New Rochelle News

April 15, 2009

Dear Friends

In addition to this month's news items, let me note that I will be delivering the keynote address at the annual Westchester County Holocaust Commemoration on Sunday, April 19th at 1:30pm. The program, sponsored by the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center, includes musical performances and a moving presentation from Holocaust survivors and their families.

This event is free and open to the public, so, if you are interested, please consider attending. For more information or to make a reservation, please call 914-696-0738 or email hhrec@bestweb.net. Here again at the event details:

Westchester County Yom Hashoah Commemoration
Sunday, April 19th, 2009 at 1:30pm
The Hebrew Institute of White Plains
20 Greenridge Avenue
White Plains, NY 10605

On an entirely different note, please know that I am once again offering summer internships in my office. More information on this is available in the news bulletin.

Catie joins me in sending best wishes,

City Launches Effort To Create Sustainability Plan

New Rochelle One Of Just Three Cities Nation-Wide Chosen For Pilot Project

Learn more about PlaNYC.

Learn more about ICLEI.

Watch a sustainability presentation to the City Council.

Download the ICLEI power point presentation to the City Council.

Earlier this year, the premier international umbrella organization for sustainable communities, called ICLEI, announced an exciting initiative: a handful of cities throughout the nation would be selected to work with ICLEI staff to craft local versions of New York City's PlaNYC.

PlaNYC is widely regarded as the best long-term municipal planning document in America. It represents an integrated approach to transportation, infrastructure, land use, and much more, with clear objectives and metrics to measure progress. You can find more information about PlaNYC HERE.

Twenty-four cities applied for this tremendous opportunity to tap into ICLEI's expertise. I am delighted to report that, along with Newark and Miami-Dade, New Rochelle is one of just three communities to be chosen.

During the coming year, we will work to craft a comprehensive blueprint, based on national-caliber knowledge and local community input, for meeting the critical planning challenges of this century, with tremendous potential benefits for all residents of New Rochelle. You will hear much more about this issue as our efforts unfold.

Bid And City Team Up To Promote Downtown Restaurants

"Sawbucks" Program Offers Dining Discounts

There has never been a better time to experience New Rochelle's growing and diverse downtown restaurant scene. Through a partnership between the BID (Business Improvement District), City, and participating restaurants, $10 coupons, called "Sawbucks" have been mailed to thousands of households. You can also download coupons HERE or from the BID website at www.newrochelledowntown.com.

"Sawbucks" can be printed and used multiple times at all ten participating restaurants — Bella Bella, Brickyard Bistro, Coromandel, Coyote Flaco, Gnarly Vine, La Herradura, Little Mexican Cafe, Mo's New York Grill, Posto 22, and Rangoli. The coupons are redeemable from Monday through Thursday until May 31st.

Visit the BID's website.

Download "Sawbucks" Coupons.

The "Sawbucks" program is more than just a clever marketing campaign. High quality restaurants are essential to downtown New Rochelle's future, but these are also among the businesses that suffer most during an economic downturn, so eating out in New Rochelle is more than an act of self-indulgence — it also helps support progress in our community.

Summer Internships Available In Mayor's Office

Outstanding Opportunity To Learn About Government

Download more information about Summer 2009 internships.

I am once again offering unpaid summer internships in my office at City Hall. Applications are welcomed from college students or students planning to enter college in 2009. Applicants must have an interest in government and public policy, possess good research and writing skills, and demonstrate a professional, courteous demeanor. This year's internships will likely have a particular focus on the development of New Rochelle's long-term sustainability plan — a complex project with environmental, economic, and social policy components.

You can learn more from the fact sheet HERE. If interested in interviewing for a summer internship, please forward a resume and cover letter to my Assistant Angela Taylor at ataylor@newrochelleny.com no later than May 15th, 2009.

Community Garden Established At Ward Acres

Break Out The Overalls!

Learn more about the Ward Acres Community Garden.

