Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Beautiful. Beautiful. My name is Shane Oshinloye. I'm the district four council member and I'm also the deputy mayor of Nourishell for the year of 2025. On behalf of our City Council and our administration, it is a privilege to welcome you to the 2025 State of the city address. Please allow me to start with housekeeping please silence your mobile devices this is include cell phones, smartphones, flip phones and the iPads your kids came with to keep them busy. For anyone asking, yes, that does mean you as well, check your phone, and for anyone that is not asking, that means you as well. So please check your phones, thank you. Next up is to our overflow crowd. Please allow us to apologize for the limited space. For those who are not able to attend live, the state of the city address will be re-broadcast on cable and online. Now I'd like to begin our program by inviting Rabbi Vicki Beto of Bethel Senegot Center to lead us in an opening prayer. Goodbye. APPLAUSE We gather here tonight to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year and to celebrate the strength, diversity, and vitality of our beloved city of New Rochelle. In the Jewish tradition, this week's Torah reading, our scriptural reading reminds us of two central commandments to love our neighbor as ourselves and to love the stranger as ourselves. May we be blessed with hearts wide enough to care not only for those we already see as neighbors, but also for those we have not yet come to know. Holy One, source of wisdom and compassion. Bless our civic leaders, those who have taken on the sacred responsibility of public service. Grant them insight and clarity as they guide our community. May their work be rooted in sedic, justice and chesad, loving kindness, sustained by hope, and animated by a deep and abiding love for all the people they serve. May we move forward together with open hearts guided by love for our neighbours and a share commitment to the well-being of all who call the city home. and the rest day. Amen. and let us say amen. Thank you Rabbi Beto for those words. Next we will have the Nurshaw High School pave choir lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem and the Negro National Anthem. Please rise. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to be here. I'm going to be here. I'm going to be here. I'm going to be here. I'm going to be here. I'm going to be here. I'm going to be here. I'm going to be here. I'm going to be here. I'm going to be here. I'm going to be here. I'm going to be here. I'm going to be here. I'm going to be here. Shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh, sh And the joy of the Christmas Who's our shining bright stars Through the perilous light For the ramparts we watch Wor were so gallantly streaming. And the rocket's red glare, say those that saw Spain, and pray and wave. the the The land of the free, the free, and the hope of the great O'er the great! Thank you. through the memory, bring with the harmony of liberty. Let our rejoicing rise, as the lives in Christ, Let it restown, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow, let it All of them faith that the dark past has brought us. Sing the song, all of them hope that the present has brought us. Hasing the rising sun of our new day be gone. Let us march on till victory is one. to God. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Pave Choir, for contributing your glorious voices. Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. Now, I would like to introduce future poet laureate, Imani Rios. Imani? Thank you. Good evening, Newtishal. I am here to present my poem, Woman. We black women make benefit. We make history that comes from our faith. We were once slaves, but then we embraced our independence, that we defended. We've edited enough. Now it's our time to shorten. You can't take the faith because the faith is our mind. We put on our crowns and shook off the things they said about us because we made this town. We're not going to let the knock us all down. Always rise up and make our family proud. Thank you, Ms. Rios for your stirring words. Always rise up and make your family proud. Absolutely. Could we applaud that again. Now please allow me to thank our partners who helped make tonight a delightful experience. For the sake of time, please hold your applause until requested. There are a lot of them. First, let's thank our wonderful host, EPR Properties, and Gwen Johnson, SVP of Asset Management, for allowing us to utilize your space. I would like to express special thanks to our city team who organized and prepared this event particularly Samantha Vargas, Maria, Pedroza Valentín, our development staff, DPW, IT and our volunteers. We'd also like to thank our police and fire departments for keeping us safe. I actually saw the dogs earlier. It was wonderful. We are in a safe space right now. Please give our team a round of applause for tonight. Now, please allow me to introduce our elected officials who we have strong working relationships with that build and elevate the city of Nero Show. From the county, I've seen county clerk Tim Idoni, county legislator Tari Clements, and we're giving a special shout out to county executive Ken Jenkins. I think he's on his way, I believe, please. Understand, we have our assembly people and our senators represented here tonight. They are working on the state budget, so many of them could not come, but they would like to express their gratitude, cheer, and celebration of our city of New York. So, could we give them a round of applause? Applause Representing Assemblywoman Amy Pauline, we have Dale Barberia, and representing State Senator Shelley Mayer, we have Louise Ochoa. From our capital projects to sheltering our housing insecure, Nerochelle only functions because of your collaboration. Thank you so much for sharing in this celebration tonight. We give them one more round of applause? We collaborate with so many organizations throughout NERSHOW that specialize in serving our needs from our libraries to our schools. So we would definitely like to represent every organization tonight. First from the NERSHOW