08/02/2023
The Mamaroneck Board of Education last week approved a memorandum of understanding with the owners of Hampshire Country Club, pledging to support their pursuit of government approvals for an age-restricted condominium development that could lead to the transfer of seven acres of land for Hommocks Middle School. This would enable the District to overcome a severe overcrowding issue and construct a new building, athletic field, tennis courts, and other improvements at the school, which is adjacent to the club.
While it was Mamaroneck Schools that first approached Hampshire, the consideration of a land transfer is consistent with Hampshire's longstanding support of the district.
However, this is viable only if Hampshire obtains final and unappealable zoning amendments and other approvals from the Village for its low-rise multifamily condo plan originally proposed in 2013.
Unfortunately, the Village of Mamaroneck has forced Hampshire to engage in a 10-year legal battle and declared in 2021 that no residential development, in any configuration, may occur on Hampshire’s property, even though it is zoned for residential use.
Legally speaking, this is considered a taking of its property and is the basis of Hampshire’s $58 million takings claim against the Village. The Village has lost the last three appeals to dismiss its claim, which is now headed to trial.
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The Mamaroneck Board of Education has signed a pact that supports the developer at Hampshire Country Club. But the village of Mamaroneck is opposed.
