Playgrounds and Pools to Open: Doubles Permitted on Village Tennis Courts
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 2923
Good news from the Scarsdale Recreation Department. The Scarsdale Pool Complex will open, but not until July 18. Kids can use Village playgrounds and tennis players can play doubles on Village Courts. Here are the details along with guidelines for use– and more. Read the entire memo on the Village website here:
Municipal Pool Complex
The Municipal Pool Complex will open on Saturday, July 18. Pool permit purchases will be discounted 25% from the regular prices and are available for purchase online. Seniors will receive an additional discount, as per our normal pricing structure.
The pool complex will be operated in a manner meeting or exceeding NYS and Westchester County public health standards in order to make visits safe and enjoyable. More details to come as the reopening plan continues to take shape, informed by the abundant feedback we received in response to the resident survey recently circulated – thanks for participating.
Camp Programs
Although it became necessary to cancel our traditional summer camp programs, Governor Cuomo has granted authority to move forward with other camp programs, subject to a variety of public health mandates and guidance. We are working with the Westchester County Health Department to identify program offerings that can be provided safely during the months of July and August.
Playgrounds
Governor Cuomo has authorized playgrounds to open on a statewide basis, “subject to local discretion.” Accordingly, Scarsdale playgrounds are now open for public use, subject to the following recommendations.
Parents should recognize that no reasonable disinfection protocol is available to make outdoor playground equipment safe from potential exposure to a variety of pathogens, such as COVID-19 and others. As such, parents choosing to allow their children to use playground equipment should help children follow these guidelines:
• Don’t visit the playground if it is crowded.
• Don’t visit if you are sick, have tested positive for COVID-19, or were recently (within
14 days) exposed to COVID-19.
• Do maintain a distance of at least six feet away from people you don’t live with.
• Do bring and use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Anyone unable to safely use hand sanitizer should not use the playground equipment.
• Do wear a cloth face covering, if you are able. Cloth face coverings should not be placed on children under age 2 or anyone with problems breathing.
Parents may authorize their children to use playground equipment at their own discretion. New signage is posted at each playground to encourage appropriate public health practices.
Please adhere to all rules and regulations governing use of our parks and facilities. If you are unsure, contact Parks, Recreation and Conservation staff by phone at 914-722-1160, or by email using recreation@scarsdale.com. During evenings and weekends, please contact the Scarsdale Police Department at 914-722-1200.
All park restroom facilities remain closed at this time.
Passive Use Guidance
Passive and solitary recreational use of open facilities and spaces is authorized, but social distancing of at least six feet is required. Examples of “passive use” activities include, for example, birding, hiking, walking, jogging, kite flying, and small family group (same household) recreation activities, except the prohibited activities and uses listed above.
Please also note that a mask/face covering is mandatory for all park and facility visitors when within six feet of others.
Tennis Courts and Lesson Programs
Doubles play is now authorized and will be available at the following courts by reservation, only: Brite Avenue, Wynmor, Crossway Har-Tru and High School. Additionally staff has been meeting with our tennis lesson contractor, Lifetime Racquet Sports to establish a lesson program focused around the safety and health of both patrons and professional instructor. We anticipate an early July rollout of lesson offerings.
All players need to help be sure we can keep the courts open by demonstrating compliance with the reservation process and facility rules:
• Players must have a valid Tennis Permit to access courts. Permits are available for purchase online from the Parks and Recreation website registration page.
• Reservations are mandatory and limited to one-hour timeslots to ensure residents have equal opportunity for play. Once we gauge demand, this policy may be revisited.
• Court Reservations must be made at least 24 hours prior to play.
• Please arrive ten minutes prior to your reservation and wait in the designated area while
maintaining social distancing – no groups; face covering required within six feet of
others.
• Singles play will be permitted at all open courts.
• Double play will be limited to Brite Avenue, Wynmor, Crossway Har-Tru and High
School courts.
• Players must check-in with attendant before playing; face covering required at check-in.
• All players will be required to show a photo ID or permit when checking-in.
