NY Approval For New Rochelle Waterfront Plans Comes With Strings

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — New Rochelle's ambitious waterfront plans got a boost when New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation granting the city the right to allow commercial development at the site of the unoccupied New Rochelle Naval Armory, but there were a few conditions attached.

The city's plans required state approval because of a requirement that the armory site be used for public rather than commercial space, when the property was transferred to New Rochelle from the state. Just before the Christmas holiday, Hochul signed senate Bill S7184, amending the terms of the deed.

The legislation sponsored by State Senator Shelley Mayer also requires the dedication of park land as part of any development. The newly signed law also requires restoration of the former armory building and annex. Perhaps most importantly, the amended agreement requires the city to guarantee a dedicated space for veterans organizations to use at no charge.

While the move was cheered by some veterans groups, others in the community have taken more of a wait-and-see approach. The project has sparked controversy and accusations that the option of creating waterfront parkland at the site was never truly considered.

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While all sides have expressed a desire to save the historic structure, supporters of the city's plans argue that tying the project to commercial development is the only realistic way to save the armory.

"Happy to report that Governor Hochul has signed into law the legislation to clear the path to getting the Armory rehabilitated and ensuring space for the veteran community," the group Veterans for Saving the Armory said in a statement lauding the governor's decision. "It is a truly Merry Christmas for the veteran community of New Rochelle."

Editor's Note: Veterans for Saving the Armory is not affiliated with the Save the Armory Committee.

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New Rochelle's waterfront redevelopment plans are being headed by development partner of record for the New Rochelle Armory, Twining Properties.

The Armory is envisioned as a central part of Twining's Pratt Landing waterfront project. The published proposal for the project includes more than 3.5 acres of public open space through a new series of parks, a waterfront promenade and green space.

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The project will include retail and residential development as well.

Current plans also calls for several thousand square feet of space at the Armory for a veterans service organization.