Supervisor's E-Newsletter

February 2023

Comprehensive Plan Update

Our Comprehensive Plan Consultant, PACE Land Use Law Center, has been working diligently for several months now synthesizing feedback received from residents and other community stakeholders at workshops and pop-up sessions throughout the Town and gathering data from the surveys that many of you completed online. Based on the feedback received, the consultants have crafted the draft framework which contains goals, policies and actions. We are in the process of refining the framework as we work toward adoption of the Plan. Please be on the lookout for more opportunities for public input.

Department of the Month-- Ambulance District

The Town of Mamaroneck Ambulance District (TMAD), established in 1994, supports the administration, operations, and quality of emergency paramedic ambulance services of Town of Mamaroneck/Larchmont Volunteer Ambulance Corps (VAC) as well as the Village of Mamaroneck Emergency Medical Services (MEMS).  Michael LIverzani, who has been our Ambulance District Administrator for over 20 years, reports that over 3,100 calls were responded to in 2022 covering both Villages and the Town.  The Town employs part-time paramedics and EMTs for both VAC and MEMS.  Part-time paramedics provide advanced life support and EMTs provide basic life support. 

VAC (The Town of Mamaroneck/Village of Larchmont Volunteer Ambulance Corps), led by Chief John Pomponio, provides emergency medical services to the residents and visitors of the Unincorporated Area of the Town of Mamaroneck and the Village of Larchmont and has been doing so for over 50 years, since 1972. Our TMAD-provided paramedics are trained in advanced emergency skills: blood draws, IVs, obtaining and interpreting EKGs, and many more lifesaving procedures. 

MEMS (Mamaroneck Emergency Medical Services) led by Chief Jason Capalbo, is proud to be celebrating its 50^th year of service this year providing prompt and compassionate pre-hospital emergency medical care to the visitors and residents of the Village of Mamaroneck. The emergency medical technicians, attendants, and drivers at MEMS dedicate their time to ensure the Village of Mamaroneck is covered 24/7. 

I want to thank the members of VAC and MEMS for all they do for our community each and every day.  For volunteering opportunities at both VAC and MEMS, please see the "Our Town Needs You" section below!

Town Police Department Update

Over the last three months, the Town of Mamaroneck has experienced an uptick in residential burglaries. This increase in criminal activity is not unique to the Town.  It is emerging as a regional trend.  Rest assured, the Town of Mamaroneck Police Department is vigorously investigating each occurrence in the Town and is working closely with their County, State and Federal partner agencies to combat this recent increase in illegal activities.  Additionally, the Police Department has stepped up patrols within the Town.

In the meantime, here is what you can do to help the Police Department and prevent you or your neighbors from being victimized:

• Don’t make it easy.  Please remember to lock the doors and windows of your home and vehicles. 
• If you have an alarm system, please use it. Turn on your system whenever you are leaving the house, even if it is only for a short time.  Most burglaries are committed in less than ten minutes.
• Don’t let mail, packages or deliveries accumulate near your front door, that is a telltale sign the home is likely unoccupied.
• If you will be out of the house during the evening hours, consider leaving interior lights on or set timers.
• Consider installing exterior motion activated lighting around your home. 
• Secure valuables in a discreet location other than a bedroom.
• Lastly, if you observe suspicious vehicles or persons in your neighborhood, please contact the Police Department at 914-381-6100 or 911. Officers will be dispatched to investigate.

We have included a home security checklist here. Please review the list and consider implementing these suggestions in and around your home.

WJWW Water Filtration Plant

WJWW, your nonprofit water utility provider, has worked diligently with a team of environmental and engineering experts over the last three years to design a Water Filtration Plant to improve the quality of the drinking water for the more than 100,000 Westchester County residents that WJWW serves. The plant is needed to control levels of disinfection by-products, specifically Haloacetic Acids (HAA5s), that have been found at elevated levels in WJWW’s distribution system, and to comply with New York State and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency orders. 

