Announcing the Veterans Memorial Performing Arts Center (Updated)

(Note- the presentation was originally posted as a powerpoint document. It has been converted to a slide show for ease of viewing. Click on any slide to enlarge and start the show)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW ROCHELLE, NEW YORK, AUGUST 7 2012 The presentation for the adaptive reuse of the New Rochelle Armory has just been presented to City Council

The development team for the Veterans Memorial Performing Arts Center has just been presented to the New Rochelle City Council. The vision to restore the historic building and utilize it as an art center with focus on community engagement and stimulating the local economy. you can view the presentation by clicking the link below.

Stay tuned for more information and a story.

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Armory Plan to be Presented to City Council This Tuesday

The development team representing the Committee to Save the Armory will be presenting it’s vision plan to City Council this Tuesday, August 7th at 5:00PM. The presentation will take place in the Council Chambers at 515 North Ave. The public is welcome to sit in or it can be viewed live on Cable Channel 75 or Verizon Channel 28. Listen in as we unfold the plan for the next chapter in New Rochelle’s history.

Development Committee Releases Plan for Veterans Memorial Center at the Armory

In response to the recently issued Request For Proposals (RFP), a Development Committee has submitted a plan to restore the iconic Armory and bring new life to the region with a mix of performance art, fine dining and Veterans Services. A premiere venue, unique to the area, enhancing the quality of life for all of New Rochelle and, indeed, the region. From their Mission Statement “The Mission of the proposed Veterans Memorial Center for the Performing Arts (the “Center”) is to serve as a cultural hub for the community to engage in educational opportunities and enhance understanding and enjoyment of life through the creation and presentation of the arts. .”

The plan wil be reviewed by city council in a process designed to pick from multiple submissions, so it’s up to you to make your voices heard. Don’t sit back and wait for it to happen, this is all about bringing out the best of what New Rochelle has to offer.

Spend a few minutes and enjoy this plan for the next chapter in New Rochelle’s history. You won’t be disappointed.

Veterans Memorial Center
for the Performing Arts

Proposal Mission Statement​​

The Mission of the proposed Veterans Memorial Center for the Performing Arts (the “Center”) is to serve as a cultural hub for the community to engage in educational opportunities and enhance understanding and enjoyment of life through the creation and presentation of the arts. We will accomplish this by establishing a premier venue for performing and visual arts and building a dynamic center for local, regional and national arts groups.

Furthermore, through the establishment of this Center for the Performing Arts, we will again be bringing to life and rededicating a historical structure, the New Rochelle Naval Armory, the permanent home of the 31st Fleet Division of the New York Naval Militia. This initiative is dedicated to all those who have passed through its portals since 1933 and to all those to whom the Armory has served as a training ground and meeting place.

The historical significance of this edifice will become the driving force to help dedicate permanent space within the Center to assist Veterans and to provide a support system for job placement and navigating through the intricacies of the Veterans Administration medical program.

 

 

Stay tuned for more information and commentary from the Development Committee

A Reader Asks About the Armory

Through the “contact us” section of the site, a reader named Jack asks the question “What do you think should be housed inside the Armory that will give back and benefit the community?”.

Great question Jack and thanks for taking the time to visit our site and wanting to learn more about the Armory. The Save Our Armory Committee has always been of the opinion that this building, aside from its historic significance, should house something for everyone. The area known as the drill deck, which is the open floor area under the barrel roof, is approximately 14,000 sq/ft of open floor plan. This lends itself to many venues such as art festivals, trade shows, events for children (sporting, dance troops, poetry readings etc).  There’s room for a distinctive catering facility, museum (did you know that while we all have heard of Norman Rockwell, that during the same time New Rochelle was the hub of just about every great illustrator in the country?** Most belonging to the New Rochelle Arts Council). Of course a Veterans support center would be fitting as more and more troops return home needing a single clearing house for access to services. Why you can even have programming as varied as from special olympic events to Green Technology trade shows. All of this programming does something that no amount of housing can ever do, it engages the community and brings us together to celebrate not only what we do here in New Rochelle, but it does it in a place that is as much a part of our culture as no other building in New Rochelle. We will never  have a place as distinctive both architecturally and historical as this icon in New Rochelle. So let’s take the opportunity in front of us and make it a reality. Please take a moment to read these articles ;

Have You Been to These Venues Lately?

The New Rochelle Armory – Preservation for Fun and Profit

The New Rochelle Armory – Can You Answer This Question?

