New Rochelle City, Businesses Say North Avenue Is Safe

NEW ROCHELLE — City and school officials met Monday with representatives of more than 15 local business along North Avenue to discuss how they can promote safety along the North Avenue corridor. City officials briefed businesses on new policing initiatives and school officials outlined new student safety and security practices — on the day students at New Rochelle High School return to classes after Regents Week. On hand for the discussion were Mayor Noam Bramson, City Manager Charles Strome II, school representatives and city council members.

The city and school district were rocked by three recent violent events, one of which resulted in the fatal stabbing a high school student.

“Local businesses are a vital part of the family of New Rochelle, and today’s meeting was an important opportunity to hear directly from them,” said Mayor Noam Bramson. “We had a constructive discussion focused on how we can all work together to keep North Avenue safe and thriving.”

Strome and Acting New Rochelle Police Commissioner Joseph Schaller briefed businesses on new safety and policing measures, which include increased police presence during business and school hours. Local businesses said they will brief their employees on the city’s new safety guidance and are committed to working with the city and school district to improve safety. Business owners reaffirmed that North Avenue is safe and open for business, and expressed support for the city’s new policing initiatives in light of recent events, according to a city spokeswoman.

Interim Assistant Schools Superintendent Amy Goodman briefed businesses on the new safety practices at the high school, including enforcement of a closed campus policy while a security audit is conducted. The school district affirmed their continued cooperation with the city to ensure the continued success of the North Avenue business corridor.

“Our message to businesses was that if they see something, they should say something to the New Rochelle Police Department,” Strome said, adding that the businesses were given direct lines of communication to the police department and city to address any questions.

Photo credit: City of New Rochelle.