Ralph’s Italian Ices in Mamaroneck has a week to close as a result of a decision made by town officials. The Mamaroneck Zoning Board of Appeals denied the business a special permit to remain open, ending an ongoing controversy between the shop and some community members, according to News 12.
The Mamaroneck location, at 946 E. Boston Post Road, has been a popular summertime stop for a cold, sweet treat on hot summer days, but noise and safety concerns were rising amongst residents in the area. The shop has been known for attracting long lines and even parking headaches for some in the neighborhood.
However, issues first began before the business even opened when the village’s Building Department classified the structure as a place of retail rather than food. Retail stores are subject to less strict building requirements compared to food establishments. The village recognized the error removing its classification, and allowed Ralph’s to continue operating under one condition: apply for a special permit and site plan approval.
Owner, Scott Rosenberg, made many changes to the site in an effort to improve the safety of the area for members of the community, including hiring more staff to decrease lines, directing people to line up inside the building, reconfiguring and painting the parking lot, and hiring a parking attendant.
According to Lohud, this new site plan took into account the concerns of the community, and Rosenberg, as well as his attorney Eric Gordon, hoped it would remedy many of the grounds for closure.
The news of the closure comes just weeks after a second location of Ralph’s Italian Ice opened with a fast food restaurant called the Hot Spot along Route 22 in North White Plains.
Gordon said he and Rosenberg would discuss legal options against the village, according to Lohud.