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NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – The proposed Echo Bay development in New Rochelle may potentially affect traffic, schools, economic development as well as land and water, according to a Draft Environmental Impact Statement.
A planned development by Forest City Residential would create 25,000 square feet of commercial retail space, 285 residential apartments and 425 parking spaces. Twenty-nine of the residential apartments would be designated moderate-income housing units. Additionally, the project would include a cleanup and restoration of the Echo Bay shoreline and creation of a public waterfront park, promenade and access area.
The study found that about 524 residents would be added to the population. An estimated 22 of these residents are expected to attend New Rochelle schools.
Forest City would have a 20-year, annual $385,000 payment in lieu of taxes to the school district. This “PILOT” would generate enough money to cover the projected $17,500 per-child education costs. Because of the existing DPW yard, the project site is currently tax-exempt. Following the end of the PILOT agreement in 2036, the site would be subject to real property taxes.
The project site is comprised of 9.4 acres of mixed-use space along the Echo Bay waterfront and much of East Main Street, where the city’s public works yard and a portion of a historic armory currently sits.
The study did find existing conditions at both the city yard and the armory parcel that may create potential risks for contamination. Further investigations are expected. The yard would be moved to an alternate inland location if the project moves forward.
Construction would temporarily affect air quality, noise, sediment and erosion as well as traffic, according to the statement. Following the project’s completion, there would be an increase in water demand by 48,900 gallons per day and a sewage generation of 44,500 gallons per day. As for traffic, there would be some delays during peak hours, but would not significantly affect the area.
About 127 temporary construction jobs would be created by the project, as well as 59 retail jobs after completion.
Residents can send comments on study to Senior Project Manager Suzanne Reider at sreider@newrochelle.ny.com until March 22. In addition, a public hearing will be held March 12 on the findings at New Rochelle City Hall, 515 North Ave.
Copies of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement are available on the city's website as well as the City Clerk’s Office at New Rochelle City Hall and in the New Rochelle Public Library at 1 Library Plaza.
Check back with The New Rochelle Daily Voice in the coming weeks for a more in-depth look at the potential impacts of the Echo Bay project.
Comments (1)
What about the current capacity of the school system? You mention cost per student but does that take into account if the system has excess capacity? As a parent with children in the school system I'm very interested in understanding where additional children would go or if a new building would be required.