From the Office of the New Rochelle City Manager
New Rochelle City Manager
Wilfredo Melendez
Dear Neighbors,
Happy spring! We closed out the first quarter of the year with a busy agenda. In March, the City of New Rochelle unveiled its 2025 GreeNR Climate Action Plan, an ambitious plan to reduce the city’s environmental footprint, enhance climate resilience, and ensure equitable access to climate resources for all residents. As a living document, it expands on the original 2011 framework with actionable steps to address today’s challenges, from improving public waterfront access to greening neighborhoods and enhancing walkable infrastructure. By aligning these efforts with our broader sustainability goals and my 2025 Work Plan, we will create a greener, safer, and more inclusive New Rochelle for generations to come. At our March meeting we also heard an update from our Police Department, including plans for use of the kiosk in Library Green for new downtown Bike Patrols.
On March 24 we kicked off the spring cohort of New Rochelle Forward, our free six-week construction jobs training program with an open house that attracted developers, community partners and interested applicants. Designed to build the capacity of individuals to effectively compete for the opportunities created by the unprecedented development boom in the city and beyond, NR Forward connects participants to certification courses, hands-on training, career readiness, case management, and job placement services through our First Source Referral Center. The next training session begins April 14. More information is available at www.ideallynewrochelle.com/forward/
Looking forward to upcoming events, the City Council will host a series of district Community Meetings that will bring our City departments out to your neighborhood for an informational evening. The schedule is as follows, with all meetings from 6:30-8:00 PM:
• Districts 5 & 6: April 21, Ward Elementary School Cafeteria, 311 Broadfield Road
• District 4: April 22, New Rochelle Public Library, 1 Library Plaza
• District 3: April 29, Remington Boys & Girls Club, 1 Remington Place
• Districts 1 & 2: May 14, Jefferson Elementary School Cafeteria, 131 Weyman Avenue
If you are unsure of your Council district, you can find it on the City website at newrochelleny.com/districtmaps
In April we are planning our Arab American Heritage Recognition event at City Hall, and on April 23, we will host a Prostate Cancer Screening event in the Rotunda from 12:30-5PM. On April 26, join us for a “SustainableNR” Earth Day celebration at Anderson Plaza, and our Parks Cleanup weekend April 26 and 27. A full schedule of City events is available online at newrochelleny.com/events.
For Real Estate Professionals, the City will host a program on April 7 at City Hall to give updates on the Section 8 Housing Program, housing inspection requirements, and the City’s Down Payment Assistance Program.
If you are interested in serving our City, there are openings on the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Telecommunications & Cable Advisory Committee. Apply by April 10 at noon. By joining one of our volunteer boards, committees or commissions, residents have the opportunity to contribute their expertise to the community. As new vacancies arise, they are posted to our City website and social media accounts.
Registration continues for our Parks and Recreation Department’s Fun in the Sun Summer day camps, now offering free bus transportation. And our Summer Youth Employment Programs are accepting applications until April 28. Youth Employment is one of the elements of the 2025 Work Plan and our City budget can accommodate jobs for 500 youth this year.
On May 3, the American Red Cross is hosting a “Sound the Alarm” free smoke alarm installation in New Rochelle on Saturday, May 3. Register and learn more at SoundTheAlarm.org/mnyn or call (845) 673-1198. While most installations will be scheduled for May 3, alternate times can be arranged. Also happening on May 3 is our annual “TagNR” Community Tag Sale on Hamilton Avenue at City Hall- with booth applications currently available- and Kite Day at Davenport Park.
I would like to end with some Public Works reminders. Yard waste collection begins April 7. Please place materials curbside the night before collection. You can find your collection day online and also sign up for a customized collection schedule through our Recycle Coach app which will provide alerts and reminders so you’ll never miss a pickup day again. Food scraps collection bins are available for sale in our Public Works Office at City Hall, 515 North Avenue during working hours 8:30AM to 4:30PM.
As always, my office and staff are ready to assist you with any questions or concerns. We can be reached at (914) 654-2140 or by email at citymanager@newrochelleny.com.