City Council District 1's blog

Consistent opposition to the relocation of City Yard to Beechwood Avenue

City Council District 1 — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 19:42:39 +0000

I have consistently voted against the relocation of the City Yard to Beechwood Avenue. This relocation raises a plethora of safety and environmental concerns about impacts on the abutting neighborhoods. In February, I continued my opposition to the relocation of the City Yard
to this site by voting against legislation that would allow for the purchase of one of the necessary properties by the City for the new yard.

Protecting the Armory

City Council District 1 — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 19:42:10 +0000

Municipal

Since running for the City Council in 1999 I have advocated for the protection and re-adaptive use of the New Rochelle Armory. Working with so many of you to ensure that the Armory continues to stand tall in dedication to all those in our community who suffered the supreme sacrifice to protect our freedom. I, along with many of you, have fought hard to protect this historic treasure and I will continue to work hard to bring re-adaptive use of the Armory to fruition.

The West Main Street Gateway Initiative moves forward

City Council District 1 — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 19:41:45 +0000

Municipal

As you know, the Chamber of Commerce, businesses, residents, City Staff and the Council have been dedicated to making the New Rochelle Gateway from the I-95 Exit 15 along Main Street to Pintard Avenue a better place to work, while creating an aesthetically pleasing commercial corridor. In January 2007, the City Council received the West Main Street and Union Avenue schematic streetscape design. Several actions were suggested to enhance these gateways. The staff is evaluating and prioritizing specifics and will present their recommendations to the City Council later this year. In addition to this, the City Council approved the refurbishing of the Civil War monument located on the West Main Street Gateway. I was successful in reaching out to Senator Jeff Klein to begin to target additional areas in the West Main Street area for possible future funding.

Testifying before the Zoning Board to prevent future Night Clubs that negatively impact the downtown and neighborhoods

City Council District 1 — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 19:41:15 +0000

Municipal

In January 2007, I contacted residents, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Business Improvement District in an effort to organize public support to rescind the zoning variance that allowed the Palladium Night Club to occupy 595 Main Street. Our testimony convinced the Zoning Board to approve changes that would prevent another nightclub from occupying this property ever again. We all remember how dangerous concerts and other activities at the Palladium degraded our downtown as well as the surrounding neighborhoods. I am happy to report that the Zoning Board unanimously agreed. Thanks to everyone who participated for this important protection.

Creation of City Housing Unit to address housing code violations

City Council District 1 — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 19:36:40 +0000

Municipal

In the past members of City Council and I have advocated for improved methods and procedures to better manage illegal housing, code violations and other housing issues. One major step taken recently by the City Council was the establishment of a City Housing Unit to begin to effectively target the many housing issues that plague so many areas of the city. After its initiation, I will propose increasing fines for unscrupulous property owners who consider the current fines “the cost of doing business.” This proactive approach will increase public safety and reduce the financial burden on City residents.

Protection against tax increases, the refuse fee, and debatable expenditures

City Council District 1 — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 19:31:41 +0000

Municipal

For the fourth consecutive year, I voted against the budget, the tax increase and the residential refuse fee. As was the case previously, I believe that specific spending proposals should have been reduced or eliminated. Could I have totally eliminated a tax increase or the refuse fee? Of course not. However, if my suggestions were approved, the impact on the taxpayer would have been less onerous. Future capital improvements would have been easier to achieve, specifically vehicle replacement in DPW, Police and Fire. We need to reduce spending and bonding to save for the proverbial “rainy day”.

In the Neighborhoods Strengthening laws to protect our neighborhoods from the adverse impacts of overdevelopment The City Council approved a zoning code moratorium last year. It appointed citizens to work with City staff and Council in order to strengthen the zoning codes and to protect the integrity of our neighborhoods. The protections focused on the density impacts of certain types of development in residential neighborhoods as well as their aesthetic qualities.

I am happy to report that the City Council recently approved the recommendations proposed by citizens and staff, reinforcing our strong commitment to sustain the quality of life in neighborhoods. We have also requested that staff review multi-family zoned areas to identify opportunities where zoning might be further changed in order to improve neighborhood standards. I am thankful for citizen and neighborhood association input that continues to guide me in the pursuit of our goal to protect the integrity of our neighborhoods.

Unwavering opposition to Reassessment

City Council District 1 — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 19:27:34 +0000

Municipal

As your representative, I have been consistently opposed to reassessment, whether it is on a local (City) or regional (County) basis. This action drastically would increase taxes for a large number of property owners in Council District 1. Earlier in 2006, I stated my opposition to a City Council proposal that authorized the City Manager to hire a consultant to evaluate whether the City should undertake reassessment. I will continue my opposition to City and County reassessment in an effort to protect my constituents from burdensome tax increases that would further divide New
Rochelle.

Steadfast opposition to Council pay raise

City Council District 1 — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 19:25:56 +0000

Municipal

As many of you are aware, I voted against the pay increase legislation for the Mayor and City Council that takes effect in 2008. From its inception I spoke against this proposal and vowed that if re-elected this year, I would not accept the raise, but would donate it back to the City designated for use in Council District 1 and/or to a charity that specifically helps people in Council District 1. I believe that this pay raise for part-time council positions as defined in city personnel documents is clearly unacceptable, when compared to the reality that some in our district are living near subsistence and all continue to pay the onerous refuse fee.

Accountable to you

City Council District 1 — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 19:24:15 +0000

Municipal

Friends,
I hope this message finds all of you well in anticipation of the approaching spring and summer seasons. I want to thank all of you for the continued honor and opportunity to work together as partners. I approach every issue with a consistent goal: to be an independent voice representing the constituents of Council District 1, and dedicated to protecting and enhancing our quality of life.

This news brief includes some information about my recent initiatives and proposed solutions as your representative on the City Council. Remember, I am accountable to you. If you have any advice, information, or concerns, please contact me at (914) 882-7519, or e-mail at MBoylejr@aol.com.

Thanks as always.

Very truly yours,

Michael E. Boyle, Jr.
New Rochelle City Council– District One