Village Board Approves Agreement to Build a Comfort Station at SMS Tennis Courts
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A long discussed proposal for bathrooms at the Scarsdale Middle School tennis courts overcame a hurdle at the November 10 meeting of the Scarsdale Village Board of Trustees when they approved an intermunicipal agreement with the Scarsdale Schools to build the pavilion. Plans call for “a single pavilion-style building containing two ADA compliant restrooms, an office for an attendant, a storage room, and a room to accommodate the existing irrigation equipment. The covered area surrounding the building provides shelter during inclement weather.”
The proposal has undergone exhaustive debate since it was originally put forth by former Trustee and tennis enthusiast Bob Harrison. It took several years for the school district and the village board to agree that this was a priority. And now, with so many infrastructure needs and a $2 million shortfall in the Village budget due to the COVID epidemic, the decision to spend $150,000 on an enhancement was called into question.
Bob Harrison sought to ease passage of the resolution by phoning in during public comments early in the meeting and offering $10,000 from the Scarsdale Youth Tennis Association to reduce the Village’s bill. He questioned why the project would cost $150,000 as it will be built by Village staff. The Mayor explained that it was necessary to pay the architects, conduct a SQRA review and do a formal submission to the New York State Department of Education for approval.
Though the $150,000 had already been earmarked in the 2019-20 budget the comfort station was the subject of considerable debate.
Trustee Jonathan Lewis read the resolved clause of the resolution which said, “the Village Board of Trustees hereby authorizes the Village Manager to execute an Intermunicipal Agreement between the Village of Scarsdale and Scarsdale Union Free School District, in substantially the same form as attached that the Village Manager is herein authorized to undertake all administrative acts required pursuant to the terms of the Agreement. Read the agreement here.
Trustee Arest spoke first. He said, “Is it an important project, yes…. We spent six years negotiating with the school board, only to reach an agreement where we are on the hook for everything. I don’t appreciate that. I can get past that. What I can’t get past, is spending $135,000. How is that essential during a time of austerity and right before budget season. This should be part of the budget discussion. It should be tabled. I shouldn’t have to vote no on this…. We have revenue shortfalls. We are going to have to cut services. Does the community prefer to build fields or a comfort station? That’s a conversation I would like to have during budget discussions. … It says we are on the hook…. if NYS or the district requires an increase in the cost of construction, we don’t have an out. If the costs skyrocket, we don’t have an out. For all those reasons … and I do support Mr. Harrison in his seven-year endeavor, I vote neigh.”
Trustee Lena Crandall was in favor of the plan. She said, “I am all for more comfort in Scarsdale. Once this is approved by NYS we do have a couple of years to complete it. I appreciate Mr. Harrison’s willingness to raise funds. It serves more people than those who are using the courts. People who walk can use it too. This will help us to become a more walkable community.”
Trustee Lewis recognized Mr. Harrison for his advocacy but said, “This conversation would have benefited from discussion during our agenda meetings. My vote is no.”
Trustee Seth Ross voted yes. He said, “It’s been discussed for a long time. It was a pre-pandemic project and I think it’s something that the community wants.”
Rochelle Waldman agreed, saying “it would benefit the community.”
Trustee Whitestone said, “I think this is a question of timing. It was a pre-pandemic project. I am going to vote yes.”
Mayor Samwick said, “This project is already funded. We need the agreement to go to the NYS Education Department. After that we have two to three years to build it.
This is a community project – it benefits all. This is something that the community can use.”
The Board approved the resolution by a vote of 5-2.
Later in the meeting Bob Harrison called back in to comment and thanked the trustees who supported the bathroom project. However, he then turned to the two Trustees who had voted in opposition to the resolution and became unhinged. To Justin he yelled, “The state could require three bathrooms? How can you say that? Every bathroom has a male and female bathroom. … Do you have a daughter? Girls can’t go to the bathroom during the summer – and their mothers have to take them home. Hopefully you get the message. Trustee Lewis – you should have read the resolution. The architectural numbers were $32,000 – we have to be accurate. Let’s get this done with our own people! Let’s manage our projects properly! We wasted $110,000 for one tennis court at Wynmor, ridiculous.”
