New Rochelle's Momentum Continues

Aug 1
5 min read

Dear New Rochelle Community,

Neighbors, these last few weeks have reminded me why I love this job. Whether it was sharing our story with leaders from across the country or watching new storefronts open their doors right here at home, New Rochelle keeps proving it's a city on the move.

Mayor Yadira Representing New Rochelle

Kicking off the NewDEAL Leaders Ideas Summit: I was honored to be invited into NewDEAL, a selective network of center-left elected leaders known for pragmatic, results-driven governance. Being invited was humbling enough, but being asked to lead a discussion on our New Rochelle model, and share what we've built here with leaders from across the country, made it even more special.

Listen to the panel here starting at 1:22.
Appointed Treasurer of the African American Mayors Association: AMA is the only national organization dedicated exclusively to representing African American mayors, and I'm proud to now serve on its leadership team alongside some amazing mayors from across the country!

Talking housing policy with the Pew Charitable Trusts: I participated on a panel titled "The Fiscal Case for Building Homes Near Jobs and Transit." This is exactly the kind of smart growth we've been doing right here in New Ro, and it was great to make the case on a national stage.

The Civic Edit: I participated in this super fun interview with Anya Ahuja, a high school student from Scarsdale who is interviewing local electeds in their communities in a super fun format. Be sure to check out my interview!

Across the Table with Mayor Mike Spano: So much fun at the premiere episode of Across the Table with Mayor Mike Spano. He is launching a new conversation series that brings together leaders from across the region for candid discussions, friendly competition, and a fresh perspective on the issues shaping our communities. I was happy to be his first guest

City Council Highlights:

Rose on Main lottery opens in September: We kicked off the lottery for this newly constructed condominium community in the heart of downtown with an event encouraging residents to apply. It's one of the only opportunities in New Rochelle to own an affordable, modern home in a vibrant, growing neighborhood.
- Paired with our recently expanded down payment assistance program, I'm excited about the doors this opens for our residents to become homeowners.

CCRB held its inaugural meeting on July 8: Back in 2020, as the Council Member for District 3, I had the privilege of chairing our police reform committee, which led to the creation of the New Rochelle Community Police Partnership Board (CPPB). One of its responsibilities was recommending a framework for the Civilian Complaint Review Board, which the Council accepted and adopted in 2023. Seeing this group formed and convening is a full circle moment for me. Learn more about the CCRB here.

May Council session included robust updates from the Department of Parks and Recreation and a Parking Study update.

Davenport Neck zoning update: In June, we received a report on proposed zoning changes for Davenport Neck. After three community meetings at Trinity, where staff and Council heard directly from residents, staff proposed changes that protect the character of Davenport Neck while allowing the City to generate revenue for infrastructure improvements like sidewalks. The public hearing is scheduled for September 8.

Downtown Overlay Zone amendments approved: These changes expand housing options by permitting missing-middle development (think townhouses and lower-scale buildings), promote green building practices, and strengthen downtown retail.

Quality of Life Initiative update: The City Manager shared several highlights: parking violations for double parking have doubled, our contract with HOPE Community Services is expanding to support unhoused members of our community, new legislation is being proposed requiring buildings with 25+ dwelling units to install dog waste stations, and we're adopting an integrated pest management program to bring down the rat population downtown.

Mid-year development update: The Commissioner of Development shared a comprehensive update covering GreNR, downtown activation, housing, mobility, and economic opportunity.

NewRO Strong! Liliana's Playground ribbon cutting: Lou and Sandy Monteleone generously donated $400,000 to build a brand new playground right in the heart of D'Onofrio Park. Generations of families will make memories there because of their generosity.

Coffee with the Mayor:

ICYMI, I recently summarized the different coffees/conversations I have hosted in the first half of the year! Coffee with the Mayor started in 2025 and has grown in ways I couldn’t image!

There will be two more Coffee with the Mayor events in 2026. Be sure to mark your calendars!

Sunday, September 20 from 11:30am -12:30am at 16 Handles
Sunday, November 15 from 10am -11am at the New Rochelle YMCA

New Businesses

New Rochelle continues to attract exciting businesses. Please join me in welcoming our newest additions to the community!

Teriyaki Madness (20 LeCount Place): From fresh teriyaki bowls to flavorful grilled favorites. This company was also a recipient of the city’s tenant improvement program.

The Master Barber Lounge (620 Main Street): Cody, NRHS alum has opened this upscale barbershop right on Main Street.

North Manhattan Eye Center (145 Huguenot): Dr. Ferreria, another NRHS alum expanded his eye center, opening a second location right at home, here in New Rochelle.

Mona (15 Leroy Place): The wonders of Shirley’s India are expanding! Mona’s focus is a strong cocktail program paired with elevated small bites! Be sure to keep a look out for the beer garden this family is also opening this fall which also is a recipient of the city’s tenant improvement program.

Casaroma (391 Huguenot): A recipient of the City’s tenant improvement program, Casaroma celebrated a grand re-opening showcasing the way the city’s grant program allowed them to elevate their space.

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!

The Self Studio (632 Main Street): Check out this amazing yoga studio, located right on Main Street (right down the block from the Master Barber Lounge). This yoga studio is also a recipient of the city’s tenant improvement program.

The Gentleman’s Lab aka TGL (1291 North Ave.): Hugo and James are both also NRHS alum who have expanded their upscale barber shop with the opening of a second location! Their second location is in the Wykagyl Business District (their first is right near Iona University).

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,