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July 22, 2019 – Another long-standing issue in Westchester has reached a long-awaited solution. After extensive examination by the Latimer administration and the Board of Legislators, the County has agreed to a lease on a newly constructed New Rochelle family building that will better serve the people of Westchester for years to come. The new location will be a 35,000-square-foot space on two floors of a yet-to-be-constructed building at 26 Garden Street.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “Family Court deals with some of the judicial system’s most sensitive clients – and this new building will provide not only a state of the art facility but adequate safety protections for those who need to utilize it. The current site is in serious need of an upgrade and this new building is a long time coming. I am proud we are able to accomplish this for the people of Westchester.”
This 30-year lease and plans to construct a new facility, which passed the Board of Legislators unanimously, is the best option for taxpayers, the courts, and the community due to its easy access to mass transit, central location and the ability to create a state of the art facility.
New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson said: “With easy access to mass transit and close proximity to population centers, the new Family Court will be in the best position to serve the residents of our region effectively. I congratulate the County’s leadership and look forward to further collaboration between the County and city in addressing our community’s needs."
Judge Kathie Davidson said: “It makes a statement to say that we will have this new, state-of-the-art facility. A facility that matches what we believe in – that coming into a courthouse you will be seen with respect, that coming into a courthouse you will be valued, that coming into a courthouse you will be seen by judges that are trained, and that you have a community that believes in you, in line with Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals and the State of New York Janet DiFiore’s excellent initiative. I can tell you that in speaking to young people, both in my judicial career and in my legal career, it makes a big difference. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of young people today.”
President of Simone Development Joe Simone said: “Simone Development is happy to be part of this exciting project and for the opportunity to join with our partners at the Stagg Group in creating this long-awaited new and expanded home for the county’s family courts. We look forward to working with the County, the City of New Rochelle, the courts and the business community to create a facility worthy of the Queen City of the Sound and serving as an integral part of a revitalized downtown for years to come.”
CEO & Founder of Stagg Group Mark Stagg said: "This Stagg/Simone partnership highlights the synergies of two of the most well respected and long standing development companies in the New York Metropolitan area. We are thrilled to work with the County of Westchester to deliver on this important and long-awaited project. This building, which will be a modern and suitable home for the Westchester Family Courts, is a shining example of how public/private partnerships can truly create an optimal outcome for all.”
Board of Legislators Chairman Ben Boykin said: "We are pleased that the Board of Legislators unanimously approved the 30 year lease. Our legislators worked hard to make sure that the terms of the agreement were respectful and responsive to the community. Having the Court remain in New Rochelle but in a new, modern building in a convenient location will be a great benefit to the residents of New Rochelle, Pelham, Mount Vernon and the surrounding areas.”
Legislator Terry Clements said: "I'm thankful for the hard work of my colleagues on behalf New Rochelle residents and the Pelham and Mount Vernon residents who will be using the court. I'm so pleased that we arrived at a site right by the transit hub that is convenient and accessible. This has been a long process, but the outcome is an example of how county and local government and community members, working together, can achieve solutions that benefit everyone."
Legislator Damon Maher said: "I am glad that we have a plan to keep a branch of the Westchester Family Court in New Rochelle for the next 30 years. Not only that, we are having a new state-of-the-art facility built to accommodate an extra judge and ancillary legal and social services. There will also be plenty of parking and access to nearby mass transit for visitation and employees.”
Legislator Catherine Parker said: “This is a win-win for everyone in Westchester, a win-win for everyone along the sound shore. We are going to get a state-of-the-art facility, but in addition to this being home to New Rochelle Family Court, we will also have the Office for Women and the Probation Department. It is a really wonderful feat that this has happened with the work of many, many people.”