Public Meetings - New Rochelle, New York

The New Rochelle City Council and City Manager Wilfredo Melendez presented the 2026 work plan to residents of Districts 1 and 2 on the evening of May 27, 2026, at the fourth community engagement event of the year. The event featured presentations by Mayor (name not given), Council Members Martha Lopez (District 1) and Al Tarantino (District 2), and City Manager Melendez, followed by a department fair where residents could ask questions of staff from every city department. Discussion Items - City Manager’s Overview: Melendez described the work plan as the “budget in action” and a roadmap for 2026. He noted that for the first time, the city solicited direct feedback from each council member to identify immediate and long-term needs for their districts. The plan is organized around five key buckets: Public Safety, Resilient Infrastructure, Environmental Sustainability, Economic Development, and Community Building. The overarching theme for 2026 is to “land the planes”—complete or advance major initiatives started in 2025. - Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness: The police department launched public safety advisory meetings to focus on emergency response, prevention, and critical infrastructure. Other ongoing items: CSO body camera program, expanded public safety fleet, hiring of vacant firefighter positions, and a new interactive data hub for real-time crime statistics on the city website. - Resilient Infrastructure: - Local Safety Action Plan completed—identified high-hazard traffic corridors and will support future grant applications. - Webster Avenue Corridor: Design for traffic signal replacement from Main Street to the Hutchinson River Parkway to begin by end of Q2 2026; included in a state-approved pilot program for speeding school zone cameras at three locations (Webster Avenue one of them). - Stormwater mitigation: $10 million per year for 10 years allocated by city council. Projects include Whitewood Avenue/Pelham Road drainage (design finished, permitting/grants ongoing, construction likely 2027), Emerson Avenue drainage improvements, and a localized project at Walnut and Crescent scheduled for 2026. - Parks: Five Islands Pavilion structural repairs underway; partnership with a non-profit for over $600,000 in interior improvements to create an ecological center. No Frio Park new play equipment donated by a resident arriving by end of May. Hudson Park boat ramp: immediate safety repairs this season, with an RFP for full repairs planned in fall 2027. - Propel (likely a transportation or utility project): Route finalized through New Rochelle; escrow agreement requires federal engineering review of all work; on-land work at Hudson Park and construction of the line expected in 2027. - Environmental Sustainability: Solar array on the ITC Center roof—feasibility study approved, detailed design and installation planned for 2027. Community Forest Management Plan: completed a citywide tree inventory (every street tree tagged, numbered, condition assessed); over 300 trees to be planted this spring/fall to enhance tree canopy, biodiversity, and mitigate heat island effects. - Economic Development: - Acquisition of two properties finalized: Hagadorn Building (Main Street) and former CVS at 625 North Avenue. Cleanup underway at Hagadorn (tree removal, rodent bait traps, electrical work). Applied for a National Endowment for the Arts grant to envision future community uses. Both properties will go through a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) process. - Black Box Theater: legal disputes with previous operator resolved; new operator making interior improvements, expected to complete by year-end, with first programming in 2027. - Community Building: - Thrive program: seeded with $100,000, received 52 applications from non-profits, awarded 12 grants across various categories to fill service gaps. - Participatory Budgeting pilot: focused on area around New Rochelle High School; steering committee formed, rules developed, ideas to be collected in fall, projects incorporated into future budget. Pilot intends to expand citywide. - Expanded Boys & Girls Club access at Remington: provided transportation, scholarships, and healthy snacks to overcome access barriers. - 250th anniversary of the United States commemoration events planned. World Cup watch parties: June 12 (USA vs. Paraguay) at Flower City Park with food trucks, and July 19 (final match) at Ruby D Park with two large screens, street closure, vendors, entertainment. - Enhanced city communications: new communications director and staff hired; city council updates after each meeting; website upgrade; new and revamped committees to increase resident engagement. Key Outcomes - No votes or formal decisions were taken; the meeting was informational and interactive. - Residents were directed to the city website for the full 2026 work plan. - Next steps: Design on Webster Avenue signals begins by end of Q2 2026; stormwater projects to continue with construction on Walnut/Crescent in 2026 and larger projects in 2027; tree planting of 300+ trees to occur spring/fall 2026; Thrive grants to be implemented; participatory budgeting pilot to run through summer/fall; Black Box Theater interior improvements to finish by end of 2026; Propel construction expected in 2027.

