The Sutton Manor neighborhood, located east of Echo Avenue and north of the municipal marina along Echo Bay, is exploring the possibility of becoming New Rochelle's second historic district. Local historic districts preserve the character and architecture of an area by subjecting renovations and new construction to oversight from the City's Historic and Landmarks Review Board. While such a process does modestly curtail private property rights, homeowners generally benefit in the form of higher property values. The experience of most property owners in our current historic district (Rochelle Heights/Rochelle Park) has been very positive.

In order to facilitate informed consideration of this possibility, the City this month accepted a grant from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation to fund an intensive review of Sutton Manor's history and building style. If you live in a neighborhood that might be eligible for historic designation and want to learn more, please contact the City's Department of Development at 914-654-2185.]]> http://noambramson.org/2008/09/18/#000963 http://noambramson.org/2008/09/18/#000963 News Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:08:24 -0500 "Wayfinding" Signage Aims To Make Downtown More Customer-Friendly

Although downtown New Rochelle has a sufficient number of public parking spaces to serve current demand levels, customers who are unfamiliar with the area are often confused about appropriate access routes to parking facilities. To help address this challenge, the City government and the Downtown Business Improvement District are partnering, with a contribution of $5,000 each, to design a "wayfinding" signage system that will simply and clearly direct motorists to convenient parking sites.

I consider this a worthwhile expenditure that will contribute to a healthy business climate, especially if paired with a comprehensive program that includes additional economic development, investment in infrastructure, and aggressive retail recruitment.]]> http://noambramson.org/2008/09/18/#000964 http://noambramson.org/2008/09/18/#000964 News Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:08:43 -0500 From Our July Trip To Long Beach Island

Owen on the left, Jeremy on the right.

Jeremy has a shocked and confused expression, and Owen looks a little surly, but for some strange reason, I really like this photo of the kids, and since I haven't sent one in a while, I figured: why not? They will turn five and three this December -- still happy, healthy, and exhausting.]]> http://noambramson.org/2008/09/18/#000965 http://noambramson.org/2008/09/18/#000965 News Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:09:05 -0500 Obama, Lowey, Oppenheimer, Klein, Paulin, Latimer

My endorsements for this year's general election will come as little surprise to those who know my views about national and state politics. I am a Democrat and will vote for the entire Democratic ticket. More than in most years, however, the challenges in 2008 demand a fundamental change in direction and make support for progressive candidates imperative.

For President: Barack Obama

Barack Obama is among the most talented individuals of his generation. He has run an exceptional campaign, in which he has demonstrated the intellect and temperament to be a great President and surrounded himself with a disciplined and experienced team of aides and advisers. Obama's proposals on economic, health care, energy, and environmental matters are forward-looking and aimed primarily at benefiting working Americans and the middle-class. His victory would accomplish a fundamental and urgently-needed change in the direction of our domestic and foreign policies, and also, I hope, restore a measure of decency and civility to our politics. As a backer of Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primary, I can say that Barack Obama's conduct has earned not only my support, but also my enthusiasm. America needs Barack Obama as our next President.

For Congress: Nita Lowey

I have had the great privilege of working with Nita Lowey for almost twenty years. She is an outstanding public servant -- principled, effective, and responsive -- who has made a critical difference in Washington on many of the most pressing policy challenges. Nita's record on education, biomedical research, women's health, environmental protection, and homeland security easily ranks her among the most accomplished Members of Congress in the entire nation. Today, as the Chair of an Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Nita is at the peak of her influence and is widely recognized for her leadership throughout the world. At the same time, Nita has been exceptionally attentive to local priorities. Her service to New Rochelle -- on projects such as the North Avenue streetscape, Transit Center, and Davids Island clean-up -- is second to none. In both personal and professional terms, I am very proud to endorse Nita Lowey.