Board of Education, we have President William Ayonuzi. Vice President Adino Various Brooks. Gwen Clay Infernandez. Katie Manaya, Makita Lewis, Rushini Ross, Sam Signal, Don Vega, Valerie Williams, and Superintendent Dr. Cory Reynolds, who's in a meeting right now. So I just want to give them a round of applause, but they're hard at work right now for our city. From our beloved nurse, our library, we have board president, Lucille Runwick, Vice President Cory Galloway, Secretary Rianne and Noven, Cortez, Totsiana Infante, Vera Salter, Nancy Weinberger, and Director Eugenia Chateau. Thank you for your many years of supporting our favorite institution. I see so many partners from other organizations tonight. We want to give recognition to your organization. We can't shout you all out though, apologies. We have the NAACP represented tonight. Feel free to stand if you represent these organizations. The NAACP, the Lincoln Park Conservancy, the Neuroshell Council of the Arts, the Neuroshell Fund for Educational Excellence, the Neuroshell Public Library Foundation, and my brothers keeper, Neuro. Now for our city staff who tend the iceberg, the perpetual, massive body of work that keeps our city running every day. First, our city manager will freight on Melendos. Yes. Deputy city manager Todd Castaldo. To our commissioners Michelle Oliveiros, Adam Salgado. Yes. Dominion, my first job. Michelle Alvaro's Adam Salgado, Robert Gazzola, Paul Vaca, Andy Sander, Vincent Perisi, Ed Ritter, Kelly Johnson, and Alvaro Alfonso Lorraine. I just wanted to name them because they do so much hard work every day from the city of Nuroshell and hear so much from our council. Can we give them a round of applause? Most importantly, their staff, our city clerk, Kim Jones, love that. I love that for Kim. Corporation Council, Don Warren, and all of their deputies and staff, will you please stand all of the deputies and staff of the City of Nero Show. Our team keeps lights on, the water clean clean and brings our community to life. And as a lifelong nurse, Shelley and the son of an immigrant, the on my mother's side and a multi-generational military family on my father's side, I am honored to represent this city. From getting baptized in Bethesda Baptist Church to getting hemmed up by John Stone in New York University, Arizona, and Arizona, and Arizona, Arizona, and Arizona, and Arizona, and Arizona, and Arizona, and Arizona, and Arizona, and Arizona, and Arizona, and Arizona, and Arizona, and Arizona, and Arizona, and Arizona, and Arizona, and Arizona, and Arizona, and Arizona, and Arizona, and Arizona, and Arizona, and Arizona, and Arizona, and Arizona, and Arizona, and Arizona, and Arizona, and year, and I am hinting. So partnering on serious matters with Bethel Senegog Center to stage a march for life. And finally, for serving on this council that represents the city I love so well, I am only one of many Neuroshelians who embody our saying, one Neuroshel. Through that lens, I'm immensely proud to say my colleagues here have the best intentions at heart for our entire city. Will my colleagues please stand in wave when I name you? Councilwoman Martha Lopez. Councilman David Peters. Councilwoman Sarah K, and Councilman Matt Stern. From boomers to millennials, from new to lifelong New Rochelleans, I am thankful to have colleagues who bring such diverse perspective to our table. Please give our city council one more round of applause. Now I am honored to introduce a leader who cares deeply about our city and our residents, whose dedication to every person in our city is demonstrated by her accessibility to every neighborhood that engages with us. A leader whose work inspires me to say three words, four more years. Four more years. Four more years. Four more years. Okay. Our next experience will come from the powerful trifecta steppers who will herald our main speaker for tonight. Ladies and gentlemen as the steppers approach please stand and give a thunderous ground shaking round of applause to my mayor our mayor the, the Mayor of Nersel, Yoderra Ramos-Hermard. Please. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the state of the city of Venice. We are Shrine Factor Stuckers. And we're here to step forward to and the queen of the town. Here is your dear up, Ramos Herbert. Get your feet up! I'm going to do it. I'm going to do it. I'm going to do it. I'm going to do it. I'm going to do it. I'm going to do it. I'm going to do it. Thank you. Get back! Come get some! Get some guts! Woo-hoo! Mary-ah, Darryl Robo's cover is the 24th mayor of the City of New Rochelle and we are so glad to be step before for the second time. Council, representing district three. Okay. that can't keep me. 3, 2, 1, get it! And her first here, she has stables and stables and this attempt is mostly for her. In her first year she had st several successful initiatives and both been formed. Housing, transportation, community engagement, and public work. Every public works! Also Mayor Rahmels Herbert is a step-fast advocate for chocolate, and ten. T-S! Let's go! T-S! Let's go! T-S! Let's go! Let's go! T.S. Let's go! Woo! Yeah! Yeah! Mayor Lambo's Herbert, we know you have done amazing things for us so far, and we know you have great things in store for us. Thank you! I'm not going to do it. I'm not going to do it. I'm not going to do it. I'm not going to do it. I'm not going to do it. I'm not going to do it. I'm not going to do it. I'm not going to do it. I'm not going to do it. I'm not going to do it. I'm not going to do it. I'm not going girl now, so I'm gonna do what I need it I'm spinning on my nights and days Lay back, lay dreaming You can be on my big girl now Said I'm gonna do something To the world I'll point this down Now but to our run this Cause I put it down Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah And I'm making it Yeah, let's break, I'll let's break And I'm moving Yeah, yeah, a woman, I'm a woman, I'm a woman, I'm a woman, I'm a woman, I'm a woman, I'm a woman, I'm a woman, I'm a woman, I'm a woman, I'm a woman, I'm a woman, I'm a woman, I'm a woman, I'm a woman, I'm a woman, I'm a woman, I'm a woman, I'm a woman, I'm a woman, I'm a woman, I'm