New Rochelle District 5 Council Candidate: Barry Fertel

Editor's note: Every candidate running for City Council in New Rochelle in the Nov. 8 election was sent the same list of questions. The answers were only edited for style. Councilman Barry Fertel, D-District 5, is running against Ilyse Spertus. Her responses to the questionnaire can be found here.

Name: Barry Fertel
Age: 57
Occupation: Attorney
Family: Wife: Dr. Valerie Fertel; Sons: Jeremy, Jason & Gregory; Daughter-in-law Simona Fertel (married to Jeremy Fertel).
Line(s) on the ballot: Democrat and Working Families

Patch: Last winter was particularly severe, taxing city resources. What can be done to avoid similar situations?

Last winter, which was particularly severe, did require the City to use monies from its reserve fund. While the City does prepare its budget based upon the average expenditures for snow removal over the prior three years, the severity of the snow storms last year exceeded those projections. In order to reduce the future impact on city resources, in the event of another severe winter, proper planning is the best way to address this challenge. Our recently hired DPW Commissioner Alex Tergis, has presented a revised plan to address future snow storms, which will be more efficient. In addition, we need to acquire new snow removal equipment to supplement and replace our aging trucks and other vehicles used in this effort. In addition, more intense training of staff and preparation will also serve to ease this problem.

Patch: The city adopted the GreeNR Sustainability Plan recently. What should the city concentrate on in the short run and long run to implement it? Or should it be something that is implemented at all?

I am proud that I voted for the City’s adoption of the GreeNR Sustainability Plan.  In doing so, New Rochelle has positioned itself as a model of sustainability.  Against the backdrop of the fiscal challenges we face, many of the initiatives, both short- and long-term will not only benefit our community, but save the taxpayers money. For example, the City can set standards for energy efficiency, which can be implemented in the short term. In fact, we have already started a program to replace exterior municipal lighting fixtures with more efficient lighting. We have also embarked on an effort to conduct an energy efficiency audit of municipal buildings with the goal of saving energy costs. We can also improve our recycling efforts which would save additional sums. As for long-term goals, I am firmly committed to the clean up and dredging of the two lakes in District 5—Beechmont and Paine lakes, another goal discussed in the GreeNR plan. Not only would such a project be an environmental improvement, but by increasing the water capacity of these lakes, it would help to enhance future flood prevention. We should also expand the Community Garden in Ward Acres, which has already been an incredible success. On a long-term basis, we hope to develop our waterfront and make it available to the public to enjoy and experience. As an avid cyclist, I favor both short-term and long-term efforts to make New Rochelle more bicycle friendly, by adding bicycle paths and a more robust bicycle route system. There are many laudable goals in the GreeNR Plan, which I wholeheartedly support.  I would urge those who are interested to view the plan in its entirety at http://newrochelleny.com/DocumentView.aspx?DID=444.

Patch: Declining revenues and increasing costs seem to be a fact of life. How would you adjust the city's budget without hurting the quality of life for its residents?

There are no easy solutions to the financial challenges we face. We have to be mindful of the fiscal constraints due to the current economic climate, which are beyond our control. We will be reviewing the City Manager’s budget in November, and make sure that essential services are maintained. My record is clear—I have supported budgets which controlled expenses yet assured that the quality of life in our neighborhoods is maintained.

Patch: Parking is always an issue in New Rochelle. What is the solution?

As someone whose office is in downtown New Rochelle, I am familiar with the parking challenges we face on a daily basis. Eliminating confusion by appropriate signage directing motorists to parking locations is one inexpensive solution. Many people are unaware of the availability of parking off of Main Street in the Prospect Street lot and proper directional signage would be helpful. In addition, parking regulations which discourage Avalon residents from parking in public lots, rather than the Avalon garages have been and will be considered. A new overnight permit, coupled with metered parking in the evening will benefit local business and restaurants by freeing up spaces for their customers. While parking in downtown New Rochelle presents challenges, I am confident that we will continue to work at a solution to this challenge.

Patch: What are some concrete ways the city can bring more businesses to New Rochelle?

There are several ways to bring businesses to New Rochelle. By participating in a regional sustainability consortium which encourages transit-oriented development, we hope to bring businesses to this area on a regional basis. The New Rochelle Business Improvement District (BID) has embarked upon a series of initiatives to improve the appearance of downtown, such as the façade restoration program, which will make the downtown area more inviting both to business and customers. Making it easier for local businesses, such as restaurants and retail stores, to open in New Rochelle, by eliminating red tape and working with the BID, is one way to encourage business development and growth. Bearing in mind that New Rochelle must compete with other municipalities in the region to attract businesses, reasonable economic incentives should be offered to attract businesses to come to New Rochelle. A blanket rejection of such incentives would place New Rochelle in the terrible position of being unable to compete for businesses which may otherwise relocate to New Rochelle. In fact, we were able to recently attract Pearlgreen Corporation, with its 70 employees, to relocate to New Rochelle and renovate a large warehouse and manufacturing facility that would have otherwise been vacant.

Patch: How can development be used to increase the quality of life for New Rochelle residents and help the city's coffers?

Before the developments in downtown New Rochelle, the area was marked by large vacant lots which were strewn with rubble. Main Street was filled with vacant storefronts. Without downtown development, projects such as 543 Main St., Davenport Lofts, Trump Tower, Library Green, as well as the restaurant revival would never have happened. Downtown New Rochelle has gradually attracted more businesses and visitors. Not only do I work in downtown New Rochelle, but my wife and I and our friends regularly frequent the local businesses and restaurants. There has been a tremendous improvement since the mid-'90s, but we have a long way to go. Responsible development, which would include mandated public amenities, such as attractive public space, green buildings, affordable housing and other enhancements, help improve the quality of life. While we are currently facing stiff economic challenges, planning for future development, by updating New Rochelle’s Comprehensive Plan, which is currently taking place, will assure that we improve New Rochelle’s quality with smart and well-planned development. Finally, despite unsupported claims to the contrary, it should be emphasized that almost all New Rochelle’s recent projects are paying full taxes, which is netting a net positive to New Rochelle taxpayers of over $7.5 million annually.

Patch: If there is anything you want to add or if you'd like to make a statement, please feel free.

I believe that given my experience, my knowledge, my deep commitment and, most importantly, my love of and devotion to our community, that I am the most qualified to represent District 5 on the New Rochelle City Council. We face many challenges, and we need more than platitudes and slogans to address New Rochelle’s many and diverse needs. I have worked tirelessly for 20 years for my community. I want to make sure that New Rochelle has a strong and secure future for all of its residents. New Rochelle is a special place. It is a microcosm of our country. Every socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural group is proud to call New Rochelle home. I am proud of my longstanding public service and to have raised my family here. As councilmember, I have not only focused on the big Citywide and downtown issues I also regularly address questions and concerns of District 5’s residents on a daily basis. Using my experience, and given my deep commitment and love of our community, I try every day to make the lives of our residents that much better. I take pride in the fact that I moved my office to my home town. We have many challenges ahead, but I know that working together we will succeed in making New Rochelle a place of which we can be even more proud to call our home. I would be honored to continue to serve as your councilmember from District 5. There are not always easy solutions, but I can assure you that, as shown by my 20 years of public service, I will keep working hard every day to make New Rochelle an even better place for all of its residents.