Discordant Residents Kill Proposal to Erect Protective Netting at Driving Range
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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A proposal to protect the residents of an apartment building at 140 East Hartsdale Avenue with Driving Range Protective Netting to be erected by Scarsdale Golf Club, got tangled up at the Greenburgh Town Board meeting and is now being withdrawn.
The application to install the netting was made after the club received requests from residents at 140 East Hartsdale Avenue and Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner, who recommended that the club bundle this application with one to install a temporary tennis bubble and netting behind the 16th green. There have been no objections to these two proposals.
However, residents of neighboring apartment buildings at 80, 100, and 120 East Hartsdale attended the hearings and complained the netting would contribute to flooding and suggested that it would be a danger to wildlife and compromise their views of the golf club.
Scarsdale Golf Club contends that there is no basis for these objections. According to a letter from the Club’s Manager Bill Minard, “The same netting used for bird aviaries and is supported by representatives of both the Audubon Society and Greenburgh Nature Center. The President of the Greenburgh Nature Center actually resides behind 16 green and supports the safety of the nets for birds. The Club would never compromise our wildlife program. The netting will have no impact on other animals. Of course, the DRPN will have absolutely no impact on contributing to their existing flooding conditions and we have already partnered with the town to assist in developing a remediation plan for a much larger flooding issue. Finally, the claims that the DRPN will impact their views are also distorted. Both 80 and 100 will have no views of the DRPN, and only the corner apartments on 120 will see the DRPN from one side but their views of the golf course directly in front of them remain unobstructed.”
Nevertheless, the club has now been advised to separate the application for this netting from the other two proposals for the tennis bubble and the netting at the 16th green. Though they originally feared it would delay the process, they directed their attorney’s to withdraw the application for the netting for the driving range until the other two proposals have gone through.
Though Feiner originally recommended the proposals be bundled, after the withdrawal he sent out a news flash to Greenburgh residents saying, “Scarsdale Golf Club withdraws net proposal (see attached). They are looking at alternatives. Appreciate their responsiveness to the residents of E Hartsdale Ave.” This made it sound like the club was doing something that would negatively impact the neighbors when in effect, the $200,000 in poles and netting was requested by residents to protect them.
You Asked: Questions About the Duck Pond, the Heathcote Bridge and Tree Removal
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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The pond on Duck Pond Road is covered in algae. Who is responsible for the maintenance of the pond?We received a letter in the mail from an anonymous reader who identified themself as “an outraged Scarsdale resident.” The letter was dated July 20 and was a copy of one addressed to Jeff Coleman at the Department of Public Works in Scarsdale, highlighting several issues around town.
It turns out that only some of the issues identified were in Jeff’s domain.
Here were the outraged person’s complaints – and here is what we learned:
The Heathcote Bridge
One lane of the Heathcote Bridge is closed to traffic.
First the Heathcote Bridge: The outraged resident complained that for the last three weeks the right lane of the Heathcote Bridge over the bypass has been closed. The person writes, “3 weeks ago you announced work would start on the Heathcote Road bridge over the BY-PASS. For 3 weeks the right lane has been barricaded causing all kinds of traffic jams as cars and trucks squeeze into 1 lane to get into the 5 corners. It is outrageous that in the past 3 weeks NO work has ever started on the road though you made a big announcement of the project. Nothing has been done except cause a traffic jam and inconvenience residents. Remove these barricades since you obviously are doing nothing to the roadway.”
We reached out to Jeff Coleman at the Department of Public Works and here is what he shared about the bridge:
About the lane closure:
“During the last NYSDOT inspection of the bridge, the last girder on the west side of the bridge was found to be experiencing some deformation. The Village is inspecting that structural member weekly. However in an abundance of caution, we are closing the lane to reduce the vehicle load on that portion of the bridge. The girder is located on the underside of the bridge.”
About the work:
“We expect that construction will begin in the fall and extend through the summer of 2023. Most of the work will occur below the bridge.”
