NEW ROCHELLE, NY (September 19, 2025) — The Masonic organization that owns the former College of New Rochelle campus has delayed its approach to the city with a proposed development plan, missing the previously expected September timeline, according to recent communications from a Masons representative and updates shared with a local neighborhood association.
Domenick Pisciotta, a Trustee of the Masonic Hall & Home, told Talk of the Sound the organization expressed its intent to meet with New Rochelle City Manager Wilfredo Melendez as soon as the proposed plan is complete.
“Although we were targeting September, it doesn’t seem like all of the components will come together and allow for a productive conversation,” Pisciotta said. “We appreciate Mr. Melendez’s willingness and eagerness to work with us, as we are excited to meet with him and discuss the future of MCNR.
There is currently no specific timeline.
The Residence Park Neighborhood Association, in a letter to neighbors, previously detailed information from Melendez indicating a September timeline. The association will provide any updates at its Fall General Meeting on October 20th.
The Masons have undergone a recent change in board members, with the new board establishing a development team to review the property’s history since acquisition and determine a strategy for future operations, as noted in the neighborhood association’s letter. The Masons remain committed to transforming the campus into a viable site that meets their needs while addressing community concerns.
The Masons have been appreciative of the recent dialogue with the city over the past months, Pisciotta said.
The neighborhood association has been in ongoing conversations with city officials regarding the status of the former campus, as discussed in its past two general meetings.
Neighbors are encouraged to attend the Fall Residence Park Neighborhood Association General Meeting on October 20th for any further updates on the project.
Rocky Road for Former CNR Campus
The College of New Rochelle filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Sept. 20, 2019, due to $80 million in liabilities following financial mismanagement that left the school more than $30 million in debt. The former controller of the College of New Rochelle, Keith Borge, was sentenced to three years in prison on Aug. 28, 2019, after pleading guilty to securities fraud and failing to pay over more than $20 million in payroll taxes.
The 15.6-acre campus was auctioned off as part of bankruptcy proceedings, with the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund winning the bid for $32 million, which was approved in bankruptcy court in November 2019.
Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund, owners of the campus, informed the U.S. Department of Justice in August 2024 that they believed they were are victims of an extortion scheme by a senior New Rochelle official. The alleged scheme involves an improper quid pro quo linking zoning changes sought for the campus to a $3.5 million purchase of the Carnegie Library on Main Street and a New York State proposal to house 550 immigrants at the site.
The New Rochelle City Council approved a resolution during its meeting on September 16, 2025, authorizing the issuance of approximately $10 million in bonds to fund the acquisition of two key properties: the former CVS building on North Avenue and the historic Carnegie Library at 662 Main Street, valued at $3.5 million.
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This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.