Weekly E-Newsletter 07/07 - 07/16
Village of Mamaroneck News & Events
Preserving Mamaroneck’s Waterfront
by Tom Murphy, Mayor of the Village of Mamaroneck
I am writing to give some context to the recent controversy of Hampshire Country Club “gifting” land to the Mamaroneck School District—under the curious condition that the School system would support a previously rejected rezoning scheme of the developers. I’d like to take this opportunity to explain the Village’s zoning code and why our community defends our maritime zoning and how this relates to the Hampshire issue.
Starting in the 1980s developers began looking to build housing—particularly condominiums—along the Village shoreline threatening the continued existence of our boatyards and beach clubs. To address this issue, the Village became the first community in New York State to enact a Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan (LWRP) to begin the process of protecting our maritime industries and the character of our community as a whole.
To support that LWRP, the Village adopted the Marine Recreation Zone law (for clubs) and the Marine Commercial Zone law (for boat yards). These laws, working in tandem, are the reason why Mamaroneck is the best small boat harbor in the area. Over the years, clubs have asked to allow housing on their property and the Village has resisted those requests. There have been boatyards that have also been approached by developers about housing with significant cash incentives, only to be deterred by our protective zoning. These laws protected our maritime character and history for all of us and hopefully will continue protecting Mamaroneck for generations to come.
Now the developers who own Hampshire Country Club are once again planning to ask the Village to rezone the clubhouse area of their property, which is zoned Marine Recreation, to allow for 120 condominiums. I believe that this is a bad land use request for the Hampshire area but also detrimental for the whole Village.
The issue with Hampshire is not limited to Hampshire; if we allow this rezoning, it will create a situation where other boatyards and clubs will want to have that same option to build. Spot zoning Hampshire could easily begin a process of development that would certainly change what kind of community we will be in the future.
I urge my colleagues on the School Board to reject what I essentially view as a Trojan Horse. The value of the land gift to the schools is dubious at best, and I believe it’s a performative gesture specifically designed to create division in the community. At the end of the day, there is no altruism involved in this “gift”. It is merely a ploy to grease the wheels towards a very lucrative pay day for the developers.
So I put it to you, residents of the Village: are we prepared to live with the repercussions of relaxing zoning regulations that have served our community for so long and so well? Are we really going to let the wants of developers determine the character of our community? Where will such a policy end? Which neighborhood would be targeted by developers next?
If you have any questions at all about this, I hope you’ll contact me via email at tmurphy@vomny.org.
Thanks for your time, and I hope you and your families are all enjoying the summer.
Respectfully,
Tom Murphy
Mayor, Village of Mamaroneck
Village Meetings and Events
- Friday, July 7
- Saturday, July 8
- NEW DATE: Juneteenth Festival (Rescheduled from Saturday, 06/17)
- Sunday, July 9
- Monday, July 10
- Tuesday, July 11
- Marine Education Center's LIS Marine Explorers Camp, 2:30pm - 5:30pm
- Traffic Commission Meeting, 7:00pm
- CANCELLED: Harbor and Coastal Zone Management Commission Work Session, 7:30pm
- Wednesday, July 12
- Thursday, July 13
- Friday, July 14
- Saturday, July 15
- Sunday, July 16
To view the Village of Mamaroneck's online calendar, click here.
Click here to read more about Village Meetings.
Other Village Calendars:
- Download the one-page 2023 Sanitation Calendar here. Visit the Sanitation Pickup Schedule webpage to lookup your household's garbage pickup schedule or download the Recycling Right Westchester app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store. Need help on how to download and use the Recycle Right App? View the Recycle Right App Walkthrough Video here.
- Click here to download the Land Use Boards Meeting Dates for 2023.
- Click here for the Programs/Events page of the Marine Education Center.
African Music Mercenaries Kicks-Off Art Council's FREE Summer Concerts in Neighborhood Parks Series; First Concert Is TONIGHT, Friday, July 7, in Columbus Park
The Juneteenth Festival, which was originally scheduled for Saturday, 06/17, has been RESCHEDULED FOR TOMORROW, SATURDAY, JULY 8
2023 Village of Mamaroneck Fire Department's Parade, Fire Department's Carnival, Blessing of the Fleet Boat Parade, St. Thomas Orchestra Concert, and Fireworks Display
The Village of Mamaroneck thanks all the employees, groups, volunteers, and individuals who made these events possible!
And thank you to all who attended and came out in support!