The project site, which will require a land swap with Westchester County, is located on Purchase Street in a “Special Business” zoning district, adjacent to the Westchester County Airport. However, WJWW and our member municipalities (Town of Mamaroneck, Village of Mamaroneck and Town/Village of Harrison) are facing opposition to the land swap, and potential catastrophic fines if the plant is not constructed.  I think the opposition to the Water Filtration Plant is unfounded and that the building is designed in such a manner that it blends in with the surrounding community and will have no adverse impact on the area.  To obtain more information and to show your support for safe drinking water, and  the land swap needed to construct the Filtration Plant, please visit demandsafewater.org.

New York State Housing Plan

There has been much discussion among the many municipalities here in Westchester, and across the State, about the proposed housing plan announced by Governor Hochul early in February.  The housing plan, “The New York Housing Compact”, would require, among other things, all cities, towns and villages to achieve new home creation targets on a three-year cycle. Under certain circumstances, downstate municipalities served by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, such as the Town of Mamaroneck, will have a three percent new home target over each three-year cycle. In addition, "The Transit Oriented Development Act of 2023" would require cities, village and towns to adopt land use regulations allowing for higher density development for areas within one-half mile of an MTA transit station. In the case of the Town of Mamaroneck, the requirement would be 30 residential dwelling units per acre. 

Although housing is indeed in short supply and many would agree that New York is in the midst of a housing crisis, important issues such as the "one size fits all" approach of the Governor's Plan, the State taking control over local zoning and the exemption of projects under certain circumstances from environmental review, are quite controversial. Please refer to the summary published by the New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) for more information.

Senior Services Fair

Earlier this month, the Town's Senior Center hosted a "Senior Services Fair" -- an opportunity for senior citizens to learn about services available to them such as housing, transportation, elder advocacy, caregiver support, homecare, medical information, senior living options and many more. Over 150 interested residents stopped by the various tables where they could speak directly with representatives of the respective service providers. Attendees left with flyers, brochures and telephone numbers.  If you'd like to see the video LMC Media produced on this event, please click here.  If you would like to hear more about what our Senior Center offers, please call them at 914.834.8840. 

MHS Students for Sustainable Solutions

Mamaroneck High School students, Marion Karp, Larissa Bertini and Katie Loga who are part of the Original Civic Research & Action (OCRA) program led by teacher Joe Liberti, gave a noteworthy presentation to the Town Board earlier this month.  They presented their project aimed at encouraging restaurants to reduce single-use plastics on take-out orders by providing these items to customers upon request only, rather than automatically giving them out.  The OCRA students are working with Westchester County Legislator Catherine Parker, who is in support of the proposed County "Single Use Foodware Law." The Town Board was extremely impressed with the students' research and presentation and we adopted a resolution in support of the County passing the "Single Use Foodware Law" legislation. 

Memorial Park Renovation

Memorial Park is currently undergoing renovations to the existing playgrounds and the immediate area surrounding them.  The existing playgrounds were installed in 2000-2001 and are in need of replacement.   A variety of new play equipment and safety surfacing will be installed with pieces targeting children in the age range of toddlers up to 12 years of age.  In addition to new equipment, the project within the playground area will include new sidewalks, curbing, fencing, benches, trash receptacles, signage, and landscaping.

While construction is taking place, the playground area will be closed.  If all goes according to plan, it is estimated that the project will be completed, weather permitting, in May.

Town Communications

My office continues to receive calls from residents who are not aware of notifications such as changes to the sanitation pickup schedule, storm warnings, or other important community matters.  Don't miss out, please sign up for these notifications!

Visit  www.townofmamaroneckny.org and click on the gold circle that reads "Sign up for Alerts."  You can also sign up to receive the Supervisor's E-Newsletters there if this was forwarded to you or if you are viewing this on Facebook.  

In addition, the Town has several Facebook pages where we post emergency information as well as topics of community interest. "Like" and "Follow" us!  You'll find our main government page at:  https://www.facebook.com/TownofMamaroneckNY

Our Town Needs You! 

