Public Meetings - New Rochelle, New York

The City of New Rochelle held its third annual Jewish American Heritage Month celebration on May 14, 2026, at City Hall. Council Member Matt Stern hosted the event, which featured speeches from the Mayor, City Manager, City Historian, and a Library representative. The evening focused on celebrating Jewish American contributions, acknowledging ongoing anti-Semitism, and promoting cross-cultural understanding. Opening Remarks by Council Member Matt Stern - Stern thanked the organizing committee (Mark Klee, Heidi Sisfeld, Sarah Kay, Sammy, and Sam) and acknowledged attendees including County Legislator Drudel Holstein. - He highlighted that despite pride in Jewish American achievements, the community still feels insecurity: security guards and bulletproof doors at Temple Israel, and personal behavior modifications. - Stern cited a study: more than half of American Jews experienced anti-Semitism in the last 12 months, 48% have taken actions to increase personal security, and 14% considered leaving the country. - He shared experiences from a Jewish-African American dialogue group, noting that many in the Black community have long felt similar fears. - Stern called for unity and encouraged attendance at other heritage celebrations. Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert - The Mayor expressed pride in New Rochelle’s diverse community and noted her son’s participation in Bar Mitzvah celebrations as an example of cross-cultural learning. - She touted that the city has seven synagogues across a spectrum of Judaism, a point she raises at mayoral meetings. - The Mayor affirmed her role as an ally and thanked the community for coming together. City Manager Wilfredo Melendez - Melendez thanked the Jewish American Heritage Committee, HR, the diversity inclusion office, and employees. - He stated the city “stands firmly against anti-Semitism and all forms of hate” and works closely with synagogues on safety. - He noted that the celebration coincides with the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding and the historical presence of Jewish Americans before the U.S. was formed. City Historian Barbara Davis – History of Jewish New Rochellians - Davis presented two profiles of Jewish New Rochelle residents who were titans of the toy industry: Charles Sanford Raisin (founder of Transogram, inventor of Tiddly Winks) and Beatrice Alexander (founder of Madame Alexander Doll Company). - Both grew up on the Lower East Side, were children of Russian pogrom refugees, and moved to New Rochelle in the 1930s. - Raisin’s foundation continues to fund pediatric fellowships and adult programs; a bronze statue of him stands at Memorial Highway. - Alexander was inducted into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame and the New Rochelle Walk of Fame. Her quote: “You need to believe in people’s dreams, especially women’s.” Library Programs – Lisa Itskowitz - Itskowitz announced a grant from the Yiddish Book Center: “Between Two Worlds: Exploring Jewish Culture and Religion through Yiddish Literature.” New Rochelle was one of 40 libraries nationwide to receive the grant (also received in 2022). - The grant provides books, funding, and training for reading groups; programs include a virtual tour of the Yiddish Book Center, film screenings (starting May 28 with The Stettlers), a klezmer concert on July 21, and a virtual cooking demonstration. - The first book discussion (June 8) will cover Tevye the Dairy Man by Sholem Aleichem (inspiration for Fiddler on the Roof); free copies will be given to participants. - Itskowitz emphasized that programs are free and open to all, reflecting the library’s role as a place for the entire community. Closing Remarks by Council Member Stern - Stern noted that the library’s E.L. Doctorow History Room includes a folder on Jewish history. - He joked that both historical figures presented lived in Council Member Sarah Kay’s district, but Historian Barbara Davis lives in his district. - The evening concluded with food and drink. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or resolutions were taken. - The city reaffirmed its stance against anti-Semitism and commitment to safety. - Library programs funded by the Yiddish Book Center were announced with specific dates for book discussions, film screenings, a concert, and a cooking demo. - The city historian’s presentation added to the public record of Jewish American contributions in New Rochelle.

