HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023_02_07 Sustainability Collaborative Minutes Town of Mamaroneck Sustainability Collaborative
Meeting Notes -- February 7, 2023
Attendees: Karen Khor,June Wallach, Sue Odierna, Mark Kramer, Kevin Crowe, Karin Weisburgh, Arlene
Novich, Alan Reiter, Robin Nichinsky,Judy Caputo, Libby Poyet, Mike Smeets, Andrea Hirsch, Michele
Lewis, Luke Brussel, Anne Granger, Melissa Hughes, Nick Zuba, Carol Greenwald
Volunteers were welcomed and the notes of the January meeting were approved.
Karen K. gave a brief description of what the Sustainability Collaborative is all about was given,for
the benefit of the many new volunteers. It was explained that appointed members have three year
terms, appointed by the Town Board and that the "Collab"is an advisory committee (to the Town
Board). Karen also explained that two long-time members have stepped down —Stephen Moser
and Beth Radow and that Mark Kramer was appointed Co-Chair along with Karen Khor.
Robin Nichinsky thanked all for their service.
Native Plant Restoration in Kane Park&Update on Sheldrake Native Plant Meadow
Volunteer Luke Brussel gave a presentation, "Restoring our Ecosystem"in which he explained the
work he is leading in Kane Park, Larchmont to replace the sod grass with native plants, grasses and
shrubs. Luke talked about the importance of native plants and why they're so important. He had
worked on a similar project four years ago in various sites along the Sheldrake River and due to the
many native plants, wildlife has returned. He has hopes for the same at Kane Park. Volunteers
who can help should contact Luke at clukebrussel@gmail.com.
Update: There was a related, front page New York Times article yesterday (3/6/23) entitled,
"Vital to Humans but Unprotected in Some States"
Curbside Food Scrap Study
Judy updated everyone that the Village of Mamaroneck as well as Scarsdale have conducted studies
regarding feasibility of curbside pickup of food scraps, so she doesn't have to "recreate the wheel."
Judy plans to create, by September, a program the Town can adopt prior to the Town budget
process. She explained we need buy-in from Jaine and Meredith but also from the sanitation staff
since Judy feels she'd need to have the staff on board to make this successful. Nick mentioned that
he's searching for funding for food scrap-related grants and how beneficial it would be if the Town
didn't have to pay for curbside pickup.
Bike Lanes/Complete Streets
New volunteer Mike Smeets gave a presentation on the history of bike lane issues in the Town
showing that,for the most part, there was desire on the part of residents to have more bike lanes,
but there was inertia on the Town government's part to make this a priority. Mike feels the 2017
Bike Routes proposal is still valid and can be built upon. The immediate goal, however, is a "pop-up
bike lane." This could run in conjunction with "Walk to School Week"and with donations from
businesses and support from the police departments to make it safe. This could show residents and
gov't that bike lanes can work here. Karen added that over 60% of Comprehensive Plan
respondents said they'd like more and better bike lanes. Judy mentioned that Bronx River
Parkway's "Bike Sundays"and asked, could that be done here?
Synthetic Fields— Fields for Kids
Michele discussed the synthetic fields being proposed for the area behind Hommocks Middle School
by the local group, Fields for Kids. She felt we need to know the chemicals that make up this
synthetic grass as well as the chemicals used for upkeep as she felt some are dangerous. She
mentioned that FIFA soccer players will not play on artificial turf. Robin pointed out that not all
synthetic fields are made from dangerous materials (such as tires) and that there have been studies
showing synthetic fields are not conclusively dangerous. Also, there is currently just one field and if
this work is done, we will have two fields, one would be natural grass and one synthetic. Mark
added that as a meteorologist, he can vouch for the fact that synthetic fields are significantly
hotter.
Recycling in the Town
Mark K. mentioned that he is working with Dami and also, Dena Schumacher of LMC Media on an
animated video on this topic.
Larchmont Farmers Market
Mark M. mentioned that volunteers are needed. Also Mark needs to know if the Town's kiosk is going to
be repurposed such that it would no longer be available to contain Collabs'farmers market items from
June through August(tent, tables, etc.). If that is the case, they need another location for storage close
to the market.
Climate Smart Communities(CSC)Actions
Karen reported on actions that are currently being worked on or proposed
• Government Operations Climate Action Plan (GOCAP), this is the follow up to last year's
GHG Inventory action that we completed
• Hommocks Ice Rink Refrigerant Management—NYSP2I has a proposal for the Town to
review to reduce and mitigate emissions from hydrofluorocarbons. Estimated cost is
$42,000, but DEC would cover the cost.
Love Your Food
The Senior Center event of various tables/organizations promoting the LYF ideals has been changed to a
cooking demo class, hosted by local chef Adam Kaye. Dami, Sue and Karen K. are talking with Larch-
Mam'k Center for Continuing Education as LMCCE has hosted classes in the past with the Town. They
have a large distribution list and our classes with them have been very successful. Adam Kaye prefers a
live cooking demo to take place in the fall.
Update: Sue heard from Meredith that any LYF events must be fully closed out by 10/31/2023 and so
this class is going to be scheduled in Sept or early Oct. Dami and Sue are currently working on the
logistics of this event but it appears it will take place in the large room of the Senior Center.
Grant Funding Opportunities
Nick has been researching these options and said if we hear of any grant opportunities to let Karen
and/or Mark know so they'll convey the info to Nick. Nick can then filter through and let Meredith know.
General discussion ensued about a variety of topics. Allen was asked how he's doing regarding his leaf
blower research and he said he feels the roadblock is the Town Board entertaining a total ban. He is
pushing this topic to be on an upcoming Town Board agenda.
Mark mentioned the Larchmont Environmental Committee's Earth Day event will take place in April and
that volunteers are needed.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:05pm.