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New Rochelle News

May 27, 2009

City Receives Planning Analysis for Church-Division and Prospect Lots

Potential Development Sites Would Boost Downtown Economy

A weak economy presents opportunities to engage in careful planning. In order to best position New Rochelle to move forward when economic conditions improve, the City Council commissioned a planning analysis of the Church-Division and Prospect lots, areas totaling 4.5 acres, both entirely under public ownership and just half a block south of Main Street. (You may recall that these sites had been slated for a large condominium project that will not proceed as a result of the deterioration in the housing market and other factors.)

The planning analysis suggests a number of mid-rise housing configurations for the Prospect Lot, coupled with renovation and expansion of the existing Church-Division parking deck. You can view the presentation to the City Council HERE and download the documentation HERE.

The City Council will now review this analysis, as well as a similar study of the Garden Street corridor, and then make a determination on whether and when to proceed with Requests for Qualifications and/or Proposals from developers.

New Rochelle Heritage Awards Given For Second Year

Program Celebrates Nine Historic Properties

The City was delighted once again to recognize several properties whose distinctive charm, architectural significance, or exceptional design contribute to the character of New Rochelle. The nine properties selected this year by a distinguished panel of judges are:

• Clark-Berrian House at 1120 North Avenue
• Mahlstedt House (Huguenot Children's Library) at 794 North Avenue
• The Arcade Building (The Curtain Shop) at 541 Main Street
• Huguenot Yacht Club at Harbor Lane West
• Blue Anchor, the former home of cartoonist Clare Briggs, at 1 Byworth Road
• Former Women's Club of New Rochelle (Zion Baptist Church) at 50 Lockwood Avenue
• Fire Station No. 4 at 155 Drake Avenue
• Fire Station No. 3 at 756 North Avenue
• Fire Station No. 2 at 170 Webster Avenue

Each property will have a plaque stationed beside it in a publicly visible location. They will also be included in updated historic maps of New Rochelle. Through these annual awards, we raise public awareness about our rich history, and help ensure that New Rochelle's heritage is valued by future generations."

Farmers Market Returns to New Rochelle on June 19th

Under New Operation, Market Looks to Expand Offerings

The New Rochelle Farmers Market returns on Friday, June 19th from 8:00am to 3:00pm and every Friday for the remainder of the season. The location of the Farmers Market remains South Division Street at Leroy Place, adjacent to the Prospect Street parking area, half a block south of Main Street.

In order to upgrade and expand our local market, the City concluded an agreement with Community Markets, a private farmers market organization with an extensive and successful track record throughout the region. Community Markets will be introducing new local growers and bakers to expand the variety of goods available here in New Rochelle.

City Website Set For Redesign & Upgrade

Launch of New Site Expected by End of Year

New Rochelle's official website at www.newrochelleny.com is slated for a comprehensive redesign and upgrade. As more residents rely on the Internet as their primary source of information about and interaction with government, it is essential that our website be user-friendly in its navigation, timely in its content, and appealing in its graphic design.

The reconstruction of the City website is being undertaken by Civic Plus, which specializes in government sites. New Rochelle is receiving Civic Plus' assistance at no cost, thanks to our Marketing & Communications Director Kathy Gilwit, who successfully applied for a competitive grant.

New Rochelle Takes New Steps to Encourage Bicycle Ridership

Goal Is Bicycle-Friendly Community

In recent days, the City has taken two additional steps to help encourage and facilitate bicycle ridership. First, we have installed new bicycle racks at City Hall. The racks were designed by local artist Sarah Baehr as part of a City-sponsored public art competition. Our intent over time is to install a wider network of bike racks at key locations around town.

At the same time, the Council is considering legislation that would require the inclusion of bicycle parking facilities in larger private developments at a ratio of one bicycle space for every ten parking spaces. Builders would have the option of paying a fee instead, which the City would employ for new public bike racks.

These small steps and others help expand recreational opportunities for residents, while also providing an alternative to automobile use, thereby saving energy, limiting greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing congestion.

Council Extends Deadlines for Lecount Square

Project Timetable Pushed Back by Six Months

The weak national economy continues to impact our local development goals, as the soft housing market and tight credit force delays on even the best-conceived projects. Therefore, in the case of projects that advance key public interests and are likely to be viable in a normal economic climate, the City is demonstrating flexibility on timing. A good example is Lecount Square, a roughly million square foot project in the heart of our downtown. Last week, the City Council voted to amend its memorandum of understanding with Cappelli Enterprises in order to push back performance deadlines at Lecount by six months.

City & School District Team Up To Create Rain Garden at Ward School

Garden Features Native Plants, Helps Control Flooding

A rain garden is a specially designed plot of land that captures rain water runoff and filters it through the ground, diverting it from storm drain systems and reducing downstream flooding. Rain gardens are planted with flood and drought resistant native plants that require little maintenance. Therefore, in addition to being attractive, rain gardens can be critical tools for managing water flow and enhancing water quality in built-out communities like New Rochelle.

The new Ward School rain garden was created through a partnership between the City of New Rochelle, represented by our Sustainability Coordinator Deborah Newborn, and the Ward School PTA. The garden was designed and directed pro bono by Jay Archer of John Jay Landscape development, with donated plants and labor from a variety of local gardeners and nurseries.

As we work to develop a New Rochelle Sustainability Plan, the City will be studying other "green infrastructure" models that could be utilized on both public and private lands to better manage water.

See The "Secret Gardens" of New Rochelle

Garden Club Tour on Saturday, June 13, 2009, from 11:00am to 3:00pm

Come take a self-guided tour of some of the most beautiful spots in New Rochelle. Eight gardens have been selected by the New Rochelle Garden Club for their design, care, and diversity. They offer a wonderful variety of perennials, flowering shrubs, annuals, grasses, roses, woodland plants, specimen trees, container displays, and whimsical touches.

Tickets for the self-guided tours are $20 in advance or $25 on the day of. For more information and to obtain tickets, please contact David Weiser at 914-804-7589 or Irene Schindler at 914-636-4206.

New Rochelle In The News

New York Times Profiles Forensic Science Program

Last week's Science Times in the New York Times ran an interesting and highly complimentary profile of the Forensic Science program at New Rochelle High School. You can read the article HERE. This is yet another example of the outstanding educational offerings in the New Rochelle public schools.

Text of Yom Hashoah Speech

Delivered at Westchester County Holocaust Commemoration on April 19th

Last month, I had the honor of delivering the keynote address at the annual Westchester County Holocaust Commemoration. If you are interested, you can read the text of my remarks HERE.

Westchester Magazine Focuses on "Our Future"

Includes Profiles of "Up & Comers"

I was flattered to be included in a profile of "up & comers" in the May 2009 issue of Westchester Magazine. If you are interested, you can read the article HERE.