Board Highlights August 11, 2025

Preliminary Discussion of Washingtonville Moratorium on New Construction

Mayor Sharon Torres brought up the topic of pausing new construction by passing a moratorium in the Washingtonville Area.  Smaller site renovations would not be subject to the moratorium and homeowners could still improve their properties.  Torres stressed that the moratorium would be important while the Washingtonville Drainage Project is underway since many streets in the area will be “ripped up” during that project and major construction on adjacent sites would be difficult.  The BOT discussed the scope of the moratorium and timing.  Village Manager Kathleen Gill pointed out that the BOT may grant exceptions for certain projects.  There will be more discussion to follow.

New York State Blue Buffers Program

The Village of Mamaroneck has been invited to participate in the new NYS Voluntary Flood Risk Property Buyout Program.  The State has a total of $250 million to purchase real property identified as at-risk for flooding from willing sellers at pre-flood fair market value, demolish and remove structures and/or infrastructure, and transfer properties to land stewards to facilitate the restoration of open space and flood mitigation.

Mayor Sharon Torres emphasized that willing property owners who are chosen will not incur any expense, including relocation.

The BOT agreed to respond to the invitation by authorizing a Letter of Intent to participate.  Non-invited municipalities will compete for participation in the program.

More details to follow.  See flyer HERE.

Update on the Army Corps Flood Mitigation Project

Mayor Sharon Torres reported that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) should be finalized soon between the Army Corps, the NYS Department of Conservation (DEC), Westchester County and the Village of Mamaroneck.  Once this MOU is in place Westchester County will take over the Ward Avenue Bridge project.

A three person team from the Army Corps will be in the Village on August 29^th looking at sites for planned test borings.  The borings will only be on Village owned property or rights of way and they will confirm that the locations are suitable based on the presence of utility lines, steep slopes and other potential impediments.

Torres also reported that the $88 million committed by the federal government to the project is still available despite the fact that the entire project is now estimated to be $154 million.  Additional funds have been requested.  See press release HERE for more information about Village flood mitigation efforts.

Changes to the Garbage Code

The BOT agenda included a resolution to schedule a public hearing on changes to the Village Code regarding garbage.  However, it appeared that the BOT had not seen the changes and a long discussion ensued.  Currently, the code allows residents to put their trash out at the curb 24 hours before pickup.  All agreed this was excessive but, what time is right?  And is one time right for all?  And is there a problem Village-wide?  Or is it just Mamaroneck Avenue?

Enforcement of the current code was also discussed as trash is frequently put out in bags and not lidded containers as required.

In the end, the BOT agreed that each member would send their comments to the Village Manager and Village Attorney.  See draft changes HERE.

Village Considers Installing More Electric Vehicle Chargers

The BOT reviewed a presentation by Jeff Ahne, General Foreman of Parks, to increase the number of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the Village.  Although purchasing and installing the equipment comes at a considerable cost, there are NYS and Federal incentives which reduce the capital outlay.

The proposal is to add up to 6 new EV charging stations at various Village parking lots which would be available to the public for a fee.  (There would also be a parking fee for the use of the space along with the fee for electricity.)  Based on even minimal estimated usage the Village would realize revenue from the stations.  Village Manager Kathleen Gill reported that there were some funds in the Capital Budget earmarked for the chargers.

Another factor is that these additional installations would help the Village move to “Silver Status” from Bronze under the NYS Climate Smart Communities program and increase the availability of grant monies along with supporting sustainability and energy independence.  The BOT members agreed, and the item will be on the next BOT meeting’s agenda for approval.

New Outdoor Movie Screen and Speakers

Jason Pinto, Superintendent of Recreation, presented the results of a “Request for Quotes” for the Village to purchase a new 30’ outdoor cinema system which would include a screen and audio visual equipment. See HERE. Based on the success of recent movies in the park and the fact that the current screen is “de-laminating” the time seems right to replace it.  The lowest quote is $26,610 but Pinto explained that the speakers could be used at other Village events.  This item will be on the next BOT meeting agenda for a vote.

Village to Auction Surplus Vehicles

As detailed in a memo to the BOT from James Barney, Public Works Superintendent (see HERE), fifteen cars, trucks and boats have been decommissioned and are ready to be sold at auctions.  During the BOT discussion, it was said that several of these vehicles had been replaced by the previous administration, but the old vehicles were not sold.

Water Rates to Increase

See Article HERE.