• No lessons are permitted – only residents and their registered guests.
• Bathroom facilities will remain closed – please prepare accordingly.
• Players may choose to wear a face covering and gloves while playing, but not mandatory.
Summer Programs (July and August)
Governor Cuomo stated on Sunday, June 14, that “Low-Risk Youth Sports,” defined as baseball, softball, gymnastics, field hockey, cross country and crew will be authorized as of July 06 for any location that has been authorized to enter Phase III, which may be as early as next week for Westchester County.
Other Special Events
Decisions on the following programs have not been made at this time and depend on a number of variables, including the ability to hold each event in compliance with public health mandates and guidelines in-place at the time of each event:
• Summer concert series with Westchester Band in Chase Park
• Parties in the Park
• Bike and Blade Night
Prohibited Activities and Uses
The following activities and uses continue to be universally prohibited throughout all Village of Scarsdale parks and recreational facilities, with the next modification expected to occur after Westchester County enters Phase III (now in Phase II):
• Public gatherings greater than 10 people, consistent with Governor Cuomo’s Executive Orders and directives.
• Any court or other facility with a sign prohibiting use.
• Team sports, e.g., baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer, etc.
Basketball courts, exercise stations, and bathrooms remain closed at this time.
Click here to read more about specific facilities:
Letter from Roger Neustadt: School Board Candidate Put Convenience Before Safety
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 5163
To the Editor: We had intended to provide this note earlier but have been waiting for a response to our Freedom of Information Request to the District, which they provided in a very timely manner. This note is longer than usual but we believe of utmost importance to the future of our schools. If you have not yet sent in your ballot, we implore you to read it in full and please take the time to mail your ballot to the District, in the postage-prepaid envelope, regardless of your vote.
We have recently received our ballots for the Scarsdale Union Free School District budget vote and election for the Board of Education. We felt it prudent to weigh in on these essential matters. The budget vote this year carries far more repercussions than is typical. In a normal year, if a budget vote fails, as happened several years ago, the District may go back to the drawing board and make changes before a revote. That is not the case this year. Should the budget vote fail, Scarsdale is likely to be forced to adopt a contingency budget which will result in cuts to many school programs, cuts to maintenance and improvements (including security), fewer teachers through attrition and, possibly, larger class sizes. I do not believe that this is the direction most of us envision or desire for our schools. We endorse the budget as proposed and advocate a yes vote on the budget to maintain the excellence and leadership of our schools.
This year also marks a change in the typical School Board election. In normal years, any resident wishing to run for a seat on the school board would be required to gather the required number of signatures in order to qualify for the ballot. This hurdle was suspended by Governor Cuomo this year due to the pandemic. It was thus easier for a declared candidate to be placed on the ballot.
We would typically welcome the opportunity for greater choice in our elections, however, this year we are presented with a start choice for School Board. There is no question that Mayra Kirkendall-Rodriguez has spent significant time volunteering for causes in Scarsdale. We are concerned that her comments are often critical and acerbic. We are also troubled by her mailed flyer which refers to “endorsements in the Scarsdale Inquirer.” The Scarsdale Inquirer has chosen to endorse Ms. Yusuf and Mr. Klein, not Ms. Kirkendall-Rodriguez. We believe that Ms. Kirkendall-Rodriguez should have provided attribution to the quotes so that it was clear they were personal endorsements. This is the attention to detail that she espouses.
