Qualified Developers Sought for Downtown “Clusters”

Affirming that the City is “Open for Business”, New Rochelle today announced a Request for Qualified Developers for two key “cluster” parcels in the downtown - 1) The Transit Oriented Development Cluster (“TOD”) and 2) The Downtown Cluster, made up primarily of City-owned parcels but also including privately-held properties, in the heart of the City. The City is seeking responses from qualified real estate development firms to develop plans and implement strategies to fulfill both existing revitalization concepts and to formulate new ideas for the design, construction and operation of mixed use development.

Through a number of studies and planning exercises held over the past year, the City has identified real estate development goals and objectives for the downtown, visualizing an active, mixed-use district with convenient, safe and pleasant access to the New Rochelle Transportation Center. This plan would incorporate the development of economically diverse high quality housing, modern retail, commercial, office and hotel space integrated with a well-designed pedestrian friendly streetscape and complemented by an abundance of green space.

"The energy and diversity of a city. The graciousness of a historic suburb. The natural beauty of the shore. And very soon the best commute in metropolitan New York,” said Mayor Noam Bramson. “New Rochelle is the next big opportunity.”

“The City envisions a “master” development agreement for each cluster that would establish a strong partnership early in the planning process,” noted Development Commissioner Luiz Aragon. “This will help ensure an integrated, efficient, and holistic approach that maximizes site value.”

Respondents to this Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”) may submit proposals for one or both clusters. Similarly, the City may select the same developer for both clusters or a different developer for each cluster.

The RFQ will be available at www.newrochelleny.com/NRclusterRFQ on May 30, 2014. All inquiries should be directed via email to clusterRFQ@newrochelleny.com. Responses to the RFQ are due by July 31, 2014.