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Welcome to the New Rochelle Armory

May 27, 2012

Welcome and thank you for visiting our site, your site. Without doubt, the Armory belongs to all of New Rochelle and its many fine citizens. The Save Our Armory Committee is currently putting together a business plan as a response to the recent City- issued Request for Proposals (RFP). It is our hope that our plan will persuade the Council that we have the best interest if the City in mind. We will show how a properly planned, revitalized Armory will be the stimulus for a new chapter of economic growth, community enrichment and showcase highlighting the best of what New Rochelle has to offer.   We have a lot to be proud of right here in this fine city. As the signpost at Eastchester Road proclaims, “Rich in History”. Let’s capitalize on this, celebrate this, as we move forward with a vision of  New Rochelle  that exceeds its expectations. So join us here at the Save Our Armory Committee in bringing that vision into a reality. Come to our meetings (NEXT ONE IS THURSDAY, MAY 31ST AT 7:30PM IN THE POST LEGION HALL 112 NORTH AVE, NEW ROCHELLE) and see the plan unfold. Contact your elected officials and tell them this  is the way to go. Most of all, get involved with us and spread the word about the benefits to the city this plan will bring.

While you’re here, catch up on the events that lead us to the current success. Click on ” search by categories” > ” New Rochelle Armory in the News” and see the story of our first proposal to the city. We believe as you learn more and more about the Armory and its history you won’t need us to convince you. It speaks for itself.( If you have questions do not hesitate to contact us through the “contact us” section of this site)

So welcome again, read up, get involved, but most of all Thank You.

Keep in mind

IT’S YOUR ARMORY !

Posted in New Rochelle Armory Committee Meetings, New Rochelle Armory in the News, Opinion/Commentary, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a Comment »

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Bi-partisan Victory New Rochelle Armory

April 18, 2012
Post Card of the New Rochelle Armory ca.1930's

Pristine and Ready for Service to the Community and the World

In a stunning 7-0 vote, the New Rochelle City Council voted tonight to approve a re-stated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to developer Forest City Residential. Coupled and running concurrently with the MOU will be the city’s issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking options for the adaptive re-use of the Armory. This essentially places the historic building into the mix as a major player in the overall scheme for development of the Echo Bay waterfront.

The surprising vote was the result of Council’s last-minute “tweaking” of the latest version of the MOU. Under the revised plan, the time frame for coming back to the table has been shortened from 18 months to 8 months. This will give  City Council the opportunity to  review the proposals for the Armory, Echo Bay and the plans for the city yard at Beechmont side by side offering a view of how the various components will relate to each other. One of the fundamental sticking points was in keeping the Armory building and its property intact. Originally, Forest City was planning to destroy the Armory to make way for housing. Subsequent plans by the developer had envisioned cutting off the “annex” part of the Armory and taking over the property behind the Armory. Under pressure from Councilman Hyden and others, the plan now calls for separating the Armory and its property from the development envelope so as to allow interested parties to have a feasible parcel to work with in the new Armory design.

We salute Council for working together in the interest of the City and realizing the significance of this historical building. As reported in an article from Talk of the Sound , ”This is a win for everybody,” said Ron Tocci, co-chair of the Save Our Armory Committee. “It shows its possible to have bipartisan agreement for the good of the City.” . This is a monumental step in the right direction. We’ve gone from the city’s outright refusal to co-operate with restoration efforts to  actively participating in the discussion to explore the potential. It’s a win-win for everyone, especially the residents of New Rochelle. The Save Our Armory Committee would like to thank the bi-partisan support in making this first step possible. Cooperation at this level is fundamental to bringing about the support needed to allow this historic icon to return to service. Service to the community, remembering the sacrifices of our Veterans and reinforcing our commitment to preserving history to help shape our future.

Posted in Armory Success Stories, New Rochelle Armory in the News, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

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Only YOU Can Make the Memorial Day Parade a Reality!

