At last night's regular Board of Trustees meeting, the Village of Mamaroneck adopted higher water rates, added a few more laws, modified traffic regulations and scheduled public hearings on parking and the Stormwater Law.

Increased Water Rates

The Board of Trustees has approved a 75 percent water rate increase to resolve pending deficits and cover capital projects to operate the water system. To learn more about this decision, click here.

Zoning and Subdivision

The board adopted Proposed Local Law (PLL) L-2010, which amends the zoning and subdivision regulations chapters of the Village Code. Work on this law began in February and several public hearings were held since.

These changes are meant to clarify the language in the code and respond to several recommendations made by the village's building inspector, Planning Board chairman, planning consultants and consulting engineer. They do not affect the Official Zoning Map, but "will result in some modifications to uses, structures and procedures within districts presented on the Zoning Map," according to a village memo.

Two sections regarding structures and landscaping guidelines have been severed and will be discussed at a public hearing on June 14.

The main changes relate to the allowed height for fences, walls and retaining walls; requirements for noticing of site plan and subdivision applications, and for posting signage; and expansion of uses in the M-1 zone (industrial), a recommendation of the Village's draft 2008 Comprehensive Plan.

Environmental Quality Review

The Environmental Quality Review chapter of the Village Code will be deleted because the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) is already in place. It will be adopted under the name "Critical Environmental Areas." A noteworthy change is that a site plan "shall be void if construction is not started within one year and completed within 2.5 years of the date of the final site plan approval." (The time allotted under the former law was two years.) To read the full text, click here.

New Letter of Map Revision

As directed by FEMA, the Village has adopted a new Letter of Map Revision which reflects changes to calculations used to indicate where base flood elevations are on the Long Island Sound, from Glen Island to Byram River.

Annual Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Report

The village's annual report of its Municipal Separate Storm Water Sewer System has been presented to the board by the village's consulting engineer, Keith Furey, and will be available for review and comments in the village clerk's office and on the village's Web site. A final report will be submitted to the Department of Environmental Conservation before June 1, 2010.

Agreement with State DEC for Taylor's Lane Composting Site

Greenhaven Road resident Bill Weinstein has been waiting for this issue to move forward for about eight years, he told the board Monday. And it seems that as early as this summer he'll be able to see some changes.

Next to Weinstein's home is a pond which did not exist when he first moved into his home 40 years ago and which contains contaminated water. The levels rise and fall, but since recent rains, the pond has been at its highest level and is not going down, he said.

The build-up and migration of contaminated waters also affects residences in the vicinity of Old Post Road and Taylor's Lane. According to Village Manager Rich Slingerland, a contract has been executed with the Department of Environmental Conservation so that the accumulating water can be removed and the issue fixed, and 75 percent of the costs can be reimbursed.

Settlement with former village attorney

The Board authorized a $5,000 settlement with former village attorney Janet Insardi. Slingerland explained that the settlement is in relation to a claim filed by Insardi, through her attorney, but would not comment any further. Trustees Ryan, Hofstetter and Ybarra voted yes; Mayor Rosenblum and Trustee Santoro voted no. 

Highland Drive

The Traffic Commission has requested the board to reverse a prior recommendation and keep Highland Drive a two-way street. In addition, as a safety measure recommended by the Fire Department, a "No Parking" sign will be added to a section of Washington Street.

Harbor Island Parking Plan

The board will hold a public hearing on May 27 to discuss amending the parking plan for the beach, boat ramp and sports facilities at Harbor Island Park. The board is considering implementing a seasonal parking permit and a ramp service charge and rack fees.

Stormwater Law

A public hearing has been set to adopt provisions regarding the administration and enforcement of the newly adopted Stormwater Law to further comply with DEC requirements. The public hearing will be held on May 27.

Train Station Parking

Parking meter rates for Jefferson, Van Ranst and Plaza avenues have been lowered from $0.50/hr to $0.25/hr. After increasing the fee, the village noticed a steady decline in the usage of those meters. The meters closest to the train station, however, will remain at $0.50.

Day Camp Fees

For residents, Village of Mamaroneck day camp rates for early registration remain the same this year, but regular registration rates are approximately 15 percent higher. Non-residents, however, will now pay a $200 surcharge per child. Because the village does not have full registration yet, the early registration discount (about $100) has been extended through this week. 

Committee on the Environment

The number of members has increased from seven to 11, so the committee now welcomes Catherine Hiller, Michaela Zeuss and Katherine Kaneko as new volunteers.

Harbor & Coastal Zone Management Commission

Tim Keebe has resigned from his position on the commission and Jim Billotta has volunteered to take his place.