Grandpas United Program Promotes Mentoring, Intergenerational Activities

By Stephen E. Lipken

The New Rochelle Youth Bureau received a $25,000 grant from the White Plains Youth Bureau for Grandpas United Program, listed on the New Rochelle City Council Regular Legislative Meeting (RLM) May 17, 2022 Consent Agenda.

White Plains Youth Bureau received a Legislative Grant from the State of New York to provide mentoring, leadership and intergenerational activities though Grandpas United Program, whose mission is to improve the lives of children, youth and older adults through intergenerational activities.  Project period is from April 1, 2022 through March 31, 2023.

Grandpa Program encompasses a Senior Youth Worker; Program Coordinator; Maintenance and Operation: Supplies/Equipment; Trips/Admissions/Transportation and Refreshments.

NR Youth Bureau was awarded a grant of $71,428 from the Westchester County Youth Bureau (WCYB). The purpose of this funding is to be used in any one of the following categories: A. Infrastructure; B.

 Transportation/Vehicle Lease/Purchase; C. Needs Assessment; D. Board Recruitment. WCYB anticipates this agreement from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022, based on contract compliance, appropriation of funds to Youth Bureau and execution of service agreement.

Public Hearing was designated for Tuesday, June 14th  at 3:45 p.m., regarding Local Law, Intro No. 2, to adopt a new Section 9B of the City Charter, regarding redrawing of Council Districts after the 2020 Census. Mayor Noam Bramson noted some concern regarding the District 3 demographics and called on District 3 Council Member Yadira Ramos-Herbert (pictured on the left) to make a presentation.

“Most of our Districts are compact,” Ramos-Herbert began.  “Disparity is 11.38%; Maximum Allowed, 5%.  There are two metrics, Voting Age Population (VAP) and Citizens VAP (CVAP).  Black VAP is 42.2%; Plurality: 5.4%; Black CVAP, 47%; Plurality 22.3%.” 

“Summary: Balanced Population, Disparity Between Districts Within Acceptable Limits. Fair Representation: Black Voting Strength in CD3 Increases; Hispanic Voting Strength in CD1 Preserved; Minority Influence Maintained/Enhanced Across City. Respect for Neighborhoods: Vast Majority of Neighborhoods Unified in a Single District; No Cohesive Neighborhood Split in Three.  Stability and Continuity, No Change for 94% of Residents.”