New Rochelle LINC Project to Receive $16M in State Funding

In another big win this week for economic development in Westchester, Gov. Kathy Hochul was in New Rochelle on Wednesday to announce $16 million in state funding awarded to advance New Rochelle’s LINC (Linking Innovation, Nature, and Community) Project, which had been jeopardized by federal funding cuts. The project was threatened with being shut down when the federal funding was rescinded. The state funding will allow the project to proceed.

The LINC Project is New Rochelle’s plan to transform into a linear park and neighborhood connector a section of Memorial Highway, which was originally built in the 1960s and was responsible for isolating a historically Black neighborhood.  The project will change the existing six-lane highway into a local street and green corridor, connecting downtown, the train station, the public library, and Lincoln Avenue.

“Cuts by the Trump Administration threatened to derail this LINC Project for the New Rochelle community — and that’s why I’m stepping up to fill the gap and ensure that this vital plan can proceed,” Hochul said. “By transforming an outdated highway into green space, safe streets and vibrant public gathering places we are bringing communities together that were divided for generations. The City of New Rochelle is a prime example of what can be accomplished when we let municipalities build, build, build.”

New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert said, “This support advances a transformational effort that strengthens economic connection, supports working families, and ensures that as New Rochelle grows, we do so thoughtfully and in a way that benefits residents today and for generations to come. We are grateful for the state’s partnership and shared commitment to that vision.”

Hochul also toured Stella, a new apartment tower built by BCW Member WBP Development and L+M Development Partners. The tour was with WBP Development (William Balter and James Wendling) and L+M Development Partners (Lisa Gomez), co-developers of Stella and Stella 2. Stella Phase 1 is 75 percent market rate and 25 percent affordable and Phase 2, which is under construction, will be workforce condos.

She noted that collaboration between the city, state, county, and other stakeholders has resulted in the creation of approximately 4,500 new housing units since 2020. 

Congressman George Latimer, whose New York 16th Congressional district covers part of the Bronx and Westchester, drew a contrast between what is happening in New Rochelle and what is happening in some other U.S. cities. “You needed this money from the state because this federal administration and this leadership of both houses of Congress have abandoned America’s greatest needs,” Latimer said.