Algae in the Duck Pond
The resident was also outraged about the pond, writing, “The famous pond on Duck Pond Road should now be renamed the DUCK SWAMP. It is completely overgrown with green algae, stinks from the smell and the reason is outrageous. For a dozen years 2 beautiful fountains that were illuminated at night to keep the water oxygenating and moving the water and we NEVER ever had these horrible conditions before. Light up and turn on the fountains.”
We stopped by and indeed found the pond covered with a slick of algae and saw that the fountains were not running. We asked Coleman why not, and he told us that the pond is owned by the Heathcote Association. He said, “The property owner, The Heathcote Association, maintains that property. I assume that they pay for the utilities as well. The Village does not.”
Scarsdale10583 reached out to the Heathcote Associationn for a response, and here is what we learned from Matthew Schwartz, the new president of the association.
Matthew Schwartz said "Yes, the Heathcote Association does own the pond and maintained it for years. But now there is considerable sediment on the bottom and it needs to be dredged. If not, the sediment will clog the fountains (bubblers) and break them."
He expalained that the Association has been looking into doing the dredging but during COVID it was difficult to get people out to do the work. Furthermore, he explained that the primary cause of the sediment is that the Village waterways empty into the pond. Therefore, they have been working with the Village Engineering Department and believe that the Village has an obligation to help the Association with the project and the costs. They don’t believe it is only the Association's responsibility as the Village has been using the pond as part of their water system and people from all over Scarsdale use the pond.
So for now, the fountains will remain off until the dredging can be done.
5 Heathcote Road
5 Heathcote RoadLast the resident said, “Our neighbor at 5 Heathcote Road is doing a major renovation of that historic house. But why were they allowed to cut down all the massive trees on the property? Isn’t there a code prohibiting the hundred year-old trees from being cut down? Also, do any of your inspectors see the partial utility pole attached and swinging from the electric wires in front of the property on Heathcote Road? Must it take a power failure for this to be fixed?"
We looked up the property record on the Village website and see that the developer was approved to do a gut renovation of the house, remove and replace the pool and patio, and build a one and two story addition with a garage at the right and rear of the existing house. There was approval for the installation of a circular driveway and the removal of some trees and replacement with others. Specifically, about the trees, they had permission to remove 28 trees of various species and DBH, and replace them with six trees. In addition, five to seven street trees were to be removed and replaced in accordance with the Village street tree replacement policy.
5 Heathcote Road was the former home of Seymour Topping, a famed foreign correspondent for the New York Times, and the home will be renovated, not razed.
About the utility pole, this could be the responsibility of Con Edison.
Do you have questions? Email us at scarsdalecomments@gmail.com and we’ll investigate.
Saks OFF 5th Opens in Eastchester
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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There’s finally some good news for shoppers in Scarsdale, with the opening of a second Saks OFF 5th store in our area. This new location, in the lower level of the former Lord and Taylors, appears to be a hybrid of a Saks designer discount store and a venue for lower priced merchandise purchased expressly for the location. So though you will find racks of discounted designer items, you’ll also see fresh merchandise available in all sizes.
In other words, it’s a mixture of a treasure hunt for luxury items and a traditional venue for moderately priced formal wear, dresses, shorts, bathing suits, leisure wear, lingerie, menswear, cosmetics, watches, jewelry, children’s clothing, shoes and more handpicked for Saks OFF 5th shoppers. Chief Merchant Molly Taylor explained that a dedicated buying group for Sake OFF 5th has sourced 500 new brands and new designers to offer core elements in every size surrounded by the sizzle of designer finds.
The store is filled with summer merchandise, ready to be worn now.
On Wednesday night July 13 the. store held an opening with champagne, hors d-oeuvres and a DJ, and beginning today, July 14 the store is officially open. Remember to drive around to the back parking lot to enter on the lower level.
Will this mean that the Sake OFF 5th on Route 119 will close? Apparently not. It remains open. And what of the rumor that We Work is also opening at that location in the Vernon Hills Shopping Center? No one seemed to be able to confirm or deny that news, but there doesn’t seem to be much activity upstairs for now.
Congressional Candidate Catherine Parker is Confident She Can Unseat Bowman
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Catherine Parker, a recent entrant into the race to represent Congressional District 16, is no newcomer to government service. Elected to the Westchester County Board of Legislators in 2013, she was the Majority Leader and currently serves on many committees of the board. A fourth generation Westchester resident who was raised by a single mom, Parker understands what it means to live and work in Westchester.