March 25, 2012

Save the parade image

Not just Uncle Sam, but all of New Rochelle and our Military Personnel need YOUR help. This years Memorial Day parade is in jeopardy and  without the support of the community, the parade will suffer. The United Veterans Memorial and Patriotic Association of New Rochelle is asking for donations to assure the parade will continue its contribution as the preeminent Memorial Day event of the region.

The New Rochelle Memorial Day Parade is an event that New Rochelle residents have enjoyed for the past four years. Each year the parade has grown larger and better. A part of the day has also included the after-parade-event at Hudson Park. In the past this event has been filled with music, good food, military vehicles and helicopter static-display, fun for the kids and so much more.

The planning process, which is monumental, is underway for this year’s Memorial Day Parade. Remembering the sacrifices made on our behalf by our brave veterans is a most important and worthy endeavor. Honoring and showing our appreciation for the many troops who are brought up to New Rochelle on Memorial Day during “Fleetweek” is also the least we can do as they serve our country in Afghanistan and other places overseas. The appreciation and gratitude they receive here in New Rochelle has become something that the troops remember and talk about for years afterword.

There is something everyone, including you, as a resident or business owner in New Rochelle can do to be a part of this most important day. Due to financial constraints, the City of New Rochelle is paying for less of the Memorial Day Parade expenses this year. You can show your appreciation and gratitude for our veterans and troops by helping the United Veterans Memorial and Patriotic Association of New Rochelle pay the cost of this very special day. You can send a donation to them, UVMPA of New Rochelle, 112 North Avenue, New Rochelle, N.Y. 10803. You can save the date, Monday, May 28th, 2012 Memorial Service 10:30 a.m. at Memorial Plaza (adjacent to the New Rochelle Public Library). Parade kicks off at 11:00 a.m.

Do you own a business? Think of the appreciation and support the crowds will give your company when they hear your name announced as a proud supporter of the parade. Public or private, every bit counts, but make no mistake, now is the time to do it. Don’t leave it up to someone else, and don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of a truly spectacular event.

Won’t you please join us as we remember on Memorial Day, May 28th and be a part of the appreciation we show our veterans and the gratitude we show our troops. They pay the price for our freedom; help us pay the cost for their special day of remembrance. We need to raise $30,000 dollars for this year’s event. Our Vets and troops gave their best for us. Please be as generous as possible for them. Thank you all in advance. If you need further information about Memorial Day please contact Peter Parente at (914) 557-5556 or post a comment.

Remember, they’ve done their part, so let’s do ours.

Send that donation today to:

UVMPA of New Rochelle

112 North Ave

New Rochelle, N.Y. 10801-7404

Posted in Opinion/Commentary, Supported Sites and Causes, Uncategorized | Tagged | 1 Comment »

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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Proclaims March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day

March 21, 2012
Vietnam Veterans' Day Proclamation

Governor Cuomo's Proclamation

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, of the State of New York has decreed March 29, 2012 as  Vietnam Veterans Day with this official proclamation.  A tribute to so many who served, either through  draft or enlistment, at the Nations request to defend freedom in a world many have never even heard of.  A tribute to the price we pay to live in a free world.

The distance that time places between us and the memory of a wounded Nation is all the more reason to proclaim the sacrifice of the few for the many.  ”Whereas, we have not forgotten – nor will we ever forget” as quoted from the proclamation, are words we hope will remain with all of you. To those have served, are serving, and will serve, this Nation says Thank You.

With gratitude and appreciation for all they do, we thank the men and women who operate The Wall, a website  ”dedicated to honoring those who died in the Vietnam War.” Through this site, we can remember the cost of war as paid by those from New Rochelle. May they not be forgotten.

     ”If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance

when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.

     Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always.

Take what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own.

     And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane,

take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind.

