D-Day for the Armory is This Tuesday – Will YOU Make a Difference?

Will this be the last time we get a chance to see the Armory in full glory? If the Mayor has his way, the Echo Bay development will swallow up most of the property as parking for the new apartment housing complex thereby making it all but impossible to readapt this one of a kind piece of New Rochelle history. They will essentially strangle the building preventing us, or anyone else by that matter, from creating a truly unique venue for this city and region.

The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) will be the topic of one of the hearings at the Council meeting this Tuesday, July 23 at 7:00 in the city Council Chambers. If you haven’t yet seen this document you can review it HERE

There are a host of issues relating to this development both in it’s design and in it’s economic value. Plagued by criticism from a large cross section of interests, the case for postponement of the adoption of the FEIS becomes abundantly clear.

A packed house of over 220 people gathered at the East End Civic Association to voice their anger and challenge the unsubstantiated claims of a city wide benefit from the project. Being the most affected section of the city, the FEIS fails to address the concerns raised regarding the traffic along the Pratt St bypass of Stephenson Blvd and the accident rates at Pratt / Main St’s and Pratt/ Adams St’s. Foiled records for reported accidents showed accident rates exceeding one per year on average and yet there is no plan to mitigate the increased traffic of hundreds of cars descending on Echo Bay. The issue of school district burden has been negotiated in a fashion to favor the developer. Quality of life issues of the huge shadow cast over the neighborhood by the increased height of the buildings was summarily dismissed as not relative to the current plan. We were told that every issue raised would have to be addressed with evaluation and corrective measures or an appropriate explanation – neither of which was adopted.

The Armory will suffer death by a thousand cuts as it has it’s property chiseled away to provide Echo Bay parking. The lie that it is for “public use” is shattered with the premise that if you remove this “public use” parking, the project loses its access to its front door. A front door that appears to be within the approved distance to allow Monroe College to utilize the development as student housing. There is no protection in place to prevent this from happening.

The Westchester County Planning board was highly critical in it’s report of the project’s goals and reported benefits

New Rochelle’s very own Planning Board has filed serious concerns in a report dated March 28 that highlights what they believe is wrong with the project. (Does it bother anyone that this March report didn’t see the light of day until July? What’s up with that? )

Local polling on this site and others news outlets show overwhelming pushback to the project as currently proposed

As the Mayor hits the campaign trail and lauds the efforts of the talent pool that volunteered to help with the budget, he has no explanation for the failure to embrace the quantitive analysis by another local pool of professionals working over at Echo Bay Facts. This volunteer, bi partisan, diverse group of residents has essentially preformed a forensic audit of the numbers being touted by the developer and the Mayor. It just doesn’t add up!

Where does that leave us. D-Day. NOW, more than ever before, is your opportunity to make a difference by making your voice heard. Call the mayor, your council member and tell your neighbors about the death of a truly unique piece of New Rochelle history and the cost to taxpayers as we subsidize a multi billion real estate investment firm.

BE THERE

BE HEARD

BE THE VOICE THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

IT’S YOUR ARMORY – USE IT DON’T LOSE IT !

There’s a Huguenot the Bramson Administration Can Not Control

Gadsen Flag Hoisted High in Deerpark,New York as a Tribute to New Rochelle’s Citizens and Their Armory

About an hour and a half from New Rochelle, in the quiet Town of Deerpark,NY, Veterans,Town Officials and citizens of Huguenot, New York and New Rochelle joined ranks to salute the hoisting of the historic American flag known as the “Gadsden Flag”. As New Rochelle City Council condemns local Veterans groups about the “appropriateness” of this flag, Deerpark Town Supervisor, Karl A. Brabenec understands all too well just how appropriate this symbol of American history is. Karl, along with Deerpark Councilman David Dean and Orange County Legislator, Dennis Simmons spoke eloquently among a crowd of WWII, Korea, Viet Nam and Desert Storm era Veterans about the importance of honoring our military history. “This flag should not offend anybody” said Brabenec, a first generation American whose parents and grandparents lived through Nazi Germany and Communism in Eastern Europe before making their way to the United States to provide a better life for their family. Brabenec’s father went on to serve in the U.S. Navy. Army /Air National Guard Veteran and Orange County Legislator, Dennis W.Simmons standing in front of their 9/11 Memorial, spoke in disbelief out how the Gadsden (which was Commissioned as an official Navy Jack on September 11th, 2002) can fly from any Naval ship but not in front of the Naval Armory in New Rochelle. With words of appreciation and thanks to the Deerpark assembly Assemblyman Ron Tocci presented the Town with a Gadsden flag to hoist in memory of those who have sacrificed and honor those who have made this Country what it is. He also drew the connection between the founding of New Rochelle by the Huguenots and the fact that the Deerpark Town Hall is situated in the Hamlet of Huguenot. Closing comments by Town Councilman David Dean, also a Veteran,  welcomed all to Deerpark where “we’re free men and women here and we believe in the sanctity of this flag and it’s a shame it was stricken from the town of New Rochelle Armory” . Well said Councilman. The crowd then gathered around the flagpole as the flag was prepared with the assistance of New Rochelle’s own Veterans James Murphy, Jim Lasser and James Tudy. A solo voice carried through the breeze with a rendition of  God Bless America, and for that moment, the voice, the wind and the flap of the flags carried with it the souls of all those who came before us to make this moment possible. These are the times when Americans stand strongest. Rallied around our history and foundation. Thank You Deerpark, Huguenot, and of course our Veterans. God Bless America.

You can view a video of the ceremony by clicking HERE

or some photos HERE

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.

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 !

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