Iona Students Tackle Mamaroneck Parking Woes in Latest City Labs WIN Initiative

The Westchester Innovation Network (WIN) recently launched its seventh City Labs project that matches Iona University students with Village of Mamaroneck officials to develop solutions for parking and traffic challenges in the village’s bustling downtown corridor.

For the next six weeks, students from Iona’s Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation will immerse themselves in the community, working to create a comprehensive proposal for village officials.

The students’ work will include a thorough review of the village’s Mamaroneck Greenway flood resiliency and environmental sustainability proposal. They will also engage directly with the community, conducting interviews with business owners, shoppers, residents, and other stakeholders along the Mamaroneck Avenue shopping district. This direct engagement will provide invaluable insights into the daily experiences and challenges faced by those who frequent the area.

Aakash Sapru, assistant professor of design thinking and innovation at Iona’s Hynes Institute, suggested focusing the students’ efforts on traffic and parking, a persistent issue for visitors to the popular shopping destination. This focus aligns with the village’s priorities.

“If you look at Mamaroneck Avenue, the primary problem is parking,” said Village Manager Kathleen Gill during an initial meeting with the students on February 20. “What we’re proposing here is making Mamaroneck Avenue a little more walkable for people within the village. And there may be other things we can do to reduce the number of cars.”

This Iona-Mamaroneck City Labs collaboration is a key component of the Business Council of Westchester’s (BCW) WIN initiative. WIN aims to drive innovation as the foundation for Westchester’s future economic growth. The City Labs program specifically highlights a host community and connects that municipality with experts focused on identifying and developing projects that deliver immediate economic benefits to the community and its residents through innovation.

“The BCW is committed to supporting the success of vibrant downtowns like the one in Mamaroneck. Managing parking and traffic effectively is crucial for businesses to thrive, and we recognize the importance of addressing these challenges proactively,” said BCW President and CEO Marsha Gordon. “I’m excited to see the fresh perspectives and creative ideas these students will present.”

The Mamaroneck project marks the seventh City Labs endeavor. Previous successful collaborations have taken place in Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Peekskill, Port Chester, White Plains, and Yonkers, each addressing unique challenges and contributing to the economic vitality of the respective communities.