Mayor Samwick responded to Harrison saying, “I think it is unwarranted to call out individual trustees in that fashion and we will ask you to refrain from that in the future.”
Arest got in the last word. He said, “There is no way I am letting that go without making comments.” He said, “Mr. Harrison when you called me at 9:30 pm last night it was not appreciated. My kids were asleep. I stayed on the phone with you for more than a half hour. One of the only ways that the Village can back out is if the state or the school district asks for something like a third or a fourth bathroom. I was not advocating for anything.
a 4th or 5th bathroom. I don’t appreciate the way you spoke to me. So I will say respectfully, “Bob, lose my number.”
In other Village business, the Mayor discussed the “dramatic uptick” in nationwide COVID cases and said “We are seeing real increases in NYS, where the positivity rate was over 2.5% today. In Westchester County the positivity rate was 4% today. 82 people were hospitalized on November 9 as compared to 48 on November 1, 2020.” He urged residents to remain diligent, wear masks, wash hands, avoid large gatherings and practice social distancing. He also asked returning college students to follow the Governor’s guidelines.
Public Comments
Ann Hintermeister noted that many people are working and studying at home and complained about gas powered leaf blowers. She noted the noise, the dust and the smell. She asked the mayor to limit the hours they could be used and to ban leaf blowers from within 50 feet of the property line and 50 feet from a sidewalk or a road. She asked the Board to confine the noise and dust to the property owner and limit use to one at a time.
Later at the meeting, in response to Ms. Hintermeister, the Board asked the Conservation Advisory Council to investigate alternatives to gas powered leaf blowers.
Claire Hunt alerted trustees to the dangers of trampolines and objected to their appearance. She said, “The AAP strongly discourages the use of trampolines at any age. Backyard trampolines resulted in 103,000 trips to the emergency room in 2017.” She added, “Many are not safely installed. They are supposed to be 8 feet away from any obstacle. They should be properly installed so that they don’t fly away in high winds….. My neighbor has their trampoline in their side yard. It is several feet off the ground and allows kids to stare into their neighbor’s windows…. The noise level is higher than any other play equipment. Most kids scream on them! There are no regulations surrounding them …. They are unsightly out of scale and incredibly dangerous. She asked the Board to consider banning trampolines or regulating them. They should require a permit, a setback, be properly anchored to the ground and be insured. You should need BAR approval and a landscaping plan.
Liaison Reports
Lena Crandall said that residents can now recycle plastic bags and liners as well as cooking oil at the recycling center.
Justin Arest encouraged listeners to buy Scarsdale Business Alliance raffle tickets to win prizes and support neighborhood merchants.
Rochelle Waldman reported that the library received over 1,000 responses to their survey and is now planning to open in a modified fashion at the beginning of December.
On a happy note, the Mayor reported that. marriage license fees for the Village are up 60% this year. He said, “We have become a destination for marriages in the COVID era.”
Last Chance: Cast Your Mail In Ballot For CNC Candidates for Receipt by November 10
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(Updated November 5, 2020) The deadline to vote for your neighborhood representatives in the annual Citizens Nominating Committee election is this coming Tuesday, November 10. Mail-in ballots should be mailed as soon as possible to the Procedure Committee’s P.O. Box 284, Scarsdale NY 10583. There is no in-person voting this year. Ballots must be received at the Chase Road Post Office before 5 PM on Tuesday. To ensure timely receipt of your ballot, please allow ample time for postal delivery. A ballot with instructions was included in the Election Brochure mailed to all voters, or you can download a ballot on the Procedure Committee website at www.scarsdaleprocedurecommittee.org
The Procedure Committee of the Scarsdale Citizens Non-Partisan Party presented their slate of candidates for the Citizens Nominating Committee. Fifteen residents have volunteered to run as the elected representatives from each elementary school area. Those who are elected will join current CNC members to meet with non-partisan candidates for the village offices of Mayor and Village Trustee. The 30 elected members of the CNC will then nominate candidates to represent the Non-Partisan party’s slate in the village election, which will take place in March 2021.
