New Rochelle Considers Zoning Changes for Future Davenport Neck Development

The City of New Rochelle is considering zoning changes for Davenport Neck that could shape future residential and waterfront development in the area.

The proposed amendments would modify the city's R1-WF-10 One-Family Waterfront Residence District, which encompasses portions of Davenport Neck along Long Island Sound. The changes are intended to establish new development standards while addressing issues including flooding, infrastructure, open space and the area's existing waterfront character.

Under the proposal, development density would be limited in areas within the floodplain while greater development potential could be permitted on certain properties containing substantial buildable land outside flood-prone areas.

For properties that qualify for the additional development potential, the proposal would establish requirements governing building height, setbacks and open space. Maximum building height would be limited to 54 feet and four stories, with increased setbacks from neighboring single-family residences and requirements to preserve a significant portion of the property as open space.

The zoning amendments also address existing marina and water-dependent uses on Davenport Neck. Certain marina uses could be permitted through a special permit process on properties meeting minimum lot requirements, along with complementary uses such as small inns and restaurants with outdoor dining.

The proposal comes as New Rochelle continues to examine how zoning can accommodate new housing and development while balancing infrastructure capacity, environmental conditions and surrounding neighborhoods.

Residents have raised concerns about the potential impact of additional development on traffic, flooding, sewer and electrical infrastructure, emergency access and neighborhood character.

The New Rochelle City Council held a public hearing on the proposed amendments on September 8. The proposal is also subject to planning and environmental review before any zoning changes are finalized.

If adopted, the amendments would establish a new framework for evaluating future development proposals on Davenport Neck. The zoning changes themselves would not constitute approval of a specific development project.