Trustees and Residents Review Stormwater Mitigation Plans for Heathcote
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According to Seneca Road resident Neil Tucker, "when you're facing a potential flood on your property, every day is a bad day." Tucker and his neighbors were at Village Hall on May 14 to hear a third proposal from Robert DeGiorgio of Dvirka and Bartilucci Engineers on how to mitigate flooding in the Sheldrake River Basin near Fenway Golf Club.
This most recent proposal focuses on improving water flow from Cayuga Pond into the open watercourses along Cayuga and Canterbury Roads to the culvert at Canterbury Road. Cayuga Pond would be converted from a recreational pond into a storm water detention basin to manage excess stormwater runoff. This conversion will allow the pond to retain water during heavy downfalls and to release it slowly over time. Engineers also proposed the removal of accumulated silt and debris from the pond that now prevents maximum water retention. This, along with a modification to the spillway, will create 11 acre-feet of storage in the pond, which allows for the collection of three million gallons of water. Another crucial aspect of this modified plan is improvement of the culverts (drain pipes that allow water to flow under roads) on Cayuga and Canterbury Road. These improved culverts would allow for better water flow and balance through the piping systems.
The overall benefits from this plan are:
• A reduction in flooding impact across the entire Sheldrake flood plain during storm events
• Proportionate mitigation in high intensity events
• Reduction and staggering of peak water run off rates
• Ease of culvert maintenance and observation
• Elimination of outflow from Cayuga pond in less intense storm events
• Significant improvements to channelization of water flow
The Village first retained engineers Dvirka and Bartilucci (D&B) in 2004 following a Storm Water Drainage Condition Survey. They were asked to address storm water issues in the Sheldrake River Basin which extends from Cushman and Sheldrake Roads to Fenway Golf Course flowing down to the Scarsdale Middle School, onto the Scarsdale Medical Center and into New Rochelle.
In order to mitigate flooding upstream, D& B formulated the 2009 Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan, which proposed certain modifications to the current drainage structure. The modifications primarily focused on improving the Sheldrake River Drainage Basin and reducing the excessive water runoffs during precipitation-heavy storms that cause devastating flooding for Scarsdale residents in these flood-prone areas.
The 2009 plan identified six critical sub-drainage areas, three of which were within the Sheldrake Drainage Basin. These three areas, labeled "SR 2", "SR 3" and "SR 5" correspond to the Garden Road Area, the Fenway Golf Club Area, and the Brookby Road Area, all of which have their own distinct flooding issues. The low-lying portions of these areas, such as the Fenway Golf Club area, have been designated as FEMA Flood Plains and homes in this area have been damaged during major storm events. During a storm in September, 2011 several homes in this area were inundated and residents have been awaiting a solution ever since.
Much of the improvement plan needs to be implemented on private property and restrictive deeds and covenants obligate the homeowners to underwrite a portion of the project. The Village is proposing that the 19 homeowners whose homes border the pond or waterway foot the cost for the work to the pond and watercourse. The total cost is estimated at $1,195,00 and the Village would assume 86% of the cost or $1,030,000, and apply for government grants to fund it. The 19 affected homeowners would pay the remaining 14% or $166,000 with the seven who live around the pond bearing the responsibility for $108,000 of the $166,000 tab. The Village would create a special benefit district and property owners could pay for the project over a twenty-year period. Following the project, homeowners would be responsible for maintaining the pond and the village would maintain the open watercourse. According to Rob DeGiorgio the maintenance is "the most critical aspect of storm water management." Residents could either hire their own contractors to remove the silt or the Scarsdale Department of Public Works could handle it and add the cost to the resident's tax bills. The Village hoped to have agreements in place by September 1, 2013 and have the work done in 2014-15.
However, the residents who attended the meeting questioned whether all of the homeowners bordering the pond would be willing to share in the cost and also speculated on the ability of the plan to relieve flooding. They feared that those who were not affected by the flooding, would not contribute. Alissa Kanowitz of Seneca Road said, "It is difficult to persuade homeowners. It is only natural that you are going to have some disgruntled residents when you knock on their door and tell them that we are converting your pond to a drainage facility, and oh, by the way, you owe $18,000." According to Doug Ulene, who also lives around the pond, this scenario has essentially "pitted neighbor against neighbor." After years of watching water engulf his neighborhood he has become something of an expert on Scarsdale's water problems. According to Ulene "In a perfect world, the Village would enlarge all of its stormwater infrastructure. That's an expensive proposition and the process would be complicated because of the potential impact on downstream communities." Assuming that the village will take a more measured approach, Ulene encouraged them to "focus on projects that improve outflow," such as "making culverts, and other locations that become clogged, easier to clean." Because "there is a limit on the amount of water any area can hold, it's best to make sure that the water leaves as quickly as possible."
