Public Meetings - New Rochelle, New York

Mayor Edir Ramos Herbert, City Manager Wilfero Melendez, and Fire Chief Andy Sander delivered remarks at the 2026 New Rochelle Pride celebration, affirming the city's commitment to inclusivity and honoring Chief Sander for his service to the LGBTQ+ community. Remarks by Officials - Mayor Edir Ramos Herbert opened the event with a declaration that "New Rochelle loves everyone" and thanked the team for organizing the celebration, emphasizing love and support for every person in the community. - City Manager Wilfero Melendez highlighted New Rochelle's diversity and welcomed all attendees, stating the community contributes greatly to the city. - Samantha Vargas, Communications Manager, was thanked by the mayor for her work in making the event possible, along with Brian Bracie, Lou, Josh, and other City Hall coworkers. Honoring Fire Chief Andy Sander - Mayor Ramos Herbert called Fire Chief Andy Sander forward to be honored for his commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and for being an "all-around stand-up guy." - Chief Sander expressed gratitude, stating on behalf of the fire department that it is an honor to serve all citizens of New Rochelle regardless of situation, and that the department responds to anyone in need. - The ceremony concluded with calls of "Happy Pride" and encouragement from the crowd. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were made; the event served as a ceremonial kickoff to New Rochelle Pride, with official expressions of support for the LGBTQ+ community and recognition of Fire Chief Andy Sander.

This event celebrated the third return of goats to Ward Acres Park, highlighting the success of Goats Fest as a community-centered sustainability initiative. City officials and the Ward Acres Conservancy Group described the festival as a win-win for the park and residents, emphasizing environmental education, invasive vine removal via goat grazing, and increased public engagement with natural spaces. Discussion Items - Community and Environmental Impact: Speakers noted that Goats Fest is the epitome of an excellent community event, addressing environmental issues while bringing residents together to enjoy Ward Acres Park. The overall theme was sustainability for the city and its residents. - Event Participation and Education: The event included visits from Ward Elementary School and thousands of city residents over the past two years. The goats were used to remove invasive vines in a sustainable manner without gas-powered equipment. - Park Discovery and Attendance: The festival has become one of the highest attended events in the parks department during summer, helping many residents discover Ward Acres Park for the first time. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were recorded; the event served as a public celebration and outreach effort. The Ward Acres Conservancy Group was thanked for making the festival a highly successful annual event.

The first meeting of the City of New Rochelle's newly established Participatory Budgeting (PB) Steering Committee was held on June 3, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the B1 Conference Room at City Hall. The committee focused on introductions, reviewing the enabling legislation, understanding the PB process and timeline, and beginning development of the PB Rulebook for the pilot year. The pilot year will concentrate on city-owned property around New Rochelle High School, including Huguenot Park, Twin Lakes, and adjacent rights-of-way, with a capital allocation of $200,000 and an additional $20,000 for program administration. Discussion Items - Introductions: Committee members introduced themselves. The Chair, Alika Ampri Samuel, highlighted her excitement and personal connection to the high school. Councilmember Matt Stern noted he sponsored the enabling legislation and praised PB for creating a "civic on-ramp." Deputy City Manager Todd Castaldo introduced himself as the staff liaison. - Committee Organization: Castaldo reviewed City Council Resolution No. 2026-7, which established the 10-member committee composed of seven voting members (one adult from each council district and one youth aged 14–18 selected by the Mayor) and three non-voting ex officio members (one council member, one city staff member, one school district representative). The committee serves in an advisory capacity only; final funding decisions remain with the City Council. Meetings will be recorded and agendas posted in the interest of transparency, even though the committee is not subject to open meetings law. - Review of PB Process and Purpose: Stern presented an overview of PB, showing a video and slides. He described the process as a way for residents to submit ideas, have them vetted by staff and the committee, and vote on final proposals. He noted that New Rochelle is the first municipality in Westchester County to adopt formal PB. The 2026 timeline includes idea collection through August, project vetting in September, public voting in October, and City Council approval of winning projects in November. - Rulebook Discussion: Castaldo presented a draft Rulebook based on models from Boston and Durham. The committee discussed several sections in detail: - Idea Collection Requirements: Members debated what information should be required from submitters. It was agreed that name, address (or zip code), and an optional phone number and email would be collected. A question about whether the submitter is a New Rochelle resident or a full-time employee of the high school will be added. Optional demographic questions (age, race/ethnicity) were proposed to evaluate outreach equity. - Project Eligibility: The committee clarified that the project location description should be detailed, and the question "Is this project on public property?" will be removed to avoid deterring submissions. Ineligible projects include those requiring ongoing staffing or that are programmatic/events. - Funding Parameters: Ongoing operational costs of projects (e.g., water for a splash pad) will be considered during feasibility review, led by city engineer Gino Frabasile. - Voting Procedures: The committee discussed voting methods. It was suggested that, for this first pilot, voters be allowed to select up to three projects (rather than ranked-choice voting) to keep the process simple. Residency verification will rely on self-affirmation; fraud prevention measures (e.g., IP tracking) may be used. - Phases: The refinement of proposals into formal ballot language will be a joint effort between the steering committee and city staff. The timeline notes that future years may start earlier in spring to better engage students. - Outreach and Engagement: Castaldo reported that 4,000–4,500 postcards (English/Spanish) have been printed and are being distributed at schools, businesses, and upcoming city events (Summer Sizzle concert series, Pride Day, Goat Fest). QR codes will be displayed on large screens. The committee discussed setting up voting tables at high-traffic locations (train station, grocery stores, places of worship) with volunteer shifts from committee members. Key Outcomes - The committee provided extensive feedback on the draft Rulebook. Deputy City Manager Castaldo will compile all suggested changes and present a revised version for final approval at the next meeting. - The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at a location to be announced (likely the Council Conference Room or the same B1 Conference Room). - No formal votes were taken; the committee operates in an advisory capacity. - The idea collection period is currently open and will continue through August 2026.