The following email exchange, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request most clearly demonstrates our concerns. On March 8, 2020, Dr. Hagerman sent an email to District families informing them of the closure of the District schools. The email was sent the same day that the District received information of a positive test result. The Westchester County Health Department suggested the closure of schools and the District appropriately followed their advice. Ms. Kirkendall-Rodriguez replied to the email as follows, “This is incredible. This is SO disruptive to people who are in the labor force. Where are the science and math to back this up?” Instead of supporting a decision suggested by medical professionals, Ms. Kirkendall-Rodriguez’s reaction was to accuse the District of failing to act properly. While we understand the disruption to families by the decision to close the schools, protecting the health and safety of our children simply must come before the convenience of working parents. We are surprised and concerned that an individual running for school board does not agree. When Dr. Hagerman responded that the District was simply following the advice of the Department of Health, Ms. Kirkendall-Rodriguez further responded, “Are schools going to shut down now every time that people die of flu, traffic accidents, or gun shootings…what happened to the math that Scarsdale schools allegedly espouse? And what about empathy…there is no empathy for people in the labor force…” Once again, we are extremely concerned that Ms. Kirkendall-Rodriguez’s first thought is for the inconvenience suffered by working parents and not the health and safety of our children. This is the type of reactive rhetoric that has no place on our School Board. Her claim to take in all evidence and provide considered advice seems more aspirational, but when confronted with something that she does not support, Ms. Kirkendall-Rodriguez becomes reactive and accusatory. She does not gather evidence before responding but forms her opinion quickly. We believe that she does not have the appropriate disposition, perspective and thoughtfulness that she claims. Her own words make her a bad choice for school board.
In full disclosure, we are happy to provide the entire text of the emails to avoid any suggestion of selective editing. Feel free to send us an email at Info@scss.com and you will receive a prompt response.
Roger Neustadt
28 Franklin Road
Scarsdale Coalition for Safer Schools
Info@scss.com
Village Trustees Discuss Re-Opening, Installment Tax Payment Plan in the Works
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 2126
Photo Credit Jon MarkThe Mayor was pleased to report that Phase 1 of the re-opening in Westchester County began on Tuesday May 26. Though Phase 1 still entails many limitations, it is hoped that Phase 2, which includes a broader opening of retail activity, professional services and real estate, will be announced in the coming weeks. The Mayor is really looking forward to getting a haircut (see the Mayor’s complete comments below.)
Samwick announced that Trustee Jane Veron will be working with Village staff and the Scarsdale Business Alliance to assist with the re-opening and to identify opportunities for collaboration between the business community and the Village to revive local business.
During his remarks, Village Manager Steve Pappalardo said he was also looking forward to his first visit with the barber. He anticipates that Phase 2 of the re-opening should follow in two weeks. He announced that the land use boards have resumed their meetings and that applications for the Building Department can be deposited in a lock box at Village Hall.
The new tax roll will be posted on or before June 1 and Grievance Day is June 16. Anyone wishing to grieve should schedule an appointment on the Village website. For the first time in history, grievances will be heard in an online meeting.
About recreation, Pappalardo discussed the Village’s decision to cancel camp this summer but he is hopeful that some week-long summer programs for kids will still be held. He expects that the Scarsdale Pool will be not able to open before July 18, and if it does open, pool permit prices will be pro-rated to reflect the shortened season.
Tennis courts are now open and reservations are required. Only singles can be played – no doubles – and players are required to check in with the attendant at the courts and wear a face mask when checking in. The bathrooms at the courts remain closed.
Pappalardo announced that the Village Manager has appointed a committee to come up with a safety plan for the re-opening of Village Hall. The committee will make recommendations on employee safety, social distancing, PPE, staggered work schedules, temperature screening, contact tracing, disinfectant, wall mounted hand sanitizers and more.
Extension of Parking Permits
After discussion and surveys of other municipalities the village decided to extend parking permit expirations from June 30 to September 30. People have not been parking or using their permits due to the crisis and this gives them compensation for their loss.
Tax Billing in Installments
Eric Buckmeyer, SHS Class of 2008, painted this 11 X 14 canvas while in quarantine. He developed an interest in art in middle school. The painting illustrates stimulus money relief for New Yorkers fighting the virus.
Prior to the Village Board meeting on May 26, the board held a working session to discuss installment tax payments for both school and village taxes. The Village Board had previously received a memo from the School Board stating their support for installment billing of school taxes to allow split payments in September and January.
Village Treasurer Mary Lou McClure prepared a report on the plan, saying “The question has come up several times over the years. The School Board (previously) did not address it because of the potential loss of income.” She said, if Scarsdale does move to split payments, “this would put us on the same schedule as most of the communities in the county.”