The Historical and Landmarks Review Board (HLRB) held a public hearing on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the council chambers. The meeting began with a moment of remembrance for board member Keith Gordon, who passed away two weeks prior. The board then proceeded with roll call, establishing a quorum, and addressed several applications for certificates of appropriateness. Consent Calendar - No items were listed on a consent calendar. The board voted to remove item 2.1 (HLRB 5-2026 by Walter Nestler) from the agenda without a vote on the merits, with the understanding that the applicant would return when ready. Public Comments & Testimony - Margaret Chabick, a neighbor at 95 Hamilton Avenue, spoke in support of the application for 61 Hamilton Avenue (item 2.2), thanking the board and welcoming the new owners to the neighborhood. Discussion Items - Item 2.2: HLRB 3-2026 by Robinson Taneo – Application for a certificate of appropriateness to extend a carport, add a roof side deck, repair the porch, stucco and paint, replace roof windows and doors, perform facade repairs, install HVAC unit, and remove trees at 61 Hamilton Avenue. Architect Michelle Mazzaro presented revised plans responding to prior board feedback, including switching from vinyl-clad to aluminum-clad wood windows (Pella Lifestyle) throughout, and retaining the original front door. The board discussed materials for the porch decking and railings (composite vs. wood) and the number of carport posts. The public hearing was opened and closed. - Item 2.3: HLRB 5-2026 by Nishelle Arjun – Application for a certificate of appropriateness to construct a raised patio and detached garage in the front yard at 14 the Boulevard. The architect described the challenging site (house set far back with an 8-foot grade change). The board expressed concerns about the garage's visual impact on the historic streetscape, especially its central placement and the newly installed retaining wall. Suggestions included moving the garage to one side (requiring a zoning variance), using stucco to match the house, reducing the roof height, and adding landscaping. The applicant was asked to reconsider the design and potentially seek a variance. The application was adjourned for further work. - Item 3.1: Presentation by Trinity Episcopal Church – No action taken; preliminary discussion for proposed removal of original cathedral glass and wood window frames and replacement with new custom wood fixed windows with clear insulated glazing at the clear story of the designated landmark at 311 Huguenot Street. Architect Thomas Monarski and Reverend Talisa presented. The board emphasized retaining the original stained glass, possibly by preparing the new frames for future reinstallation of the restored glass. The board requested a plan for restoration and reuse of the stained glass. No mock-up was authorized; the applicant was advised to submit a formal application. Key Outcomes - Item 2.1 (10 Manhattan Avenue): Motion to remove from agenda passed unanimously. Applicant to return when ready. - Item 2.2 (61 Hamilton Avenue): Motion to approve as presented with conditions (trees/plantings to be located south of driveway and west of sidewalk, not encroaching on sidewalk) passed unanimously. Approved. - Item 2.3 (14 the Boulevard): Application adjourned. Board encouraged applicant to explore alternative garage placement (potentially with a zoning variance), use materials matching the house, and provide a landscape plan. No vote taken. - Item 3.1 (311 Huguenot Street): No action. Board requested a stained glass preservation plan as part of the application. Applicant to submit formal application for future meeting. - Meeting adjourned by motion.

The New Rochelle City Council met on May 12, 2026, for a Committee of the Whole session followed by public hearings and citizens to be heard. The meeting featured presentations on parks and recreation programs, the Local Safety Action Plan (LSAP), and a comprehensive parking management strategic plan. Council adopted several items via consent agenda, amended a zoning proposal for an occupational school, and heard public testimony on vehicle impound authority and CDBG budget amendments. Consent Calendar - Item 6 (Parking regulation at 39 BD Lane): Approved without discussion. - Item 7 (FEMA BRIC grant application): Approved; amended to specify the White Willow Pond project. - Item 8 (Parks & Rec budget amendment): Approved to move trust funds to operating accounts for transparency. - Item 9 (Stipend reallocation): Approved to redirect $20,000 from a dormant virtual reality program to a new LED sign at New Rochelle High School. - Item 10 (Adoption of LSAP): Approved to meet the May 26 SS4A grant deadline. - Item 11 (SS4A Implementation Grant application): Approved for the North Avenue corridor. - Item 12 (Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund): Accepted $50,000 grant. - Item 16 (Humble Bumble Books lease): Approved for a bookstore at the train station (615 sq ft, $1/month escalating to $1,400/month by year 3). - Item 17 (Juicy LLC lease): Approved for a juice bar at the train station. Public Comments & Testimony - James O'Toole (230 North Avenue): Supported the vehicle impound amendment, citing abandoned vehicles