The New Rochelle Municipal Arts Commission met on June 3, 2026, at 11:15 AM (though the transcript begins with "Good evening"). The primary agenda item was a sign application for 20 East Main Street. The commission deliberated on sign dimensions and approved a compromise size. Two other items were adjourned due to applicant absence. Discussion Items - Case 2-2026: Sign by Nicola Doyle at 20 East Main Street – The applicant presented three options for an illuminated channel letter sign: letters at 18, 24, 36, and 48 inches (with corresponding proportional bottom boxes). The code-compliant size is 16 inches. The applicant argued that larger signs are consistent with the area's car dealerships (e.g., Honda across the street with approximately 3-foot letters) and that the building's large blank facade required a proportionally sized sign. Commissioners debated the options: the smallest (18 inches) was closest to code but appeared lost on the building; the middle (24 inches) was preferred by some; the largest (36 or 48 inches) was deemed too large. Commissioner Linda Key suggested a compromise of 21 inches, between the 18 and 24 options. The applicant agreed to the compromise. Key Outcomes - Approval with Stipulation – The commission approved a motion to grant the sign application with the stipulation that the top letters be 21 inches tall, with the bottom box letters proportional to the design shown in the original submissions. The motion passed unanimously (all in favor). The applicant was instructed to submit updated dimensions to the sign vendor. - Adjournments – Case 13-2026 (application by Lewis Nava for a sign at 642 North Avenue) and the artist certification application were both adjourned because the applicants were not present. - Meeting Adjourned – The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, seconded, and carried unanimously.

