New Rochelle News

December 07, 2005

Note from Noam

Dear Friends,

This month's update will likely be my last as a City Council Member. Yesterday, my colleagues on the Council announced that they had chosen me to serve as Mayor of New Rochelle, taking the place of Tim Idoni, who was elected last month to the position of Westchester County Clerk. The appointment will become official in early January, and you will soon receive an invitation to an inaugural ceremony. I am excited about the opportunities and challenges ahead, and will do my very best to serve our entire city well.

In case you are interested, the text of a press release on this subject and of my statement following the Council's announcement are below.

Although I do not yet know the form and manner in which my future news bulletins will be written and distributed, it is my goal to continue providing information concerning civic issues on a regular basis. Of course, I will also continue to welcome comments and suggestions from you. Indeed, I will need your advice and assistance more than ever.

If I am a little slower than usual in responding to phone calls and emails during the next few weeks, it is because I will be immersed in transition planning and because Catie and I are expecting the birth of our second child any day now. I ask your forgiveness in advance.

Catie and I send our best for a happy and healthy holiday season. And we look forward to an eventful 2006.

Warmest regards,

Noam

City Manager's Budget Proposal

The City Manager has released his budget proposal for 2006. It includes a 4.5% increase in the property tax rate, with a simultaneous 20% reduction in the residential refuse fee. The latter is the first of several planned reductions that will eventually phase out the fee entirely. These two steps result in an effective tax increase for the typical homeowner of 1.7% ($70), or about half of last year's inflation rate. It is worth noting that New Rochelle's municipal tax rate will remain the lowest among Westchester's urban centers, including Yonkers, White Plains, Mount Vernon, and Peekskill.

In terms of services, the budget proposes a very modest expansion in our Police force and an enhancement of the Planning Division in our Department of Development. These are appropriate steps in light of the major downtown development now underway. Public Safety and Public Works continue to account for the lion's share of our operating expenses, comprising roughly two-thirds of our costs.

Finally, the budget includes $5.8 million in capital expenditures, most of which are funded through grants, with $2 million coming from the City's general fund. In my judgment, this may be the component of our budget that falls shortest of the community's needs.

It is possible that the Council will amend the budget prior to adoption next week, but I think it likely that the budget's core components will be approved as proposed.

Ward Acres Fact Sheet

As previously reported, the City has commenced a comprehensive review of Ward Acres to help guide the park's preservation and improvement in the years ahead. Because many people have very strong feelings about Ward Acres' condition and usage patterns, this issue has stirred intense debate. In order to ensure that public consideration of such an important issue is based on accurate information, rather than rumor or falsehood, the Department of Parks and Recreation has drafted a Ward Acres "Fact Sheet." The text of this document is below. Please feel free to circulate its contents to friends or neighbors with an interest in the subject.

Downtown Planning Study Completed

In order to plan intelligently and proactively for the new housing and retail either under construction or on the drawing boards for our downtown, the City has commissioned a detailed study to examine current and future infrastructure, traffic, and service needs in the central business district.

The just-completed analysis, prepared by the planning firm AKRF, indicates that the imminent wave of new development can be accommodated by existing road networks and service levels, but that future growth could require additional public investment. Among the steps that may be taken in the years ahead are introduction of a managed traffic system for the downtown, construction of a new multi-level public parking facility, and/or increases in our public safety and public works staffing levels. The costs of such investments, while significant, would be far lower than the fiscal benefits generated by the associated economic development.

AKRF has also recommended the adoption of a new "floating" zone that could provide density bonuses to developers in exchange for public goods such as: construction of new public parking, creation of open space and parkland, rehabilitation of historic sites and buildings, or exceptionally high-quality architectural design.

