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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 13 July 2022

Created: 13 July 2022

Last Updated: 14 July 2022

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There was good news all around at the meeting of the Scarsdale Village Board on Tuesday July 12 when a new Village Clerk was appointed, the treasurer announced a $4.6 mm surplus in the Village Budget for the end of the 2021-22 fiscal year and the Mayor congratulated Village staff on July 4th fireworks and games at the pool and residents on the return of July 4th celebrations at Arthur Manor and Greenacres.

Girl Scout House

About re-opening the Girl Scout house, Veron announced that the Village is in talks with the Girl Scouts to come to an agreement. She read the following statement:

“Village of Scarsdale officials and Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson representatives together announced that they met July 8 in furtherance of their mutual commitment to move forward toward a renewed partnership strategy for the management, maintenance, and occupancy of the Betty Taubert Girl Scout House in Scarsdale. The parties share the goals of reopening the facility as quickly as possible and aligning on resolving its longer-term operational and capital needs.”

“Said Helen Wronski, interim CEO of Girl Scouts Heart of The Hudson, and Robert Cole, Scarsdale Village Manager, "We are pleased with our constructive conversations on reopening the GSH and our healthy discussions on a strong and clear go-forward relationship. These are important first steps in commencing a fresh start in our continuing long-term partnership, making sure the needs of our Girls Scouts and the Scarsdale community are met by having access to a well-maintained facility.”

Pool Memberships

The Mayor announced that this year the Village will offer 100 pool memberships to non-resident children of current Scarsdale residents, and former Scarsdale residents and their children:

New Village ClerkTaylor Emanuel is Scarsdale's new Village Clerk.

The Board of Trustees approved a resolution to hire a new Village Clerk to replace Donna Conkling who held the job for 25 years. The new clerk, Taylor Emanuel, has a master’s degree in business and has experience with school boards, with running elections and preparing minutes. She will begin the job on July 18, 2022.

Liaison Reports

Trustee Randall Whitestone announced that Maryellen Saenger will retire this summer and thanked her for service. Saenger is the Director of the Aging in Place initiative at Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service and helped Scarsdale’s seniors. Whitestone said, “She did a wonderful job and ensured that seniors were not left out during COVID.” Mayor Jane Veron expressed the Board’s appreciation as well.

Trustee Karen Brew shared plans for the library, saying that the Friends of the Scarsdale Library is rolling out a new campaign to finance improvements to the outdoor space surrounding the library. She said, the friends are “turning their focus to the outside of the library with a library in a park campaign to add more outdoor space, seating, outdoor technology access and open air pavilions. Donations of $5,000 or more will be recognized with pavers on the newly landscaped grounds.

Trustee Ahuja said that the annual Scarsdale Sidewalk Sale will be held from July 28 – 30 in Scarsdale Village, with a Chalk the Dale event on Friday night July 29 from 6 – 8 pm and family fun activities in the dining tent on Saturday July 30, 2022.

Award

Village Treasurer Ann Scaglione received accolades as the Village of Scarsdale has been recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association for excellence in financial reporting for the Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.

Village Finances

During the meeting of the Town of Scarsdale, Village Treasurer Ann Scaglione said that the Village ended the 2020-21 fiscal year with a $4.6 million surplus due to higher than expected sales tax receipts, higher than anticipated, mortgage tax revenue, higher than expected fees from the building department and increases in revenues from recreation and parking.

