Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives Expanded at First Annual "Taste of Union Ave" Event

With a robust long-term commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community engagement, the City of New Rochelle officially announced the kick-off of the first annual Taste of Union Avenue event and introduced a new Spanish-language digital platform, HolaNR. 

About one-third of New Rochelle’s population is Hispanic/Latino making it the largest minority population in the city, which is experiencing dynamic growth as part of its rapid downtown expansion. New Rochelle’s continued growth across sectors and industries is a testament to its comprehensive and inclusive redevelopment plan that has created more jobs for its residents, increased spending at local businesses, and created more cultural and educational programming that is reflective of its diverse communities. 

After months of comprehensive planning, as the community, residents and minority-owned businesses continued to impact the economy of New Rochelle, it was essential to introduce the new Spanish-language digital platform, HolaNR. This platform will provide residents with resources like access to City programs and initiatives, calendar of City events, and important announcements, all in Spanish! English translation will be available, too. This is one of the latest initiatives launched by New Rochelle’s Department of Development, leading diversity and inclusion initiatives across the city. 

Earlier this year, the City Council unanimously voted to create the Hispanic-American Advisory Committee, sponsored by District 1 Councilmember Martha Lopez. The Committee advocates for the concerns and needs of the Hispanic/Latino population in New Rochelle as well as encouraging development and investment in this valuable community. Living in New Rochelle for nearly 20 years, Councilmember Lopez was fundamental in forming the Committee and continues to work diligently with all committee members to encourage development and investment across the City of New Rochelle’s Hispanic/Latino community. It is through Councilmember Lopez and the Committee’s hard work that the Taste of Union Avenue Event and the HolaNR digital platform have become an exciting reality. 

“Digital platforms like HolaNR will increase diversity and inclusion across all aspects of government by offering Spanish language resources and translations to community members in New Rochelle. In addition to supporting Hispanic/Latino residents of New Rochelle, this digital platform will pave the way for greater inclusivity in our city,” said Councilmember Martha Lopez, sponsor of the Hispanic-American Advisory Committee. “HolaNR is just one step that we can take to ensure that all of our neighbors are informed and included in our local government.”

In tandem with HolaNR, the Hispanic-American Advisory Committee and the City’s Department of Development hosted the first annual Taste of Union Avenue Event, sponsored by the New Rochelle Industrial Development Agency and featured over 40 Hispanic/Latino-owned businesses for residents and visitors of New Rochelle.

The first annual Taste of Union Avenue Event took place on Saturday, July 16th on Union Avenue between First and Fourth Streets. This event was an opportunity for Hispanic/Latino business owners to welcome their neighbors into their stores and restaurants. 

“The Taste of Union Avenue Event is just one example of New Rochelle’s commitment to inclusivity and community investment.,” said Adam Salgado, Commissioner of Development at the City of New Rochelle.  “As we continue to invest in our community, it is wonderful to see committees such as the Hispanic-American Advisory Committee promote community involvement and multi-cultural exchange.”

“What better way to experience culture than by tasting authentic food and listening to music!,” said Mariana Jusufaj-Alonso, Chair of the New Rochelle Hispanic-American Advisory Committee. “As a committee, we are very happy and grateful for this event and mostly excited for the commitment that the City of New Rochelle has shown in including our community in the vision of the future of New Rochelle.”

Teeming with authentic food, Union Avenue features Hispanic/Latino grocers, delis, bakeries, markets, and an array of local restaurants for visitors and neighbors along with performances by a Banda, Mariachi group, a DJ, and children’s activities were available for all to enjoy.

New Rochelle and the Hispanic-American Advisory Committee hope to encourage inclusivity and cross-cultural engagement as the city continues to grow and thrive. 

For more information on HolaNR, visit www.EngageNR.com/HolaNR.