Our current economic challenges are not unique to New Rochelle — broad trends are reshaping cities and suburbs all across the United States. Only by understanding these trends can we plan successfully for New Rochelle’s future.
This weekend, the New York Times published a very thoughtful op-ed titled “The Death of the Fringe Suburb” that I encourage you to read. Its main premise is that the relatively new suburbs at the outer periphery of metropolitan areas, with their heavy dependence on car transportation, are unlikely to revive soon, while transit-oriented first-ring suburbs (like New Rochelle) are better positioned for an economic resurgence … if we prepare for emerging demographic and lifestyle shifts.
New Rochelle is in the process of refining its development goals and priorities to best seize these opportunities. Our Sustainability Plan and the ongoing review of our Comprehensive Plan are two notable examples of the work being done now to shape and achieve a positive vision for the city.
(Incidentally, too often I find myself recommending articles analyzing the bleak prospects facing older small cities — so it’s heartening to be able to share an article like this that focuses on a brighter future.)