She added that the “Village would lose penalty income and we would probably incur additional costs,” but recognized that this would be a good way to offer taxpayer relief during the pandemic. Village taxes would be due in July and September.
How much revenue would the Village lose? McClure reported that in 2018-19 penalties from school taxes alone were $198,000. There would be no additional cost for billing software as their provider can make this change without a fee. McClure suggested that the Village utilize a lock box to accept payments as it would cut down on the need for personnel. The box would cost $2,200 per month. The Village would also encourage online payments which cuts down on administrative costs.
All the trustees concurred that they would like to implement this change for both school and Village taxes, though Mayor Samwick cautioned that if the Village lost $100,000 in revenue these costs would need to be passed on to taxpayers with an increase in the budget.
The trustees also discussed asking the School Board to pass a referendum authorizing split tax payments but agreed they would move forward with implementing this change in the interim.
During Public Comments Bob Berg reminded the trustees that he had raised the idea to offer installment tax payments in the spring. He said, “Every single town in Westchester had adopted the split payment plan.” He said, “It’s deplorable the Village failed to offer this option for years,” and called tax penalties, “loan shark penalties.”
Mayor Samwick addressed Berg saying, “I am distressed that you refer to the penalties as “loan shark like.” All penalties are stipulated by the county and the state and they are uniform by region. It wouldn’t be fair to those who pay on time if late payers are not penalized.”
Randy Whitestone agreed with Justin Arest that if implemented, tax installment payments should be monitored on an ongoing basis. He agreed with Trustee Veron on the importance of educating and communicating so that residents understand the change and asked for research on how it would impact cash flows.
Bob Harrison spoke in favor of the installment payment plan. He questioned why the Village Board needed a resolution from the School Board, saying “they are clearly in favor of it. Don’t hold it up.” He thanked Village managers for taking a pay freeze and asked the school administration to do the same.
In other business, the trustees passed the following resolutions:
A resolution for a license agreement with Lola and Leonard Tanzer, the owners of 17 Grand Park Avenue, for a gated entrance that encroaches 12 feet into the Village right of way.
A license agreement to permit the owner of 862 Scarsdale Avenue to install a pedestrian ramp to the entrance.
A resolution to approve $22,490 in moving and storage fees for the library due to the later completion date for the library.
Barbara Shay McDonald was appointed as Village Historian, replacing Lucas Meyer.
Jack Miller was appointed to serve on the Planning Board to fill the unexpired term of Dan Steinberg.
Here are the Mayor’s comments:
Phase 1 Reopening – NY Forward
Today, we reached a milestone and have reopened in Phase 1 of the Governor’s NY Forward plan. This milestone, while significant after over two months of restrictions, remains somewhat limited. Permitted activities under Phase 1 include construction, wholesale trade, and manufacturing activities as well as curbside pickup of certain retail. Phase 1 is expected to lead to further openings in the coming weeks. Phase 2 includes a broader opening of retail along with professional services, administrative support and real estate. Personally, I am counting down the days until I can get a haircut in Phase 2. In the meantime, I will continue to rock my throwback to the 1970s. At least I take comfort in knowing that I am not alone in this extremely popular fashion trend.
Returning to the more serious impacts of COVID-19 and NY Forward, the reopening has commenced and planning for future phases has also started. Village has a role to play, particularly with respect to assisting our Village merchants to reopening and reviving their businesses. There are Village codes and other requirements that local businesses must adhere to. The Village is looking for ways to think out of the box to achieve flexible solutions to help local merchants succeed in the transition to post-COVID operations. To that end, I have asked Trustee Veron to be the point person to work with Village staff, the Scarsdale Business Alliance and local merchants to see where creative solutions may assist in reopening of businesses. I have to admit that, while eager to appoint Trustee Veron to this role, I really had very little to do with it – she had been rallying the various constituents for many weeks. Trustee Veron’s energy, enthusiasm, intelligence, creativity and knowledge of our Village make her the ideal person for this role. We look forward to this collaborative effort and the benefits that will come from this talented collective group.
