Real progress on dredging the Mamaroneck and Sheldrake Rivers

Dear Friends,

On Wednesday, February 1, Village Manager Jerry Barberio, Deputy Mayor Lou Young, Village Engineer Gino Frabasile, and I met with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) and other agencies to try to iron out some of the confusion about the Village’s application to dredge in the local rivers to help alleviate flooding in Mamaroneck. I am happy to report that the meeting was very successful and we are on a path of cooperation and partnership with our colleagues in government.

I was allowed to start the meeting by explaining the existential need to take action to protect our community. I explained that the proposed project was needed to protect the lives, property, and peace of mind of our long suffering residents. Residents who’s lives have been both imperiled and upended by the reality of and the constant threat of flooding. These long suffering residents need to feel hope and know that their government is doing everything possible to protect them. I stressed that doing nothing while waiting for the Army Corps plan was NOT an option. This problem needs to be attacked vigorously with every tool at our disposal. The viability of Mamaroneck depends upon us making progress on this issue.

I feel that we now have partners in getting the project done. The New York State representatives seemed sincere in both wanting to understand the problem and helping our community. We look forward to making substantial progress soon.

"After meeting with all the regulatory agencies, we now have a clear path to proceed cooperatively and collaboratively," remarked Village Manager Jerry Barberio. "My special thanks to Senator Schumer, Governor Hochul, Senator Mayer, and Assemblyman Otis for putting all of the experts in one room. Their advocacy has shaved months off the application process."

I want to thank Village staff for working so hard on this issue and advocating so effectively for our residents. You would have been proud to see their determination to get results for Mamaroneck.

I also want to thank Senator Shelly Mayer and Assemblyman Steve Otis who have been our allies and partners in getting our citizens the protection they need and deserve. We are lucky to have such knowledgeable, caring and effective leaders on our side.

Respectfully,

Tom Murphy 
Mayor, Village of Mamaroneck