The New Rochelle Zoning Board of Appeals met on June 2, 2026, at 11:15 AM (the meeting was held in the evening per the transcript, but the provided timestamp is used) to consider several applications for area variances. The meeting was chaired by Erica Eisner. The board reviewed three returning cases, four new cases, and two administrative extension requests. Below is a summary of each agenda item, including public comments, discussions, and votes. Returning Cases Case 5-2026: 120 Buford Place – Ralph Florentine - Applicant: Ralph Florentine, property owner. Presented his case to legalize a six-foot pool fence (vs. four-foot maximum), a 6.6-foot masonry wall (vs. four-foot maximum), and impervious surface coverage of 47.2% (vs. 45% maximum). The pillars previously encroaching on city property were moved back onto the applicant’s land. - Public Comments: None. - Discussion: The board noted the fence is well-screened by bushes, the impervious area exceeded by only 2.2%, and the wall matches existing pillars. The self-created difficulty was not considered grounds for denial. - Key Outcome: Motion to grant all variances. Unanimously approved (6-0). Case 13-2026: 21 Circuit Road – Joseph Scalesi - Applicant: Represented by Aldo Vitaliano and architect Ralph Tedesco. Sought to legalize a parking lot extension with seven additional spaces (including one compact and one handicapped) and a 12-foot front yard setback variance (required 25 feet). The driveway would be widened from 18 to 20 feet at the entry. - Public Comments: Several neighbors spoke in opposition. Samantha Florentino (board member, neighboring property) raised concerns about pedestrian safety, turning radii for larger vehicles, and emergency access. Neves Saninovich (5 Circuit Road) questioned drainage, snow storage, and visibility at the driveway exit. Evelyn Patron (attorney for Shore Road Apartment Owners) argued the plan would exacerbate congestion on a shared easement. One speaker, Anna Maria Zindy (23 Circuit Road), supported the application, noting the need for off-street parking and that no accidents had occurred in 26 years. - Discussion: The applicant presented a traffic engineer’s rebuttal letter (late submission). Board members asked about enforcement of the compact car space and snow storage. The board noted that further design details (drainage, fire access) would be reviewed by the Planning Board. - Key Outcome: Motion to approve the variances. Unanimously approved (6-0). Case 18-2026: 132 Sickles Avenue – Eric Romero Solar - Applicant: Engineer Michael Mastrogiacomo. Sought variances for conversion of a single-family to two-family dwelling: FAR of 0.46 (vs. 0.4), lot area per dwelling unit of 332.5 sq ft (vs. 3,500 sq ft), and a 2.8-foot side yard setback for a parking space (vs. 6 feet). The applicant provided an analysis of three neighboring properties with similar deficiencies. - Public Comments: None. - Discussion: The board discussed whether to modify the driveway layout to avoid a long backup. The applicant preferred to keep the current plan. The motion included a recommendation to turn one parking space perpendicular to the house (to be finalized at Planning Board). - Key Outcome: Motion to approve with a modification. Unanimously approved (6-0). New Cases Case 20-2026: 40 Beach Road – Jason Hammond - Applicant: Architect Jim Fleming. Proposed demolishing an existing nonconforming single-story garage and building a two-story addition with a grandmother suite, requiring a 10-foot rear yard setback (vs. 30 feet required). The addition would be 1,500 sq ft vs. the existing 300 sq ft. - Public Comments: Hillary J. (27 Springdale Road) objected strongly, citing obstruction of sight lines, light, and air; a 66% setback variance; potential structural damage from rock removal; and diminution of property value. She argued the code should be upheld. - Discussion: The applicant acknowledged the need for a variance but noted that any addition in that yard would require one. The board suggested adjourning to allow the applicant to negotiate with the neighbor to reduce bulk. - Key Outcome: The matter was adjourned to the next meeting to allow further discussion between the applicant and the neighbor. No vote was taken. Case 21-2026: 103 Gale Drive – Elliot Krakow - Applicant: Architect John Woodruff. Proposed a new 14×20 ft wood deck to replace a structurally deficient deck, requiring an 18-foot rear yard setback (vs. 27 feet). The lot has a shallow rear yard; the deck is 42 inches high and screened by fencing. - Public Comments: None. - Discussion: The board noted the deck is a replacement in the same location, and the neighbor directly behind is the applicant’s son-in-law and supports the project. - Key Outcome: Motion to approve the variance. Unanimously approved (6-0). Case 22-2026: 236 Clinton Avenue – James Mum - Applicant: Architect John Woodruff. Proposed to partially enclose an existing front porch (130 sq ft) to expand the dining room, requiring a FAR variance from 0.35 to 0.45 (5% increase). The footprint remains unchanged. The applicant provided a study of 17 neighboring houses, several with higher FARs. - Public Comments: None. - Discussion: The board considered the minimal increase and the commonality of such enclosures on the street. - Key Outcome: Motion to approve the variance. Unanimously approved (6-0). Administrative Items Case 10-2025: 7 Shuler Street – Su Yen Taylor - Request: 12-month extension of a previously granted resolution for a two-story addition and detached garage. - Key Outcome: Unanimously approved (6-0). Case 4-2025: 89 Devonshire – Venita Segal - Request: 12-month extension of a previously granted resolution for a rear deck. - Key Outcome: Unanimously approved (6-0). Key Outcomes - Votes: All cases except 40 Beach Road were approved unanimously (6-0). The 40 Beach Road case was adjourned without a vote. - Next Steps: The 40 Beach Road matter will be brought back to a future meeting. The approved cases will proceed to the Planning Board for site plan review.

