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WPCNR LETTER TICKER. DECEMBER 7, 2016:
Dear Mayor Roach and Members of the Common Council :
As you may know, the Village of Mamaroneck has successfully defeated a Federal lawsuit for money damages brought by a developer that wishes to build on the defunct Hampshire County Club. http://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/westchester/2016/11/30/hampshire-country-club-lawsuit/94597154/ Interestingly, the lawyer for the Hampshire developer is none other than Michael Zarin, counsel for FASNY (French American School of New York. This result brings to mind Mr. Zarin’s threats to sue White Plains for damages in Federal Court if FASNY does not get its way in respect to developing the Ridgeway CC property.
Media reports show that the Village of Mamaroneck was faced with similar threats by the Hampshire team yet municipal leadership stood behind its zoning laws and defeated the damages claim.
It is heartening to see that the leader of a nearby municipality has the wisdom to resist improper development and defend a baseless lawsuit, notwithstanding the expense of doing the right thing:
“This decision upholds the village’s right to determine its own
destiny,” Mayor Norm Rosenblum said of the
Nov. 18 ruling. “One of the most important things about any
municipality is zoning because it determines the character of the
village and that’s just what was reinforced in this decision.” (emphasis
added).
As you review the latest FASNY submission, we respectfully request
that you keep in mind the story of Hampshire CC and Mamaroneck — a
municipality can and should make land use decisions without being
intimidated by fear of a lawsuit.
Joseph L. DeMarzo
White Plains, NY