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New Rochelle News

November 19, 2009

City Manager Releases Draft 2010 Budget

Proposals Calls For Deep Spending Cuts, Still Raises Tax Rate

City Manager Chuck Strome has released his draft 2010 budget. You can read Mr. Strome's entire draft budget, including its introductory message, here. The draft budget reflects the impact of the exceptionally difficult economic climate on New Rochelle. In order to limit expenditures and control the tax burden, the City has:

• Cut our workforce by more than thirty positions through attrition and consolidation;
• Drastically scaled-back our already anemic capital budget;
• Cut or deferred a variety of desirable, but non-essential, programs;
• Sought, with mixed success, revenue alternatives to the property tax;
• Utilized, to the maximum degree possible, outside assistance and grants to fund local infrastructure and service priorities.

In the draft 2010 budget, the City Manager proposes to:

• Further reduce our workforce by some ten to twelve positions;
• Freeze salaries for all employees not currently in the midst of a contract cycle;
• Draw down our fund balance to a level below that typically endorsed by municipal finance experts.
• Continue pursuing revenue alternatives, including possible State adjustment of the utility gross receipts tax.

These actions collectively represent a sustained and aggressive effort to rein in costs, and they will yield savings in the millions. Unfortunately, these savings are simultaneously outweighed by other factors that negatively impact our budget, including reductions in sales and mortgage tax revenue and substantially higher pension costs — factors outside of local control or short-term influence. For these reasons, the Manager has also proposed a property tax increase of 8.9%. (Because this applies only to the City portion of the property tax bill, the increase relative to one's total property taxes would be 1.5% or $257 dollars per year for the average taxpayer.)

I am keenly aware of the high level of financial discontent in our community and region. As both a municipal leader and a taxpayer myself, I am distressed by the prospect of any increase in the local tax rate. Regrettably, our choices are limited.

We could not mathematically hold taxes level without firing a significant number of Police officers and fire fighters (these departments are, by far, our primary expense). Such personnel reductions would come on top of the reduced staffing levels already achieved through attrition. In addition to the impact on the particular employees involved, this step would compromise our capacity to ensure a safe city, and I do not believe it would be supported by a majority of our residents.

The City Council will discuss the budget proposal in the weeks ahead and hold a public hearing on December 1st. It is quite possible that changes will be made prior to the budget's adoption, and I am confident that every member of Council will be focused intently on austerity measures that befit the economic climate. Certainly, if you have any constructive recommendations, I will be grateful for your input.

New Rochelle is not alone. Families, businesses, and governments everywhere are finding that the economy leaves us with few good options. I will do my very best, in a transparent and candid fashion, to make the choices that best serve our community's interests and future.

Helping Neighbors in Need

Coming Together for HOPE & Campership

This difficult economy has been particularly hard on the underprivileged residents of New Rochelle. As a community, we can come together to ensure that all of our neighbors have access to the basic necessities. Among many other good options for donations and volunteer service, let me draw your attention to two organizations doing very valuable work.

HOPE Community Services

HOPE Community Services operates the largest soup kitchen and food pantry in our region. Its dedicated staff and volunteers serve hundreds of thousands of meals every year to the elderly, the infirm, young parents with infants and small children, and the unemployed. Unfortunately, as Thanksgiving approaches, HOPE is experiencing a dramatic increase in demand, and hundreds more Thanksgiving meals are needed. To meet this challenge, the City and School District have teamed up to launch a Thanksgiving Food Drive. You can help by making a donation of either food items or money

Food items needed include: Turkeys, Cranberry Sauce, Gravy, Sweet Potatoes, Vegetables, and Pies. Perishable items should be donated directly to HOPE Community Services at 50 Washington Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801, Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Non-perishable items can be dropped off at Room B-3 in the City Hall Annex from 8:30am to 4:30pm. From November 16th through 20th, non-perishable items can also be dropped off in the main lobbies of the following schools: Columbus, Davis, Jefferson, Webster, Isaac Young, and New Rochelle High School.

If it is more convenient for you, then simply write a check to HOPE. Checks are payable to "HOPE Community Services" and can be mailed to 50 Washington Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801. Please note "City-School Food Drive" in the memo section of your check. Contributions to HOPE are tax-deductible. A donation of $30 covers the cost of a single Thanksgiving meal.

New Rochelle Campership Fund

The New Rochelle Campership fund is the only not-for-profit organization in our community that exists solely to send children of financially needy families to summer camp. Since 1957 it has helped 21,831 children enjoy the summer of their lives. Because Campership is run by an all-volunteer board, virtually 100% of every donation goes toward its mission. You can learn more about the Campership Fund and obtain information about making a donation at www.campership.org. Or contact the Chair of the Campership Fund, Martin Friedrichs, at 914-632-8798.

Finally, for an inspiring example of community spirit, read about Lance Cohen, age 12, who is Campership's largest single contributor this year, having devoted his Bar Mitzvah project at Beth El Synagogue to this great cause.

History of Fort Slocum on Davids Island Unveiled

New Website Contains Remarkable Images & Documents

Anyone interested in the history of Davids Island, our region, or our military should spend a few hours exploring the remarkable new website entitled "The Army's Century on Davids Island."

