The New Rochelle Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) was recognized by the American Planning Association New York Metro Chapter (APA-NYM) as this year’s Meritorious Achievement Award winner. The award recognizes individuals, organizations, and projects that exemplify the metropolitan region’s planning work. On behalf of VHB, Jill Gallant accepted the award alongside New York State Secretary of State Rossana Rosado and New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson during the APA-NYM Annual Conference.
“Bringing together all the stakeholders from the State and the communities of New Rochelle gave us that strong foundation of community support that helped us achieve a full vision for this Downtown Revitalization Initiative,” said Jill Gallant. “In our current climate, bringing together communities is more important than ever, and we’re grateful to be a part of a project that will do exactly that.”
VHB developed the Strategic Investment Plan for the New Rochelle DRI through innovative community-based planning. The team, including subconsultants WXY architecture + urban design, Planning 4 Places, Kevin Dwarka, LLC, and Trophy Point, organized and led community outreach via public engagement sessions and consultation with the DRI Local Planning Committee co-chaired by Mayor Bramson and Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester. Additionally, the plan was developed with inter-agency project support that will leverage outside investments.
The Strategic Investment Plan includes the key ingredients needed for successful downtown revitalization: a clear vision for the downtown; goals and strategies that are achievable; and projects that act as catalysts to spur future development. It’s this plan that was specifically chosen to win the APA-NYM Meritorious Achievement Award.
“Being part of the team that is helping shape the future of New Rochelle has been a truly inspiring experience, and we thank APA for this recognition,” said David Quart, who managed the project on behalf of the VHB team. “The New Rochelle Downtown Revitalization Initiative has set the stage for the City’s future growth and expansion, creating opportunities for a more connected community. VHB and our teaming partners were incredibly proud to work in collaboration with the State, City of New Rochelle and local stakeholders on this transformational project.”