Our progress reaching Phase 1 of NY Forward has been a direct result of our vigilance in following the Governor’s Executive Orders. Our future progress remains in our hands. Please continue to social distance, wear a face covering, wash your hands, and help your neighbors, especially those most at risk. Perhaps most importantly, stay home when you are not feeling well. We remain in this together and all of our actions matter – they determine the future path we will face.
EMS Week
Last week was Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week. Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps (SVAC), which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, has always delivered exemplary care but they have never been more critical to our community than they have since the onset of this pandemic. SVAC's volunteers are residents of Scarsdale and its neighboring communities. These men and women are models of selflessness and Scarsdale’s motto of non sibi.
Many in the community mistakenly believe that SVAC is funded by the real estate taxes we pay to the Village. This is false. SVAC is primarily run on the generous donations of Scarsdale’s residents through tax deductible donation. In a typical year, SVAC relies upon such donations to respond to approximately 1,500 emergency calls.
Thank you hardly seems enough for the life-saving work of our EMS workers, and I would like to offer a way we can demonstrate our gratitude to our treasured ambulance corps, now and every year during SVAC’s annual fund drive.
To learn more about SVAC or to make a much-needed contribution, please visit: http://www.scarsdalevac.com. Donations may also be made by mailing a check to SVAC, P.O. Box 92, Scarsdale, NY 10583. Thank you in advance for supporting our ambulance corps.
To all of our EMS workers and your families, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your sacrifice and dedication have helped our community immeasurably over the past 50 years and never more so than today. Scarsdale and each of its residents owe you an immeasurable debt of gratitude.
Pedestrian Safety
As we approach June and the weather continues to improve, please be cautious when driving, walking, running or bicycling. Our streets are busier than usual with more people at home. Also, as we are in Phase 1 of NY Forward, there will be increased vehicular traffic and more construction and landscaping vehicles parked on our roadways. Please slow down and remain aware of your surroundings as you travel around the Village.
Celebrations and Remembrances
This is a season of celebrations and remembrances, including Memorial Day as well as college and high school graduations. Each of these events has been muted this year. Yet we have seen creative community and family approaches to celebrate the achievements of our daughters, sons, students, friends and neighbors. Scarsdale High School teachers paraded past each senior’s house and posted Class of 2020 signs with car horns blaring and teachers cheering. I have seen many families have similarly creative celebrations for the Class of 2020. While this is no substitute for Senior Options, Prom and Graduation, it is heartening to see people celebrating the achievements of our Senior Class.
We have seen similar sacrifices and family creativity for graduating college seniors. To Scarsdale’s graduating classes of 2020 – this marking of your major achievement is not taking place as anyone would have expected, but please know that we remain so proud of your achievements and your future remains bright – even if may take a little longer to get started.
Lastly, Memorial Day was celebrated yesterday. While it wasn’t the celebration we are accustomed to, we still took time to recall the adversity this country has faced throughout its history and we remembered the strength and unity we have repeatedly displayed. We think of those who have lost loved ones and their sacrifice, and we thank them for their service to our nation. We remember the significant price paid by those who preserved our freedom – freedom that we can have greater appreciation for as a result of the current restrictions that we are using to fight COVID-19.
While we are still firmly in the grasp of this pandemic, we must continue to have hope – hope for health, safety, and freedom. We will come out of this together as a stronger community and country.
Please take care of one another, continue to do your part to stem the tide of this disease, and be well.
Scarsdale Board of Trustees Issues Statement in Support of Peaceful Protest and Assembly
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 2533
Dear Scarsdale Community,
During the march from Selma in 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice."
We are dismayed that justice – more than 52 years after Dr. King’s death – is still not clearly in view.
Rather than justice, we see the image of George Floyd, pinned with a knee to the ground and unresponsive. We are confronted with the harsh reality of Mr. Floyd’s murder at the hands of a white Minneapolis police officer. And, we must recognize that the use of excessive police force resulting in death is a chronic problem on the national level, one that disproportionately impacts black Americans and other people of color.