Lamenting Our Loss – There Are No Do Overs

Again, Thank You for your interest and consider being part of the vision and remember:

It’s YOUR Armory

**Harold Anderson, Franklin Booth, George Brehm, Worth Brehm, Clare Briggs, Nell Brinkley, Daniel Content, Dean Cornwell, John Philip Falter, Victor Clyde Forsythe, Walter Beach Humphrey, F.X. Leyendecker, J.C. Leyendecker, Tom Lovell, Orson Byron Lowell, Al Parker, Edward Penfield, C. Coles Phillips, Frederic Remington, Mead Schaeffer, Remington Schuyler, Donald Teague, George T. Tobin, Edmund F. Ward, and Revere Wistefuff.

Save The Armory – Save New Rochelle

 

Shaping Our Future By Preserving the Past

It rises up from its knoll to command its surroundings. A veritable fortress of pre-war brick and vintage architecture, this depression era icon is a dedication to the American Spirit.   The vast, truss-framed barrel roof has provided shelter to generations of soldiers and families. The vaulted wall of arch top windows at either end forge the daily sunshine into shafts of light that dance across a prairie sized floor.  Tinker, tailor, soldier, and sports heroes alike have all shared that sunshine in the once vibrant and community-centered facility. Sending young soldiers off to war, sporting events and the arts have woven the fabric of New Rochelle’s “Rich History”. This building is ready to breathe life back into the City but it needs YOUR help, NOW !

“But what can I do?”– It’s the most common question asked and yet it’s the easiest to answer. Get involved!

• Ø Come to our next meeting. Thursday, June 7th at the American Legion Post 8, 112 North Ave. New Rochelle at 7:30 P.M.

• Ø Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter, learn about the Armory’s rich and distinguished history

• Join the Save Our Armory Committee as we shape the future. Volunteers are needed at all levels such as fundraising, technical support and canvassing.

Every great journey begins with the first step. Your first step.

http://www.newrochellearmory.com        www.newrochellearmory.org

Welcome to the New Rochelle Armory

Welcome and thank you for visiting our site, your site. Without doubt, the Armory belongs to all of New Rochelle and its many fine citizens. The Save Our Armory Committee is currently putting together a business plan as a response to the recent City- issued Request for Proposals (RFP). It is our hope that our plan will persuade the Council that we have the best interest if the City in mind. We will show how a properly planned, revitalized Armory will be the stimulus for a new chapter of economic growth, community enrichment and showcase highlighting the best of what New Rochelle has to offer.   We have a lot to be proud of right here in this fine city. As the signpost at Eastchester Road proclaims, “Rich in History”. Let’s capitalize on this, celebrate this, as we move forward with a vision of  New Rochelle  that exceeds its expectations. So join us here at the Save Our Armory Committee in bringing that vision into a reality. Come to our meetings (NEXT ONE IS THURSDAY, MAY 31ST AT 7:30PM IN THE POST LEGION HALL 112 NORTH AVE, NEW ROCHELLE) and see the plan unfold. Contact your elected officials and tell them this  is the way to go. Most of all, get involved with us and spread the word about the benefits to the city this plan will bring.

While you’re here, catch up on the events that lead us to the current success. Click on ” search by categories” > ” New Rochelle Armory in the News” and see the story of our first proposal to the city. We believe as you learn more and more about the Armory and its history you won’t need us to convince you. It speaks for itself.( If you have questions do not hesitate to contact us through the “contact us” section of this site)

So welcome again, read up, get involved, but most of all Thank You.

Keep in mind

IT’S YOUR ARMORY !

Bi-partisan Victory New Rochelle Armory

Pristine and Ready for Service to the Community and the World

In a stunning 7-0 vote, the New Rochelle City Council voted tonight to approve a re-stated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to developer Forest City Residential. Coupled and running concurrently with the MOU will be the city’s issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking options for the adaptive re-use of the Armory. This essentially places the historic building into the mix as a major player in the overall scheme for development of the Echo Bay waterfront.

The surprising vote was the result of Council’s last-minute “tweaking” of the latest version of the MOU. Under the revised plan, the time frame for coming back to the table has been shortened from 18 months to 8 months. This will give  City Council the opportunity to  review the proposals for the Armory, Echo Bay and the plans for the city yard at Beechmont side by side offering a view of how the various components will relate to each other. One of the fundamental sticking points was in keeping the Armory building and its property intact. Originally, Forest City was planning to destroy the Armory to make way for housing. Subsequent plans by the developer had envisioned cutting off the “annex” part of the Armory and taking over the property behind the Armory. Under pressure from Councilman Hyden and others, the plan now calls for separating the Armory and its property from the development envelope so as to allow interested parties to have a feasible parcel to work with in the new Armory design.

We salute Council for working together in the interest of the City and realizing the significance of this historical building. As reported in an article from Talk of the Sound , “This is a win for everybody,” said Ron Tocci, co-chair of the Save Our Armory Committee. “It shows its possible to have bipartisan agreement for the good of the City.” . This is a monumental step in the right direction. We’ve gone from the city’s outright refusal to co-operate with restoration efforts to  actively participating in the discussion to explore the potential. It’s a win-win for everyone, especially the residents of New Rochelle. The Save Our Armory Committee would like to thank the bi-partisan support in making this first step possible. Cooperation at this level is fundamental to bringing about the support needed to allow this historic icon to return to service. Service to the community, remembering the sacrifices of our Veterans and reinforcing our commitment to preserving history to help shape our future.

