From the Office of the New Rochelle City Manager
New Rochelle City Manager Wilfredo Melendez
Dear Neighbors,
It’s hard to believe we’ve entered the last 4 months of the year. August was a time for many to squeeze out some of the last bits of fun from the summer, but our City team has been at work ensuring that we close out 2026 delivering essential services, improvements and changes for our residents.
On August 7th, we took a big step in helping students and families get ready to return to the classroom with our Back-To School Supply Giveaway, in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle. New Rochelle Youth Bureau staff and some of our Summer Youth Employment Program participants spent days organizing pens, notebooks, crayons and backpacks to hand out to eager parents and students. And while extreme heat changed plans for staging distributions outside of City Hall, our staffers and volunteers moved the event indoors and successfully handed more than 1,000 donated items. We’d like to thank BGCNR, along with our other community partners and volunteers for helping students get prepared for the new school year.
The week of August 7th also marked the end of another successful year for the City’s Summer Youth Employment Program. Led by the New Rochelle Youth Bureau, 500 of New Rochelle’s young people ranging from ages 15 – 24 spent the summer working across more than 80 participating sites, developing valuable skills, aiding local businesses and City offices, all while earning a paycheck. This year, SYEP referred 20 youth to additional employment opportunities and increased the level of local businesses participated in the program by 60%. This program is a key investment in the future of our City and we couldn’t be prouder to continue providing this opportunity.
Many of you may have noticed the latest development in the ongoing capital improvements at Ward Acres Park. On August 13th, a groundbreaking ceremony kicked off the construction of the Ward Acres Park Comfort Station. Once completed, the new facility will include two bathrooms and a storage room to help support Parks Department operations and better serve visitors. Since water and sewer service will need to be installed, some temporary lane closures on Quaker Ridge Road will occur. We ask for your patience for any delays associated with this construction, knowing that the result will improve the community asset that is Ward Acres Park.
Last month, we became aware of reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in New Rochelle. While the City does not oversee or participate in federal immigration actions, we remain committed to ensuring that all residents can continue to access City services without fear and have the opportunity to thrive. I encourage anyone looking to learn more on this subject to visit NewRochelleNY.gov/immigration for additional information and answers to frequently asked questions.
Our City’s advisory committees are a key part of our community-driven approach to governance. And in that spirit, we’d like to invite residents to apply for our new Immigrant Affairs Advisory Committee (IAAC). This new, 9-member committee will serve as a link between City Council and the community, ensuring that New Rochelle remains a welcoming, inclusive and supportive home for residents of all backgrounds. Applicants must be current New Rochelle residents aged 18 or older, should have experience working with immigrant populations, non-profits, legal advocacy or community outreach and able to attend regular committee meetings. You can find out more about the IAAC and apply online by visiting NewRochelleNY.gov/iaac. Applications are due by September 11th.
This September 11th marks 25 years since the attacks the World Trade Center and Pentagon that changed life as we know it. It’s hard to believe that much time has passed and there are teens and young adults who only know of the day from books and second-hand accounts. We plan to commemorate this milestone 9/11 anniversary with a special gathering on the Front Lawn at 10 AM here at City Hall and invite you to join us for this moment of community reflection and remembrance.
On Saturday, September 19th, a more festive tradition continues here at City Hall with our 13th Annual New Rochelle Street Fair. In what’s become a great tradition, vendors food trucks and families will fill North Avenue and Hamilton Avenue from 11 AM – 5 PM for a day filled with music, laughs and fun. We’d love for you to come and be a part of the fun.
With all of these developments out of City Hall, we also want to make sure you’re aware of all the ways to connect with us. You can sign up for our NewRo Alert system at http://www.newrochelleny.gov/newroalert to receive calls, texts and/or email updates. The MobileNR app, available on the Apple App Store Google Play Store, is also a great tool to let us know about any non-emergency concerns in your neighborhood. Our City social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and X are great resources to find out what’s happening and share your thoughts. And my monthly City Manager Update, available at NewRochelleNY.gov/citymanager, will give you more insight into the City’s initiatives, projects, and programs.
As we keep working for you and our City, we welcome any feedback and all feedback. I encourage all residents to reach out to my office with any questions, comments or suggestions. Thanks for your continued support and partnership and I look forward to connecting with you.