed Davenport Neck zoning following last week's public hearing. No action was requested. Comments raised concerns about density, infrastructure, traffic, access and resiliency, and treatment of individual parcels. Staff will determine whether refinements are needed and return with a recommendation. Falgado noted that the process included a petition from a specific site, three public meetings, a public hearing, and a holistic, area-wide approach intended to preserve the marina industry. - One councilmember said that across four meetings, hundreds of people attended, and he estimated 98 to 99 percent opposed the project. He recalled the original 2016 zoning process, when staff conducted near door-to-door outreach, and said one club's build-out under the proposal would be approximately 35 units, roughly double. He noted the zoning was flipped to allow higher density at one end and lower density at the end with less traffic. He also said residents are not necessarily opposing building on properties overall, but are concerned about increased density in certain areas and about properties that would become density-limited and unable to build under the proposed zoning. He urged robust neighborhood consultation through the process. - Another councilmember expressed appreciation for the process and re-engagement, noting conflicting views in public comments: some people do not want the project at all, while others are not opposed to development but have concerns about density. Key Outcomes - Prior meeting minutes and consent agenda items 2 through 21 were approved unanimously, with no opposition voiced. - Settlement item 22, Board of Ethics appointment item 23, Board of Assessment Review reappointment item 24, and Housing Choice Voucher item 26 were approved unanimously. - Item 25 was removed from the agenda. - No vote was taken on item 27; staff will review comments and return to council with recommended zoning refinements and next steps. - The meeting adjourned by motion.

On September 11, 2026, at 9:15 AM, New Rochelle City Hall held a solemn ceremony to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks. The event honored the nearly 3,000 lives lost, including first responders, New Rochelle residents, and alumni from local schools, as well as those who later died from 9/11-related illnesses. The ceremony included the presentation of colors, the national anthem, an invocation, remarks from Mayor Yadir Ramos Herbert, a reading of names by fire and police departments, a moment of silence, and a benediction. Opening Ceremonies - Presentation of colors by the New Rochelle Fire Department and New Rochelle Police Department. - National anthem performed by the PAVE program at New Rochelle High School. Invocation - A clergy member led a prayer, reflecting on the 25th anniversary, honoring the lost, and offering comfort to families. Remarks from Mayor Yadir Ramos Herbert - The Mayor recognized elected officials in attendance, including County Executive Ken Jenkins, State Senators Fernand Natalia Fernandez and Shelley Mayor, Assemblymember Steve Otis, County Legislator Terry Clemens, Board of Education members Makita Lewis and Jessica Klein, Superintendent Corey Reynolds, library board member Fela Cortez, former Mayor Tim Idoni, and City Council members Martha Lopez, David Peters, Shane Oshanloye, and Matthew Stern. - He reflected on the meaning of the anniversary, urging the community to live with empathy, humility, and unity, and to honor the memory of those lost by how they live each day. Reading of the Names - Fire Service: Members of the New Rochelle Fire Department read the names of FDNY fallen, including chief officers, captains, lieutenants, and firefighters who perished on 9/11. Additionally, they read the names of two New Rochelle firefighters—Deputy Chief Frank Strollo and Captain Curtis Taylor—who died later from 9/11-related illnesses. - Law Enforcement: Members of the New Rochelle Police Department read the names of NYPD and Port Authority Police officers who died on 9/11, followed by two New Rochelle police officers—Detective Mark S. Gado and Police Officer Kathleen O'Connor Funigiello—who died from 9/11-related illnesses. - Military: Chairperson Kalanji Samuel of the Veteran Advisory