New Rochelle Makes Pledge To Hudson Park Greenhouse

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The City of New Rochelle has committed a quarter of a million dollars to the Hudson Park Children's Greenhouse project. The $250,000 pledge will go toward Phase 3 of restoration and replacement project, according to organizers.

HPCG President Milijana "Millie" Radonjic-Ilich was thankful for the award and said her group is eager to proceed with next steps. Project Architect and HPCG committee member Kim Martelli said she was prepared to work with city staff to create bid documents. Project attorney and HPCG committee member David Lacher recently finalized the legal agreement with the city.

The Hudson Park Children's Greenhouse is a three-building complex, including two historic greenhouses and a connecting link building. Their renovation/replacement is organized in three phases. The first phase is fully funded using monies raised by the HPCG committee, $250,000 from a New York State grant and $15,000 of city funding. The current plan involves the renovation and expansion of the link building, the replacement of the East Greenhouse and the restoration of the West Greenhouse.

Phase 1 - $310,000 - Site Stabilization and Link Building Expansion & Remodel
Renovation and expansion of link building, stabilization of west greenhouse floor slab, construction of new interior footings and supports, new HVAC system and material cataloguing and storage of architectural elements for future reuse.

Phase 2 - $366,000 - East Greenhouse Reconstruction
Demolition of East greenhouse superstructure, re-pointing of existing masonry walls, installation and assembly of prefabricated greenhouse.

Phase 3 - $374,000 - West Greenhouse Restoration
On-site and off-site restoration of existing superstructure materials, reconstruction of original Lord & Burnham style superstructure, installation of West Greenhouse associated HVAC, electrical and irrigation systems.

The goal of the HPCG committee is to create a sustainable and vibrant greenhouse and activities program — a destination that enhances the development of Hudson Park, New Rochelle and Long Island Sound’s coastline for the enjoyment and benefit of New Rochelle’s children and community. The existing structures reinstated will provide a tremendous resource to the community and inspire future improvements throughout Hudson Park.

On Sunday, April 22nd HPCG will host an Earth Day site cleanup event at the site with the assistance of people organized through Volunteers of New York. The group also hosts a summer yoga series that coincides with the summer concerts. Currently HPCG is running gardening programs for Trinity and Barnard students related to how seeds grow.

Go to the Hudson Park Children's Greenhouse website for more information.

Photo caption: From left, David Lacher, Michael Lewis, Kathleen Gill, Noam Bramson, Kim Martelli, Chris Selin, Don Ciota, Millie Radonjic-Ilich. Seated, Chuck Strome. Photo credit: Submitted.