New Rochelle Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) Public Workshop #2: Meeting Summary New Rochelle, NY

Prepared on behalf of:

The City of New Rochelle 515 North Avenue New Rochelle, NY 10801

Prepared by:

BFJ Planning 115 5th Avenue , NY 10003 www.bfjplanning.com

Date: February 10, 2016

Contents Introduction ...... 2 Workshop Agenda ...... 2 Workshop Summary & Public Feedback ...... 2 Conclusion ...... 5

City of New Rochelle Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) Public Workshop #1 Summary February 10, 2015 1 Introduction As part of the planning process for updating its Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP), the City of New Rochelle hosted the second of three public events related to the project on February 3, 2015. The workshop was attended by approximately 18 participants, many who attended the first public meeting. While there was a lower than expected number of public attendees, those who did attend provided thoughtful feedback that helped inform how the LWRP recommendations could be improved. In addition to the general public, four of the members of the LWRP Working Group were in attendance: Ed Ackerman, Nina Arron, Sal Gugliara, and Ayanna Wayner. The Workshop Agenda is provided below with a description of the content presented and the public feedback received after each section: Workshop Agenda

1. Welcome

2. Presentation • Introductions • Overview and Process • LWRP Policies • LWRP Projects

Workshop Summary & Public Feedback Welcome

Ayanna Wayner, Deputy Commissioner at the Department of Development, began the meeting by introducing the LWRP project, its purpose, and the format of the presentation for the evening. The format of the evening involved BFJ Planning reviewing the proposed LWRP policies and projects. The projects were organized into three planning areas that encompass the entirety of the LWRP area. A period of 15 minutes was allotted for a discussion for the proposed projects in each planning area.

Introductions, Overview, and LWRP Policies

Frank Fish continued by explaining the structure of the LWRP, the role of different stakeholders in the planning process, and the timeline for completion of the LWRP. Frank went over the 13 Sound policies that are included in the LWRP. Frank explained that these policies are developed by the New York State Department of State and that every community should adopt these recommendations as they are written. He directed the public to make comments and recommendations on the detailed policy recommendations which are meant to be responsive to the needs of the New Rochelle waterfront.

Planning Area One

Frank addressed the proposed projects in Planning Area One. These recommendations were primarily focused on creating access to and what future type of future development is feasible and desirable on the island. The feedback jumped to dredging in the channels, and how this plan would encourage better maintenance of the navigable channels. Many of the questions relate to the need to

City of New Rochelle Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) Public Workshop #1 Summary February 10, 2015 2

balance the ecological, recreational, and economical needs within the LWRP bodies of water. The recommendations proposed for dredging throughout the LWRP are focused on areas outside of protected wetlands, and are focused in areas that are heavily used for maritime activities. Gary Sorge, from Stantec, spoke about the need to ensure that stormwater mitigation efforts must be implemented on land to ensure that siltation does not undo the expensive dredging work that is critical for the LWRP area. Other questions related to the curernt plans for Davids Island. BFJ will provide as much detail on the timeline for environmental remediation being done on Davids Island in the existing conditions section of the LWRP.

Planning Area Two

Sarah Yackel, BFJ Planning, went over the proposed projects in Planning Area Two. The major proposals relate to cluster development on the southern half of Davenport Neck, and a greenway connection that link existing public open spaces via pedestrian and bike paths. One participant asked about the ways to encourage clustered development on Davenport Neck, and it was explained that there are a variety of land use controls that could encourages development that ensures better open space that accounts for expected sea level rise. Another participant at the workshop asked if FEMA flood maps were being considered while developing projects for the LWRP. It was explained that the existing FIRM and preliminary updates to the FIRM maps are both being considered and will be included in the existing conditions portion of the LWRP. There was a recommendation by the public to develop a patrol system for floating debris within the navigable channels in the LWRP area. The Harbormaster explained the existing resources available to the public by the City, and BFJ will incorporate the recommendation into the LWRP.

Planning Area Three

Simon Kates, BFJ Planning, provided an overview of the projects proposed for the Planning Area Three. The significant proposals presented in this section relate to the dredging of Echo bay, future development on publicly owned property on Echo Bay, and a proposed redevelopment of the Municipal Marina. One participant asked if the Armory in Echo Bay would be considered for demolition. The recommendation in the LWRP does not suggest that demolition is desirable. Some questions were raised about the ability to dredge and fill the wetland directly adjacent to the WWTP. Since the area is a protected wetland, it is unlikely that dredging will occur in that area. It was suggested by other participants that better vegetation could be introduced to improve the aesthetics of the area. The recommendation to include productive vegetation for the wetland habitat will be considered in the LWRP.

