“Help Us to Help You”

by Cindy Goldstein -

Mayor Sharon Torres & Manager Kathleen Gill

 Following their President Michael Murphy’s advice that “policymakers pay attention to those who participate,” more than 20 Mamaroneck Chamber of Commerce members gathered on the evening of June 3rd at The New Jewish Home (Sarah Neuman) for a “Meet the Mayor” Q & A forum with Mayor Sharon Torres.  Also in attendance was Village Manager Kathleen Gill.

Priorities for Flood Mitigation

Murphy kicked off the meeting by asking both Torres and Gill to outline their priorities.  Not surprisingly, Torres said parking and zoning/flooding were at the top of her list with Gill also focused on problems with the Building Department paperwork and process.  Gill said she hadn’t had any complaints in the last three months – in stark contrast to the first three months on the job when her office was inundated with frustrated residents and business owners.

Torres went on to explain that the Village was “inviting the community in” and was seeking suggestions and input since the Board of Trustees (BOT) doesn’t have all the answers.

Murphy started off the meeting with a few questions.  He asked Torres what the most pleasant and unexpected surprise was when first taking office.  She replied that although she was an “unknown” in local politics, the community’s reaction to her election was incredibly supportive despite the fact we don’t all agree, and government can’t make everyone happy all the time.

Murphy moved on to ask what challenge is still unresolved.  Torres didn’t skip a beat and answered “flooding.”  Gill agreed and said the Village was presenting a major flood mitigation plan on June 23rd.  The Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) plan was moving slowly so the Village was developing a Plan B to start the design phase for several projects included in the recently adopted capital budget.  Torres picked up on this theme by reminding everyone that water knows no municipal boundaries.  The Village is applying for $10 million in grant money to add to the $6.6 million recently awarded by New York State.  See HERE. The plan is to work on downstream projects before doing work upstream because the faster moving water needs a place to go, so downstream properties aren’t flooded.  There will be various projects along the river and coastline and include the aquifer. 

The new Flood Mitigation Committee starts meeting this month.  This 7 member group will serve as a conduit between residents and neighboring communities to bring in more voices to deal with upstream development that contributes to Village flooding.  There are also opportunities for shared grant-writing and legal expenses.

On Everyone’s Mind - Parking

Responding to a question from the audience, Gill described the parking issue as one of actually having enough parking but lacking enough incentives for people to use the existing parking lots off of Mamaroneck Avenue, such as the Spencer Lot.  Removing the meters and installing pay stations would help as would make parking in the back lots free.  Gill said that over time it is possible to modify and change parking habits.  A recent change, suggested by the Chamber, is that parking is free after 4 pm in the Phillips Park lot behind Mamaroneck Cinemas, while parking fees may be increased on Mamaroneck Avenue to change behavior. 

There is also better lighting and signage in the works to guide visitors to parking options other than right on Mamaroneck Avenue, along with sensors for spaces on an app so visitors could find those available spaces.  Torres said that businesses could assist shoppers by putting parking information on their own websites.  The conversation also included how to discourage employees from parking in front of their workplace, which takes up prime spaces that could be available to shoppers.

But Wait, There’s More

Streamlining the building department application process is also on the mind of business owners.  Time-consuming and expensive was the description by owners who cited the fees charged and the need to hire professionals (e.g., attorney, architect, etc.) to get through the process.  Gill agreed that the process takes too long and costs too much and that her office was already looking at changes that could be made.

Torres gave a brief outline of other work being considered, such as a Harbor Island study, the possible resurrection of the Beautification Committee, and work that can be done by Village employees (e.g., painting, etc.).  Torres also wants to look at what else can be done - especially on the Avenue and Harbor Island - to attract and keep visitors in the Village to dine and shop.    She said there were lots of opportunities and that it was a matter of Village pride – “people should want to be here” she said.

Chamber President Michael Murphy