On May 30, 2026, city officials, business leaders, and community members gathered in downtown New Rochelle for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Mona Restaurant. The event was organized by Catherine White, Executive Director of the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce. Owner Andrew Abraham expanded his family business from catering to takeout to a brick-and-mortar location, with a future outdoor eating area expected by 2027, supported by a $250,000 grant from the New Rochelle Tenant Improvement Fund. Remarks from Officials - Mayor Yadira Ramos Herbert thanked Andrew Abraham for his family's long-standing commitment to New Rochelle, stating, "You're not new to this, you're true to this. Your family has believed in New Rochelle, and you saw something before so many other people did." She highlighted the restaurant's cultural vibrancy and the importance of uplifting small businesses. - Kevin Jimenez, Director of Economic Development, noted that Andrew was one of the first recipients of the Retail Tenant Improvement Fund grant and commended his persistence, saying, "It was a testament to being New Rochelle strong." He added that the space contributes to a more vibrant downtown. - Councilman Shane O'Sheen Loyer (District 4) praised the business's deep engagement with the city and expressed support for reinvesting in families through the Tenant Improvement Fund. - Councilwoman Martha Lopez, also Director of Women and Minority Owned Businesses for Westchester County, emphasized the city's commitment to economic development and offered county resources to help the business thrive. - Ann Gold, Executive Director of the New Rochelle Downtown BID, described Mona as bringing a "cool vibe" to the city, with excellent food and energy that makes downtown more vibrant. - Andrew Fagenbaum, from the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, presented a plaque to Andrew Abraham. - Andrew Abraham thanked everyone for their support, noting that the journey from imagination to opening took years, and acknowledged the city's Tenant Improvement Grant for enabling the future garden expansion. Key Outcomes - The ribbon cutting officially opened Mona Restaurant at its downtown location. - The event highlighted the city's economic development initiatives, including the Retail Tenant Improvement Fund, which provided $250,000 to support the restaurant's build-out. - Future expansion plans include an outdoor eating area behind Mona, expected to be completed by 2027.

On May 30, 2026, at 11:30 AM, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the Master Barber Lounge, a new barbershop located on Main Street in New Rochelle, New York. The event was organized by the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, with Executive Director Catherine White serving as emcee. The ceremony celebrated the investment of owner Cody Gonzalez in the revitalization of the lower Main Street area and included remarks from local officials, community leaders, and the owner himself. Welcoming Remarks and Speeches - Catherine White (Executive Director, New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce) opened the event, introducing the attendees and highlighting the revitalization of the area. She noted that the city has 80,000 residents, humorously remarking, "That's a lot of hair to cut." - Mayor Yadir Ramos Herbert expressed enthusiasm for the new business, praising Cody Gonzalez for choosing to invest in his hometown and for the attention to detail in the shop. The mayor specifically noted the spotlight on local artist Mona and the support for other small businesses like Casa Roma, underscoring the "New Roc vibe" of community and elevation. - Martha Lopez (City Council representative for New Rochelle and Director of Women and Minority Owned Businesses for Westchester County) spoke on behalf of the county executive, emphasizing the importance of economic development and support for women and minority-owned businesses. She invited Cody Gonzalez to the upcoming Connexpo event on June 2, 2026, to learn about funding opportunities and resources. - Cody Gonzalez (Owner, Master Barber Lounge) expressed gratitude to his family, friends, and clients, noting that the journey to opening was long and challenging. He stated his commitment to community and cooperation with other local barbershops, saying, "I support all my local barber shops out here, and I hope they all do great and we all raise each other to the top and stick together." He concluded with a quote from Sam Cooke: "It's been a long time coming, but change has come." - Joel Francis (Webster Bank, representing the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce) presented Cody Gonzalez with a certificate of recognition, welcoming him to the city and pledging continued support. Key Outcomes - Ribbon Cutting: The ceremonial ribbon was cut by Cody Gonzalez and attendees, officially opening the Master Barber Lounge. - Certificate of Recognition: The New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce presented Cody Gonzalez with a certificate to welcome his business to the community. - No formal votes or decisions were made; the event was a ceremonial celebration of a new small business.

