[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6697867,"mediaKeyId","2112830-98707284d432a29f3f6ebd955e41f47b","parentId",2112830,"title","Public hearing draws students, health advocates and business applicants on tobacco, vape and cannabis zoning","audioSeconds",1968,"startMs",7031000,"endMs",8999000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2112830-98707284d432a29f3f6ebd955e41f47b&start=7031&end=8999","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2112830-98707284d432a29f3f6ebd955e41f47b/thumbnail_7031000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6697867/New-York/Public-hearing-draws-students-health-advocates-and-business-applicants-on-tobacco-vape-and-cannabis-zoning","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6697867-d36e914f22654a9a5982c1cc0e53e3b4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770762330&Signature=lK55ofkVZxcGcAkTo0jWIt27vdz5Zhqx7TkNadroQSlOIhUR7awBJQ~vzya8gl2xbfxb0fN8HgbgFNgaFNgZKyXzduFu7RrNwV3w6UUxbphS2iIT~S9goS~2CWplLgBPW0xTNWx-cFktt9N0R8smcQSfTi99y3cf8hUWQ8pj3gu7aF~VNJA-BtgPCAK03zhXDidd5JXJWFbxPy3jpARebU8UC5X9y3SVCrBGbZFjAC9P-yNltVI9-OLq1SWL6pm6Fhj1mHw8Qk1ppLAv-Y0-qQ8ODCiYe6YP-1Sx1COAR1gorMYLFssMWf8cA6Bmq-O9J41mbuBlZRHDYADTCIRBEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","New Rochelle","date","2025-01-14T00:00:00Z","article","The council on Wednesday heard more than a dozen public comments during a scheduled public hearing on proposed changes to chapter 331 of the zoning code governing tobacco smoke shops and adult‑use cannabis retail and consumption. Testimony included pleas from youth prevention groups, public‑health advocates and residents, and one applicant described plans for a legal retail site.

Who spoke and main points

- Youth and prevention groups: Representatives of the Know Better Live Better program and of United Community Center Westchester described outreach they have done with Westchester County Department of Health and the American Lung Association. They said youth access and flavored products are driving use and that retail availability increases youth exposure. Daniel Rodriguez and several student speakers urged tighter limits and funding for prevention programs.

- Public‑health organizations: Molly Franco, Community Engagement Coordinator with Power Against Tobacco/American Lung Association, urged limiting retail density and pointed to industry marketing at point of sale. Franco noted state survey findings that youth obtain devices from local retailers and recommended model policies and technical assistance to help the city regulate outlets and limit youth exposure.

- Residents and parents: Speakers described seeing vaping and smoke exposure near schools and public spaces and asked the council to restrict locations near schools, churches and youth centers. Linda Fecina said many Westchester municipalities opted out of retail cannabis and urged caution; she asked whether the city could limit licenses or locations and suggested sidewalk smoke-free zones in the downtown.

- Potential retailer and supporters: Karen Williams, a disabled U.S. Air Force veteran who said she is in final licensing phases for a legal cannabis retail application, urged inclusion of licensed, regulated retail rather than leaving the market to illicit sellers and said licensed stores will contribute tax revenue for community services.

- Opponents and cautionary voices: Several residents including Vince Malfitano urged stricter limits or removal of retail outlets and framed dispensaries and smoke shops as public‑health and community concerns. Other speakers noted broader concerns about normalizing drug use and the need to balance commercial opportunity with public safety and prevention.

What the draft code amendment would do (as discussed in the meeting)

Staff described the draft as updating existing smoking rules, specifying special‑permit requirements for smoke shops and aligning conditions (distance buffers, hours, and location limitations) with how the city treats other sensitive uses. Council and staff discussed using zoning and special permits to restrict smoke shops and dispensaries from locating near schools and community facilities and to set operational conditions. The council did not vote on the zoning changes at this meeting; the record will remain open for written comments and the item will return for formal action at a later meeting.

Why it matters

Speakers and staff agreed the issue touches both public health and land‑use policy: retail density and location can shape youths’ exposure and access, while local regulation determines where licensed businesses may locate. Several speakers asked staff and council to publish maps showing current retailer locations and the overlay of sensitive sites and demographic indicators to inform the policy decision.

