Resolution Number 9 Declares Lead Agency for DOZ Amendments
By Stephen E. Lipken
Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert called the Tuesday, December 9th New Rochelle City Council meeting to order, beginning with Consent Item Number 4, alloting an $8,400 annual grant per year to support overtime patrols directed at combatting DWI crimes.
Resolution 6 authorizes the City Manager to transfer City Council member Sara R. Kaye’s $5,000 stipend to Feeding Westchester; Resolution 7, transfering $2,500 of Councilman Matthew A. Stern’s stipend to United Community Center and $2500 to Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle (Mascaro Branch) to be used for the “How Well Do You Know Me” program and Resolution 8, $5,000 of Councilman David Peters’ stipend to the Bethesda Community Enrichment Corporation (Older Adult Care Center). Councilman Shane Osinloye’s stipend transfered $2,000 to HOPE Community Services, $2,000 to Feeding the Sound and $500 to Westchester Community Opportunity Program (WestCop).
Resolution Number 9 pertained to Proposed Statement of Intent to Declare Lead Agency Related to Downtown Overlay Zone Amendments (DOZ). Commissioner of Development Adam Salgado introduced fellow panelists, Director of Planning and Susainability Kevin Kain and Sarah Yackel, Principal, Buckhurst, Fish and Jacquemart (BFJ) Planning. “The Downtown Overlay Zone (DOZ) has reshaped New Rochelle’s trajectory,” Salgado stated.
“We see evidence in the growth of sales tax and property tax revenues and have done extensive outreach to the retailers, developers and residents. We are trying to make sure that the next decade of growth delivers higher quality development, stronger retail performance and better public spaces as well as long-term economic value.
“We are here tonight to initiate the State Enviornment Quality Review process (SEQR) and are rebuilding the North Avenue Bridge as well as redesigning the Transit Center,” Salgado concluded.
Yackel noted moderate changes except DO 1, where approximately 1500 housing units were proposed.