New Rochelle held its annual Memorial Day Waterside Ceremony on May 29, 2026, at Hudson Park, followed by an indoor ceremony at American Legion Post 8 due to rain. The event honored fallen service members, featured speeches from city officials, veterans, and a special presentation on women's military history. Ceremony Highlights - Opening Remarks: Kalanji Samuel, newly appointed chair of the Veterans Advisory Committee, introduced the event. Fire Chief Andy Sandor served as master of ceremonies. - National Anthem & Pledge: Sung by Firefighter Raphael Gibbs and led by attendees. - Prayer: Bishop Leak offered an invocation and benediction. - Wreath Presentation: A wreath was cast into the water to honor veterans lost at sea, with taps played by Alexander Mutterperf. - Mayor's Address: Mayor Yadira Ramos Herbert emphasized honoring fallen heroes and their families. - Keynote Speech: Former New York State Assemblyman Ronald C. Tochi shared a personal story about a terminally ill child named Jimmy Kolinowski, urging attendees to teach young people about sacrifice. - VFW Commander Remarks: Peter Parenti, commander of VFW Post 439, noted that 70 volunteers decorated over 3,000 veteran graves at Beechwood and Holy Sepulchre Cemeteries despite rain. - Women's Military History: U.S. Air Force veteran Mel Bloom, founder of 350 Girls, highlighted the overlooked sacrifices of 200 women killed in World War II and the importance of remembering all service members. - Recognition: Veterans in attendance were asked to stand. Nicholas Stazio, this year's Boys State candidate, was introduced. - Performance: The Charles W. Dickinson marching band performed; Bishop Leak noted the band is seeking new recruits as its membership has dwindled to 4–5 members. Key Outcomes - Announcement: A fundraiser for the Hometown Heroes Banners fund will take place on June 6, 2026, from 3–6 PM (Vinny Graziano showcase). All proceeds will cover banner costs so families of service members do not have to contribute. - Call to Action: Community members were encouraged to join the Charles W. Dickinson marching band to preserve its legacy. - Reminder: MIA flags are flown throughout the city to honor missing service members.

This meeting, held on May 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM, was a town hall-style event for District 3 residents. It featured remarks from Mayor [name], Councilman David Peters, and City Manager Wilfredo Melendez, with a focus on the city's 2026 work plan, projects in District 3, and opportunities for residents to interact with city department heads. Discussion Items - Mayor's Opening Remarks: The mayor welcomed attendees, thanked staff, and explained the format: presentations from Councilman Peters and the city manager, followed by a Q&A session with all department heads. She emphasized the meeting as a way to bring City Hall to the community and encouraged residents to engage with staff on specific concerns. - Councilman Peters' Vision for District 3: Councilman Peters described District 3 as diverse in terms of residency length (longtime homeowners and new arrivals) and noted the historical disconnection of the Lincoln Avenue corridor. He emphasized the need to reconnect the area and ensure all residents benefit from New Rochelle's growth. He highlighted challenges including affordable housing, development, economic development, and quality of life. He noted that District 3 contains the majority of the city's low-income housing and called for reframing how that is characterized. His vision centered on building relationships, mutual understanding, and responsive city government, with the goal of creating a shared vision that serves many, not just a few. - City Manager's 2026 Work Plan Presentation: City Manager Melendez presented the 2026 work plan, which builds on the 2025 "year of ideas" and aims to "land the planes" by completing initiatives. The plan is organized around five themes: public safety, resilient infrastructure, environmental sustainability, economic development, and community building. Key highlights included: - Public Safety: Establishment of public safety advisory meetings; body camera program; expansion of public safety fleet; hiring of vacant firefighter positions; addition of a 24-hour ambulance downtown; pursuit of grant funding; and development of an interactive crime data hub. - Resilient Infrastructure: The Link project (Memorial Highway to Lincoln Avenue) – final design report with state DOT, land transfer process, funding secured for initial phase; local safety action plan for high-hazard corridors; Webster Avenue corridor traffic signal upgrades; school zone speed enforcement pilot (including Lincoln Avenue between Memorial and Prince Street); stormwater mitigation projects (e.g., Mayflower Avenue drainage); Lincoln Park pool rehabilitation with a $1 million swim grant (plus $250,000 match); comfort station design; downtown two-way conversion; street light upgrades; and other initiatives. - Environmental Sustainability: Solar array project at ITC Center; completion of community forest management plan, with 300 new trees to be planted citywide (District 3 to receive most initial plantings); enhanced equitable access to urban forestry. - Economic Development: Acquisition of Hagadorn Building and CVS site for public benefit; RFEI development for both; Black Box Theater agreement with operator; non-profit grant program ($100,000 allocated, 50+ applicants, 12 grants awarded); participatory budgeting pilot at New Rochelle High School; expanded access to Boys & Girls Club (busing, snacks); World Cup viewing events at Flowers Park (June 12) and Ruby Dee Park (July 19); 250th anniversary celebrations; workforce development; enhanced city communications. - Community Building: Non-profit grant program, participatory budgeting, Boys & Girls Club access, enhanced communications, and city council updates. The city manager noted that the complete work plan is available on the city website and encouraged residents to speak with department representatives. Key Outcomes No formal votes or decisions were taken during this informational meeting. The primary outcome was the dissemination of information about the 2026 work plan and the opportunity for residents to engage directly with city staff.