A volunteer committee, working in concert with New Rochelle's Department of Parks and Recreation, has established a new community garden at Ward Acres. The garden, located immediately west of the Ward Acres barn in a semi-enclosed rectangular field, offers a great opportunity for individuals and families to become better acquainted with agriculture and nature — and also to enjoy the pleasures and health benefits of fresh produce. For more information or to get involved, please contact Stephanie Tomei at 914-834-4096 or stephjoetomei@optonline.net or Joe Rogot at 917-613-5720 or joerogot@optonline.net. Please note that there will be an informational meeting at the garden site on May 2nd at 9:00am and that applications to participate must be submitted by May 4th. You can learn more from the flyer HERE.

North Avenue & Lincoln Avenue Streetscape Projects Underway

Major Improvements Expected For Critical Roadways

Preliminary construction and utility work is now underway, marking the beginning of major streetscape upgrades for two local thoroughfares — North Avenue and Lincoln Avenue.

The North Avenue project will extend the new sidewalks, street trees, and other design features already in place around Iona College south to the Memorial Highway overpass. In addition, landscaping will be introduced at Hamilton Avenue and The Boulevard. This work is funded by federal community development block grants.

The Lincoln Avenue project involves a complete reconstruction of the road, from North Avenue to the New Rochelle line, including pavement, sidewalks, storm drains, and various traffic calming features. The Lincoln Avenue designs were significantly modified with input from surrounding neighborhoods. This project is funded primarily by federal and state grants, with a small local match.

Gym Floor Proposed To Be Replaced At Remington Boys' & Girls' Club

New Surface Will Improve Safety, Playability

The Remington Unit of the Boys' and Girls' Club is a valuable community resource, utilized on a regular basis by countless youngsters. Unfortunately, the wooden gym floor at Remington has significantly deteriorated over the years as a result of normal wear and tear, coupled with excessive moisture, and it is now largely unusable.

To help preserve recreational and social opportunities at Remington, the City Council intends to program unexpended federal community development block grant dollars for the replacement of the gym floor. A public hearing on this subject will be held May 12th, and I do not anticipate any opposition.

New Rochelle Marina Goes Green

Serves As Model For Environmental Practices

Without much fanfare, the New Rochelle Marina has quietly positioned itself as one of the "greenest" such facilities in the region, setting an outstanding example of enlightened environmental stewardship. Following is a sampling of practices initiated or employed by Marina Harbormaster Sal Gugliara:

  • All catch basins now have hydro-carbon filters to prevent storm water run off.
  • An oil-water separator has been installed in the wash down area to prevent run off during bottom washing.
  • Filter and hay bails are used during bottom washing to prevent paint chips and other foreign debris from entering the harbor.
  • All boat bottom wash water is recycled and reused saving approx 30,000 gallons of water per year. In addition, filtration removes heavy metals (zinc, copper, lead) as well as paint chips and aquatic growth from reentering the Long Island Sound.
  • Last year, the Marina created a shrink-wrap recycling program involving all the marinas in the New Rochelle community. Approximately 20,000 pounds of low density polyethylene plastic was removed from the waste stream. This program is expected to continue in 2009.
  • This year the marina has switched vendors and will only use environmentally sound cleaning products made of all-natural, mostly citrus, non-toxic ingredients.
  • All light bulbs as needed are being switched to longer-lasting CFLs.
  • As upgrades to the facility take place, occupancy sensors are being installed in bathrooms and non-essential areas.
  • The Marina facilitates the collection of waste oil, paints and used bottom painting brushes for proper disposal.
  • Through grants, the Marina has upgraded its pump-out facility and will operate a pump-out boat to service all New Rochelle area marinas.
  • Fuel spill prevention rings are used during fueling on the gas dock.
  • A program of daily sweeping of the parking lot area during summer months prevents parking lot run off.
  • Marina personnel use battery-powered vehicles as much as possible to complete daily tasks.
  • All power equipment purchased runs on rechargeable batteries when possible.
  • Recycling of paper and cans/bottles is strictly enforced during the summer season, with sorting done by Marina staff.
  • Lumber from current dock resurfacing will be recycled, thus saving on carting costs.

School & Library Elections On Tuesday, May 19th

Please Remember To Vote

Local elections for our School and Library budgets and for positions on the Board of Education and Library Board of Trustees will take place on Tuesday, May 19th. Please remember to turn out and cast your ballot. If you are interested in my recommendations, you can read about them HERE.