According to Procedure Committee Chair Madelaine Eppenstein, an election brochure was mailed to each Scarsdale household last week. This year, the election is by mail-in ballot by November 10, 2020. Eppenstein explained, "The CNC election procedure for voting only by mail-in ballot is straightforward. The Procedure Committee, which administers the CNC election, follows the typical instructions that you will find, for example, on the November 3 general election mail-in ballot. The instructions ensure security of the ballot, voter anonymity and integrity of the process. A copy of the ballot with step by step instruction were included in the CNC Election Brochure that was mailed to all Scarsdale voters last week. It hasn’t varied over recent years. The Non-Partisan Resolution, which governs the administration of the non-partisan system, already provides for mail-in voting."
You need to complete your ballot and mail it for receipt by November 10, 2020. Additional ballots can be downloaded here. Each ballot needs to be mailed in a separate envelope.
Below are the candidates whose names will appear on the CNC ballot. The full list, along with biographies of each candidate, will appear in the brochure mailed to all residents prior to the election.
Edgewood
Sital Jain
William McInerney
Laurie Medvinsky
Richard Wingate
Fox Meadow
Kay Eisenman
Jennifer Rosen
Greenacres
Jeff Blatt
Mary Pat Jones
Jared Stern
Scott Weiss
Heathcote
Lynn Badain
Han Zhou
Quaker Ridge
Rob Tepper
Matthew Zik
Here is the list of the candidates and current CNC members from each of the five neighborhoods.
For further information, contact: Madelaine Eppenstein, Chair at meppenstein@eppenstein.com.
How Will You Use the New Library? Complete This Survey
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The Scarsdale Public Library at 54 Olmsted Road is preparing to reopen in a modified way in November. As they need to adjust how people can access the library given Covid-19 regulations, they want to know what services are most important to you. Please help the Library by answering this quick survey by October 31st.
Library To Open In November, Resident Encroaches on Right of Way Plus More from the Village Board
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A cafe in the entrance to Scarsdale Library will serve drinks, sandwiches, salads and more.The Scarsdale Library will open in just a few weeks. Plans for the opening of the renovated Scarsdale Library and a new café as well as a discussion of the use of open lands were among the items discussed at the Village Board meeting on October 27.
Library Opening
The library is expected to have a limited opening in late November. At the Village Board meeting, Margot Milberg, President of the Scarsdale Library Board of Trustees announced that a vendor for the library café had been selected. The library committee spent months scouting and meeting with vendors and they believe that Larchmont Epicure, operating as Apiary will provide delicious food at reasonable prices. The café will be located in the glassed library entrance.
Village Trustees approved a resolution to award the contract to run the Larchmont Epicure, granting them the license at an annual fee of $6,000 and 4% of gross revenues. The menu will include breakfast, sandwiches and entrees, salads, cakes, cookies, treats and snacks and a selection of coffees and beverages. The vendor has a mobile app to allow people to pick up food and go. They will use recyclable containers.
In anticipation of opening during COVID, the library has issued a survey and they encourage residents to complete it. Find it here. https://www.scarsdalelibrary.org. Responses to their survey will help to identify priorities.
Encroachment on Village Owned Land
A proposed resolution for a license agreement for Corell Road residents to use Village -owned land that abuts their property elicited an interesting discussion about residents’ use of Village-owned property.
Diagram shows the paper street and the encroachment.
At issue was 3,500 square feet of property located on a paper street between Corell Road and Spruce Lane in Secor Farms. The paper street is fifty feet wide and 170 feet long and is located next to 41 Corell Road, owned by Bari and Peter Formaneck. They encroached on this property by extending their lawn, installing lawn furniture, fencing and landscaping walls, gardens, shrubbery, planting beds and trees.
In order to allow them to continue their “passive use” of the property,” Village staff did what they usually do, which is to propose a licensing agreement which would require the Formanecks to pay the Village a $1,250 administrative fee and an annual maintenance fee of $150.