Major Michael Davis O’Donnell
1 January 1970
Dak To, Vietnam
Listed as KIA February 7, 1978

Posted in Opinion/Commentary, Supported Sites and Causes | 1 Comment »

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County Legislator Maisano Offers Support for Armory Re-use

March 14, 2012

Long time supporter of the Armory, County Legislator Jim Maisano, expressed his concerns to the City Council in his letter of record for the latest council meeting. Support continues to grow as more and more people begin to realize the potential that exists in our own back yard. We hope you join with Mr. Maisano and the rest of the supporters to help make the vision become a reality. All of New Rochelle benefits when we work together.

Mr. Maisano isn’t the only one who understands the importance of  how the Armory was transfered to the City . The subsequent  letter from the New York State Office of General Services has offered an explanation of the terms of the transfer. The proposals for Echo Bay have consistently failed to allow compliance with the spirit and intent of the law.

We thank you for your support and for the clarification.

Legislator Maisano letter to City Council

NYS Office of General Services Description of Deed Covenant page 1

NYS Office of General Services Description of Deed Covenant page 2

Posted in New Rochelle Armory in the News, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

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As the Neglect Continues, So Does the Damage to the New Rochelle Armory

March 9, 2012

New Rochelle Armory Damage From Leaking Roof

As the neglect continues, so too, the damage. Years of leaking through the roof has left us with damages to the one of a kind murals and floor buckling inside the building. As it continues, you can see the damage as it progresses through the walls. Look at the wall above the anchor on the left. This picture was taken in November of 2011. The white residue is called efflorescence. It is the result of water permeating through the brickwork as it travels through the leaks in the roof. How long can we let this go on? As you drive by , you’ll see this manifestation on both sides of the facade. It has developed over time as the roof continues to be neglected. Now look at the photo below. It was taken in August of 2010. There is a ladder against the building between the two men standing in the foreground. This is the exact spot that now exhibits the results of the neglect. This is not acceptable by any means. How long can we just sit back and watch this continue?. A fine representation of New Rochelle to those who drive by on Main Street.

 

New Rochelle Armory 08/2010

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Local Groups Push for Meeting With City to Preserve New Rochelle Armory

February 22, 2012

Post Card of the New Rochelle Armory ca.1930's

For the second time in as many years, representatives of Veteran’s groups, Save Our Armory Committee, and concerned citizens are formally requesting to meet with the City Council and the Mayor. A new vision for the Echo Bay area that includes taking advantage of an adaptive re-use of the historical structure will be presented for consideration. With time running out on the extension of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) handed to Forest City/Ratner Developers, proponents of Armory re-use contend that now is the time to rethink the possibilities. At the heart of the new vision is the expectation to return the Armory to its original purpose of serving the public good. To that end, the Armory supporters will be requesting a one year MOU with New Rochelle for the purpose of establishing financing and development services.

After the first extension of the MOU, Forest City presented a plan that was not well received by council for its greatly scaled back vision and lack of commitment from the developer to pursue the development of the entire 26 acres that comprise the Echo Bay waterfront. Subsequently a 60 day extension was granted to buy time for the developer to reinforce their position.

Allowing the MOU extension to expire would serve the city well in two distinct ways. First it would allow the city to actively entertain alternative plans for the Armory and secondly, it would open up the waterfront acreage to a more competitive climate thereby giving the city new options.

Read the request and more by clicking the link below:

New Rochelle Veterans Request Meeting with City Council on Armory

Posted in New Rochelle Armory Committee Meetings, New Rochelle Armory in the News | Tagged , , | Leave a Comment »

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New Rochelle Armory Nominated for Heritage Award

January 10, 2012

The City of New Rochelle is accepting nominations for the 2012 Heritage Awards. To that end, we at the Save Our Armory Committee are proud to nominate the Armory for the City’s consideration. We do this on behalf of all the supporters/residents who have chosen to keep this historical building in the public discussion. Our goal is to return this building to the public domain and allow this unique possession to continue its service to the citizens of this city. To acknowledge the rich heritage and history of our city we need to be vigilant in our effort to preserve the past as we build our future. The Heritage Award is just one more step in raising our collective awareness and keeping this issue in the public discussion. To quote the Mayor, “By raising public awareness about our past, we help ensure that historic charm remains a vital part of our future. The Heritage Awards assist in accomplishing this goal by celebrating distinctive properties that reflect New Rochelle’s rich architectural history”. I couldn’t have said it better myself.

