New Rochelle News

July 1, 2010

Economic Development Update

Status Report on Four Key Sites

Fostering well-planned economic development has been among New Rochelle's chief priorities. While we have enjoyed considerable success during the past decade, the sluggish national economy has impacted the pace of additional progress and requires us to be flexible in our approach to potential development sites. Following are updates on the status of four ongoing projects:

Echo Bay Waterfront

The City aims to create an exciting mixed-use shoreline with full public access to Long Island Sound, open space, and appropriately-scaled housing and shops. The site is currently occupied by a variety of industrial and municipal uses and affords no access whatsoever to the water. New Rochelle has selected Forest City Residential as Echo Bay's master developer and has worked with Forest City to define specific project parameters. Forest City's original conception, however, has proven difficult to execute in this economic climate. Therefore, we have asked their team to reevaluate the content and phasing of their plan. I am open-minded about changes, but I am not prepared to compromise our fundamental goals. We expect to review fresh alternatives in the early fall.

At the same time, the City is making efforts to address some of the barriers that could impede waterfront renewal. For example, the Armory property on East Main Street was transmitted to the City from the State more than a decade ago with several deed restrictions that compromise our local planning authority. To advance the principle of Home Rule, I recently asked the State Legislature to rescind these restrictions. Unfortunately, the challenges surrounding the State budget made it impossible for the Legislature to act on this request in the current session, but the subject will be revisited in the future. Home Rule with respect to the Armory would not prejudge the future use of the site or the preservation of the building on it — these decisions would be made independently and in the context of full public review. The interim goal is simply to empower the people of New Rochelle to make their own choices, without interference from unelected State administrators.

Lecount Square

Lecount Square

This proposed downtown project would include approximately one million square feet of new commercial construction, divided among retail, office, hotel and residential uses. Cappelli Enterprises, the developer, has purchased or secured options for all properties on the site, except for the United States Post Office at the corner or North Avenue and Huguenot Street. In recognition of the weak economy, the City Council has demonstrated patience by extending project deadlines. In general, I endorse this approach, but we should also critically examine all projects to ensure that they have a realistic chance of moving forward. Seeking to balance these considerations, the Council approved a six-month extension for Lecount Square in June, but added new performance benchmarks and protections. Specifically, we require by July 31st the physical rehabilitation of a corner property that has fallen into disrepair, and we require by December 31st written evidence of progress toward the sale of the Post Office. Unless both of these conditions are met, our present agreement with Cappelli Enterprises will terminate. We also included protections for the City against potential legal action. These provisions will enhance the possibility of progress on the site, while ensuring that we part on amicable terms if the project does not proceed.

New Roc City

In the context of settling a private legal dispute, Entertainment Properties Trust (EPT) has assumed full ownership and management responsibility for New Roc City. (Cappelli Enterprises had previously managed and had a minority ownership stake in the Center. Cappelli continues to own and manage the Marriott Residence Inn and the Lofts at New Roc.) EPT is a large national entity with extensive experience in both entertainment and retail. We have been assured that EPT is actively exploring retail possibilities at New Roc City, including department stores, and the City will continue to push vigorously for an expanded retail presence. I expect the Center's future to become clearer later this year, after EPT has had an opportunity to thoroughly evaluate options.

Main Street Core

The City has received expressions of interest from several development teams for the Church-Division and Prospect lots, just south of Main Street and dubbed "Main Street Core" in our recent issuance of a Request for Qualifications. In the weeks ahead, the Council and our staff will select a partner that can best realize the positive potential of these sites.

Independence Day Celebration at New Rochelle Waterfront

Fireworks by Grucci Brothers at 9:30pm on July 4th

New Rochelle will once again host one of the best Independence Day fireworks displays on the Sound Shore. Arranged by the legendary Grucci Brothers and sponsored this year by State Senator Jeff Klein, our fireworks will light up the sky above Echo Bay, beginning at 9:30pm on July 4th.

Five Islands Park and Hudson Park are the prime viewing sites, but the fireworks will also be visible from just about any spot on the water.

Iona Proposes New Dormitory on Mayflower Avenue

City Commences Environmental Review

Iona College is proposing to build a new dormitory for juniors and seniors. The dormitory would contain 393 units of student housing in a ten-story structure on Mayflower Avenue. It would be sited immediately adjacent to the existing Iona dorms on land already owned by the College.

Iona contends that the provision of additional on-campus housing will enable them to compete for better students. They also suggest that by shifting the balance of their student population from commuters to residents, they will reduce the traffic levels and parking demands associated with the College.

Many neighbors, on the other hand, have objected to the concentration of student housing on a single block and raised questions about the quality of life impacts associated with student activity and residency.