in garages and on dead-end streets. He also supported CDBG reallocation for downtown gateway improvements, urging use at exits 15 and 16. During citizens to be heard, he criticized double parking downtown and called for stricter enforcement with higher fines and signage, noting that fines are often reduced by the court. Discussion Items - Parks and Recreation Update (Commissioner): Presented winter and spring programming, including a new recreational basketball league for children cut from school teams, adult cornhole league, and partnerships with Grind Grit Ninja. Summer camp registration: Kitty Camp 75% full, Ward Acres 180 registered, Jefferson 90% full, Camp Now 50% full, Camp Joy 75% full. Transportation registration doubled from 2025. Summer Youth Employment: 904 interviewed, aiming to hire 500, plus 178 other youth positions. Doyle Center: 208 active memberships, 2,527 case management interactions. New playgrounds at Maplewood Park (ribbon cutting June) and Dinofrio Park (groundbreaking June), totaling five new playgrounds in 36 months. Other projects: Ward Acres Bridge, Cameron Dock fountain, solar panels at Wilmot Woods, Oakwood Pavilion deck repairs. Councilmember Tarantino raised concerns about Hudson Park Banchell repairs and the need for a timeline. Councilmember Peters asked about supporting the NRBA basketball tournament; Commissioner agreed to explore additional sponsorships. Councilmember Kay suggested seeking county/state funding and business partnerships for youth employment. - Local Safety Action Plan (LSAP) – Jesse Mansroth (Stantec) & Commissioner Salgado: Presented data-driven plan to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2040. Crash data (2020-2024): 8 fatal crashes (9 deaths), 129 serious injury crashes, 144 total – trend increasing. 92% of fatal/serious injury crashes on 15% of roads (High Injury Network). Community engagement: 300 survey responses, 955 comments, public workshop on March 25. Recommendations include designating a street safety champion, citywide speed management plan, red light cameras, quick-build programs, and safe routes to school. The North Avenue Corridor grant application (up to $25M) focuses on signal modernization, geometric safety improvements, and sidewalk gap closures. Councilmember Kay emphasized speed management; Councilmember Asiloye noted equitable distribution of funds, with data pointing to southern areas (Huguenot Street to exit 15). Councilmember Lopez stressed enforcement, but consultant noted roadway redesign is most impactful. - Parking Management Strategic Plan – James Cabelli (MV5) & Jerry Giosa (Level G Associates): Analyzed downtown parking: 14,806 total spaces (33% municipal off-street, 14% on-street). Peak utilization: New Rock Garage 52.2%, Transit Center 65%. On-street parking is most competitive. Recommendations: demand-based pricing (three tiers: $2/hr, $1.50/hr, $1.25/hr), wayfinding signage, enforcement improvements (higher fines, automated license plate readers, meter upgrades), residential permit parking (requires state legislation), curb management pilot (paid loading zones), valet operation amendments, and EV charging expansion. Revenue still below pre-COVID levels. Councilmember Tarantino raised concerns about valet queuing in existing buildings and the difficulty of changing behavior through pricing. Commissioner Salgado noted that new developments now require more robust queuing. Councilmember Kay suggested comparing pricing to Port Chester and White Plains, and improving communication with businesses. Councilmember Stern supported the demand pricing concept but wanted phased implementation. - Zoning Amendment – Occupational School at 37 Plain Avenue: Proposed to allow an electrical trade school (Institute of Trade and Business) in the Light Industrial (LI) district. Councilmember Tarantino expressed concern about losing LI space and asked that the use be limited to accessory to existing LI uses. Council accepted an amendment to require the school's subject matter to be accessory to permitted LI uses. The amendment was adopted, and a public hearing was set for June 9, 2026. Lead agency status was also designated. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: All items (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17) were approved unanimously with ayes from all council members present. - Item 13 Amendment: Council voted to amend the zoning proposal to require the occupational school to be accessory to light industrial uses. The amended language was adopted (motion by Tarantino, second by Peters). - Public Hearings Set: A public hearing for the zoning amendment (item 13) was scheduled for June 9, 2026. Lead agency status was also approved. - Item 7 Amendment: The BRIC grant resolution was amended to specify the White Willow Pond project name. - Councilmember Tarantino's Proposal: Suggestion to rename “Citizens to be Heard” to “Community to be Heard” for inclusivity; no formal action taken, but discussion was held. - Next Steps: City staff will implement short-term parking actions (fine increases, demand pricing, permit cost adjustments) and begin legislative process for residential permits and curb management. The LSAP will be used to apply for the SS4A implementation grant by May 26, 2026.