Foreclosures

Scaglione also announced that thought school tax collections were at 99.55%, the Village was proceeding with tax foreclosures on the following properties on which there are tax liens:

Address                      Year of Oldest Lien

1023 Post Road             2019
18 Fox Meadow Road   2019
136 Madison Avenue     2013
21 Richbell Road           2013
147 Lyons Road            2017
31 Saxon Woods Road 2019
3 Brittany Circle            2015

Former Library Employee

Sign on Stettnisch's CarDuring her opening comments, Mayor Jane Veron said the following about Robin Stettnisch, a former part time employee of Scarsdale Library who was not rehired after the renovation. Stettnisch spoke at the June 28, 2022 meeting of the Village Board and Veron said,” I would like to read a statement from the Board that clarifies misinformation shared during recent public comment. "The Village Board wants the Scarsdale community to know that we are aware of the statements made by a former Library employee regarding her termination. The Village plays no role in deciding whom the Library hires or terminates, and this former Library employee has never been employed by the Village in any capacity. The appropriate venue for her concerns remains the Library, and it is our understanding that the Library Board is preparing a response to her claims that they will publicly share in the near future."

Stettnisch continued her campaign at the July 12 meeting when she called in twice. Referring to the Mayor’s comments at the opening of the meeting, Stettnisch said, “I am shocked that the Mayor acknowledged me and admits that I exist. I was a former well-loved librarian at Scarsdale Library. Scarsdale, the wealthiest town in America, put on a $21.7 million renovation by firing their long term employees. The CSEA Union said what the library was doing to us was shitty but legal. Is that what you want to be known as? Look at the article, “Library Picket Scandal” in Maroon. It was impressive that it took you almost a year to acknowledge there is a problem, as well as the library board….Who do you go to if the library board ghosts you? I went to you! You pretended I did not exist. I can’t wait to hear the response as to why it was fine to fund a $21 mm expansion on the back of its employees… I want to see you tell your employees it is okay to go back to entry level salaries and no pensions.”

During the second public comments session she said, “Just imagine how heartless it is that we were all fired. And if we got our jobs back we would start as a new person. How does this reflect on you that you ignored me?” She called her treatment “heartless and unethical.” She continued, “one donor who gave in the six figures was enraged. It does not sit well with most people with a conscience.”

Bob Harrison also spoke. He promoted the Scarsdale Youth Tennis League and encouraged people to sign up. He complimented the Village on wonderful July 4th activities at the pool and urged the Trustees to keep the pool as is, and not raise money via bonds to change it.

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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 21 July 2022

Created: 21 July 2022

Last Updated: 24 October 2023

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In a sign of a change in attitude about preservation of homes in Scarsdale, a persuasive, prepared and eloquent group of Murray Hill residents attended the July 19 meeting of the Committee for Historic Preservation to defend the mid-century modern former home of Paul and Irma Milstien at 76 Birchall Drive. Lawyers for the family had submitted an application to tear it down, and were working with a builder with plans to subdivide the property and construct two homes in its place.

This was the second meeting that an application by the Milstein’s family lawyer to demolish the house was considered. After considerable discussion on June 28, 2022, with only four committee members present, the decision was held over until July 19. 2022.

The neighbors at the meeting were undeterred by the opinion of expert Andrew Dolkart who believed that the home did not meet the criteria for preservation. Instead, they presented evidence to demonstrate that the home did meet one, if not several of the criteria, as outlined in Village Code.

Speaking for the family, Andrew Berkman, a lawyer for the family contended that the architect who designed the home, Simon B. Zelnik was not a master, that the home was not mentioned in the 2012 Cultural Resources Survey and that alterations made to the home following a fire had undermined the integrity of the design so that its historic significance was lost.

Polled at the beginning of the meeting, the committee chair and several members of the committee agreed with Berkman. Chair Adam Lindenbaum said, “It is a tremendous house on a tremendous property but that does not mean it warrants preservation.”

Kevin Reed agreed, saying, “It’s a nice house. If I had the power of fiat I would order it preserved but we have to go by what the trustees would say – rather than our hearts.”

Mark Behr commented about the other Zelnik homes in Scarsdale. He said, “ The sad thing is that one of Zelniks house burned, we approved another to be taken down and now this – but it doesn’t elevate it to meet the code for preservation. I am leaning toward supporting the application.”

Jonathan Lerner said, “I lean the same way myself. But do we want to at least discuss the importance of the residents? In regard to criteria 1 and 2.?”

