News and Events for Larchmont Residents |
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From the Mayor
Dear Larchmonters,
To quote the Grateful Dead, “What a Long Strange Trip It’s Been”! One year ago this week I sent the first of many Coronavirus update emails. Those were scary times – sitting in Village Hall on conference calls with municipal officials from all over Westchester County and the Governor’s office – getting updates on the spread and the protocols and the closures. We didn’t really understand what was coming, we just knew it was bad and we were afraid, and we were desperate to find ways to help our communities and keep people safe. And, like most of you, we certainly didn’t expect that we’d still be dealing with it one year later!
Yet here we are – coming near the end of this long tunnel called COVID-19. It’s so close we can taste it! We’ve managed to keep our community fed and cared for, we’ve helped our businesses survive, we’ve supported our neighbors and found safe ways to enjoy holidays and celebrations together. Some of you may already have been vaccinated! I don’t know about you, but I feel a buoyancy of spirit that seemed impossible just a few weeks ago. I’m looking forward to summer, when enough folks will be vaccinated for herd immunity to allow us to get back to a more normal way of life.
But now’s not the time to slack off – let’s not quit on the one yard line! Please keep wearing masks and practicing social distancing when in public, whether or not you’ve been vaccinated. Remember, masks protect the wearer from transmitting and contracting the virus! Here is the latest information from the CDC on the importance of wearing a mask if you’ve been vaccinated. If we all continue to do what we know works, we may soon be sitting together at outdoor concerts or watching a movie – in a theater instead of on our couch!
Regarding vaccines, an additional site has been opened in Yonkers and supplies should be increasing now that we have 3 vaccine options. Keep checking at New York | Covid-19 Vaccine (ny.gov) or call the New York State COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829) for appointments.
Of course, the business of the Village government carries on and we’ve been busy as usual. The Board is working on the 2021/22 Village budget, which must be adopted no later than May 1. The tentative budget will be presented at a public hearing on April 5. Please check the Village website calendar for information on how to join the zoom or view on cable tv.
This past summer, in response to the killing of George Floyd and subsequent protests and conversations about police reform, Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order 203. This order required all local governments to create a policing reform plan by consulting with community stakeholders to review their existing police practices and policies and recommend modifications which would address the needs of the community and promote community engagement. The Village Board created an Ad Hoc Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative, which has been meeting regularly since early December to create a plan. The draft plan is now available for broader community review and can be seen HERE. This draft will be discussed, and public comment taken, at the Board’s March 15th meeting. Please see the Village calendar for more information. I want to take this opportunity to thank all the members of this Collaborative for their thoughtfulness and hard work in undertaking this mission.
Larchmont just keeps getting greener! I am happy to announce that Larchmont has been awarded a NYS DEC Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Infrastructure Grant for the installation of 3 Level 2 dual-port electric vehicle charging stations. The grant covers up to 80% of the cost on the project. We plan to install 1 in each downtown area and the third near Village Hall and the Larchmont Library. This project dovetails with the Green Fleet Policy that the Board will be reviewing for adoption this month. Stay tuned for more information on both of these items. Thanks to MHS OCRA student Caitlyn Carpenter for her help with the grant application.
Finally, two things to remember in March - turn back your clocks on March 14 and enjoy a Danehy Boy sandwich from the LT or a Corned Beef platter from Carlyn’s Cove (or both) on March 17!
Éire go Brách,
Mayor Lorraine Walsh
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Village Notes
Flint Park Summer Day Camp News: Camp will be held this summer from July 6 – August 13. Kids who will be entering 1st – 6th grade in fall of 2021 are eligible. Watch for an email coming next week with sign-up information! This camp is for Village of Larchmont residents only.
Dog Beach: Dog Beach is now OPEN!
Village Social Media: Please be sure to follow the Village on Facebook and Instagram. Use the links at the bottom of this Newsletter to follow us.
Gas Powered Leaf Blower Ban: Please note that beginning in 2022 the use of gas powered leaf blowers will be banned in the Village and the use of electric leaf blowers will be limited to the month of April and from October 15 to December 15. During 2021, before the full law goes into effect, both gas and electric leaf blowers may be used ONLY during the month of April, and from October 15 to December 15. All leaf blowers are banned during the rest of the year. For more information, please see the Larchmont Environmental Committee section below.