The New Rochelle Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and the New Rochelle Corporation for Local Development (CLD) held consecutive meetings on May 27, 2026, starting at 7:35 PM in City Hall. The IDA meeting focused on the inducement of a major mixed-use project at 466 Main Street and a discussion on updating workforce participation policies. The CLD meeting featured a detailed compliance report on local hiring and MWBE participation, and approved several contracts. Both meetings were chaired by IDA/CLD Chair Rob (last name not provided) and attended by board members, staff, and consultants. Consent Calendar - IDA Meeting: Approved the minutes from the previous meeting (not specified) unanimously. - CLD Meeting: Approved the minutes from the March 25, 2026 meeting unanimously. Discussion Items - 466 Main Street Project Inducement (IDA): The IDA received an application from 466 Main Development LLC (BRP Companies) for a 489-unit mixed-use development with 10% affordable units (49 units at 70% AMI), 6,000 sq ft of retail, and 448 parking spaces. The developers requested a 25-year PILOT, mortgage recording tax exemption, and sales tax exemption. Representatives Aaron Thomas (co-founder), Merritt Marshall, and others presented the project, highlighting lessons learned from prior projects (10 Commerce, 500 Main/The Leaf). The project is phase one of a two-phase development approved in 2024. Key discussion points included rising construction costs (25% increase since 2021), the need for a stronger abatement due to the lack of government support, community concerns about business displacement (two businesses were relocated with city subsidies), and the developers' commitment to local hiring and MWBE participation (targeting over 20% on prior projects). The board voted unanimously to approve the inducement and set a public hearing. - Workforce Participation and Labor Compliance Policies (IDA): Staff introduced a planned review of the IDA's Uniform Tax Exemption Policy (UTEP), including local labor requirements, project labor agreements (PLAs) for pilots over 25 years, pre-apprenticeship pathways, and more frequent compliance monitoring. A board training session on the existing UTEP was proposed before any formal changes. No action was taken; this was a discussion item. - Anchin LLP Compliance Monitoring Report (CLD): Anchin presented the 2025 annual report on the city's Economic Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy (EONP) and UTEP initiatives. Key statistics: 36 projects were monitored, 78% in post-construction. During construction, 521,000 hours were worked, with 6% by targeted workers (First Source graduates) and 6.3% by New Rochelle residents overall. In non-construction (post-construction), 915,000 hours were worked, with 11% by targeted workers and 24% by city residents. Apprenticeship hours reached only 6% of the goal. For the first UTEP social equity project (14 Lookout Phase 2, a 126-unit affordable condominium), the developer achieved 23% participation (exceeding the 15% goal) with $1.5M in local hire, $1.9M in union contractors, and $20M in MWBE contracts. Anchin emphasized early engagement (roadmap to compliance) as key to success. The board discussed the need for more granular data (separating MBE, WBE, and MWBE; verifying business legitimacy) and aligning workforce development with future project needs. The board approved a one-year renewal of Anchin's contract. - Submersive Media Digital Media Services Contract (CLD): A resolution to authorize a professional services agreement with Submersive Media for digital marketing and website management, renewable up to four one-year terms, beginning June 1, 2026. Approved unanimously. - West HAP / First Source Referral Center Contract Extension (CLD): A resolution to extend the current contract with West HAP for up to three months while the city evaluates responses to an RFP for operator services (two bidders: Social Synergy and West HAP). Also authorized the executive director to negotiate and execute a new one-year agreement with the selected provider. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - IDA: Unanimously approved the inducement resolution for 466 Main Street and the setting of a public hearing (date not specified). - IDA: Agreed to conduct a UTEP training session for the board before any formal policy changes; no vote taken. - CLD: Unanimously renewed the Anchin compliance monitoring contract for one year. - CLD: Unanimously approved the Submersive Media contract. - CLD: Unanimously approved the West HAP contract extension and authorization for a new agreement. - Next Meetings: The next IDA/CLD meetings are scheduled for June 24, 2026, at 7:30 PM.

