Neighbors Respond to Tree Removal at George Field and Cooper Green

Many were dismayed to see trees and vegetation removed to accommodate a storm water retention basin at George Field and a rain garden at Cooper Green opposite the Scarsdale Public Safety Building on the Post Road. For some it was difficult to understand why removing established trees would alleviate flooding and others were shocked at the extent of the project.

However engineers contend that the seven-acre dry detention pond at George Field and the rain garden at Cooper Green will eliminate flooding in homes in the Grange, along Greendale,Oxford and Cambridge roads as well as Rugby Lane, Windmill, and Windmill Circle. And once the new plantings are installed, the area should again be beautiful.

Warren Breakstone, a Cambridge Road resident was a longtime advocate for the project and is pleased that it’s finally in the works. He said, “Mayor Flisser and the board of Trustees should be commended for their leadership in tackling the storm water issues in Greenacres. This has been a problem that plagued this neighborhood and many other areas Scarsdale for many years, and after much study and deliberation, a solution is finally at hand. Once this project in South Fox Meadow is completed attention should turn to the Cayuga/Middle School area, which is in dire need of a solution as well. Certainly no one likes to see trees cut down, but significant budget has been set aside for new plantings on the tail end of the project.”

Tracy Jaffe, who lives across from George Field, was a bit more skeptical. She said, “I truly hope that the end result justifies the destruction of so many trees, plants and the natural habitat for wildlife. People used George Field for impromptu games. Too bad we’ll no longer have this space for recreation.”

Eton Road resident Anna Decker was also sad to see the trees fall. She added, "We're amazed to see the goings on at George Field. It honestly makes me so sad to see all those trees come down and I miss our swamp that gave our area a woodsy feel. Still, I'm optimistic and hope that the beautiful natural plantings will actually come to fruition and having seen a flooded field after many storms, I understand the need just wish it didn't come at such a cost.Truth be told, I've cheered from the sidelines as our feisty George Field has gobbled up a couple big earthmovers and left them stuck in the mud. I feel like its our little protest! I'm also keeping my finger crossed that they won't be touching our beautiful willow tree on the Post Road side."

We asked John Goodwin in the Village Manager’s Office for an update on the project and here is what he shared:

"The South Fox Meadow Storm water Improvement Project is progressing as scheduled and workers have not encountered anything unexpected.

The initial work at George Field Park and Cooper Green involved the clearing and removal of underbrush and trees and the re-grading of the land in preparation of excavation for the dry detention basins at George Field Park, located between Post and Greendale Roads, and Cooper Green, located between Mamaroneck Road and 1162 Post Road across from the Public Safety Building. A number of these trees were dead, dying and/or considered scrub or underbrush. Although George Field Park and Cooper Green will look barren during construction, there is an extensive landscaping plan involved for both locations. At George Field Park 590 trees, plants and shrubs are being replanted and at Cooper Green, 30 new trees will be installed and over 1,000 plants and shrubs will also be planted. These plants and trees purchased by the contractors from local nurseries and will be installed during the upcoming planting season."

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