Flood Mitigation Projects Discussed; Snow/Pothole Recap Update Presented
by Stephen E. Lipken
City of New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert called the April 14th Committee of the Whole meeting to order, beginning with Department of Public Works (DPW) Flood Mitigation Update for 2026. by DPW Commissioner Alvaro Alfonzo Larrain and City Engineer/Deputy DPW Commissioner Gino Frabasile, P.E.
Frabasile presented an overview of Flood Mitigation Projects, reviewing awarded grants and anticipated grants, ready for Public Hearing, late 2026-early 2027. “There were six construction and two engineering projects between late 2024 and early 2026, targeting flood-prone areas throughout the State, including design and construction of stormwater piping upgrades at Harmon Drive and Storer Avenue.
“It is important to note that the Emerson Avenue Project, although it was a study, did actually emphasize some improvements that we will make late 2026 with a shallow surface channel to improve stormwater demands. It is located in a floodplain, wetland area.”
Regarding Snow/Pothole Recap and Update:
• 47 water main breaks and
• 1,769 potholes repaired
• 19 locations listed for enhanced repairs
• 82 streets in need of pothole repairs
Finance Commissioner Alistair Featherstone presented a proposed amendment to the City Code, regarding a Property Tax Exemption for veterans with 100% service-related disability, passing by voice vote.
Other business included proposed authorization to execute Intermunicipal Agreement with Westchester County re: BPL-26 Storm Water Management funding for Sub-Basin 5 Stormwater Improvements and amending Ordinance No. 198 of 2025, the Budget of the City for 2026;
Proposed Acceptance of NYS Dormitory Authority (DASNY) relative to grant awards for Reservoir No. 1 Lake Isle Dam; Proposed Authorization to Submit Grant Application re: NYS Department of Transportation (NYSDOT)) Roadway Departure Safety Action Plan (RwDSAP) Local Call for Projects for Pinebrook Boulevard.
Police Department business encompassed Proposed Amendment to Chapter 312 of the City Code re: Vehicle Impound Authority-Ordinance of City Code amending Chapter 312 “Vehicles and Traffic” in relation to removal and impound of vehicles and definition of abandoned vehicles; Proposed Amendment to the 2026 Budget re: NYS Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) Tactical Team Grant Award in the amount of $75,000 and amending Ordinance No. 198 of 2025, the City Budget for 2026; Ordinance accepting DHSES Explosive Canine Team Grant amounting to $60,000.