New Rochelle Welcomes HUD Regional Director Alicka Ampry-Samuel and Federal and State Interagency Partners to Advance Climate Resilience

The City of New Rochelle administration was honored to welcome HUD Regional Director Alicka Ampry-Samuel and her team along with federal and state interagency colleagues from FEMA, EPA, USDOT, Army Corps, HHS, NYSERDA, and NY Department of State to New Rochelle yesterday, in support of the City’s participation in HUD’s Climate Communities Initiative initial cohort.  

In an engaging and productive visit, community development staff led by Deputy City Manager & Development Commissioner Adam Salgado and Development Deputy Commissioner Carol Samol spearheaded a comprehensive tour and roundtable discussion. The primary objective was to provide these key stakeholders with deeper insight into New Rochelle’s expansive planning and investment strategies, encompassing neighborhood resiliency, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability, which along with community engagement work to ensure New Rochelle’s promising future. The overarching goal of this visit is to harness the collective potential of federal programs, resources, technical assistance and funding to create opportunities for long-term, equitable climate resilience.

Highlights of the tour included the LINC, which will transform Memorial Highway into a welcoming and connecting greenway; the new New Rochelle Forward development and training center at 173 Huguenot Street, offering local and minority vocational instruction; and the New Rochelle Transit Center, poised to become an attractive, convenient and well-connected hub of the future. Discussion centered around the City’s multi-faceted approach to foster growth and equity through programs and initiatives that address critical concerns including climate readiness, clean energy and energy efficiency, clean water and wastewater infrastructure, economic development, business growth and retail, capacity building, open space and recreation, clean transit, and affordable housing. 

“New Rochelle remains committed to forging resilient, sustainable, and inclusive pathways toward a vibrant and prosperous future. We extend our gratitude to Director Alicka Ampry-Samuel, our federal and state interagency partners, and all those who joined us in this critical dialogue,” said City Manager Kathleen Gill.