The application requests the owner of the property to submit the forms. As it is “city owned”, I would make the case that we the citizens are the owners. We are “the city”. You can read the application and details by clicking on the links below.

Heritage Award Application

Heritage Award Application Detail Page 1

Heritage Award ApplicationDetail Page 2

Heritage Award ApplicationDetail Page 3

We will announce the decision by the Mayor and City Council as soon as we are informed. Stay tuned and remember

IT’S YOUR  ARMORY – USE IT DON’T LOSE IT !

Posted in New Rochelle Armory History, New Rochelle Armory in the News, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

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Veterans Career Fairs at the Armory? Why Not? But Until Then….

March 13, 2011

 

Veterans Career Fair Sponsored by www.Milicruit.com

As long as war and conflict wages on around the world, troops will be deployed. Most will find themselves returning home to a world much different from it was before they left . For many, the need for support services will be fundamental in their ability to get their lives back in order. With record unemployment and a stagnant economy as their new enemies, don’t you think we owe it to them to give  a leg up wherever we can? Serving with honor as they trade their youth for a battlefield, aren’t we  obliged to open the door of opportunity for anyone who needs it. They’ve done their duty, it’s time to do ours.

Imagine the lives touched by the Veterans Resource Center , at the Armory. That day will come, but until it happens, the Save Our Armory Committee will continue to support and report on the veterans services we would like to see right here in New Rochelle.

To that end, Milicruit will be holding a virtual career fair for veterans and their spouses the week of March 10 to the 17th. Go to www.veteranscareerfair.com and take advantage of the opportunity to connect with recruiters from corporations such as GE, Microsoft, Merk, Pepsi and others. From their site – “To build on the success of past Milicruit virtual career fairs, we have joined forces with MOAA. This event will offer veterans and military spouses an opportunity to meet with dozens of industry leading employers as if in person, but from the comfort and convenience of home.”.

This career fair is being deployed in cooperation with the following organizations. Visit their sites, help serve and support those who have served our Nation.

VetSuccess,gov

Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS)

Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)

Hire Heroes USA

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)

Wounded Warrior Project

Student Veterans of America

The Military Channel

We thank you for your service.

Posted in Opinion/Commentary, Supported Sites and Causes, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a Comment »

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Armories – Then and Now

February 20, 2011
Illinois Armory Postcard - Then

The potential of this building has been realized

In this series,  we will begin to look at various armories around the country in an effort to represent how their intrinsic value served as a foundation to link the past with the future. While the actual applications may vary, you’ll start to see a theme of community enrichment on so many levels.

A marvelous structure from both design and engineering standpoints, the Armory now houses the University of Illinois Men’s and Women’s Track and Field events. From the UI Fighting Illini Facilities website : “ When completed the Armory was the largest free-span, no center support system, structure in the world.  The “drill hall” now referred to as the main floor, measures 200 feet by 400 feet with a ceiling height of 98 feet.” * Impressive in its own right.

Intercollegiate athletics, local sports at a national level, just one of the many ways these grand structures continue to weave the fabric of a local society as they unlock the potential of future generations.  97 years of service, generations of students moving on to change the world, setting the example for those who follow. Go ILLINI !

Illinois Armory - present day

A Stellar Example Reinforcing the "Rich in History" Theme

 

A cluster of mediocre co-ops or a community enrichment facility in a historical setting, what would serve the interest of New Rochelle best? The answer is clear.

 

 

 

 

IT’S YOUR ARMORY – USE IT !

* cited from the University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics. For more information or to show your support visit;   http://www.athletics.illinois.edu/facilities/default.htm

Historical postcard courtesy of  US Town Views “The largest town postcard website”.  Visit their site, there’s something for everyone.

 

Posted in Armory Success Stories, Opinion/Commentary, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a Comment »

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