On March 11th, I will have the pleasure of delivering my fifth State of the City Address. The speech itself begins at 7:45pm and is free. A dinner, sponsored by the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, precedes the speech at 6:00pm. The cost for dinner is $35 per person in advance or $40 at the door. (Dinner is optional. You can come just for the speech, if you like.)

The speech will take on special significance this year, as we work together to chart a way forward in a particularly difficult economic climate.

It is always good to have friends and supporters present for this occasion, so I hope you will consider attending. To make a reservation, please contact the Chamber of Commerce at 914-632-5700. The details again:

State of the City Address
Thursday, March 11th
Cocktails/Dinner at 6:00pm
Speech at 7:45pm

Davenport Club
400 Davenport Avenue
New Rochelle, NY 10805

The City and AvalonBay Communities have agreed to amend the terms of our land disposition agreement in order to provide immediate financial assistance to New Rochelle. Specifically, AvalonBay has agreed to accelerate so-called Final Land Payments, which had been scheduled for 2029 and 2035, and to make these payments during the next five years as follows: $3,000,000 for 2010, and roughly $1.5 million annually for 2011 through 2014, for a total of about $9,000,000. This breakthrough agreement will provide significant financial resources to our community at a time when these resources are needed most.

In addition, the City will now assume the day-to-day operation and enforcement of 38 publicly available parking spaces on the ground level of Avalon's Phase II garage, thereby retaining the income associated with parking fees and fines, estimated to be roughly $30,000 per year.

While this is certainly welcome news for New Rochelle's budget and taxpayers, the agreement will not, on its own, address all of our fiscal challenges. The economic trends that place such a strain on municipal budgets everywhere are still present, and we expect that difficult choices will still be required during the course of this year and in the adoption of our budget for 2011.

You can read the full text of my comments at a press conference announcing the AvalonBay agreement HERE.]]> http://noambramson.org/2010/02/12/#001455 http://noambramson.org/2010/02/12/#001455 News Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:22:41 -0500 Held Similar Position in Stamford, CT

Michael W. Freimuth has been appointed New Rochelle's new Commissioner of Planning and Development. He brings to the City a wealth of relevant experience -- most recently as the Director of both the Office of Economic Development and the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs for the City of Stamford, CT, a community with similarities to and potential lessons for our own.

Mr. Freimuth offered the following comment upon his appointment:

"I am excited to join the New Rochelle team. The city offers great promise and opportunity and has considerable assets to build upon, from its colleges and its waterfront to its transit facilities and strong neighborhoods. I look forward to meeting the staff, other city leaders and more of its citizens."

The New York State Comptroller recently released an analysis of capital planning and budgeting in ten municipalities throughout the State, including New Rochelle. The report paints a very positive portrait of New Rochelle and largely depicts the City as a model for other communities to emulate. This is a typical observation:

"...the City of New Rochelle is the only local government that has established goals and objectives, developed a policy detailing the fundamentals of a multi-year capital plan, and established the criteria used for ranking of purchases to provide a framework for its long-term capital plan."

You can read the entire report HERE.]]> http://noambramson.org/2010/02/12/#001456 http://noambramson.org/2010/02/12/#001456 News Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:23:54 -0500 Checklist Will Ensure Compliance with State Energy Code

In order to further promote sustainable design, the City of New Rochelle is implementing a new green building permitting process based on the New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code. The City's new policy will help promote energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while also protecting the rights and interests of home and business owners.

The New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code contains sensible energy-saving standards for residential and commercial buildings, but until now, no effective mechanism has existed for enforcing compliance with the code. To ensure that energy-efficiency standards are met fully, the City has developed two checklists covering all the energy efficiency requirements of State law. The first is to be verified by the City's building inspectors, and the second by the architect or engineer of record. The architect/engineer's checklist will be incorporated into the Affidavit of Compliance, which much be submitted to the City before the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.]]> http://noambramson.org/2010/02/12/#001457 http://noambramson.org/2010/02/12/#001457 News Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:29:52 -0500 2010 Insert Focuses on Progress in a Time of Challenge

Westchester Commerce Magazine has once again produced an informative and comprehensive profile of New Rochelle. This year's primary theme is progress in a time of economic challenge, with articles focusing on economic development, environmental sustainability, and community planning, among other topics. The insert features high production values and some impressive images of the city. You can view a PDF of the issue HERE. Worth a look, if you have the time.]]> http://noambramson.org/2010/02/12/#001458 http://noambramson.org/2010/02/12/#001458 News Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:31:10 -0500 City Encourages Measures Related to Water Quality