Committee read the names of Corporal Angelo Joseph Ficaro (Army) and Chief Warrant Officer 2 David Ayala (Army). - New Rochelle Residents: Mayor Ramos Herbert and City Manager Will Melendez read the names of Alex F. Chacone (38, assistant vice president) and David Silver (35, vice president of eSpeed). - Iona Prep Alumni: Police Commissioner Neil Reynolds read the names of Iona Prep graduates (Classes of 1953 to 1981) including Richard J. Morgan, Francis N. McGuinn, Edward Ryan, Timothy E. Riley, John D. McElane (McGuirlin), Kevin F. Cleary, and Michael J. Berkeley. - Iona University (then Iona College) Alumni: Names of graduates from Classes 1974 to 1996 were read, including Thomas W. Holwick, Joseph P. Kellett, Michael A. Lepore, Laura Longing, Michael F. Lynch, Francis N. McGuinn, Dennis P. McHugh, Michael E. McHugh Jr., Robert McPatton, Diana J. O'Connor, Joseph R. Reverso, Edward Ryan, Joseph Spore, Sean P. Talon, Joanna Vidal, and those with 9/11-related illnesses: Daniel R. Foley, Lieutenant Richard A. Knappy, Lieutenant Christopher M. Pupo, and James Ryan. - Ursuline School Alumni: Mora McCormick (Class of 2027) read the name of Helen Cross and Kittle (Class of 1985) and her unborn child, a computer specialist at Cantor Fitzgerald. Moment of Silence and Benediction - A moment of silence was observed for all victims. - Bishop Fetzenleak delivered the benediction, offering a closing prayer and blessing. - The ceremony concluded with thanks to attendees.

On September 10, 2026, city and county officials joined the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce in District One downtown New Rochelle for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Walsmark. Walsmark was recognized as a recipient of New Rochelle's Retail Tenant Improvement Fund. Speakers celebrated downtown revitalization and pledged ongoing support for the business. Ceremony Overview - The event was hosted by Catherine White, Executive Director of the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, and included remarks from Mayor Yudira Ramos Herbert; Kevin Jimenez, Director of Economic Development; Martha Lopez, District One Council Representative and Westchester County MWBE Director; Anne Gold, Executive Director of the New Rochelle Downtown BID; Walsmark owner Ed Reese Altereb; and Cody Gonzalez of the Master Barber Lounge. - Catherine White noted that Walsmark's opening marked the fourth business in one block to hold a grand opening or ribbon cutting in New Rochelle this summer. Speeches and Remarks - Catherine White expressed enthusiasm about the opening and said the city's Retail Tenant Improvement Fund is helping many new businesses and entrepreneurs come to New Rochelle. - Mayor Ramos Herbert welcomed Walsmark, expressed gratitude that the owner chose and stayed with New Rochelle, and offered the city's support to help the business remain open. She also cited recent investments in nearby assets including the Carnegie Library, Casa Roma, the Lincoln Park Conservancy, the Master Barber Shop, and the Self Studio for Yoga. - Kevin Jimenez said the store is a result of the city's investment in a healthier retail environment and committed to supporting downtown revitalization. He welcomed the owner's feedback as a way for the city to remain innovative. - Martha Lopez congratulated Walsmark on behalf of a county executive who strongly supports minority- and women-owned businesses. She encouraged the business to register with Westchester County to learn about contract opportunities. - Anne Gold praised Walsmark's before-and-after transformations and said its showroom offers an innovative business model with one-on-one customer service. - Business owner Ed Reese Altereb thanked the city for working "like a family" with business owners, listening to feedback, and helping bring a new one-stop-shop concept, from floor to ceiling, to the community. - Cody Gonzalez welcomed Walsmark on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce. Key Outcomes - A ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opened Walsmark. - City and county officials voiced commitments to support Walsmark and the broader downtown retail environment, and encouraged the business to participate in available county programs.

