Resident Questions Pool Cost Estimates

(The following letter was submitted by Peng Wu)

My name is Peng Wu and I live in Scarsdale for 5 years. I have been reading your article on Scarsdale 10583 all the time and loved them. We need to tell the truth.

Recently, major and deputy major presented the pool proposal to public sessions. The basic plan of reconstruction of the pool will cost $36m and indoor/outdoor pool complex will cost $70m.

I went to one of the public feedback sessions and asked them the detailed breakdown of the cost on this basic $36m reconstruction project and the answer that I got is we need it bring this old facility up to code.

I searched on Scarsdale website and found this detailed architectural report from 2022 and they gave a cost estimation of $13m. Only three years passed, $13m pool reconstruction project becomes $36m. I don’t understand the cost adjustment. Perhaps you have done better research and have a better idea.

https://www.scarsdale.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7904/20220223-SMPC-Existing-Conditions-Survey

Also, Pleasantville recently rebuilt their outdoor pool that includes water pump replacement and two pool reconstruction and they only spent $6m. I simply couldn’t understand our town’s huge spending on pools.

https://www.pleasantville-ny.gov/faq.aspx?TID=22

Additionally, Greenwich is planing to rebuild their pool too and reconstruction of existing pool is only budget at $8m. Their $60m proposal includes Olympic sized pool and 8 tennis courts.

https://www.greenwichwise.com/post/making-a-splash-greenwich-s-60-million-olympic-pool-dream

I just couldn’t think of any reason that our town’s pool costs that much so I decided to contact with you with my findings.

Thanks,
Peng Wu