a woman, I'm a have fun. Rabbi Beto, thank you for the inspiring words reminding us to love all of our neighbors whether we know them or not, really grounding for this event. And you can't tell me our kids are not among the talented in this country, the most talented in this country. How lucky are we? How lucky are we? And Councilman Braschandeli, thank you for setting the stage. Appreciate you setting protocol, friend. All right, let's get this party started. Oops, wrong one. OK, there we go. I still remember my early days in New Yorkshire. It was 2007. Jeff and I were late 20s working far too many hours as associates at law firms on the east side of Manhattan. All we wanted was a quick and easy commute, a diverse and welcoming community, and an affordable pathway to home ownership. New Rochelle checked every box. One train directly to Manhattan, incredible diversity. A place where different cultures, languages, traditions, and stories didn't just coexist, but wove together into something greater. And a townhouse, a space we never could have afforded in Manhattan. I remember walking through the downtown, seeing the bones, the structure, and thinking this place has something. It felt like a renaissance, and I was so excited to be a part of it. Fast forward to 2025, and here we are in the very heart of the downtown that I walked through all of those years ago. New buildings, new neighbors, new energy, a sense of momentum you can feel on every corner. But what makes this moment truly special isn't just the new buildings or fresh opportunities. It's the people, all of us. Whether your family has roots here stretching back generations, or you just arrived a few months ago, you are part of the story that we are writing together. We go stronger not in spite of our differences, but because of them, honoring the history that brought us here, and embracing the future that we are building side by side and with this new energy new opportunities to spark connection to bring people together right here in the heart of our city and friends I believe this moment this very moment right now is something special. And for reasons we'll explore together tonight, I truly believe we are standing at the edge of something extraordinary. Newer Shell is ready to step fully into her potential, her promise, her best self. And fully stepping into that promise requires a strong foundation, economically, culturally and environmentally. A solid base upon which we can continue to grow and thrive. And I'm here to tell you today that the state of our city is strong. We've created it together and we're getting it done in a few different ways, but I want to open by focusing on something called pilots, which stands for payments in lieu of taxes. I know, sounds a lot like government jargon. I struggle with the acronyms myself. But here's the simple version. Think of it like this. Rather than paying full property taxes right away, a developer makes a promise to our city. Regular predictable payment that grow over time, starting from the original value of the property and gradually rising as the new development takes shape. Imagine the new buildings that have gone up in our downtown. Before construction, those sites might have just been empty, underutilized pieces of property with relatively low taxes. Under a pilot agreement, the developers keep paying on that original value at first, but as it's built and the property becomes more valuable, the payments increase year by year until they're in full line with the full tax rate. That gives the projects rooms to get off the ground while still supporting our city budget. And in return, the project brings us more than just a new building. It creates jobs, offers housing people can afford, and adds new life to our downtown. And let me be clear with you. Pilots are not backroom deals. These agreements are negotiated openly with oversight from our industrial development agency and designed to ensure a strong return for the people of New Rochelle. We structure them carefully with clear timelines and community benefits built in, so we're not just encouraging development, we're shaping it to serve all of us. That's how we grow the right way, responsibly, transparently, and together. And let's take a look at what pilots look like here in New Rochelle. The blue column on the left, and that's what we would have collected if those lots had just stayed as they were, empty, underused. Over 20 years, they would have brought in about $30 million. Not nothing, but not transformative. And now look at the orange and gray columns. That's the story of what happens when we invest in smart intentional development. Through pilot agreements, those same properties are projected to generate more than $260 million in the first 20 years. And nearly $770 million in the 20 years after that. Pilot revenue helps fuel the essential services that keep New Rochelle thriving, supporting everything from our parks and infrastructure to public safety and youth programs. In short, the Pilot revenue improves all of our quality of life. In a time of uncertainty, this forward thinking approach is the difference between standing still and moving forward. That's the return on building a city that works for us. And as we build that city that works for all of us, we want to make sure it can stand the test of time and weather the storms that may come our way, both literal and metaphorical. The benefits of our downtown development, they're not just theoretical, they're real, they're visible, and they're accessible to all of us. Together we've added 26 new municipal EV charging parking spaces. We've created 20 vibrant murals that reflect the creativity and diversity of New Rochelle. And since 2020, 50, yes, 50 new businesses have opened their doors and importantly they're not just opening, they're thriving. And it doesn't stop there. Development has delivered eight new public open spaces. From Anderson Plaza just outside that window, friends, Clinton Park Plaza, Westchester Public Art Plaza, a new parking pocket park on Burling Lane. And soon we're going to welcome more, a children's playground on the Count Place, a dog run on Huguenot Street, Plaza