Valentines Day Musings at Scarsdale10583

Bouquet from Rosehip and Linnea on Garth RoadIt was one of the busiest weeks on record here. Even though snow and sleet closed schools and caused town to virtually shut down on Tuesday, a frenzy of activity this week kept our inbox in high gear.

On Monday night the Board of Education held a budget study session and board meeting where the estimated tax levy increase was decreased to 2.27% and facilities plans were discussed. Stuart Mattey reported that plans for the Greenacres School were reviewed by a third party architectural firm and have now been returned to the state education department. District architects BBS are ready to answer any questions on the plans.

What was not discussed is the potential impact of the Con Edison gas moratorium on the project. School officials say they filed early and will not be affected. However, gas prices are sure to go up and Con Edison is poised to introduce incentives to use alternative energy sources. Would it be beneficial for the district to consider using geothermal or another system to heat and cool the school?

At the same meeting, it was decided that the district would not include $600,000 to repair the high school auditorium. New seats and flooring are needed, along with new rigging for the stage. These items have been proposed and cut from the budget since 2013 – and who knows when this will be addressed.

However the Board did pass on $125,000 for new furniture and improvements in the Board of Education room and considered a privately funded $800,000 project to add lights to Butler Field.

In other news, the deadline to file petitions to run for Village Mayor and Trustees was Wednesday February 13. Last week we reported that Citizen’s Nominating Committee Party candidates had filed --- with Marc Samwick for Mayor and Jonathan Lewis, Seth Ross and Rochelle Waldman running for Village Trustee. Speculation was rife about whether or not they would have any challengers on the ballot. But when the 5 pm deadline passed, it appeared that only the names of the CNC’s candidates will appear on the ballot.

At the Village Board meeting on Wednesday night we learned that Village Assessor Nanette Albanese would retire in just a few weeks, on March 1, 2019. This date corresponded with her retirement benefits from New York State. Albanese had a tough few years in Scarsdale when she came under attack after two controversial tax revaluations. First she was criticized by those at the top end of the scale, and later by those with more modest homes. Either way, she couldn’t win. Since she is set to retire before the tax role is filed in June, she may stay on as a freelance employee until the Village can fill the vacancy.

Also at the Village Board meeting, trustees made news by voting to sign onto a lawsuit to fight the new SALT tax laws that are hurting our real estate and local economy. See details about this test case here.

And after years of discussion, Scarsdale has new laws to protect our tree canopy. Find out what changed here.

Last, we stopped by a new elegant design store and florist shop called Rosehip and Linnea on Garth Road where the Sweedish owner Krister Alte Sahlen shared this beautiful Valentines bouquet. Check them out for unusual gifts and flowers.

Happy happy Valentines Day to all.

This is the opinion of site founder Joanne Wallenstein.