The result of painstaking work by the Army Corps of Engineers and Westchester County Historical and Archives officials, with invaluable contributions from City Historian Barbara Davis and essential funding from Congresswoman Nita Lowey, this website may be the finest historical record of an American military facility ever produced.

Many of us hoped that it would be possible to preserve some of the physical remnants of Fort Slocum, but their deteriorated condition made this highly impractical. This fascinating site is the next best thing, making the history of Davids Island more accessible to the public than ever before.

City Launches Residential Rehabilitation Program

Federal Funds Available for Home Repairs

Income-eligible homeowners may be able to access funding to pay for critical home repairs involving heating, plumbing, windows and exterior doors, roofing, and electrical systems. The City's new Residential Rehabilitation Program aims to preserve and extend the livability of homes owned by low and moderate income families. Especially during this time of serious economic challenge, this initiative will help stabilize property values and preserve homeownership. The program is paid for entirely by federal HOME dollars administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

You can learn more about the Residential Rehabilitation Program and how to apply by reading this brochure. If you have additional questions, please contact Suzanne D'Amato of New Rochelle's Department of Development at 914-654-2023.

"Meet the Leaders" Interviews Me

Program Focuses on Economy, Planning, Environment

I was recently interviewed for a full half-hour on Cablevision's "Meet the Leaders" program. The discussion addressed the economy, planning, development, and our environment, among other topics. My interview will be shown on Channel 78 on this schedule. You can also view the interview "on-demand."

Downtown Showcase Is Big Success

Take a Video Tour of Two Avalon Apartments

As reported last month, the BID's downtown showcase has highlighted the range of quality goods and services available in downtown New Rochelle by furnishing two Avalon apartments utilizing only products from the immediate area. Assisting in this effort were several very talented local designers. To date, the downtown showcase has attracted some 1,500 guests. The last open houses are scheduled for Friday, November 20th and Saturday, November 21st, both from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Visitors will receive a $15 coupon to dine-out downtown. If you can't visit in person, you can take a video tour of apartment 23K and apartment 24A.

While you're at it, please be sure to support the local businesses that contributed to this great effort. In fact, through December 21st the BID is sponsoring a "Buy and Fly" Contest with a chance to win American Airlines tickets with any $25 purchase at participating businesses. See more information here.

Community Commemorates Veterans Day

Annual Event Draws Large Crowd

On November 11th, New Rochelleans gathered at Memorial Plaza to commemorate Veterans Day. This annual observance, which includes representatives of the armed forces, many local veterans, and scores of residents, was made even more poignant in the wake of the tragic events at Fort Hood. I had the privilege of offering brief remarks, which you can read here.

Heritage Award Nominations Sought

Program Celebrates Historic Properties & Structures

The City is now seeking nominations for the third annual New Rochelle Heritage Awards. This program celebrates and raises public awareness about historic properties and structures in the following categories:

1. Residences older than 50 years that are significant to New Rochelle's history;
2. Public or quasi-public structures (e.g. house of worship, home of an organization) older than 50 years that are significant to New Rochelle's history;
3. Stellar restoration, residence;
4. Stellar restoration, adaptive reuse;
5. Home of nationally prominent individual;
6. Significant architect or architectural style; and
7. Landscape or landscape feature (e.g. cemeteries, stone walls, signs, excepting gardens.)

Nominations may be submitted by individuals, organizations, businesses, or municipal representatives. Additional information and nomination guidelines are here. The deadline for nominations is January 8, 2010, with winners to be announced next spring.

Thanksgiving Parade Cancelled

Parade to Return in 2010

New Rochelle's annual Thanksgiving parade has been sponsored and organized for many years by the local Chamber of Commerce. Unfortunately, this year the Chamber was unable to secure the volunteer assistance necessary to oversee the parade and, consequently, opted to cancel the festivities.

Like many residents, I was disappointed by this outcome and am determined to renew a wonderful community tradition next year. Please be assured that the City will be working closely with the Chamber and other community leaders to ensure that the parade returns in 2010, better than ever. I also expect that next year's parade will be held on a weekend to best accommodate the participation of students and school groups. John Valenti, the principal financial sponsor of the parade, has generously agreed to renew his commitment next year and beyond.

Arthur Miller Classic Comes to New Rochelle

"Death of a Salesman" Running from November 19th Through November 21st.

New Rochelle High School's Theatre Works will present its production of "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller at 8:00pm on November 19th, 20th and 21st at the Linda Kelly Theater in the High School's new wing, located at the corner of North Avenue and Braemer. Admission at the door costs $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Plenty of free parking is available.

The production, directed by Scott Zimmerman, features David Cohan as Willy Loman, Juliana Leghorn as Willy's wife Linda, Jon Latz as Happy and Jacob Backer as Biff. The play was produced on Broadway in 1949 and earned both a Tony Award and a Pulitzer Prize for drama. Director Zimmerman says the Theatre Works production has been updated "with flashbacks in the 1980s."

Reminder: Birthday Celebration and Fund-Raiser on December 13th

Make Reservations On-Line at noambramson.org/40

Please join me, Catie, and our family, as I celebrate my 40th Birthday on Sunday, December 13th. This champagne brunch at the VIP Club from 12:00pm to 2:00pm will also serve as my first major fund-raiser in more than three years. You can view additional details here and make reservations for the brunch here. I hope to see you there.