News and Events for Larchmont Residents
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From the Mayor
Dear Fellow Larchmonters,
As we enter the Dog Days of Summer, coronavirus infections are surging in numerous U.S. states. Due to the sacrifice and hard work of New Yorkers, and our carefully phased reopening, we achieved, and remain in, a stable situation. This is great news! But although we are excited to resume some “normal” activities, we must continue to follow the CDC guidelines which helped bring down the curve. To do anything else will only bring unnecessary pain to our community.
At this time, most businesses have reopened, many group sports have resumed, playgrounds and tennis courts are open, and outdoor gatherings of up to 50 people (socially-distanced) are now permitted, all with limitations. Opening up, with increased freedom to move about and interact, requires each of us to accept personal responsibility to do our part. Please wear masks in all indoor public spaces, on all playgrounds, on downtown streets and anywhere else that social distancing cannot be maintained. Stay 6 feet away from others when possible, wash your hands often and stay home if unwell. And, please, if you travel to one of the 31 surging states on Governor Cuomo’s list, follow the rules and self-quarantine upon return. It’s equally important to acknowledge that the past few months have been extremely stressful for us all. We experience and display our stress in many different ways. As hard as it may sometimes be, let’s try to be more understanding of each other – you may need to have the favor returned! As a community, now more than ever, we rely on each other’s behavior for a happy and healthy future.
So far, the feedback on our
Larchmont al fresco
initiative has been positive. The Board and I are happy we have been able to provide outdoor space to help our local businesses get back on their feet and we plan to continue the arrangement as long as the weather allows. Our business owners are working hard to operate safely, therefore please address any compliance concerns either to the management or email
code enforcement
HERE
and we will help them rectify the situation. In addition to outdoor dining and sidewalk sales, we arranged for Larchmont businesses to provide youth programs at Flint Park and set up a scheduler for group class-type businesses to book space in 3 of our smaller parks. We are doing everything we can to support our downtown through this unsettled time. At this point, no one knows what the future will look like. We have had a couple of businesses close, which is always sad to see and worrisome. But I think it is a good sign that we also have a few businesses newly open or coming soon –
The Work Inn, Frost Frozen Yogurt, Advance Lighting, The Grange, The Idea Kitchen
and the relocated and expanded
Love Bella
.
In light of the financial ramifications of the coronavirus crisis, the Village Board, Treasurer and Administrator are continuing to monitor the budget carefully. In late April the Board adopted the 2020/21 Village budget (fiscal year began June 1), which had been prepared to accommodate an anticipated $800,000 shortfall in non-tax revenues such as sales tax, commuter parking permit and meter sales, and building and field-use permits, among others. We will discuss updates on the budget’s status at all Board meetings and are prepared to make amendments or take other actions should they become necessary.
Speaking of sales tax and the importance that revenue stream plays in a Village budget, our share of NYS sales tax collected in Westchester County is apportioned according to the census count. It is always imperative that we get an accurate count of all Village residents, but this takes on even greater significance this year. These numbers will drive many sources of revenue for the next 10 years. If you haven’t already completed the census for your household, you can still do so online at
HERE
. You do not have to be a citizen to complete the census – the Constitution calls for all
residents
to be counted. Information is kept confidential and it only takes a few minutes. Census workers will begin going door-to-door on August 11 to try to count those households who have not yet replied.
Ending on a positive note – I want to acknowledge and express the Board’s thanks to Melissa and Charles Manice of One Larchmont and Joanne Grossman of Larchmont Nurseries. Through One Larchmont, Melissa and Charles raised donations to provide grants ranging from $1,000-$10,000 to qualified local businesses. These grants not only provided financial assistance, but moral support during a difficult time. For some recipients these grants made the difference in their desire to stay in business in Larchmont. One Larchmont is now helping some of our restaurants with purchases of the chairs, tables and umbrellas needed for outdoor dining. Joanne Grossman has been busy beautifying
Larchmont al fresco
by providing, at no cost, many of the lovely flowers, grasses and trees you see at our outdoor dining establishments. When we work together we can accomplish so much more – THANK YOU!
Stay Well,
Mayor Lorraine Walsh
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Village Notes
Leaf Blowers
: Reminder,
please make sure your landscaping service knows that
ALL LEAF BLOWERS (which includes gas powered AND electric) are BANNED in Larchmont
until further notice. Violations may be given to both the landscaper and the homeowner, so please help with compliance by assuring the law is followed on your property.
Garbage pick-up
:
Curbside pickup only
continues. Please be sure to abide by the L-M Sanitation Commission rules and
place all trash in bins or cans
to prevent spreading by animals (no loose trash bags are allowed). Trash and recycling may be placed at the curb either the evening before your scheduled pickup or before 6AM the morning of your pickup.
Village Playgrounds
: While our playground equipment is open we are asking everyone to please ensure they follow all posted rules, including wearing a mask and practicing social distancing.
