NEW ROCHELLE, NY (May 8, 2025) — The New Rochelle City Council held a Committee of the Whole Session at 3:45 P.M. in the 1st Floor Council Conference Room, chaired by Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert. All council members were present. The meeting included presentations, legislative actions, and discussions on community and environmental initiatives.
Below is a summary of key events and actions:
Presentations:
1 Energy Justice Law & Policy Center (EJLPC) – Air Study Results:
◦ Raya Salter from EJLPC presented the “New York State Air Quality Monitoring in New Rochelle” report, covering air quality issues, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, and municipal mitigation opportunities.
◦ Discussions focused on poor air quality in disadvantaged communities, health impacts from residential proximity to I-95, the need for green spaces, and collaboration with developers to address air quality. Council Member Sara R. Kaye was commended for her grant application efforts.
2 ArborPro – Street Tree Inventory/Community Forest Management Plan:
◦ Oscar R. Corvera from ArborPro presented the Community Forest Management Plan, detailing the city’s urban forest, challenges, equity and climate goals, and community engagement strategies.
◦ The plan includes tree maintenance, park improvements (e.g., City Park, Maplewood Park, Ward Acres), and potential green job creation. Council Member Kaye praised the report’s thoroughness and requested a grant opportunity summary.
Legislative Actions:
1 Home Rule Request for Sales Tax Extension:
◦ Unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing a Home Rule Request for Senate Bill S5782 and Assembly Bill A7375 to extend New Rochelle’s additional 1% sales and compensating use tax until December 31, 2027, generating approximately $15.6 million over two years.
2 Free Parking for 2025 Downtown Summer Sizzle Concert Series:
◦ Moved to the consent agenda a resolution for free parking at the Library and Library South municipal parking facilities every Saturday from 5:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M., June 7 to August 30, 2025, to promote the concert series and local businesses.
3 Empress Ambulance Service Contract Extension:
◦ Moved to the consent agenda a resolution for a two-year contract extension (July 1, 2025–June 30, 2027) with Empress Ambulance Service, Inc., for emergency medical services, with a 2% annual fee increase ($826,545 for Year 1).
4 Reallocation of HOME and HOME-ARP Funds:
◦ Proposed reallocating $474,429 of unused HOME and HOME-ARP funds to the Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program, supporting 39 households. A public hearing was scheduled for June 10, 2025, with a 30-day comment period.
5 Reallocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds:
◦ Proposed reallocating $250,000 of CDBG funds for elevator replacement at the Boys & Girls Club Mascaro Clubhouse. A public hearing was set for June 10, 2025.
6 Budget Amendment for NYS DEC Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate Program:
◦ Moved to the consent agenda an ordinance correcting a mathematical error in Legislation No. 35-2025, adjusting the 2025 budget to reflect a $30,000 NYS DEC Zero Emission Vehicle grant.
7 Grant Applications for Stormwater and Resilience Projects:
◦ Moved to the consent agenda resolutions authorizing grant applications for:
▪ Inland Flooding and Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (IFLWRPIP): $874,575 for Sub-Basin 5 stormwater improvements, with a $97,175 city match.
▪ Resilient Watersheds Grant (RWG): $450,000 for Sheldrake River and $8,145,000 for LINC stormwater improvements, with city matches of $50,000 and $905,000, respectively.
▪ Coastal Rehabilitation and Resilience Projects (CRRP): $3,275,665 for City Park drainage improvements, with a $363,963 city match.
▪ Westchester County Stormwater Management (BPL-26): $971,750 for Sub-Basin 5, with a $971,750 city match.
8 NYSERDA Clean Energy Communities Grant:
◦ Moved to the consent agenda an ordinance accepting a $997,500 NYSERDA grant for a solar array at the Intermodal Transportation Center, amending the 2025 budget with no local match required.
9 City Charter Amendment for Taxable Status Dates:
◦ Held a public hearing on amending Sections 105 and 107 of the City Charter to shift the taxable status date from May 1 to December 1 and adjust the assessment calendar to streamline budgeting and reduce tax refunds.
Other Business:
• Executive Session: Convened to discuss two litigation matters and two proposed real property leases. Council Member Shane A. Osinloye recused himself from part of the session due to a conflict of interest.
• Citizens to be Heard: James O’Toole (230 North Avenue) spoke, though no specific details were provided.
• Future Meetings: Scheduled for May 13, 2025 (Regular Legislative Meeting), June 10, 2025 (Committee of the Whole), and June 17, 2025 (Regular Legislative Meeting).
Adjournment:
The meeting adjourned at 7:09 P.M.
This summary reflects the key discussions, presentations, and legislative actions taken during the New Rochelle City Council meeting, based solely on the provided document.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.