No Permits – No Work

by Cindy Goldstein -

As reported earlier this month, the Mamaroneck School District was proceeding with construction at two sites in the Village – Mamaroneck Avenue School and Mamaroneck High School – to install solar carport structures in their parking lots without obtaining required permits from the Village.  See Article HERE.

Stop Work Orders were issued for work that started without a permit and Village Manager Kathleen Gill reported that work had stopped and heavy machinery removed from both sites.  The Village requested information about the details of the projects, but nothing had been received despite what Gill describes as “productive conversations” with Superintendent Charles Sampson.  Gill said this was now a legal matter.

At the Mamaroneck Avenue School site, a second posted Stop Work Order includes the reference to a required Floodplain Development Permit that had also not been obtained.  Compliance with the law is especially important in Washingtonville, which regularly experiences extreme flooding conditions.

A visual inspection of each site shows that no blacktop has been disturbed.  With school starting in another month there should not be any significant inconvenience while the required process is followed.

Editor's Note: Neighbors have reported that significant blacktop was disturbed to install the numerous concrete pylons and then replaced. There is a large aquifer (water body) under the site and these pylons (supports) extend at least 8-10 feet deep potentially displacing the groundwater and increasing flood risks. See Photo.

Neighbor's photo showing underground water (not from a rain event)

There is no exemption from following the Village’s land use process for schools.  It is unclear why the school district did not apply for permits prior to starting the work and until information is submitted to the Village it is not clear which, if any, land use boards will review the project.

A phone message left for the Mamaroneck School District’s superintendent from The Mamaroneck Observer has not yet been returned.

Mamaroneck Avenue School Site

Mamaroneck High School Site