Supervisor's E-Newsletter

October 2023

Early Voting

Election Day is around the corner and once again, the Mamaroneck Town Center is your convenient location for Early Voting, which began this past Saturday and continues through Sunday, November 5^th.  Any registered voter in Westchester County can vote early at the Town Center, but remember if you vote on Election Day, November 7^th, you must go to your assigned polling location.  Please see our website's voting info page for all of the details including early voting hours.

Vigil for Israel

Most of the events this past month in the Town were overshadowed by the international news of the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel. There was an outpouring of public support for the State of Israel and I helped to organize and led the Tri-Municipal Vigil at Harbor Island Park. Hundreds gathered together to stand in solidarity with the State of Israel, to grieve collectively, to hold each other up, and to find peace and comfort in our community.

Elected officials who spoke included NYS Senator Shelley Mayer, NYS Assemblyman Steve Otis, County Executive George Latimer, County Legislator Catherine Parker, Village of Mamaroneck Mayor Tom Murphy and Village of Larchmont Deputy Mayor Dana Post.  Clergy who spoke included Rabbi Jeffrey Sirkman of Larchmont Temple, Rabbi Jeffrey Arnowitz of Westchester Jewish Center, Rabbi Mendel Silberstein of Chabad of Larchmont and Mamaroneck, and the Reverend Tami Burks of St. Thomas Episcopal Church.

As I know you all do as well, I hope and pray for the safe return of all of the hostages.

Department of the Month -- TMFD

The Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department (TMFD)is a Combination Department comprised of 14 career firefighters and approximately 60 volunteer firefighters who work together to provide emergency services to the residents of the unincorporated area of the Town (outside the Villages of Larchmont and Mamaroneck). The Fire District stretches from its southern end at Premium Point to the northern end at the Saxon Woods entrance on Mamaroneck Avenue.  Residents of the Fire District can have properties with zip codes in 10801 (New Rochelle), 10538 (Larchmont), 10543 (Mamaroneck),  and 10583 (Scarsdale). The TMFD's "home" is the Weaver Street Firehouse which has been a staple of the community dating back to 1907.    

The Department responds to many types of incidents including fire suppression, car accidents, gas leaks, water rescues, storm rescues, and EMT First Responder on EMS calls. The TMFD also does fire prevention outreach to the schools, apartment buildings and for community events. In 2022, the Department responded to a total of 1,302 emergency calls, training drills and outreach events.  The Department also conducts fire eduction events at area schools, attends local block parties, and co-sponsors the Annual Food Truck Festival, 5K/Lil' Bunny Hop, and Halloween Drive Thru with the Recreation Department.  Perhaps my favorite TMFD event takes place the day before Thanksgiving when they prepare entire holiday meals for those in need, which they deliver on Thanksgiving morning.

The TMFD is led by three volunteer Chiefs, Tom Broderick (Chief), Alex Rapp (1st Deputy Chief) and Joseph Russo (2nd Deputy Chief).  In addition to the Chiefs, there are four volunteer Captains, four career Lieutenants and four volunteer Lieutenants. They are always seeking new members who want to serve their community.  Please see the website recruiting page at https://tmfd.org/joining/ for more info.  They also have a Junior Firefighter Program for those ages 16 & 17 and regular membership for those over age 18. 

Fallen Firefighter Ceremonies

I was honored to be in Albany with the families and friends of Dennis Tortorella and Brian Payne, two Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department volunteer firefighters, as their names were added to the NYS Fallen Firefighters Memorial there.  I also attended the Westchester County Fallen Firefighters Ceremony, in Valhalla, when their names were added to the Memorial which is located there.

Firefighters Dennis Tortorella and Brian Payne left the safety of our community on September 11, 2001 and rushed down to the City to serve.  They have since passed away due to 9.11 related illnesses. We will never forget their service nor their sacrifice.  

• NYS Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony, Albany

• Westchester County Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony, Valhalla

Oktoberfest at the Senior Center

Last week, I took a trip to Germany, but never left Boston Post Road! Oktoberfest was celebrated at our Senior Center, with live music by the Dueces Wild Duo and plenty of dancing.  A delicious lunch of chicken schnitzel, roasted potatoes, pretzels, red cabbage and cherry apple pie were served.  I didn't see any lederhosen on the men, but perhaps I missed that!

Thanks to our Recreation Department headed by Jill Fisher and our Senior Center Coordinator Stephanie Hart and her staff who always do a great job celebrating holidays with our Seniors.

The Larchmont Gardens Civic Association (LGCA) Halloween Walk

The LGCA's "Halloween Walk" was held this past Saturday.  This annual event in "The Gardens," which kicks off at the Lansdowne Bridge and continues along along East and West Brookside Drive, is always a fun-filled delight.  Although it felt more like July than October as the parade of neighbors strolled along, I think we all enjoyed the warmth and especially, the creative costumes adorning both children and adults.

