HomeMy WebLinkAboutTown Hall Study Committee Report 12/1/1967 TOWN HALL STUDY
COMMITTEE REPORT
DECEMBER 1967
ft e,
FOUNDED 1861
ANTHONY G. QUADRINE TOWN OF MAMARONECK
COUNCILMAN WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N. Y. ASSESSMENTS
CIVIL DEFENSE
122 HIGHVIEW STREET TOWN OFFICES
MISCELLANEOUS AFFAIRS
MAMARONECK, NEW YORK 158 WEST BOSTON POST ROAD
OW 8.2244PLANNING
MAMARONECK. N. Y.
OWENs 8.8300
t cember 1967
To the Town Board
Town of Mamaroneck
The Town Hall Study Committee submits for
your study and consideration the report of
its findings and deliberations with relation
to a site for a new Town Hall and Police
Headquarters for the Town of Mamaroneck.
The Committee has met and discussed in de-
tail each of the sites set forth by our En-
gineer and herein presented, and each mem-
ber has personally viewed these properties
a number of times since this study was
begun.
We are deeply and most particularly in-
debted to Woody Dayton who is directly re-
sponsible for this report and so to him our
thanks, our appreciation and our gratitude.
The Committee has asked me to express
its thanks to the Board for this opportunity
to serve.
The Town Hall Study Committee
by Anthony G. Quadrine
Liaison Councilman
b)
MEMBERS OF
TOWN HALL STUDY COMMITTEE
Anthony G. Quadrine, Liaison Councilman
C. Woodford Dayton
William H. Johnson
M. P. Medwick
Joseph J. Rigano
A. C. Viebranz
Platt K. Wiggins
William P. Widulski, Town Engineer
The Committee is indebted to the following
for their assistance in the preparation of
this report:
Robert Chin R. A. - Graphics
Empire State Blue Graphic
Print Company - Reproduction
The Town Hall Staff - Typing and
Reproduction
REPORT OF THE TOWN HALL
STUDY COMMITTEE
The Committee was established by the Town Board
of the Town of Mamaroneck on June I, 1966 for the pur-
pose of analyzing and recommending possible parcels
of land for acquisition as a site for a future Town Hall
and Police Department.
The Committee has held numerous meetings to con-
sider possible locations, and individual members have
personally acquainted themselves with the parcels, their
physical characteristics, their assets and disadvantages.
Due to the limited number of vacant tracts available in
the Town of Mamaroneck of sufficient size to accommo-
date a project of the scope contemplated the Committee's
study has as a result been restricted.
Primary to the consideration of site selection the
Committee agreed that it was mandatory to determine
the scope of the facilities required for each of the re-
spective buildings including necessary parking and land-
scaped areas. This has been developed withthe aid of
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Town employees and officials and is outlined further in
this report. It is intended that these requirements shall
serve only as a guide until such time as the program has
been more adequately explored.
In order to determine the area and location of site
required for the proposed facility it was felt necessary
to estimate, with limited available information, the
building size, parking area and landscaping required
consistent with good architectural planning. This in-
formation is detailed in Appendix "A". It was agreed
that both the Town Offices, consisting of administrative
functions and council chamber, and the Police Station
be separate but adjoining buildings limited to one story
in height in order to be compatible with surrounding
areas.
It was agreed, based on information contained in
Appendix "A", that the site should accommodate the fol-
lowing elements:
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1. Town Offices 10, 000 S. F.
2. Police Station & Garage 10, 000 S. F.
3. Police Yard 4, 500 S. F.
4. Public Parking 30 cars 10, 000 S. F.
5. Landscaped Area 30, 500 S. F.
Total Site Requirement (Min. ) 65, 000 S. F.
In consideration of the foregoing conditions, the
Committee respectfully submits the following report.
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DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING FACILITIES
Administrative Facilities
The administrative offices of the Town of Mamaro-
neck have for innumerable years been located in rented
space in a converted dwelling on the Post Road in the
Village of Mamaroneck. Prior to 1962, the basement and
two upper floors were occupied but with the steady popu-
lation growth it became necessary to acquire the third
floor for additional office space.