On May 11, 2026, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the grand opening of the North Manhattan Eye Center of Westchester, returning its practice to New Rochelle. The event featured remarks from local officials and the practice's founder, Dr. Gabriel Ferrera, highlighting the personal and community significance of the new facility. Remarks from Officials - Mayor Yadira Ramos Herbert welcomed Dr. Ferrera and his family, praising their journey as immigrants and their hard work, and emphasized that the business's return exemplifies the best of New Rochelle's community, perseverance, and family values. She pledged city support for the practice's success. - Ann Gold, Executive Director of the New Rochelle Downtown BID, expressed delight at the practice's opening, noting the specialized medical services it brings to downtown residents. - Catherine White, Executive Director of the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, introduced the speakers and described the event as a homecoming for the practice. - Glenn Orojas, a Chamber of Commerce member, presented a certificate of welcome on behalf of the Chamber. Remarks from Dr. Gabriel Ferrera Dr. Ferrera thanked attendees—including professional colleagues, family, and friends—who supported his journey. He shared that his parents had their first job in the United States as maintenance staff in the very building housing his new office. He emphasized that his goal is to provide the same level of care that his community gave him as a first-generation American, and expressed gratitude to his wife, parents, in-laws, and extended family for their support.

On May 9, 2026, the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of Teriyaki Madness in the Stella Building in downtown New Rochelle. The restaurant's opening was supported by a $200,000 matching grant from the New Rochelle Tenant Improvement Fund. Speakers included city officials, community leaders, and the restaurant's owners and management. Ceremony Remarks - Catherine White (Executive Director, New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce) introduced attendees and highlighted the Tenant Improvement Fund grant as critical to the opening. She noted that Teriyaki Madness was among the initial group of recipients of the fund. - Mayor Yadira Ramos Herbert expressed strong support for entrepreneurs choosing New Rochelle, referencing city development such as the upcoming Stella Phase 2. She personally welcomed Teriyaki Madness as a family-friendly dining option and thanked the business for its resilience. - Ann Gold (Executive Director, New Rochelle Downtown BID) welcomed the restaurant, calling its West Coast concept a sign of New Rochelle's innovation and diversity. She noted that customers had already used the app and returned multiple times. - Tony Santorelli (Operating Partner, Teriyaki Madness) thanked the city, the Tenant Improvement Fund, and the building owners (LM Development and Wilder Balter). He emphasized the restaurant's made-to-order, nutritious, gluten-free menu and pledged to give back to the community, including supporting local teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. - Crystal Hamilton (General Manager, Teriyaki Madness) thanked the community and committed to providing excellent customer service and a welcoming, home-like atmosphere. - Joel Francis (Webster Bank, on behalf of the Chamber) presented a Certificate of Recognition to Teriyaki Madness. Key Outcomes - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held to officially open Teriyaki Madness. - Certificate of Recognition presented by the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce. Note: No votes or formal decisions were taken; the event was a ceremonial grand opening.

The Municipal Arts Commission of the City of New Rochelle met on May 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM. The meeting was chaired by Jane Wals, with commissioners Michael Morero, Linda Key, and Fred Spinowitz present, along with representatives Joe Gugliamo from the Department of Buildings and Kevin Imenz from the Department of Development. The commission reviewed three sign-related applications and addressed an artist certification item. Discussion Items Adjourned Case: 2-2026 – Nicola Doyle – Illuminated Chattel Channel Letter Sign at 20 East Main Street - Applicant Nicola Doyle sought approval for a cannabis dispensary sign for "Cushy" with a large "Cushy" word (47-inch letters) and a smaller "Cannabis Dispensary" (15-inch letters). The permitted letter height is 16 inches, so the main word required a variance (roughly triple the permitted size). - Doyle argued the sign is consistent with the car dealership district, showing photos of nearby large signs (Honda, Dodge, Staples). She noted the sign is in compliance with the Office of Cannabis Management and that her architect deemed the size appropriate for the building's scale. - Commissioners expressed concern about the size but complimented the typeface and colors. They suggested reducing the "Cushy" letter height by a quarter or half (e.g., to 3 feet or 2 feet) and possibly adjusting the smaller text to maintain proportion. Doyle agreed to submit revised design options (quarter and half reductions) via email within two weeks for the next meeting. New Case: 11-2026 – Robert Young (Tennis Innovators Academy) – Two Wall Signs at 55 Quaker Ridge Road - Applicant Connor Young (representing the sign company) presented two signs: one small entrance sign (compliant) and a larger illuminated wall sign facing Quaker Ridge Road, with 30-inch top letters and 11-inch bottom letters. The sign is individually mounted on the wall. - Commissioners noted the neighboring residential area behind trees and the presence of other bright signs (Chipotle, shopping center). They inquired about illumination hours. Young stated business hours are approximately 7 AM to 11 PM. - The commission discussed requiring a timer to control illumination, preferring timers over sensors. They stipulated the sign be illuminated only during business hours (7 AM to 11 PM). - A motion to approve the sign with the condition of illumination on from 7 AM to 11 PM was made, seconded, and passed unanimously by those present. New Case: 12-2026 – Deborah Music – Awning at 342 North Avenue - Applicant presented a request to recover an existing awning frame with new black fabric for a new owner and business name. The previous awning was blue. A street view showed the adjacent Fenway business also uses black awnings, making the proposed change cohesive. - The commission found the awning acceptable. A motion to approve was made, seconded, and passed unanimously. Artist Certification - An item for artist certification under administrative items was on the agenda, but the applicant was not present. The commission moved on. Commissioner Morero inquired about the process for artists to apply, and was informed that an application form is available online. No action was taken. Key Outcomes - Case 2-2026 (Nicola Doyle): Continued to the next meeting. Applicant to submit revised sign designs with reduced letter sizes (quarter or half reduction) within two weeks. - Case 11-2026 (Robert Young/Tennis Innovators Academy): Approved with condition that illumination be limited to 7 AM to 11 PM via a timer. Motion passed unanimously. - Case 12-2026 (Deborah Music): Approved. Motion passed unanimously. - Artist Certification: No applicant present; no action taken.

