UPDATE 11-26-12: The owner has stated that the trees depicted in the photographs above are city trees, not on club property.
The New Rochelle Tennis Club cut down trees on their property to make room for platform tennis courts before getting a building a permit from the City of New Rochelle. Neighbors on and near Valley Road complained and work has been stopped for the time being.
Mike Aronstein, owner of the New Rochelle Tennis Club, one of the oldest tennis clubs in the United States, did not respond to phone calls and emails but has blogged about the issue on the club web site.
On October 24th, 2011, Aronstein wrote “Now that the tennis season at the New Rochelle Tennis Club is winding down, it is time for the Paddle season. Since the City of New Rochelle has not granted a permit as yet, the team will once again be road warriors. We finished up winning the division 8 season last Winter undefeated as a team and not losing a single individual match. According to the rules of the WCTL we will moved up to the number 7 division. Our team goal is the same as the Yankees, to gather championships.
On January 5th, 2012 Aronstein wrote “Our second paddle season season was almost as successful as the first completing it with a 42 and 3 record. We are now moving up to level 6, a 2 level rise since joining the league. We look forward to having our own courts if the city of new rochelle becomes pro business.”
A neighbor, who asked not to be identified, complained in an email that Aronstein had cut down trees, some his and some those of his neighbors.
Mike Aronstein the owner of the NR Tennis Club is trying to build platform tennis courts at his club. They’ll be located in some part of the parking lot. These courts are smaller versions of tennis courts. They are heated and lit up for day and night use and the playing season generally lasts from October-May. This means that the club would be open all year round. He’s already cut down trees between his club’s parking lot and neighbor’s homes. He tried to start construction without a building variance or permit. Paul Vacca of the NR Buildings Department is looking into the matter.
Paul Vacca did confirm there had been an issue with tree removal and that no building permit had been issued.
According to the club web site, the New Rochelle Tennis Club was established in 1896, making it one of the oldest tennis only clubs in the United States.
Few tennis clubs can rival the range of talent at New Rochelle Tennis Club. No matter what your skill level might be, NRTC has a suitable match for you. Need a partner or opponent? We arrange matches every day. New Rochelle Tennis Club is located in Westchester County, New York, adjacent to North Avenue in the Wykagyl Park section of New Rochelle. It is easily accessible via the Hutchinson River Parkway, New England Thruway (I-95) or Boston Post Road.
NRTC has 8 meticulously maintained Har-Tru tennis courts. Our features include locker rooms, snack bar and 24 hour tennis racquet repair service. The pro shop offers the most popular brands of tennis equipment and apparel. We participate in the MITL and WCTL leagues in A ,B and Senior levels. Club championships run throughout the summer. Special events are held throughout the season , including Cardio Tennis, Member-Guest tournaments, Wood Racquet tournament, and various fundraisers. Our hours of operation are Monday – Friday 7:30 am to 8 pm and Saturday, Sunday and Holidays from 8am to 7pm. The clubhouse opens at 7am.
Over the years, New Rochelle Tennis Club has hosted numerous top tennis players, including Bill Tilden, Ivan Lendl, Wojtek Fibak, and Steve Denton. Legendary tennis referee Jack Starr , Olympic athlete/announcer Marty Glickman and television personality Stone Philips have also been members here.