The City Council has directed a full environmental review of Iona's proposal, encompassing all of the issues referenced above, as well as visual impacts, demands on public services and infrastructure, etc. The review process will include several opportunities for formal public input. The City has not yet made any decisions and will suspend judgment until the environmental review is complete.

Marcotte Elected to County Legislature

Varian Carries New Rochelle in Special Election

Sheila Marcotte

Greg Varian

Sheila Marcotte, a Republican Eastchester Town Councilwoman, has won the special election in the 10th County Legislative District, defeating Democratic candidate Greg Varian. Ms. Marcotte will fill the unexpired term of Vito Pinto, who resigned to accept an appointed position with the County Executive.

The 10th County Legislative District includes Eastchester, Tuckahoe and roughly half of New Rochelle. While Mr. Varian carried New Rochelle comfortably, Ms. Marcotte won Eastchester and Tuckahoe by wider margins and achieved a solid victory overall.

I supported Mr. Varian, but Ms. Marcotte deserves congratulations, and I look forward to working with her to advance the interests of our community.

New Rochelle Farmers Market Moves to Library Green

More Vendors, Wider Selection — Every Friday from 8:00am to 3:00pm

Read about the vendors and events at the New Rochelle Farmers Market.

New Rochelle's Farmers Market is open for a new season, but at a much improved location — Library Green. In addition, Community Markets, which organizes the market, has enlisted more vendors with a much wider range of products than last year. The market will be open every Friday from 8:00am to 3:00pm.

The Farmers Market provides us all with better access to fresh and nutritious food, attracts residents to our downtown, and helps support local, sustainable agriculture. But it can only succeed if there are enough customers. So, if it fits your schedule, be sure to make a stop on Library Green part of your Friday routine.

You can read a list of the current Farmers Market vendors and a calendar of special Farmers Market events here.

Memorial Day Events Attract Thousands

New Rochelle Gathers to Honor Fallen Soldiers

Peter Parente and I place a wreath at Memorial Plaza.

Read my Memorial Day remarks.

Thousands of New Rochelle residents gathered again this past Memorial Day to honor the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country and to celebrate our enduring freedoms. A solemn ceremony at Memorial Plaza was followed by a festive parade ending at Hudson Park. The United Veterans Memorial & Patriotic Association, working in concert with the City government, deserves great credit for bringing back this important civic tradition. You can read a copy of my Memorial Day remarks here.

Seven Properties Receive Heritage Awards

Program Celebrates New Rochelle's Historic Structures

Read about the 2010 Heritage Award Winners.

The New Rochelle Heritage program honors sites and structures that contribute to our community's history and culture. Seven properties were chosen this year for recognition. You can learn much more about the winners here.

In the words of City Historian Barbara Davis: "this year's Heritage Awards represent three eras in New Rochelle nearly 325 year history: the early settlement by the French Huguenots; the community's growth as a premier American suburb at the turn of the 20th century, and the 'boom years' of the 1920's. The judges were particularly impressed with the restoration work that has been completed on several of the properties to preserve this significant history. We should all be grateful to the owners for their diligence in protecting New Rochelle's past for the future."

Applications for next year's Heritage Awards will be accepted starting this September.

Cable Coverage Planned for Municipal Boards

Planning, Zoning and IDA to Be Broadcast on Government Access Channel

Are you someone who just can't get enough of City government? Does the intense excitement of watching Council meetings on cable leave you desperate for more? Or perhaps (and more likely), you find municipal meetings to be a useful sleep aid and cure for insomnia?

Well, we have good news for you. Beginning this fall, the City will begin to cablecast meetings of the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Industrial Development Agency. I am skeptical about the size of the audience that these meetings will attract, but government should err on the side of openness and transparency, and so, all kidding aside, I support this move. Have popcorn at the ready.

Five Islands Park Named for Joe Curtis

Honorary Designation Celebrates Great New Rochellean

Read about Joe Curtis in the Journal-News.

The City Council has voted unanimously to name Five Islands Park in honor of Joe Curtis. Mr. Curtis led New Rochelle's Department of Parks & Recreation (then called "Human Services") for many years, and achieved near-legendary status among park advocates for his passion and effectiveness. He was instrumental in establishing our modern park system and played an especially pivotal role in creating Five Islands Park.

This honorary designation was suggested by the New Rochelle Rotary Club and supported by a wide range of community leaders, evidence of the many lives Mr. Curtis touched during his long and successful career.

Summer Performances & Cultural Events

New Rochelle Celebrates the Arts

Outdoor movies on Library Green, concerts at Hudson Park, exhibits at the Museum of Arts and Culture ... New Rochelle is filled with opportunities for fun and cultural exploration. Most events are free and suitable for families. To learn more, visit any of these sites, and bookmark the locations to stay updated on community events: