Fall Highlights & What’s Ahead

Yadira Ramos-Herbert
37 minutes ago
4 min read

Friends, thank you for being part of this journey with me. Every day, I’m reminded of how far New Rochelle has come and how much we can achieve when we work together. Below is a look at some of the meaningful progress we’ve made, along with a candid glimpse into the conversations shaping what comes next.

The City Council will hold budget meetings on Wednesday, November 12, at 3:45 PM (rescheduled from the original date due to the November 11 holiday) and Tuesday, November 18, at 4:00 PM, with an earlier start to accommodate department presentations.

These sessions offer the best opportunity to hear updates from every department and learn about priorities for the year ahead. The final budget vote will take place in December. All meetings are live-streamed, and recordings are available on the City’s website. A copy of the proposed budget is available here.

Yadira Representing New Rochelle

I am grateful that trusted and reputable media sources have reached out to learn more about exciting and positive developments in New Rochelle. Take a look at some of my favorites:

City Council Highlights: Continued Productivity

The City Council continues to advance initiatives that enhance the quality of life and reflect our values of equity, sustainability, and community. A few key updates:

2024 Audit: In September, the City Council received an independent 2024 audit report which confirmed that New Rochelle remains in strong fiscal health, even as several one-time commitments, including retroactive public safety pay and prepaid pension costs, temporarily drew down reserves. Because revenues are outperforming projections this year and additional funds are expected to return to the unassigned balance in 2026, the City is already on track to rebuild reserves. The audit findings are being used proactively to guide the 2026 budget and strengthen long-term financial stability and communication with Council.

City Park RFP: Flowers Park is one of New Rochelle’s most beloved community spaces, and we are committed to keeping it public parkland for generations to come. The recent RFP is an early step to explore ideas for improving the athletic fields and addressing long-standing flooding issues. As that work continues, residents will be at the center of shaping a plan that reflects the value this park holds for our city.

Good Cause Eviction passed 6-1. I’m grateful to my Democratic colleagues for championing stronger tenant protections. This matter was discussed at several meetings linked here: September 9th; October 15th; and October 21st.

Traffic Regulation Changes Adjacent to Schools: Updated to align with new school hours and improve student safety.

Resolution Opposing Natural Gas Pipeline Expansion: Proud to stand alongside my Democratic colleagues for clean energy and environmental responsibility.

Downtown Parking Updates: The Commissioner of Development presented a robust and comprehensive assessment of short, medium and long term interventions to make parking more intuitive and customer-friendly.

Vacant Storefront Registry Program: A proactive tool to reduce commercial vacancies, preserve welcoming streetscapes, and support leasing and visibility for new businesses.

Economic Mobility Leadership Institute Mini-Cohort Grant: The City of New Rochelle, through its participation in the African American Mayors Association (AAMA),was awarded $5,000 to support estate planning education and generational wealth-building for New Rochelle families.

Youth ENRAC Auxiliary Youth Board Members Sworn In: The first Youth Representatives were sworn in as members of the City’s Ecology and Natural Resources Advisory Committee (ENRAC).

Stormwater Mitigation: Flood improvements continue citywide — including a major upgrade at Pinebrook & Briar Circle to improve drainage and pedestrian safety.

Coffee with the Mayor: Let’s Stay Connected

Our monthly Coffee with the Mayor pop-ups are all about real conversations — in the very places neighbors gather. I hope to see you at one soon:

Sat., Nov 15 at 10am – Café Haven at The Stella (10 LeCount Pl.)

Sun., Dec 7 at 11:30am – 16 Handles (77 Quaker Ridge Rd.)

New Businesses/Expanding Businesses

The Alary: Located at 33 Westchester Place the building has 315 apartments and 174 parking spaces.

The Leaf: Located at 500 Main Street has a community space, church and retail space on the first floor. The building has 477 units with 119 affordable for residents earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income.

The Allen: Located at 247 North Avenue has 307 units and will boast one of New York's largest geothermal heating and cooling systems.

Clearwave Mental Health: Located at 1 Radisson Plaza, Suite 1007, New Rochelle, this business will provide individualized psychiatric and therapy services for all conditions.

Made by Megan Medical & Laser Spa: Located 1317 North Avenue, New Rochelle is relocating to New Rochelle and is a comprehensive beauty hub, offering a wide range of services, including injectables, body contouring, laser hair removal, and makeup application.

The Cannabis Reserve: Located at 1307 North Avenue, New Rochelle this is New Rochelle's second legal adult dispensary and offers the first Kosher section provider in New York State.

Want more New Rochelle specific information?

Please be sure to check out the city’s calendar which is a nice and easy way to keep track of all of the events taking place in the City. Or sign up for the City Newsletter to stay in touch with City News!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office with any questions, concerns, or ideas. Let’s keep working together to move New Rochelle Forward.

Regards,