Day Two: New Rochelle Still Has Power Needs

New Rochelle woke to minimal power restoration on day two of post-Hurricane Sandy.

About two-thirds of the population is still without power, though there are still pockets of the city—including much of the downtown and Main Street are fully fuctioning.

Community Relations Director Barbara Davis of the New Rochelle Public Library said the facility is fully functioning, though the WiFi is at times spotty.

"There's is not a single outlet that is not in use," she said, referring to people recharging their phones and computers. The library is holding a Halloween movie marathon all day Wednesday and will have other activities Thursday if school is once again not in session.

Mayor Noam Bramson said the total numbers of customer without power can be confusing, with Con Edison updating the numbers and at the same time making repairs that could cuase further outages.

"Power restoration thus far has been minimal," he said.

Bramson was told that additional restoration crews are coming to the region, some from as far away as California, but the power company has not indicated where they will be positioned.

"Everyone is going to want crews in their community," he said, "but the scope is likely that the resources will be spread much thinner than we would like."

Power restoration, Bramson said, will first focus on critical institutions, like nursing homes, schools or "buildings that serve a vulnerable population."

City crews are working diligently to clear downed trees and limbs, he said, but are hampered by the fact that if there are downed wires involved, ConEd has to remove them before the crews can get rid of the trees.

"The moment we are able to do something," Bramson said, "we do it."

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The City of New Rochelle issued the following:

The state of emergency continues for the City of New Rochelle. The City is working with Con Edison to restore power but full restoration is a long way off. Over 2/3 of the City is out. Residents are reminded to use caution while traveling as some intersections still do not have power and streets may still be closed due to downed trees and limbs. Downed wires should be considered live and avoided at all costs. Dry ice will be distributed today by Con Edison at Yonkers Raceway from noon until 6PM.

To recap:

• A Red Cross Emergency Shelter remains open at Albert Leonard.
• Call Con Edison directly to report all outages at (800) 75-CONED. Con Edison will provide dry ice from noon-6PM at Yonkers Raceway.
• For non-emergency issues related to the storm, call 654-2300 or 2-1-1
• To report downed trees, call 740-6118
• Garbage will be picked up Thursday and Friday.
• Alternate Side enforcement is suspended for the rest of the week

Regarding Halloween, tonight’s toddler Halloween party at the Doyle Center is cancelled. Families who still intend to Trick or Treat should exercise extreme caution as hazardous conditions exist and worsen at night.

The City of New Rochelle issues updates through the City website www.newrochelleny.com; Facebook and Twitter; NRTV Cable Channel 75 and FIOS Channel 28; and automated phone and email messages. Residents can subscribe to receive these emergency alerts directly through the City’s website at www.newrochelleny.com.