Maker Zone Moves Forward
- Mamaroneck Observer
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
by Kathy Savolt -
The long-held dream to reshape and revitalize the Industrial Zone has taken a big step forward. After momentum for the project stalled when Covid hit and the 2023 Comprehensive Plan reinvigorated the idea, the Village has engaged an outside firm to write a new section of the Village Code to spell out the Maker Zone Overlay in the M1 District.
At the June 8, 2026 Work Session of the Board of Trustees, attorney Matt McDonough of the Long Island firm McDonough PLLC presented a summary of the draft forty-one page law. This early draft was written by McDonough and his team which includes a planner and other attorneys.
What is a Maker Zone?
The presentation (see HERE) outlines what the Maker Zone Overlay District (MZOD) is and what it is not. Basically, it is an optional overlay on the current M1 District meant to encourage development of uses such as maker spaces, artists’ studios, live/creative work spaces, and small food and craft production.
The MZOD is designed to foster the creative community, add local jobs, as well as address environmental concerns. Any development using the MZOD would be required to meet all flood-related codes and include built-in protections for adjacent residential districts and the Sheldrake River
Property Owners Have Flexibility
When looking to develop (or redevelop their property) an owner can choose the MZOD or the existing M1 zoning code; it’s either or as aspects of the law cannot be cherry-picked. Property owners utilizing the MZOD would be eligible for incentives regarding their spaces. These incentives include increased height, floor area ratios, lot coverage and less street frontage.
Community Engagement
After the presentation, all parties agreed that community engagement was important. With the summer months ahead, it was agreed that work on the code could continue with public sessions in the Fall. Stay tuned!
