Mayor Announces Results of Pool Complex Survey

(Here are remarks delivered by Scarsdale Mayor Jane Veron at the August 9, 2022 meeting of the Scarsdale Village Board.)
Good evening, Scarsdale. I hope you are having a summer filled with friends and family and have had the chance to take time for yourselves to reenergize. Our Board is grateful to staff for keeping the Village running so well as we simultaneously continue to progress two important village projects. I want to share updates on both.

Pool Survey and Complex

First, a big thank you to our residents. You made Scarsdale proud with your active participation in the pool complex survey - defying standard engagement metrics. Here are the facts: We received 690 surveys from the statistically valid survey (over twice as many as required) that strongly supported the information received in the 1373 online surveys. Over 90% of the respondents were either permit holders in 2019, 2020, and/or 2021 or had previously had a pool permit. Based on the survey responses, it is incredibly clear that the community loves the pool complex and believes it to be a vital community asset.

Topline results showed that the community would be interested in exploring several options for the reimagined pool complex:

-50% of respondents would desire an indoor or combination indoor/outdoor facility
-About a third of respondents seek a renovated, updated outdoor facility
-And the balance of respondents preferred an outdoor facility with significant enhancements. This segment’s preference grew in prominence during the in-person sessions with many newer residents with young children favoring enhancements.

Respondents strongly value pool complex components that are currently featured in our existing facility: concessions, designated wading pool, shade, lawn areas, and deep and shallow water. Further enhancements most liked by Scarsdale as evidenced by the survey results and the in-person, dot voting engagement sessions include: splashpad/spray pad, water slide, zero depth and lazy river.

Ultimately, we will need to find the intersection of the community’s desires with their willingness to pay. Any development of this magnitude will require significant capital expense as well as funding for ongoing annual operations and maintenance. The next step is to get more granular so that the community can react to possibilities while simultaneously understanding the economic implications. We have directed the consultants to use the survey results to guide the creation of three options along with the associated economics that can be presented to the community in early fall. We wish to have practical and realistic conversations, engaging all stakeholders including the school district. We have the chance to make a lasting long term positive impact on Scarsdale with a renewed asset that will be enjoyed by Scarsdale for generations.Mayor Jane Veron

Village Center Study

In tonight’s work session, FHI Studio consultants returned for another public engagement workshop on the Village Center Mobility and Placemaking Study. The Village is all of ours, and we appreciate the participation of so many stakeholders including neighborhood associations, community groups, merchants, property owners, the Scarsdale Business Alliance, and interested residents. The material shared this evening provided further detail on a proposed vision for the Village Center, updated and refined based on the last feedback session.

FHI Studio reviewed the proposed placemaking and access concepts and shared draft concepts to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety on Popham Rd and intersections along Popham Rd. The proposed placemaking concepts seek to activate public spaces, increase the quantity and quality of gathering spaces, and improve conditions for businesses in the Village Center. The design concepts for Popham Road aim to improve safety for all users and improve vehicular traffic flow by creating a more organized driving experience, reducing potential conflict points, improving signal timing, and creating safer, more comfortable, pedestrian crossings, all while maintaining existing vehicle capacity. These concepts were developed after extensive technical analysis of available data including previous traffic studies and drone data collected earlier this year as well as a review of past reports and public input. FHI Studio has also integrated real time public and stakeholder comments and has been iterating designs accordingly.

In September, FHI Studio will be submitting the draft Sprague Road plan as well as the Mobility plan for Fox Meadow and Crane Road. FHI will again collect feedback and refine recommendations. Thank you to those who have already offered comment and written feedback. It is greatly appreciated! We continue to encourage members of the public to continue to share their feedback on the draft concepts.

We do not anticipate any more public work sessions in August unless something unexpected arises. The Village Board will be holding a limited agenda meeting on August 23.

However, before you know it, September will be here, and it will be filled with lots more opportunity for continued conversation on our key projects. We also plan to discuss the Recreation Fee schedule later in September and are targeting a fall date to queue up discussions to close our telecom gaps. Our next scheduled Village Board meeting will take place on September 13. If any of our projects are ready for a Sept 6 work session, we will provide public notice.