Patchwork Projects Equal a Plan for Flood Mitigation
- Mamaroneck Observer
- 9 minutes ago
- 4 min read
by Cindy Goldstein -
“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” That’s the takeaway from the Village of Mamaroneck (VOM) sponsored public meeting held on June 30th. Hosted by the Sarah Neuman Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, the 2-hour meeting updated the community on the VOM’s partnerships and progress to combat local flooding. Watch the entire meeting HERE.
Mayor Sharon Torres served as emcee, giving a brief overview of how the Village is tackling the enormous problem of flooding. Representatives from the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE), NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Westchester County, and Village officials attended and answered pre-submitted public questions on various aspects of the ambitious flood mitigation plans underway. These agencies have been in frequent communication with each other and have been working together.
Plan Rationale
Torres described the consensus among the VOM and its partners that mitigation must begin at downstream junctures and work upstream incrementally, project by project. Presenting a united front, some of the agency representatives made brief statements, but Executive Deputy Commissioner Michelle Marchello from DEC stated it most succinctly, acknowledging what everyone felt: there’s been a lot of progress, but it’s never fast enough.
Colonel Alex Young, the outgoing commander of the ACE New York district, is turning over his command and working to ensure a smooth transition to his successor, who attended the meeting. Young also commended the Mayor and Village and assured the group that leadership in Mamaroneck has direct access to his office to solve problems. He said his primary goal was to get the project into construction.
Village Manager Kathleen Gill spoke about the partnership and said that flood issues can only be addressed with the partners in the room. She also stated that the VOM is committed to the process and knows the partners are too.
Comprehensive Flood Update
Assistant Village Manager Dennis Delborgo presented a PowerPoint (see HERE) outlining the various projects, the locations, and the plans. Delborgo stressed that all these projects won’t eliminate flooding in the VOM but will reduce risk and improve resilience. There are several projects the Village is undertaking while the ACE project proceeds.
Delborgo is tasked with flood issues and emergency preparedness, which are closely related. The goal is to get excess water (whether from stormwater, riverine or coastal flooding) out of the Village as quickly as possible.
Q & A
Seeking Assurances About Money
Some of the questions were about whether the $88 million in federal funding is still available to pay for the plan. It was explained that the funds were appropriated by Congress and is with the ACE at the federal level. The New York region does not have the funds in hand yet, but they are available. Updated cost projections have increased since the original appropriation and could reach $154 million – the bulk of which would have to come from the federal government. Those additional funds must still be secured through Congress.
Another question was regarding the progress of the PPA (Projection Partner Agreement). Concerns had been raised that the agreement – which has not yet been signed – would delay the plan. It was explained that the PPA isn’t ready to be signed yet and that there are several levels of agreement among the partners. The PPA defines cost-sharing arrangements and other specifics which are not yet available. After the other agreements are in place, ACE will sign off. That agreement will unlock the funds to develop plans and specifications.
Ward Avenue Bridge
A question was asked regarding the Ward Avenue Bridge and the status of that project. The removal or replacement of this bridge was part of the ACE plan which is being done by Westchester County. The design is 60% complete, with a target start date in the third and fourth quarters of 2027.
Sheldrake River Debris
The Village Manager responded to a question about the debris in the Sheldrake River. Gill said there is ongoing code enforcement, as well as an attorney who has been hired to commence legal action against uncooperative violators who have received notices. Encroachments onto Village property have also been identified.
Update to Old Data
Concerns were expressed that the 2017 data is no longer relevant due to climate change and sea-level rise. ACE is redoing hydraulic modeling based on current, relevant statistics. Green infrastructure is also favored by ACE to build in as much flood resilience as possible. Floodplain benching in Columbus Park is a good example of using green infrastructure.
What About the Dam?
The VOM is working with NYS DEC and the Westchester Joint Water Works to determine next steps for the dam. Although this dam is not in the target area (it is upstream, and work is starting downstream), a study is being conducted to evaluate its potential impact on flooding.
Tompkins Avenue Bridge
A source of inconvenience for area residents, this bridge has been closed for several years due to safety concerns and is currently open only to pedestrians. The Village continues to look for funding. Gill explained the bridge might be replaced with vehicle access or possibly be a pedestrian walkway.
How Do We Speed Things Up?
When asked what could be done to expedite the process, ACE representatives pointed out the Village's responsibility for gaining access to private property (through acquisition and easements), which could begin soon.
Where Things Stand
The meeting ended with a promise of future updates at public meetings while the work continues.