Area-wide and Harbor Management Projects

Gary Sorge, Stantec, gave an overview of recommendations in the LWRP that relate to the entire LWRP area and Harbor Management projects. These projects cover a wide range of proposals related to dredging, boat pump-out provisions, linking existing waterfront parks, and new opportunities for non- motorized boating activity in the LWRP Area. One participant asked about the ability for neighboring municipalities and states to coordinate plans for portions of the Long Island Sound waterfront that extend beyond the boundaries of the City of New Rochelle. A section of the LWRP requires the City to coordinate between neighboring municipalities to develop plans that are not in conflict with one another. A question was raised about the ability to develop funding streams between the State of New York and Connecticut for plans. The recommendation will be considered in the LWRP, but the best opportunities for coordination of the LWRP planning process exist at the local municipal level and New York State. Some City of New Rochelle Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) Public Workshop #1 Summary February 10, 2015 3

Recommendations were made by the public to use Davids Island as a center for educational opportunities that relate to the health of the Long Island Sound and programming that would support those efforts. The recommendation will be considered for the LWRP. More sailing schools were also recommended to be supported through the LWRP process, and it will be considered in the LWRP. There were also suggestions to expand non-motorized boat storage and launching capacity through new regulations, amending the City Code, or other mechanism.

City of New Rochelle Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) Public Workshop #1 Summary February 10, 2015 4

Conclusion The second public workshop was helpful in gathering public opinion on the proposed projects for the LWRP. Outside of designated wetland areas, dredging of existing navigation channels was a key recommendation provided by the public in attendance. The economic and recreational benefits along with the improved safety from dredging New Rochelle’s waterways were repeated by several of the public participants at the workshop. Improving the performance and appearance of existing protected tidal wetlands was an important recommendation from the public.

The next step in the process of developing the LWRP will be for the LWRP Working Group to discuss outcomes from the second public workshop, and refine the projects and policies that will eventually be posted for the public review.

City of New Rochelle Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) Public Workshop #1 Summary February 10, 2015 5 WaterfrontNR Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP)

Public Workshop #2 February 3, 2016 Agenda

Sign-In (6:45 – 7:00)

Welcome (7:00 – 7:05)

Facilitated Discussion (7:05 – 9:00) . Presentation 1 – Overview, Policies and Planning Area 1 (7:05 – 7:35)

. Presentation 2 – Planning Area 2 (7:35 – 8:00)

. Presentation 3 – Planning Area 3 (8:00 – 8:30)

. Presentation 4 – Entire LWRP Area (8:30 – 9:00)

Public Workshop – 2/3/2016 New Rochelle LWRP 2 Introductions

LWRP Working Group Consultant Team Ed Ackerman BFJ Planning Nina Arron . Frank Fish Aaron Fleishaker . Sarah Yackel Suzanne Reider . Simon Kates Ayanna Wayner . John Douglas Salvatore Gugliara Stantec . Gary Sorge Urbanomics PACO Group

Public Workshop – 2/3/2016 New Rochelle LWRP 3 Overview and Process

What is a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP)? Sponsored by New York State Department of State, the LWRP is both a plan and a program. . Locally prepared land and water use plan for a community’s natural, public, working or developed waterfront . Organizational structure, local laws, projects and ongoing partnerships that implement the planning document . List of state/federal actions needed to help the community achieve its vision

Public Workshop – 2/3/2016 New Rochelle LWRP 4 Overview and Process

Why Update the New Rochelle LWRP Now? . 1999 LWRP was never adopted; 1998 Harbor Management Plan (HMP) was never adopted . Comprehensive Plan and LWRP should be complimentary . Time to review projects and policies from the existing LWRP to make sure they correspond to current objectives of the City and community . Address issues related to rising sea level and climate change . Integrate Harbor Management Plan into LWRP

Public Workshop – 2/3/2016 New Rochelle LWRP 5 Overview and Process

Role of the LWRP Working Group Provides valuable input on waterfront issues and existing conditions . Assists in informing community members about the process and ways they can get involved . Participates in LWRP Working Group meetings and public information meetings . Reviews deliverables by the consultant, LWRP sections . Communicates with elected officials and other stakeholder groups to keep them informed of the process . Works with City staff, consultants and state agency staff to complete various tasks

Public Workshop – 2/3/2016 New Rochelle LWRP 6

LWRP Organization

Section I: LWRP and HMP Boundaries

Section II: Inventory and Analysis

Section III: Policies and Objectives

Section IV: Proposed Land Use, Projects, and Laws

Section V: Techniques for Local Implementation of the Program

Section VI: State and Federal Actions

Section VII: Consultation with other Affected Federal, State and Regional and Local Agencies

