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On Wednesday night - hosted at City Hall for the first time in years - Bramson spoke to a capacity crowd about the strides New Rochelle has made in the past year, highlighting the bright future ahead for the city and the challenges that are facing the nation.
Bramson challenged the audience to become more informed and engaged “in both local and national challenges” in an effort to address “a moment of unprecedented progress and possibility for New Rochelle and of unprecedented concern and division for the United States.”
“New Rochelle is making positive strides in every direction,” he added, citing the city’s lowest crime rate in more than 50 years and its best municipal bond rating in nearly a century. “New Rochelle has the hottest emerging market in the entire Hudson Valley.
“If the national economy holds, in just two or three years, you will be astounded by the changes, with more than a dozen projects moving forward.”
According to Bramson, the city’s development efforts will be benefited by a recently enacted retail recruitment strategy that is guided by consumer analytics. He also vowed to renew the city’s focus on the arts and technology, including the Interactive Digital Environments Alliance (I.D.E.A), which the mayor says will combine performance art with motion capture, virtual reality and augmented reality technology.
“By marrying arts and science, inspiration and innovation, we can build a downtown with a richer wallet and a richer soul,” he said.
Bramson went on to highlight several environmental efforts and achievements the city has undertaken, including the installation of energy-efficient LED streetlights, the introduction of electric vehicle charging stations downtown and enhancements at area parks. He also spoke of New Rochelle’s bike share program - Westchester County’s first - and introduced the audience to Verizon’s Palo Kiosks, which will provide high-speed Wi-Fi hotspots for residents at no cost.
“As we become more safe and prosperous, New Rochelle is becoming more sustainable,” he said. “A connected community is a strong community. New Rochelle is determined to compete for and win the jobs, the lifestyles and the opportunities of tomorrow.”
Speaking of the city’s downtown plan, 10-year, $150 million capital investments program and relocation of the DPW yard, Bramson said he has never been more optimistic of the city he calls home.
“As someone who grew up here, went to school here, dragged my wife here and is raising my kids here,” he concluded. “As someone who has served in municipal government for more than 20 years, I can tell you without equivocation or doubt that I am more optimistic about New Rochelle’s future at this moment than at any other time in my life.”
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