New Rochelle Releases New Plan to Revitalize Downtown

New Rochelle officials Tuesday released a new Recommended Action Plan, a study outlining their vision for a reinvigorated, thriving and diverse mixed-use downtown and transit center.

The plan was created by Master Developer, RDRXR, which worked with the City and the community on the effort, which builds on the foundation of past and present planning efforts undertaken by the City relating to the downtown area and transit center. The goal of plan is to create a “vibrant, ethnically and culturally diverse community that draws people from across New Rochelle and throughout Westchester and the wider region.”

In addition to analyzing previously and newly conducted planning studies, the RAP also includes a report and analysis of stakeholder and community input received through RDRXR’s Crowdsourced Placemaking (CSPM) process, as well as recommendations for zoning code amendments and other complementary programs and investments..

“These recommendations, the product of months of hard work and community input, will reduce barriers to private investment by establishing clear, predictable development rights, and by eliminating the high cost of project-specific environmental reviews,” said Mayor Noam Bramson in a statement. “More than ever before, New Rochelle will be open for business and ready to welcome any investor who shares our vision for a thriving, inclusive downtown.”

The RAP envisions a downtown and transit area that would include “a healthy and exciting mix of housing options, retail, commercial, office, hotel space, as well as community and cultural facilities,” according to officials. In developing the plan, RDRXR and the City studied the projected market opportunities in the area, based on forecast economic and demographic trends.

Donald Monti, President and CEO of Renaissance Downtowns noted, “This is an exciting time to be in New Rochelle – the City has been great to work with, and the community has really embraced the opportunity to be involved throughout this open and transparent process. The culmination of this model Public-Private Partnership will be a re-invigorated and revitalized downtown for all New Rochelle residents and visitors to enjoy.”

Added Scott Rechler, Chairman and CEO of RXR Reality, “We are pleased to be taking this important step towards creating a better future for New Rochelle. This is an exciting time for the city and we look forward to working closely with city officials and the community as the process continues.”

New Rochelle’s Downtown Development Project- including the Recommended Action Plan- can be viewed on the City website at www.newrochelleny.com. The direct link to the RAP is www.newrochelleny.com/downtownRAP. The City Council still has to formally vote to approve the plan, a move that is expected to occur in the near future.