The Municipal Arts Commission convened on September 9, 2026, at 12:15 PM under the chairmanship of Marissa Bowen. The meeting included the introduction of new board member Javier Contreras, consideration of four adjourned sign/awning applications, and three new cases where applicants were absent. All four adjourned cases were approved by unanimous vote. Discussion Items - Adjourned Case 13-2026: Application by Luis Nava (America Signs and Ownings) to install one front-lit channel letter sign at 642 North Avenue. The sign includes a raceway with a light box below. The commission approved the application by unanimous voice vote. - Adjourned Case 32-2026: Application by Signs Inc. (James Plinskey) to replace internally illuminated LED channel letter wall signs and reface an existing pylon sign at 96 East Main Street (Dunkin’/Baskin Robbins rebrand). The applicant sought a variance for letter height (proposed 24 inches instead of the permitted 16 inches), arguing that smaller letters would make the Baskin Robbins text unreadable. The applicant noted the new sign would reduce overall square footage compared to the existing cloud signs. The commission approved the application by unanimous voice vote. - Adjourned Case 33-2026: Application by Samara Lobano to recover existing awnings (no dimension changes) at 391 Harrison Street and adjacent Main Street addresses for a Cuban pet store. The new fabric is a darker orange, and logos (palm trees) and text (dine in, take out, delivery) would be added. Commissioner Michael Morrero suggested mirroring the palm tree logo on both ends for symmetry, but the applicant stated the logo is fixed. The commission approved the application by unanimous voice vote. - Adjourned Case 34-2026: Application by Anthony (Sign Design) to replace an existing light box with a Pickle Rage logo at 51 County Place. The applicant reduced letter height from 15.5 inches to 12 inches to meet code specifications. The existing box had not been updated in 20 years. The commission approved the application by unanimous voice vote. - New Cases (35-2026, 36-2026, 37-2026): Applications for a Star Cana awning at 76 North Avenue and two applications for Self Studio signage and awning at 632 Main Street were called, but no applicants were present. After a second call, the commission took no action on these cases. Key Outcomes - Adjourned cases 13-2026, 32-2026, 33-2026, and 34-2026 were all approved unanimously by voice vote. - No action was taken on new cases 35-2026, 36-2026, and 37-2026 due to applicant absence. - The meeting was adjourned without further business.

The Historic Landmarks Review Board (HLRB) of New Rochelle met on September 9, 2026, to consider several applications for certificates of appropriateness. The board reviewed three applications: a fence legalization and landscaping at 40 Earl Place, a paint color change at 250 Boulevard East, and a proposal to replace siding with vinyl at 32 Rockland Place. The first two were approved; the third was tabled for further information. Application HLRB 7-2026: Fence at 40 Earl Place (Jody Lucina Picardo) - The applicant presented a detailed case to legalize an existing wooden fence at the rear of the property, constructed during the COVID-19 pandemic for safety and security reasons. The fence was built without prior approval, but the applicant cited good faith and later obtained a zoning variance. In response to board feedback from June, new landscaping (skip laurel bushes and hedges) was added to screen the fence. The applicant argued the fence met the city's design guidelines and Chapter 170 of the Municipal Code, emphasizing safety concerns, natural wood materials, and the fence's location at the rear of the property. - Board members expressed appreciation for the comprehensive presentation and the landscaping improvements. Questions were asked about fence height (approximately 6 feet), gate height, and hedge growth plans. The applicant committed to allowing skip laurels to grow to obscure the fence further. - Key Outcome: The board approved the certificate of appropriateness as presented. Motion made, seconded, and passed unanimously (all in favor). Application HLRB 11-2026: Paint at 250 Boulevard East (Kent Wilson) - The applicant proposed painting the dwelling and garage using Benjamin Moore historical colors: Ashley Gray (body), Lancaster White (trim), and black (shutters), inspired by a nearby home at 125 Hamilton. The request was straightforward. - No public comments were made. The board moved to approve. - Key Outcome: Motion to approve as presented, seconded, and passed unanimously. Application HLRB 12-2026: Vinyl Siding at 32 Rockland Place (Mick Arthur, represented by Power Home Remodeling Group) - The contractor proposed replacing existing gray siding (aluminum and asbestos-cement tiles) with blue vinyl siding (CraneBoard insulated). Reasons included cost, energy efficiency, and avoiding disturbance of asbestos tiles by encapsulation. The applicant argued vinyl is the future and noted other vinyl homes in the neighborhood. - Board members expressed strong reservations about vinyl siding in the historic district, citing design guidelines that typically do not approve it. They suggested considering alternative materials like HardiePlank (cement board) and exploring the option of removing asbestos tiles or leaving them untouched. The possibility of an economic hardship application was mentioned. The board requested further research, including safety and environmental arguments, and asked the applicant to review the city's design guidelines. - The contractor agreed to return with more information, acknowledging the board's stance. - Key Outcome: The application was held (tabled) for further review, with a request to present additional justification or alternative materials at a future meeting. Other Business - Application HLRB 4-2026 (Mario Canteros) was adjourned to the October meeting. - Application HLRB 5-2026 (Nichelle Arjuny) was adjourned until further notice. - No city council referrals were received. - The meeting was adjourned on a motion.

