The New Rochelle City Council voted 4 (Democrats) to 3 (Republicans) on April 13 not to send Councilman Richard St. Paul’s (R, d 3) downtown business and retention proposal to the city’s commissioners for further study. St. Paul had prepared a list of plans from other municipalities that have used to help their business community. Although he had been asked to make this presentation at the last council meeting, after his presentation Mayor Noam Bramson called it a “grab bag of examples.”
Councilman St. Paul and Mayor Bramson continued to disagree on what the proposed program is, and how much it was needed in the city. St. Paul felt the city had no established plan to help businesses, but Bramson insisted the city had many programs to help businesses and worked with the BID (Business Improvement District) and the Chamber of Commerce. When pressed on what programs the city has, Bramson answered, the IDA (Industrial Development Corporation), the facade improvement program, funding for business retention, millions invested in street scapes, and a range of cultural programs. St. Paul countered that he was asking the city to come up with its own business plan, and not wait for the BID or Chamber of Commerce to come up with a plan, but added the city should work with these two groups.
After Branson said he had not heard that St. Paul’s ideas were being supported “by anyone” in the business community he asked for the vote of council members. St. Paul felt Bramson had mischaracterized his proposal and said he wanted the staff to create a business attraction and retention plan with measurable goals which are needed just as a master plan is needed in a municipality.
After the vote, Bramson said he was willing to revisit this topic if he hears from that business community that the goals are worthwhile. After the meeting, Jim Killoran of Habitat for Humanity which has two stores on Main Street said he felt Councilman St. Paul has a good idea. “It should not be either or. Loans are not a bad idea. I don’t know of any small business that has gotten a tax abatement.”
Keep up the good work, St.
Keep up the good work, St. Paul.
The price to play at city
The price to play at city hall just went up. After reading some MsGodfrey’s posts about Mr St Paul’ ideas and lack of interest from council, I went to the web to watch their exchange at the council meeting. Aside from being a really bad job of feigning concern for the citizens, council members arguments were lacking in any substance and some actually didn’t make sense if you followed through on the logic. Mr St Paul was, perhaps “unorthodox ” in his method but these days we need “unorthodox”, so what was the real cause of councils caustic and unhealthy response to his concepts. Mr Fertel suddenly wakes up to ask for details and guarantees about a concept put in front of council? I would like to see where Mr Fertel did all of the things he asks from Mr StPaul on anything he has ever done. Or did he have staff do it? Mr Stowe, you’ve got to be kidding. I’ve watched you blather on ad nauseum about pet projects in YOUR area, what do we tell the people in the other districts about why they don’t get the same attention. Or are you retreating back to your own little conclave to try to salvage what little support you have left. Mr Strome even got in on the bashing, wow. I will say, considering the obvious inctructions from the mayor to bash, Ms Sussman was able to express her disaggreement with composure and dignity. ( she probably got lectured about that later). Last but not least, the mayors belittling himself to name calling was an embarrassment for the city. Can you honestly say you couldn’t make your point without the snide remarks and name calling? Was Mr St Paul so wrong for trying to get something going. The mayor himself said there were many groups and entities through the years working for the business district, trying things and evolving into what we now have. Using that logic, isn’t there room for more evolution to adapt to the changing times? Yes this was a setup from the begining to extract a price from Mr St Paul because he wanted to help in a way not sanctioned by another council member. Unfortunately, in the end, it will be us that pays the price to play in New Rochelle. Thanks council.