Will the Village Spruce Be Taken Down? Village Board Discusses Tree, Leaf Pick-up and More

The Village Board considered the fate of a Colorado blue spruce tree in Boniface Circle and also heard details about the effect of COVID on Village Hall personnel and leaf collection at their meeting on Tuesday night November 24, 2020.

Mayor’s Remarks

Mayor Marc Samwick discussed how the specter of the coronavirus pandemic has made this holiday season different from those of years past. He specifically singled out COVID fatigue and the dark, winter season as contributory factors behind that change. In addition to reading out Center for Disease Control suggestions for how to deal with the season’s challenges, Mayor Samwick spoke to the recent increase in local COVID-19 cases. Scarsdale “has gone from 9 [cases], about three weeks ago, to 38 [cases] today,” according to the Mayor. Samwick also noted that village staff members have gotten sick, taking a toll on village operations.

The Mayor stressed the importance of continuing to provide fiscal support for different Scarsdale institutions. He asked residents to “please continue to shop and dine the ‘Dale throughout the winter months,” and called for donations to the Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps, so as to avoid the increased costs that would come from the use of a commercial ambulance service. See his full remarks here.

Village Manager Comments

Scarsdale Village Manager Steve Pappalardo shed more light on the effect of COVID-19 on Village Hall. As a result of positive tests and “close contact,” 11 full-time employees are currently out of the office under home quarantine. The exposure hit the first floor of Village Hall where the Village Clerk, Village Treasury and Water Departments are located. These have been shut down as a result, with offices closed until November 30 when the quarantine will end for these staff members.

Village Manager Pappalardo explained that a plan is being developed, in response to these closures, to have employees work in two different groups—one from home, and the other in the building—so as to prevent a cluster of positive tests from once again sidelining an entire department for 14 days. Cleaning protocols will be increased with the entire building fogged twice a week and high touch areas cleaned daily.

Leaf Pick-UpThe Village Manager called on residents to bag their leaves.

Pappalardo also noted that the Highway Department has been impacted by the virus. Currently 14 full time and seasonal workers have tested positive or are quarantined as close contacts. The number of crews taking care of leaf collection has decreased because of COVID. As a result, the Village is close to completing the second round of leaf collection at each home but may not be able to complete a third round of leaf collections by the end of the season on December 11. Pappalardo asked residents to consider bagging their leaves, and leaving them at the curb to be collected by sanitation workers, or asking their landscapers to bring the leaves to the recycling center where they can deposit them without a fee if they have proof they come from a resident’s home. Forms to allow leaf drop off were distributed to landscapers or can be picked up at Village Hall and at the recycling center. A signed note from the resident will also suffice. The Village would appreciate the help as they have been “dealt a severe blow” by this pandemic.

Public Comment Period # 1

Marcy Berman-Goldstein spoke on behalf of the Scarsdale Business Alliance and the Downtown Revitalization Committee of the Scarsdale Forum. The groups have a joint desire to revitalize the village center and have been assessing ideas to recreate Boniface Park into a welcoming space for visitors. She said, “Unfortunately Boniface Park has long been a neglected and underutilized space…. It is dark and shadowy at night and was until recently overgrown with bushes that blocked views…. The blue spruce tree is not thriving … it should be removed to open up space for public use. … planting a new tree would still allow for a tree lighting, or a temporary tree could be used during the holiday season. Members of the SBA and Downtown Revitalization Committee respectfully request that the blue spruce tree be removed, leaving space for other uses.” She said funds to do the work might be able to be raised through private sources.

Susan Douglas spoke on behalf of the Scarsdale Forum, and echoed concerns about the blue spruce tree. She noted, however, “that The Forum has and will continue to promote green projects,” suggesting for example, that Scarsdale residents could mulch their leaves at home, as an eco-friendly alternative to collection options. About the tree she said, “We want a festive holiday tree. Just not this particular tree in this particular location.” She said the tree was “visibly unwell” and “infested with beetles”. She called it “scraggly and sad,” and suggested a replacement tree or a temporary tree. She said, “We are interested in creating a vibrant downtown,” but that “every space does not need to be covered with grass and trees.” She called for the area to be a gathering space with tables and chairs, emulating European cities where people can have a snack or hear a musical performance or a tent could be set up for events.”

Madelaine Eppenstein, President of the Scarsdale Forum and secretary/treasurer of the Friends of the Scarsdale Parks, spoke next. She wished everyone at Village Hall well. She added that after consulting with a certified arborist from Bartlett Tree, it was determined that the Colorado blue spruce tree at Boniface Circle Park has fungal disease and is perhaps suffering from “insect damage.”

Bob Berg spoke in defense of the blue spruce tree in Boniface Circle Park. “It is a tree that has not been determined to be dying at this point,” protested Berg. He then complained about village laws related to people tearing down trees on private property. Circling back to the blue spruce, Berg called it an “iconic tree,” and referenced the Joni Mitchell song, Big Yellow Taxi, claiming that the effort to tear down that tree seemed to be in the vein of those who want to “pave paradise and put up a parking lot.” Berg also called for Trustee Lena Crandall to analyze the impact of taking down this tree.

