Fostering well-planned economic development has been among New Rochelle's chief priorities. While we have enjoyed considerable success during the past decade, the sluggish national economy has impacted the pace of additional progress and requires us to be flexible in our approach to potential development sites. Following are updates on the status of four ongoing projects:

Echo Bay Waterfront

The City aims to create an exciting mixed-use shoreline with full public access to Long Island Sound, open space, and appropriately-scaled housing and shops. The site is currently occupied by a variety of industrial and municipal uses and affords no access whatsoever to the water. New Rochelle has selected Forest City Residential as Echo Bay's master developer and has worked with Forest City to define specific project parameters. Forest City's original conception, however, has proven difficult to execute in this economic climate. Therefore, we have asked their team to reevaluate the content and phasing of their plan. I am open-minded about changes, but I am not prepared to compromise our fundamental goals. We expect to review fresh alternatives in the early fall.

At the same time, the City is making efforts to address some of the barriers that could impede waterfront renewal. For example, the Armory property on East Main Street was transmitted to the City from the State more than a decade ago with several deed restrictions that compromise our local planning authority. To advance the principle of Home Rule, I recently asked the State Legislature to rescind these restrictions. Unfortunately, the challenges surrounding the State budget made it impossible for the Legislature to act on this request in the current session, but the subject will be revisited in the future. Home Rule with respect to the Armory would not prejudge the future use of the site or the preservation of the building on it — these decisions would be made independently and in the context of full public review. The interim goal is simply to empower the people of New Rochelle to make their own choices, without interference from unelected State administrators.

Lecount Square

Lecount Square

This proposed downtown project would include approximately one million square feet of new commercial construction, divided among retail, office, hotel and residential uses. Cappelli Enterprises, the developer, has purchased or secured options for all properties on the site, except for the United States Post Office at the corner or North Avenue and Huguenot Street. In recognition of the weak economy, the City Council has demonstrated patience by extending project deadlines. In general, I endorse this approach, but we should also critically examine all projects to ensure that they have a realistic chance of moving forward. Seeking to balance these considerations, the Council approved a six-month extension for Lecount Square in June, but added new performance benchmarks and protections. Specifically, we require by July 31st the physical rehabilitation of a corner property that has fallen into disrepair, and we require by December 31st written evidence of progress toward the sale of the Post Office. Unless both of these conditions are met, our present agreement with Cappelli Enterprises will terminate. We also included protections for the City against potential legal action. These provisions will enhance the possibility of progress on the site, while ensuring that we part on amicable terms if the project does not proceed.

New Roc City

In the context of settling a private legal dispute, Entertainment Properties Trust (EPT) has assumed full ownership and management responsibility for New Roc City. (Cappelli Enterprises had previously managed and had a minority ownership stake in the Center. Cappelli continues to own and manage the Marriott Residence Inn and the Lofts at New Roc.) EPT is a large national entity with extensive experience in both entertainment and retail. We have been assured that EPT is actively exploring retail possibilities at New Roc City, including department stores, and the City will continue to push vigorously for an expanded retail presence. I expect the Center's future to become clearer later this year, after EPT has had an opportunity to thoroughly evaluate options.

Main Street Core

The City has received expressions of interest from several development teams for the Church-Division and Prospect lots, just south of Main Street and dubbed "Main Street Core" in our recent issuance of a Request for Qualifications. In the weeks ahead, the Council and our staff will select a partner that can best realize the positive potential of these sites.

New Rochelle will once again host one of the best Independence Day fireworks displays on the Sound Shore. Arranged by the legendary Grucci Brothers and sponsored this year by State Senator Jeff Klein, our fireworks will light up the sky above Echo Bay, beginning at 9:30pm on July 4th.

Five Islands Park and Hudson Park are the prime viewing sites, but the fireworks will also be visible from just about any spot on the water.

Iona College is proposing to build a new dormitory for juniors and seniors. The dormitory would contain 393 units of student housing in a ten-story structure on Mayflower Avenue. It would be sited immediately adjacent to the existing Iona dorms on land already owned by the College.

Iona contends that the provision of additional on-campus housing will enable them to compete for better students. They also suggest that by shifting the balance of their student population from commuters to residents, they will reduce the traffic levels and parking demands associated with the College.

Many neighbors, on the other hand, have objected to the concentration of student housing on a single block and raised questions about the quality of life impacts associated with student activity and residency.

