The City of New Rochelle and Iona College recently announced an agreement that allows the College to move forward with its expansion plans for Hagan Hall and Spellman Hall through a “Campus Communique” email on April 23 and a press release.

“We are pleased to have reached this agreement to move forward with the expansion of Spellman and Hagan Halls and offer outstanding learning environments for our students,” Iona President Dr. Joseph E. Nyre said in a press release.

One of the main points of this agreement is that there is an expedited Environmental Review process for Hagan and Spellman Halls, according to the email. The New Rochelle Planning Board will consider studying the environmental impacts. This is to make sure that the expansions comply with environmental laws. Another provision of the agreement is the recognition of Iona’s longstanding efforts to improve surrounding neighborhoods.

Any pending litigation against the City will be withdrawn. This will release the city from state and federal constitutional, Religious Land Use and Institutional Persons Act.

This act is a federal law that gives churches and other religious institutions a way to avoid zoning law restrictions on any property they use.

Students are excited that the plans are moving forward.

“I’m happy to hear that Iona has finally been able to make an agreement with the City of New Rochelle regarding further expansion to its campus,” freshman Eddie Maffia said. “I look forward to seeing the finished product of each project, I just hope it’s done before I graduate!”

Student Government Association President senior Erin Kutch said that students will benefit from the new additions.

“I am excited for every future Gael that will see the construction and benefit from the advancements planned,” SGA President Erin Kutch said. “I have firsthand seen the great work of Iona and the city to come to this resolution and am proud to see the progress made.”

Faculty are looking forward to the progress made.

“We’re extremely excited to move forward with our plans for a beautiful new Business School building and facilities in Spellman Hall for the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation,” Vice Provost for Student Life Denise Hopkins said. “These two projects will significantly enhance the student experience on the Iona campus.”

Senior Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs Paul Sutera expressed his excitement for the new development.

“I look forward to working with Dean Lamb [of the School of Business] and the Alumni Engagement & Events team in planning the ground-breaking event to officially launch the construction phase of this important academic project,” Sutera said.

New Rochelle officials are also pleased with the process.

“The City wants Iona to be a thriving college that grows in a fashion consistent with our community’s planning principles and that continues to maintain a mutually respectful and supportive relationship with its neighbors,” Noam Bramson, mayor of New Rochelle, said in the press release. “Through this comprehensive agreement, the City, the College and nearby residents have an opportunity to accomplish these important goals together.”

A “Town-Gown” committee is being formed from representatives from the city, Iona and New Rochelle residents. The goal of this committee is to continue discussing the shared interests of the community, college and city.

“Seeking input from our neighbors and the community has always been important to the College,” Nyre said in the press release. “We remain committed to being good neighbors to our good neighbors.”