MAMARONECK, NY (May 13, 2023) — The Village of Mamaroneck has a busy schedule of meetings and events for the week of May 15 to May 21.
The week begins with the start of the leaf blower prohibition on Monday, May 15. The village bans the use of leaf blowers from May 15 to Sept. 30 each year, to reduce noise and air pollution and to protect the health and quality of life of residents and workers. Violators may face fines of up to $250.
On Tuesday, May 16, residents can cast their ballots for the annual school district budget vote and school board election. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at various locations in the village. The proposed budget for the 2023-2024 school year is $140.2 million, a 2.8 percent increase from the current year. The budget includes funding for academic programs, student services, facilities maintenance and security enhancements. The tax levy increase is 2.46 percent, within the state-mandated cap. Three candidates are running for two seats on the school board: incumbents Steve Warner and Paul Rode and challenger Nora Lucas.
Also on Tuesday, the Committee for the Environment will hold its monthly meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the village hall. The committee advises the village board on environmental issues and initiatives, such as recycling, energy conservation, stormwater management and climate change. The committee also organizes educational events and activities for the public, such as tree walks, beach cleanups and Earth Day celebrations.
On Wednesday, May 17, the Ethics Board will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the village hall. The board is responsible for enforcing the village’s code of ethics and reviewing complaints of ethical violations by village officials and employees. The board also issues advisory opinions and recommendations on ethical matters.
Later on Wednesday, the Harbor and Coastal Zone Management Commission will meet at 7:30 p.m. at the village hall. The commission oversees the protection and development of the village’s waterfront resources, such as the harbor, Long Island Sound and Mamaroneck River. The commission also reviews applications for waterfront projects and activities that require permits from the village or other agencies.
On Thursday, May 18, the Building Department will be closed from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for staff training. The department is in charge of issuing permits and certificates for construction, renovation, demolition and occupancy of buildings and structures in the village. The department also conducts inspections and enforces building codes and zoning regulations.
Later on Thursday, the Board of Architectural Review will meet at 7:30 p.m. at the village hall. The board reviews applications for exterior alterations or additions to buildings and structures in the village that are visible from a public street or park. The board evaluates the design, materials, colors and landscaping of proposed projects and ensures that they are compatible with the character and appearance of the surrounding area.
On Friday, May 19, the Building and Planning Departments will be closed from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for staff training. The Planning Department provides planning and zoning services to the village board, other boards and commissions, village departments and residents. The department also prepares comprehensive plans, studies and reports on various topics related to land use, transportation, housing and economic development in the village.
On Saturday, May 20, the village will celebrate the grand opening of its new Bark Park at Harbor Island Park at 10 a.m. The Bark Park is a fenced-in area where dogs can run off-leash and socialize with other dogs under their owners’ supervision. The park features separate areas for large and small dogs, benches, water fountains, waste stations and agility equipment. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk and requires an annual membership fee of $50 per dog for village residents.
Also on Saturday, the Town/Village Kayak Program will offer a naturalist tour from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., starting from Harbor Island Park. The tour will explore the wildlife and ecology of Mamaroneck Harbor and Long Island Sound with a guide from Sheldrake Environmental Center. Participants must be at least 12 years old and have some kayaking experience. The fee is $25 per person for village residents and $35 per person for non-residents.
On Sunday, May 21, the Committee for the Environment will host a free spring tree walk at 1 p.m., starting from Columbus Park. Participants will explore tree species and learn some in-depth information, fun facts, and tips about caring for trees.
