City Council Supports Climate Action Scoping Plan, Downtown Revitalization Initiative

By Stephen E. Lipken

Mayor Noam Bramson opened the June 21st City Council Regular Legislative Meeting (RLM), adopting Resolution proposing support of the Climate Action Council Draft Scoping Plan. Through the Westchester Municipal Officials Association, Sustainable Westchester is conducting outreach to encourage municipalities to support the draft Climate Action Council Scoping Plan, the result of Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, (CLCPA), signed into law in 2019.

CLCPA promotes a carbon neutral economy, mandating at least an 85% reduction in emissions below 1990 levels; 40% reduction in emissions by 2030; 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040; 70% renewable electricity by 2030 and 6,000 MW of distributed solar by 2025.

A significant Consent Agenda item was proposed authorization with Karp Strategies for Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and RAISE grant awards.  

In 2018, the City of New Rochelle was awarded $10 million through third round of the DRI. Following the award, the city identified several projects that supports the vision and mission for urban development.

Included within slate of six DRI award funded projects are the following:

• The LINC project, redesign of Memorial Highway in order to create an open, walkable public space connecting the Lincoln Park neighborhood with New Rochelle’s downtown.

• Establishment of a new zoning overlay district in the Lincoln Avenue Corridor to enable a stronger mix of residential and commercial uses.

• Complete streets and traffic calming measures along Lincoln Avenue Corridor including new or improved sidewalks, pedestrian ramps, curb extensions, traffic calming measures, signage, bike path, designated bike crossings, the elimination of parking at key intersections, revised road geometry, reconsideration of speed limits, new and relocated bus stops.

• The creation of a community performance and arts education venue, serving as a cultural anchor on Main Street.

• Construction of a public comfort station adjacent to Lincoln Park pool house.

• Development of new recreational amenities to serve Heritage Homes, a 288-unit affordable housing development.