Sanitation: The L-M Sanitation Commission has permanently changed collection operation to be Curbside pickup only. 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. Inquiries about over-70 and disability exemptions should be sent to Steve Altieri at [email protected].
Dog Waste: As a reminder, Village law requires that individuals pick up after their dogs. Dog waste should be thrown either in your own trash or in Village trash bins. Please do not leave the waste on the sidewalk or throw it in other residents' bins.
Village App: The Village has been working over the past two years with Joe Liberti and his students at Mamaroneck High School, who are part of the Original Civics Research and Action (OCRA) Program. The OCRA Team has created a new App as another way for residents to access Village news and information. Please click the HERE below to explore and download the app. A short 2 minute walk-through video can be viewed HERE.
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𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙇𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙩 𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙧
Westchester County has announced the next civil service exam for Police Officer. This exam is generally only offered once every four (4) years. The list will be used to fill vacancies as they occur in the Westchester County Department of Public Safety and in all Westchester County Towns, Villages and the Cities of Peekskill and Rye. This list is the only way, with the exception of transfers, to identify candidates for consideration of employment as a police officer. If you are interested in a career in law enforcement, specifically with the Village of Larchmont, you should review the exam requirements and register with the County before the last filing date of 3/29/21. Please see the Westchester County exam announcement for more information.
𝘾𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙊𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 – 𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙧:
The Village of Larchmont is currently accepting resumes of active police officers who are interested in transferring to the Village of Larchmont. The Village can consider police officers for transfer that are currently active with permanent status with Westchester County Police, all municipal police departments in the County as well as the New York State Park Police and New York State University Police. Police officers may also be considered from departments in Rockland, Putnam and Dutchess Counties. Interested parties should forward your resume and cover letter to the Larchmont Police Department attention Chief John Poleway.
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Bike Safety Reminder
It is against village law (and it is dangerous) to ride bikes on the sidewalk. Please make sure you remind your children that when riding their bikes, they should dismount and walk them on the sidewalks in the downtown for everyone’s safety.
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Committee and Department Updates |
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Parks and Trees
The Village of Larchmont, Parks & Trees Committee hosted Cathy Ludden, expert on native plants and head of the Native Flowers and Shrub Committee of Westchester County’s Planting Westchester initiative, at our monthly meeting. A truly informative and inspirational presentation.
Cathy Ludden has, through her work with a number of organizations, truly contributed to the collective understanding of the importance of natives throughout Westchester County. Cathy has held leadership positions with the Irvington Garden Club; Greenburgh Nature Center’s Board of Directors, and Steering Committee Native Plant Center at Westchester Community College. Cathy has also published a useful brochure for homeowners called Plant This...Not That. The brochure describes native garden plants that are attractive substitutes for commonly-used invasive species. She has recently been selected to lead the Native Flowers and Shrub Committee of Westchester County’s Planting Westchester.
You can view Cathy's presentation HERE.
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Larchmont Environmental Committee
Effective as of January 1, 2022, gas-powered leaf blowers may not be used anywhere in the Village of Larchmont, and electric leaf blowers may only be used for spring clean-up in the month of April and fall clean-up between October 15 and December 15, with temporary allowances as determined by the Mayor for extreme weather events. The code was passed in response to a review of scientific data which demonstrates that leaf blowers and the emissions, airborne particulates, loud noise and powerful air currents they generate negatively impact public health, daily activities and environmental sustainability in our community. To see the presentation of the LEC to the Village Board, click HERE.
During 2021, before the full law goes into effect, both gas and electric leaf blowers may be used ONLY during the month of April, and from October 15 to December
15. All leaf blowers are banned during the rest of the year.
Please note that both the property owner as well as the person operating a leaf blower and the contracted service company are held responsible for violations and are subject to fines. Please review the new code and alternatives to leaf blowing with your service provider or client so everyone is ready to comply.