Through the work of New Rochelle Director of Planning Ed Lynch and the New Rochelle Planning Board, Shoprite was encouraged to include a number of beneficial features at their new Palmer Avenue store, above and beyond local code requirements. These include an underground oil-grit separator and a surface bio-swale to clean water running off their parking lot before discharging into the Sound. In addition, Shoprite agreed to introduce pedestrian traffic signals, additional sidewalks and walkways. And a new traffic light is scheduled to be installed at the eastern entrance to the Shoprite parking area.]]> http://noambramson.org/2010/02/12/#001459 http://noambramson.org/2010/02/12/#001459 News Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:32:01 -0500 Assistance Available for Home Repairs

The City of New Rochelle's Residential Rehabilitation Program utilizes federal funding to provide grants for the rehabilitation of certain systems and structural features within owner-occupied housing. These grants are available on a first-come, first-serve basis to households earning no more than 80 percent of the area median income.

The following improvements are eligible through this program: heating, plumbing, electrical, roofing, windows and exterior doors. For more information, please contact Suzanne D'Amato at 914-543-2023 or via email at sdamato@newrochelleny.com.]]> http://noambramson.org/2010/02/12/#001460 http://noambramson.org/2010/02/12/#001460 News Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:32:37 -0500 City Policy on Cost-Sharing Dates to 1983

There has been considerable discussion in recent weeks about the possibility of County employees sharing in health insurance costs as a means of reducing County expenditures. The proposal from the new County Executive would have non-union County employees contribute 15% of their health insurance premiums. The new prominence of this issue may lead some local residents to wonder about the City's policy on employee health contributions. Well, here it is:

For all City workers hired since 1983, both union and non-union, the City pays 82% of the State Empire Plan rate, with the remaining 18% contributed by the employee. This policy currently saves City taxpayers $3 million per year, compared to the cost of the City covering full health insurance rates.]]> http://noambramson.org/2010/02/12/#001461 http://noambramson.org/2010/02/12/#001461 News Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:33:28 -0500 Festival Runs from March through May

Shakespeare fans should mark their calendars as the Sound Shore celebrates a Shakespeare Festival beginning in early March. Organized primarily by the New Rochelle Council on the Arts with support from the New York Council for the Humanities, the festival will feature lives performances, readings, lectures, and much more. A full schedule of activities is HERE.

]]> http://noambramson.org/2010/02/12/#001462 http://noambramson.org/2010/02/12/#001462 News Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:34:12 -0500 Enjoy Informal Conversations with Experts

Science cafes offer an opportunity to participate in lively and informal conversations with experts on interesting current topics. They are open to everyone and are intended to be inclusive in both format and content. Thanks to a partnership between the New Rochelle Public Library, the New Rochelle Downtown Business Improvement District, and Dr. Jerome Levkov of Iona College, Science Cafes are now coming to New Rochelle. A list of upcoming Cafes follows. To make a reservation or submit a question, please email Dr. Levkov at jeromelevkov1@gmail.com.

Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 7:00 pm
Topic: Cosmic Collisions
Expert: Dr. Heidi B. Hammel, Ph.D., Chair, Space Science Institute
Location: The Gnarly Vine Wine and Tapas Bar, 501 Main Street, New Rochelle
Complimentary light fare; Drinks and tapas available for purchase.

Thursday, April 13, 2010 at 7:00 pm
Topic: Forensic Science - Past, Present and Future
Expert: Robert A. Adamo, Director, Division of Forensic Sciences, Westchester County Department of Laboratories and Research
Location: The Gnarly Vine Wine and Tapas Bar, 501 Main Street, New Rochelle
Complementary light fare; Drinks and tapas available for purchase.

Thursday, May 11, 2010 at 7:00 pm
Topic: Why the U.S. is not Prepared for Major Disasters -- and What We Need to Do Now
Expert: Dr. Irwin Redlener. M.D., Professor of Clinical Population and Family Health Director, National Center for Disaster Preparedness, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health & President, Children's Health Fund
Location: New Rochelle Public Library, 1 Library Plaza]]> http://noambramson.org/2010/02/12/#001463 http://noambramson.org/2010/02/12/#001463 News Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:36:50 -0500 Hosts and Musicians Sought

For several years, the New Rochelle Sister City Initiative, led by former City Manager Peter Korn, has reinvigorated our relationship with La Rochelle, France. The Sister City Initiative is now seeking public support and involvement in two ways.