Learn more about Parker below:
-Please introduce yourself to our readers and tell us something about your background, your family and professional and political careers to date.
I was raised by a single mother in Westchester who was a sixth grade teacher in White Plains. Money was very tight, and starting from when I was thirteen years old, I have worked. I wouldn't change a thing about my childhood. It tested me, showed me that I am resilient, and it instilled in me a good work ethic. I also have empathy for those that struggle. I'm a graduate of Providence College. My professional life has been spent primarily as a small business owner, and my store, Parkers, in Rye was a staple of the community for twenty-two years. My husband, David Walker, and I have two kids - Julia who is 21 years old and Aidan who is fourteen years old. We live in Rye, where I served six years on the city council before I was elected to the Board of Legislators in 2013. I served as Majority Leader after George Latimer was elected as County Executive and currently serve as Chair of the Human Services, Human Rights & Equity Committee. I also serve on the Budget & Appropriations, Economic Development, Environment, Energy & Climate, Housing, Law & Major Contracts, Parks & Recreation, Public Works & Transportation Committees.
-You decided to enter the congressional race rather late. What persuaded you to make a bid for the seat?
The congressional race had the reset button hit by the Appellate Court and the Special Master whose new map was accepted by the court at almost midnight on May 20th. Had Mondaire Jones stayed in Westchester I would have supported him, but on the morning of May 21st the New York Times announced that he was running for CD10. I recognized we were without a strong challenger to Mr. Bowman.
-What is your view on the redistricting of the Congressional map and the change in primary date? How did that affect your decision to run, and what impact might it have on the outcome?
I think the map makes sense. It is a solidly Southern Westchester district and has four relatively straightforward natural borders - the Hudson River to Long Island Sound, and from 287 to the Bronx border with just a small part of the Bronx. While redistricting generally favors an incumbent, I see a clear path. I represent over 62,000 in CD16, and have been elected and reelected by my constituents many times. As someone who has a deep record of passing pragmatic progressive legislation even in areas of Westchester where I haven't represented the local community, many people still recognize me as a leader for environmental policy, good fiscal governance, women's reproductive health and sensible gun policy.
-Incumbent Congressman Jamaal Bowman hails from Yonkers and publicly stated that with the new district map he was disappointed he would no longer serve many of his Bronx constituents. Why do you believe you would better represent Westchester residents in Washington?
I'm a fourth generation Westchester resident. Truly, Westchester is in my blood. It is why I was drawn to serve as a county legislator. I have had the better experience of representing Westchester already for nearly nine years. Here's what Westchester wants - someone who understands that in every community people struggle. Someone who is looking to restore our SALT deduction. Someone who knows that every municipality including more affluent ones have a real need for federal dollars to help pay for infrastructure, who understands the cost of climate change and the need for flood mitigation. That's me!
-Given that Bowman is the incumbent and has received many endorsements from organizations and unions, do you think it will be possible to unseat him?
Most of his endorsements were given before the lines changed. He has since lost the endorsement of the Mayor of Mamaroneck, and other endorsers have shared that if they had known how things were going to change they would have waited. The most important endorsements in running for office are that of the voters, and I feel confident we can unseat him.
-How do you distinguish your platform from Bowman’s?
My platform in this election has to include fixing what has been egregiously missing from the incumbent - responsiveness to residents and local elected officials. I will work with the local communities to fund necessary infrastructure, provide comprehensive constituent services so people don't fall into crisis because no one returns a phone call, and lastly, but not least importantly - representing the district with my votes. Congressman Bowman has forgotten us on many occasions, whether by his no vote on infrastructure, withdrawal of his support of the Abraham Accords for Israel and other Middle East nations, no to aid for Ukraine, and no for NATO.
-Some claim that your entrance into the race will ensure a win for Bowman by taking votes away from challenger Vedat Gashi. How would you respond to that charge?
So the woman who has seven times the elected experience of that challenger, who actually lives in the district and represents a large chunk of likely voters is the spoiler? No. This isn't a deli line. There may be a spoiler, but it's not me.