For State Senate: Suzi Oppenheimer & Jeff Klein

Most of New Rochelle is represented in the New York State Senate by Suzi Oppenheimer. This year, Suzi faces a vigorous challenge from Larchmont Mayor Liz Feld. I like Mayor Feld very much and have worked well with her on inter-municipal issues, but I strongly endorse Suzi for reelection. First, Suzi has been a good friend to New Rochelle, standing with us on difficult issues and delivering essential resources to support education, public health, the arts, and other local services. Second, Suzi has a deep personal commitment to public service that is rooted in a genuine and passionate desire to help others -- she is refreshingly uncynical about her responsibilities. Lastly, and very importantly, Suzi will be critical to changing the State Senate's leadership and ending more than forty years of one-party control. Let me stress this last point, because it is counter-intuitive when considering a long-serving incumbent: in a very meaningful way, Suzi is the "change" candidate in this election, and her opponent, whatever her personal virtues, is the candidate of the Albany status quo.

Portions of southern and western New Rochelle are represented by Jeff Klein, and if I spend less time discussing this contest, it is only because Jeff does not face a serious challenge. Jeff is the Deputy Minority Leader in the State Senate, making him among the most influential voices among Senate Democrats. He has been and will be a critical ally in advancing New Rochelle's principal interests in Albany, and he is also recognized state-wide for his intelligence and skill.

For State Assembly: Amy Paulin & George Latimer

The State Assembly is sometimes (and perhaps justifiably) derided as a mediocre institution, and so New Rochelle is particularly fortunate to have two standout Assemblypersons. Roughly speaking, George Latimer represents the southern half of New Rochelle and Amy Paulin represents the northern half. Both have earned reelection.

Amy's grasp of policy details, her leadership on educational, public health, and criminal justice issues, her absolutely first-rate staff, and her phenomenal work ethic make her among the most impressive legislators in Albany. Although we are still working to achieve equity in the distribution of municipal aid, Amy has been an invaluable advocate and strategist on New Rochelle's behalf, and we need to keep her working for us.

George is one of the most decent and thoughtful public figures I have ever known, with a rare ability to communicate complex subjects in a manner that connects to people's daily lives. He offers a level of constituent service almost without parallel, evidenced by his omnipresence at community and neighborhood gatherings. Lastly, George has been a partner and ally for New Rochelle on the most challenging local issues, including some that have required genuine political courage. ]]> http://noambramson.org/2008/10/16/#000966 http://noambramson.org/2008/10/16/#000966 News Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:29:50 -0500 Community-Wide Celebration of Ceramic Arts on October 25th

As part of the Westchester Arts Council's "All Fired Up" program, which celebrates ceramic arts, several public and private New Rochelle organizations are sponsoring Clay Fest on Saturday, October 25th, from 12:30pm to 7:00pm

The best way to experience Clay Fest is to board a free trolley that will depart from the Braemar Road parking lot at New Rochelle High School at 12:30. The trolley will stop at eight venues presenting exhibits of international and local ceramic arts, family workshops, walking tours, artist demonstrations, and live musical performances by the acclaimed Burnt Earth Ensemble. The trolley will make a continuous loop through all New Rochelle Clay Fest sites until 5:00pm.

The participating venues in New Rochelle are: 3rd Rail Studio, Backstreet Gallery, Brother Kenneth Chapman Gallery at Iona College, Castle Gallery at the College of New Rochelle, Media Loft, Museum of Arts & Culture at New Rochelle High School, New Rochelle Public Library, and (nearby) the Pelham Art Center.

For anyone interested in the arts, this is truly a unique event, with exceptionally broad community participation, not to be missed. It is also a great way to get to know the various cultural venues here in our community.]]> http://noambramson.org/2008/10/17/#000977 http://noambramson.org/2008/10/17/#000977 News Fri, 17 Oct 2008 10:58:36 -0500 Recreational Upgrade Funded by Federal & County Grants

City Park on Fifth Avenue is New Rochelle's primary active recreational facility. In order to modernize our playing fields and better position them for growing demand, our Parks and Recreation Department launched a master planning process led by a parks consulting group called Stantec.

Earlier this month, Stantec unveiled their plans. They feature improved fields for soccer, football, baseball, and softball, a new splash pad, better walking trails, and expanded parking. As an additional option, Stantec presented a new ice skating facility that could address growing demand for ice time and replace the recently-closed ice rink at New Roc City.