Section VIII: Local Commitment

* Harbor Management Plan (HMP) will be fully integrated into LWRP

Public Workshop – 2/3/2016 New Rochelle LWRP 8 Long Island Sound Coastal Policies

13 waterfront policies established by NYS DOS in the following categories: . Developed Coast Policies . Natural Coast Policies . Public Coast Policies . Working Coast Policies Some do not apply and others should be expanded to add local detail and priorities Policies provide framework to evaluate new development and federal, local and state action in the LWRP area Harbor Management Plan Objectives included to guide future recommendations

Public Workshop – 2/3/2016 New Rochelle LWRP 9 Long Island Sound Coastal Policies

DEVELOPED COAST POLICIES Policy 1: Foster a pattern of development in the New Rochelle LWRP area that enhances community character, preserves open space, makes efficient use of infrastructure, makes beneficial use of a coastal location, and minimizes adverse effects of development. Policy 2: Preserve historic resources of the New Rochelle LWRP area. Policy 3: Enhance visual quality and protect scenic resources throughout the New Rochelle LWRP area.

NATURAL COAST POLICIES Policy 4: Minimize loss of life, structures, and natural resources from flooding and erosion. Policy 5: Protect and improve water quality and supply in the New Rochelle LWRP area. Policy 6: Protect and restore the quality and function of the New Rochelle coastal ecosystem. Policy 7: Protect and improve air quality in the New Rochelle LWRP area. Policy 8: Minimize environmental degradation in the New Rochelle LWRP area from solid waste and hazardous substances and wastes. Public Workshop – 2/3/2016 New Rochelle LWRP 10 Long Island Sound Coastal Policies

PUBLIC COAST POLICIES Policy 9: provide for public access to, and recreational use of, coastal waters, public lands, and public resources of the New Rochelle LWRP area.

WORKING COAST POLICIES Policy 10: Protect New Rochelle’s water-dependent uses and promote siting of new water- dependent uses in suitable locations. Policy 11: Promote sustainable use of living marine resources in Long Island Sound. Policy 12: Protect agricultural lands in the eastern Suffolk County portion of Long Island Sound's coastal area. Policy 13: Promote appropriate use and development of energy and mineral resources.

Public Workshop – 2/3/2016 New Rochelle LWRP 11 For more information:

Sign-in to get on the email list

Visit the City of New Rochelle website for updates: http://www.newrochelleny.com/WaterfrontNR

Attend future public workshops The public hearing will be held in late spring/early summer (time and place TBA)

Email questions and comments to: [email protected]

Public Workshop – 2/3/2016 New Rochelle LWRP 12 Facilitated Discussions

Format 1. Brief overview of preliminary project ideas for each of the LWRP Planning Areas. 2. Refer to the handout to see how the preliminary project ideas fit into each of the Planning Areas. 3. Question and Answer session to ask about project details, provide feedback and suggest additional ideas that are missing.

Public Workshop – 2/3/2016 New Rochelle LWRP 13 Planning Area 1: Preliminary Project Ideas

Davids Island, Aerial 1. Maintain existing zoning on Davids Island

Wright Island Basin

Travers Island 1

Davids Island

Planning Area 1 LWRP Boundary Planning Area 1: Preliminary Project Ideas

Davids Island, Existing Conditions 2. Provide meaningful publicly accessible open space on Davids Island

Wright Island Basin

Neptune Island

Lower Harbor Travers Island 2 Governors Island

Glen Island Park Davids Island

Planning Area 1 Planning Area 1: Preliminary Project Ideas

Davids Island, Existing Conditions 3. Provide access to Davids Island for kayaks and other boats

Wright Island Basin

Neptune Island

Lower Harbor Travers Island 3 Example of Kayak Launch

Glen Island Park Davids Island

Planning Area 1

flickr Planning Area 1: Preliminary Project Ideas

Davids Island Report, 2011 4. Support recommendations in Davids Island study for guidance on future redevelopment opportunities

Wright Island Basin

Neptune Island

Lower Harbor Travers Island 4

Glen Island Park Davids Island

Planning Area 1 Planning Area 1: Preliminary Project Ideas

Newburgh-Beacon Ferry 5. Provide ferry access to David’s Island (e.g. from Glen Island or Neptune Park)