Only YOU Can Make the Memorial Day Parade a Reality!

Not just Uncle Sam, but all of New Rochelle and our Military Personnel need YOUR help. This years Memorial Day parade is in jeopardy and  without the support of the community, the parade will suffer. The United Veterans Memorial and Patriotic Association of New Rochelle is asking for donations to assure the parade will continue its contribution as the preeminent Memorial Day event of the region.

The New Rochelle Memorial Day Parade is an event that New Rochelle residents have enjoyed for the past four years. Each year the parade has grown larger and better. A part of the day has also included the after-parade-event at Hudson Park. In the past this event has been filled with music, good food, military vehicles and helicopter static-display, fun for the kids and so much more.

The planning process, which is monumental, is underway for this year’s Memorial Day Parade. Remembering the sacrifices made on our behalf by our brave veterans is a most important and worthy endeavor. Honoring and showing our appreciation for the many troops who are brought up to New Rochelle on Memorial Day during “Fleetweek” is also the least we can do as they serve our country in Afghanistan and other places overseas. The appreciation and gratitude they receive here in New Rochelle has become something that the troops remember and talk about for years afterword.

There is something everyone, including you, as a resident or business owner in New Rochelle can do to be a part of this most important day. Due to financial constraints, the City of New Rochelle is paying for less of the Memorial Day Parade expenses this year. You can show your appreciation and gratitude for our veterans and troops by helping the United Veterans Memorial and Patriotic Association of New Rochelle pay the cost of this very special day. You can send a donation to them, UVMPA of New Rochelle, 112 North Avenue, New Rochelle, N.Y. 10803. You can save the date, Monday, May 28th, 2012 Memorial Service 10:30 a.m. at Memorial Plaza (adjacent to the New Rochelle Public Library). Parade kicks off at 11:00 a.m.

Do you own a business? Think of the appreciation and support the crowds will give your company when they hear your name announced as a proud supporter of the parade. Public or private, every bit counts, but make no mistake, now is the time to do it. Don’t leave it up to someone else, and don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of a truly spectacular event.

Won’t you please join us as we remember on Memorial Day, May 28th and be a part of the appreciation we show our veterans and the gratitude we show our troops. They pay the price for our freedom; help us pay the cost for their special day of remembrance. We need to raise $30,000 dollars for this year’s event. Our Vets and troops gave their best for us. Please be as generous as possible for them. Thank you all in advance. If you need further information about Memorial Day please contact Peter Parente at (914) 557-5556 or post a comment.

Remember, they’ve done their part, so let’s do ours.

Send that donation today to:

UVMPA of New Rochelle

112 North Ave

New Rochelle, N.Y. 10801-7404

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Proclaims March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day

Governor Cuomo's Proclamation

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, of the State of New York has decreed March 29, 2012 as  Vietnam Veterans Day with this official proclamation.  A tribute to so many who served, either through  draft or enlistment, at the Nations request to defend freedom in a world many have never even heard of.  A tribute to the price we pay to live in a free world.

The distance that time places between us and the memory of a wounded Nation is all the more reason to proclaim the sacrifice of the few for the many.  “Whereas, we have not forgotten – nor will we ever forget” as quoted from the proclamation, are words we hope will remain with all of you. To those have served, are serving, and will serve, this Nation says Thank You.

With gratitude and appreciation for all they do, we thank the men and women who operate The Wall, a website  “dedicated to honoring those who died in the Vietnam War.” Through this site, we can remember the cost of war as paid by those from New Rochelle. May they not be forgotten.

     “If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance

when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.

     Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always.

Take what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own.

     And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane,

take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind.

Major Michael Davis O’Donnell
1 January 1970
Dak To, Vietnam
Listed as KIA February 7, 1978

County Legislator Maisano Offers Support for Armory Re-use

Long time supporter of the Armory, County Legislator Jim Maisano, expressed his concerns to the City Council in his letter of record for the latest council meeting. Support continues to grow as more and more people begin to realize the potential that exists in our own back yard. We hope you join with Mr. Maisano and the rest of the supporters to help make the vision become a reality. All of New Rochelle benefits when we work together.

Mr. Maisano isn’t the only one who understands the importance of  how the Armory was transfered to the City . The subsequent  letter from the New York State Office of General Services has offered an explanation of the terms of the transfer. The proposals for Echo Bay have consistently failed to allow compliance with the spirit and intent of the law.

We thank you for your support and for the clarification.