Hosts Needed for France Youth Exchange

Volunteer families are needed to host high school students from La Rochelle for two to three weeks this summer. The program involves a direct family-to-family exchange whereby a high school student from selected schools in La Rochelle France will live with a New Rochelle family and experience life in and around New Rochelle, including trips to New York City. Families hosting a French student would be able to arrange a stay with a French family on a reciprocal basis in La Rochelle. The ideal families would have a high school student of similar age to the La Rochelle students and an interest in intercultural exchanges. It is not necessary that anyone in the family speak French. The program anticipates organizing several joint events, such as visits to New York City, Connecticut and local and New Rochelle landmarks such as the Thomas Paine Cottage, Huguenot-related historical sites and a meeting at City Hall for the participants. Families interested in serving as hosts should call Vivian Ponslet at New Rochelle High School at 914-576-4500 or Jim Kaplan at 212-471-8546 or e-mail sistercitynr@gmail.com.

Musical Competition for La Rochelle Jazz Festival

The Sister City Committee is holding a competition to select a New Rochelle musician to play at the La Rochelle "New Orleans Jazz Festival," expected to take place from April 30 to May 7, 2010. The musician will play with groups during the festival. The Initiative will cover the musician's transportation expenses to and from La Rochelle. With the Festival sponsors and La Rochelle Rotary serving as hosts. At the Festival's request, preference will be given to clarinet, trumpet or trombone, although others playing jazz may be considered by the Audition Committee. Those interested in auditioning should have familiarity with New Orleans-style jazz and an interest in language and culture, befitting an "ambassador" of New Rochelle. Knowledge of the French language, although helpful, is not required. Students and adults are welcome to apply, but must be available during all the concert dates. Interested musicians should immediately file a brief letter of interest and bio-sketch indicating their general background, education and musical experience and talents. A number of musicians will be called to either audition or, if out-of-town at an educational institution and unavailable for live audition, submit a CD or video-stream with samples of their jazz proficiency. Instructions for auditions will follow review of the letters of interest and selection of candidates. Interested persons should send the application letter, bio-sketch and telephone/e-mail contact information to sistercitynr@gmail.com or Sister City Committee, c/o Mayor's Office, 515 North Avenue, New Rochelle 10801. ]]> http://noambramson.org/2010/02/12/#001464 http://noambramson.org/2010/02/12/#001464 News Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:38:56 -0500 Adults and Youngsters Needed for Board of Commissioners

The City's Youth Bureau is seeking qualified adults and youths (grades 9 and 10) to fill several vacancies on its Board of Commissioners. The Board of Commissioners is comprised of eighteen volunteer members who meet regularly at City Hall on the fourth Tuesday of every month. The normal term is four years. The Board works closely with our Youth Bureau staff to meet the challenging needs and concerns of the City's youth population up through twenty-one years old.

Applications are available in the Youth Bureau office located in City Hall, 515 North Avenue. Completed applications must be returned by Monday, March 15th at 4:30 p.m. For further information, please call Mr. Kelly Johnson at (914) 654-2045.]]> http://noambramson.org/2010/02/12/#001465 http://noambramson.org/2010/02/12/#001465 News Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:39:49 -0500 New Rochelle Author Receives Accolades

In case you missed it, Westchester Magazine recently ran this interesting profile of Jonathan Tropper, a New Rochelle resident and popular author, who has set several of his works in fictionalized versions of New Rochelle and Westchester. ]]> http://noambramson.org/2010/02/12/#001466 http://noambramson.org/2010/02/12/#001466 News Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:40:47 -0500 11 Huguenot Street, New Rochelle, NY 10801 - 914-633-4610

Brian MacMenamin, formerly of MacMenamin's Grill, has brought his considerable culinary talents to a new location, the Post Road Ale House. The space is bright, airy, and inviting, with a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. The menu will be familiar to MacMenamin's fans, featuring many of the New American dishes that made the former location a popular spot for years, but prices are lower and the setting more intimate. Enjoy!]]> http://noambramson.org/2010/02/12/#001467 http://noambramson.org/2010/02/12/#001467 News Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:41:49 -0500