Accomplishments

I have worked to transform the downtown into a growing and successful modern residential and business district. We have added many new buildings and businesses with many more still to come. This development has substantially increased our tax base, held the line on property tax increases and provided opportunities for all our residents. Although we are still suffering traffic and parking issues due to construction and infrastructure work the final results will be transformative for New Rochelle.

With my strong support last year alone our City spent over $600,000 on job training and placement for local residents. Over 900 people found work through our First Source center. Several programs were instituted that provided job readiness training for minority youth including Pathways to Apprenticeship which prepares young people for career union jobs. The funding for these programs came from the City, the IDA and the CLD with funds generated from our local development projects.

As Vicechair of the IDA, I fought for lower rents and more affordable units in the new development projects. To date we have created over 500 units of affordable workforce housing in the downtown and another 450 units well below market rates. I also led the support on Council to create a new initiative to fund the rehab of existing multifamily housing to make it safer and up-to-date. I was Instrumental in creating support for affordable new condominium projects in conjunction with out first-time homeowners’ program, making it possible for lower income residents to own their homes and build generational wealth.

I have worked to protect existing residential neighborhoods from encroaching development. Over the past year I have slowed major projects on Pelham Road, behind Harbor House and on Locust Ave. It is critical that large development be permitted only in the central business area and Echo Bay. I worked with the City, our State officials and the Westchester Land Trust to purchase additional land parcels to add to Glenwood Lake Park and prevent them from being developed.

To improve relations between the New Rochelle Police Department and the community they serve, I supported the implementation of body cameras. I also helped community-based training programs. I am also working to help create a civilian complaint review board with strong legal power to further increase transparency and accountability.

I also supported the creation of the Opportunity Youth Part in New Rochelle City Court. Founded by Judge Jared R. Rice, the program is a specialized calendar of cases that serves emerging adults, ages 16 to 24, who are facing misdemeanor or felony charges and are not in school, are unemployed or under-employed, and are typically disconnected from positive services. It aims to provide participants with age-appropriate alternatives to incarceration through a connection to community resources and mentoring.