New Rochelle features prominently in this article from Crain’s New York Business, which considers the obstacles and opportunities surrounding housing growth. Although the Governor’s proposed Housing Compact was not included in the recently approved State budget, the initiative did successfully stimulate a long overdue conversation, and I am hopeful that elements of the plan will find their way into future State policy. The Crain’s article is behind a paywall, so if you can’t read it in its entirely, my contribution follows below.
New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson described the initiative as “very positive,” with growth targets that were “reasonable and achievable.” He was disappointed but not shocked that such a big potential change to the suburbs didn’t make it over the finish line on its first attempt.
New Rochelle is generally seen as one of the more pro-development areas of Westchester County. The city has already welcomed at least two new apartment buildings with more than 100 units this year alone . . . Bramson took issue with the general perception of adding housing to an area as a necessary hardship for communities to endure, instead framing it as a positive move with far-reaching advantages.
“I do not regard well-planned growth as a burden. I regard it as a benefit,” he said. “If it’s done properly, it breathes new life into downtown areas. It creates new job opportunities. It moderates the upward pressure on housing costs and makes our region far more accessible.”