at High Garden Tower, and the transformative Pratt Landing Waterfront Park. And we're still just getting started. Thanks to those investments, we're gonna soon see the long anticipated Black Box Theater activated. He can access to the Lincoln Park Conservancy, History and Culture Theater. We've already welcomed the new Boys and Girls Club for those of you all that were here last year, you remember? We're gonna open a downtown economic and small business development hub right on Main Street in partnership with Ayona University. These aren't a many these. These are the building blocks of a stronger, more vibrant and more inclusive New Rochelle. They represent a city that honors its past while boldly embracing the future. This is the New Rochelle we are building together. A city where progress has purpose, where growth reflects our values, and where every resident from every neighborhood has a stake in the bright future ahead. The resources we have received from development also allows us to stand strong in our commitment to a resilient sustainable future for everyone who calls our city home. We've seen it. Let it streets, relentless heat waves, storm dreams, patch past their limits. Extreme weather isn't the exception anymore. It's the norm. But here's the difference. We're not just reacting. We're preparing and we're ready. Thanks, yeah, we can clap for climate, yeah. We can be happy for infrastructure. Thanks to our sound financial footing, long-term vision, and community support, we're able to plan ahead. With bold strategies like the Green and R Sustainability Plan, our Climate Vulnerability Assessment, and a Comprehensive Stormwater Mitigation Plan, New Michelle is not waiting for the next crisis. We're building the future before it arrives. We invested in a comprehensive watershed study, a deep dive into how water moves through our city during major storms. That analysis identified over 120 targeted projects to help reduce flooding and protect our neighborhoods. And we didn't stop at the study. We committed real resources, $10 million every year for the next 10 years to put those solutions into action. Our Department of Public Works is completing ongoing projects, hard at work on the 2025 plan, and already laying the groundwork for 2026. This kind of forward-thinking approach doesn't just prepare us for storms. By investing in stronger infrastructure, modernizing drainage systems, and restoring natural waterways where safe guarding homes, keeping roads passable and ensuring that families can get to school to work and to local businesses without disruption. I hope this work gives you our residents peace of mind knowing that your basements won't flood at the first heavy rain and that the investments in your homes are protected. But it goes deeper. Our approach improves the health of our environment, reducing pollutants in our waterways, and creating greener, more resilient spaces where communities can gather and thrive. It's about making sure that from the calmest days to the stormiest nights, New-Rishelle stands strong, protecting not just property, but the quality of life that makes this city home. And because we did the work, we've already secured $23 million in grant funding to support and expand our efforts. It's a big deal. This funding is incredibly important to us, and we're taking care to ensure it is used as efficiently and effectively as possible. Our updated Climate Vulnerability Assessment, a cornerstone of our 2025 work plan, identifies the specific climate-related risk our community faces, including increased flooding, extreme heat, and infrastructure vulnerabilities. By pinpointing these challenges, we can strategically allocate resources and implement targeted solutions to enhance our city's resilience. Back in 2011, New Rochelle made a bold commitment to our environment and future generations. When we adopted the Green and R sustainability plan, but this wasn't just a document. It was a call to action. A comprehensive roadmap designed to reduce our carbon footprint, preserve our natural resources, and build a healthier, more resilient city for all. This year, the city updated its greener plan to focus not only on environmental sustainability, but also people, equity, and opportunity. Climate change, it's not an isolated issue. It affects public health, economic stability, and social justice. And that's why this plan prioritizes environmental justice, ensuring that all communities, especially historically disadvantaged ones, have equitable access to resources and protections from climate risk. New Rochelle is not only preparing for the challenges ahead, but also seizing the opportunities that come with green innovation. This is what happens when we plan ahead. This is what it looks like when we invest in our New Rochelle. Investing in our community also means investing and supporting the small businesses that comprise it. Small businesses, as we know, are the heartbeat of our new Rochelle. They are where culture and commerce meet, where a quick cup of coffee turns to a conversation with a neighbor, where life-long dream becomes a thriving local enterprise. From the corner store to the new boutique on Main Street, our small businesses capture the very spirit of our city, resilient, diverse, and deeply rooted in community. And that's why small business support is a core pillar of the Vanguard, our bold initiative to revitalize and reimagine our downtown. As we build new housing and attract new investment, we are just as committed to creating an ecosystem where small businesses can start, grow and flourish. Through strategic partnerships and targeted resources where helping entrepreneurs open for business faster and stay open for the long haul. Six months into the launch of the Vanguard era, we are already supporting eight business applications, each offering a unique vision of activation, bringing light, vibrancy, and in many cases, the physical manifestation of a dream come true. I can't wait until we're able to share some of these success stories with you. Because when our small businesses thrive, it's proof that resilience and vision can turn challenges into opportunity and