-What achievements are you most proud of during your five terms of service on the Westchester County Board of Legislators?
When I was Majority Leader, in that two year term we passed more legislation than at any other time, before or after. These were good policy decisions that we sorely need in Washington - paid sick leave, tax parity, and sensible gun legislation.
-What do you hope to do in Congress to benefit Westchester residents? Is there any chance of reinstating our SALT deductions?
I have a long to do list, representing many projects that municipalities need. Every bit of money that comes in from Washington, reduces the burden on your property taxes. Speaking of, I do think there is a good chance to reinstating our SALT deduction.
-With a polarized Congress and a divided country, give us your views on how the two sides can reach consensus to pass legislation on climate change, gun control, voting rights and women’s rights?
I am the only candidate that has ever passed legislation while being in the minority party of government. The way to be successful is through language. When I had a bill to create the position of Energy Director for Westchester and the Office of Sustainability, I spoke not in terms of climate change and carbon footprint, but in terms of millions of dollars saved by taxpayers because of energy efficiency. My bill passed. Language matters!
The Scarsdale Procedure Committee Invites Scarsdale Voters to Submit Suggestions to Improve the Non-Partisan System
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The Scarsdale Procedure Committee (PC), whose members are representative of Scarsdale’s five elementary school neighborhoods, is inviting Scarsdale voters to help improve the non-partisan election system’s governing document and the Citizens Nominating Committee (CNC) processes. To accomplish these important tasks, the public is being invited to review and comment on a summary of proposed amendments to the document known as the Non-Partisan Resolution, which are available on the PC’s website here, along with the current Non-Partisan Resolution marked to show proposed changes.
According to PC Chair Michelle Sterling and Vice Chair Peri Zelig, “The Scarsdale community’s non-partisan system of electing qualified candidates for village office is governed by the Non-Partisan Resolution – a living document that, since its adoption in December 1930, has been amended 42 times, most recently in November 2018. The system administered by the PC establishes a method for selecting a slate of qualified candidates for Mayor (every two years), Trustees (every year according to staggered terms), and Village Justice (every four years). Periodically, the community is asked to comment on proposed changes to the Resolution which are ultimately submitted to the electorate for a vote on ratification. Today’s announcement represents a collaborative opportunity for Scarsdalians to make a positive difference in the civic affairs of Scarsdale.”
This annual non-partisan election procedure, which is managed by residents of Scarsdale and is similar to the School Board Nominating Committee system, works like this: the PC administers the annual recruitment and election of voting members of the 30-member CNC. CNC members – six residents from each of Scarsdale’s five elementary school districts – are elected by their neighbors to vet and nominate a slate of candidates for Village office positions which may be open in any given year. By contributing input on potential revisions to the Non-Partisan Resolution, Scarsdale voters play an integral role in the process that helps to select Village government, another unique feature of Scarsdale’s non-partisan system in which partisan politics and electioneering is avoided.
Procedure Committee chairs Sterling and Zelig stated that “all comments received by the PC from Scarsdale voters and community organizations during the 90-day public comment period, from June 27 through September 2022, will be reviewed by the PC. At the end of its public review, the PC will propose amendments that, in the Committee’s judgment, should be presented to the electorate on the Tuesday November 15, 2022 ballot, when the voters go to the polls to vote in a new class of Citizens Nominating Committee members.”
The members of the 2022-23 Procedure Committee are: Michelle Sterling, Chair, Peri Zelig, Vice Chair, Christian Callaghan, Susan Douglass, Madelaine Eppenstein, Carly Grossberg, Elena Kanner, Jon Krisbergh, Liz Lashbrook, Barry Meiselman, BK Mungia, Abigail Sterling Olsen, Camille Roche, Emily Shteinhauz, Ilissa Siegel, Jill Spielberg, Laura Thierer, Jay Wechsler
The Procedure Committee invites the public to review and submit comments about the proposed amendments via email to Procedure Committee Chair Michelle Sterling, and members Madelaine Eppenstein.
Public and Media Contact: michellesterling1@gmail.com; meppenstein@eppenstein.com
