Town Passes Floor Area Ratio Legislation

( Updated January 13, 2003; Original Publication January 8, 2003 ) After almost two years of public hearings, work sessions, formal and informal discussions, and numerous field trips, the Mamaroneck Town Board unanimously approved “Floor Area Ratio” legislation at its regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday January 8, 2003. According to Councilwoman Judy Myers, the local law aims to address issues dealing with the “proportion, mass and volume” of single and two family dwellings in the Town.

Before the final vote, Town Attorney Maker outlined the 3 changes incorporated into the law since the December 18, 2002 Town Board meeting. Members of the audience asked a couple of questions to clarify some specifics but seemed as eager as the Board to finalize the new legislation. One citizen suggested that “before and after” pictures be taken at renovation and/or tear down sites. According to the Board, this would have to be considered in a separate piece of legislation.

Supervisor Valerie O’Keeffe thanked members of the community for providing suggestions, for participating in the many public hearings and for contributing to the discussion of this complex issue. She cited architect Arthur Wexler who has spoken at several public meetings and contributed much expert feedback. Supervisor O’Keeffe also thanked Town Attorney Maker for his patience in drafting numerous versions of the legislation. Councilwoman Seligson noted that the process of drafting the legislation “has educated us about the issue.”

The FAR legislation will become effective as soon as it is filed with the New York Secretary of State (early next week). Residents with building plans already filed with the Town will have 90 days to obtain a Building Permit. Plans currently on the Planning and Zoning Board agendas will also be exempt from the new law.

According to a January 9 press release from Stephen Altieri, "Anyone who already has filed building plans which violate the floor area ratio but comply with all of the requisites for a building permit, can still get a permit but must do so within the first 90 days after the law goes into effect...Similarly, any person who currently has an application for a variance pending before the Board of Appeals or an application pending before the Planning Board is exempt from the law."

Other Business

Town Administrator Altieri proposed that the current Deputy Receiver of Taxes, Raymond Bingman, be promoted to the position of Receiver of Taxes upon the resignation of Carmine deLuca. (Mr. deLuca is also Town Comptroller but resigned from the Receiver of Taxes position effective January 8, 2003.) The Board unanimously approved this change and authorized the required employment agreement.

Councilwoman Phyllis Wittner reported on a Service Awards ceremony held by the Fire Department and complimented the Department for its recruitment of new volunteers and its development of a young “explorer” group. The Service Awards are part of an incentive plan developed by New York State to encourage volunteer fire department programs throughout the State. The program provides opportunities for volunteer fire personnel, who meet specific performance requirements, to earn points towards a retirement benefit after 10 years of service.

Dissatisfaction with recent changes in the local cable television service was expressed. Residents are encouraged to call the Town offices if they experience any difficulty in receiving the new channels (75, 76 and 77) local access channels.

Councilman Ernest Odierna encouraged community participation in the Martin Luther King commemoration on January 15 at the Emelin Theatre. Local clergy will participate in a discussion of “The Man, the Message, and the Movement.”

Supervisor O’Keeffe announced that the Town Police Department has been commended by Westchester County District Attorney Jeanine Pirro in helping to resolve an international child abduction case.

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The next meeting of the Mamaroneck Town Board will be held on Wednesday January 22nd. This meeting will include a public hearing on the issue of allowing special meetings of the Coastal Zone Management Commission.

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