We stand with our neighbors in outrage now and always when any individual sworn to protect and serve commits an indefensible act of violence.
We must demand swift and appropriate prosecution for each offense committed, and endeavor to remove officers with demonstrated failure to respect basic human rights before such behavior escalates to loss of life.
We must do more as a nation. Prosecution of the latest action of a “bad cop” taking the life of a black citizen is a start. But, more fundamentally, we need to examine how we, as individuals, communities, and as a nation, can begin to make genuine progress in attacking an insidious disease capable of destroying civil society: Racism.
Our values in Scarsdale are clear and unequivocal: We demand safety, equity, and justice, firmly rejecting racism in all its forms. In our personal and professional lives, we devote substantial energy and resources to effect positive change in our community and the world beyond. To that end, the Village Board of Trustees is committed to supporting an environment where public discourse on the topic of racism can help bring us closer to the nation we can be, to the nation that we should be.
Our police force is amongst the finest, as recognized by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. We can take comfort in being served and protected by a highly trained and professional police force with a demonstrated track record of maintaining a safe and secure environment for our residents, businesses, and visitors, alike.
One of the strengths of our Police Department is the diversity and character of its personnel. Our officers come from varied socioeconomic and racial backgrounds. They are mothers and fathers, and daughters and sons of families who are proud that their loved ones chose a profession that places others above themselves. We train, teach, and require that our officers exercise the utmost professionalism, restraint, and good judgement, demonstrating respect for all persons they contact, regardless of economic status, gender, color, or any of the other characteristics that are often used to divide people.
Our Police Department is accountable for valuing all human life and integrates that responsibility into its interactions with every contact, whether a complainant, victim, or person in custody, assuring that each is equally protected and treated with the utmost dignity.
The Village of Scarsdale emphatically supports peaceful protest and assembly. We also believe that a safe environment is critical to encouraging appropriate public discourse on sensitive, emotionally-charged topics; people should be able have their voices heard, understood, and acted upon, not overshadowed by a breakdown in civil society.
Yes, the arc of the moral universe is long, and it does indeed bend toward justice. We owe it to ourselves and our children to get there.
Sincerely,
Mayor Marc Samwick
Trustee Justin Arest
Trustee Jonathan Lewis
Trustee Rochelle Waldman
Deputy Mayor Jane Veron
Trustee Lena Crandall
Trustee Seth Ross
SHS PTA Voices Support for the Proposed 2020-21 School Budget
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 1465
Dear Scarsdale Board of Education,
The Scarsdale High School PTA Executive Committee supports the proposed 2020-2021 school budget as adopted by the Scarsdale Board of Education on May 13th.
We extend our gratitude and appreciation to the Board of Education, and the District and School Administrations for all their hard work in developing the proposed School Budget for 2020-2021. This is a challenging process under the best of circumstances and the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 health crisis has made this year's budget process significantly more difficult. We feel that the Board and the District Administration have created a budget that not only provides the financial support to maintain the educational excellence of our schools and to preserve the property values of our homes, but also, with only a 1.19% increase over this year’s budget, responds to the real concerns of our taxpayers in these uncertain economic times.
In addition, we applaud the Board's decision to use $700,000 from Debt Service, that was earmarked in the 2014 School Bond for repairs and renovations to the high school auditorium, to complete several updates to the auditorium that are critical to the safety and education of our students. This use of funds accomplishes these much needed repairs with zero increase to the total budget.
We commend the Board of Education, the District and High School Administrations for their commitment to the education of our students and thank them for their time, expertise and responsiveness during this budget process.
The Scarsdale High PTA Executive Committee
Deb Morel, President
Leanne Freda, President-Elect
Rokaya Hassaballa, VP Membership & Events
Jennifer Rossano, VP Programming & Volunteers
Seema Jaggi, Treasurer
Beth Cukier, Recording Secretary
Dana Matsushita, Corresponding Secretary
