VOL Starts Work on Station Tunnel, OKs New Sprinkler Law

by Judy Silberstein

(August 14, 2008) Larchmont's Village Board used its August 11 meeting to tie up loose ends on a revised sprinkler law; hear a request to use public land; and recognize new and long-term staff members. Mayor Liz Feld announced the start of a much-delayed renovation of Larchmont's train station tunnel and renewed an argument with a former trustee over the organization of the fire department.

Tunnel Work Begins - At Last

Mayor Feld announced that Larchmont isn’t waiting any longer to begin renovating the notoriously dilapidated tunnel that connects the train station to parking in Mamaroneck Town. Despite years of commuter complaints, the project had been stymied while Larchmont and the New York State Thruway Authority argued whether the fix required maintenance (Larchmont’s responsibility) or capital repairs (Thruway Authority’s job). (See: Who Will Fix the Tunnel?)

Red cones mark drains that are being repaired by Larchmont's Department of Public Works in the tunnel commuters use to get from the station to parking in Mamaroneck Town.

More recently, repairs have been on hold so commuters can continue using the tunnel while the Town of Mamaroneck replaces stairs at an alternate access to the train station. Although fabrication of the stairs is once again delayed (until the end of August, Town Administrator Steve Altieri advises), Larchmont’s Department of Public Works is keeping the tunnel open as it repairs the drains. Further work, including the Thruway’s project to stop perennial leaks, will be scheduled after the stairs open.

"Less Onerous" Sprinkler Law

Larchmont’s Village Board voted unanimously to replace its 2002 sprinkler law with a less restrictive version. The original law, which was deemed substantially more rigorous than New York State code, required fire sprinkler installations in new homes or those being modified or expanded by more than 50%. The new law doesn't kick in until there is a 75% change. (See: New Law Proposed: Sprinklers for Larchmont?)

Larchmont’s building inspector praised the general concept of sprinkler systems. “I think they are a good thing to have,” said Frank Blasi. In particular, he cited densely packed, multi-story apartments in the downtown core and new three-story homes, which under state code must have complete sprinkler systems.

He noted that expansions on the third floor of existing homes will still require installation of sprinklers on the third floor and from there to “a means of egress” – typically the front door. That means sprinklers on the stairs and on each landing.

However, the new law includes a variance procedure and appeal process. “They’re making it more equitable,” said Mr. Blasi.

After its vote, Larchmont has thirty days to submit the law and supporting documentation to New York State.

Board Denies Request For Fence on Right of Way

Board members expressed sympathy but no support for a young couple seeking permission to erect a fence that would project three feet onto Village-owned land in front of their Coolidge Street home. Christie Philbrick-Wheaton and Adam Galvin said the fence, meant to protect their two dogs, would encroach less than an adjacent fence and would allow ample room for pedestrians.

New owners can be excused from not understanding the rules of the road. Previous boards have not enforced the regulations, and almost every street has examples of hedges, retaining walls and fences that have been allowed to stray over the property line, sometimes right up to the road. More recently, the board has been requiring homeowners to petition the Village Board when new curb cuts, fences or landscaping would encroach on Village property. There has been an increasing tendency to deny such requests.

Trustee Anne McAndrews said she understood the couple's frustration, but "I don't want to exclude the public from any more of the right of way."

No Peace on Fire Organization

Mayor Feld and former *Trustee Ned Benton, who have been at odds over the organization of the fire department for over a year, faced off again, with the mayor taking aim at his assertions (made in a recent Journal News column) that Larchmont’s fire budget is $400K more than the Town of Mamaroneck’s.

“Can’t compare,” she said and enumerated a number of key differences, including Larchmont's coverage of two business districts and 6 schools and its handling of over 1000 fire and emergency calls, almost as many as the Town. Furthermore, she said, current budget figures do not take into consideration savings from the recently concluded contract. Mr. Benton adopted a conciliatory tone but challenged the mayor to document her claims.

“What is your source?” he asked. “I am,” she responded, adding that Larchmont and Mamaroneck Town are conducting independent analyses of their departments and will issue their findings - with documentation - in due course. The analysis will not play out "in the media" she stressed.

Police Updating Finger Prints

Larchmont police are switching from old-fashioned inked finger prints to a RICI (Repository for Integrated Criminalistic Imaging) Live Scan system that will allow for almost instant electronic checks with Westchester County, New York State and federal data bases. Whereas inked prints require up to two weeks for a background check, officers will be able to use the Live Scan to quickly detect if a suspect is wanted elsewhere or a detained individual has supplied false identification.

Captain Tom Sullivan, who has been leading the department since Chief Rubeo left for vacation and ultimate retirement, told the board "we're on top of the curve." Eventually, all departments will be expected to use the new systems.

Larchmont Plugging into Electric Vehicles

Larchmont's DPW, tasked with maintenance and clean-up at Flint Park fields, will be cruising over fragile grass, drainage and irrigation pipes in a light-weight battery-operated GEM (global electric motor) car, reported Ms. McAndrews, who has been researching energy-saving initiatives. A grant from the New York Power Authority's Green Zone program will pay for approximately half of the GEM's $17,000 cost.

*Judy Silberstein is married to Ned Benton.