The New Rochelle Committee of the Whole met on September 8, 2026, to discuss and advance a series of bond resolutions, zoning and code amendments, and other administrative items. Key topics included a major land use proposal for the Surf Club property on Davenport Neck (subject to a public hearing), a multi-million dollar bond package for capital projects, and several quality-of-life code updates regarding garbage, rodents, and property maintenance. The council also addressed the upcoming Propel NY transmission cable project and school speed zone camera programs. Public Hearing on Proposed Amendments to Chapter 133 and Chapter 331 (Waterfront Residence District) The evening included a public hearing on a proposed zoning change for the R1-WF-10 district, primarily aimed at the Surf Club property on Davenport Neck. Multiple residents spoke in opposition, citing concerns about overdevelopment, traffic, infrastructure strain, environmental impacts, and lack of transparency. Key points raised: - Thomas Leghorn (710 Davenport Ave) opposed the 65 units on 5 acres, stating it is far above what the infrastructure can support, and compared it to Watermark Point's 72 units on 13.2 acres, which would justify only 25–28 units on the Surf Club site. - Adrian Weiss Harrison (780 Davenport Ave) echoed infrastructure concerns and argued that the proposed density is inappropriate; she also questioned the developer's data on wedding income, noting the club hosts many other events. - Dr. Magne Mikhail (78 Hampton Ave) criticized the city's development focus over resident concerns and called the zoning change a "sweetheart deal." - Jessica Zalin (attorney for owner of 401 Davenport) asked the council to preserve density previously approved for that site and to allow attached dwelling units in the R1-WF-10 zone to provide housing diversity. - Terry Clemens urged caution, emphasizing environmental risks and loss of recreational access. - Charles Mulcahy and Dr. Kristen Harkin (5 Echo Bay Dr) highlighted severe traffic congestion, safety concerns with limited egress, and frequent power outages. - Judith Elkin (Molly Sana Lane) reported multiple power failures in the past month and criticized the city's failure to enforce traffic rules. - Stephen Sonnet noted that the inability to leave the neck during school hours is a daily problem. - Paul Martin (president of Sun Manor Association) challenged the transparency and process, alleging campaign contributions from the development community to some council members may create bias. He stated that the current zoning already allows profitable redevelopment without change. Commissioner of Development Adam Salgado explained that the public hearing is part of a transparent process, and staff will review comments and potentially revise the amendment before a future council vote. Consent Calendar Numerous items were moved to the consent agenda and approved unanimously. These included: - Item 4: Bond resolution ($268,000) for 381st Street site acquisition for a parking lot. - Item 5: Bond ($100,000) for City Hall improvements. - Item 6: Bond ($100,000) for tree rehabilitation and community forest management plan. - Item 7: Bond ($1,510,310) for road construction, traffic calming, and complete streets on Pinebrook Boulevard, Lincoln Avenue, and Webster Avenue. - Item 8: Bond ($200,000) for street lighting improvements (LED modules). - Item 9: Bond ($100,000) for parks, recreation, and street safety enhancements. - Item 10: Bond ($2,208,864) for trucks, vehicles, and heavy machinery. - Item 11: Bond ($2,118,710) for fire fighting vehicles, including replacement of Engine 22. - Item 12: Bond ($10,250,000) for citywide drainage and emergency sewer improvements. - Item 13: Authorization to negotiate an easement agreement with New York Transco LLC and NY Power Authority for the Propel NY project (high-voltage underground cables). The city will receive $3 million in compensation and require adherence to local permits, noise monitoring, and a community liaison. - Item 14: Addition of a stop intersection at Atherstone Road and Thornbury Road. - Item 15: School speed zone on Main Street in front of Soleshi High