From the Office of the New Rochelle City Manager
New Rochelle City Manager Wilfredo Melendez
Dear Neighbors,
As we close out 2025 and my first year as City Manager, I gratefully look back on a year of progress, defined by milestones we have reached and by the steady steps forward that have made a meaningful difference. As outlined in my 2025 Work Plan, we have furthered our work throughout the year in the areas of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Sustainability and Stewardship, Economic Development, Opportunity Prosperity and Growth, Community Building and Resilient Infrastructure. We have much to applaud: the rollout of MobileNR app; increased Community Engagement by our Police and Fire Departments; the adoption of an updated GreeNR sustainability plan, completion of a Climate Vulnerability Assessment and development of a Climate Adaptation Plan; the launch of our downtown Retail Strategy and the Vanguard Initiative; continuation of our robust Summer Youth Employment Program and increased Senior Citizen programming; and improvements to our roadways, downtown parking garages, and stormwater systems, just to name a few.
In November I presented my 2026 proposed budget to the City Council. The budget addresses Council priorities and resident needs while maintaining service levels and continuing our investment in critical infrastructure, stays within the tax cap and for the first time in over a decade, does not utilize our unassigned fund balance to help balance the budget. Proposed 2026 Budget Initiatives include Year Three of the Ten-Year Flood Mitigation Program, increasing roadway repaving and repairs citywide, continued investment in economic development and businesses, capital improvements at Ward Acres Park, implementation of a Community Forest Management Plan, and so much more. After a public hearing (December 2nd) and Council input, I am confident the final budget will be adopted in December.
You can find more information regarding the 2026 proposed budget at www.newrochelleny.gov/2026proposedbudget and you can view all of the budget presentations that were made to City Council at https://newrochelleny.gov/proposedpresentation.
Here are a few updates and reminders:
Free Holiday Parking Downtown: In continuation of a holiday tradition and to encourage holiday shopping in New Rochelle, enjoy free two-hour parking in the City at most of our Municipal Lots December 1- 31 from 9 AM to 9 PM. The City will also offer free two-hour parking at the New Roc Garage for the Fifth Annual Holiday Market during operating hours.
Holiday Market Returns: Enjoy our annual festive market indoors this year at New Roc City(29 LeCount Place, 2nd floor). Step into a charming winter village featuring artisans, artists, crafters, delicious food, live performances and an indoor skating rink. The market will be open from November 28 through December 14, weekdays from 4-8 PM and Saturdays & Sundays from noon- 8 PM.
North Avenue Bridge Construction Update: The North Avenue bridge replacement project is entering its final phase of construction with the reopening of a single southbound lane to traffic, allowing motorists to travel downtown without a detour at Lockwood Avenue or Memorial Highway. Northbound traffic will continue to travel in a single lane through the work zone as the contractor conducts final work on the new span, including completing sidewalks, installing traffic signals and roadway lighting, and finishing construction at a pocket park. Traffic is anticipated to be in its final configuration on the bridge by the end of the year—two travel lanes in each direction and a dedicated lane on southbound North Avenue to turn left onto Garden Street, weather permitting.
Holiday Events: Finally, the City will have a number of special events for the holiday season. In addition to the Holiday Market, events include Drive-Thru Selfie with Santa, Rudolph’s Red-Nosed Romp, the Chamber of Commerce Holiday Lighting, Santa’s Parks Tours, and the Kid’s Roc’n New Year’s Eve event at Ryan Sinkfield Park.
Information on all of the above are on our City website, newrochelleny.gov and our social media channels.
As we close out 2025, I am grateful for the dedicated employees of all of our departments and bureaus, who work hard to serve the community all year long. And I want to extend my thanks for the support from all of you in New Rochelle who continue to do your best for our neighborhoods and our City. I wish you all a safe, happy and healthy holiday season.