dreams into reality. Speaking of thriving small businesses tonight, you'll have a chance to connect and taste with delicious food from 10 of Nuro's very own small businesses at Nuro Eats in the back. Let's give it up for Taco Project, Halal Guys, Town Pizza, Juicy, Olivar, AJ Burgers, Columbia House, Harpoon Hanna's, Graves Donuts, and Seasons. We appreciate you so much and are looking forward to eating. I love eating at all of those places. I'm really excited for all of us. Here in New Rochelle, we know it's important to help all of our community members achieve their dreams, especially our young people. Our youth are watching us. As being, I get emotional, I think about my kids. As the incredibly proud mother of an 11-year-old and a 14-year-old who have spent their entire beautiful lives in your shell, I know firsthand our youth are growing up in a world many of us never could have imagined. Shaped by a pandemic, connected through devices that with just a few taps expose them to ideas, images, and influences far beyond what we encountered at their age. That's why our responsibility is clear. We must create environments where our young people can truly be kids, safe, supported and seen while also learning, growing and becoming rooted in a community that nurtures them. It still takes a village to raise a child. And here in New Rochelle, we're committed to being that village. This year, for the second summer in a row, we will provide paid employment opportunities to 500 teens. More than doubling the amount of paid opportunities previously offered. Through this program, our young people will practice interview skills, learn how to present themselves in professional settings, and gain first-ten experience working in city departments and with local businesses. This six weeks of employment will provide more than a paycheck. They offer a foundation for leadership and self-confidence, preparing our youth for the future they deserve. We also know that access to childcare is especially in the summer remains a challenge. Camps can be expensive, and if a family doesn't have the means or ability to get their children there, options for quality care becoming incredibly limited. And that's why this summer for the first time, the City of New Rochelle is offering transportation for some of our youngest neighbors enrolled in our city run camps, helping to ease that burden, and ensure more children have a safe and riching place to spend their summer days. And just a few days ago, and you might have seen it coming in, we celebrated a truly historic milestone for grand opening right across the way of New Rochelle's first ever Recreation Center, made possible through our dynamic public, private partnership with Audi. And it's right here right across the way from where we sit right now, a vibrant indoor space that will allow our parks and rec team to offer year-round program for both our youth and our mature adults. It's more than just a room. It's a symbol of what we can achieve together. A new hub of activity, connection and opportunities for residents of all ages right in the heart of our downtown. And as our city grows so do the needs that connect residents to the opportunities built around them. And in case, I mean, we know this, right? There's a lot of building going on in your shell. We see the cranes, we hear the noise, we hear the steady hum of progress around every corner. And we're going to talk a little bit more about those buildings in a moment. But I want to be clear that the unprecedented building boom is not just about reshaping our skyline. It's about creating unprecedented opportunity. Through our New Rochelle Forward initiative, we are doing more than welcoming new development. We're making sure our residents are positioned to benefit from it. We've launched a dynamic partnership with Solval Synergy, a workforce development agency co-founded by New Rochelle Native Alejandro Alvarez. Their mission is creating equitable, sustainable communities, aligns perfectly with our values. This program is offering certification courses, hands-on training, career readiness, case management, and direct job placement services. At the same time through our partnership with the Women's Enterprise Development Center known as WEDC, we are sponsoring programs that empower entrepreneurs, especially women and minority-owned businesses to grow and thrive. From marketing to personal finance, these high-quality training programs are unlocking the potential of New Rochelle's next generation of business leaders. We've also retained and expanded our collaboration with First Source Referral Center, providing skills assessment, training, and multi-tier job placement services. They serve as a bridge between our talented residents and local businesses eager to hire. Together, these partnerships are not just offering opportunities. They are building ladders of upward mobility right in the heart of our downtown. We're not just building buildings. We're building futures and we're shaping a new reshell where everyone has a stake in the promise of what's next. But in order to be a part of our future, we get it. We need to have quality and affordable place to call home. Over the last decade, a little north of 11,000 housing units have been authorized in Rochelle with just under 8,000 of them already approved. But units, it's a weird word for me. It's very technical and it fits neatly in an Excel spreadsheet. But it doesn't really reflect what this means. What we've really approved are thousands of new homes, thousands of kitchen table moments waiting to happen, families settling in, neighbors connecting, futures being built right here in New Rochelle. While our inclusionary zoning law requires 10% of new development to be affordable, I'm proud to share that we are already exceeding that threshold. Nearly 17% of approved housing falls within the affordable range. But we also know affordable housing is not one size spitz all It's a wide spectrum that touches many different lived experiences, from mature adults on fixed incomes to young professionals just starting out. And I'm proud to champion a city that embraces this complexity and responds with