The Planning Board of the City of New Rochelle met on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers, 515 North Avenue, to conduct public hearings and administrative business. Chair Kate Mercado presided, joined by members Sylvia Hamer, Doug Houston, John Lancer (newly appointed), and staff. The board welcomed new member John Lancer and recognized the retirement of Dr. Walter Lippau after 30 years of service. The meeting covered several site plan, special permit, and administrative amendment applications, with public comment allowed on the public hearing items. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the February 2025, April 2025, and April 2026 meetings. - Dismissal of Item 2.1 (PB 26-2023): Application by Guild Capital, LLC for a single-family dwelling on Premium Point Road was dismissed by a unanimous vote after being adjourned for many months. Public Comments & Testimony Item 2.4 – 268 Wilmot Road (PB 5-2026) - Neil Feldman (3 Lakeshore Drive, adjacent neighbor) expressed concerns about flooding, retaining wall materials, tree replacement size, and drainage. He noted that the board previously agreed to address flooding when the property was subdivided. - Lenore Feldman (same address) raised concerns about environmental impact on wildlife (birds, swans, ducks), construction disturbance, noise, and loss of mature trees. She requested assurances about peace during construction. Item 2.5 – 15 Leroy Place (PB 6-2026) - Serge Fetcher (25 Leroy Place, neighbor) spoke in support of the outdoor dining addition, calling it a great addition to downtown. He noted parking issues in the area and requested more discussion about music and noise levels. Item 2.6 – 355 Huguenot Street (PB 7-2026) - Peter Fennelli (351 Huguenot, adjacent lot owner) expressed support for the new business but raised concerns about parking spillover from patrons, citing a history of problems with a previous dance hall. - Serge Fetcher (also from 25 Leroy Place) welcomed the business but expressed concerns about the drinking establishment’s scale (113 occupants), potential for disturbances, and the need for additional review, especially given recent incidents downtown. He called for police involvement and community input. Discussion Items Item 2.4 – 268 Wilmot Road (Single‑Family Residence) - Applicant: AV Wilmot LLC, represented by attorney Jessica Zalin, project engineer Elliot Senior, and architect Milot Shala. The proposal is for a two-story, 3.3-acre flag lot home with a swimming pool, solar panels, and stormwater management. The project is the third lot of a four-lot subdivision previously approved by the board. - Key details: 39 trees removed (average 25 in. diameter), 169 replacement trees (mostly spruce and pine). The fire apparatus turnaround was incorporated into the driveway to avoid additional tree removal. The applicant noted that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a “no effect” determination. The board discussed setbacks, grading, drainage (designed for a 25-year, 6.5-inch storm), and tree replacement deficiency. The city arborist will review the tree plan before building permit issuance. - Public comments raised concerns about flooding, privacy, wildlife, and construction duration (approximately one year). Item 2.5 – 15 Leroy Place (Restaurant Addition & Outdoor Seating) - Applicant: Mona restaurant, represented by attorney and architect Pietro Rosato. Proposal includes an outdoor seating area with pergola, prep area expansion, garage conversion to bar/seating, and a permanent concession stand near Main Street. Outdoor dining hours: Thu 3-9 PM, Fri & Sat 12-10 PM, Sun 12-6 PM. Occupancy: 67 outdoors. Background music only; no live entertainment. - Board discussed wind load on pergola (structural engineer to review), lighting (string lights, code compliance), dumpster placement, and the need for administrative approval of the concession stand design. The special permit includes a 0.5 foot-candle light spill restriction. - Public comment: Serge Fetcher supportive but raised parking and music concerns. Item 2.6 – 355 Huguenot Street (Gaming & Drinking Establishment) - Applicant: Darlyn Alvarez, represented by Ling Arvers. Proposal for a 113-occupant gaming and drinking establishment (no full kitchen, only pre-cooked food and cold cuts). Occupancy includes a bar area, arcade, and seating. No off-street parking required (under 5,000 sq ft, in Vanguard Overlay). The building facade would be upgraded with black storefront and reflective glass. Dumpster to be placed in the front yard. Hours: 11 AM to 11 PM, all ages, but alcohol served. Security plan to monitor minors and prevent alcohol leaving premises. - Board raised concerns: facade design lacking dimensions and details, reflective glass reducing street activation, dumpster screening, parking enforcement, security plan, and