Downtown Business Improvement District Meeting on Monday on Downtown Parking Issue

There will be a meeting of the BID on Monday, April 12 2010, 1:00 PM, at Monroe College Conference Room, 145 Huguenot Street. The public is welcome.

AGENDA

• Approval of Minutes: December 14, 2009 and January 25, 2010
• Updates: Avalon I, New Roc, Le Count Square
• Review of FY 2009 Audited Financial Statements
• Parking
• Main Street Grants
• Resolution for Veteran’s Memorial Day parade grant
• New Business

MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS

DOWNTOWN NEW ROCHELLE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT – REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS – MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2010

A regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Downtown New Rochelle Business Improvement District was held on Monday, January 25, 2010 at 1:00 PM at Monroe College.
Board Members Present: Joe Apicella, Stephanie Cuba, Ed Hart, Marc Jerome, James O’Toole, Don Powell, Chuck Strome, Howard Rattner, and Al Tarantino
Board Members Absent: Ciro Checile, Robert Kahn, Chris Selin, and Len Shendell
Executive Director Present: Ralph DiBart

Recording Secretary: Mary Ann O’Brien, Monroe College
Guests: Anthony Gioffre (Cuddy & Feder);George Rainone (Parking, Department of Development) Shannon Rutherford (Traffic Engineer for CVS)

GENERAL BUSINESS

Marc Jerome called the meeting to order at 1:10 PM and welcomed guests.
I. CVS Proposal

Anthony Gioffre (Cuddy & Feder) gave a presentation on the CVS store proposed to open on North Avenue in a building at 22 North Avenue currently occupied by La Casa del Bebe (owners of the building) and the Loop, a retail store which is a tenant in the building. CVS would rent the building with a long term lease and occupy the entire 21,800 +/- sq feet. Issues discussed were truck deliveries, impact on a future garage at the Library Parking Lot, easements, parking by customers and employees, improvements to the building facade and alleyway, hours of operation, impact on other businesses, the impact on parking at the Library Parking Lot and also on a two way versus one way Lawton Street. It was reported that CVS could open as of right, however they were going to the ZBA to assist with an expanded delivery zone and other issues. Shannon Rutherford reported on the CVS parking & traffic study; neighboring CVS stores & the draw from a 3 mile radius market area.

There was a consensus of the Board that:

CVS would represent a national retailer in the downtown.
CVS should improve the walkway adjacent to the building.
A 24/7 operation should be allowed but monitored.
To preserve the Library Lot for a future garage.
To revisit making Lawton Street two ways.
Efforts should be made to keep the Loop and La Casa del Bebe in downtown.

II. Parking Task Force

Ralph DiBart and Chuck Strome reviewed the draft Parking Task Force memo that will be presented at City Council. They also reported that the City allocated $100,000 from the capital budget toward credit card enabled ticket kiosks similar to that recently installed at the Library South Parking Lot and $35,000 for a clean-up project at the Church-Division Street Garage. It was also reported that there was progress in working with Avalon to change the procedure for parking in the first floor parking spaces at their Division Street Garage. All are expected to be implemented this Spring/Summer. The Board consensus was in support of the proposed parking changes.

III. New Business

Marc Jerome discussed recent news articles on a moratorium by Target on new locations and on a new leasing agent for Trump Plaza and the Summit at New Roc.
There being no further business, the regular board meeting was adjourned
Respectfully submitted,

Ralph DiBart

Executive Director

DOWNTOWN NEW ROCHELLE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT – REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS – MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2009

A regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Downtown New Rochelle Business Improvement District was held on Monday, December 14, 2009 at 1:00 PM at Monroe College.

Board Members Present: Joe Apicella, Ciro Checile, Stephanie Cuba, Ed Hart, Marc Jerome, Robert Kahn, Chris Selin, Chuck Strome, Howard Rattner, and Al Tarantino
Board Members Absent: James O’Toole, Don Powell, and Len Shendell
Executive Director Present: Ralph DiBart

Recording Secretary: Mary Ann O’Brien, Monroe College
Guests: Mark Cobb (Key Bank), David Curcio (Avalon), Laura Greenspan (GHP)

GENERAL BUSINESS

Marc Jerome called the meeting to order at 1:10 PM and welcomed everyone to Monroe’s new administrative offices located at 145 Huguenot Street.
Financial Report

Howard Rattner gave an update on the financial status of the BID which remains solid. The reserve fund for 2008 was about $150,000 and at the end of 2009 it increased by about $25,000. The increase was the result of the BID’s winning considerable sponsorship contributions and matching grants from the New Rochelle Business Retention Fund which supplemented the 2009 budget.

