The 24-story, 412-apartment development is still under construction. However, an initial 90 apartments will be available for occupancy on floors two through six. The entire building is scheduled for completion by the fourth quarter of this year, company officials noted.

Fred Harris, vice president of AvalonBay Communities, the developer of the project, commented, "Even before this leasing office officially opened, we began signing leases. We are very optimistic about realizing our goals."

Fran Eisner, a local Realtor and owner of Oshlag-Eisner Realty Corp., is bullish on the prospects for Avalon on the Sound. Eisner stated, "The housing market in New Rochelle has been tight for the past several years, but the luxury rental market has been even tighter. I think there is going to be a very positive ripple effect. Young people just starting out will find this more affordable than Manhattan and get more for their money. Home owners who want to downsize but who still want to stay in New Rochelle have a very attractive alternative to home ownership."