New Rochelle City Council adopts consent agenda, sets Sept. 9 public hearing for Complete Streets grant

New Rochelle — The New Rochelle City Council on July 15 adopted a series of routine and substantive measures, including the adoption of a consent agenda of items 3 through 19, formal approval to submit a 2025 Consolidated Funding Application to New York State and the setting of a Sept. 9 public hearing for a Westchester County Complete Streets Municipal Assistance application for the Baker/Quaker Ridge Road project.

The council voted unanimously on the motions presented; members recorded their support with the meeting clerk after roll call.

What the council approved

- Consent agenda: The council adopted items 3–19 as part of a consent package previously moved and seconded.

- Complete Streets public hearing: Council members set a public hearing for Sept. 9 to support an application to Westchester County’s Complete Streets Municipal Assistance program for the Quaker Ridge / Baker Ridge Road project. Deputy Commissioner Seth K. said the county requires robust public engagement and a public hearing prior to application submission; the county’s application deadline was discussed as Sept. 19.

- Consolidated Funding Application (CFA): The council authorized submission of the 2025 CFA to New York State. City staff said a record number of city applications will be submitted across departments seeking state grants.

- 250th anniversary committee: The council created a 250th anniversary (semicentennial/semquincentennial) celebration committee to plan local events for the nation’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.

- Civilian Complaint Review Board appointment: The council appointed Christian Walker as the District 1 representative to the city’s Civilian Complaint Review Board to complete an unexpired term ending June 30, 2028.

- Budget amendment for positions: The council adopted a proposed amendment to the 2025 city budget to reclassify and change positions in the Department of Public Works and the Department of Finance. City staff said the change upgrades the senior tree inspector role to reflect increased responsibilities tied to the city forest management plan and that the adjustments will be funded through attrition with no current‑year budget impact.

- HUD/CDBG/HOME annual action plan and zoning amendment: Following a prior public hearing, the council adopted the 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME annual action plan (listed on the agenda as the 2025 action plan and any amendments) and approved zoning code amendments to establish the Vanguard overlay zone for identified parcels.

Votes and procedure

Most motions were presented with a named mover and a recorded seconder on the record when offered; in each instance the council voted “aye” with no opposition announced. The meeting began with a roll call confirming Mayor Remos Herbert and seven council members present.

Council discussion highlights

Deputy Commissioner Seth K. told the council staff had returned to county planning after a previous tabling to confirm the public engagement requirements for the Complete Streets application. Council members asked about coordinating state road requests and CHIPS funding and urged staff to prepare targeted requests by fall so the senators and state leadership could advocate for specific projects.

Ending

With no items sent to executive session, the council adjourned after adopting the listed measures. The council noted follow‑up work on Complete Streets outreach and on CFA applications across city departments.