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Letter to The Editor: Mamaroneck Receives $70 Million Flood Solution

MAMARONECK, N.Y. -- The Mamaroneck Daily Voice accepts signed and original letters to the editor up to 350 words. To submit your letter, email mamaroneck@dailyvoice.com.

Flooding during a 2007 storm in Mamaroneck displaced hundreds of residents.

Flooding during a 2007 storm in Mamaroneck displaced hundreds of residents.

Photo Credit: Contributed/soundshorephoto

One thing I know flooding is not political. No matter your political affiliation, the chance of your home flooding is 100 percent based on geography. 

In the past 10 years, major flood-prone areas around the Village of Mamaroneck were decimated; first in 2007 during Tropical Storm Irene and again in 2012 during Super Storm Sandy. 

Flooding caused catastrophic damage to homes and properties in low-lying areas in close proximity to the river and harbor.

So when the Village of Mamaroneck was approached by the Army Corps of Engineers for possible flood mitigation plan to assist residents in protecting their homes and property from future flooding, this was exciting. 

In addition, the program received national attention when Senator Chuck Schumer held a press conference in Mamaroneck on May 29, 2014.

On May 22, 2014, the Corp presented it plans to the village. In September of 2015, Mayor Rosenblum, Trustee Potok of the village, along with Village Manager Richard Slingerland went to Washington, D.C., to meet with the Army Corp of Engineers to discuss the proposed project. 

Upon return, the mayor proclaimed the plan would solve more than 80 percent of the flooding problems throughout the village. On February 25, 2016, the Army Corp of Engineers presented its plan to village residents, requesting comments to be submitted by March 16, (the date was changed and is now March 30).

At the March 16, 2016 Harbor and Coastal Zone Management Committee meeting, a group of volunteers who are required to review proposals affecting the village against its Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan, along with two consultants, Sven Hoeger and Paul Rubin, unanimously found the plan not consistent. 

Basically citing, as presented, the potential negative ramifications of how the plan would be implemented, would negatively affect our coast and environment. 

Flooding is emotional. Compounding the issue, many residents have not been fully informed about this plan. As a Mamaroneck resident, you are encouraged to read more here

Furthermore, the public is invited to village public meetings held every other Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the courtroom. The next meeting is Monday, March 28.

Ilissa Miller

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