The New Rochelle Zoning Board of Appeals held a meeting on May 5, 2026, chaired by Erica Eisner. The board considered six variance applications, an adjourned case, and an administrative item. Public comments were heard on one case. The meeting resulted in approvals for four applications, adjournments for two, and a granted extension. Public Comments & Testimony - Case 13 (21 Circuit Road): Multiple residents and the co-op next door spoke. Supporters (e.g., Anna Maria Zinzi, Curring Cravado) described severe parking shortages, safety concerns, and elderly residents struggling to find parking. Opponents (Evelyn Patron, attorney for the co-op; Samantha Florentino; Leves Zaninovich) raised safety issues including narrow driveways, pedestrian hazards, snow storage, and lack of traffic studies. The board noted the concerns about safety and illegible plans. Discussion Items - Case 12 (12 Elm Ridge Drive): Applicant Stephanie Melinski requested a variance for 493 sq ft over the allowable FAR (0.335 vs 0.30) for a house addition. No opposition. Board approved. - Case 13 (21 Circuit Road): Applicant Aldo Vitaliano and Joseph Scalisi sought variances for a front yard setback (12 ft vs required 25 ft) and a compact car space exception to add 7 parking spaces. Board members found plans illegible and requested a lighting plan, site distance study, and clearer details. The case was adjourned to June 2, 2026. - Case 15 (106 Pershing Avenue): Applicant Mike McCann and homeowner Anderson Franco requested a variance for a combined side yard of 11.5 ft (required 20 ft) to build a new attached garage replacing an old non-conforming garage. No opposition. Board approved 4-1 (Fernando Arias dissenting). - Case 16 (40 Earl Place): Jody Lucena Picchardo sought to legalize a 6-ft wood fence on a corner lot where the second front yard limits fences to 4 ft. The fence provides safety for children and a dog. Board approved unanimously. - Case 17 (109 Fourth Street): Reverend Ricardo Serrano sought a variance for zero parking spaces for a church conversion (previous use as a social club had no parking). Congregation is small (about 100 people) and most walk. Board approved 4-1 (Fernando Arias dissenting). - Case 18 (132 Sickles Avenue): Engineer Michael Mastraiacomo requested variances for lot area (167 sq ft shy) and FAR (0.46 vs 0.40) to convert a three-story to a two-family. Board requested neighborhood comparables and noted planning board concerns about parking layout. Adjourned. - Case 19 (40 Green Place): John Woodruff presented for Martha Lopez to legalize one off-street parking space in the front yard (2 ft setback vs 30 ft required) after converting a garage to a bedroom for her ill husband. Support from neighbor. Board approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Case 12: Approved unanimously (5-0). - Case 13: Adjourned to June 2, 2026. - Case 15: Approved 4-1 (Fernando Arias opposed). - Case 16: Approved unanimously (5-0). - Case 17: Approved 4-1 (Fernando Arias opposed). - Case 18: Adjourned. - Case 19: Approved unanimously (5-0). - Administrative Item (Case 8-2025): Approved a 12-month extension for a prior resolution.