Ending

The hearing closed after the last registered speakers. Council members and staff said they will accept written comments and return with additional materials, including maps and model policies, before any ordinance vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","New Rochelle - City Council Meeting - Jan 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council on Wednesday heard more than a dozen public comments during a scheduled public hearing on proposed changes to chapter 331 of the zoning code governing tobacco smoke shops and adult‑use cannabis retail and consumption.","taxTitle","New Rochelle, Westchester County, New York","taxId",76423,"location","New York","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6697873,"New Rochelle city historian highlights preservation priorities, Carpenter’s Cemetery restoration",1458,3708000,5166000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2112830-98707284d432a29f3f6ebd955e41f47b&start=3708&end=5166","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2112830-98707284d432a29f3f6ebd955e41f47b/thumbnail_3708000.jpg","/articles/6697873/New-York/New-Rochelle-city-historian-highlights-preservation-priorities-Carpenters-Cemetery-restoration","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6697873-2e1f00f989eb0b2bd193ba6b51be1688/orig.mp4?Expires=1770762330&Signature=UtEvy8KW4AeWB7Ag5xD8JYL4-PNozetNcqHlN5r-JrExUDjyCjeePHi8NmO48RRyWZ7drMQ5XYMyBXrCGVc9sUuTj65EFw03wDfqDT2x4EiWiqVhLa27LDnw2b-fbUEnCaZYVMhHuYd~r1O1He~10mNApET5nuSeJnKbZb0vRIOdz-7YNk-n4asNS3sDX8gbIiKU0j99w5doMLCtJAKt2LXscRGHZxDC4cS4uvx2VPhMpL3QxbpG-lWiB7RLJdORvrj7n4qVy8rXIDVPZnBDem8QGsTOoMK3kzTu4IU--WiDqkE8-tknju3Ar-YvKYy4V83aDVcvMCqQFByQW2Px-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Barbara Davis, New Rochelle’s city historian, told the council on Wednesday that municipal historic work ranges from archival research and public programming to preservation advocacy and grant support, and she outlined several active projects — among them an effort to take ownership of Carpenter’s Cemetery and prepare the site for restoration.

Davis, who is also executive director of the Westchester County Historical Society, said the state requires municipalities to appoint a local historian and she has served in the role in New Rochelle since 2008. She described the historian’s work as fourfold: research and writing, public presentations and teaching, historic preservation, and advocacy/tourism promotion.

Davis said a large survey conducted for historic‑resource documentation found thousands of properties eligible for National Register listing across the city and multiple eligible historic districts. She noted that while National Register eligibility does not by itself impose local protections, listing can unlock grant funding for rehabilitation and advocates for adaptive reuse.

Carpenter’s Cemetery

Davis identified Carpenter’s Cemetery (Stratton Road) as a priority. Her researchers have identified handwritten burial lists and early records for people interred there going back to the 1840s; archaeologists have reported potential for more than 400 burials on the site, she said. The cemetery has been privately owned and derelict for decades; Davis said the city has been negotiating with the current owner (Westchester Torah Academy) to transfer ownership and that the Westchester Land Trust is engaged about stewardship. She described plans to form a conservancy with descendants and community members and to pursue National Register listing and grant funding for careful clearing and restoration.

Other work and outreach

Davis described a broad slate of programming and preservation work: oral‑history projects, public exhibits (including a recent exhibit on the city’s Black community), walking and boat tours, and the Walk of Fame signage program. She said a county survey documented thousands of eligible properties — more than the state database shows because of earlier database limits — and she offered to share the detailed property lists with council members.

Why it matters

Davis framed historic preservation as part of sustainability and community identity: older buildings and adaptive reuse, she said, can be an energy‑efficient and sustainable option. Council members thanked Davis and asked that staff work with her on preservation planning and to circulate the full eligible-property list to the council.

