New Rochelle’s Farmers Market returns to Paine Cottage, starting this Friday, June 2 from 9:00am to 2:00pm, and continuing every Friday through the end of October. Visit the market to enjoy fresh produce, baked goods, pickles and olives, seafood, artisanal spirits, and lots of other tasty treats.
I was greatly honored that New Rochelle’s Veterans Advisory Committee invited me to give the keynote address at our community’s Memorial Day observance this morning, and I took the opportunity to offer remarks that are among the more personal and heartfelt I have delivered in my time as mayor. Sacrifice is ennobled by the justice of its cause, and it is for all us to uphold that cause. Please read.
Not my best look, but fun!
53-year-old man in a tie playing on a jungle gym is not the best look . . . but I just couldn’t help myself at this week’s re-opening of Seacord Park. Located in one of New Rochelle’s most densely-populated areas, filled with young families, the park now boasts all-new play equipment, which is already getting a great workout from neighborhood kids. Part of New Rochelle’s ongoing and historic investment in recreation and other vital public assets — and also an enduring tribute to William Seacord, a former DPW employee, in whose memory the park is named. More in this press release.
Thrilled to share some good news about my professional plans: starting January 1, I will join Sustainable Westchester as its new Executive Director.
I could not be more excited. Sustainable Westchester is among the most impactful public interest organizations in our region, with a dedicated, highly-capable staff, a record of meaningful accomplishment, and a vital, growing role in helping localities, the County, and all of New York achieve ambitious climate and environmental goals. It will be a privilege to advance such an important mission, while working alongside colleagues, both in and out of government, whom I respect deeply.
In addition to thanking Sustainable Westchester’s Board of Directors for their confidence, let me also express special appreciation to Interim Executive Director Jim Kuster, whose willingness to remain in his post through the end of this year permits me to complete my full mayoral term. This is no small matter. Having served New Rochelle for nearly three decades, I feel duty-bound to provide for an orderly succession at City Hall, and I intend to “run through the tape,” applying myself to the fullest during my remaining months in office, even as I transition to new responsibilities.
A final word of heartfelt gratitude for the sage advice of the many friends who helped me think through the next chapter of professional life. It has been quite a process to consider post-mayoral careers — more interesting than I had hoped, less terrifying than I had feared — and now concluding on the happiest possible note, with a rewarding opportunity well-matched to my skills, interests, and values.
More in this press release. Onward.
Rendering of 33 Westchester, viewed from Huguenot
New Rochelle’s downtown continues to make historic strides, with the groundbreaking of 33 Westchester Place, a new 27-story tower at the site of the former Modern Hardware. This is the last of three adjoining developments from Allstate Ventures of varying scales that will together surround an entirely redesigned Westchester Place (now little more than an alley between Centre and Division), with significant arts and cultural components, including artists’ housing.
In addition to ceremonially shoveling some soil at the construction site, City officials and I also explored the nearly complete Arc building at 64 Centre with spectacular views of the emerging downtown skyline and Long Island Sound beyond. You can take a neat virtual tour here. More from the Patch.
Even as New Rochelle strives to shape a walkable, transit-served, less car-dependent downtown, we still recognize that cars are a dominant form of transportation in our region and that adequate parking facilities are part of the overall equation for a successful business district. That’s why I am happy to report the opening a brand new public parking garage at 25 Maple Avenue, incorporated into one of our new developments. Featuring 200 municipal parking spaces, as well as 20 electric vehicle charging stations, the Maple Avenue garage will be an important asset for local businesses, visitors, and residents. More in this press release.