From the Office of the New Rochelle City Manager
New Rochelle City Manager Wilfredo Melendez
Happy New Year!
As we welcome 2026, we begin the year with a renewed sense of purpose and momentum. Last month the City Council adopted a balanced, responsible budget that supports core services while investing strategically in our community’s future. With this framework in place, we can continue advancing the priorities that matter most to residents, from improving roadways and strengthening stormwater infrastructure to expanding recreational opportunities, enhancing public safety and supporting small businesses and local not-for-profits. The adopted budget ensures that our investments remain focused on enhancing quality of life across every neighborhood and allows us to maintain the City services residents count on while also positioning us to meet new challenges with resilience and innovation.
By now you should have received the 2026 DPW collection calendar and information booklet. Per that calendar, the week of January 19 will follow a holiday collection schedule as City offices will be closed on Monday in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Day. I encourage you to download the Recycle Coach app and get a customized pickup schedule for your address, as well as answers to your toughest recycling questions. It complements our MobileNR city app, through which you can report quality of life issues, submit complaints and easily access City services. Both apps are available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.
As the winter storm season begins, I would like to remind residents of how the City prepares for and responds to snow and ice events. When a storm is forecasted for our area, the City closely monitors weather reports and receives detailed updates. At least 24 hours in advance, preparations begin, including scheduling staff shifts, mobilizing equipment, and applying brine to main roads and roads near schools and public safety facilities.
Once snow accumulation reaches approximately two inches and conditions allow, plowing operations begin. The City’s Streets and Highways staff, with assistance from the Bureaus of Traffic Services and Sanitation, are responsible for clearing most city streets. Contractors assist with plowing smaller residential streets. The entire plowing operation is supported by staff from the City’s Central Garage.
Sidewalks adjacent to City-owned properties are cleared by Sewers and Drains crews. Snow removal at City Hall and the Police Station is handled by Buildings and Grounds staff, while Parks and Recreation crews’ clear sidewalks surrounding park facilities and park parking lots. Municipal parking lots, along with adjacent sidewalks, are cleared by the City’s contracted parking operator.
As a reminder, the City Code requires owners, lessees and/or occupants of a property to clear snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their homes and businesses. When conditions warrant, the City may offer free parking in certain municipal locations, including the Transit Center Garage and the New Roc Garage, to ease the cleanout burden for on-street parkers and to help crews more effectively clear streets.
Ahead of any new winter weather, please sign up for our NewRo Alert system to receive calls, texts and/or email updates from City Hall. We also post important messages on our social media accounts, cable access channels and on the City website. Sign up at www.newrochelleny.com/newroalert.
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. As always, your feedback and engagement help shape our efforts, and I encourage all residents to stay involved as we move forward. I look forward to a productive, hopeful, and community-centered 2026 for our City and for all who call it home.