Mr. Rattner also reported that the Board approved the BID levy of $418,000 for 2010. The annual BID audit will be done in early 2010.

Proposed 2010 Budget

Ralph DiBart reviewed the proposed 2010 BID Budget which had been emailed to the BID Board prior to the meeting. He reported that in 2008 the administrative cost of events had been increasing so the 2009 budget had recommended that these costs be contained; the BID events program was made more cost effective in 2010.

With the help of the New Rochelle Business Retention Fund grants, the BID undertook a number of ambitious new initiatives which grew out of the 2008 Business Retention Study that the BID had prepared: Artist Spaces Program

Dine Downtown Program

The Downtown Showcase

The Buy & Fly Advertising Campaign
He noted that in 2010, some of these initiatives would continue such as the Artist Spaces and the Dine Downtown Programs, but others were one time initiatives such as the Downtown Showcase and the Buy and Fly Campaign.
Mr. DiBart thanked those Board members who participated in the Buy and Fly advertising supplement which was very well received; since the BID sold and packaged all the advertising, ads were able to be offered to businesses at very reasonable costs and the project paid for itself. He additionally thanked Len Shendell for the donation of space for the BID Art Gallery; Avalon on the Sound for the donation of two apartments featured in the Showcase events and for the use of The Top of the Roc meeting room for several communities sponsored events.

He reported that some of the Business Retention Funds for the Artist Spaces Initiative remained and would be used in 2010. He summarized that with the exception of a $10,000 reduction in the BID’s contract from the City for the Clean Streets program, everything the 2010 budget was comparable to that for 2009. He asked if the Board had any questions. He then asked if the Board could vote to approve the budget.

A motion was requested to accept the 2010 Budget, so moved; all in favor; no abstinences & no opposed. The motion was carried unanimously

III. Tattoo Studio Legislation

The Council had asked the BID to comment on Tattoo Studio Legislation. Chuck Strome explained that the New Rochelle ordinance does not allow tattoo/piercing parlors; in the late 60’-70’s these shops were deemed illegal but has not been enforced. The Council is considering legislation to address whether and where to allow Tattoo Studios.

Four major points for consideration if to discontinue prohibiting:

Ground floor businesses vs. 2nd or upper floors –level of visibility
Appropriate distance 300 from schools, parks and/or other studios
Meeting State Health Codes
A Special permit to be reviewed after 2 years

Joe Apicella brought up quality of life issues and a discussion was held that this type of business has become more main stream and has a better level of acceptance than in the past. The Board recommended that Tattoo Studios should be restricted to above the first floor, be subject to a renewable two year permit to insure compliance; and be restricted to being within 200 feet of another tattoo parlor. A motion was made by Joe Apicella to recommend the zoning and seconded by Ed Hart. All were in favor; none opposed; Chuck Strome and Al Tarrantino abstained.
IV. Parking Update:

Marc Jerome led a discussion on recommendations being explored by the Downtown Parking Task Force.

Chuck Strome reported that lights at Church-Division Garage and the Prospect Lot had been repaired and the new way finding parking signs had been installed. He noted that the Police Department was waiting on a $200,000 grant for security cameras some of which is earmarked for downtown which would be added to by a $15,000 BID contribution. Mr. Strome discussed that certain improvements to the Prospect Street Lot were approved by Council which would be scheduled in early 2010 including new pay kiosks (similar to those recently installed at the Library South Lot) temporary speed bumps and some beautification improvements. In addition $35,000 was included in the capital budget for repairs/clean-up at the Church Division Street Garage.

There was also a discussion regarding the 35 public spaces at the Avalon Division Street Garage. A proposal was being pursued for the City to take over administering the spaces and treat them in a fashion similar to other municipal facilities in term of rates, enforcement and hours.

A discussion followed regarding downtown parking and the Task Force proposal that all off-street parking charge 24/7 similar to what already exists at the Intermodal and the New Roc fatalities (as well as in downtown Yonkers, Mount Vernon and White Plains). It was also discussed increasing the on street meter hours to 11:00 PM with the exception of Sundays. The Board discussion supported these changes; Ralph DiBart and Chuck Strome agreed to write memo of what will be presented to the Council.

V. Business Retention Projects 2009

Marc Jerome gave an overview of 2009 BID business retention initiatives which included:

Artist Spaces Program

Dine Downtown Program

The Downtown Showcase

The Buy & Fly Advertising Campaign

VI. Congratulations were offered to Stephanie Cuba on her recent marriage.
There being no further business the regular board meeting was adjourned and an executive session was called to review Executive Director’s salary.
Respectfully submitted,

Ralph DiBart

Executive Director