Each move has necessitated renovations none of
which has resulted in sufficient office space for the Town
administration. It lacks ade quate power at present to
operate the business machines employed. There is a
lack of storage space and sanitary facilities for both the
public and employees. It is the opinion of the Committee
that while the building is well adapted for other uses, it
would be economically unsound to renovate on a tenant
basis to the extent required for office space for the Town
offices.
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There is no doubt of the real need for a new Town
administrative office. The present facility is not commen-
surate with, or representative of, the community it serves,
and is inadequate according to Professional Management
Consultant studies.
Police Headquarters
Quarters are located in a converted dwelling in
a residential area on Edgewood Avenue. The building is
well maintained and its exterior character blends well
with adjacent dwellings. However the impression is
created due to its location and its lack of facilities
that these are temporary quarters established years
ago. It is fortunate that no major sums of money
have been spent on improving the structure over the
last decade since the location is incompatible for such
facilities, lacks grounds and parking areas for the Police
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and the public, and the building is of such configuration that
the requirements for a modern police department could never
be achieved regardless of expenditures.
The station operating 24 hours a day creates a neigh-
borhood hardship although a gracefully accepted one,
since trailer trucks and disorderly persons are brought in
frequently in the middle of the night creating a disturbance.
In addition, due to lack of any parking facilities, Edgewood
Avenue in the immediate area is congested with cars creat-
ing a traffic hazard when court is in session or the Town
Board is meeting.
The deficiencies of the building are so numerous that
it is not possible to include all in this report. However the
following are of prime consideration:
1. The law requires that juvenile offenders ,
when brought in, not be required to pass
the Desk Room. This is not possible
under present conditions.
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2. There are no lawyer-client conference
rooms nor are there satisfactory in-
terrogation rooms.
3. Court Room, Judges Chamber, and ad-
ministration office areas are inadequate.
4. Cell blocks are remote and difficult to
keep under supervision.
5. Locker rooms, sanitary facilities for
both Police and public, garage, and
workshop areas are also inadequate.
In general, the building is of such age and its accommo-
dations so obsolete that the facilities described under Ap-
pendix "A" required to comply with present day standards
could never be achieved. Since the efficient functioning of
the Police Department is vital to the welfare of the com-
munity, it is evident from the foregoing that if that depart-
ment's full potential is to be realized, new housing for
this department must be provided in the immediate future.
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SITE DATA rtCz ANALYSIS
The following sites were considered in order as
indicated on the accompanying map of the Town. De-
tail plans of each site accompany this package.
1. Hammocks Area
Site consists of two parcels. Investigation in-
dicated that each was deed restricted to either
park or recreation purposes. It was the
Committee's consensus in consideration of
the foregoing and the fact the site was remotely
located that no further consideration be given.
2. N. E . Corner Weaver & Palmer Ave .
to N. H. R. R. right of way, formerly nursery,
area approximately 80, 000 S. F. , private
ownership, assessed valuation $37, 000. , site
rises to the north and slopes eastward.
Advantages --
(a) adequate site area & acceptable terrain
(b) assessed valuation among lowest of par-
ecels considered
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(c) centrally located
Disadvantages
(a) purchase or condemnation required
(b) traffic conditions will be aggravated by lo-
cating facility at intersection of arterial
roads
3. N . W . Corner Weaver & Palmer Ave .
Site northwest corner of Palmer Ave. & Weaver
St. , Palmer to N. H. R. R. right of way, five
parcels private ownership, total area 113, 374
S. F. , total assessed valuation $64, 000. , site
slopes abruptly to north and is level on Palmer
Ave. frontage.
Advantages —
(a) central location
(b) adequate site area
Disadvantages
(a) purchase or condemnation required
(b) high assessed valuation
(c) terrain not conducive to an integrated
complex without abrupt change in elevations
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(d) traffic conditions will be aggravated by lo-
cating facility at intersection of arterial
roads
4. Northwest Corner North Chatsworth
Avenue and Garfield Street
Site - west side Chatsworth Ave. , Garfield St.
on south, Madison Ave. on west, approximately
205 x 550, area 112, 750 S. F. , assessed valu-
ation $34, 000. , generally level sloping west-
wardly.
