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In an announcement on Wednesday, Oct. 16, New Rochelle officials detailed its new Downtown Retail Strategy, which aims to create more bustling streets, job opportunities, and increased visitation to the city.
The plan includes the creation of the Vanguard District, which encompasses the area bounded by LeCount Place, Main Street, North Avenue, and Huguenot Street. The area will be a "vibrant hub" of retail, dining, and entertainment meant to attract visitors and offer more incentives for businesses to come to New Rochelle.
Additionally, the retail strategy includes:
- A Tenant Improvement Program that will lend financial support to retail establishments looking to relocate to vacant downtown spaces and improve their storefronts. Businesses will be able to apply for the $2.25 million fund, which will be structured as a grant program;
- Streetscape beautification and safety improvements, which will include street furniture, parklets, decorative plantings, more maintenance and cleanings, lighting upgrades, and more. The plan will make the area safer for pedestrians;
- Retail enhancements, such as pop-ups and revitalized storefronts;
- The modernization of "outdated code restrictions" in the new Vanguard District that will allow for more bars and experiential businesses, as well as relaxed parking requirements. The updates are meant to attract more diverse businesses like bars, gyms, live music venues, and outdoor dining spots.
"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," said New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert.
"This is an incredibly exciting time for New Rochelle, and we look forward to our continued work bringing this plan to life," Ramos-Herbert added.
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