Lauren Bender said, “There are few remaining mid-century modern homes in Scarsdale. We have a handful of named architects that built in Scarsdale. I understand that there have been alterations. But the overall general aesthetic is mid-century modern architecture. We lost the Barancini house in a fire. And the other one was knocked down.”

Talaiya Safdar refuted the claim that Zelnik was not a master. She said, “He was a noted architect. What does an architect need to achieve to be considered a master?”

Dr. Emily T. Cooperman an Architectural Historian from Cherry Hill, NJ sees little worthy of preservation in Scarsdale.Dr. Emily T. Cooperman, an expert from Cherry Hill, NJ who was retained by the attorney’s said, “the alterations had changed the historic value of the home.” Cooperman has been hired several times before to testify on behalf of applicants who wish to raze historic homes. To date she has found little, if anything, worth preserving in Scarsdale. See her opinion of the property here.

Committee member Safdar replied, “It’s a slippery slope to say if the house has been altered it is no longer historic.”

However after the public was given the opportunity to speak, the tone of the conversation changed.

Gayle Helman of 62 Birchall Drive first spoke about the prominence of the homeowners, one of the criteria for preservation. She said, “I want to speak to the point that the home is associated with someone of significance. The first owner, Ruth Farkas, was the Ambassador to Luxembourg and her husband owned Alexander’s Department Stores. Paul and Irma Milstein are some of the most prominent and philanthropic families in New York who donated the Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy Collections to the NY Public Library, the Milstein Hospital at Columbia, the Whale Room at the Museum of Natural History and more. She said, “There are few if any families that have left a mark like this on New York.”

About architect Simon B. Zelnik she listed many of his buildings including the Joyce Theater a series of movie theaters and an important synagogue in Riverdale. She said, “What would make you a master if not that?”

A newcomer to Scarsdale, David Greenberger said, “We moved to Scarsdale from the city a year ago and one of the reasons why we chose Birchall Drive was the beautiful homes, including this one that is diagonally the street from us. If any house would meet the criteria for preservation it would be this one.”

Greenberger said, “Simon B. Zelnik was a master.” Greenberger shared a historic caricature from the New York Post picturing the top five architects of the day, with Zelnik next to Frank Lloyd Wright. Greenberger, who is an attorney, said, “That would be like putting me next to Chief Justice John Roberts.”

He contended that the home met another criteria, in that it “represents a type, period or technique with high artistic value,” saying “It is a beautiful home in the mid-century modern aesthetic. That is exactly what a mid-century modern home should look like. The wood and stone façade is emblematic of an era.”

About claims that the renovation made it lose its integrity, he said, “The White House was both burned and expanded.”

He then introduced a surprise visitor to the proceedings, Bryan Zelnik, an architect and grandson of Simon Zelnik.

Bryan explained that he was the son of Martin Zelnik and the grandson of Simon Zelnik and the only third generation A caricature from the NY Post depicting Zelnik alongside Frank Lloyd Wright.member of the AIA. About his grandfather he said, “Yes he was a master. Simon was a fellow of the AIA. They are recognized with highest honors for significant contributions to society. Only 3% of all AIA members have that honor.”

About the senior Zelnik, he said, “He won medals at Cooper Union, attended the Ecole des Beaux Arts in France and won many honors.” He said, “My grandfather was a true modernist for his time.”

He listed many of the buildings he designed, including the synagogue in Riverdale, the Baracini stores, Lindy’s restaurants and more. He said, he was considered one of the five top architects of the period.”

About the home on Richbell he said, “He used stone and wood to create the form. His work is in keeping with the Prairie style and it has been maintained and remains intact.” He reminded the committee, “In the city a landmark is only the façade.” He said, “My grandfather was a true American success story. He came here from Poland and as immigrant.” His emotional appeal was moving.

Neighbor and interior designer Jackie Cutler also spoke to preserve the home. She said, “There are few mid-century homes left in Scarsdale and this is a fine example of mid-century modern architecture.” She listed the large windows, the small steps between rooms, the expanse of rooms and said, “this is a mid-century jewel.”