potential for noise/disturbance. The applicant requested an adjournment to provide additional information. Item 3.2 – Administrative Amendment (Iona University Green Space) - Applicant: Iona University, represented by Mike Smurglio (Senior VP of Operations) and Chris Trematola (Alloy Design). Proposal to add a stairway and pedestrian gate from the existing crosswalk on North Avenue/Beachmont Drive into the campus parking lot to improve safety. The project also replaces the existing Iona College sign with a more durable sign. The board requested a sidewalk connection around the median to guide pedestrians away from the parking lot drive aisle. The applicant agreed to add that pathway. Construction will be staged within the campus parking lot, not on city streets. - Board discussion: strong support for the safety improvement, but concern about the pedestrian path ending in a parking lot. The applicant confirmed the Beachmont Neighborhood Association president was notified and had no objections. Key Outcomes - Item 2.1 (PB 26-2023): Dismissed unanimously. - Item 2.2, 2.3, 2.7, and Iona Preparatory School admin amendment: Adjourned to the June 2026 meeting. - Item 2.4 (268 Wilmot Road): Approved unanimously for site plan, subject to six conditions including city arborist review of tree replacement, DPW permits, fire hydrant installation, and Westchester County sanitary sewer confirmation. - Item 2.5 (15 Leroy Place): Approved unanimously for site plan and special permit, with three conditions: compliance with fire code, DPW permits for any right‑of‑way work, and administrative approval of the concession stand design. - Item 2.6 (355 Huguenot Street): Adjourned to the June 2026 meeting, on the applicant’s request, to provide additional information on facade details, dumpster screening, parking signage, and a security plan. - Item 3.2 (Iona University admin amendment): Approved unanimously, with a condition to add a pathway around the triangular median to connect the stair to existing campus walkways.

This meeting was a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the reopening of the newly renovated resident dining room at Sutton Park Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation and the launch of a new diabetes and wellness program. The event took place on May 26, 2026 at 11:15 AM and included remarks from city, county, and chamber officials, as well as facility administrators. Remarks from Officials - Catherine White, Executive Director of the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, opened the ceremony, praising Sutton Park for over 25 years of operation in New Rochelle and for reinvesting in the city. - Mayor Yadira Ramos Herbert expressed gratitude to Sutton Park for staying in New Rochelle and providing quality care and employment opportunities. She noted a personal connection: her first meeting as mayor in 2024 was with a high school student who later interned at Sutton Park, highlighting the city’s special community ties. - Martha Lopez, MWBE Director for Westchester County and City Council representative, brought greetings from County Executive Ken Jenkins and expressed pride in the investment, stating that places like Sutton Park are “extremely important.” - Terry Clements, Westchester County Legislator, spoke on behalf of the Board of Legislators, emphasizing the facility’s importance for people recovering from surgery and illnesses. He presented a citation to Sutton Park recognizing the ribbon cutting and the launch of the diabetes and wellness program. Presentations and Acknowledgments - The citation from the Westchester County Board of Legislators was presented to facility administrators: Layla Shudo (Administrator), Madeline Ziff (Diabetes Management Program Director), and Evita Espino (Director of Marketing and Admissions). A photo opportunity followed. - DJ Johnson from the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce gave a brief welcome. - Layla Shudo thanked attendees and invited them to enjoy dinner, drinks, and dessert. - Madeline Ziff described the new diabetes management program as holistic and multidisciplinary, including dietary support, nursing, therapeutic recreation, endocrinology, podiatry, and physical/occupational therapy. She stated the program’s heart is providing education to help residents reintegrate into the community with confidence. - Evita Espino expressed thanks for ongoing support and encouraged continued referrals. - Larissa Perez Anne was acknowledged for organizing the event. Key Outcomes - The ribbon was cut to officially celebrate the reopening of the renovated resident dining room and the launch of the Sutton Park diabetes and wellness program, serving both residents and the New Rochelle community. - A citation from the Westchester County Board of Legislators was presented to Sutton Park, dated May 21, 2026.

