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Health & Fitness

PARKING IN THE VILLAGE OF MAMARONECK

Parking required for VOM continued downtown viability.

The Village of Mamaroneck is experiencing a marked surge as the premier destination for its numerous restaurants and cultural events. This also carries a "double edge" sword to consider, regarding the effects of our success, in relationship to new demands as a result of the increased visitors. This is plainly obvious to all who come to the "Friendly Village," and that is the limited parking during peak demands.

In order for the Village of Mamaroneck to maintain a viable downtown retail center, parking is one of the basic elements that we must consider for the continued growth and success that we are currently enjoying; otherwise, we may soon face a negative reaction by those who visit and experience the frustration of looking for an available parking space and subsequently leave without being able to park and not return in the future. 

There are options for this village; either the local leaders will respond to the new demands so our downtown will continue to thrive and develop, or, ignore the reality and let our village eventually decline and lose it appeal as a destination point for business and cultural events.

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It has been determined that a downtown parking space is potentially worth $20,000 to $30,000 in annual retail sales. It is also suggested that communities with a population of 18,000 to 20,000 provide up to 50 spaces per 1,000 people. The Village of Mamaroneck should have a minimum goal of 40 to 60 spaces per 1,000 for our downtown business area or a minimum of 800 versus the approximately 400 currently available.

I have proposed two-tier parking structures in the downtown business district. One behind the movie theater/CVS and the second at the Spencer parking lot. There are other sites and suggestions regarding the required parking in the village, which also should be part of the review.

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Now is the time for the village to review the demand for parking with planning to develop new parking facilities. I raised this subject at the last Board of Trustees meeting and have recieved several requests to continue public discussion for an initial three areas; Downtown Mamaroneck, Industrial area and the parking structure by the Library/Village Court. The first such discussion and presentations will take place at the Village of Mamaroneck Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, May 25 at the Village Court room, 7:30 p.m.

I invite all to participate who are downtown merchants, downtown property owners, people who visit our downtown for business or shopping, and all residents. One may also watch on LMC-TV and send your comment's to my attention at Village Hall, 123 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck, NY 10543.

Norman S. Rosenblum

Mayor

Village of Mamaroneck

 

 

 

 

 

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