Though the deed to the properties around the pond require the homeowners to maintain the pond, Ulene contends that the Village is "privatizing a quintessentially government function." Saying that residents "don't rely on their neighbors for gas, electricity, water, sanitary sewers and telephone service" he questions why the Village left this flooding issue up to residents to solve.
Homeowners at the meeting also noted that the water level in the pond has already dropped – due to the fact that the spillway is locked in the open position. They argued that it might not be necessary to de-silt the pond and proposed that if the Village fixed the spillway and culverts and cleaned the watercourse it would clear up "90% of the problem."
Robert DeGiorgio responded by saying "I wish there was an easy solution," but told the group that "it is dead flat from the pond to the watercourse," and therefore improving the flow would not be simple.
Frustrated with the lack of progress, Tucker said, "Cayuga residents want to get the water out of their neighborhood." Richard Kanowitz said, "in a large storm or snow melt, I could kiss my house goodbye."
At the conclusion of the meeting Alissa Kanowitz asked if the Village could establish a working committee with residents and "not wait another six months for the next meeting. Mayor Steves said "I will commit to a schedule that will move this along and take this to a logical conclusion as quickly as we can." Village Manager Al Gatta asked the residents to "tell us what is adequate so that we can move forward. If we fix the culverts and it works, Mr. Kanowitz will be crowned for being right."
Scarsdale Pool Opening and Memorial Day Parade
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The Scarsdale Pool opens this weekend on Saturday May 25 and will be open on Saturday, Sunday and Monday for Memorial Day from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. It's easy to renew your pool permit on the Scarsdale Village Recreation Department website at http://reconline.scarsdale.com. If you already have a membership card when you register online the card will be reactivated. New members need get a photo id at the Recreation Department office at Village Hall or at the Pool Complex.
Also mark down these special dates for 2013 events at the pool:
- June 22nd - Caribbean Beach Party
- July 3rd - Firework Spectacular
- July 4th - Carnival Day
- August 3rd - Family Luau Party
Music performances and other events will be announced when the Pool Complex opens. To find out about all Aquatic programs this summer visit www.scarsdale.com/recreation
Memorial Day Parade
The Scarsdale Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday morning May 27. The parade is sponsored by The American Legion Scarsdale Post 52. Participants are asked to arrive at Spencer Place by 9 am and at 9:15 the wreath will be placed at the Honor Roll in Boniface Circle. The parade starts on Chase Road, continues north to Popham Road, goes east on Popham and then turns left to go north on Church Lane. From Church Lane the procession will take a left onto Crane Road and head west. The parade detail will then turn left back onto Chase Road and end at Chase Park.
Immediately following the parade there will be a Memorial Day Ceremony at the Memorial Garden on Mamaroneck Road adjacent to Kids' Base. The celebration will end with a barbeque at the firehouse on Crossway.
Mother's Day Gifts from Scarsdale Merchants
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The big day is on Sunday and we bet most of you are still scrambling for gifts and treats to toast Mom. To help, we surveyed some of our friends in Scarsdale to see what they recommend to recognize that special person in your life. Pamela Robbins suggests these oh-so-chic indulgences. Quoting the Jewish proverb, "God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers" they propose these lovely gifts.
(Pictured at right) Celine Cuff: $950
Celine Envelope Clutch: $1,000
Giada Forte Scarf: $270
Pedro Garcia Swarovski Sandal: $520
Stella Wool & Silk Scarf: $485
(All items are displayed in front of a floral scarf by Stella McCartney)
La Dentelliere on East Parkway has gifts for mom starting for as little as $6.00 and will wrap them up to make
them look like treasures. Here are just a few items from their trove:
Pitcher by Emma Brigewater: Handmade in an artist's studio outside London,: $138
Michael Aram candles: $60
Luxurious bed linens and towels from Yves Delorme
Lulu Cake Boutique on Garth Road is offering custom-designed cakes and cupcakes for your Mother's day celebration. Give mom a Sculpted Couture Handbag in traditional flavors like dark Belgian chocolate, or French vanilla, or unique flavors like pistachio, salty caramel or fresh banana cake with Nutella pudding. Serves 10-15 people, $195.
Nobody makes edible buttercream flowers like these. Order these elegant cupcakes that look too good to eat. Lulu's is open all day Saturday and has special Mother's day hours from 9am - noon. Ten percent of the proceeds from all Mother's Day orders go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Lulu, 40 Garth Road, Scarsdale 914-722-8300
Toast mom with wines and champagne from Zachys. Here are their Mother's Day recommendations:
Veuve Clicquot Rose Brut (Shakkei Chiller) 62.00 --"a delicate range of flavors, including white raspberry, spiced plum, biscuit, pink grapefruit zest and a base note of a smoky minerality."
Chateau Vin de Pays du Var Rose (Domaine de Triennes) 15.99 --"notes of pink lady apples, strong minerality and red currant. The palate is dry and crisp."
