BLD DINER DEVELOPMENT REJECTED BY TOWN OF MAMARONECK BOARD
Says Comprehensive Plan Update Must Precede Any Zoning Amendments

​​​On Wednesday evening, March 6th, before a standing-room only crowd of over 100 residents, the Mamaroneck Town Board REJECTED the BLD Diner developer’s formal request for a zoning map amendment that would have allowed them to construct a 9-story, 98-unit apartment building on the site of the BLD Diner and adjoining plots. 
 
At the beginning of the meeting, the developer made a brief presentation, and after listening to the presentation and asking a few questions, Supervisor Seligson and each of the members of the Town Board expressed their individual concerns about different aspects of the proposed project, including bulk, environmental effects on the nearby marshlands, increased traffic, neighborhood safety, schools overcrowding, and the possibility of additional large-scale development proposals for the immediate area.
 
They were unanimous, however, in their view that it would be inappropriate for the Town to enact any zoning amendments until the Town’s Comprehensive Plan Update has been completed.  The Town announced its intention to update its Comprehensive Plan last year, and are proceeding with that project, which will include obtaining feedback from residents on the Town’s priorities for future development. 
 
Supervisor Seligson then called for a formal vote on the developer’s zoning map amendment request, and the Board voted unanimously to REJECT the request.  She thanked the developer for his application, and noted that once the Comprehensive Plan was adopted, the developer would be welcome to resubmit a proposal for the properties within the parameters of whatever zoning is ultimately adopted for the area.  This denial effectively stops any development on the properties that is not within the current zoning laws.
 
Following the developer’s departure, the Board welcomed public comment from the audience.  Better Larchmont presented a Petition signed by 500 residents opposing the project, and over a dozen residents spoke to commend the Board for its wise decision to defer any zoning changes until after the Comprehensive Plan has been updated, and to reiterate some of the many specific concerns that had been expressed by Better Larchmont and by the Council members in their comments.
 
Better Larchmont commends the Town Board for its decision to reject the piece-meal zoning amendment request from the BLD Diner in favor of thoughtful and well-considered policy planning to create a Comprehensive Plan that will establish the official land-use policy of our community and present goals and a vision for the future that will effectively guide official-decision making on future development proposals.
 
Better Larchmont thanks everyone who signed up to oppose the BLD Diner Project – our opposition was heard and most certainly reinforced the Town Board’s decision to reject the application.  We encourage Better Larchmont supporters to send an e-mail to supervisor@townofmamaroneckny.org commending their decision, and also urge any resident who is interested in helping to shape the future development priorities of our Town to get involved in the Comprehensive Plan Update process and make your voices heard.