Route 1 Improvements: A Call for Conversation

by Cindy Goldstein -

If there’s one thing everyone can agree on, it’s that traditional communication methods don’t work anymore.  In an age when we are all bombarded with information from all directions, it’s easy to miss key notices about important developments in our own community.  To reach the widest audience, information must be shared through multiple channels: email, website postings, social media, etc.

DOT Proposed Project Draws Scrutiny

The proposed Route 1 improvements have drawn extensive criticism on social media, from residents and local businesses alike.  The NYS Department of Transportation (DOT) expects each of the 3 impacted municipalities (the Village and Town of Mamaroneck and the Village of Larchmont) to gather and compile public comments.  Because of the heightened concern, Village Manager Kathleen Gill expects at least 1 public session to provide information and solicit public input.  In addition to that public meeting, the VOM will also get input from consultants and traffic experts, the police department, and the fire department.

BOT Approves Narrow Contract for Engagement

At the Legislative Session of the Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting on September 9th, the agenda included a resolution (see HERE) to approve a contract with BURCH, a public relations consultant, solely and specifically to help the Village reach out to and solicit as much public input as possible.  See HERE. While two residents criticized the expenditure (capped at $5,000) as unnecessary because the Village had never used a consultant before, the BOT approved the contract 3:2, with Trustees DeRose and Silver voting “no.”