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Historical Protection Task Force Update
Development pressure in southern Westchester County, in general, and in Larchmont, in particular, in the past 20+ years has resulted in the demolition, or threatened removal, of homes intrinsic to the Village’s character. To ensure the long-term vitality of the community and the continuance of the qualities that attract home buyers and businesses to Larchmont, in February 2017, the Village Board of Trustees and Mayor created the Historic Preservation Task Force (HPTF).
The primary goal of the HPTF was to conduct research on existing historic-preservation legislation, commissions, historic districts and sites within Westchester County and to make recommendations regarding historic preservation in the Village.
After completing its first phase of research, the HPTF, in consultation with the Preservation League of New York State and other preservation organizations, recommended that the Village commission a reconnaissance-level Historic Resource Survey Report (HRS Report) of all buildings, structures, sites, objects and districts within the Village and identify all those that are significant historic, architectural and/or cultural resources. The HPTF applied for and was awarded a grant from the Preservation League, which will partially offset the cost of the survey. The results of the survey would help determine whether the Board and Mayor should consider some form of preservation legislation.
In July 2019, the Village commissioned Larson Fisher Associates of Woodstock New York, to conduct the survey. Considerable fieldwork, including photographing numerous buildings and other sites in the Village, researching background histories on subdivisions, developers, architects, builders, and owners, has been completed. In addition, research for a historical overview of how the Village evolved has been underway.
A preliminary draft of the survey was nearing completion when the COVID-19 crisis forced portions of the work to be suspended. However, some work continued, and a draft HRS report is expected be released for review to the HPTF and the Board of
Trustees and Mayor in mid-September. The report will include an inventory of 500 properties, including 350 in the Manor and 150 in the Village. The release of the final report to the community is expected in mid-November.
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Help For Our Local Businesses
Please remember to eat and shop local to help our local businesses and ensure that we continue to have a vibrant downtown.
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Larchmont Library
The Library is beginning to open its onsite services on a limited basis. Please check the Library
website
for details.
If you need help with managing
your account
or anything else, Reference staff is ready to assist you. Email any time at
[email protected]
. If you want a real live person, call 914-734-5362 any weekday between 10am and 4pm.
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Census 2020
It is extremely important that everyone participate in the 2020 Census. Not having an accurate count of our residents can negatively impact our community
.
The Census count determines our share of Federal and State funding for healthcare, education, roads and transportation & parks. The Census count determines our share of State and Local Sales Tax. Westchester County estimates that
𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 is a 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 $𝟮,𝟱𝟬𝟬 in funding 𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿. Especially now with the financial uncertainty we need every dollar.
We are only at a 60% response rate, so please respond to the Census today!
To respond to the Census, please click
HERE
.
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Center for Aging in Place
Please see their resource lists for seniors in Westchester County
HERE
.
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LMCTV
LMCTV has hosted some great community conversations recently which you can access
HERE
.
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Community Counseling Center
The Community Counseling Center is offering support in these challenging times. Please click
HERE
for more information.
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COVID 19 Updates From New York State:
Starting July 20th, New York will allow visits to nursing homes and long-term care facilities on a limited basis.
Visits will be
allowed
at facilities that have been free of new COVID cases for at least 28 days. Only two people are allowed to visit each resident and must undergo a temperature check, wear a mask and social distance while visiting.
The Bronx Zoo is reopening July 20th.
The zoo will be
open
to members only through July 23rd and will open to the general public on July 24th through advance tickets.
Take advantage of the beauty of New York's canals and hiking trails this summer.
Through Labor Day, the NYS Canal Corporation is promoting six hubs of canals and trail activity and celebrating local canalside businesses across Upstate NY. The program will offer free outdoor excursions by kayak and/or bike in Schenectady, Chittenango, Seneca Falls and Rochester.
Learn more.
A travel enforcement program commenced on July 14th, at airports across the state to help ensure travelers are following quarantine protocols.
Enforcement teams will be stationed at airports to ensure compliance with the mandatory State Department of Health traveler form, which is being distributed by airlines to passengers flying to New York State. An
electronic version
of the traveler form is also available. Travelers who fail to provide their contact information will receive a summons with a $2,000 fine.
Four additional states have been added to New York's travel advisory list.
The newly-added states are Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio and Wisconsin. Delaware has been removed from the State's travel advisory. Individuals traveling to New York from the following states must quarantine for 14 days: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Mexico, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.
Travelers from hotspot states can be fined for non-compliance of quarantine rules.
Please help spread the word to anyone traveling from the designated states that they must complete a
Traveler Health Form
. If you are a NYS resident returning from any of these hotspots and do not have appropriate accommodations for quarantine, please call your local health department.
Renters impacted by the pandemic can apply to a new COVID Rental Assistance Program.
The program will provide direct aid for tenants who lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fun, which is part of the CARES Act. New Yorkers can access program applications
here
.
The deadline for health insurance special enrollment has been extended to August 15, 2020.
New Yorkers without health insurance can apply for coverage through the
NY State of Health
Health Plan Marketplace.
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Village Calendar
8/3
Board of Trustees Work Session
8/6
Larchmont Environmental Committee Meeting
8/17
Board of Trustees Meeting
8/31
Board of Trustees Work Session
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