Overview
In January 2008, the City released a North Avenue Corridor Study that builds upon the previous planning studies for the corridor. The study also looks at potential new strategies given the minimal amount of investment along North Avenue since 1994 and more successful applications of strategies in the downtown core as evidenced by the momentum of redevelopment at all scales in downtown New Rochelle.

The 2008 study focuses on a study area generally defined as the portion of North Avenue that runs between Eastchester Road and Burling Lane and which is generally mapped within the City’s Neighborhood Business (NB) and Downtown Business (DB) Zoning Districts.
AKRF released an updated study in January 2015 focused on Burling Lane to Fifth Avenue, and making 7 broad recommendations. Functions
The North Avenue Corridor serves several functions:

• A key gateway into New Rochelle’s downtown
• A small-scale commercial center serving the surrounding single-family and multi-family residential neighborhoods
• An educational district centered on Iona College
• A government district centered on City Hall
• A commuter conduit from the City’s north end to the New York State throughway (I-95) and the Transit Center

The City recognizes the importance of the corridor to the several functions identified above and the great potential that exists for redevelopment to enhance the economic vitality of New Rochelle and improve the quality-of-life for its citizens. It is the City’s vision to develop an area in which compatible land uses coexist and capitalize on the strong residential base adjacent to this corridor and its proximity to the City’s downtown core and transit center.

Redevelopment
The City also expects that redevelopment of the corridor will improve the overall perception of the corridor and foster an improved feeling of safety. This improved perception will have multiple benefits including increased pedestrian activity and improved linkages between Iona College, the Transit Center, and the revitalized downtown.