However, before reading the resolution, Trustee Jonathan Lewis objected on the grounds that this allowed residents to take open space owned by the Village at a minimal cost. He said, “I believe we need a reset on how we approach the encroachment on public lands ….. I have no interest in promoting a land grab for public lands.” He pointed out that open space is at a premium and that the Village should have a carefully considered policy about how and if residents can encroach on this land. He said, “Approval of this resolution sends the wrong message to residents about our role as stewards of the environment and equitable treatment.” He requested a discussion of the Village’s remaining open spaces and the policy for managing these lands.
Residents improved the area with landscaping and trees.
Village Manager Steve Pappalardo said that the Board has approved revocable licenses in the past. He said the Planning Board did a study of paper streets in the Village in 1999. There were 32 paper streets in the Village and they recommended that some be maintained as paper streets for possible use later on and others be “de-mapped.” This paper street was on the de-map list. At the time, they discussed selling some of this property to neighboring property owners who might want to add it to their lots. However for this paper street, there are public utilities underneath it, complicating a sale. Pappalardo pointed out that if residents are granted a license, it’s up to them to care for the land and it lightens the load of Village landscapers who have to mow the lawn and maintain the property.
In the discussion that followed, Trustee Lena Crandall said, “Our open space inventory needs to be updated.” She said allowing vegetation to grow in these open spaces is good for flood mitigation. Trustee Arest was disturbed that the application for a license was submitted after the residents had encroached on Village owned land, not before. Seth Ross suggested that the Village Manager bring these licensing applications to the Board in advance of drafting an agreement. He said there are not so many that it would be burdensome.
After considerable discussion, the resolution was tabled to give Trustees and opportunity to further examine this case and to formulate a general policy.
Comments from the Mayor and Village Manager
In other business, Scarsdale Mayor Marc Samwick encouraged everyone to exercise their right to vote either early or on election day.
Village Manager Steve Pappalardo shared that the Village had just undergone an inspection by FEMA to evaluate the Village’s flood mitigation efforts. The Village received a strong numerical score that validates the Villages commitment to a comprehensive approach to flood plain management. As a result, residents who live in flood prone areas are qualified for a 10% reduction on flood insurance.
Pappalardo reviewed the work of Scarsdale Family Counseling Service and their programs to assist many segments of the community including youth, families and seniors. He emphasized that their service to the community has been especially valued during the pandemic. He encouraged those in need to contact them at www.SFCS.org.
Regarding Halloween, on Saturday October 31, Pappalardo said that the Village is advocating to both the New York State and CDC guidelines and that door to door trick or treating has been identified as a high-risk activity. These guidelines along with ideas for a safe and fun Halloween can be found on the Village website at www.scarsdale.com.
Public Comments
Jon Gliedman of Lyons Road spoke in support of improving traffic safety and asked the Village to make the intersection of Lyons Road and Sprague Road and a four way stop by adding two stop signs to the intersection. Brandon Cole agreed with Gliedman.
Leah Dembitzer, President of the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale noted that extended hours for early voting has been added at all locations due to high voter turnout. Absentee ballots can be dropped off at drop boxes at these locations. For voting on election day, some locations have changed and voters should look up their polling place on the Board of Elections website here:
Bob Berg supported the proposal for a four way stop on Lyons and Sprague Road. He said another pedestrian was hit in a crosswalk on Popham Road last week. He said the Village could designate short stretches for lower speed limits at dangerous points around the Village point.
Bob Harrison said he ran a successful youth tennis tournament last weekend.
Finances
The Village Board of Trustees held a work session on finances prior to the meeting. They projected that they would have a shortfall of $2.4 million this year. This is due to lower than expected revenues from sales tax ($661,000), parking ($1,495,000) and recreation ($303,000). This is a better scenario than originally projected. The Village has already set aside $2.5 million in a COVID account and has a positive fund balance to cover shortfalls. The Village’s situation is stable. However, shortfalls are expected to continue and Village managers will prepare for this in the months to come by suggesting budget reductions of 10% by department.
Bond Resolution
The Board approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of $1,750,000 in bonds to finance various improvements to the water supply and distribution system.
Gift from the Scouts
The Village accepted a gift of $2,000 from Edgewood Girl Scout Troop 2701 which has been disbanded. The funds will be used to replace benches in Davis Park.