Please consider volunteering for the Town.  The Town is looking for qualified residents for the following:

1. Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department (TMFD)
2. Volunteer EMTs (VAC & MEMS)
3. Coastal Zone Management Commission
4. Board of Architectural Review (Alternate)
5. Recreation Commission
6. Planning Board (Alternate)

TMFD Needs You!
Are you age 14 or older, and looking for a way to volunteer and give back to your community?  The Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department may be the perfect answer!  The TMFD is always looking for new volunteers.  To learn more about volunteering, please call them at 914.834.2192 and press 3.

VAC Needs You!

Volunteers are members of the community just like you.  Our diverse group has teachers, contractors, business professionals, and many more among their ranks. The volunteers fill shifts around their professional schedules, ensuring that an ambulance is ready to respond 24/7/365.  Our annual call volume continues to climb, answering over 1600 calls for service in 2022; often turning out our two ambulances simultaneously multiple times a week. VAC is always looking for new members, age 17 and up, to fill day and night shifts. No prior experience is necessary!  If you're interested in learning more or submitting an application, visit us online today! www.larchmontvac.org/join-us.html. 

MEMS Needs You!

While we currently have over 70 active members, we are always looking to grow our ranks.  If you think you might be interested in volunteering for a rewarding journey of saving lives and working with your fellow neighbors, and you are age 16 or older, please visit mamaroneckems.org where you can submit an application.  No experience is necessary and all training is provided in-house. Together we can save lives!

Coastal Zone Management Commission is comprised of eleven members, each serving a term of three years.  It was established in 1986 to monitor and coordinate the implementation of the New York State approved Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan.  The Commission weighs in on proposed development in the watershed area.  Residents of the unincorporated area of the Town and the Village of Larchmont who have a demonstrated knowledge in the areas of conservation, drainage and groundwater issues, or the effects of development on the environment are encouraged to apply.  Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

Board of Architectural Review is comprised of five members, each serving a term of three years.  It was established in 1990 to review exterior plans or modifications to all structures except one-or two-family houses.  All members of the Board of Architectural Review shall be specially qualified either by reason of training or experience in architecture, land development, city planning, real estate, landscape architecture, professional property values or other relevant business or profession or by reason of civic interest and sound judgment, to judge the effects of a proposed building or alteration or remodeling thereof upon the property values and development of surrounding areas.  Meetings are held on the third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. 
 
Recreation Commission
The Recreation Commission was established in 1954 to review and recommend recreation programs, activities, and the development or expansion of facilities. The seven-member Recreation Commission is comprised of residents from the unincorporated area of the Town, the Village of Mamaroneck and the Village of Larchmont. To maintain the representative balance of the commission, at this time we are seeking members who reside in the Village of Larchmont.  Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.

Planning Board
The Planning Board is comprised of five members, each serving a term of five years. It was established in 1954 to review plans for the development of vacant areas, streets, and parks considering the environment, neighboring properties, traffic and parking. It reviews permits for subdivisions, site plans, freshwater wetlands, and special uses. At this time, we have an opening for an alternate member. In order to maintain a qualified and diverse board, we are currently seeking candidates with construction, engineering or architectural expertise rather than legal knowledge of this subject. The alternate serves an important function and may be called upon to vote on applications when a quorum of members in not available. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

If you are interested in being considered for any of the boards or committees, please contact Supervisor Jaine Elkind Eney by email at supervisor@townofmamaroneckny.org with a letter of interest and a resume.

Upcoming Town Board Meetings

Town Board work sessions and regular sessions are held in person and the public is welcome to attend.  The meetings are broadcast on LMC Media (channel 76 for Optimum customers or channel 35 for Verizon customers) and online at https://lmcmedia.org/.  

• Wednesday, March 1, 2023, the work session begins at 5:00 p.m., at the Town Center, in Conference Room A, followed by the regular session that begins at 8:00 p.m. in the Courtroom.
• Wednesday, March 15, 2023, the work session begins at 5:00 p.m. at the Town Center, in Conference Room A, followed by the regular session that begins at 8:00 p.m. in the Courtroom.

The Town of Mamaroneck is committed to fostering welcoming communities and an equitable, diverse and inclusive society.