care. Beyond the new rental units, we've taken bold steps to create pathways to ownership. This year, the city approved the development of 126 affordable condos right in the heart of the downtown, affirmative steps towards bridging the generational wealth gap. And we haven't stopped there. An acknowledgement of the lasting harm caused by the construction of a memorial highway, which displays predominantly black homeowners in our Lincoln Avenue neighborhood, we've authorized the creation of affordable home ownership opportunities right in that same community. Because just this demands more than acknowledgement. It's a man's action. widely recognized down payment assistance program is another example of how we're helping to close the gap. This program offers eligible first time home buyers 19 percent towards their down payment and amount fully forgiven after five years of residency. We can't undo the damage of the past, but we can honor the truth of that history and use every fiscal tool, every policy priority, and every ounce of our ingenuity to help write those wrongs and create a more just, more inclusive new rechelle for generations to come. As we embark on this journey, we're getting creative when it comes to ways to build community together. And that's where the concept complete streets comes in. I will be fully honest to our professional staff. When I first heard complete streets, I didn't know it meant. I thought all of our streets were complete. You can find them on map, ways, apple maps. They have traffic signals, cars get where they need to go. But as an average runner, I do run four times a week, and I've actually trained for four marathons right on our streets, shut out to new row runners. The group that gave me the confidence to believe I could do it. I knew there were intersections that gave me pause, places along Pinebrook, Lincoln Ave and Webster. Intersections were running required more than endurance, a little bit more height and vigilance. Then as a member of the council, I came to understand what complete streets really means. It's not just about having streets that exist, it's about creating streets that work for everyone. And complete streets is an approach to planning, designing, building, and maintaining streets that provide safe, accessible routes for all users, whether you walk, bike, drive, or use public transportation, no matter your age or ability. And here in New Rochelle, we made complete streets a priority. Not just downtown but across every neighborhood. And as a result of our complete streets and pedestrian crossing improvement plan in the coming months we're going to see real results. New improvements at Pinebrook Boulevard and Ramona Court, safer crossings at Beachmont and Pinebrook, are redesigned crossing at Broadfield near Ward, and design studies underway for long overdue upgrades at Webster and the North Avenue traffic signals. We're building a city where streets are no longer just a way to get from point A to point B, but places where safety, accessibility, and community come together. And then there's the link. I think we know about this project, dear to me. 10 years ago, the idea of transforming memorial highway into a vibrant public space might have seen far fetched. But in New Rochelle, we dream big and we follow through. And the link is one of the most ambitious people-centered projects our city has ever taken. We are replacing concrete with community literally. The link is more than an infrastructure project. We are reclaiming the space, reconnecting neighborhoods, creating vibrant public areas, and unlocking new pathways for economic growth. And just as importantly, we are planning for our future. This project will include critical stormwater mitigation, helping protect our neighborhoods from flooding, and making New Rochelle more resilient in the face of climate change. The link is how we honor our history, address long-standing challenges, and build a stronger, more united, new Rochelle for generations to come. Throughout 2024 and into early 2025, we've engaged in deep, intentional community outreach. We didn't just hold public meetings, we created space for dialogue, partnership and vision. This isn't about building for the community, it's about building with the community. We've greatly valued the feedback we've received and we're actively incorporating it in our final design. We anticipate breaking ground weather permitting I'm told at the end of this year or early 2026 and when we do it won't just mark the start of construction. It will mark the continuation of healing, connection and progress because in New Rochelle we prioritize people over pavement, connection over division and long after that ribbon is cut. The link will stand as a symbol of resilience, unity, and the future we chose to build together. And as we build that future together, we're focused on forging connections within our own community and with cities that neighbor New Rochelle up and down the Northeast corridor. Fun fact, you may not know. New Rochelle is the second busiest stop on the entire New Haven line. Second only to Grand Central. From, yeah, right? That's what I said in my first heard that. From our mighty tracks, you can go to Grand Central, DC or Boston. And our transit center isn't just about trains. It's a vital hub for our region, serving nine Westchester B-line bus routes that connect us to Yonkers, Mount Vernon, White Plains, and the Bronx. And the best is yet to come. In just a few years, New Rochelle will become the first city in Westchester County, with direct metro north access to both Grand Central and Penn, east and west side of Manhattan. Yes, exactly, yes. This new air of connectivity will bring even more people through our transit hub, and that means it's time to reimagine the train station as more than just a drop-off point. We're returning our train station into a destination. A modern transit center will anchor our downtown revitalization efforts, welcoming travelers, reconnecting our diverse neighborhoods, and sparking activity in commerce. Imagine this, a beautifully restored station that honors its architectural past while embracing its future, featuring