Ending

Davis said she will share copies of the survey results and a packet on local designation procedures with council members, and she asked elected officials to direct constituents with preservation or local‑history questions to her office.","City historian Barbara Davis briefed the council on municipal historian duties, preservation survey results and ongoing projects including a plan to take ownership of Carpenter’s Cemetery and pursue national‑register listing and grants for restoration.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6697878,"New Rochelle releases draft climate vulnerability assessment; officials plan heat-emergency and resiliency-hub work",1633,185000,1818000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2112830-98707284d432a29f3f6ebd955e41f47b&start=185&end=1818","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2112830-98707284d432a29f3f6ebd955e41f47b/thumbnail_185000.jpg","/articles/6697878/New-York/New-Rochelle-releases-draft-climate-vulnerability-assessment-officials-plan-heat-emergency-and-resiliency-hub-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6697878-461d7a1d69ac250f629b73cc3f148045/orig.mp4?Expires=1770762330&Signature=HxWhW0GvGuqwWlaAfk4d8LasIiG7cwnGzS7ofOVvERHQHw7X4Q4OtbP70dJ80vdqTtNmvgXh9cPPjw2DuxDKFKsFkI237l92v5CpvxlIISO-dRvZWSRm4rk1qGVBwQIktfuCMtO6YzACDjUW5UTZKo51W1TWTgNQkM5QH1zh0QZMh56nukjoVukTiIPWXAoE3XjtGcozpPYkBZEXJC4lTEMBLAsx3-wvJFjXlznEneYxoUmZ0UmiC7NYnj75xpDj-RUEt4Fh91MAE5aE2Wjd7E167ih9kw8W8BVT7qnCC5nBFsfm452KcKcAdJOQK2XlAyjLmsQ5QWy9n8AQuBtZtw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","New Rochelle officials on Wednesday presented a draft Climate Vulnerability Assessment that maps rising temperatures, inland and coastal flooding risks and other climate hazards and outlines a set of recommendations — from green infrastructure and building retrofits to a network of distributed “resiliency hubs.”

The assessment was presented by Gary Sorge, vice president of Stantec Consulting Services, and reviewed by Commissioner Sarah Salgado of the Department of Development and Deputy Commissioner Seth Kaye. Sorge said the study drew on community outreach and modeling for the 2023–24 period and that about 300 residents completed the online survey used in the assessment.

The report identifies heat as a leading near-term risk. “Heat is the number 1 killer as a result of climate change,” Sorge said, citing survey results showing “76% of respondents are unable to enjoy the outdoors because of prolonged periods of heat.” The draft also reports that roughly 20% of respondents say they cannot afford utility bills in winter and that respondents reported widespread power loss and flooding during storms.

Why it matters: the CVA is intended as a planning tool to prioritize capital investment and to strengthen grant applications. Commissioner Salgado told the council the city has already secured state funding through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Climate Smart Communities program to develop a heat emergency plan and a separate grant to design and inventory potential resiliency-hub sites. Salgado said the city also plans a policy review to align the CVA with the Green New Rochelle comprehensive planning efforts.

Key findings and recommendations

- Exposure and equity: The assessment highlights that vulnerable populations tend to live in areas with higher hazard risk, including places with high impervious cover and lower tree canopy. The draft maps show heat “hot spots” concentrated in the downtown and other dense areas. The study recommends targeting outreach, cooling resources and hub sites where residents have less access to private cooling.

- Infrastructure stress and stormwater: The consultants flagged aging drainage and stormwater infrastructure and noted an ongoing City program (described in the presentation) with an estimated $350,000,000 construction program to improve hydraulics across the city’s six watersheds.

- Resiliency hubs: The CVA endorses a network of distributed resiliency hubs — trusted community facilities that could provide cooling, communication and basic services during outages or extreme events. The report recommends site inventories, upgrades (generators, communications, energy resilience), and operational agreements with nonprofit and institutional partners, including schools and community organizations. Salgado said many potential hub sites are not city-owned and will require partnership agreements.

Next steps and funding

City staff outlined a near-term work program: issue an RFP for a heat-emergency plan; inventory candidate resiliency-hub sites and scope capital improvements; and continue policy reviews to fold CVA findings into the city’s comprehensive planning. Salgado also referenced a recently adopted “direct pay” resolution the city intends to use in partnership with nonprofit and municipal partners to access federal tax-credit mechanisms that could fund capital improvements.

Council reaction

Council members broadly welcomed the CVA and emphasized implementation. Council member Sarah Kaye said the city’s preplanning positions New Rochelle well to compete for federal and state funding. Multiple councilors pressed for near-term operational actions — expanding cooling center hours, ensuring backup power for hub locations, and communicating locations and access to residents before summer heat events. Council members also asked that maps and data be provided electronically for council and public review.

What the report does not do

The CVA is an assessment, not an operational emergency response plan. Consultants and staff said tactical emergency-response planning — including evacuation routing, fire-suppression water availability and coordination with first responders — will be part of follow-up work rather than the CVA itself.

