City hires development chief

A long-time economic development official in Fairfield County, Conn., has been appointed development commissioner for the city of New Rochelle.

Michael W. Freimuth will begin duties March 1, succeeding Craig King, who died in January.

Freimuth most recently directed the city offices of economic development and intergovernmental Affairs in Stamford, Conn. Previously he was director of the planning and economic development for the city of Bridgeport.

New Rochelle City Manager Charles B. Strome III said Freimuth also has an extensive background in real estate development, having managed a real estate development subsidiary of a community savings bank. Strome called the development commissioner”™s position “key to the future of our city.”

Freimuth is a graduate of the University of Connecticut and received his master”™s degree in public administration from George Washington University. He has served as a director of the Stamford Chamber of Commerce.