MacQuesten Joins in Groundbreaking for New Rochelle Park

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From left, Angela Davis-Farrish, Executive Director, New Rochelle Municipal Housing Authority; City Manager Chuck Strome; Rev. Deirdre Clark; Assemblyman Steve Otis; Mayor Noam Bramson; Assemblywoman Amy Paulin; RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner of NYS Homes and Community Renewal; Heritage Homes resident Kwamane Dixon; Joseph Apicella, Managing Director, MacQuesten Development; Councilwoman Yadier Herbert-Ramos; Heritage Homes resident; and Westchester County Executive George Latimer.

In a big step in the revitalization of Downtown New Rochelle, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Wednesday the start of construction of Heritage Park, a $1.1 million public playground and park in the City. Heritage Park will be easily accessible to residents of Heritage Homes, the adjacent 288-unit affordable housing development. The project supports the economic development efforts underway in New Rochelle through the city’s selection as a winner of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative for the Mid-Hudson Region.  

 “Heritage Park is the latest example of how the Downtown Revitalization Initiative is making targeted investments in cities, towns and villages across the state to build stronger economies and more vibrant communities,” said Governor Cuomo. “By creating walkable and active communities, and improving the aesthetic of our downtowns, we are helping cities like New Rochelle attract new businesses, residents and visitors.”  

New Rochelle was awarded $343,000 through the Governor’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative to construct a new playground and park at 51 Winthrop Avenue. The project advances the city of New Rochelle’s goal to create more green and recreational space near the Lincoln Avenue corridor. Heritage Park will offer new public space with amenities such as a playground, basketball court, game tables, grass lawn areas, shade trees, and seating. It is being constructed adjacent to the state-financed Heritage Homes affordable housing development.

The award is being administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal. Additional financing is being provided by the City in the amount of $207,000 as a match. BCW Member MacQuesten Development, the developer of Heritage Homes, is providing the balance of funding to complete the project.  

“Heritage Park will provide children and families with a safe and attractive place to play and enjoy the outdoors. It is part of our historic investment in the Lincoln Avenue corridor, made possible by New York State’s DRI program. We are grateful for the State’s leadership and confidence and look forward to continuing our partnership with residents to ensure that DRI initiatives reflect community needs and goals,” said Mayor Noam Bramson.

“I am so proud to be a partner on such an important revitalization project in the great City of New Rochelle. The Heritage Homes project created hundreds of transitional high-quality housing units for lower income folks. Now we move to the final phase of building much needed recreational facilities for the community,” said Rella Fogliano, Principal of MacQuesten Development.