Wright Island Basin

Neptune Island

Lower Harbor Travers Island Haverstraw-Ossining Ferry 5

Glen Island Park Davids Island

Planning Area 1 Planning Area 1: Preliminary Project Ideas

Neptune Park, Existing Conditions 6. Create a kayak launch at Neptune Park

Wright Island Basin

Neptune Island 6

Lower Harbor Travers Island Kayak Launch

Glen Island Park Davids Island

Planning Area 1 Planning Area 1: Preliminary Project Ideas

New Rochelle Pump Out Boat 7. Waste pump-out facilities should be properly identified at marinas and accessible to all boats

Wright Island Basin

Neptune Island

Lower Harbor Travers 7 Island

Glen Island Park Davids Island

Planning Area 1 Planning Area 1: Preliminary Project Ideas

1. Maintain existing zoning on Davids Island.

2. Provide meaningful publicly accessible open space on Davids Island.

3. Provide access to Davids Island for kayaks and other boats.

4. Refer to recommendations in Davids Island study for guidance on future redevelopment 6 opportunities.

5. Provide access to David’s Island via ferry (e.g. 7 from Glen Island or Neptune Park) and oppose construction of a vehicular bridge connection to Davids Island. 1 2 3

6. Provide opportunities for non-motorized boat 4 5 loading (kayak launches) at Neptune Park.

7. Waste pump-out facilities for boats should be properly identified at marinas and accessible to

all boats containing toilets. Planning Area 1 Planning Area 2: Preliminary Project Ideas

Aerial of Davenport Neck 1. Encourage clustering of future residential development on Davenport Neck to provide waterfront open space and address sea level rise

Aiello Park

Titus Millpond

New Rochelle Davenport Harbor Park

1

Planning Area 2 Planning Area 2: Preliminary Project Ideas

Davenport Avenue, Existing Conditions 2. Explore greenway connection between open space along Davenport Ave and other waterfront parks within the LWRP Area

Aiello Park

Titus Millpond 2

New Rochelle Greenway Connection, Manhattan Harbor Davenport Park

Planning Area 2 Planning Area 2: Preliminary Project Ideas

Davenport Park, Existing Conditions 3. Maintain Davenport Park

Aiello Park

Titus Millpond

3 New Davenport Park, Existing Conditions Rochelle Davenport Harbor Park

Planning Area 2 Planning Area 2: Preliminary Project Ideas

New Rochelle Harbor Marinas, Existing Conditions 4. Waste pump-out facilities should be properly identified at marinas and accessible to all boats

Aiello Park

Titus Millpond

New New Rochelle Pump Out Boat Rochelle Davenport Harbor Park

4 Planning Area 2 Planning Area 2: Preliminary Project Ideas

1. Encourage any future residential development that replaces existing clubs on Davenport Neck to cluster in order to provide a greater area of open space along the waterfront and to address sea level rise and flooding.

2. Explore a greenway connection between public open space along Davenport Avenue and other waterfront parks and destinations within the LWRP Area. 2 3. Maintain Davenport Park.

4. Properly identify waste pump-out facilities for 3 boats at marinas and accessible to all boats containing toilets. 4

1 Planning Area 2 Planning Area 3: Preliminary Project Ideas

New Rochelle Armory, Existing Conditions 1. Use good faith efforts to preserve significant architectural aspects of the New Rochelle Armory structure

1 WWTP

Echo Bay

Municipal Marina Hudson Park Planning Area 3 Planning Area 3: Preliminary Project Ideas

Echo Bay, Existing Conditions 2. Provide meaningful waterfront public open space and waterfront esplanade at Echo Bay

2 WWTP Tarrytown Waterfront Echo Bay

Municipal Marina Hudson Park Planning Area 3

Scenic Hudson Planning Area 3: Preliminary Project Ideas

Five Islands Park 3. Establish a greenway between Five Islands Park and Hudson Park via Echo Avenue and Municipal Marina

3

WWTP

Echo Bay Municipal Marina Hudson Park Planning Area 3 Planning Area 3: Preliminary Project Ideas

Main Street Existing Conditions 4. Provide connections via wayfinding signage, streetscape treatments and bicycle and pedestrian access to connect Downtown and the Echo Bay waterfront

WWTP 4 Bicycle and Pedestrian Signage Echo Bay

Municipal Marina Hudson Park Planning Area 3 Planning Area 3: Preliminary Project Ideas

City Yard from Echo Bay 5. Provide options for relocation of City Yard operations

5 WWTP

City Yard from Echo Bay Echo Bay

Municipal Marina Hudson Park Planning Area 3 Planning Area 3: Preliminary Project Ideas

Echo Bay 6. Dredge channels in Echo Bay

WWTP 6 Echo Bay

Municipal Marina Hudson Park Planning Area 3 Planning Area 3: Preliminary Project Ideas