Mayor Comments on Halloween, Neighborhood Engagement, Pedestrian Safety and More
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The following letter concerning COVID, Halloween, neighborhood engagement, a traffic accident and more was written to the Scarsdale community by Scarsdale Mayor Marc Samwick:
Dear Scarsdale Community:
COVID-19 remains a public health threat.
As responsible adults with an obligation to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, we must all continue to maintain vigilance in adhering to public health guidance and legal mandates so as to help avert a local resurgence of the disease. Recent news about the appearance of transmission hotspots in New York, referred to as “Cluster Hot Spot Zones,” serves as a stark reminder of our collective duty to continue to be attentive by making personal choices and taking necessary actions in support of the guidance and mandates that protect ourselves and others from COVID-19 exposure.
Please continue to practice social distancing, comply with the NYS mandate that you wear a face covering in public spaces where you are unable to maintain at least six feet separation from others, and adhere to any applicable self-quarantine mandate triggered by travel to NY from a designated state.
Our safety is in our hands. The best way to remain safe and healthy while helping to slow the spread of COVID-19 is to continue to follow these CDC and the NYS Department of Health guidelines:
• Wear a mask.
• Wash or sanitize your hands frequently.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Practice social distancing (6 feet).
Undertaking these efforts, including encouraging children, teens, and young adults, will reduce the likelihood that rigorous restrictions on businesses and our daily activities may need to be reinstated.
We’ve done a great job locally, so let’s keep it up!
The following pages provide Halloween information and guidance, notice of an upcoming Village Board work session focused on Village finances, encouragement to become active in your Neighborhood Association, a reminder to vote, and other news and information. Please be sure to review closing remarks for an important message.
Halloween Amidst a Pandemic
Halloween is a fun time of the year, a period when a seemingly incompatible mixture of terror and creativity blend into a concoction that builds community. It is a day celebrated by youth and adults, alike. For some, costume and party planning begins months ahead. As fall colors begin to emerge, our residents and Village staff, alike, look forward to special programs and community events coordinated by our Parks, Recreation and Conservation personnel.
With the backdrop of COVID-19, we have been forced to modify our offerings this year. The Scarecrow Festival, which incorporated social distancing and other public health precautions, took place last week and was sold out! A great time was had by all.
Status for each of our remaining Halloween programs and events is as follows:
• Bat and Owl Prowl – This popular Weinberg Nature Center program was cancelled for
this year. However, take a look at some of the other fun offerings below.
• Storywalk at Weinberg Nature Center: A partnership between the Weinberg Nature Center and Scarsdale Public Library, experience the story, Room on the Broom, as you walk the Nature Center’s front trail from October 10 through 17.
• Halloween Window Painting: Scheduled for October 18.
• Halloween Parade: Normally on Halloween, but cancelled. However, there will be a Virtual Costume Contest – watch for more details next week on the Parks, Recreation and Conservation website.
Importantly, the Village continues to await Trick-or-Treating guidance from the New York State Department of Health. In the interim, however, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) cautions that many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading COVID-19 and has published guidance for holidays, including recommendations specific to Halloween. The CDC urges residents to avoid specified higher risk activities, such as traditional trick-or-treating, employing appropriate precautions when participating in identified moderate risk activities, such as attending a costume party held outdoors where protective masks are used and people can remain more than six feet apart, and considering low risk alternatives, such as having a virtual Halloween costume contest. For more details on the CDC recommendations, review their online Halloween advisory information.
At this time, and consistent with the CDC guidance regarding higher risk activities, as well as the NYS prohibition on public gatherings in excess of fifty individuals, the Village does not anticipate being able to approve requests similar to last year’s for neighborhood street closures to facilitate traditional trick-or-treating.
Village Board Work Session – Finance
The Village Board will hold a finance work session at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, October 27, to review status of the FY 2020-21 budget against the backdrop of continuing financial management activities in connection with COVID-19 revenue impacts. We will also discuss FY 2021-22 budget planning, as well as the appropriate target for Unassigned Fund Balance.