Rather than blowing leaves to the curb for municipal pickup, please consider maintaining property with mulch-mowing, simply allowing the shredded leaves and grass clippings to fall back into the lawn. The shredded material will decompose to organically nourish the soil and turf for stronger growth. Leaves may also be moved around shrubs and trees or to garden beds and backyard compost piles. These widely accepted practices, already embraced by many residents and landscaping professionals, are in keeping with the guidelines of the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Healthy Yards Project which is dedicated to helping residents achieve safe, sustainable and appealing properties. You can also learn more HERE and attending mulch-mow demonstrations planned by the Larchmont Environmental Committee for this year.
We look forward to the many advantages this code will help us achieve for improved health, sustainability and natural beauty in Larchmont.
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Larchmont Volunteer Fire Department
The Larchmont Volunteer Fire Department is in need of fire fighters! The Larchmont Fire Department Volunteer Application is now on line! If you are interested in becoming a future volunteer fire fighter fill in the application. Don't delay do it today. For more information, call Bubba Fanelli: 914-403-2387.
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Local Business Highlights
Since we are unable to do in person ribbon cuttings, we have decided to do virtual ones instead to celebrate our local businesses. Last month, we highlighted Heritage 147, The Flower Bar, and Stephanie's Kloset on the Village's Facebook and Instagram.
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Heritage 147:
People think we’re crazy to open a restaurant during a pandemic, but we know better. Heritage 147 came about by the hands of two chefs working together for a corporate group that saw the need for something more.
Emphatically speaking-we wanted to get back to our roots. Our heritage, if you will.
Heritage 147 is the brainchild of Richard Perez and Alissa Svorka. A place for community and a place to commune; a celebration of all things that make Larchmont, NY unique.
When the available restaurant spot opened up, we couldn’t help but pounce. We had an idea to bring local and domestic ingredients to the community that uphold and support small business far and wide. We wanted a break from the corporate structure. Small ‘guys’ ourselves, we wanted to deal with purveyors, farmers and makers hand-in-hand, creating relationships and supporting each other during a time that has decimated not only restaurants, but the food chain in it’s entirety.
Heritage 147 is honest, transparent and for the people. After all, we want to know what it is we’re putting in our bodies just as much as, say, you do. We bring familiar, comfort food; farm-to-fork, but in a new and (hopefully) exciting way that challenges the tastebuds of our patrons. Family and child friendly, yet chic enough for a date night-we hope to celebrate with all those who dine, look to grow our own family, and establish ourselves as a presence within the community which we serve.
On our menu, you’ll find highlighted ingredients which were hand-picked and hand-made by people who labor for love, just as we do. We look forward to being a place of gathering, celebration and comfort in Larchmont during a time that has been so difficult for us all.
We welcome you to Heritage 147.
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The Flower Bar - Celebrating 10 Years in Larchmont:
We love Larchmont! 10 years ago, we purchased The Flower Bar, determined to create an extraordinary floral experience. Thanks to you, we learned, grew, and improved. We are so grateful to you our loyal clients, who have supported and sustained us through the years.
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Stephanie's Kloset - Celebrating 10 Years in Larchmont:
I want to Thank you for the best 10 years!! Stephanie’s Kloset is here because of all the wonderful customers that keeps the store going. I love helping all the amazing kids, parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents that walk through my doors.
Here is to many more years!!!
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Victory Farms
Last summer, about 50 families in Larchmont and Mamaroneck planted victory gardens — three-by-six foot raised beds, window boxes, big patio pots — raised 300 pounds of herbs and vegetables for the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Hunger Task Force. Together the gardens created a kind of suburban farm that produced healthy food for our neighbors. We're gearing up to do it again, under the name Victory Farms at the Grange. And we want you to join us.
Don't worry if you've never planted a garden. Victory Farms is here to help you get started and keep going.
If you're interested in participating, please type your name and email address into this google sheet by March 7. Perri McKinney of Breath of Spring has very kindly offered to help us source reasonably priced seedlings, and we'll order them for you. When the plants arrive later this spring, The Grange will host an event at the restaurant where you can pick up and pay for them and meet other gardeners.
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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. Check out the One Larchmont website HERE to see how you can help today.
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Larchmont Library
The Library onsite services are open 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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Village Calendar
3/3 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
3/4 Larchmont Environmental Committee Meeting
3/8 Board of Trustees Work Session
3/15 Board of Trustees Meeting
3/16 Planning Board Meeting
3/24 Architecture Review Board Meeting
3/29 Board of Trustees Work Session
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