Village Seeks Food Vendor for Scarsdale Station House and the Library Cafe
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Two new dining options may soon be available on Village owned property per an RFP issued by the Village of Scarsdale.
The long-neglected station house at 1 Depot Place is now available to be renovated and utilized as a café. Unlike the station house in Hartsdale which is owned by Metro North, the Village of Scarsdale owns the station house and previously leased it to the MTA. However the lease was terminated in November 2022. The iconic building is listed on both the New York State and National Historic Registry so renovations to the exterior of the building would be limited.
Per the RFP, the Village would expect that the vendor would make improvements to the facility to accommodate the needs of their café operations, as the building currently has limited utilities and amenities.
A photo of the interior shows that it is in original condition and would require some work to make it suitable for a café. The location is an excellent on for both commuters, pedestrians in Scarsdale Village and Garth Road and people walking or biking along the newly renovated Bronx River Parkway path.
What would be on the menu? Village Manager Alex Marshall says, “We are asking that the menu for the café include (but wouldn’t be limited to) espresso drinks, soft drinks, juices, as well as conveniently packaged goods for the convenience of commuters such as muffins, pastries, sandwiches, soups, and salads.”
Coincidentally, Apiary, the vendor who supplied food and drinks at the café at Scarsdale Library is no longer able to service the café and the Village is seeking a new operator for the Library Café.
About Apiary, Library Director Beth Bermel explained, “Apiary opened at the Library during the height of the pandemic. The building wasn't open to the public yet, but we were doing curbside service and Apiary was willing to provide takeout, which we appreciated. They were committed to keeping their main location in Larchmont open as well as the Library location during those dark days! They had a few staffing hiccups, like most restaurants at that time, but when they hired Eddie as the manager, there was better consistency and service. Once we opened fully, they did a brisk business, and patrons of all ages appreciated the convenience of an onsite cafe.”
Describing the opportunity at the library, the RFP says, “The cafe has become an integral part of the library and brings in many patrons especially since the Library is not in walking distance from any food service establishments. The foot traffic at the library has increased exponentially on a monthly basis from an average of 16,000 to 26,000 patrons. The mornings bring in many caregivers and children who come to the myriad of children’s programs offered. Lunchtime and the afternoon bring in high school students due to the proximity of the high school. There is a walking trail between the high school and the Library and they have an open campus at lunch time. Many of the patrons use the cafe as a place for casual, collaborative meet-ups while at the Library or when they are coming in for a program.”
What would Bermel like the vendor to provide? She said, “Variety is important since the cafe caters to all of our patrons, from toddlers to their caregivers, to high school students, to adults working remotely, to seniors and our staff. We are looking at meal options to accommodate different needs that include gluten free and nut free options, low fat choices, espresso drinks, soft drinks, etc.”
The Village hopes that one vendor will be able to run the operation at both the train station and the library café. According to the RFP, proposals are due by December 12, interviews will be conducted from January 6 - 20, 2025 and the contract will be awarded on January 30,, 2025.
George Latimer Thanks Scarsdale Voters
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This letter was submitted by George Latimer who was elected to represent CD 16 in the U.S. House of Representatives:
To the Editor:
I want to express my deep gratitude for those who voted in the recent election; we received an outpouring of support - over 70% in Westchester. I fully intend to work hard in the House of Representatives over the next two years to validate the faith placed in me. It has been an honor to serve as County Executive for the last 7 years… and now, a new challenge awaits.
Happy Thanksgiving wishes to all.
George Latimer
(Here are the results as reported by the Board of Elections)
2024 General Election
New York CD-16
Unofficial Results
Overall
Latimer, D. 210,200. 71.6%
Flisser, R. 83,555. 28.4%
Margin. +D. 126,645
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Westchester
Latimer, D. 189,760. 70.0%
Flisser, R. 81,112. 30.0%
Margin. +D. 108,648
Bronx
Latimer, D. 20,440. 89.0%
Flisser, R. 2,443. 11.0%
Margin. +D. 17,997
Your Letters: Fishing, DeCicco's and a Lane Closure on Post Road
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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A crumbling retaining wall has closed a lane of the Post Road since March, 2024.We received several notes in the past few weeks about issues around town.
First a reader asked why a lane on the Post Road has been closed for so long, and when it will re-open. It turns out that a retaining wall adjacent to the south lane of the Post Road between the Police station and the library has deteriorated. Due to falling rocks and debris, the NYS Department of Transportation closed one lane on March 28, 2024.
Now it’s November and the lane is still closed.
We reached out to Jeff Coleman who heads up the Department of Public Works. He advised that the road is the responsibility of New York State, not the Village. He told us to contact them, and we called several times, but did not receive a response.
Coleman now says the following, “The NYSDOT has notified the Village that design of the new wall is underway and that it will be reconstructed in 2026.”
Really?
Fishing
Fishing will now be permitted at Library Pond.
We also received emails about fishing in Library Pond. Brian Culang and his son were fishing at the library this summer and were stopped by police who said it was not allowed, due to Village code. Culang noted that there was a “no fishing” sign posted, but after a search, he determined that there was no provision in Village Code that barred this activity.
On October 17 he emailed us again to say that the Village Manager confirmed that the “No Fishing” sign at Library Pond will be removed as soon as the current restoration work wraps up.
DeCicco’s
Last, we received this email about De Cicco’s in Scarsdale Village. It was sent to the store, with a copy to Scarsdale10583.