Stormwater Outfall 7. Improve stormwater outfalls in Echo Bay and remove all contaminated sediments from discharge

WWTP 7 Echo Bay

Municipal Marina Hudson Park Planning Area 3

wikimedia Planning Area 3: Preliminary Project Ideas

New Rochelle Municipal Marina 8. Support the creation of a mixed-use destination at the Municipal Marina

WWTP

Echo Bay Brooklyn Bridge Park Municipal 8 Marina Hudson Park Planning Area 3

Brooklyn Bridge Park Planning Area 3: Preliminary Project Ideas

New Rochelle Pump Out Station 9. Enforce boat waste clean-out provisions

WWTP

Echo Bay 9 Municipal Marina Hudson Park Planning Area 3 Planning Area 3: Preliminary Project Ideas

New Rochelle Wastewater Treatment Plant 10. Encourage County to further upgrade the Waste Water Treatment Facility to meet state/federal standards

10 WWTP

Echo Bay

Municipal Marina Hudson Park Planning Area 3 Planning Area 3: Preliminary Project Ideas

1. Use good faith efforts to preserve significant architectural aspects of the New Rochelle Armory structure.

2. Provide meaningful waterfront public open space and waterfront esplanade at Echo Bay.

3. Establish a greenway between Five Islands Park and Hudson Park via Echo Avenue and Municipal Marina.

4. Provide connections via wayfinding signage, streetscape treatments and bicycle and pedestrian access to connect Downtown and the Echo Bay waterfront. 5 10 5. Provide options for relocation of City Yard operations 1 2 4 6. Dredge channels in Echo Bay. 7 7. Improve stormwater outfalls in Echo Bay and remove all sediments 6 including contaminated sediments from discharge. 3 8 Planning 8. Support the creation of a mixed-use destination at the Municipal Marina 9 Area 3 that includes recreational programming at Hudson Park, , and Five Islands Park and consistent with waterfront recreational use.

9. Enforce boat waste clean-out provisions.

10. Encourage Westchester County to further upgrade the Westchester County Waste Water Treatment Facility to meet all applicable state and federal standards. General LWRP Area: Preliminary Project Ideas

1. All new development along the waterfront should include some provision for public access or provide payment in lieu into a public waterfront open space fund General LWRP Area: Preliminary Project Ideas

2. Develop a strategy to resolve conflicts between boat types (fishing boats, recreational craft, non- motorized), i.e., harbor management strategy General LWRP Area: Preliminary Project Ideas

3. Establish a blue-trail that links islands, parks, and points of interests for non-motorized boaters in protected waters General LWRP Area: Preliminary Project Ideas

4. Provide connections to the waterfront throughout the LWRP area General LWRP Area: Preliminary Project Ideas

5. Simplify process for obtaining Omnicard pass, or seek alternative funding mechanisms for local parks General LWRP Area: Preliminary Project Ideas

6. Dredging permits and disposal of dredging material in either clean or contaminated condition General LWRP Area: Preliminary Project Ideas

7. Coordinate with Westchester County to mitigate impacts from overflow retention facilities (ORFs)

Gloversville Johnston WWTF General LWRP Area: Preliminary Project Ideas

8. Implement Best Management Practices for private property owners to manage stormwater on site

Center for Neighborhood Technology General LWRP Area: Preliminary Project Ideas

9. Consider more ecologically balanced alternatives for structured shorelines (e.g. bulkheads). Overall Preliminary Project Ideas

1. All new development along the waterfront should include some provision for public access or provide payment in lieu into a public waterfront open space fund.

2. Develop a strategy to resolve conflicts between boat types (fishing boats, recreational craft, non-motorized), i.e., harbor management strategy.

3. Establish a blue-trail that links islands, parks, and points of interests for non-motorized boaters in protected waters

4. Provide connections to the waterfront throughout the LWRP area.

5. Simplify process for obtaining Omnicard pass, or seek alternative funding mechanisms for local parks.

6. Dredging permits and disposal of dredging material in either clean or contaminated condition.

7. Coordinate with Westchester County to mitigate impacts from overflow retention facilities (ORFs).

8. Implement Best Management Practices for private property owners to manage stormwater on site. Refer to recommendations from 1-95 stormwater runoff study.

9. Consider more ecologically balanced alternatives for structured (eg. bulkheads) shorelines. For More Information:

Sign in to get on the email list

Visit the City of New Rochelle website for updates: www.newrochelleny.com/envisionr

Attend future public workshops The next workshop will be held on March 21 at City Hall

Email questions and comments to: [email protected]

Public Workshop – 2/3/2016 New Rochelle LWRP 48