Advantages —
(a) centrally located
(b) adequate site area
(c) terrain generally level
Disadvantages —
(a) purchase or condemnation required
(b) foundation conditions on portion of plot con-
ceivably poor
(c) configuaration of plot due to ratio of width to
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length dictates a lateral disposition of
buildings as opposed to a compact group.
5. Thruway Property
Site - west side Chatsworth Ave. , Jefferson St.
on south, Garfield St. on north, and Madison
Ave. on west (N. Y. State Thruway land), ap-
proximately 200 x 550, area 110, 000 S. F. land
tax exempt.
Advantages —
(a) centrally located
(b) exploration indicates that land may be avail-
able at nominal costs
(c) adequate site and terrain is acceptable
Disadvantages —
(a) configuration of plot due to ratio of width to
length dictates a lateral disposition of
buildings as opposed to a compact group.
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PROPOSED TOWN HALL COMPLEX
October, 1987
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RECOMMENDATIONS
It was the conclusion of the Committee upon as-
sessing the factors related to the foregoing sites that
Area 4 (N. Chatsworth & Garfield) be recommended
to the Town Board for acquisition as a site for the
proposed Town Hall and Police Station complex.
This decision is based primarily on the fact that
the selected site, together with the abutting New York
State Thruway property which will serve as an ap-
proach, consisting of a total area in excess of five
acres is one of the last remaining open areas in the
Town available for a project of this nature. In addi-
tion, this facility would constitute a satisfactory and
acceptable buffer between the apartment area to the
south and the residential district to the north; the com-
plex would be conveniently located to the business dis-
trict of the Larchmont postal area and the Police Sta-
tion would be in a strategic location removed from the
residential area it now occupies. The buildings,
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parking lots and landscaped areas should be oriented
to the mall created by the Thruway access drives;
Garfield Street should be closed with main access
from Thruway service roads. It is recognized con-
sideration must be given to obtaining permission
from the Thruway Authority for such improvements
as may be required prior to further developments.
A site plan indicating relative size and suggested
arrangement of the buildings is enclosed. It is en-
visioned that the future unassigned building shown
thereon might consist of a branch library, youth cen-
ter or other civic function as yet undetermined.
The Town of Mamaroneck is an affluent and eco-
nomically balanced community. Our administrative
and civic leaders have had the foresight to forestall
many of the "improvements" which have resultedin
deterioration in communities of lesser calibre. The
Town of Mamaroneck is a good community by any
standard in which to live. In spite of this, the or-
ganization which contributes so much to this way of
life continues to operate from inadequate rental
f space and to dispense justice from a Town-owned
bungalow.
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The Town rightfully deserves an efficient admin-
istrative plant commensurate with its status as a
community, a complex which will recall the Commons
of older towns but not necessarily be bound to it by
traditional architectural concepts, which will pre-
serve its open area and be a token of civic pride. It
is the hope of this Committee that those who develop
this project further will have the foresight to plan
accordingly.
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• Appendix "A"
ESTIMATE OF SPACE & FACILITIES
REQUIRED
For Proposed Town Hall.
Area of Facilities
(in S. F. )
Existing Proposed
1. Town Clerk
a. General office space for secretary
(receptionist-telephone operator)
divided by a counter with small
waiting area 300 400
b. Clerk's private office 1.50
e. One unassigned office 150
2. Tax Department
a. General office space with dividing
counter, space for Receiver of
Taxes, Deputy Receiver, part-
time assistant and file vault 400 500
3. Assessor
a. Assessor's office 390 200
b. General office space for Assess-
ment Clerk, typist and Intermed-
iate Clerk 300
c. One unassigned office 150
4. Comptroller
a. Comptroller's office 270 150
b. General office space for one clerk
and one typist, files 300
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Area of Facilities
(in S. F. )