The City Council has directed a full environmental review of Iona's proposal, encompassing all of the issues referenced above, as well as visual impacts, demands on public services and infrastructure, etc. The review process will include several opportunities for formal public input. The City has not yet made any decisions and will suspend judgment until the environmental review is complete.

Sheila Marcotte

Greg Varian

Sheila Marcotte, a Republican Eastchester Town Councilwoman, has won the special election in the 10th County Legislative District, defeating Democratic candidate Greg Varian. Ms. Marcotte will fill the unexpired term of Vito Pinto, who resigned to accept an appointed position with the County Executive.

The 10th County Legislative District includes Eastchester, Tuckahoe and roughly half of New Rochelle. While Mr. Varian carried New Rochelle comfortably, Ms. Marcotte won Eastchester and Tuckahoe by wider margins and achieved a solid victory overall.

I supported Mr. Varian, but Ms. Marcotte deserves congratulations, and I look forward to working with her to advance the interests of our community.

New Rochelle's Farmers Market is open for a new season, but at a much improved location — Library Green. In addition, Community Markets, which organizes the market, has enlisted more vendors with a much wider range of products than last year. The market will be open every Friday from 8:00am to 3:00pm.

The Farmers Market provides us all with better access to fresh and nutritious food, attracts residents to our downtown, and helps support local, sustainable agriculture. But it can only succeed if there are enough customers. So, if it fits your schedule, be sure to make a stop on Library Green part of your Friday routine.

You can read a list of the current Farmers Market vendors and a calendar of special Farmers Market events here.

Peter Parente and I place a wreath at Memorial Plaza.

Thousands of New Rochelle residents gathered again this past Memorial Day to honor the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country and to celebrate our enduring freedoms. A solemn ceremony at Memorial Plaza was followed by a festive parade ending at Hudson Park. The United Veterans Memorial & Patriotic Association, working in concert with the City government, deserves great credit for bringing back this important civic tradition. You can read a copy of my Memorial Day remarks here.

]]> http://noambramson.org/2010/07/01/#001489 http://noambramson.org/2010/07/01/#001489 News Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:03:53 -0500 Program Celebrates New Rochelle's Historic Structures

The New Rochelle Heritage program honors sites and structures that contribute to our community's history and culture. Seven properties were chosen this year for recognition. You can learn much more about the winners here.

In the words of City Historian Barbara Davis: "this year's Heritage Awards represent three eras in New Rochelle nearly 325 year history: the early settlement by the French Huguenots; the community's growth as a premier American suburb at the turn of the 20th century, and the 'boom years' of the 1920's. The judges were particularly impressed with the restoration work that has been completed on several of the properties to preserve this significant history. We should all be grateful to the owners for their diligence in protecting New Rochelle's past for the future."

Applications for next year's Heritage Awards will be accepted starting this September.

Are you someone who just can't get enough of City government? Does the intense excitement of watching Council meetings on cable leave you desperate for more? Or perhaps (and more likely), you find municipal meetings to be a useful sleep aid and cure for insomnia?

Well, we have good news for you. Beginning this fall, the City will begin to cablecast meetings of the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Industrial Development Agency. I am skeptical about the size of the audience that these meetings will attract, but government should err on the side of openness and transparency, and so, all kidding aside, I support this move. Have popcorn at the ready.

The City Council has voted unanimously to name Five Islands Park in honor of Joe Curtis. Mr. Curtis led New Rochelle's Department of Parks & Recreation (then called "Human Services") for many years, and achieved near-legendary status among park advocates for his passion and effectiveness. He was instrumental in establishing our modern park system and played an especially pivotal role in creating Five Islands Park.

This honorary designation was suggested by the New Rochelle Rotary Club and supported by a wide range of community leaders, evidence of the many lives Mr. Curtis touched during his long and successful career.

Outdoor movies on Library Green, concerts at Hudson Park, exhibits at the Museum of Arts and Culture ... New Rochelle is filled with opportunities for fun and cultural exploration. Most events are free and suitable for families. To learn more, visit any of these sites, and bookmark the locations to stay updated on community events:

• New Rochelle BID (Click on Special Events)
• New Rochelle Council on the Arts (Click on Calendar)
• New Rochelle Parks & Recreation
• Museum of Arts & Culture

Jim Stowe's passing is a devastating loss to our community. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues in City government and by the countless residents whose lives he touched through service.

