Anthony Galletta

A deal has been reached which will permit the sale of Avalon on the Sound at 255 Huguenot Street. Under the deal , Avalon Bay Communities, the owner of the property, will pay the City of New Rochelle about $9mm, spread over several years, with $3mm coming in 2010. The City is expected to use the funds to offset future tax increases.

The transaction will be discussed at tomorrow's City Council meeting.

Developing...

UPDATE

Bob Cox will be the featured guest this week on a special edition of Lou’s Roundtable. Tune in Thursday, January 14, to WVOX, 1460 on your AM dial at 6 pm to listen to what promises to be a very interesting hour of talk radio. Find out what makes Bob Cox tick, learn about what inspired the New Rochelle Talk website and what Bob’s expectations are for the future. Once again this Thursday, January 14, at 6 pm on WVOX, 1460 on your AM dial. Tune in to listen and call in (914-636-0110) to participate I know I will -- Anthony Galletta.

LISTEN TO LOU NOW:

Click on the player above to the podccast of Lou's Roundtable with host Lou Felicione with guests Robert Cox of Talk of the Sound and Anthony Galletta.

It is my understanding that a new commissioner of development will be announced shortly. Sources identify two finalists; one candidate with a background in development and former City Manager Charlene Indelacato. Ms. Indelacato is also former corporation council for the City of New Rochelle and the County of Westchester. Should Ms. Indelacato receive the appointment it would be open to discussion in that there was a question as to Costco receiving park land from D’Nofrio field under her tenure as city manager. I would also think that City Manager Chuck Strome would be in an atypical situation in that his former boss would now become his employee.

Anthony Galletta

Craig King, Commissioner of Development for the City of New Rochelle, passed away last night after a valiant 3-year battle. Craig was one of the good guys in City Hall. He dealt with development on an individual, case-by-case basis. While our paths crossed a few times it was always respectful. Craig came from Boston and adapted quickly to New Rochelle. His opinions/decisions were always void of politics and that’s what made him one of my favorite people. There was always room for disagreement including the Yankee v Red Sox rivalry. His shoes as a person and a commissioner will be tough to fill. My condolences to his family

Anthony Galletta

Announcement on City of New Rochelle web site:

UPDATE: New Rochelle City Council granted Louis Cappelli a 13th amendment on the LeCount Square project (see below)

ON his latest “In the City” radio show on WVOX, City Manager Chuck Strome was reviewing the current budget and discussing the tax increase. Strome stated that a few years ago a $100,000 income was the upper class benchmark for New Rochelle residents, whereas, today it is the average necessary to reside here. Strome further stated that the median income in New Rochelle is $85,000. I called in to challenge his numbers because the New Rochelle website identifies the median household income as $55,513. Strome’s response to my challenge was that he stood corrected and that the website was more accurate then his estimation.

New Rochelle city employee salaries, 2008

On November 10, 2009 Mr. Joseph Apicella, Cappelli Senior Vice-President, delivered an update on the LeCount Square project to the New Rochelle City Council. After touting the investment made to date, Apicella was questioned by members of council. Apicella fully acknowledged the probability of downsizing the project and the need to take another look at a full service hotel. Apicella also confirmed that the New Rochelle Post Office was a major stumbling block in that New Rochelle Revitalization, LLC (NRR) part of the Cappelli umbrella, is no closer to acquiring the post office then it was several years ago despite the efforts of Mayor Bramson who recruited Senators Schumer and Lowey to apply pressure. When Councilman Tarantino questioned Apicella about 5 Anderson Street Apicella stated NRR has exercised the option agreement and that NRR has “made any and all payments due.” The balance of Apicella’s presentation was filled with catch phrases; like to remain in the game… don’t have a magic bullet… to cut and run would send a bad message … and my personal favorite; don’t desert me now if you’re a true partner. Apicella stated that there is no litigation and no dispute on option properties. In desperation, Apicella pulled out all stops saying this extension is vital to continuing downtown development like the New Roc expansion.

Selective Enforcement Turns Blind Eye to Union Ave. where Loitering Abounds

Mayor Bramson and his fellow Democratic council members, deliberately and arrogantly excluded the Republican councilmen from an open discussion to appoint a new city clerk. The Democrats met privately, possibly in violation of the open meetings law, chose a candidate, and presented a take-it-or-leave-it candidate to the Republican council members. The fact that the Republicans were intentionally denied an opportunity to participate was in direct contradiction to Bramson’s inaugural pledge of bipartisanship and transparent government. Bramson deals from a position of power when in the majority, yet flounders when he is solely accountable. I refer to the pending city judge appointment. Anticipating Judge Sherr’s retirement, Bramson has assembled a committee with minimal opposition party representation to make a recommendation and to avoid criticism. He has neither the courage nor the political savoir-faire to make crucial decisions based on merit without a safeguard. This is very evident in his failure to conduct his bi-weekly radio show without a co-host. Isn’t it time for Bramson to see if he can cut it on his own.

New Rochelle was rated “Best for Family City Living” by Westchester Magazine and indeed it is quite an honor. The article touts New Rochelle’s racial diversity, the Huguenot Children’s Library (HCL) and recreation. New Rochelle is defined as “family-centric”. While all of the above are true and New Rochelle should be proud; it is a double edged sword which reveals inept development.

The review cites the Premium Point and Bonnie Crest areas which are not the most representative neighborhoods in terms of diversity or affordability. Why didn’t the article examine quality of life on the Union Avenue corridor or living conditions described by tenants at Avalon; http://www.apartmentratings.com/rate/NY-New-Rochelle-Avalon-on-the-Sound... or Hartley House if they were truly interested in diverse living?