Christmas Tree & Menorah Lighting Set for December 8th

Downtown Parking Free Starting December 12th

The Holiday season gets underway in New Rochelle tomorrow with the Chamber of Commerce's annual Christmas tree and menorah lighting. The event will begin at 5:30pm at Memorial Plaza (intersection of Main Street and Memorial Highway.) The public is invited to attend. In addition, most off-street public parking areas in downtown New Rochelle will be free for the holidays, beginning on Monday, December 12th.

Ossie Davis Honored

Ossie Davis was perhaps New Rochelle's most renowned and celebrated resident. As an exceptionally talented actor and as a leader in so many struggles for social justice, Mr. Davis commanded respect on the international stage. His death earlier this year was a cause for great sadness among his neighbors here in New Rochelle and among his countless admirers throughout the world.

In recent months, a committee led by Council Member Jim Stowe worked to evaluate different suggestions for honoring Mr. Davis's remarkable life and his connection to New Rochelle. This past Monday, the committee's efforts culminated in a ceremony, attended by Ruby Dee and the Davis family, in which the theater at the New Rochelle Public Library and Library Green were both renamed in Ossie Davis's honor. This is a fitting tribute to a wonderful man and neighbor.

Screening Vacant Lots

At my suggestion, the City Council is likely to adopt new regulations that require the owners of vacant lots in commercial areas to screen their properties with wrought-iron fences and evergreens. This requirement, while certainly not a substitute for positive development of underutilized lots, will help improve the appearance of several commercial arteries and limit the blighting influence of vacant -- and often unkempt -- properties. The currently vacant parcel on North Avenue, directly across from Beechmont Drive, is a good example of a site that will benefit from this treatment.

Text of Press Release on Mayoral Selection

NEW ROCHELLE, NY, December 6 -- City Councilman Noam Bramson will be appointed New Rochelle's twenty-third Mayor. Bramson is the choice of the City Council to replace Tim Idoni, who was elected Westchester County Clerk last month.

The announcement of Bramson's selection was made at an afternoon press conference at New Rochelle City Hall attended by Idoni and five Council Members. Bramson's Mayoral appointment will become official in January, after Idoni vacates the office.

In a statement following the announcement, Bramson pledged that he would "work my hardest, to the best of my ability, to make our community an even better place." Bramson cited downtown and waterfront planning, investment in environmental and neighborhood priorities, and relief for taxpayers as some of his major objectives.

"It will be my goal -- indeed my responsibility -- to build a relationship of trust and openness with the people in every part of our city," continued Bramson.

Bramson noted that New Rochelle faced big challenges, but concluded that he was "filled with optimism about the future."

Bramson, 35, is a life-long resident of New Rochelle. A Democrat, he was first elected to represent the City's Fifth District in 1995. Bramson won his reelection bids in 1999 and 2003 with more than seventy percent of the vote. Bramson is currently both the longest-serving and the youngest member of the City Council.

In his ten years of public service, Bramson has acquired a reputation for hard work, creativity, and responsiveness. Together with his colleagues, he has been at the forefront of efforts to attract more than $1 billion in private investment to New Rochelle's central business district and to expand public access to New Rochelle's shoreline. Bramson has also spear-headed several Council initiatives, including, among many others: development of an affordable housing policy, a ban on pollution-generating incinerators, adoption of a tree protection ordinance, and implementation of North Avenue corridor improvements.

A product of the New Rochelle public schools, Bramson went on to Harvard University, where he received a Bachelors Degree in Government and a Masters Degree in Public Policy.

Since 1992, Bramson has maintained a professional relationship with Congresswoman Nita Lowey. As an aide and consultant, he has addressed critical priorities such as health care, school modernization, and international relations. Lowey called Bramson "an exceptionally talented public servant. Noam is smart, hard-working, and principled."

Bramson has served on the Boards of numerous civic organizations, including the New Rochelle Campership Fund, the Castle Gallery, the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence, the New Rochelle Council of Community Services, the Westchester Jewish Conference, and the United Way of New Rochelle.

