Yonkers council hears Adrian Jambalai in advice-and-consent hearing for Zoning Board of Appeals slot

Adrian Jambalai appeared before the Yonkers City Council rules committee on a resolution for advice and consent to appoint him to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

"My name is Adrian Jambalai, and I wanna begin by thanking you for considering me for appointment to the zoning board of appeals," Jambalai said, describing himself as a "lifelong resident of Yonkers who deeply cares about the direction our city is heading." He told the committee he wants to "be a voice for my community" and that he does not "seek to be a rubber stamp." He said his background includes several years working in real estate and described his perspective as one "rooted in real world experience and a strong sense of civic duty."

Council members asked questions about his qualifications and experience. Minority Leader Breen thanked Jambalai for volunteering and advised patience and learning on the job, saying, "You don't have to run the place. You just have to learn for a while." Councilman Moranti pressed for specifics about Jambalai's qualifications and noted he had not had a chance to review Jambalai's resume until the meeting; Moranti asked whether Jambalai had attended zoning board meetings before, to which Jambalai replied, "I have not." Majority Leader Rick Norman expressed appreciation for Jambalai's interest and said he looked forward to his service.

The committee chair said the item will go on the agenda for next week's council meeting for formal consideration. The rules meeting record shows no final appointment vote; the committee referred the advice-and-consent resolution to the full council.

Why it matters: The Zoning Board of Appeals reviews requests for variances and other zoning relief that can affect development, property use and neighborhood character. Committee members questioned Jambalai's direct ZBA experience and probed how his real-estate background would inform his decisions.

Clarifying details noted at the hearing: Jambalai told the committee he received his real-estate license in 2020, described his current work as an associate broker with experience in investment and commercial transactions, and said he briefly worked at Northwestern Mutual early in his career but left after several months. The committee record shows his resume was circulated to council members shortly before the meeting. The rules committee did not vote on the appointment; it forwarded the resolution to the full City Council agenda for next week's meeting.