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New Rochelle News

August 14, 2009

Mid-Year Budget Report Highlights Fiscal Challenges

Revenue Declines in Rough Economy

From a broad and long-term perspective, New Rochelle's economy is sound. We have comparatively high wealth and employment levels, we have not experienced widespread destabilizing foreclosures, and our fiscal management has been excellent. For these reasons and others, New Rochelle will weather the current economic storm, and emerge poised for future progress.

In the short-term, however, like almost all other cities, we face very difficult fiscal challenges. According to newly-released mid-year data, our revenues are likely to fall roughly $3 million short of budget projections. Sales taxes have been particularly hard-hit and account for about two-thirds of the projected shortfall. These revenue losses are only partially off-set by savings in local government expenditures achieved through a hiring freeze and other efficiency measures.

As reported in the local media, the City Manager has suggested that contractual salary increases for municipal employees be deferred for two years. This single step would greatly relieve our budgetary pressure, although the City will almost certainly need to consider other options, as well.

The City Administration and Council will begin budget deliberations for 2010 in mid-November, and it is premature to speculate about the precise choices available to us. Nonetheless, it is important that the public be aware of our circumstances now, so that we can confront this challenge together, as a community.

You can read Finance Commissioner Howard Rattner's mid-year budget memo HERE.

Crime Rate Down Again

City Maintains Exemplary Public Safety Record

New Rochelle continues to be among the safest cities of its size nation-wide. During the first half of 2009, Part I crimes dropped 16.5%, with incidents of robbery, rape, aggravated assault, and larceny all declining by double-digits. Of course, even one crime is one too many, but these latest statistics are gratifying, and they highlight the good work of our Police Department, working in concert with citizens and community leaders.

City Receives Federal Homeless Prevention Grant

Enlists HOPE Community Services and Legal Services of Hudson Valley

As part of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (aka "the Stimulus Bill"), cities like New Rochelle received funding to help families retain permanent housing and avoid homelessness. Our allocation, determined by formula, is almost $700,000. Since learning of this grant, the City has consulted with not-for-profit service providers and with other communities to determine how best to utilize these resources. This week, the Council acted to designate two sub-grantees, HOPE Community Services and Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, to administer the funds. These entities will support eviction prevention efforts, outreach, budget counseling, rent and utility subsidies, and other services that might help families and individuals at risk of homelessess.

New Book Celebrates New Rochelle History

Barbara Davis Authors "Images of America: New Rochelle"

History buffs (and anyone with an interest in our community) should get a copy of "Images of America: New Rochelle" by City Historian Barbara Davis. Barbara has assembled wonderful photographs and renderings, together with informative and entertaining explanatory notes that illustrate the growth and evolution of New Rochelle over the decades and centuries. It is a truly fascinating look at our city.

You can order a copy of the book online from Arcadia Publishing. Or pick up a copy in person at the New Rochelle Public Library. Also, come meet Barbara at a book-signing this Saturday, August 15th from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the Curtain Shop at 541 Main Street.

Get Connected & Spread the Word

Sign Up for Bulletins from BID, Council on the Arts

In addition to my own newsletter, there are many other great sources of information about events and activities in New Rochelle. I find that many people are simply unaware of all that our community has to offer, so please consider signing up for the following, and also spread the word to neighbors and friends.

New Rochelle Business Improvement District

Sign up for email bulletins on the right side of the home page.

New Rochelle Council on the Arts

Become a member to receive regular updates on cultural happenings.

Council Approves Honorary Naming of Pathway at Carpenters Pond

Celebrates Memory of Rabbi Jacob & Debbie Rubinstein

In April 2008, our community suffered a tragic loss when a house fire claimed the lives of Rabbi Jacob and Debbie Rubinstein. This past week, the City Council acted on an application from members of Young Israel of Scarsdale, supported by the Stratton Hills neighborhood association, to name the pathway at Carpenters Pond in the Rubinstein's honor. This is a fitting tribute that will serve as a lasting reminder of the Rubinstein's great contributions to New Rochelle's civic and spiritual life.

ShopRite Coming to New Rochelle

New Supermarket Takes Former Home Depot-Expo Site

ShopRite is taking the space previously occupied by Home Depot-Expo on Palmer Avenue. Reaction to the news has been mixed, with some looking forward to additional competition for Stop & Shop, and also glad to fill a prominent vacant space with a credible tenant. Others had hoped that this location would be occupied instead by a retailer that could fill an unoccupied niche in the community and generate additional sales taxes. My own reaction encompasses both of these feelings. The City, in any case, has no control over this matter, because supermarkets fit within retail zoning.

Public Art Installation Completed at Trump Plaza Bridge

"Tidal Song" Enlivens Huguenot Street

Months ago, the City, the Municipal Arts Commission, and Cappelli Enterprises selected artist Catherine Widgery to create a work of public art to enliven the pedestrian bridge that crosses Huguenot Street at Trump Plaza. Ms. Widgery's design, entitled "Tidal Song" was recently completed. You can view two striking images of the installation HERE and HERE. And, of course, you can view the installation yourself, either from the exterior or the interior, by visiting the bridge.

More Positive Notice for Bicycle Initiative

City Action Attracts National Attention

As previously reported, the City recently adopted new requirements for bicycle parking. This is one of several measures aimed at making New Rochelle more "bicycle-friendly." Although relatively modest, this action positions New Rochelle as a planning leader and has generated considerable positive attention, as illustrated by the entry on the Huffington Post HERE.

Invitation to Join Host Committee for 40th Birthday Celebration

Please Save the Date: December 13, 2009

On December 13th, I will celebrate my 40th birthday with a champagne brunch for friends and supporters. This will also serve as my first major political fund-raiser in more than three years. I would be very grateful for your help with this event. If you are interested in serving on the Host Committee, please contact Finance Director Leslie Molinoff at lesliefm@aol.com or 914-263-8848. To learn more, you can read this letter from Ms. Molinoff or download this sign-up form.