Later at the meeting it was revealed that the fire in the house was limited to the attic and did not damage the design of the house. The additions were to the sides and rear and had no impact on the façade.

More comments were heard from Lika Levi and Ariel Stillman, all in support of saving the house.

However this was not enough for some members of the committee, who appear to lean heavily toward approving demolitions rather than preserving homes.

Chair Adam Lindenbaum was reluctant to deny the application and sought to discredit the claims that it met any of the criteria. He concluded, “I don’t think the Milsteins are significant. I think the renovations are substantial and I don’t think the home rises to rare artistic value.” He
questioned whether Zelnik’s status as a fellow of the AIA qualified him as a master and asked for further documentation. Kevin Reed agreed and suggested the decision be deferred.

Both Bender and Safar said they were ready to vote at this meeting and seemed convinced that Zelnick was indeed a master but agreed to put this off for another month.

Jonathan Lerner said, “I disagree with your point about the Milsteins – they are among the top 100 families in the US. They also made a lot of donations to Scarsdale anonymously.”

The committee agreed to give this further consideration at their next meeting.

So ultimately, even armed with enough evidence to meet the criteria as set forth in the Village Code and backed with the support of fellow residents, the committee lacked the fortitude to enforce the code and deny the application.

Perhaps some of the newer residents, who have only recently become aware of the struggle to preserve Scarsdale’s history, will ultimately volunteer to serve on the Committee for Historic Preservation and be willing to challenge insatiable developers who are determined to erase the past to line their pockets.

Stay tuned for their next meeting on September 20, 2022.

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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 30 June 2022

Created: 30 June 2022

Last Updated: 30 June 2022

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Some of the community’s youngest citizens sat patiently at Village Hall on Tuesday night June 28, well after their bedtimes, waiting to address the Mayor and Board of Trustees at the podium. Wearing their uniforms, Brownies and Girl Scouts assembled at the Village Board meeting to plead with the Village to reopen the Betty Taubert Girl Scout House that has been shuttered since March 2020.

Despite the appearance that callous bureaucrats had simply locked the doors to the Scout House on Wayside Lane, the story turned out to be far more complex. Remarks from Scarsdale Mayor Jane Veron, a former scout and troop leader, Village Manager Rob Cole, Helen Wronski, who is serving as the Interim CEO of the Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson, Scarsdale/Edgemont Service Unit Manager Donna Caro, BK Munguia and a long list of others involved in scouting, revealed the real reason the house is no longer in service.

Though there was no signal to the public that the issue would be addressed, local scouts organized and asked the girls and the leaders to attend and “show the trustees how our troops have been negatively affected because we have not had access to the house since March of 2020. We want them to see the many faces of the girls in SEGS who are depending on them to re-open the house. Our remarks should only be about re-opening the house as soon as possible.”

Someone alerted News 12 of the upcoming meeting, and cameramen were posted inside Rutherford Hall taping the proceedings.

The Mayor was also expecting to see representatives and in her opening remarks she offered her support to the scouts. She said, “We want to underscore, our commitment to our Girl Scouts community. Two weeks ago, I spoke at the Girl Scouts Silver and Gold Award ceremony and shared that the Girl Scouts are very near and dear to my heart. I was once a Brownie and a Girl Scout myself; I was a troop leader in college at a local under-resourced elementary school, and I am the mom of three girls who each participated in the Scarsdale program. I have seen first-hand the formative power of the Girl Scouts."

"We as a board are fervent believers in the catalytic role our Girl Scouts play in solving societal problems. Girl Scouts lead with a deep commitment to community and a roll up your sleeves ethos to tackle challenges to make the world a better place. In a moment, our Village Manager will share the Village’s journey to ensure our essential community asset remains open and accessible for our Girl Scouts as well as for our Seniors and the myriad other community groups who value this central space. We work directly with the Seniors Council, seeking to deliver on their needs. For as long as I’ve been on the Board, the Village has been seeking to address the critically needed upgrades to the space and tonight the Village Board is poised to allocate ARPA funds to repave the driveway. The Girl Scout House plays a vital role in enabling our broader community to convene and gather.”

