New Rochelle in Motion
- May 11
- 4 min read
Dear New Rochelle Community,
The last few weeks have shown exciting progress for our city. From representing New Rochelle on the regional and state stage to seeing new businesses open their doors right here on our streets, there is so much to celebrate.
This newsletter highlights the work your city government is doing on your behalf, and I hope it reflects the energy, dedication, and promise that make New Rochelle such a special place to call home.
Mayor Yadira Representing New Rochelle
News 12 feature — Reflecting on my experience serving as Mayor during Black History Month, sharing what this historic moment means for our community.
Co-moderated a roundtable discussion alongside the Governor of New York focused on housing policy and the importance of cutting red tape to enable more building and address our regional housing shortage.
Participated on a housing panel alongside Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Manhattan Borough President Brad Holyman-Sigal, and Maurice Grey, Principal Broker of a Harlem-based real estate firm. I appreciated the chance to discuss the nuanced and innovative approach New Rochelle has taken on housing development as a proof point for much larger municipalities.
City Council Highlights:
City Hall Community Meetings: Your City Hall kicked off its 2026 community meetings. At these meetings residents are able to hear from the city council representative, yours truly and our City Manager. Residents then have a chance to speak directly with commissioners/department heads. A link to the presentations and dates for districts 1, 2 and 3 can be found here.
Department of Public Works (DPW) Presentation covering three key areas:
Stormwater mitigation projects underway this year
Recap of this winter's snow removal operations, including a preview of areas for improvement
Pothole repair plan — to date, the City has repaired close to 1,800 potholes, a 24% increase compared to last year
View the DPW presentation deck
NRPD Commissioner's Presentation covering an overview of crime statistics and the department's ongoing initiatives to strengthen public safety under his leadership.
$399,000 donation approved for the renovation of D'Onofrio Park, generously contributed by longtime New Rochelle residents Lou and Sandra Monteleone to the Friends of New Rochelle Parks Foundation.
New Economic and Small Business Development Hub authorized in partnership with Iona University at 500 Main Street — offering local entrepreneurs workshops, mentorship, networking opportunities, and co-working space.
Property tax exemption approved for veterans with 100% service-related disability — a meaningful recognition of the sacrifice our veterans have made.
Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee convened to continue empowering residents to shape how city funds are spent.
Public hearing held on amendments to the Downtown Overlay Zone. Check out the City's Instagram post for a clear breakdown of the proposed changes.
City awarded $99,080 to 12 different nonprofits as part of the inaugural THRIVE grant program, which will help support various nonprofits in our community. Learn more here.
Ward Acres Improvement: The City of New Rochelle is offering a generational investment in Ward Acres Park. Learn more about the planned changes here.
ICYMI
The North Avenue Bridge project over I-95 is complete! Under the leadership of Governor Hochul the NYS Thruway invested $31.8 million dollars in improving a 65-year-old crossing with a modern wider span that enhances safety and improves traffic flow along the busy route that’s used by approximately 20,000 motorists each day.
Additionally, the bridge’s vertical clearance over I-95 was raised more than two feet to 16 feet 6 inches to enhance safety and reduce the chances of collisions by over-height vehicles. Further improvements were made to adjacent streets and a city pocket park.
Coffee with the Mayor:
Join me for informal conversation over coffee! I look forward to hearing directly from residents about what matters most to you. All are welcome — no appointment needed.
June 6, 2026 | 10:00–11:00 AM | Cafetero at the New Rochelle Train Station
July 11, 2026 | 10:00–11:00 AM | Casaroma Cafe, 391 Huguenot Street
New Businesses
New Rochelle continues to attract exciting businesses. Please join me in welcoming our newest additions to the community!
Wingstop (500 Main Street): Classic or boneless wings, tenders, and over 11 iconic flavors cooked-to-order.
PickleRage (173 Huguenot Street - in the former New York Sports Club): A premier climate-controlled facility with 13 regulation-size pickleball courts and golf simulators.
New Rochelle Racquet Club (130 Rhodes Street):
Celebrated 50 years of this location serving as a beloved recreational hub serving our community.
CoCo Bubble Tea (230 North Avenue): A world-renowned bubble tea franchise founded in Taiwan with over 5,000 locations globally, now calling New Rochelle home. Owner Haseeb Shah also owns Cafe Haven at the Stella!
TaiChi Bubble Tea (1321 North Avenue): This franchise offers delicious-tasting bubble tea, ramen, and poke bowls on the North End of New Rochelle.
Fast Signs (371 North Avenue): Business owned by New Rochelle residents seeking to help elevate your strategic visual communication to enhance your business. It's exciting to see the activation of the ground floor space!
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.
With gratitude and pride,
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