On May 22, 2026, the New Rochelle Police Department held its annual Police Memorial and Award Ceremony at the Green Street Club. The event honored fallen officers, recognized outstanding service, and presented awards to officers and civilians. The ceremony included an honor roll call of officers who died in the line of duty, remarks from city officials and the district attorney, and the presentation of multiple awards. Note: The transcript references the year 2025 throughout all award descriptions, but the meeting date is specified as 2026. Memorial Service - Honor Roll Call: Led by Police Commissioner Neil K. Reynolds and Rabbi Evan Hoffman. Fallen officers from 1903 to 2018 were remembered, including Patrolman Maurice Hearn (1903), Lieutenant Thomas J. Payne (1929), Detective Mark S. Gaddo (2018), and Police Officer Kathleen O'Connor Funagiello (2018). Both Gaddo and Funagiello died from 9/11-related illnesses after responding to Ground Zero. - Retired members who passed away since the last ceremony were also recognized: Detective Carl Downs, Detective Paul Eney, and Detective Betsy McKenna. Remarks by Dignitaries - Mayor Yudiro Ramos Herbert: Expressed sincere thanks and appreciation for the police department’s daily work and the families’ sacrifices. - City Manager Wilfredo Melendez: Emphasized that law enforcement is a calling demanding courage, compassion, and professionalism; thanked officers and their families. - Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace: Noted that 93 Westchester County police officers have died in service since 1792. Highlighted the first torture‑murder prosecution in the county, crediting Detective John Ladaris and Detective Lieutenant Brian Fagan for their work. Also congratulated two senior investigators from her office receiving awards. - Police Commissioner Neil K. Reynolds: Discussed a Police Memorial Week bike ride that raised over $12,000; challenged officers to give 100% on and off duty; praised the department’s everyday acts of service. Award Presentations - Police Memorial Essay Award (5th grade contest): 28 submissions. Winners: Alexia Romero (Ward Elementary, first place), Ella Murphy (Trinity Elementary, second), Ella Rosamondo (Ward Elementary, third). Alexia read her essay describing a police officer who helped her brother during a seizure. - Arthur Luce Klein Award (sponsored by New Rochelle Rotary Club): Detective Melissa Denish—16‑year veteran, LGBTQIA liaison, social media coordinator, raised funds for childhood cancer research and cerebral palsy awareness. - Empress Ambulance Lifesaver of the Year: Lieutenant Lawrence Bornholes, Police Officer Tori Faber, and Police Officer Kenneth McLean. On September 29, 2025, they responded to a man cutting himself; applied tourniquets and pressure to neck wound, saving his life. - Perfect Attendance Awards (5‑year): Detective Vincent Marco, Community Service Officer Latoya White. - Department Commendation Awards: - Lieutenant Edward Hayes – off‑duty intervention to prevent a train accident and DWI arrest. - Sergeant Stephen Corriel – rescue of a man clinging to rocks at Davenport Park in freezing December. - Police Officer Louis Del Peso – apprehension of a suspect who struck a Yonkers officer with a vehicle. - Police Officer Alicia Giasante – investigation leading to sex offense charges against a minor. - Class C Citations: Multiple officers recognized for investigations including ghost gun manufacture, narcotics sales, home invasion robbery, identity theft, and a homicide. Notable: Detective Sergeant Dwayne Jones, Detective Nicholas Cazzola, Detective Maria Vasquez, Police Officer Armani Lantigua, among others. - Unit Citations (4 total): 1. Investigation and arrest of a narcotics dealer recovering 99 grams of cocaine and two firearms. 2. Investigation leading to A‑level drug offense charges. 3. Investigation recovering a large quantity of cocaine and $149,000 in drug proceeds. 