Marsannay Blanc (Louis Jadot) 2010, 31.99 "A gorgeous wine ... refined and utterly impeccable harmonious white Burgundy. Citrus, white peaches and crushed rocks are some of the many nuances.
All available at Zachys, 16 East Parkway Scarsdale.
Imagine Candy: Divine Mother's Day delights from $8.50 to $50 to satisfy everyone from new mom to 
grandma to your favorite aunt...Cherry Blossom Almond Caramels, Blossom Bars and mixed Belgian Chocolate selections in traditional and heart boxes. Chocolate shoes available in three sizes from life size to mini. Priced from $7.50 to $42. And, don't forget our famous Belgian Chocolate Pretzel Platters, $36- $72. Imagine Candy at 22 Harwood Court, Scarsdale. 914.723.7887
Save 10% on all sleepwear for Mothers Day at Petticoat Lane at 12 
Spencer Place in Scarsdale. Open Monday through Saturday 10-6 pm.
La Renaissance Patisserie Francaise is offering sweet treats to express your love. Try all-butter Linzer heart cookies with raspberry jam for $4.50, heart-shaped Ganache cakes at $6, French macaroons at $1.75 and Sarah Bernhardts. 9 Hardwood Court, Scarsdale, 914-472-0702, Open Mother's Day -- Sunday from 8 am-5 pm. (Pictured at left: The Astrid collection from Eberjey puts a fresh spin on stripes and a soft feel on your skin!)
The Scarsdale Flower Shop at 7 Harwood Court has beautiful bouquets to brighten her day. Prices start at $75 and the shop is open from 9 am to 6 pm. Call 914-723-0852 to order.
Grad Bag Collecting Items to Distribute to College Freshmen
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Out with the old, in with the old is the message Grad Bag advocates as it begins its second year. Grad Bag is a green initiative to collect, recycle and redistribute dorm room items that are often thrown away. Grad Bag is poised to gather, clean and package comforters, sheets, towels, lamps, fans and hangers to stock soon-to-be dorm rooms of incoming freshmen who may not have the means to buy them on their own.
Once again, Grad Bag is partnering with Let's Get Ready at their pre-college orientation in August for students who start college in the fall. Let's Get Ready is an organization which harnesses the energy of college student volunteers to act as tutors and role models, providing free SAT prep, college guidance, financial aid workshops, and mentoring for high school students.
Building on the success of Grad Bag's inaugural event in August 2012, Grad Bag is expanding the effort. From a grass-roots collection, Grad Bag is now working with a few colleges that will assist with collecting on-site.
Grad Bag was founded by Scarsdale residents Liz Gruber and Tara Tyberg in 2012. When 
moving their children out of their college rooms Gruber and Tyberg realized that there were a lot of dorm room items that college kids no longer have use for once they have graduated but are in fine condition. The pair contacted their friends and neighbors-parents of recent college graduates- to gather items that would otherwise be thrown away. At the LGR orientation each student selected items from the Grad Bag collection and left with bags full of gear, ready for college.
The program's recycling efforts equip college freshmen with all the essentials for dorm life that most of their classmates enjoy, allowing them to begin their college experience with confidence. As a green initiative, Grad Bag is looking out for the future of these students and for the future of our planet.
Contact Liz Gruber at liz@gradbag.org or Tara Tyberg at tara@gradbag.org to find out how to donate items or to request a pick up.
Quaker Ridge Fifth Graders Meet the Mayor
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"What's a typical day as the mayor of Scarsdale?"
"Do you ever have bad days at work?"
"Who was your inspiration to become Mayor?"
On Tuesday, April 30th, 5th grade students at Quaker Ridge Elementary School interviewed Scarsdale Mayor Bob Steves. The students in Ms. Muzzio, Ms. Kenney and Ms. Cohn's classes spent the afternoon asking Mr. Steves creative and thoughtful questions they had been researching in class. All of the students sat in a circle with Mr. Steves and listened closely as the questions they asked sparked interesting discussions each time. Topics included the most interesting part of Steves's job, the Canadian geese in Fox Meadow, Scarsdale versus Edgemont, construction at the Five Corners and more. Mr. Steves was "impressed by the student's good questions," and happily answered each one with well thought out responses. Students got to learn more about Steves' job as Mayor, the current big issues in the Village of Scarsdale (which Mr. Steves taught the students is also a town), and Mr. Steves as a person.
The mayor's visit was a part of a project in which students researched Scarsdale's educational system, public services, private businesses and other features. After finishing the research, the fifth graders are making brochures, movies and books showcasing their work. Steves originally found out about the project when fifth-grader, Jordan Stein, emailed the Mayor asking him if he could pose with him in a photo for his brochure. After granting Jordan a personal interview, the Mayor offered to join the entire class for an afternoon of interviews.
This article was contributed by Brian Shabto, a senior at Scarsdale High School.
