New Rochelle Armory Presentation to City Council by Save Our Armory Committee

Written By: Robert Cox

The Save our Armory Committee made a presentation to the New Rochelle City Council on July 20, 2010 to describe their plans for a re-adaptive use of the New Rochelle Armory. Speakers including Save Our Armory Committee Co-Chairs Ron Tocci and Peter Parente and SOA Executive Committee members John Verni and John D’Alois. The entire presentation including Q&A ran to about 40 minutes; to meet the requirements of YouTube it is necessary to break the video into four parts.

Part 1 of 4: Introduction and Vision for the Armory, Ron Tocci.

Part 2 of 4: Tech & Uses, Peter Parente.

Part 3 of 4: Finance, John Verni and Closing Remarks, John D’Alois & Ron Tocci

Part 4 of 4: Q&A with City Council

  • Noam Bramson thanks SOA from coming.
  • Barry Fertel asks for copy of Engineering Report.
  • Noam Bramson explains limitations City is under due to Forest City MOU.
  • Noam Bramson asks for indication of Monroe College’s level of interest in this concept
  • Noam Bramson suggests that Forest City, Monroe College and Save Our Armory Committee Meet.
  • Chuck Strome explains that Forest City controls all discussions on Armory property and building until December 31, 2010.
  • Noam Bramson asks John Verni if “sources and uses” financial document is available?
  • Richard St. Paul asks about Armory Removal (edited out due to length issues)
  • Council and Staff discusses Forest City’s rights under MOU (edited out due to length issues) after which Noam Bramson explains Next Steps within that context.
  • Richard St. Paul asks what the impact will be on the MOU or RFP from which the MOU was derived if Forest City plan does not include the Armory?
  • Ron Tocci asks whether, if Forest City allows it, SOA can get into the building and make emergency repairs before winter?

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