4. Investigation and quick apprehension of suspects in a daylight homicide at Heritage Homes. - Civilian of the Year: Dr. Connie Troub – provided life‑saving medical aid on September 29, 2025, before officers arrived; the victim made a full recovery. - Community Engagement and Outreach Award: Sergeant Paul DeRasmo – organized backpack giveaway, Thanksgiving turkey drive, and defensive tactics training with local gyms. - Civilian Employee of the Year: Community Service Officer Junique Martin – handled 7,208 calls in 2025, 2,011 resulting in calls for service; certified instructor and training officer. - Chamber of Commerce Investigator of the Year: Detective John Buffamonte – lead investigator in a homicide (multiple suspects charged), an armed robbery, and an undercover operation protecting a 16‑year‑old from exploitation. - Police Officer of the Year: Police Officer Tory Faber – multiple arrests for weapons, narcotics, and domestic violence; applied tourniquet in life‑saving incident; certified field training officer and SWAT operator. - Police Commissioner’s Awards: Detective Marissa Bird and Detective Michael Nader. Closing Benediction - Reverend Denise Smart Sears delivered a benediction, praying that citizens thank officers daily. - Dana Angel from the records unit sang "America the Beautiful." - The ceremony concluded with a buffet; thanks were given to the Green Tree Club staff, Lieutenant Hayes, and Secretary Barbara Cabrera.

The Municipal Civil Service Commission held a regular meeting on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 3:31 PM in the Council Conference Room. Commissioners Bishop Fetson Lee (Chairman), Margaret Chadwick, and Wadalupe Avila were present. The meeting included approvals of minutes, revised job specifications, and a residency request, as well as a deferral for clarification on a new position description. The meeting adjourned at 4:02 PM. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes from the previous meeting on April 15, 2026 (held at 3:39 PM) were approved as written. - Revised Job Specifications – New Rochelle Public Library: Approved two revised job specs: Program Coordinator and Administrative Assistant to the Library Director. - Revised Job Specifications – City of New Rochelle Police Department: Approved revised job specs for Deputy Police Commissioner. - Eligible List Extension: Approved extension of the open competitive Accounts Receivable Specialist list (List No. 2577) until June 28, 2027, due to state civil service testing changes that will delay new open competitive exams for about a year. - Fire Department Residency Request: Approved a request to post hourly fire inspector positions statewide (New York State) rather than only to New Rochelle and Westchester, as the department has had difficulty finding qualified candidates for this specific role. Discussion Items - Business Ambassador – Development Department: A request for revised job specs for a Business Ambassador position was received 24 hours before the meeting. Commissioners requested more clarification from the department commissioner and deferred approval to the June meeting to allow the commissioner to explain the title change and other questions. - Exam Schedule: No exams were scheduled for May. The next exam is expected in June (date not yet confirmed). - Next Meeting Dates: The commission discussed scheduling. The next regular meeting is tentatively June 24th (last Wednesday) or possibly June 17th; the secretary will email confirmation. A July meeting was also planned, either July 15th or 22nd, pending commissioner availability. Key Outcomes - Approval of minutes, job specs, list extension, and residency request – all passed unanimously by the three commissioners. - Deferral of Business Ambassador job specs – to be revisited with department commissioner at the June 2026 meeting. - Meeting adjourned at 4:02 PM.

