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Widespread opposition after New Rochelle issues RFP for Flowers Park master developer; residents call for moratorium
Summary
Residents, youth coaches and longtime community leaders urged the council to halt a request-for-proposals process to transfer operational control of Flowers (City) Park to a private developer, saying the park is an essential, free community resource used by youth sports and families.
Dozens of residents, youth coaches and community leaders turned out at the City Council’s Oct. 15 public session to oppose an RFP that would seek a private master developer to operate Flowers Park (also called City Park/Facina Field). Speakers said the park — used for youth soccer, Little League, youth football and other activities — should remain in public hands and that there was no prior public engagement on the plan.
Multiple speakers warned that private control would raise user fees and restrict access for nonprofit youth programs that rely on free or low-cost fields. “The park is the soul of New Rochelle,” said Yvonne Smith Kilgore, a lifelong resident, urging elected officials to keep the space public. Parents and…
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