The entire City Council, Administration and staff join me in offering heartfelt condolences to Jim's wife Roxie and to the Stowe family. They will be in the thoughts and prayers of friends and admirers, all of whom understand that New Rochelle has lost one its great leaders.

On the City Council, Jim Stowe was a forceful and fearless advocate for the people of the Third District and a powerful voice for social justice and equality. He played an especially critical role in promoting affordable housing development and in creating new opportunities for young people, and was also fully engaged in all of the major challenges and choices that shape New Rochelle.

But Jim was larger than the City Council and his actions in government were only one aspect of his contributions to our city and our nation. His life was rich beyond measure in its experiences and professional achievements. In every position and role, Jim inspired others through his unshakable integrity and strength of purpose. His example will continue to set a standard for all those who value service to the common good.

Since the sudden passing of Council Member Jim Stowe on August 4th, citizens throughout New Rochelle have paid tribute to Jim's character and celebrated his contributions to our community. Hundreds attended gatherings in Jim's honor, during which the strength and eloquence of the Stowe family was especially moving. I was privileged to deliver remarks at Jim's memorial service, which you can read HERE.

Council Member Stowe's sudden passing triggers a special election, to be held on November 2nd. The winner of this election will serve the final year of Council Member Stowe's four-year term. The New Rochelle Democratic Party is conducting an open and inclusive search for a nominee and has invited interested residents of the Third Council District to present themselves for consideration. To do so, please send a resume and cover letter, no later than August 31st, to:

Sarah Dodds-Brown
11 Slocum Street
New Rochelle, New York 10801
sdoddsbrown@hotmail.com

You can learn more about the candidate selection process and criteria by reading this news release.

The City Council has the authority to appoint a representative to fill the District Three seat for the remainder of this calendar year. Mindful that the special election is just weeks away, the Democratic members of the City Council (myself, Marianne Sussman, and Barry Fertel) have issued THIS statement concerning the Council's appointment power. I encourage you to read the statement in full, but to summarize: we believe that the Council should entrust the selection of a new representative to the voters of District Three and refrain from making any appointment prior to the special election on November 2nd. Once the election is decided, however, we believe that the Council should act immediately to appoint the winner, so that the new representative can get to work right away, without waiting until January 1st. We have urged our Republican colleagues to join us in a bipartisan commitment to appoint the election winner, whether that winner is a Democrat or Republican.

During the brief period during which the seat is vacant, residents of the Third District should be assured that they can contact my office or the office of the City Manager for assistance of any kind. We will work to ensure that every resident of New Rochelle receives the constituent services they expect and deserve.

Many observers have noted and expressed concerns about the recent demolition of the stone bell tower of the former church on North Avenue, just south of the Police-Court Facility. The City, myself included, should have done a better job of communicating the reasons for the tower demolition, especially to interested parties, such as local history and arts advocates. With apologies that this information was not distributed earlier, I offer the following:

On the morning of Monday, July 5th, a section of the stone facade on the upper portion of the bell tower dislodged and fell to the ground. The stones fell directly onto a public walkway leading from the parking area to the front of the Police-Court Facility. Fortunately, because the Court was closed for the holiday weekend, there was minimal pedestrian activity, but this area of sidewalk is normally heavily trafficked.

Visual inspection on that day revealed several long diagonal cracks in the mortar adjacent to the corners of the parapet at the top of the tower as well as longitudinal cracking at the base of the tower. The tower is a freestanding structure. The area at the base of the tower was cordoned off immediately.

The Department of Public Works retained a structural engineer to inspect the tower and offer recommendations to repair or remove sections of the tower as appropriate. The engineer determined that minimal repair of the tower, to obtain only 25 years of additional life, would entail the full replacement of the tower's entire upper section at a cost of approximately $550,000. In the interest of public safety and cognizant of our challenging fiscal condition, the City Administration reluctantly concluded that demolishing the tower was the only realistic option.

The Department of Public Works is now in the process of engaging another structural engineer to evaluate the integrity of the main body of the church. It is anticipated that this evaluation will be completed during September, and I hope very much that the church will be judged sound. Whatever the result of the analysis, no additional action should be undertaken prior to consultation with interested parties and preservationists.

Although circumstances did not present the City with any other choice, the destruction of the bell tower is a sad event, and I share the feelings of those who have observed this loss with distress.