Highly Dense Housing Proposed for New Rochelle’s Downtown

Highly Dense Housing Proposed for New Rochelle’s Downtown by Peggy Godfrey

Russell Albanese, chairman of the Albanese company, and George Andrus presented their vision for a highly dense housing development in New Rochelle. An initial set of apartments along with a five deck parking garage would be build on a downtown city parking lot in the southern section of the City. Eventually these buildings could be followed by another seven story garage at the present Church-Division site along with an 23-24 story apartment building with 550 housing units. The project would be developed in several phases.
Albanese and his Vice President, Andrus, emphasized their experience developing the nation’s first LEED Gold and Platinum Residential Tower and other projects featuring green building standards. They were hoping and intending to submit a Memorandum of Understanding to the Council and were “excited about working with New Rochelle.” The Commissioner of Development, Michael Freimuth, said the first phase of the project was the most critical. Mayor Noam Bramson asked how this development could improve the City. One answer was this is transit oriented development because New Rochelle is between New York City and Stamford.
Councilman Al Tarantino, referring to the last year’s downtown parking study, felt parking should be dispersed throughout downtown. Freimuth answered this would be dealt with as the project progresses. Tarantino persisted that the City was trading parking spaces there “with no real gain.” He continued by asking about how the height of the buildings would impact the view of people already living in the downtown area near it. Albanese answered the design was in an “L” shape including low rise corridors keeping the view open, but he admitted there will be some obstruction of the view. Following this, Tarantino said he “hated” to have these occupants have their housing units devaluated and asked if any thought had been given to the Garden Street area. He was told “no” by Freimuth. Bramson asked for a “more fully detailed” memorandum of understanding.
Councilman Jared Rice wanted to know how much retail was included. He was told there was “not an overwhelming amount of retail.” He later asked if the unemployed could be given apprenticeships, but Albanese has not “structured that yet.” Newly elected Councilman Ivar Hyden asked about the overall design of the project which had no connection to Main Street. Parking was needed on Main Street and he suggested using the two empty lots on that street.
Councilman Lou Trangucci asked about the amount of square feet devoted to retail and was told the development does not “live and die on retail.” He also wanted to know if IDA (Industrial Development Agency) funds would be sought and was told “yes” which Freimuth said would be an 15 year term.
Financing in the present economy was cited throughout the presentation as one reason why this firm had delayed in presenting this proposal. However, it should be remembered that the residents of New Rochelle know the City has no master plan. Thus any kind of plan can be presented for downtown. This part of the city was down zoned in the l950’s to three stories because of the density created at that time with six story apartment buildings. Zoning changes for this proposal would be needed. Adding more residents and cars will intensify the density problems. There is a County order issued in l980’s that the City cannot make any new sewer connections. How can they get permission to make a sewer connection on this empty lot?
A Memorandum of Understanding for City Council approval of this proposal is expected shortly.

In the January 26, 2012 issue of the Westchester Guardian