modernized signage, a streamlined vehicular experience, and even a solar paneled roof making it energy-south sufficient. And we're gonna push, we're gonna dream a little bigger too, a personal favorite of mine. What if this historic station becomes a coffee shop by day and a speak easy style gathering space by night? Right? Right? A true community hub where art, culture and conversation thrive, a place where transit meets place making where movement meets memory. That's our vision, that's New Rochelle, and we're not even done yet. In keeping with our commitment to repurposing and modernizing how we use space, the city has officially given the green light for Pratt landing, and we're heading towards the upground breaking. On one of the most transformative projects in New Rochelle's history, for decades, this portion of our waterfront was hidden, tucked behind DPW Garajas and utility trucks. But now that long overlook shoreline is being imagined into a vibrant, accessible waterfront community for everyone. Pratt Landing will deliver a dynamic mix of rental units, condominiums, and commercial space, bringing new energy and opportunity to our city. And at its heart will be a reimagined, armory drill hall, restored and reborn as a premier community and event space with 2,000 square feet of dedicated community space for our veterans. Honoring yes, exactly, we can clap for that. Honoring their service and anchoring this space as a true public asset. I mean, I'll really like take a look at this, right? Like the proximity to the water from where we stand right now that was hidden and that we'll all be able to meet for a cup of coffee, meet with friends, build community and enjoy our nature. We'll see the creation of new parks and green spaces steps away from our downtown, connecting our city to the water in a way that has never been possible before. This is more than development. It's about reclaiming possibility. It's about turning a once inaccessible shoreline into a shared civic treasure. And it's about making sure that the growth we champion includes up the lifts and reflects the people of Newer Shell. Now, I want to speak directly to those of you who may not live in the heart of our downtown. You might be wondering what does all this development mean for me. Maybe you live in the North Ends or along the shoreline or in one of our historic neighborhoods and feel like the cranes and constructions are happening in someone else's backyard. But I want you to hear me clearly this downtown Renaissance belongs belongs to all of us. Because when our downtown thrives, we all thrive. A stronger downtown doesn't just mean tall buildings or new storefronts. It means a broader tax base that lifts the financial burden on homeowners across the city. It means more jobs for our teens and our trades people. It means more small business opportunities for entrepreneurs. More foot traffic to support the mom and pop shops that have been holding it down for decades. And in the coming days you will see a commitment to quality of life that is more than just maintenance. It's about dignity, safety, and shared pride in our spaces, in our downtown. This means partnering with social service nonprofits to connect with individuals struggling with mental health challenges or addiction and connecting them to critical resources and support. It means enhanced cleaning, improved lighting, and a greater safety presence to ensure all who live, work, and visit feel welcomed and secure. And soon we'll launch a new app empowering residents to report non-emergency issues like Pothole's or Graffiti by simply taking a photo and geo-locating the concerns so our team can respond quickly. These are the everyday investments that make a difference, reinforcing that in New Rochelle, everyone deserves a city that works for them. Because the thriving downtown is a reflection of who we are as a city. It's our front porch, the first thing people see when they visit. It tells the stories of our values, our diversity, our energy, and our ambition. It's where we come together to celebrate, to connect, and to make memories. And speaking of coming together in our deputy mayor did a phenomenal job recognizing our team, but I really wanted to spend a few more moments because while I have the privilege of speaking on behalf of our city hall building, we have an extraordinary team of professionals who join forces every single day to make our success possible. And which for so fortunate, so fortunate you guys to be served by its talented, professional and thoughtful group of individuals, many of who not only work here but live here, many born raised right here in our beloved New Rochelle. They are the very definition of public servants. Their skilled and talents could take them anywhere, yet they choose to dedicate their careers to keeping the engine of our city running every single day. And I have the privilege of seeing firsthand the countless initiatives and efforts they lead, many of which happen quietly without fanfare, but are essential to making New Rochelle not just a city, but a home. So I'm gonna call them out and ask them to stand so that we can again recognize the incredible dedication and service. Our city manager will freight a Melendez, deputy city manager Todd Castaldo and their team. Julie Stan. For your very skilled ability to bring all of the ideas of council and the staff together, prioritize getting them across the finish line in a beautifully organized way. Our fabulous city clerk, Kim Jones and her outstanding team had 13,000 contacts with the community on a variety of processes related to official records. That's community engagement. Our Commissioner of Human Resources, Michelle Oli-Bettos, and her dedicated team address 2,310 personnel matters conducted labor relations with seven employee unions. Our Commissioner Finance, Ed Ritter, and his skilled team safeguard the city's assets, the money honey, through its treasury, budget debt management, accounting, purchasing liability risk management payroll, while ensuring we maintain the double A2 bond rating by Moody's investor services. Our court counseled on Warren and her remarkable team vigorously