Bramson is married to Catherine ("Catie") Stern, Ph.D., a clinical pediatric neuropsychologist, affiliated with Family Health Associates. Their son, Jeremy, is almost two years old. They are expecting their second child this month.

Under the New Rochelle City Charter, Bramson's appointment by the City Council will run through the end of 2006, with a special election occurring in November for the final year of Idoni's unexpired term. The regularly scheduled Mayoral election for a full four-year term will occur in November 2007.

Bramson's appointment as Mayor will create a vacancy in the Fifth Council District, which will be filled by the City Council early next year.

Statement by Noam Bramson Following Mayoral Selection

Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.

Let me begin by saying, first, that I am truly honored and humbled by the confidence of my colleagues and their support to be New Rochelle's next Mayor. And, Marianne, thank you in particular for your very kind words, which meant so much to me. This is an outstanding Council, reflective of the diversity and talent within our city. I have the highest respect for each of its members. And I look forward to drawing upon their wisdom, as we move forward together, as a team.

I am also so pleased that Mayor Idoni is joining us this afternoon. Fourteen years ago, Tim took charge of a city in deep distress. Thanks to his leadership, Tim will leave a city that is enjoying success on almost every front, and is poised for still more in the years ahead. All the people of New Rochelle should be very grateful for Tim's exceptional efforts and his unparalleled record of accomplishment.

So that there's no confusion: we have only one Mayor at a time, and Tim will remain our leader until he assumes his new responsibilities in January. But I hope it is not too early, Tim, to wish you well in the next phase of your professional life. And to say that you will be sincerely missed here in City Hall.

Second, I would like to offer my thanks to our City staff and employees for the hard work they do every day to serve New Rochelle. I believe with all my heart that public service is an honorable calling, and that whatever our specific responsibilities, whether we work in this building or in the field, whether we keep our streets safe or keep our streets clean, whether we write the law or enforce the law, all of us are engaged together in the mission of building a stronger, more vibrant community. And I will be proud to serve with each of you.

In particular, I would like to express my confidence in our City Manager, Chuck Strome. I have enjoyed working with Chuck for the past ten years, as he has acquired progressively larger responsibilities. He is a skilled and responsive public servant, and I know we will extend and deepen our relationship in the months ahead.

Finally, and most importantly, I want to say to all the people of New Rochelle that I will work my hardest, to the best of my ability, to serve you and to make our community an even better place.

It is a source of pride to me, that those who know me best, in the Fifth Council District, have three times chosen me to be their representative. I am aware, however, as I prepare to assume this new office, that many in our community as a whole do not know me, or at least not yet. It will be my goal -- indeed, my responsibility -- to build a relationship of trust and openness with the people in every part of our city.

There is so much for us to do -- from enhancing our planning and development efforts downtown and on the waterfront, to investing in our neighborhoods, environment, and quality of life, to relieving the financial burden on taxpayers and homeowners, to establishing common objectives that unite our diverse city. These are big goals, and they require us to work together.

So I want every resident to know that their voice counts, and that the talents and contributions and ideas of every well-intentioned citizen will be embraced with gratitude by me and by our City government.

I have lived in New Rochelle all my life. I love our city for what it is and what it represents. We have been on a long journey, and today we face new challenges, but I am filled with optimism about the future and hope you will share my enthusiasm for the exciting job ahead.

I wish you a happy holiday season. May God bless each of you. And may God bless our great city.

Thank you very much.

Text of Ward Acres Fact Sheet

From The Department Of Parks & Recreation

In recent weeks, several erroneous rumors and allegations have circulated concerning Ward Acres and the City's ongoing planning process for the park. In order to ensure that discussions about Ward Acres are guided by accurate information, the Department of Parks and Recreation offers the following fact sheet.

If you have questions about the issues below, please feel free to contact Commissioner of Parks and Recreation Bill Zimmermann by phone at 654-2092 or via email at wzimmerm@ci.new-rochelle.ny.us.