On May 2, 2026, the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the grand opening of Fast Signs of New Rochelle at 371 North Avenue. Executive Director Catherine White welcomed attendees, highlighting the business's role in activating the North Avenue corridor. Mayor Udira Ramos Herbert praised the owners, Michelle and Dave Pottinger, for their 25-year residency and commitment to staying in New Rochelle. Dave Pottinger shared their journey from corporate careers to entrepreneurship. Carol Barella of the Chamber presented a gift to the owners. The event concluded with a ribbon cutting. Remarks - Catherine White: Welcomed Fast Signs as a branding and marketing partner for local businesses. - Mayor Udira Ramos Herbert: Thanked the Pottingers for their investment and choice to remain in New Rochelle. - Dave Pottinger: Expressed excitement about joining the business community and giving back. - Carol Barella: Presented a welcome gift on behalf of the Chamber. Key Outcomes - Official ribbon cutting marked the opening of Fast Signs of New Rochelle.

This community meeting was held to foster direct dialogue between District 4 residents and city officials. Mayor Yudira Ramos Herbert opened the evening, thanking staff and the library, and introduced Councilmember Shane Auschenloy and City Manager Wilfredo Melendez. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational and designed for residents to engage with department commissioners at individual stations. Discussion Items - Mayor’s Welcome and Staff Recognition: Mayor Ramos Herbert thanked the city staff, city manager, and department commissioners for their service and highlighted the pilot format used in previous district meetings. - Councilmember Auschenloy’s Priorities: Councilmember Auschenloy described himself as "the maintenance guy" for District 4. He noted ongoing work on Church Street pedestrian walkways, Locust Avenue sidewalks, and Glenwood Lake safety improvements in partnership with state senators regarding the route to Daniel Webster Elementary School. He emphasized that the meeting was designed for residents to get specific block-level questions answered. - City Manager’s 2026 Work Plan Overview: City Manager Wilfredo Melendez presented a condensed version of the 2026 work plan, organized around five strategic themes: - Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness: Launch of a quarterly public safety advisory meeting (first held in April 2026), bringing together community members, police, fire, and public works. - Resilient Infrastructure: Finalization of the Local Safety Action Plan (LSAP), a data-driven framework that already supported a grant application for Pinebrook Boulevard. Traffic signal replacements and pedestrian crossing improvements are in design for Webster Avenue from Main Street to Hutchinson River Parkway, with a potential new signal at Glenmore Drive and Bonair. Ruby D Park is undergoing kiosk rehabilitation, climbing area upgrades, lighting updates, and signage improvements, with a future park revitalization plan. Glenwood Lake dam improvements are designed and awaiting a permit from the New York State Dam Safety Division, with construction expected by end of 2026. - Environmental Sustainability & Stewardship: A solar feasibility study at the IT Center confirmed structural capacity; detailed design for panel installation is under way, with construction start expected by year-end. A community forest management plan was developed, aiming to expand urban canopy, promote biodiversity, and plant 300 trees in 2026 (spring and fall). The city will analyze and revise its tree ordinance. - Economic Development, Opportunity, Prosperity & Growth: The city finalized eminent domain acquisition of the Agardorn building (former Carnegie Library) on Main Street in April 2026, positioning it as a cultural anchor. A grant application has been submitted to the National Endowment for the Arts for planning and programming. The former CVS property at 625 North Avenue was also acquired; a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) will be issued to develop the property for community benefit. The Black Box Theater has an operator under contract, with interior renovations under way; activation for arts and cultural programming is expected in 2027. A non-profit grant program awarded 12 grants totaling $100,000. Participatory budgeting was launched as a pilot at New Rochelle High School, with a steering committee formed to guide resident-submitted capital improvement ideas. - Community Building: Workforce development initiatives include a rebate program incentivizing local hiring on city contracts. City communications are being amplified through council recap videos, a "Faces of the City" employee highlight series, and two new social media coordinators. Monthly council updates are now posted online. The two-way street conversion of Main Street and Huguenot Street is delayed, with design issues being resolved; conversion is not expected until 2027. Street lighting upgrades (new ornamental fixtures), EV charging expansion, climate policy evaluation, and a heat emergency plan are ongoing. Stormwater mitigation, park renovations, road work, and the "The Link" project are moving toward construction. Key Outcomes - No formal decisions or votes were taken; the meeting was designed for information sharing and resident engagement. - Residents were invited to speak directly with department commissioners at stations to address specific concerns. - City Manager Melendez summarized the year’s theme as "landing the planes" — shifting from planning to implementation, with many projects moving into construction phases by late 2026 or 2027.