The plans, excluding the ice rink, cost roughly $12 million. Fortunately, the lion's share of this price tag can be covered by a federal FEMA grant and through assistance from the County's legacy program. The rink, however, is estimated to cost about $8 million more. In order to proceed with this component, the City will need significant private contributions and will also have to employ a business model that generates income for rink operations and debt service. The Council has asked our staff to explore this challenge in greater detail.]]> http://noambramson.org/2008/10/17/#000967 http://noambramson.org/2008/10/17/#000967 News Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:34:09 -0500 New Signalization Slated for Downtown, Pelham Road and Webster Avenue

Motorists in New Rochelle's downtown, along the Pelham Road corridor and on Webster Avenue can look forward to significant traffic improvements. The City has applied for federal and state funds to install new coordinated traffic signals that will enhance both efficiency and safety.

We anticipate replacing thirty-five signals on Main and Huguenot Streets, nine signals on Pelham Road, and nine signals on Webster Avenue. The total price tag for all three projects is approximately $8.8 million, but 95% of these costs are likely to be covered by federal and state assistance -- a great deal for local taxpayers. We are proceeding now with the design phase of this effort, and will move forward to construction if and when these transportation grants are secured.]]> http://noambramson.org/2008/10/17/#000968 http://noambramson.org/2008/10/17/#000968 News Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:35:42 -0500 City Considers Storm and Sanitary Sewer Repairs

In the aftermath of last April's severe flooding, the City commenced a detailed engineering analysis of our storm water and sanitary sewer systems, focusing on neighborhoods that have experienced chronic problems. This analysis was recently completed, and it identified eleven sites that require infrastructure improvements.

Not surprisingly, the total price tag for all the repairs is high: in excess of $10m, which is far more than the City can afford to allocate for this purpose in a single fiscal year. The Department of Public Works has, therefore, prioritized various projects into immediate, short-term, and long-term actions. These determinations are based on an assessment of threats to public health, readiness to proceed, and cost-to-benefit ratios. For some of the more expensive projects, cooperation with adjoining municipalities or outside financial assistance may be essential.

New Rochelle continues to lead efforts to establish a regional storm-water management district that could fund capital projects, maintenance and operations of our aging storm water system. Such a regional approach is, in my opinion, the only viable means of addressing this priority in a comprehensive, cost-effective fashion.]]> http://noambramson.org/2008/10/17/#000969 http://noambramson.org/2008/10/17/#000969 News Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:36:03 -0500 Public Hearing Next Month On Major Downtown Project

The City Council voted unanimously last night to accept the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Lecount Square project, bringing this major downtown development one step closer to approval.

Lecount Square, as you may recall from previous bulletins, is a mixed-use project with significant office, retail, housing, and hotel components, as well as extensive public open space and restaurants. It will be sited on the large block bounded by Huguenot, North, Lecount, and Anderson. The various uses would be arranged in a three-story podium, with two towers rising above, one at 493 feet, the other at 261 feet, and several levels of new underground parking. Since its last iteration, the project has been reduced in overall size by approximately 130,000 square feet in order to achieve a balance between parking demand and supply. The FEIS also includes several City-mandated investments and infrastructure improvements intended to mitigate various project impacts.

The FEIS will be the subject of a public hearing in November, and then the City will complete the environmental review process by issuing a findings statement.

I strongly support the Lecount Square project, because I believe it will substantially improve the downtown business climate, provide a healthy mix of uses and activities, and contribute to the City's tax base. The precise timetable for commencing construction will depend upon overall economic conditions and upon finalizing an agreement with the United State Postal Service for maintaining or relocating its on-site operations.]]> http://noambramson.org/2008/10/17/#000970 http://noambramson.org/2008/10/17/#000970 News Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:37:05 -0500 BID Report Forms Basis For Retail Recruitment Effort

Attracting a broader range of quality goods and services to our downtown is a critical priority for New Rochelle. Although we have enjoyed some success in recent years, particularly with respect to dining and entertainment, downtown New Rochelle continues to fall short of its potential.

The downtown Business Improvement District (BID) recently teamed with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) to complete a retail assessment study. The study combines qualitative input from merchants and downtown stakeholders with a rigorous economic and demographic analysis of our region. It suggests dozens of specific actions, with a special focus on expanding our home goods and food & entertainment niches, as well as addressing parking challenges.