defend and monitor lawsuits brought against the city to achieve their best outcomes. Our Commissioner of Development, Adam Salgado and his innovative team drive the revitalization of the City of New Rochelle. They foster economic development for residents and businesses, most definitely provide technical planning advice to the City Council, and manage the first time home-buyer the Dom Payment Assistance Program. Our Commissioner buildings Paul Vaca and his highly capable team, vigorously, and methodically ins compliance enforcement and building zoning, housing, property maintenance and sign code. Fun fact, fun fact. Next time you're in an elevator in your shop, there's like a certificate of safety. Look at this signature. It's Paul. I smile a lot more knowing the kind of work this man puts in to keep us safe, that those elevators are safe. Our Commissioner Police, Robert Gisola, Deputy Commissioner Neil Reynolds, and their extraordinary team. I see the guys in the back, wait, hello, the Commissioner is asking you to wave, guys. Who responds to service more, a 15% increase in community engagement from the year before, while expanding their engagement with our community through several innovative programs. Our fire chief Andy Sandor and the dedicated men of the fire department, gravely responding to approximately 12,500 emergency incidents last year and easing burdens on taxpayer by securing grant funding for staffing and equipment systems while also increasing on-duty staffing to 36 members. Our Commission of Public Works, Alvara Alfonso Lorraine, and his hard-working team, who do so much to maintain our city. Trash pickup, traffic engineering, stormwater management, maintenance of series and drains, no one is removal, food scrap removal, maintenance of city buildings. They have a fingerprint on so much that y'all don't even appreciate. We salute your team. Our commission of parks, Vincarice, and his creative team who offer a diverse comprehensive offering of recreational programs and activity year-round for children, teenagers and adults while also scheduling ten athletic fields, six lighted sports facilities, and maintaining over 30 park departments. Our Executive Director of IT led by Bobby Bonjourney and his innovative team keeping us connected and secure in a very internal and external facing way. Our comms team, a mighty team of two led by Kathy Gillwitt, who used sat creativity and savviness to get the city's message out across multiple platforms. And the mighty mayor's office, a lean team of two, me and Maria Valindina in the back. This woman wears multiple hats, all at once in an effort to make sure all that reach are connected and responded to. So let's give them a shout out, honestly. They are the engine of our city. Yes, thank you, Shane. I appreciate that. And while the deputy mayor already acknowledged my colleagues on the council, I wanted to take a moment to personally think council members Lopez, Tarantino, Peters, Ashinloie, Kaye, and Stern. It is genuinely a privilege to serve alongside each and every one of you. Together we bring a wealth of perspectives and lived experiences that reflect the very fabric of our community. I know as a team we will continue to craft policies that not only address the challenges before us but lift up the lives of our friends, neighbors and families. Thank each of you for your partnership, your dedication, and for being such extraordinary colleagues. Please tell me and give them a hearty round of applause. I can tell you that I learned something from so many of the things I mentioned each and every day. And I see time and time again, how often you are all working well after hours and on weekends to make sure things are done, not just right, but with excellence. We are incredibly grateful for your service. New Rochelle is indeed stronger because of you. Together, we're not just managing the present. We're crafting the future that New Rochelle deserves. Okay, in closing. It can sometimes feel like we're just a city of neighborhoods. I'm from the North End, the South Wind. I live up west, Lincoln Avenue corridor. I live along Pellam by Beachmont, Largemont Woods by Stevenson. I live by the High School by Union, the historic district RPA, Sticomoreore Park, premium point, San Suzy, first-hike, Wikegill. By Davenport, by Glenn Island, maybe your address says Scar'sdale, but you're really near a show. I know it. But these neighborhoods are threads in one fabric, the fabric of near a show. The revitalization of our downtown is not the story of a single zip code. It's the heartbeat of a city that is rising together. So whether you live steps from Main Street or miles from it, know this, you are part of this moment. You are part of this transformation. And what we build here will ripple out to every block, every school, every park, and every home across New Rochelle. This is your city. This is our city. And our future is being shaped together. And right now, New Rochelle isn't in between space. A bridge between our past and our future. And I know that can feel uncomfortable. These are the years that test patients. I hear the fatigue. I understand the desire for faster progress. But what we're doing here is not ordinary. We set out on an ambitious transformative plan, unlike anything New Rochelle has seen before. A plan bold enough to stretch us to challenge us and to call us into something greater. And through it all, a global pandemic, shifting political landscapes, changing economic winds we stayed the course. We are still building. We are still believing and most most importantly, we are still together. Ambition takes courage. And when you're writing a playbook that doesn't already exist, setbacks are part of that process. But friends, even with those bumps in the road, the state of our city is strong. I firmly believe that New Rochelle's most vibrant, equitable and inclusive future is ahead of us. What a privilege it is to be a part of this chapter in our story. To shape it, to witness it, and to know that when the history books are written, we were the one who dared to believe in what Newer Shell could become. How lucky are we to call this city home. Thank you.