The New Rochelle City Council held its regular legislative meeting on May 19, 2026, at 11:15 AM. The council approved the consent agenda, debated a home rule request for a school speed zone camera demonstration program, and adopted two additional items. An executive session followed for appointments. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the March 17, 2026 regular meeting and April 14, 2026 committee of the whole. - Noted submission of minutes for the April 21, 2026 regular meeting and May 12, 2026 committee of the whole. - Adopted items 2 through 10 unanimously (motion by Councilmember Lopez, second by Councilmember Ashaloye). Discussion Items - Item 11 – Home Rule Request for School Speed Zone Camera Demonstration Program: The City Manager introduced the resolution, explaining it enables a state-authorized pilot program for up to three camera locations in existing school speed zones (Webster Avenue, Quaker Ridge Road, and other designated areas). Councilmembers expressed broad support but raised concerns about equity and safety on Lincoln Avenue, where a school had been removed but childcare facilities and a Boys & Girls Club remain. Councilmember Peters requested inclusion of the Lincoln Avenue corridor, noting that children still walk there. The City Manager confirmed a concurrent traffic study would be conducted, and the city code could be amended to designate additional zones, including Lincoln Avenue, before the program officially launches. Councilmember Lopez noted a family member died in a crash on Lincoln Avenue. Councilwoman Little advocated for similar consideration of the West End and Isaac Young. Councilmember Stern asked about notification if cameras are moved. The City Manager stated notification procedures would be developed. Councilmember Peters ultimately voted present, stating he was waiting for the Lincoln Avenue area to be included in the resolution. A roll call was requested. Vote: Yes – Lopez, Tarantino, Austin Leah, Kay, Stern, Mayor; Present – Peters; No – None. Item 11 passed. - Item 12 – Amendment to Chapter 312 (Vehicle Impound Authority): No questions or comments. Motion to adopt (motion and second by councilmembers). Unanimous voice vote. - Item 13 – Reallocation of Community Development Block Grant Funds: No questions or comments. Motion to adopt (motion by Stern, second by Kay). Unanimous voice vote. Executive Session - The council voted to enter executive session for appointments (motion by Kay, second by Peters). The Mayor indicated the council would not return to public session. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda items 2–10 adopted. - Item 11 (school speed zone camera home rule request) adopted with a roll call vote: 6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 present (Peters). - Items 12 and 13 adopted unanimously. - The City Manager committed to completing a traffic study and proposing a code amendment to formally designate the Lincoln Avenue corridor as a school speed zone, making it eligible for a camera under the pilot program.

On May 19, 2026, the City of New Rochelle held its third annual Haitian Heritage Month and Haitian Flag Day celebration at City Hall. The event featured a formal proclamation, remarks from city officials and community leaders, recognition of student graduates from pre-K to college, and a call for stronger community collaboration and support for local Haitian American residents, particularly regarding immigration and educational opportunities. Proclamation and Remarks - Councilman David Peters read a proclamation from Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert designating May as Haitian Heritage Month in New Rochelle. The proclamation highlighted the contributions of the Haitian American community and noted the significance of Haitian Flag Day on May 18. - Miriam (organizer) recounted the event's origin in a conversation with Councilman Peters and expressed hope for future participation from her elderly aunt. - Councilman Peters praised the Haitian community's resilience and unity, echoing the flag's motto \"L'Union Fait La Force\" (Unity Makes Strength). - Christine Fizma, Director of Constituent Services and Community Affairs for Senator Shelley Mayer and a new New Rochelle resident, shared personal reflections on growing up Haitian American. She announced the formation of the Westchester Haitian Collective to connect Haitian families with resources and opportunities. She also encouraged youth civic participation and noted that her office can assist with immigration and CPS concerns. Student Graduate Recognition - The program honored graduating students from pre-K through college, with each student or a