NEW ROCHELLE, NY — New Rochelle is the recipient of a $3,518,638 grant from New York State for Quaker Ridge Road “Complete Streets” improvements, Governor Cuomo’s office announced last week.
The grant was part of $112.2 million in awards to 81 projects across the state that include multi-use bicycle and pedestrian facilities, new accessible sidewalks that adhere to regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, improved access to public transportation, and enhanced roadway safety. The funding, which will provide up to 80 percent of the cost of each project, is made available through the Federal Highway Administration, administered by the New York State Department of Transportation.
“This funding is critical to enhancing our infrastructure and paving the way for both pedestrian and bicycle travel,” Governor Cuomo said. “By improving roadway safety and increasing access to healthy transportation alternatives, we are providing both residents and visitors a chance to experience the state’s natural beauty like never before, while supporting a cleaner, greener New York for generations to come.”
New Rochelle was selected through a competitive solicitation process and the grant was the highest allotted for the Mid-Hudson region.
“We are thrilled to receive this grant, which will transform an aged thoroughfare into a multi-purposed roadway that can be equally enjoyed by motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians,” said Mayor Noam Bramson. “Complete Streets is a vital part of GreeNR, our sustainability plan.”
“Quaker Ridge Road is one of our main east-west corridors, connecting residents with schools, homes, parks and houses of worship. These improvements will be most welcomed and the funding will go a long way towards creating the streets of tomorrow,” said City Manager Chuck Strome.
District 5 Councilmember Barry Fertel said, “Thanks to the infusion of this much needed investment, Quaker Ridge Road, an important arterial road in New Rochelle’s North End, will not only be safer and more efficient but will be more accessible to pedestrians, joggers and cyclists. We’ve waited a long time, but it was worth the wait!”
District 6 Councilmember Liz Fried said, “The residents of the North End of New Rochelle welcome the $3.5 million NYS Grant for the Quaker Ridge Road Upgrade. From North Avenue to Weaver Street, the road is beset by poor conditions, including potholes, and gaps between the old concrete blocks that make up the street. This aging roadway is in dire need of repair to ensure safety to all – drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. It will allow us to make the much needed upgrades to Quaker Ridge Road, an important investment in the infrastructure that we need in the North End.”