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New Rochelle Swears In Three Youth Members to Ecology and Natural Resources Advisory Committee
Summary
The City of New Rochelle on Thursday ceremonially swore in three student representatives to its Ecology and Natural Resources Advisory Committee, with officials and the new members outlining youth-led priorities including green transportation, rain gardens and reduced school food waste.
The City of New Rochelle ceremonially swore in three youth representatives to its Ecology and Natural Resources Advisory Committee (NRAC) during a public ceremony, where city officials described the appointments as a step to formally include young people in local environmental planning.
“This is a historic moment for the city of New Rochelle,” Paul (NRAC chair) said during remarks introducing the new members, adding that the city created three youth seats so young residents “are not here as tokens, but as partners.” He cited New York State General Municipal Law in urging continued inclusion of youth voices.
Mayor Yadia Ramos Herbert thanked the new members and framed climate resilience as an immediate concern for young residents: “This day is all about you. Climate change and sustainability are not abstract issues for the next generation,” she said, urging the committee and city staff to consider youth perspectives in planning.
The three youth representatives sworn in were Caitlin Thomas, a junior at New Rochelle High School; Karen Mulrain, a senior at New Rochelle High School; and Giselle Papahunda, a freshman at New Rochelle High School. A city staff member administered the oath during the ceremony.
Each new member described priorities they plan to pursue on NRAC. Caitlin Thomas said she hopes to work on “implementing more green transportation throughout the school.” Karen Mulrain cited concerns she learned through the city’s youth eco-ambassador program, including “the declining oyster population, invasive species, and air quality concerns,” and said she would advocate for “planting rain gardens composed of native plants to help mitigate flooding and runoff in vulnerable areas.” Giselle Papahunda said she wants to “put my ideas to work for youth involvement in the cleanup of our waterfront and other natural spaces” and to help “reduce food waste in our schools.”
Paul thanked Councilwoman Kaye, Mayor Yadia Ramos Herbert, city manager Wilfredo Melendez, and staff in the Department of Development for supporting the change that created multiple youth seats on the advisory committee; he framed New Rochelle’s approach as a model other municipalities could follow.
No formal votes were recorded during the ceremony; the event consisted of the oath and brief remarks from officials and the newly sworn members. City staff will record the appointments and terms in the committee roster. The oath as read during the event stated the appointees would “faithfully discharge the duties of [the] Ecology and Natural Resources Advisory Committee of the City of New Rochelle for terms to expire on 08/31/2020,” as recited during the ceremony.
City officials said they look forward to working with the students on NRAC projects and will arrange follow-up meetings and photo opportunities for the new members and their families.
