Coronavirus: RXR Realty, New Rochelle's master planner, to donate $1 million to city's relief effort
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The master planner for New Rochelle's redevelopment is giving back to the city in dire times.
RXR Realty has announced that it will donate $1 million to support organizations assisting residents hurt by the coronavirus outbreak. New Rochelle quickly became the epicenter of COVID-19 in New York state after a 50-year-old city resident became the first confirmed case in the state on March 3.
Funding will go toward immediate needs, as well as the long-term recovery of New Rochelle, according a statement. In addition to the $1 million, the RXR Building Community Fund will immediately donate $108,000 to support programs that will help low-income residents, RXR Realty said.
"We’re proud to support those organizations on the front lines of providing essential food and non-food services to our most vulnerable, as well as supporting programs that provide our seniors with telehealth services to assure them that they are not alone during this public health crisis," RXR Chairman and CEO Scott Rechler said in a statement. "Now, more than ever, is the time for all of us to step up and support our New Rochelle neighbors in need."
WestCOP will receive $50,000, HOPE Community Services will receive $50,000 and The Guidance Center of Westchester will receive $8,000 from the company's building community fund, RXR Realty said. Those organizations help provide food and other items to residents in need and give seniors access to telehealth services.
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RXR Realty is working with the Westchester Community Foundation to identify needs in the city.
"In the face of an unprecedented challenge, it is essential for our entire community to come together, including the investors and builders who have a direct stake in New Rochelle’s future,” saNew Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson said. “We have a shared obligation to identify the most critical needs, lift up our most vulnerable residents, support our struggling businesses, and demonstrate our city’s strength and resilience."