Diane Gurden, the Village Budget Portfolio Chair of The League of Women Voters of Scarsdale, spoke next. She asked the board a series of questions about the impact of COVID on the upcoming budget process. Among them were: “Has the Village applied for any grants for COVID relief? How will the board gather community input for the budget? How has the pandemic impacted village revenues? How has COVID 19 affected levels of staffing for this year, and how will it impact the upcoming year?” In response to those questions, and several others, Mayor Samwick said he is looking into financial relief for merchants, and that the issues Gurden raised will be addressed during the budget process.

A developer is proposing the construction of 22 foot retaining walls to accommodate a larger yard and pool at 4 Kingston Road.Mark Nadler from 171 Brite Avenue spoke in opposition to the site development at a home on 4 Kingston Road which includes the construction of “2 massive retaining walls, 22 feet high by 100 feet wide. He is the downhill neighbor. He asked for the board to help repair a “broken approval process.” He said, “This is about a non-local builder,” wanting to move over a 32-foot high hill six feet closer to my property line to accommodate a bigger in ground pool and yard.” He said, “His rights as a builder should not exceed my rights as a homeowner.” He said, “the entire purpose and function of the Scarsdale Architectural Review Board needs review, as they are not sure of what they are or are not reviewing.” He continued, “It is impossible to get details of the BAR conversations. This was approved without any visuals of the 32- foot high hill or retaining walls or where they are to be located. There was no in-depth discussion of landscaping, land use or the suitability of this project. …. I should not have needed to hire a lawyer, and spend thousands of dollars,” to find inconsistencies in what was proposed. He said, “I also hired an engineer who did a stormwater management study which found several mistakes in the builder’s submissions. The zoning board of appeals needs to focus on damage to a neighbor. The pool application is on the agenda for the Board of Zoning Appeals on 12/9 and I suggest that this should be adjourned since plans need to be submitted. I plan to bring experts to testify at that meeting.”

The Mayor assured Nadler that he had attention from the highest level staff to ensure that everything is legal and appropriate.

Bob Harrison, the Volunteer Director of the Scarsdale Summer Youth Tennis League, discussed the price of the proposed comfort station at the Middle School Tennis Courts. A strong supporter of the comfort station, Harrison did not understand why it is slated to cost $150,000. In response, Village Manager Pappalarado said that the Scarsdale School Board did approve the IMA, but that he understood Harrison’s concerns, and that the architect had been contacted about a preliminary project estimate.

Trustee Liaison Reports

Trustee Rochelle Waldman announced that beginning December 1, contactless drop off and pick up will be available at the newly reopened Scarsdale Public Library at 54 Olmstead Road. She also noted that expanded library hours are being introduced as well. The librarians are available by phone and virtual services have been planned. However, rising COVID infection rates are affecting in person services. She said, “Though they want to offer some in-person services, we’re concerned for the welfare of staff and patrons.” Waldman said that peer libraries are currently drawing down their in-person offerings. Scarsdale will continue to assess the situation and may allow for in person browsing by appointment.

Trustee Crandall called for a public works session to evaluate the proposal for the tree at Boniface Circle. She said, “Is it a hazard tree in a public place?” Crandall also noted that she was “concerned about the emotional impact of the discussion on our residents” during this time of COVID. She said that apartment inhabitants who look out onto Boniface Circle were concerned, and that taking down the blue spruce tree is a permanent change that might affect them. However she said she would look at this with an open mind. She also called for residents to bring plastic film and plastic packaging material to the recycling center.

Trustee Jonathan Lewis expressed concern about Scarsdale’s “cyber-security readiness and [its] ability to work in a virtual environment for some time.” He stressed the need for the Village to put in cyber defenses, reach out to the Technology Advisory Council for support, and address these issues before the currently-scheduled January 12 meeting, which he believes is too far away to begin taking action.

Trustee Randall Whitestone reported on a virtual meeting of the Safe Coalition, Children’s, Family Community, an organization that works to provide support for those struggling with domestic violence. Whitestone referenced a half hour video they released about resources available for those dealing with domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Agenda Items

The trustees approved a resolution read by Trustee Justin Arest for issuance of $6 million in refunding bonds which will save the Village over $500,000.

Trustee Crandall read a resolution accepting a monetary gift of $1,650 from Meredith Grossbach, for the purchase of a bench near library pond in memory of her late father, Dr. Conrad Goldberg.

The Board approved resolutions to place a créche in Boniface Circle, a Menorah in Chase Park and to Chabad to hold a virtual menorah lighting celebration in Chase Park on December 13, 2020.

Trustee Waldman read a resolution to accept a “police traffic services program grant” that was approved by a roll call vote.

After explaining the financial hardship that O’Neills Concession—the proprietor of the Scarsdale Pool concession stand—underwent at that venue this year, the board approved a license fee reduction of $11,000 from $16,000 to $5,000.

Trustee Whitestone proposed that the contract to rehabilitate the Boniface Water Tank on Garden Road, “VM contract #1249, be awarded to Brave Industrial Paint.” The resolution passed.

Public Comment Period # 2

During the second public comment period, Mike Levine said that a spruce tree came down on his house and advocated for streamlining the process to “remove large, old trees.”

Future Meeting Schedule

During discussions about future meetings, Trustee Lewis asked the Board to consider bringing back agenda meetings and trustee work sessions. He said that since the COVID crisis there has been little opportunity to engage in serious public discussion. Trustee Arest, called for more frequent work sessions to discuss help for downtown merchants and a host of quality of life issues.

The next Village Board of Trustees meeting is Thursday December 3, 2020.