Park Planning Goals

The City Council and Administration believe that Ward Acres is a uniquely valuable public asset deserving of protection and appropriate care. Although the City has devoted resources over the years to general maintenance of the park, clearance of trails, and erection of signs, these efforts have been insufficient to preserve the park's ecological health.

Today, the park suffers from an array of negative and worsening conditions, including invasive species, eroded trails, poor way-finding, and seasonal flooding. In addition, the park contains several publicly-owned buildings, all of which are in poor condition. While it might be possible to address these conditions in a piecemeal fashion, it was the judgment of the City Council and Administration that a comprehensive, open, and inclusive examination of the park's present and future would best serve the public interest.

The City Council and Administration do not intend to sell any portion of the park, construct new housing on the site, create new athletic fields, or alter Ward Acres' essential character as a place for the enjoyment of nature.

Selection of and Payment to Park Consultants

In August 2005, the City selected Vollmer Associates to help develop plans for Ward Acres and facilitate public discussion about the park's present and future. Vollmer was one of four consulting groups that responded to an open and public Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by the City. Vollmer was selected from these submissions based on the quality and depth of their relevant experience. City staff made this selection without influence by or participation from any member of the City Council.

Vollmer's fee of $75,000 is consistent with the scope of their responsibilities and the challenges associated with intelligent planning of a park as large and sensitive as Ward Acres. The fee is NOT paid for out of tax revenue or the City's general fund. Instead, it is paid through the proceeds of a "Recreation Impact Fee" charged to the builders of new housing within New Rochelle. These fees are deposited into a trust fund that is reserved exclusively for recreation purposes.

Proposals vs. Possibilities

In making its presentation to the public, Vollmer has outlined many ideas for park usage and investment. These should not yet be regarded as "proposals" or "plans," but rather as possibilities intended to stimulate thought and discussion. Vollmer will not make any formal proposals until the end of the planning process, after two additional public meetings and extensive public input and review, including direct participation from a committee of community stakeholders. It is likely that many of the ideas presented initially for discussion will ultimately be rejected as impractical, lacking public support, or incompatible with higher priorities. It is also possible that Vollmer will suggest a phased approach to park improvement, with short term, medium term, and long term goals. No member of the City Council or Administration has prejudged the outcome of this planning process.

Historic Value of the Barn

The Ward Acres barn has been identified by local historians as a noteworthy architectural asset and an important physical link to New Rochelle's rural past. One goal of the planning process is to assess the practicality, cost-effectiveness, and potential benefits of preserving and/or reconstructing the barn. To achieve this goal, it will be important to determine whether there are potential uses of the barn that complement the desired character of the park as a whole. Here again, no member of the City Council or Administration has prejudged the outcome of the planning process.

Tenancy in the House at 764 Pinebrook Boulevard

For several years, it has been City policy to discontinue residential rentals in public property. The City is not well equipped to be a landlord and has often encountered legal and other problems in its landlord-tenant relations. By the time it was vacated in May of 2005, this house was the only remaining residentially-occupied property owned by the City.

Although the rental agreement with the house's last tenants permitted cancellation with only a thirty day termination notice, the City, nonetheless, extended the agreement and provided the tenants with a five month period in which to secure alternate housing. This followed a request for a yearly lease extension by the tenant that totaled three years from 2001-2004. These discussions were conducted in a sensitive fashion, respectful of the tenants' interests and wishes.

At the same time, the City Council and Administration made a policy determination that the Ward Acres house at 764 Pinebrook Boulevard might be utilized for a park-related purpose, if consistent and compatible with the future use of the park. The City considered retaining a conservation and trails specialist who could occupy the house and serve as a park care-taker, but ultimately opted to defer any decisions about specific usage of the house until the conclusion of the Ward Acres planning process.

While the house is in obvious need of repair and has been secured and boarded for several months, no cost estimate has yet been made for rehabilitation, re-use, or re-occupation. This item will be addressed within Vollmer's final analysis report.