GreeNR Dominant Theme at City Council Meeting
By Stephen E. Lipken
New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert opened the Tuesday, March 18th City Council Regular Legislative Meeting, beginning with a Police Department Policing Update by Commissioner Robert Gazzola, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Neil Reynolds.
Gazzola discussed the Downtown Vanguard District, utilizing a new bike unit to address Quality of Life issues (QOL), encompassing Intermodal Transportation Center (ITC), where buses are garaged at the Train Station; New Roc City; Bracey Houses (affordable housing); Monroe University and Downtown Parking Concerns.
Youth Engagement incorporates Mentors in Blue, Summer Learn and Earn (14-27 year olds); Police Youth Cadets (14-17 year olds); Fishing Trips; Bike Rodeo; Back Pack Give-a-Ways; Trick or Treat and Blue Santa.
Summer Engagement consists of Citizens Police Academy; National Night Out; Drug Awareness/Narcan Distribution; Clergy Rapid Response Team and Downtown/Vanguard Blue Unit.
Next, Consent Agenda included an Amendment to City Code regarding trees and shrubs, where vegetation must be trimmed by property owner so the lowest tree branches shall not be less than a maximum of 15 feet or minimum of seven feet in height from the ground. Bushes and vegetation shall not exceed 3 feet in height. Failure to comply will result in the City undertaking the trimming and charging the owner.
In 2025 GreeNR Climate Action, the City aims to expand Green infrastructure to incorporate adoption of bioswales, rain gardens and permeable pavements to manage stormwater and mitigate urban heat; promote Renewable Energy Adoption initiative such as solar panel installations on municipal buildings and incentives for residential and commercial renewable energy systems, reducing dependency on fossil fuels; implement Electrical Vehicle (EV) Master Plan by increasing EV charging infrastructure and integrating it into public and private spaces.
Finally, City submitted a grant application to NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate Program for funding their fleet of 4 electric Nissan Leaf’s. Department of Development was notified of a grant award of $7,500 per vehicle; total rebate to the City, $30,000.