Prior to LISC's being engaged by the BID, the City Council had allocated but not yet expended $150,000 for downtown retail recruitment. With LISC's work completed, these funds can be used most effectively to build on LISC's conclusions and begin implementing and expanding their major recommendations.

One important note of caution: the weak national economic climate impacts private investment decisions in cities like New Rochelle. Especially in the current economy, it is not realistic to expect an immediate positive return on retail recruitment activities. What is required is a sensible and detailed plan, together with the will and determination to act on it over a sustained period of time.]]> http://noambramson.org/2008/10/17/#000971 http://noambramson.org/2008/10/17/#000971 News Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:37:44 -0500 Moves On Green Building Program, Hires Sustainability Coordinator

As you know from previous bulletins, the City has taken several steps in recent years to promote environmental sustainability. This month, we made additional progress on this essential priority by embracing a green building program and hiring a Sustainability Coordinator to manage future environmental initiatives.

The green building program will, among other things, require energy-star appliances in new homes, provide for environmental input in the site plan and architectural review process, encourage water-conservation and re-use, and incorporate LEED standards in future development agreements. The Council and staff must now consider several specific legislative and administrative actions in order to implement these policies.

Our new (and first-ever) Sustainability Coordinator is Deborah Newborn, a New Rochelle resident with extensive experience as an environmental attorney and a passion for sustainability challenges. I expect her expertise will help the City to better incorporate environmental goals in our day-to-day activities, while also saving money through reduced energy costs.]]> http://noambramson.org/2008/10/17/#000972 http://noambramson.org/2008/10/17/#000972 News Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:38:05 -0500 Council Accepts Bids for Conservation of Historic Monuments

The City Council has authorized restoration to proceed at Soldier's Monument & Moulton Fountain at the western junction of Main and Huguenot, as well as the World War I Memorial at the eastern junction of Main and Huguenot. These impressive monuments are historic tributes to New Rochelle residents who gave their lives on behalf of our nation, and also serve as important visual markers for entry into our central business district.

The restoration has been guided by City Historian Barbara Davis and a dedicated task force of volunteers with expertise in historic preservation matters. The work itself will be conducted by Archa Technology, a nationally-recognized conservation firm, and should both protect and enhance the appearance of these valuable public assets.]]> http://noambramson.org/2008/10/17/#000973 http://noambramson.org/2008/10/17/#000973 News Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:38:55 -0500 New Year's Eve Celebration Welcomes Families, Seeks Volunteers & Sponsors

As reported in previous bulletins, plans for "First Night New Rochelle" are moving forward. Now in its third year, First Night promises to be an even more exciting and uplifting New Year's Eve experience. A variety of activities are taking shape, including a cabaret, steel drum band, comedy acts, and dancing. This year's celebration will also feature a festival of lights that will transform the downtown area, with Library Green as its focal point.

If you are interested in helping, here are two options:

• Artists who want to participate or create new programming can contact organizer Kathy Townley at kdhtownley@aol.com.
• Banners will be hung throughout the event area, both as a means of advertising First Night and adding to a general festive atmosphere. These festival banners can be sponsored by individuals, families or businesses for $350.00 and will be displayed for three weeks in our downtown. To reserve a banner, please contact organizers Jeff Krause at jkrause@nrymca.org or Bennie Giles at bencat@spec.net.

I met recently with United Way of Westchester officials who provided an introduction to their very impressive 2-1-1 helpline, a valuable resource for local residents and businesses. More information about this service follows in this blurb provided directly by the United Way:

Need help getting help? Dial 2-1-1. Need childcare, eldercare, legal services or emergency help with rent? Don't forget that United Way's 2-1-1 is a free, confidential and multilingual helpline that can connect you to the resources that can help 24/7, 365 days a year.

Caring and knowledgeable call specialists can help you with everything from daycare to substance abuse help; mental health resources to legal help and volunteer opportunities -- and the basics like food, clothing and shelter, plus so much more. United Way's 2-1-1 can also assist during emergencies such as local floods, by getting you up-to-date information on road conditions, shelters, and other important information.

Just remember: Burning building? Call 911. Burning question? Call 2-1-1.