Can a Task Force Report Help Develop New Rochelle’s Davids Island

In September 2010 a Task Force was chosen to prepare a report on potential
uses of Davids Island. Residents remember when Fort Slocum, a military base,
was closed in l966. This was followed by a series of proposals listed
in the report for the Island, all of which were abandoned. Notable among these
was the purchase of the Island by Con Edison for a nuclear plant and the
company’s subsequent plan to build this plant only a mile or so from
residential areas. Among the reasons why it was rejected were the Atomic
Energy Commission Regulations which required plants to be 50 miles from a
populated area.

Then proposals by Xanadu in l980 and Trump in l995 envisioning high rise
buildings were also defeated because of residents’ and nearby
communities’ opposition. Following this was a plan for Hotel Columbia in 1977
and Westchester County’s commitment to acquire the Island during the period l990

to 2010.
The City Council of New Rochelle voted to allow the federal government to
tear down all the buildings on the Island to remediate areas contaminated by
the military. But even after that, the 180 acre island, 40 acres of which are
cited as under water, still has 52 acres of potential contamination.
Mayor Noam Bramson in his introductory remarks in the report said the
committee did not try to reach a consensus. Instead nine scenarios are listed
as choices: (1) open parkland; (2) photovoltaic cells (solar panels); (3) wind
turbines; (4) greenhouse; (5) Hotel and conference, research and development;
(6) low density residential (1/2 acre lots) (7) low and medium density
residential; (8) high density residential and row houses; and (9) high density
residential. There is also a discussion about which plans would need a bridge
which would carry a price tag of over $200 million. A ferry was recommended
for the smaller smaller scale developments. The Mayor and Councilman Al
Tarantino served on the 19-member committee with Doug hocking as Chair.
Problems inhibiting development were described such as the probable need to

replace contaminated soil with clean soil if housing units are to be built.
The larger question was asked: does the Island benefit New Rochelle as a whole
or just a group of people? The first scenario of keeping the Island as open
parkland would only require getting people to the Island, but a “trigger” here
is that if more than two people came to the Island, a bathroom would be needed.

This plan would have no economic benefit. The wind turbines were not
considered “feasible.” As the other options were discussed, only covering the
Island with solar panels and a hotel and conference center, research and
development facility were consider somewhat viable. It was suggested there was
a need to amend the city’s “comprehensive plan” to designate potential uses.
Council members had concerns. Council member Marianne Sussman questioned
the need for emergency services and parking. Councilman Richard St. Paul
wanted to know why the possibility o selling it was not included. Doug
Hocking, Chair of Committee, said the Island is an asset, either we can do
nothing and land bank it for the future or hold it until it increases in
value.

St. Paul answered that whenever a plan comes “to the table, people don’t want
it.” Councilman Tarantino felt the report was a wonderful starting point about
what residents want to do with the Island. Councilman Lou Trangucci liked the
value scale for the scenarios listed and felt they made it easier to evaluate
proposals. Councilman Barry Fertel said he moved to New Rochelle during the
Xanadu controversy and this report allows everyone to look at the Island more
objectively.
Although the David’s Island Task Force was formed last year, after the
meeting, Lorraine Pierce asked, “,Why is it always at election time that the
issue of Davids Island is brought up by the Mayor while in reality there is no
federal, state, county or local money available for it.” Bob Petrucci added,
“None of the ideas mentioned are new, they’ve been around for about l0 years or
longer. My question in the light of all the similar energy project failures,
what successful solar energy plant would be used to copy at Davids Island? This
would include how much would it cost, how much would it make, and what are the
funding sources?

In the October 18 issue of the Westchester Guardian