LMC Media's June 28th Coverage of the Village of Mamaroneck Volunteer Fire Department's Firemen's Parade
LMC Media's July 4th Coverage of Harbor Island's 49th Annual Blessing of the Fleet
6th Annual Tiki Party at Harbor Island Park - NEXT Friday, July 14
LMC Media, in partnership with the Village of Mamaroneck's Parks and Recreation, will once again host the wildly popular Tiki Party at Harbor Island Park on Friday, July 14th, beginning at 6pm. This free community event brings over 3,000 people together from across the Sound Shore to enjoy food, drinks, a live band, fire dancers, and more. There will be activities for all ages and the Photo Bus is back this year by popular demand. The evening culminates with a movie screening under the stars — bring your best mates for this year’s movie, Pirates of the Caribbean!
Watch the Tiki Party Promo Video.
Next Outdoor Movie Night at Harbor Island Park - Pirates of the Caribbean - NEXT Friday, July 14
Grab a blanket and a lawn chair for our next Outdoor Movie Night on Friday, July 14 - Pirates of the Caribbean - in Harbor Island Park! All films are FREE and begin at dusk. (Download the PDF flyer.)
Mamaorneck Chamber of Commerce Sidewalk Sale Dates
The next Mamaroneck Chamber of Commerce Sidewalk Sales will take place from July 13 to July 16.
Our thanks to the Mamaroneck Chamber of Commerce for organizing these Sidewalk Sale Dates along Mamaroneck Avenue.
Concerts in Harbor Island Park: July 19 and August 9
Visit www.emelin.org/concerts-in-the-park for more information.
(Download the PDF flyer.)
Summer on the Avenue Block Party - Wednesday, July 26
Click here for Vendor Information (Deadline for Vendors to Register: Friday, July 21)
Vendors can register online here.
Street Closure: Mamaroneck Avenue, from Halstead Avenue to Boston Post Road.
Roads are closed from 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Come out and celebrate summer on the avenue! Join us as we host our famous block party event on Wednesday, July 26, from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Rain Date: Thursday, July 27 ) on Mamaroneck Avenue in Mamaroneck, NY. The Mamaroneck Avenue Block Party is a community event which draws thousands of people to Mamaroneck and includes the best in musical entertainment, inflatable rides for kids, arts, crafts, local food, exhibits, children’s activities and much more. This is a free event and provides a great way for the community to gather in Mamaroneck to enjoy the best the Village has to offer. (Download the PDF flyer.)
National Night Out: Tuesday, August 1
(Download the flyer and the information on this webpage as a PDF.)
Hosted by the Village of Mamaroneck Police Department, National Night Out is a FREE, annual community-building event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. This year's National Night Out will take place on Tuesday, August 1, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, at Harbor Island Park. National Night Out provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. (Please note: There will NOT be a fireworks display this year.) Click here to read more.
Learn more about National Night Out on the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) website.
And to view photos and video from last year's National Night Out, click here.
Ralph Avenue Construction and Traffic Advisory
Download the PDF Announcement. | En Espanol, haga clic aquí.
Rye Neck Neighborhood Traffic Advisory / Barrio de Rye Neck Informe de Tráfico
Download the PDF Announcement. | En Espanol, haga clic aquí.
Non-Emergency Village Offices and Departments CLOSED - Friday, July 21, from 12pm to 3pm
Village Prepares for 2023 Mosquito Season
With the warmer weather approaching, the Village of Mamaroneck is actively monitoring for mosquito activity as part of our Village’s mosquito control program. Since 2019, the Village has been using Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (Bti), a naturally occurring bacterium found in soils, in order to treat the Village’s catch basins and the marshes in the Shore Acres neighborhood*. Bti is an effective tool that reduces the mosquito population while minimizing the amount of pesticide materials being sprayed or “fogged” into the air. Click here to read more.
Download the Storm Season Readiness Flyer - Hurricane Season (Until November 30)
June 1 to November 30 is hurricane season in the Atlantic. Now is the time to download, read, and follow the recommendations in the Village's Storm Season Readiness flyer (in Spanish/Espanol). Visit these resources from the American Red Cross, FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services.
Follow Ready.Gov for storm safety and preparedness tips or visit: www.Ready.Gov/Hurricanes#Before
Leaf Blowers Prohibited (Until September 30)
Beginning on Monday, May 15th, the operation of leaf blowers, per the Village of Mamaroneck's Leaf Blower Law, is prohibited until September 30. This includes ALL leaf blowers including gas, electric AND vacuum. Furthermore, Westchester County law requires that landscaping contractors be registered with the County and that leaf blowers meet County emissions regulations. For further information about Westchester County's Leaf Blower Emissions Law, please click here.
Leaf Blower Education Campaign
During the month of May, the Village of Mamaroneck’s Department of Public Works, Police Department, and the Committee for the Environment reminded residents with a door hanger educational campaign about the restrictions on using Leaf Blowers in the Village. On one side is information for landscapers and property owners about our local law restricting the use of ALL Leaf Blowers between May 15 and September 30. Violations by owners and landscapers are subject to fine. Flip the door hanger and on the other side the Village’s Committee for the Environment offers alternative methods, such as mowing leaves, mulching them, or composting them. Our thanks to the Village's Committee for the Environment for leading this education campaign.
