Governor Kathy Hochul has announced $16 million in state funding to support the LINC (Linking Innovation, Nature, and Community) Project in New Rochelle. This funding addresses a gap left when federal support was withdrawn, allowing the project to continue as planned. The LINC Project aims to connect downtown New Rochelle with key locations such as the train station, library, and Lincoln Avenue, supporting both residents and local businesses during ongoing economic development.
The Governor visited New Rochelle’s Stella housing developments as part of her “Let Them Build” agenda. Since 2020, collaboration between city, state, county, and other partners has resulted in approximately 4,500 new homes in New Rochelle. An additional 6,500 units are currently under construction. This expansion of housing is intended to improve affordability for a wide range of households.
Governor Hochul stated: “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. By transforming an outdated highway into green space, safe streets and vibrant public gathering places we are bringing communities together that were divided for generations.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.”
State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said: “For decades, Memorial Highway divided Lincoln Avenue from downtown New Rochelle, limiting opportunity and weakening a once thriving Black community. The LINC project will reconnect these neighborhoods, create vibrant public space, and help correct longstanding inequities. I was proud to help launch this effort through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, and with $16 million in new funding, we are closer than ever to making it a reality. I thank Governor Hochul for her continued partnership to a safer, more equitable New York.”
Other local leaders also expressed support for the initiative. State Senator Nathalia Fernandez highlighted how infrastructure improvements should go hand-in-hand with housing growth: “Investments like this show what good government can look like: strengthening the places that connect our community and making sure progress benefits the people who already call New Rochelle home. Governor Hochul’s $16 million commitment to the LINC Project will improve connections between our neighborhoods while creating greener, more welcoming public spaces. New Rochelle’s housing progress shows that we can expand options and ease pressure on rents, but it also reinforces a simple truth: growth works best when it is paired with the right infrastructure, open space, and attention to neighborhood character.”
Assemblymember Steve Otis called the LINC “New Rochelle’s most transformational project in generations,” emphasizing its role in serving community needs.
Assemblymember Amy Paulin said: “The LINC Project will turn what was for too long a barrier to community connection into a useful public space that brings people together. I’m also thrilled to see New Rochelle continuing to lead the way in building new housing of all types. Thank you to Governor Hochul for her leadership and support in making this investment possible. What’s happening in New Rochelle shows what’s possible when the state and the city work together to invest in community-centered development.”
The LINC will convert part of Memorial Highway—built in the 1960s and known for dividing a historically Black neighborhood—into a linear park featuring pedestrian crossings, bike lanes, recreational areas, and gathering spaces. The aim is not only physical transformation but also social improvement by replacing barriers with shared assets that benefit both residents and businesses.
Empire State Development President Hope Knight noted that “The LINC will build upon the state’s previous investments in New Rochelle by furthering efforts to improve connectivity and create inviting and engaging spaces.” RuthAnne Visnauskas from NYS Homes & Community Renewal pointed out that over 11,000 homes have been created or preserved since 2020 thanks to such initiatives.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins connected today’s announcement with Black History Month by reflecting on past policies’ impact on Black families: “Today’s $16 million investment ensures that The LINC will move forward… This project is about more than infrastructure – it is about equity and opportunity.”
New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert expressed gratitude toward Governor Hochul’s partnership: “This support advances a transformational effort that strengthens economic connection… We are grateful for the State’s partnership.”
Recent data show an increase in annual housing permits issued by New Rochelle—from 39 units per year in 2017 up to nearly 1,000 per year—resulting in slower rent growth locally compared with national trends.
To address delays caused by regulatory reviews such as SEQRA (State Environmental Quality Review Act), Governor Hochul has proposed exempting certain types of housing projects without significant environmental impacts from additional review requirements while maintaining other regulatory standards related to water use or air quality.
The governor has also suggested changes aimed at speeding up critical infrastructure projects across sectors including clean water systems; nature-based stormwater management; parks; trails; and child care centers—so long as they meet criteria designed to protect natural resources.
These reforms would set clear timelines for reviews; streamline permitting processes using technology; expedite major state infrastructure projects; deliver faster decisions for communities; modernize approvals; and provide training through a new permitting academy—all aiming at lowering costs while safeguarding environmental protections.