Risley Place received a secondary naming as “R.C. Quash Place” in honor of the late Honorable Rhoda C. Quash, former City Councilwoman. The ceremony was held April 18 at the intersection of Risley Place and French Ridge..

Ms. Quash was the first African-American woman elected to the New Rochelle City Council and served for six years representing Council District 3(1993-1999). She was a 30-year resident of the City and lived at Risley Place for over 20 years until her passing in May, 1999.

Ms. Quash was active in community affairs. She served as the president of the French Ridge Neighborhood Association, Superintendent of the Sunday School at St. Catherine Methodist Church, and as a member or officer of a number of distinguished organizations including the United Way, Boys and Girls Clubs of New Rochelle, Coalition of Mutual Respect. At the time of her passing she was the director of Government Affairs at Sound Shore Medical Center. Her concern for youth was extraordinary, spearheading a number of initiatives including the creation of Network Youth Leadership summer jobs program and the renovation of Lincoln Park, among others.