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Residents urge aid for United Community Center after flood; critics press council on downtown density and parking
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Summary
At the Feb. 20 meeting residents described months-long displacement of the United Community Center of Westchester after an October flood and asked the city to prioritize space and funding; speakers also criticized downtown development, parking enforcement and stormwater preparedness.
During the citizens-to-be-heard portion of the Committee of the Whole meeting Feb. 20, multiple residents urged the City of New Rochelle to help the United Community Center of Westchester (UCCW), which they said was forced to vacate its downtown offices after an October flood and is still unable to operate at full capacity.
"To date, almost four months after the storm that flooded their offices, the space remains uninhabitable," Maxine Golub told council. She asked the city to prioritize finding appropriate space and financial support so UCCW can resume services for immigrants, seniors and others who rely on its food distribution, insurance-enrollment and legal-referral work.
Community testimony and concerns: Several speakers described UCCW's role serving immigrant and low-income residents, giving concrete examples of the center's services and the hardship caused by the relocation. Supporters said UCCW has been conducting outreach remotely and distributing food from vans, but that remote operations reduce capacity and force vulnerable residents to travel farther for help.
Residents also raised broader downtown concerns: multiple speakers criticized high-density projects they say have strained parking, increased traffic and hindered snow removal and emergency access. One resident called current conditions "dangerous" and asked for stronger parking enforcement and clearer policies for valet operations and city parking rates. Several public speakers singled out a proposed 500-unit tower at 570 Main Street as emblematic of development that, they say, deepens congestion and provides too few affordable units.
City response and next steps: Council did not vote on any new assistance for UCCW at this meeting, but Mayor and staff said they had heard the comments and would work with staff to follow up. Councilmembers urged clearer public communications about the DOZ amendments and hearings so residents can offer informed input before the March 10 SDGEIS hearing.
Ending: Residents asked the council to act quickly to restore UCCW's facility and to address parking and stormwater concerns as downtown build-out proceeds; staff committed to follow-up and further updates on planning and infrastructure timelines.
