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The Downtown Retail Strategy will usher in a new era for downtown New Rochelle, pioneering a diverse and vibrant retail ecosystem and building on its historic downtown redevelopment that is bringing in more than 10,000 new housing units and has attracted $2.2 billion in private investment to the city.

“Retail plays a crucial role in shaping thriving city environments, and this plan will help to cultivate a city that flourishes economically, socially, and culturally,” said New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert. “The Downtown Retail Strategy will have a transformative impact on our city, generating bustling streets and enriching community interactions, while creating job opportunities, driving visitation, and elevating New Rochelle’s profile as a place to live, work and visit. This is an incredibly exciting time for New Rochelle, and we look forward to our continued work bringing this plan to life.”

The Downtown Retail Strategy features a mix of initiatives in the newly created Vanguard District – encompassing the area bounded by LeCount Place (across the street from New Roc City), Main Street, North Avenue, and Huguenot Street – and other areas of the downtown, creating a broader pathway for revitalization throughout the city. Responsive to the needs of the community, the Downtown Retail Strategy includes:

• A Tenant Improvement Program will provide financial support for physical improvements and relocation costs to aspiring retail establishments looking to occupy vacant retail spaces throughout the downtown. Structured as a grant program, the $2.25M fund will have a robust application process while prioritizing opportunities for businesses that will contribute to the vibrancy of downtown New Rochelle.
• Streetscape beautification and safety improvements, including street furniture, parklets, decorative plantings, increased maintenance and cleaning, lighting upgrades, placemaking, and wayfinding improvements. The plan also focuses on creating safer pedestrian connections to enrich the experience for both residents and visitors.
• Retail enhancements through pop-ups and revitalizing storefronts, while continuing the City’s support of local and new businesses and entrepreneurs.
• In the Vanguard District, modernizing outdated code restrictions will remove barriers that previously prohibited bars and experiential businesses, along with relaxed parking requirements, transforming ground-floor spaces. These updates will attract a diverse range of new tenants, from bars and gyms to live music venues, outdoor dining spots, artisan production spaces, and more—creating a vibrant and dynamic street-level experience.

“Our new strategy will support the wonderful business owners that call New Rochelle home and welcome an array of new businesses to an enlivened and attractive downtown,” said Adam Salgado, Commissioner of Development at the City of New Rochelle. “Locals, visitors, and newcomers can look forward to our City’s continued evolution into a diverse cultural hub with a mix of top-notch dining, outstanding local art, entertainment, and more.”

The Downtown Retail Strategy was developed by the City of New Rochelle’s Department of Development with recommendations from the Retail Task Force, which was convened by the New Rochelle City Council in 2022 to spearhead a comprehensive study and support the implementation of a plan. The New Rochelle City Council received the proposed plan on September 10, 2024, and it was approved on October 15, 2024.

About the City of New Rochelle
With its unparalleled location, superb quality of life, diverse and talented residents, a focused business climate, and a robust residential and commercial development pipeline, the City of New Rochelle is leading the transformation of a generation. Its close proximity to New York City and opportunities for businesses to grow and succeed in the current economic climate is defining the City of New Rochelle as “open for business” – ready to welcome new residents of all socioeconomic backgrounds and embrace smart, transit-oriented development growth patterns that promote open space. Accelerated by a fast-track zoning process along with resources for small businesses and micro-enterprises, the “New Rochelle Model” of development continues to enhance the City’s downtown area and business district by supporting job creation, property values and private investment – while enhancing sustainability and livability through green and energy-efficient design. The City of New Rochelle has been recognized regionally by the state and federal government for its thoughtful city-wide infrastructure improvements and advancements including affordable housing development, the creation of more usable public space and recent ten-year flood mitigation program. For more information on why New Rochelle is ideally yours, please visit www.IdeallyNewRochelle.com.

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Patrice Rajacic
Marino
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