She then turned the mic over to Village Manager Rob Cole who explained why the Scouts and the Village had come to this impasse. He said, “the Betty Taubert House has deteriorated and the Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson have not met their financial obligations. The building needs $550,000 of work. The Girl Scouts asked the Village if they were interested in purchasing the building so that it could be repaired and put back in use. But we have received no response to our calls and letters.

With mounting repair costs and the building in disrepair, we sent them a notice of default. The Village intends to return it to use for scouts, seniors, recreation programs and more. Now the Girl Scouts have requested a meeting. We would like to compensate them for the property and expedite the sale so we can restore it to usage.”

However that was not the response the scouts wished to hear.

Helen Wronski, who is the newly installed interim CEO of the Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson objected, saying “I do not appreciate Mr. Cole’s comments. The first Girl Scout troop in Scarsdale was established in 1917 and the first Girl Scout house was established in 1941. We have been in partnership with the Village for over 80 years. Both houses were built with Girl Scout funds. For a greater part of this 80 years we have had a collaborative and effective partnership in providing a safe and welcoming facility. The Village wants to buy it but we want to maintain it for the use of scouts. I can tell you this will eventually result in the loss of the building for the scouts. We are afraid we will be regulated back instead of forward. The Girl Scouts Heart of Hudson is committed to the house.

Returning to speak later in the meeting Wronski said, “Three days into my appointment here (as interim CEO) I received the default notice. I called Mr. Cole and he refused to talk to me or meet with me. I had to go there myself. We asked you for the numbers but you wouldn’t tell me the numbers. You only said, “I am going to send you a check.” I want to make this right. We were willing to come to the table and we have yet to hear a response. We came and offered to begin to work and were not given any communication back. I found that stunning for a municipality. You would have communication from me.”

Donna Caro of Harvest Drive said, “I have been a scout since 1981. Betty Taubert was my mentor. I ask you to renew our agreement and reopen the house. The Girl Scouts have been a fixture in the community. Right now our existence is threatened as we have nowhere to meet.
The house closed in March 2020 and our leadership has not had an in-person meeting in over two years. We have not recruited since 2020. Our annual fundraising drive has been cancelled. Our award ceremony has been cancelled. We should have been celebrating at the Girl Scout House not at Hitchcock.”

Caro continued, “We need to be accessible to our girls. We do not meet as a whole community anymore. Having younger and older girls meet is essential. Closing the Girl Scout house has affected every aspect of the program. I urge you to continue to partner with GS Heart of the Hudson.”

Former Mayor David Kronlein asked the Village to continue their partnership with the scouts. He remembered fighting the fire that burnt down the first Girl Scout House. He said, “My wife and daughter were very involved in the funding for the reconstruction of the house only 2 years later. I am the husband of a scout and father of three daughters who were scouts, a former mayor and I urge you to renew your agreement with the scouts.”

Stacey Green of Overlook Road said she is the co-leader of a troop of 16 third grade girls. She said, “I have a background in finance. How much is needed for the upgrades?”

Cole responded, “The reason the house is closed is because we need to fix the ventilation to meet post covid rules. We were trying to work with the scouts to get matching funding. That’s why we would be happy to buy it as we can’t continue to fund it. It is our understanding that they don’t have the funds for investment in the property. They haven’t paid since 2015 and the building and grounds are not in good condition. We are willing to buy it and make the upgrades but they don’t get back to us. We are trying to do the right thing here.” He also mentioned that the Village has allocated $70,000 in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to repair the driveway and parking lot at the Scout House.