"We've lived in Scarsdale for more than 40 years; and we've been loyal, regular customers. You owe it to us and all the others here to tell us what's going on. The number of empty shelves has increased unabated during the past 6 months. If you're trying to go out of business, you're going to be successful. Customer and employee loyalty don't last forever. We're all entitled to know what you intend to do. Fix the problem soon, or shut the doors for good; but please stop pretending that you're trying to fix things. Wasting our time trying to find and buy staples or other everyday items no longer works."
Readers asks for an answer from DeCicco's.
Latimer, Mayer and Paulin Elected, Proposition 1 Passes
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Though there was red sweep across the country, Westchester’s vote was predominantly blue. Despite opposition from the church and conservatives, Proposition 1, the Equal Rights Amendment passed handily, enshrining reproductive rights for women in the New York States constitution.
George Latimer, Westchester’s County Executive defeated Jamaal Bowman in the June primary and former Scarsdale Mayor Miriam Flisser in the general election to represent New York’s CD 16 in the U.S. Congress.
Amy Paulin, our longtime State Assemblymember will continue to be a leader in Albany along with State Senator Shelley Mayer who won her seat back as well.
See below for statements from the campaigns of the three elected:
George Latimer
Westchester County Executive George Latimer, a Democrat with a proven track record of delivering meaningful results for his constituents, has won New York’s 16th Congressional District. The landslide defeat against Republican Miriam Levitt Flisser, added to his unbroken record of electoral victories that includes unseating incumbent Jamaal Bowman in June’s Democratic primary.
Last night's victory was a testament to Latimer’s grassroots campaign, his clear commitment to Democratic priorities, and his proven track record of delivering real progressive results. Driven by his commitment to leading on the issues like women's right to choose, voting rights, the economy, affordable housing and sustainable infrastructure, Latimer will bring new energy and his real world experience to Washington, fighting for all of NY-16.
During his remarks at the Westchester County Democratic Committee election night watch party in White Plains, Latimer expressed deep gratitude and appreciation to his supporters.
“Tonight marks a turning point in American history. Extreme views on both sides is all anyone hears and people are upset enough to want to do away with democracy. My mission in Washington will be to move past the extreme rhetoric and work to produce real results,” said NY-16 Congressman-elect George Latimer. “Thank you to my family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and campaign for all of your hard work. I am honored and humbled to be your congressman-elect and I look forward to fighting relentlessly for every resident of this district.”
Shelley Mayer
I am deeply honored to have been re-elected with overwhelming support as the New York State Senator for District 37. I am deeply appreciative of those who supported my re-election and all who worked so hard to help me achieve this win.
I am also reflecting on all of the election results. While many of my colleagues in Westchester had victories, I’m deeply disappointed in the loss of the Harris/Walz ticket. If you know me, it’s no secret I felt passionately that they represented the best path forward for our nation. But it appears the nation’s voters have decided otherwise.
Reflecting on the wins, and losses, I’m reminded of how I view my responsibility as a State Senator - to serve all those in my district, and in the state, regardless of whether or not they voted for me. To put the needs of my constituents first - to hear them and do my best to serve them. And to remain true to the small-d democratic values that I hold so dear - civility, thoughtful informed decision-making and mutual respect.
In the days and weeks ahead I will continue on that path - working to build a New York that serves the needs of all our residents regardless of their party affiliation or vote. I believe in decency, honesty, and accountability and I know that the only way we move forward is together.
Amy Paulin
I am honored to have been re-elected to the New York State Assembly and look forward to continuing to serve as your representative. Thank you for your support and faith in me.
Campaigns are always the best way to meet with constituents and hear what is on people’s minds. This one was no different, whether it was knocking on doors or taking part in debates and candidate meetings. I heard so many good ideas and important perspectives.
Now I am energized to go back to Albany and meet our State’s issues head on. That means improving public safety, our economy, addressing climate change, standing up for a women's right to choose and much more.
Although I am deeply disappointed in the results at the national level I will continue to work in a bi-partisan way to serve the people in my district. The campaign is a reminder that people have a wide range of opinions and that my obligation is to pay attention to all constituents, whether they supported me or not.
Thank you to all those who came out to vote. Elections, and your vote, matter more than ever.
Thank you again to my friends, family and constituents who have stood with me in the communities of Bronxville, Eastchester, Edgemont, New Rochelle, Pelham, Scarsdale, Tuckahoe, and White Plains. We have incredible people in each one of these communities, and by standing together during the next two years we can make them even better.
Annual Fire Prevention Fair – Saturday at Station 3!
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The Scarsdale Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association, the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 100 years, to host its annual Fire Prevention Fair. The event will be held at Fire Station 3, 56 Crossway, on Saturday, October 19, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, rain or shine!
Live fire demonstrations will illustrate the dangers of unattended cooking and improper fire extinguishment. There will be antique and modern fire apparatus on display, interactive lessons from the fire safety trailer, refreshments, and a firefighter read-aloud to guarantee fun for the whole family.
The American Red Cross will be in attendance for those who wish to learn about free smoke alarm installations, emergency preparedness, and hands-only CPR. Guests are also encouraged to bring their own fire extinguishers from home for a complimentary inspection and
hands-on training!
The Fire Prevention Fair is a great opportunity to meet our career and volunteer firefighters, who are eager to share key messages from this year’s campaign, Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway),
and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
• Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory
or physical disabilities.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or stop responding when tested.
For more information, please contact the Scarsdale Fire Department at (914) 722-1215.