As you may be aware, prudent fiscal management contributes significantly to the Village’s Aaa bond rating from Moody’s. The Village Board and staff have continuously monitored the Village’s financial position throughout the pandemic, having undertaken a variety of austerity measures to ensure continuing financial stability during a period of upheaval. Because of our early and aggressive efforts, we remain on solid footing today. Our continuing efforts, as reflected in the public work session scheduled for October 27, underscore our commitment in that regard.
Please see future announcements from the Village and/or check the Village website to obtain information on how to attend this and other important Village Board meetings.
Ad Hoc Council to Combat Racism and Bias
The Ad Hoc Council to Combat Racism and Bias, formed by resolution of the Village Board on July 14, 2020, continues to conduct invitation-only listening sessions in order to enhance their awareness of salient themes and to gather and consider insights and perspectives from persons of varied racial and ethnic backgrounds residing in Scarsdale. Because of the potential sensitivity of the topic and the need to offer a safe space for persons to express concerns and experiences freely, the listening sessions have not been open to the public. However, as the Council’s work continues, there will be opportunity for broader public engagement.
As a refresher, the Ad Hoc Council’s mission is to:
1. Create an anti-racist and anti-biased environment in Scarsdale that encourages inclusion and a sense of belonging for all residents – an environment that recognizes the value that each individual brings to our community.
2. Focus on listening and engagement to identify areas of tension in the community (specifically, where and how residents are experiencing discrimination or bias).
3. Use the information gathered to construct actionable recommendations, which may include such elements as educating the community, creating a safe and open place for the community to bring any race or bias issues to seek resolution, and other concrete recommendations derived from the work of the ad hoc Council. The Council’s members are diverse and include a majority of people of color, including individuals representing Scarsdale Family Counseling, the School District, Board of Education, Village staff, and Village Board.
Scarsdale Neighborhood Association Presidents (SNAP) – Are you Active?
For those who may not be aware, SNAP is an organization comprised of the presidents of each of Scarsdale’s 15 Neighborhood Associations (“NA”). Every resident of Scarsdale is eligible to join his/her NA, which is designated based on street address. See the Scarsdale NA Map to determine your NA. Then, use the table below to get in contact with the president of your NA and be placed on any mailing list s/he maintains in order to help you remain informed and engaged in matters of interest and import in your neighborhood.
The purpose of SNAP (the “Scarsdale Neighborhood Association Presidents”) is to help facilitate communication between the Village, School District, and residents, and to promote the welfare and neighborly spirit of Scarsdalians - both in each of their Neighborhoods and collectively as a group. The SNAP presidents meet together monthly, usually with the Mayor as well as other Village staff members. The NA's are a great source of information, they advocate for common causes and issues, and they organize neighborhood events.
On behalf of the Village Board, I encourage every resident to join their Neighborhood Association and actively participate in the types of activities that make Scarsdale a wonderful community.
Scarsdale Library
I recently toured the Scarsdale Public Library and was very impressed with the renovation and addition work that has been completed – you’re not going to believe the transformation! On behalf of the Village Board, I commend all who have contributed to the project’s success, including Library and Village staff, the Library Board, and the many generous members of our community who contributed the funding necessary to make the project a reality. Watch for more library reopening information over the coming weeks.
Vote!
With the registration deadline having passed, all registered voters are strongly encouraged to take the next step—vote! For information about Early Voting, Absentee Ballots, and more, visit the Westchester County Board of Elections online.
Closing Remarks
I saved this important piece of community information for last:
On the morning of Wednesday, October 07, Beverly Samuels, a 79 year-old pedestrian walking on Crane Road near Church Lane, was struck by a vehicle and died as a result of her injuries. I cannot begin to imagine all that Ms. Samuels’ eyes saw during her 79 years, nor can I fathom the profound influence the images had on her as an individual walking her path in life.
What I know for fact today, unfortunately, is that her 79 year-old eyes were unable to see the vehicle that took her life, at least not sufficiently ahead of time to enable her to escape the heartrending outcome.
As a human being, I am deeply saddened by this tragedy.
As a community leader, I believe we must redouble our efforts to move in the direction of safer roads for all users. More on this topic to come.
Sincerely,
Marc Samwick Mayor