Ending note

Staff said the CVA will be used to strengthen grant applications and to guide capital planning and policy work in 2025. The city plans to return to council with a timeline for the heat-emergency plan and with a resiliency-hub inventory later this year.","City consultants presented a draft Climate Vulnerability Assessment (CVA) describing rising temperatures, flooding risks and community impacts. City staff said grants were secured to develop a heat emergency plan and to design a network of ‘resiliency hubs’ and that the CVA will help target future capital and grant work.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6697865,"Committee of the Whole: votes on Iona University special permit, lead‑agency and a school/parks grant among actions",318,5476000,5794000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2112830-98707284d432a29f3f6ebd955e41f47b&start=5476&end=5794","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2112830-98707284d432a29f3f6ebd955e41f47b/thumbnail_5476000.jpg","/articles/6697865/New-York/Committee-of-the-Whole-votes-on-Iona-University-special-permit-leadagency-and-a-schoolparks-grant-among-actions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6697865-40edefa4d07acca9ec8b0baf22de854e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770762330&Signature=cvpOFJIjKr7sThDPEC9lHkI90DtL54inyTqX4piqVWEc4mBxj9auDxZUXsawC6PvfbNeJF7jb6undRwHFrRP8A9hqB98OP-JBangWKAHPw-DW3bhPKSwC2FI23FZPI0JRvWuJ9JH1jLd08jtzz~A51pGNET43e1naFjYBKuotnrHyFVXTJY0rHcwIUnvhRkjJYzKX3veHR9qS0oQxpErhcRIylpWQsbI~pLN4jqwsutPpQeiROLZOD77CbHamGD4QM2z9Fl4mdHGfAO5U2nggJAu1bZl6o6Y0LoluliaEcRc9Otq4eQU~mHPyMHywlPconSBJOIuINyYj~4w7XZMXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Committee of the Whole took a series of formal actions Wednesday evening. Highlights from the meeting’s recorded votes and procedural outcomes include the council adopting environmental and land‑use actions for Iona University, declaring lead agency on a pedestrian‑plaza code change, and approving a grant application for a parks‑linked environmental education program.

Votes at a glance

- Item 3 — Negative declaration (environmental review) for a proposed special permit concerning Iona University (merger of campus lots): adopted on a voice vote. Staff introduced the environmental review and council adopted the negative declaration.

- Item 4 — Resolution authorizing a special permit for Iona University (merger of four lots to implement an “upper green” campus project): adopted on a voice vote. Corporation Counsel explained that the special permit is required for a campus expansion/lot merger under city code and that the council can condition but not deny permits that meet zoning requirements; a condition restricting use to passive recreational green space was added.

- Item 11 — Resolution declaring lead‑agency status for a proposed ordinance creating a public pedestrian plaza chapter (Chapter 256): adopted by roll/voice vote to allow environmental review and next steps.

- Item 16 — Resolution approving submission of a grant application to the New York State DEC (Environmental Education Center Program) in support of the Energy Justice Law & Policy Center programming at 5 Islands Park: voted and adopted; council members commended partner organizations.

Consent‑agenda and procedural votes

Several other items were moved to the consent agenda by unanimous voice votes; these procedural motions included consent placement for code amendments, parking and traffic regulation changes, municipal property acquisition offers, and grant submittals. The meeting record shows multiple motions “to move item X to the consent agenda,” each carried by ayes; the formal council consent‑agenda vote will occur at the full council meeting.

What council discussed about Iona

Counsel explained that the planned lot merger would create new green space at the campus and that the city’s special‑permit process allows the council to place binding conditions on use. Council members said they will condition future changes that would alter neighborhood character and urged Iona to improve communication with the Beechmont Association.

Ending

The meeting proceeded to an extended public hearing on tobacco smoke shops and adult‑use cannabis zoning and then to citizens‑to‑be‑heard. Several items were referred to the consent agenda and the committee closed for an executive session on personnel and legal matters.","The committee adopted a negative declaration and a special‑permit resolution for Iona University’s lot merger, declared lead‑agency status for a pedestrian‑plaza code change and approved a $3 million environmental education grant application; several other agenda items were moved to the consent calendar.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public hearing draws students, health advocates and business applicants on tobacco, vape and cannabis zoning

New Rochelle city historian highlights preservation priorities, Carpenter’s Cemetery restoration

New Rochelle releases draft climate vulnerability assessment; officials plan heat-emergency and resiliency-hub work

Committee of the Whole: votes on Iona University special permit, lead‑agency and a school/parks grant among actions