School. - Item 18: Amendment to the 2026 budget accepting a NYS Boating Infrastructure Grant ($1.125 million state, $375,000 city match) for marina dock replacement. - Item 19: Extension of intermunicipal agreement with Westchester County for the RICI criminal information system. - Item 20: Donation of expired fire department PPE to Engine 911 Farm in Young Plus. - Item 23: Appointment of Christina Dominion to the Participatory Budget Steering Committee for District 2. - Item 30: Authorization determining municipal use at 459/465 Fifth Ave and 8 Portman Road for a 2,900 sq ft community space within a mixed-use development, to be operated by a future operator selected via RFP. - Item 31: Authorization to transfer $85,000 from the Community Benefit Bonus Fund for phase one of the 11 Garden Street community space and to negotiate a lease with the Center for Justice Innovation. - Item 32: Authorization to transfer $1,564 from the Private Arts Betterment Fund for stabilization and preservation of the former public library at 662 Main Street (Carnegie Library), including security cameras and rodent control. - Item 33: Acceptance of the $50,000 Ivory Prize for Housing Affordability (co-winner with Chattanooga, TN). - Item 34: Amendment to the code regarding signs, awnings, canopies, and marquees to allow administrative approval of blade signs. Discussion Items Bond Resolutions and Debt Capacity (Items 3–12): The council reviewed the 2026 proposed bond resolutions totaling over $16 million, but only about $3.5 million will go to market immediately. The city's current debt capacity is approximately 24.5% of the 25% internal threshold; this issuance will increase it to 24.8%. The city's total bonding power is about $700 million. Assessed valuation has increased 20% over five years, and amortizing debt will free up additional capacity. Councilman Peters asked about staying under the 25% cap to avoid a credit rating downgrade. The finance commissioner explained that the amount going to market is limited and that freed-up funds from a lower-than-expected eminent domain cost ($4 million of the $10 million bond) will help pay down debt. Propel NY Easement (Item 13): Commissioner presented the request to authorize an easement for the Propel NY project. Councilmembers asked about safety, tree protection, staff time, field conditions, noise monitoring, and community complaint mechanisms. The city will use a third-party consultant paid for by the project, and a community liaison and hotline will be established. Phase one may work 24/7. The $3 million compensation is based on an appraisal and may be adjusted after a post-construction survey. Councilman Peters raised concerns about unforeseen field conditions (e.g., rats, buried obstacles) and coordination with other city projects. The city manager confirmed that DPW will lead, with a point person for complaints. Garbage and Rodent Code Amendments (Items 16–17): City Manager introduced a comprehensive overhaul of sanitation codes to address rodent populations by cutting off food sources. Changes include requiring covered containers for garbage and recyclables, tighter timeframes for putting out trash, and clearer language. Councilwoman Kay asked about resident costs (e.g., buying covered bins) and the communication campaign. Councilman Tarantino noted issues with undersized on-site storage in downtown buildings and infrequent pickups. Staff emphasized that education will precede enforcement. A public hearing was set for October 13, 2026. School Speed Zone Camera Program (Items 21–22): City Manager announced that New Rochelle has been authorized to participate in a state demonstration program for school speed zone cameras. Three initial locations: Webster Avenue, Quaker Ridge Road, and Wayman Avenue. Lincoln Avenue and Prince Street are future candidates. Council asked about timeline; the police commissioner said a vendor meeting is tomorrow, and cameras could be up in a couple of months with a 30-day warning period. Discussion also touched on traffic safety on Brook Street, with possible speed bumps and red light camera expansion. Councilwoman Ashan Laye requested a reassessment of Brook Street