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The first work plan released by City Manager Wilfredo Melendez highlights the City of New Rochelle’s key objectives in 2025 including enhancements to public infrastructure, improved sustainability and resilience measures, expanded economic opportunities, and increased community engagement and public activations

New Rochelle City Manager Wilfredo Melendez released the City of New Rochelle Work Plan for 2025, presenting a comprehensive roadmap to implement initiatives outlined in New Rochelle’s 2025 Adopted Budget. City Manager Melendez’s first-ever work plan maps out City-wide projects for the upcoming fiscal year, aligning with long-term priorities and addressing residents’ evolving needs.

With a 2025 budget of $276.5 million recently adopted by the City Council, including a dedicated allocation of $50.9 million for 2025 Capital Projects, City Manager Melendez has developed an implementation plan that will amplify initiatives across five key pillars: public safety and emergency preparedness, resilient infrastructure, economic development, environmental sustainability, and community building. The Work Plan serves as a bridge between these targeted projects and the City’s broader objectives, ensuring strategic investment in the community’s future.

“The 2025 Work Plan is built on five key pillars that make New Rochelle a vibrant place to live and work, serving as our North Star for growth and improvement across public safety, infrastructure resilience, economic development, and community engagement,” said City Manager Wilfredo Melendez. “The proposals in this plan are just the tip of the iceberg–initiatives like the LINC,  stormwater mitigation, and community-driven initiatives will solidify our City as a national model. The dedication of our City workforce, partners, and City Council is essential to realizing these initiatives, and I am grateful for their commitment to a dynamic, forward-thinking New Rochelle.”

Planning & Public Works

Infrastructure and critical facility investments take center stage this year. Focused on planning, building, and maintaining essential facilities and systems, these investments support the community’s functionality, growth, and quality of life through a resilient and sustainable approach. Initiatives include essential repairs and renovations for roads, parking structures, parks, and playgrounds, alongside long-term projects aimed at strengthening the City’s infrastructure. The City’s ten-year flood mitigation program will address growing climate risks through drainage improvements, dam safety measures, and roadway upgrades. Additionally, enhanced walkability and connectivity remain priorities, with the completion of the LINC public park design and the planned renovation of the New Rochelle Transit Center, reinforcing mobility and accessibility .

Environmental Sustainability & 

Resilience 

New Rochelle has long been a leader in environmental sustainability, and in 2025 the City plans to undergo ambitious efforts to ensure ecological health, support biodiversity, and promote long-term environmental resilience. The City is expanding its GreenNR program, a comprehensive initiative designed to enhance community resilience and empower residents to reduce their environmental impact with City-supported resources. This initiative will advance responsible resource management, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability through a range of efforts, including a tree inventory and community forest management plan, renewable energy incentives for businesses and residents, a food scrap recycling program, an enhanced waste management strategy, and climate adaptation measures. Additionally, a climate vulnerability assessment will identify gaps and opportunities for improvement, ensuring that New Rochelle continues to build a greener, more resilient future.

Economic Development

New Rochelle prides itself on being a city of opportunity, building a robust economic foundation by fostering business growth, attracting new investment, and diversifying the local economy. With a rapidly growing downtown and expanded support for small businesses, the City is well-positioned to welcome new entrepreneurs and drive long-term prosperity. The Work Plan outlines initiatives for a further revitalized downtown featuring a diverse mix of shopping and dining options alongside new entertainment, arts and cultural uses such as the Black Box theater, revitalization efforts in the West End, North Avenue, and the Vanguard District, free parking initiatives, and year-round educational and workforce training programs. These investments strengthen the City’s economic landscape, ensuring opportunity and growth for residents and businesses alike.

Community Engagement

As New Rochelle continues to grow, the 2025 Work Plan will continue public events and activations to foster connections and strengthen community bonds across all ages and backgrounds. Kicking off with the highly anticipated grand opening and first full season of programming at the Downtown Recreation Center, these efforts will enhance engagement and inclusivity citywide. Youth-focused initiatives—including the Youth Justice Advisory Committee, partnerships with the New Rochelle School District, improvements to the Mascaro Boys & Girls Club, and expanded waterfront opportunities—will provide meaningful experiences for young residents. Additionally, the City will move forward with its Quality-of-Life initiative, a comprehensive set of proposals to enhance essential community services, on both the physical infrastructure side and on the human side. Housing resources will also become more accessible, with the expansion of Section 8 housing opportunities to support 70 new eligible families and increased assistance from the New Rochelle Municipal Housing Authority, ensuring greater stability for residents.

Public Safety & Preparedness

New Rochelle remains steadfast in its commitment to the safety, security, and well-being of its residents. To reinforce this priority, the City has allocated over $89 million in the 2025 budget to public safety and emergency services. By strengthening community engagement in policing and fire services, residents will have a greater voice in shaping essential safety practices. Increased patrols in key areas, upgraded communication systems, and improved traffic control measures will help maintain a safe and accessible downtown at all hours.

Presented to the New Rochelle City Council on February 11, 2025, the 2025 Work Plan serves as a strategic roadmap, outlining key objectives and initiatives that drive progress while addressing community priorities. Aligned with the City’s vision and mission, it fosters innovation and delivers meaningful impact.

Residents and stakeholders can access the City of New Rochelle 2025 Work Plan at https://newrochelleny.com/DocumentCenter/View/20357/2025-Work-Plan.