Village of Mamaroneck Tree Law
Trees help sustain an ecological system that provides climatic advantages to people and wildlife alike: cooling the air, buffering the wind and providing a natural barrier to noise. Conserving these natural assets was the impetus behind a decision by the Village of Mamaroneck's Board of Trustees (with support from the Tree Committee) to vote on and enact a new tree law. On October 12, 2021, the Village passed a local law making property owners in the village responsible for the maintenance of trees on their property, including their removal. The penalty for failing to follow this new law is a fine or $1,050 or more. The law is intended to preserve our trees, which provide numerous benefits, including the reduction of air pollution, increase to the tree canopy, and the improvement of the drainage and maintenance of a healthy eco-system. Studies show that a minimum tree canopy cover of 40% is the threshold needed to reap the full benefits of trees. A goal of the Board of Trustees, supported by the Tree Committee, is to achieve this minimum tree canopy coverage and maintain it on an ongoing basis. The Tree Committee as well as the Building Department has put together the following resources to help educate and inform residents about our Village's Tree Law.
Frequently Asked Questions | Application for Tree Removal Permit | Tree Law
Jefferson Avenue Park Temporarily CLOSED for Renovations
As of Wednesday, April 26, Jefferson Avenue Park is CLOSED for renovation work. View the rendering.
Visit this webpage as we make further announcements about these park enhancements.
We apologize for this inconvenience, and we thank you for your patience.
Harbor Island Park Beach & Parking Passes Now On Sale
Harbor Island Park seasonal beach and parking pass sales are now on sale. Individuals interested in purchasing a seasonal beach and/or parking pass can do so in person, Monday to Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the Parks & Recreation office located in the Stephen E. Johnston Pavilion at Harbor Island Park. For more information about the beach and parking fees, beach operating hours, and all the guidelines for the 2023 Harbor Island Park Beach Season, click here.
FREE Tennis Clinics
Free resident tennis clinic at SPORTIME, available for ages 5 and up. All ages and skill levels welcome. Registration is required online. Racquets will be provided when necessary, however players are encouraged to bring their own.To register, click here. (Download the PDF flyer.)
Harbor Kayak Tours (Village)
To register, go to: vomrec.recdesk.com.
Kayak Summer Camp (Village)
(Download the PDF flyer.) To register, go to: vomrec.recdesk.com.
This camp is designed to introduce participants to the sport of kayaking. Participants will learn important skills including water safety, regulations, paddling techniques and what to do if they tip over their kayak. Each day we will be exploring how to have fun on the water while exploring the coastline and waterways in the Mamaroneck and Larchmont areas. Kayaks and personal floatation devices will be provided. Participants should be available for the rain date of August 11th due to inclement weather, if necessary. To register, click here.
Kayak Summer Camp (Town/Village)
(Download the PDF flyer.) To register, go to: vomrec.recdesk.com.
This camp, in cooperation with the Town of Mamaroneck, is designed to introduce participants to the sport of kayaking. Participants will learn important skills including water safety, regulations, paddling techniques and what to do if they tip over their kayak. Each day we will be exploring how to have fun on the water while exploring the coastline and waterways in the Mamaroneck and Larchmont areas. Kayaks and personal floatation devices will be provided. To register, click here.
Kayak Naturalist Tour with Kyle
(Download the PDF flyer.) To register, go to: vomrec.recdesk.com.
There is no better way to experience Mamaroneck Harbor than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On these guided tours, visitors explore Harbor Island by kayak and find out about the local plants and animals of this unique estuary environment. Personal floatation devices and kayaks will be provided. Participants must have knowledge of kayaking. To register, click here.
Marine Education Center's Long Island Sound Marine Explorers Camp
For more information or to register, please visit the Marine Education Center's website or contact Kyle Troy at ktroy@vomny.org.
Rent the Pavilion Deck
Book your next family event, party or other gathering at beautiful Harbor Island Park. Rent the Pavilion Deck located adjacent to Stephen E. Johnston Beach to celebrate your special event along the tranquil coastline of the Long Island Sound. With 1,200 square feet of party space and seating for 48, this party space will be the ideal waterfront setting to enjoy and gather as you enjoy your celebration. As there is a high demand for popular dates throughout the season, we suggest calling the Recreation office at (914) 777-7784 or email recreation@vomny.org regarding availability and pricing. (Download the PDF flyer.)
Empty Slips at the Marina Available for Rent
Empty slips at the marina for boats of varying sizes are now available for rent. The Village of Mamaroneck Harbor Master oversees and administers all vessels located within the waterways of Harbor Island, assigns each applicant a slip space, and is responsible for maintaining records of dock and mooring assignments. If you are interested in reserving a slip, please contact Jeff LaRusso or Kristen Salov at the Harbor Master’s Office at (914) 777-7744.
