There needs to be a Master Plan First,
For those of you that watched last month’s Public Hearings and last week’s City Council Meeting about the North Ave Zone, there was again and still is a major disconnect between The City of New Rochelle, Iona College, The Planning Committee, The Developer and The Neighbors. The City Council did Not Move Forward with the zoning changes last month and the other night. There were too many open questions to answer. But, as the Mayor said we have come a long way, let’s not step back. Watch both sessions; it is worth a watch on the City Web Site.
In the video last month, Chuck Strome said “the Committee analyzed for over a year….the neighborhoods approved 7 stories.” The actual 7 stories Young proposal wasn’t before the committee until well after the RFP to which it was in response. The RFP went out a year ago. The Young proposal as submitted was 7 stories. I would expect that if you assembled all the residents from the surrounding neighborhoods and asked if they approve of 7 story buildings on North Avenue, very few hands would go up. Remember, if passed the new zoning will not just be for the proposal at the corner of North Avenue and 5th Avenue. The zoning area covers a distance within 1,500 feet of the College entrance which means from the corner of Eastchester Road down to the corner of 5th Avenue.
Back in an article from The Ionian March 7, 2013 by Kyle Byrne “College explores future at master plan forum.” It said that Iona College hosted a master plan forum in the Romita Auditorium to discuss a long-term vision for Iona’s campus ”Master Plan”. Attended by their students.
The discussion/Focus Groups provided an opportunity to those (The Student) in attendance to create a wish list of areas the college can improve upon, such as infrastructure and additional green space. Previous master plan forums created the LaPenta Student Union and the Hynes Athletic Center expansion.
The Collaborative Inc. was hired by Iona College to observe areas of needed improvement to campus and its brand. It is great to see the process moving forward to develop a Master Plan for Iona College, as we realize there are many changing needs and demographic of the students that attend Iona College. Much has changed and much stays the same.
Architect Mike DiNardo, speaking on behalf of The Collaborative Inc., said, “The plan is important, but the process is just as important.” The next step, according to DiNardo, is to continue touring campus throughout the year requesting additional feedback from students, faculty, administrators and New Rochelle residents. Focus groups are being established in academics, residential life, athletics/recreation, student life, sustainability, parking and facilities management.
Well, Tuesday night is a Town Hall Master Planning session for the New Rochelle community neighbors, here are the details. You can also go to the web site for the Press Release:
Iona College to Host
Master Plan Meeting
All Community Neighbors are welcome to attend
Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Iona College
Romita Auditorium of Ryan Library
715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, N.Y. 10801
Iona College will host a town hall Master Planning session for New Rochelle community neighbors. Iona’s Master Planning process is part of the College’s Institutional Strategic Plan and is being conducted with the assistance of an outside planning organization, The Collaborative Inc. Representatives from The Collaborative Inc. have met with various constituent groups in “focus group” settings to collect feedback that will guide the Campus Master Plan about how the campus will look in years to come.
http://www.thecollaborativeinc.com/Leadership.html
The Collaborative Inc. will offer a short slide show presentation to introduce the community to the Master Planning process and include time for neighbors to offer their own creative ideas for Iona’s campus.
For more info on the News Releases go to the Iona College website:
http://www.iona.edu/news/releases/release.cfm?ID=135
For questions or more information please contact:
Dawn Insanalli Public Relations Office
Iona College,
715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, N.Y. 10801
Office: (914) 637-2726
We have been there before with Br. Ligori and told what Iona College was going to do. We look forward to be able to speak at this focus group. Having been in advertising, marketing and sales the information from any group can be interpreted in any way to tell the story the manner that they want. Remember, they were hired by Iona College and are getting paid by Iona College. We are currently experiencing the problems associated with the big disconnect involved in the Iona/New Rochelle Planning Committee. New Rochelle is full of past committee’s that give the already desired results. We must be diligent during this process and show up to participate in the process. While the extension of the waiver for the over population of 150 students in the current dorms has given us a little breathing room, Iona College continues to throw the locations on Mayflower and Presidents Street back out as options going forward.
As we saw during The City Council meeting Tuesday May 14th, there is still much confusion on what to do with the legislation. Maybe it is time to hold off until there is a master plan for Iona College. The New Rochelle Planning Board made this very suggestion during the proceedings for the waiver extension to allow for the over population of 150 students in the current dorms. Iona College is in the process of reviewing and doing an update to their Master Plan. New Rochelle is doing their own master Plan, shouldn’t we delay any changes that affect an area recently re-zoned in 2010. Let’s take the time necessary to make sure any decision made is in the best interest of The City of New Rochelle.
Our schools suffer especially with the way the city gives away tax abatements and zoning changes. We don’t like the fact that Iona College keeps getting their own personal language and zones. The height of 7 stories is too high and the parking FAR of one car per every four students is questionable. We already know and experience the problem first hand. It has been established that the students will bring cars regardless, many on council acknowledged the problem and even the college admits it has no control. The personal vehicles are parked on a public street so they are difficult to manage by the city and the college.
I think The City Council should put tomorrow night Tuesday, May 21st on their calendars and plan to attend. I realize this is a normal night for a legislative session but some City of New Rochelle representation should be at that Focus Group. Is it possible to have the Commissioner of Development, City Manager and/or City Staff attended? Have them go with an open mind and open ears.
The City Council seems to have heard some of the concerns already. They have begun asking questions and looking for answers. Remember that any development “As of Right” can be back on the table as Iona College’s Dr. Nyre has already told us. We need to let Iona College know that the ways of the past are unacceptable and any unacceptable plans will not get approved without proper review. Iona College must have some give back to the neighbors in the area and The City of New Rochelle. We must protect our city, our homes and our rights! “As of Right” The City of New Rochelle should speak up as they have started to do on this matter and show Iona College that the neighbors and the city’s approval is needed to support any future project and The City of New Rochelle must still approve any development.
Once done it is done and you can’t go back, what if Iona College doesn’t develop the property? “As of Right”, Get it Right!
“Common Sense for the Common Good”.