given new options. Property Maintenance Amendments (Items 24–26): A package of code changes addressing rodents, pet waste, and waste storage. Highlights include mandatory pet waste stations on private property, expanded owner responsibilities, and bait station requirements in garbage enclosures. Discussion included enforcement capacity and the need for violations tracking. A typo correction was noted (Section 250-7). Public hearing set for October 13. Site Plan Administration Fees (Items 27–29): A new tier of amendments: minor, administrative (50% fee, one-year extension), and substantial (75% fee, two-year extension). Also a $500 extension fee for projects outside the Downtown Overlay Zone. Public hearing set for October 13. 11 Garden Street Community Space (Item 31): Commissioner described the plan to activate the ground floor with the Center for Justice Innovation as operator. The buildout is estimated at $3 million. $85,000 from the Community Benefit Bonus Fund will fund phase one (hiring a CJI coordinator to assist with design and grant advocacy). Councilman Peters expressed desire to be more involved; the commissioner explained the RFP process and community input via the African American Advisory Committee. The space will be developed in stages. Carnegie Library Stabilization (Item 32): $1,564 from Arts Betterment Fund to pay for security cameras, lighting, locks, and rodent control. The building is considered a work of art. The city is also dealing with a printing press left in the building; appraisal is underway to determine its value. Key Outcomes - All consent calendar items were approved unanimously (voice votes). - Public hearing for the waterfront district amendments (item 2) was held; staff will consider comments and may revise before a future vote. - Public hearing dates were set for October 13, 2026, for garbage code amendments (item 17), school speed zone camera program (item 22), property maintenance amendments (item 26), and site plan administration amendments (item 29). Lead agency status was also approved for items 25 and 28. - Items 30–34 were moved to the consent agenda and approved. - The council voted to enter executive session for pending litigation and the city manager's evaluation. - No vote was taken on the waterfront district rezoning; it remains pending.

On September 4, 2026, the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the relocation of Space Beauty Spa from Main Street to North Avenue. The event featured remarks from local officials, the developer, and the business owner, highlighting the city's support for local businesses and economic development. Ceremony Highlights - Catherine White, Executive Director of the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, welcomed attendees and introduced the speakers. She noted that Space Beauty Spa had been on Main Street for five years before relocating to a location with ample parking. - Mayor of New Rochelle (unnamed in transcript) thanked Elizabeth Rhodes for choosing to stay in New Rochelle for nearly 20 years and for relocating within the city. The mayor expressed gratitude to Bob Young for ensuring the business was retained. - Martha Lopez, MWBE Director for Westchester County and New Rochelle city council representative, congratulated Elizabeth, emphasizing the importance of economic development to the county and the city. - Bob Young of the Young Companies, the developer, expressed delight that Space Beauty Spa joined their section of North Avenue, stating it "completes the area." He wished the business success. - Elizabeth Rhodes, owner of Space Beauty Spa, thanked her family, loyal clients, and team. She acknowledged the support of Bob and Connor and the process, saying "thanks got we can make it." - Lenny Orojas from Hotel Noma, on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, presented Elizabeth with a certificate of congratulations. Key Outcomes - The ribbon-cutting ceremony publicly welcomed Space Beauty Spa to its new location on North Avenue, reinforcing community support for local entrepreneurship and small business growth. - No formal votes or decisions were made; the event was ceremonial and celebratory.