Kumon of New Rochelle opens new North Avenue storefront; city officials praise resilience

Kumon of New Rochelle opened a new storefront on North Avenue at a ceremony attended by Mayor Yadira Ramos Herbert, City Council Representative David Peters (District 3), Economic Development Director Kevin Jimenez and representatives from Kumon corporate.

Mayor Yadira Ramos Herbert said she knows the program personally as a parent and credited it with helping her children during the shift to remote learning, saying, "I have the privilege of serving as the mayor, but I actually know you as a mom." She thanked the owner for "grit and perseverance" in reestablishing a local location.

City Council Representative David Peters said he was "absolutely thrilled that Kumon is back here again," praising the program's commitment to children and expressing hope it will remain an ongoing presence in the city.

Kevin Jimenez, Director of Economic Development, described Kumon as the sort of business the city supports and pledged continued support from the department, calling the center's work with youth a contributor to "positive life outcomes."

Dawn Bledsoe of Kumon corporate thanked instructors and the local team for their work and said the company was "excited to see the influence" students and instructors will have in New Rochelle.

Owner Regine Delva said the reopening followed a difficult period for the business: "we experienced a devastating fire, and, our families stuck with us." She thanked the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, Kumon corporate and the families who remained and those who have recently joined.

The New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce presented Delva with a recognition plaque; Shanika Delmage of Touch Medical Spa called the owners "sisters in entrepreneurship" and praised their shared "grit." No formal city actions or votes were recorded during the ceremony.