family member receiving a certificate. - Graduates included: - Fadia Dazir – master's in psychology from Iona College. - Schutzley Gedoah – New Rochelle High School graduate. - Samuel Decim – heading to SUNY Purchase for computer science. - Avery Villarson – middle school to high school (son of local barber). - Lawrence Mede – elementary to middle school. - Christian Robert Desim – Isaac Young to New Rochelle High School. - Jehu Michel – Albert Leonard Middle School to New Rochelle High School. - Julie Michaela Joseph – Daniel Webster to Albert Leonard. - Pre-K graduates: Nala Baskin, Nasiah Alexis, Jazile Bellefleur, and others from Little Bumblebee and The Learning Experience. - High school twins Regeline and Lachelle Theodore, Sasha Mouscadin. - Laurian Medet – master's in accounting from Lehman College. - Frederick Johnson – Iona Prep to Penn State for enterprise technology integration. - Makaya Simpkins – Barnard College for biology (pre-med). - Kennedy Brunson – a delayed certificate from the previous year, now at New Rochelle High School. - Miriam noted a project to compile a list of all Haitian graduates of New Rochelle High School over its 100-year history. Calls for Community Action - Miriam urged the community to better network and support students affected by immigration issues, particularly those with uncertain work authorization. - She emphasized the need to utilize the emerging network (e.g., Westchester Haitian Collective) to assist young people and advocate for their futures. Key Outcomes - The city officially proclaimed May as Haitian Heritage Month. - Graduates were publicly recognized and encouraged. - The Westchester Haitian Collective was announced as a resource for connection and support. - Organizers expressed intent to continue the celebration annually and to expand community collaboration. Note: No formal votes were taken; the event was a ceremonial and community-building gathering. The date of the proclamation was May 14, 2026, as read in the text.

On May 15, 2026, at 10:30 AM, the New Rochelle Police Department held a memorial monument rededication ceremony at police headquarters. The event honored all fallen officers of the department, with special recognition of two officers—Police Officer Kathleen O'Connor Funagello and Detective Mark Gaddo—whose names were added to the exterior monument after being previously included only on the interior wall. Speakers included Captain Collins Coyne, City Manager Wilfredo Melendez, PBA President Detective Gregory Herring, Police Commissioner Neil K. Reynolds, and Bishop Derek Pearson. The commissioner noted that the ceremony was held a few days before National Police Officers Memorial Day (May 15), though the event date is recorded as May 15. Ceremony and Remarks - The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Captain Coyne. - City Manager Melendez emphasized the importance of remembering fallen officers, especially on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, noting that two officers died from 9/11-related illnesses. - PBA President Detective Herring read the names of all ten fallen officers honored on the monument and offered prayers for their families. - Commissioner Reynolds recounted the history of the monument, originally dedicated in 1931, and described how the addition of the two names came about through a donation from Dominic Denegris and Nick Fasiglioni of Denegris monument company. - Captain Coyne read detailed remembrances of each fallen officer, including their dates of appointment, circumstances of death, and awards received. The ten officers honored are: Special Patrolman Maurice Ahern, Lieutenant Thomas J. Payne, Patrolman Daniel F. Murphy, Patrolman Timothy Mahoney, Detective William E. Mancusi, Police Officer Alan B. McLeod, Detective John C. Phillips, Police Officer Gary D. Pagano, Police Officer Kathleen O'Connor Funagello, and Detective Mark S. Gaddo. - Bishop Pearson offered a blessing of the monument and a prayer for the fallen and their families. Key Outcomes - The names of Police Officer Kathleen O'Connor Funagello and Detective Mark Gaddo were formally added to the exterior memorial monument, correcting a previous omission. - Commissioner Reynolds announced upcoming events: Metal Day at Green Tree Country Club on May 16, 2026, at 9:00 AM, and the christening of Marine One (police boat) named after Detective Mark Gaddo on May 17, 2026. (The boat for Officer Funagello was dedicated the previous year.) - The ceremony concluded with the presentation of bracelets and flags to the families of the two newly honored officers, brought by officers who rode to the National Police Memorial in Washington, D.C. on motorcycles.