[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Mill
Neck 7-2-1979 as L.L. No. 3-1979; amended
at time of adoption of Code; see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I. Other
amendments noted where applicable.]
The preservation and improvement of the quality of the natural and man-made
environment within the Incorporated Village of Mill Neck in the face of population
growth, urbanization and technologic change, with their accompanying demands
on natural resources, are found to be of increasing and vital importance to
the health, welfare and economic well-being of present and future inhabitants
and require forthright action by the governing body of the Incorporated Village
of Mill Neck. It is recognized that the biologic integrity of the natural
environment on which man is dependent for survival and the natural and functional
beauty of our surroundings which condition the quality of our life experience
cannot be protected without the full cooperation and participation of all
the people of the Incorporated Village of Mill Neck, working in partnership
with local and state officials and with various public and private institutions,
agencies and organizations. Establishment of an architectural and conservation
board is a necessary step in fostering unified action on environmental problems.
The Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Mill Neck hereby
creates a board which shall be known as the "Environmental Affairs and Architectural
Review Board," hereinafter called the "Board."
[1]
Editor's Note: The Commission of Environmental Affairs was created
by L.L. No. 3-1979 pursuant to General Municipal Law § 239-x. Amendedment
of this local law at time of adoption of the Code changed the title of this
Commission to the Environmental Affairs and Architectural Review Board and
added architectural review provisions to its text.
A.
The Board shall consist of no more than five members,
of which all members shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees and shall
serve at the pleasure of the Board of Trustees.
B.
Persons residing within the Incorporated Village of Mill
Neck who are interested in the improvement and preservation of environmental
quality shall be eligible for appointment as members of the Board.
C.
Vacancies on the Board shall be filled in the same manner
as the original appointment, except that a vacancy occurring other than by
the expiration of term of office shall be filled only for the remainder of
the unexpired term.
The powers and duties of the Board shall be to:
A.
Advise the Board of Trustees and Planning Board on matters
affecting the preservation, development and use of the natural and man-made
features and conditions of the village insofar as quality, biologic integrity,
beauty and other environmental factors are concerned. In the case of man's
activities and developments, advise on any major threats posed to environmental
quality so as to enhance the long-range value of the environment to the people
of the Incorporated Village of Mill Neck.
B.
Develop and, after receiving general approval by resolution
of the Board of Trustees, conduct a program of public information in the community
which shall be designed to foster increased understanding of the nature of
environmental problems and issues and support for their solutions.
C.
Conduct and maintain an inventory of the natural resources
within the Incorporated Village of Mill Neck.
D.
Maintain an up-to-date index of all open spaces, as defined
in § 239-y of the General Municipal Law, in public or private ownership
within the municipality, including but not limited to natural landmarks; glacial
and other geomorphic or physiographic features; streams and their floodplains,
swamps, marshlands and other wetlands; unique biotic communities; scenic and
other open areas of natural or ecological value. Such index shall include
the ownership and present and proposed uses of such open areas so as to provide
a base of information for recommendations by the Board for its preservation
and/or use.
E.
Seek to coordinate, assist and unify the efforts of private
groups, institutions and individuals within the Incorporated Village of Mill
Neck in accord with the purposes of this chapter.
F.
Maintain liaison and communications with public and private
agencies and organizations whose programs and activities have an impact on
the quality of the environment or who can be of assistance to the Board.
G.
Working in cooperation with the Planning Board, recommend
from time to time to the Board of Trustees, features, plans and programs relating
to environmental improvement for inclusion in the Master Plan of the Incorporated
Village of Mill Neck and, similarly, recommend to the Board of Trustees appropriate
and desirable changes in existing local laws and ordinances relating to environmental
and land use controls or recommend new local laws.
H.
Prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts and
pamphlets in accord with the purposes of this chapter.
I.
Obtain and maintain in an orderly fashion maps, reports,
books and other publications to support the necessary researches of the Board
into local environmental conditions.
J.
When authorized by resolution of the Board of Trustees
of the Incorporated Village of Mill Neck, the Board may accept, by gift, grant,
devise, bequest or otherwise, property, both real and personal, in the name
of the Incorporated Village of Mill Neck, as may be necessary to conserve
and otherwise properly utilize open spaces and other land and water resources
within the boundaries of the Incorporated Village of Mill Neck. Such real
property may be accepted in fee for land and water rights or as any lesser
interest, development right, easement, including conservation easement, covenant
or other contractual right, including conveyance with limitations or reversions.
K.
Prior to issuance by the Building Inspector of a zoning
or building permit, the Board shall review the architectural design of proposed
structures and alterations or renovations of existing structures. Upon completion
of such review, the Board shall report its findings to the Building Inspector.
L.
Carry out such other duties as may be assigned from time
to time by the Board of Trustees or Planning Board.
The Board shall keep accurate records of its meetings and actions and
shall submit an annual report to the Board of Trustees, not later than the
31st day of May of each year, concerning the activities and work of the Board.
From time to time, the Board shall submit such reports and recommendations
as may be necessary to fulfill the purpose of this chapter.
The members of the Board shall receive no compensation for their services
as members thereof, but may be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses
incurred in the performance of their duties within the appropriations made
available therefor.
This chapter shall be deemed an exercise of the powers of the Incorporated
Village of Mill Neck to preserve and improve the quality of the natural and
manmade environment on behalf of the present and future inhabitants thereof.
This chapter is not intended and shall not be deemed to impair the powers
of any other public corporation.