Existing Proposed
5. Engineering & Bldg. Dept.
a. Engineer's office 460 150
b. Building Inspector's office 150
c. General office space for one sec-
retary, one draftsman with refer-
ence tables, files 600
6. Supervisor
a. Supervisor's office 370 250
b. Conference room 250
c. General office space for one
Deputy Supervisor, Confiden-
tial Secretary and typist, files 400
7. Council Room
a. Public space for 75 persons plus
council table 1, 200
b. Conference room for ten 400
8. Town Attorney
a. Attorney's private office 40 150
9. Recreation Department
a. Superintendent's office 260 150
b. General office space for one
assistant, one typist, files 300
10. Public Lobby
a. Of sufficient size to accommo-
date municipal functions 1, 000
11. General Facilities
a. Public lavatories for men
and women
b. Staff lavatories for men
and women
c. Janitor and electrical closets
d. Public phone booths
e. Mail room
f. Dispensary
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Area of Facilities
(in S. F. )
Existinj Proposed
12. Facilities assumed in basement
a. Reproduction
b. Lunch room with vending machine
c. Cellar storage
d. Mechanical equipment in part
basement, air-conditioning in
roof pent-house. Main steam
generating plant in Police
Headquarters basement
Total Main Floor Usable Space 874u e, 7, 300
Total Gross Main Floor Area 10, 000
For Pro2osed Police Headquarters
It is recommended that this facility should be located
adjacent to but separated from the Town Hall structure
for security reasons and also so that persons whose
presence is required at Court will not be obliged to mingle
with those attending Town Hall functions.
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If economically feasible it should be a one-story and
basement structure housing all main facilities on the
ground floor with provisions for a main public entrance
with direct access to court room and administrative
office, a separate prisoners' entrance remote from the
public, cell blocks separated from public area but
under control of main office in order to operate with a
minimum of personnel; off street parking for patrol
cars, secure yard parking for approximately 10 vehicles
plus a 5-car garage; locker rooms, pistol range, Mechani-
cal equipment rooms for entire Municipal complex should
be located in the basement of this building.
Area of Facilities
(in S. F. )
Existing Proposed
1. Public Lobby with direct access to
court room and administrative
offices, two phone booths, small
public lavatories for men & women, and
drinking fountains 600
2. Administration & Operation
a. Chief's office X35 200
b. Private lavatory & closets 50
c. Assistant Chief & Secretary 200
d. Commissioner's Room 300 350
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Area of Facilities
(in S. F. )
Existing Proposed
3. Main Office - Desk
Counter separating space from public
lobby, space for files, vault, direct
access to record room and cell block 300 400
a. Record room 200
b. Vault 80
c. Communications (Main Desk) 200
d. Staff toilets, male only 100
4. Receiving, Processing & Confinement
a. Booking and searching room 200
b. Three double male cells (toilet in cell) 160 300
c. One female cell 100
d. Kitchenette 120 50
e. Cell storage (bedding) 50
f. Attorney's interrogating rooms (2)
and visitors' room 200
5. Courts
a. Police court rooms - 50 seats & jury 440 1, 000
b. Judges' chamber 100
c. Court clerk's office 100
6. Detective division
a. Two offices 298 300
b. Interrogation room 100
7. Identification
a. Photographing & fingerprint room 150
b. Photo dark room 50
c. Storage and records 100
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Area of Facilities
(in S. F. )
Existing Proposed
8. Miscellaneous space 1st floor
a. Garage - 5 cars & misc. equipment 1, 500
b. Storage, recovered stolen bicycles 200
c. Sign & Bldg. Maintenance shop 400
d. Janitor closets
e. Electrical closets
f. Storage closets as required
g. Meter & Radio repair
9. Basement Facilities
a. Locker Room, Lunch Room
& Kitchenette
b. Pistol Range & Amno Storage
c. Emergency generating plant
d. Storage Room
e. Mechanical Equipment Room
with capacity for Town Hall
10. Secure Yard for 10 Cars 4, 500
Total net grain floor usable space �-5 7, 380
Gross main floor 9, 594
(Say 10, 000)
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