SEE: New Rochelle City Council RLM May 13, 2025
NEW ROCHELLE, NY (May 12, 2025) — The New Rochelle City Council is set to vote on a series of resolutions and ordinances during its regular legislative meeting on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, including free parking for the 2025 Downtown Summer Sizzle Concert Series and a two-year extension of the city’s contract with Empress Ambulance Service, Inc.
The council will consider a resolution to provide free parking at the Library and Library South municipal parking facilities every Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., from June 7 to August 30, 2025, to promote the second annual Downtown Summer Sizzle Concert Series and support local businesses. Excluded from the free parking are several facilities, including City Hall, New Roc Garage, and the New Rochelle Transit Center Garage.
Another key item is a resolution authorizing a two-year extension of the contract with Empress Ambulance Service, Inc., for emergency medical services, from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. The annual fee for the first year is set at $826,545, a 2% increase from the previous contract, with a potential increase of up to 2% for the second year. “Empress Ambulance Service, Inc. has provided emergency ambulance services at the Advanced Life Support Care level to the City of New Rochelle for a number of years, working collaboratively with the New Rochelle Fire and Police Departments,” the resolution states. Funding is available in MUNIS Account 3417.46700.
The council will also address environmental and infrastructure initiatives. A proposed ordinance would correct a mathematical error in a previous budget amendment for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate Program, adjusting the accepted grant amount to $29,000. Additional resolutions authorize grant applications for stormwater improvement projects, including $874,575 for Sub-Basin 5 improvements, $450,000 for Sheldrake River enhancements, $8,145,000 for LINC stormwater projects, and $3,275,665 for City Park drainage improvements. Each requires a 10% local match from the city’s Flood Mitigation Fund.
A $971,750 grant application to the Westchester County Stormwater Management Law program for Sub-Basin 5 improvements, requiring a 50% local match of $971,750, is also on the agenda. Additionally, an ordinance will accept a $997,500 grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s Clean Energy Communities program for a solar array installation at the Intermodal Transportation Center, with no local match required.
The council will vote on an ordinance to use $71,720 in forfeiture funds to purchase IT hardware for the New Rochelle Police Department to maintain security and compliance with the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) standards. “The hardware in approximately 75 computers within the New Rochelle Police Department will be insufficient to meet the requirements necessary to receive and support Microsoft Windows updates,” said Police Commissioner Robert Gazzola in a memorandum.
Public hearings are scheduled for June 10, 2025, to discuss reprogramming HOME and HOME ARP funds to Tenant-Based Rental Assistance and Community Development Block Grant funds for a new elevator at the Boys & Girls Club Mascaro Clubhouse. Proposed amendments to the city’s zoning code and a new local law to regulate massage establishments will also be introduced, with public hearings set for June 10, 2025. The proposed regulations aim to address illicit activities at massage establishments, requiring licenses and setting operational standards. “The establishment of regulations governing massage establishments is necessary to promote and protect the public health, safety, and welfare,” said Buildings Commissioner Paul Vacca.
The meeting will take place at 6:15 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 515 North Avenue, New Rochelle.
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.