BK Munguia of Brookby Road said, “I am here to ask you to reopen the house for scouts and the council. I have a document to show the history of the scouts in Scarsdale since 1917. I have served as the liaison to the Village for the scouts for 17 years. Betty Taubert was committed to the idea of sharing resources. All the stakeholders should be engaged to clear up misunderstandings. Good decisions are never made in haste or anger. There are so many people who are interested in keeping this partnership going.”

Many scouts from Scarsdale and Edgemont came forward explaining why they wanted the Girl Scout House back, for sleepovers, ceremonies, charitable projects, planting and practicing to march in the Memorial Day Parade. One said, “We had to meet on yoga mats in Davis Park. We sat on the sidewalk and painted bird houses and gave them out to people.” Another said, “We learn interesting and exciting things,” and “Girl Scouts has brought our grade together.” Another said, “I love girl scouts and being a girl scout. I really want the house to be open. It teaches me how to interact with my friends and make new friends.”

The Mayor thanked the girls for bringing their local voice to the government. She said, “Remember it and use it – you can make change throughout your entire life. We are passionate about reopening the house. This has been going on since 2015. We want you to have access to the house.”

Following the meeting we asked Village Manager Rob Cole for clarification on a few of the issues and here is what he shared:

(Q) You said the Girl Scout house requires $550,000 in work. What are the short term vs. the long term needs?

(A) The $550K includes such items as a new roof, exterior windows and doors, parking lot paving, kitchen renovation, baseboard radiator repairs/replacement, and others. There are also non-capital needs that require remedy, which are not included in the estimated $550K. We’ll need to work through project prioritization and timing with the Girl Scouts.

(Q) If the ventilation was upgraded, could the house be used?

(A) The most immediate need at the Girl Scout House is addressing the ventilation improvements. An older estimate pegged the cost at $17,347 (50/50 split was the $8,673 mentioned last night). We’ll have to get a new proposal reflecting current pricing, though, and we’re hopefully costs haven’t sharply escalated. That written, and assuming a walkthrough does not reveal additional needs requiring remedy prior to reopening, upgrading the ventilation is the only item I am aware of that would preclude reopening. Any life safety issue identified would need to be remedied prior to reopening, of course.

(Q) How much in arrears are the scouts in their payments to Scarsdale Village?

(A) But for limited work already completed by the Village, which is subject to Girl Scouts 50% reimbursement, capital expenses are paid as projects are undertaken. As a result, the Girl Scouts are not in arrears, as such. Rather, there is an infrastructure repair/renovation backlog of work needing to be completed and an associated funding deficit needing to be addressed.

(Q) What is the agreed upon annual payment?

(A) There is no agreed upon annual payment to fund infrastructure needs. Maintenance, renovation, and repair needs drive the amount of money needed each year. Thus, the Village identifies infrastructure needs and seeks to confirm Scout financial participation at the 50% level. If the Girls Scouts come through with their required contribution, the project moves forward. If they do not, the project is deferred.

(Q) How much was the Village offering the Scouts for the purchase of the house?

(A) No specific price had been offered – that would have been the next step had the Village chosen pursue termination of the agreement.

(Q) Is there any documentation of the Village’s efforts to communicate with the Girl Scouts available to see? On the Village website?

(A) The Village’s efforts to communicate with the Girl Scouts have included a variety of methods, including on-site meetings, written, and phone calls. The process has been time consuming and labor intensive, though we are hopeful their new leadership will work to improve communications, responsiveness, and follow-up, as we all share the same goal of opening the Girl Scout House as soon as possible and maintaining it such that it is a safe, comfortable location for Girl Scouts and other users to visit and enjoy.

I sent the Girl Scouts a default notice on May 31, spoke with Ms. Wronski by phone on 5/31 after she read the letter, and sent her a copy of the March 2022 letter that she requested during our phone conversation (also on 5/31). The next day (6/1), I directed my assistant, Christine, to schedule the requested meeting, which she did for 6/9 (seven business days later, based on mutual availabilities). The meeting was held as scheduled.