Environmental News

Living Shorelines

Earlier this month, I attended a press conference held by State Senator Shelley Mayer and State Assemblyman Steve Otis to announce their legislation to encourage the use of nature-based solutions for stabilizing shorelines, also known as living shorelines.  The "Living Shorelines Act" has been signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul.  Responsible management of shorelines along tidal waterways will help to ensure that permitting decisions support natural shorelines that provide habitat for wildlife as well as flood protections for communities such as ours. It was a beautiful day, and the event took place at a residence in the Town of Mamaroneck along the shoreline that utlized these methods.

Repair Cafe 2023

The Town of Mamaroneck Repair Cafe, held earlier this month, was a huge success!  Nearly 50 of your fellow neighbors arrived at the Mamaroneck Senior Center, with broken lamps, toys, fans, jewelry and much more in hand!  Our volunteer fixers did their best to repair the 88 items that were brought in and everyone had a great time, nibbling on snacks, enjoying baked goods, listening to live music (thank you Mamaroneck High School band members) and just enjoying our neighbors!

Thank you to the Town's Sustainability Collaborative for organizing this event. Thanks also to the Larchmont Environmental Committee and Village of Mamaroneck Committee for the Environment for their support.  A huge thank you to the volunteer fixers as we cannot run this event without them.

Westchester County Legislator Catherine Parker, Town Supervisor Jaine Elkind Eney and Deputy Town Supervisor Abby Katz all stopped in to check out the repairs!

The Repair Cafe, created in 2009 in Holland, is an international initiative whose purpose is to keep broken items that can be fixed out of the waste stream and to support neighborliness and community spirit!

Educational and Delicious Community Class!

Earlier this month, the Town's Sustainability Collaborative co-sponsored a class with the Larchmont Mamaroneck Center for Continuing Education. The class, titled "Reduce Food Waste with Delicious Recipes from Renowned Local Chef Adam Kaye" provided registrants with an understanding of the issue of food waste as well as delicious recipes using leftovers and ingredients that might otherwise be tossed in the trash.  Adam Kaye is the co-founder of The Spare Food Co.  He previously spent two decades working at the famous "Blue Hill" restaurants, as Chef and Culinary Director.  The reviews are in and it seems the evening was eye-opening and mouth watering (yes, the registrants were able to taste all the recipes).  We cannot thank Chef Adam enough for his wonderful presentation and cooking demo.

Coffee with a Cop

"National Coffee with a Cop Day" is held annually on the first Wednesday in October.  The Town of Mamaroneck Police Department hosted this event on October 4th at Dunkin' in the Town of Mamaroneck on Boston Post Road.  This community-oriented gathering gave residents an opportunity to engage with their local law enforcement officers in a casual setting to ask questions and share concerns. The event also fostered a greater understanding of the police force's role in the Town of Mamaroneck. Overall, it was a successful event that promoted a harmonious partnership between the Police Department and the community they serve and protect.

Permit Parking in the Town

The Town of Mamaroneck has many parking options. If you are a commuter, Lot A located at Myrtle Boulevard and Vine Street, on the Manhattan-bound side of the Larchmont Train Station has availability. There are two options in commuter Lot A: a daytime permit currently costs $900 per year and is prorated after April, so would now cost $150 through the end of 2023. A meter permit is also available, which currently costs $110 plus requires you to feed a meter/pay station $.60 cents per hour between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m.  All permit holders may choose to put up to two vehicles on one tag, at no extra charge in Lot A, but only one vehicle may be parked in Lot A at any given time.

There is no overnight parking in Lot A so, if you are looking for 24/7 parking, the Town of Mamaroneck offers 24-hour parking in Lot B, D and E. Lot B is the double-decker garage and deck at the corner of North Chatsworth Avenue and Myrtle Boulevard. Lot D is comprised of the six parking spaces situated off of Myrtle Boulevard, near Madison Avenue. Lot E includes the six numbered spaces at the very beginning of Vine Street. There is limited space available on the upper deck of Lot B, as well as D and E. Permits currently cost $1,000 annually, so the cost would be $167 for November and December of 2023.

Lot C is available for overnight parking only. Lot C is situated at Myrtle Boulevard and Madison Avenue. One can pick up their vehicle in the morning from Lot C and then leave their vehicle after work and on weekends currently for $450 or $550 per year, depending on whether or not the permit is for a resident. The prorated cost of a Lot C permit for the last two months of 2023 is $75 or $92, respectively.

Once you have a Town of Mamaroneck permit, you have right of first refusal for the following year.  If you would like additional information on any of our parking options, please contact the Town Clerk’s office at 914-381-7870.

Our Town Needs You! 

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

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

The 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. 

The 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. 

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.

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 is not available. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

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

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 and include a letter of interest and your resume.

Town Communications

My office continues to receive calls from residents who were not aware of notifications such as changes to the sanitation pickup schedule, storm warnings, or other important community matters.  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 for this E-Newsletter there if this was forwarded to you.

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

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