MTA Committee and Board Meetings to Be Held July 17 and July 19
Livestreams Available
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board and Committee meetings will be held later this month. On Monday, July 17 starting at 9:00 a.m. and continuing throughout the day, MTA Board committee chairs will convene meetings of the Bridges and Tunnels, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad, New York City Transit, Audit, Capital Program, and Finance committees. On Wednesday, July 19 a meeting of the full MTA Board will begin at 10:00 a.m.
MTA Board and Committee meetings will provide an opportunity for the public to weigh in on Authority business, for up to 60 minutes, from either the MTA’s 2 Broadway headquarters or a remote location. Speakers will be allotted up to two minutes each and need to register, either online or in person at 2 Broadway. Any additional speakers who cannot be accommodated within 60 minutes will have the opportunity to provide video comments that will be sent to members of the board and posted online.
A news conference will begin approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the board meeting on July 19. Accredited news media representatives are invited to join and ask questions at the news conference either in-person or via Zoom.
Members of the public at committee and board meetings are required to adhere to the MTA’s Code of Conduct.
For details on meeting schedules and procedures for public participation, to watch meeting livestreams and access meeting materials, the public is encouraged to visit MTA Board Meeting, July 2023.
Mamaroneck Residents Deserve Safe Water / Los Residentes de Mamaroneck Merecen Agua
Donate to the Mamaroneck Public Library
The Mamaroneck Public Library needs your help. The Village of Mamaroneck has agreed to loan the Library $1.4 million to remain open, but the loan will need to be repaid in one year. Every tax-deductible donation, no matter the size, will help the Library repay this loan and continue providing essential services to Library patrons. Watch this video (courtesy of LMC Media) from Library Director Jennifer O'Neill. Click here to make a donation. And to learn more, visit www.mamaronecklibrary.org.
Sustainable Westchester's EnergySmart HOMES Program
The Village of Mamaroneck is joining Sustainable Westchester’s EnergySmart HOMES program to inform residents about home energy efficiency and cleaner ways to heat and cool their homes. They will connect you to resources including vetted industry experts and simplified financing to facilitate the process of making your home more comfortable, and green! Get started by signing up with EnergySmart HOMES to experience the many benefits of an energy efficient home. Click here to learn more or call (914) 242-4725 (ext. 122) with any questions.
Enjoy FREE Rides on ALL Westchester County Bee-Line Buses!
Beginning July 1 and running through Labor Day (Sept. 4), you can enjoy FREE RIDES on all Bee-Line buses. Valid on all routes including ParaTransit. For service alerts and bus schedules, please visit transportation.westchestergov.com/bee-line or call (914) 813-7777.
A partir del 1 de Julio y hasta el Día del Trabajo (Septiembre 4), puedes obtener un viaje gratis en los autobuses públicos del Bee-Line autobuses. Válido en todas las rutas, incluyendo Para Transit. Para alertas de servicio y horarios de autobuses, Viste http://transportation.westchestergov.com/bee-line o llame (914)813-7777.
About the Village of Mamaroneck's Weekly E-Newsletter
The Village of Mamaroneck has put together a weekly e-newsletter with information for residents that brings together resources from Village departments, volunteer boards, commissions and committees, as well as our partners in the community. To sign-up for the Village's e-newsletter, please visit village.mamaroneck.ny.us/subscribe, type (and confirm by re-typing) your email address at the top of the page, and select "Village News" at the top of the list. Alternatively, residents can email Robert Ingenito, the Village's Public Information Officer, at ringenito@vomny.org or call at (914) 825-8113. Whether sending an email or leaving a voice message, be sure to include your name and email address and say that you want to be added to the Village’s email list. (When leaving your message by phone, please be sure to spell your first name, your last name and your email address.)
For consideration in the Village of Mamaroneck's Weekly E-Newsletter (which is typically sent on Friday), submissions are due on Friday by 12:00pm. Send submissions to ringenito@vomny.org. All submissions are edited for tone and content.
Have you Signed-Up for RoboCalls ("Rave Mobile Safety") from the Village of Mamaroneck?
We encourage all Village of Mamaroneck residents to sign-up for our RoboCall ("Rave Mobile Safety"), in the event the Village needs to communicate special announcements quickly and directly to residents. Click this link to stay informed during emergency situations, important events and more. Alternatively, you can call Robert Ingenito, the Village's Public Information Officer, at (914) 825-8113. Leave a message on Robert's voicemail with your name and phone number and say that you want to be added to the Village’s robocall system. When leaving your message, please be sure to spell your first name and last name. (Please note that these notifications are separate from the Police Department’s Nixle Engage notification system.)
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