HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016_02_02 Sustainability Collaborative Minutes TOM Sustainability Collaborative
2016.0202 Minutes
Town of Mamaroneck Sustainability Collaborative
Meeting Minutes, February 2, 2016, 6PM —8PM, VFW
Attendees: Nancy Seligson,Steve Altieri, Mitch Green,, Marc Karell, Michele Lewis, Frank Owens, George
Roniger,Stephen Moser, Tony Gelber,Sue Odierna
6:10 PM Greetings &Call to Order
6:10 PM Minutes of January 5, 2016 Meeting—Approved
Quality of Life&Sustainability--Bike-able,Walk-able Consultant
6:15pm Introduction by Stephen Moser of Jonathan Orcutt, Independent Policy Consultant on Bike
Transportation.
Jonathan's presentation demonstrated how other cities have orchestrated their bike lanes. Below is a synopsis of
his major points and some of the statistics he reported on:
• In New York City, along Broadway, there are "Floating Parking Lanes"(not against curbs). Cycling has
increased 2 '1/2 times since adding bike lanes in NYC.
o It is a safety misconception that biking is dangerous:in reality in NYC, as biking volume increased
51%, crashes with injuries decreased 27%
• In other parts of the U.S and other cities,sharrows are often used.Jonathan feels sharrows are overused
in cities;noting that riders are not enthusiastic about them in areas of heavy auto/truck traffic
• For a two-way bike lane, 11 feet of space is needed,plus space before parked cars.
• A Portland, Oregon survey examined the "Four Types of Riders":
• 60%are interested but concerned;33%say "no way, no how"; 7%are enthused and confident
o Therefore, NYC's strategy for creating more bike lanes is to get that 60%.
• When adding bike lanes, go for the "low hanging fruit"
o Commuters already bike to train stations s,so start with bike lanes to these areas. These are the
easiest residents to target.
o Students should be targeted as well,for the same reason. Students and their parents at
Mamaroneck schools are already engaged through "Safe Bike Riding"classes, "Safe Routes to
School", Bike racks at Hommocks, etc.
Presentation concluded at 7:30pm. Discussion followed among the Collabs:
• Nancy suggested the Collabs choose a first step, --with which to kick off a project.
• Ralph suggested the program should be promoted as a safety project.
• Steve A. suggested that this go to the Traffic Committee for consideration before going to the Town
Board.
• Steve M will send comments to Jonathan, as well as organize a Task Force to develop one or more "Pilot
Project"ideas for consideration by the Collab at our next meeting. The goals is to get the paint dry on
TOM's first bike lane by this year's Memorial Day weekend.
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TOM Sustainability Collaborative
2016.0202 Minutes
Quality of Life--Leaf Blower Noise Ordinance
Draft of Leaf Blower Law submitted in 2015 by the Collaborative was reviewed by Attorney, Bill Maker and
presented to the Town Board. The Town Board was not very enthusiastic and was concerned with enforcing the
law. Mitch suggested there are really two issues here: the enforcement issue and the Board's lack of enthusiasm
about the proposal.
Nancy suggested that the Collabs and/or residents need to come to Town Board meetings to show the Board
there is demand for this type of legislation.
Steve A discussed difficulty of enforcing a noise ordinance if Police don't actually see the leaf blower in action.
They may simply hear it from a distance and not know where sound is coming from. It is easier to enforce a Leaf
Blower Law that specifies certain times of year when leaf blowers are not permitted.
Sustainability—Grow it Green Event(GIG)on April 10,2016
Sue and Michelle updated the group on the latest news regarding the above tri-municipal event. The rain barrel
demo and possible order-taking will be part of the GIG event. Sue is compiling contact information of area
Landscapers and a letter is to be drafted to go out to them in late Feb/early March inviting them to the event.
Sally/Lisa (co-chairs of event)are drafting the letter w/help from Michelle. Next meetings are Feb 10th and 24tn
Quality of Life—Moratorium
Nancy updated the Collaborative on the details of the Town's Moratorium on major residential construction.
Recent house teardowns have upset residents. Single family homes are sometimes adding 40%more to their
houses. The Town is considering an expansion of its site plan law to include major residential construction. If
amended, large residential construction projects--such as those resulting from a teardown --would require
Planning Board review for issues such as lot coverage, drainage and landscaping. At this time the Town is not
considering changes to floor area ratios and property setbacks. The Town might decide to look at FAR and design
guidelines but this moratorium is about land-use. The moratorium is in effect through March 31, 2016.
8:00 PM Next Meeting—Tuesday, March 1, 2016 @ 6PM—VFW(subsequently changed to March 3rd)
Subsequent to the Meeting, a 2016 Collaborative Meeting Calendar was reviewed and approved. Collaborative
meetings, and their agendas as they become available, will be included on the TOM website.
8:10 PM The meeting was adjourned at 8:10PM
2016 Priority Initiatives—Task Force Leaders
• Air& Noise Pollution George R
• Walk-able, Bike-able Mamaroneck Stephen M
• Improve Water Quality Nancy S, Michele L, Beth R
• Maintain & Improve Infrastructure Steve A, Frank 0
• Improve Community Preparedness Tony G
• Renewable Energy& Local Energy Frank 0, Marc K, Mitch G
• Near-Zero Waste Community Mitch G, Steve A
• Education &Awareness Michele L, Beth R
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