Here's what we heard at the LINC Design Workshops

LINC header with NRNY logo

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May 18, 2023


LINC Workshop Recap

Two group shots of people at tables giving input on design elements for the LINC

On March 4th and 6th, the City of New Rochelle hosted two public design workshops collectively facilitated by three consulting firms (Karp Strategies, Starr Whitehouse, and VHB) to gather community feedback about the LINC, a new park coming to Memorial Highway. Thank you to all who attended!

LINC infographic showing community response

Workshop participants shared their insights and preferences on design choices across twelve elements, from plants and paths to playgrounds and adult fitness. 

Landscaping examples including shrubs, trees, grasses, stone edges and rain gardenRecreational activitiesRecreational activites continuedEconomic Development and Public Art examples including markets, pop-ups, sculpture and mural

Takeaways

The overwhelming majority of workshop participants were in support of the LINC and felt that this new park will have positive impacts on the community.

  1. Participants are excited to have more green space, especially flexible space that can be used differently. Respondents would also like to see a wide variety of community events coupled with economic opportunities for small businesses, particularly POC-owned businesses, and the local workforce. 
  2. Top concerns include project-related impacts on traffic and safety. Participants worried that with the redevleopment of the roundabout, traffic will worsen and make it harder to access connections to the surrounding neighborhood.
  3. Many participants felt that public art for the LINC should be created by local artists and should be reflective of the community today and historically. Participants are particularly interested in seeing sculptures and mosaics on the LINC. 

What's Next?

Preliminary designs of the LINC will be shown at our upcoming summer street events, such as Juneteenth on June 19th at City Hall and Taste of Union on Union Avenue July 22nd.  Stop by the New Rochelle Department of Development booth to share your thoughts with us and help further shape the park’s design!

For more information visit www.engageNR.com         FB & IG @IdeallyNewRochelle