Village Board Considers Licensing Requirements for Design Professionals, Fines and Penalties for Violations of Building Code and More Land Use Code Changes
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The Village Board discussed a draft of proposed changes to land use code at a work session prior to the Village Board meeting on July 14, 2026. After reviewing them, the Board asked Village Staff to revise them in places and agreed to call for a public hearing in August.
In the interim, they invite the public to review the proposals and email their comments to publiccomments@scarsdale.gov.
A memo from the Village Attorney provided an overview of the proposed changes – and you can see that explanation here:
Appearance Tickets
The first change expands the list of Village employees who are authorized to issue appearance tickets for violations of Village Code and Property Maintenance Code. The new list adds the Director of Planning and the Assistant Civil Engineer to the list of those authorized to issue appearance tickets.
Environmental Quality Review and SEQRA Review
These amendments eliminate provisions of Scarsdale Village code that are duplicative of the State Environmental Quality Review regulations. The changes involve wetlands permits and also empower the Director of Planning to be responsible for navigating the SEQRA process.
Freshwater Wetlands
The proposed changes are intended to simplify languages and processes and to remove provisions that have allowed certain types of encroachments into wetland-controlled areas and restricted buffers. The proposed code would charge the Village Engineer and or the Director of Planning to grant approvals regarding minor structures within 50-150 feet of a wetlands and to grant approvals for cutting trees within 50-150 feet of a wetlands. This would free up the Planning Board to review more substantial applications.
Licensing of Design Professionals
This new provision would require Design Professional who receive land use approvals from the Village to be licensed from the Village of Scarsdale. Design professionals are defined as “person who is an architect, engineer, landscape architect, or land surveyor issued a license by the State of New York, or a person who is an ISA Certified Arborist.”
This would allow the Village to revoke the license or deny an application if:
1. The applicant has submitted false or materially misleading information and/or certifications in connection with four (4) or more applications for Land Use Approval within the prior 12 months.
2. The applicant has been issued four (4) or more stop-work orders in the Village of Scarsdale within the prior 12 months.
3. The applicant has been issued four (4) or more Notices to Correct or Notices of Violation in the Village of Scarsdale within the prior 12 months.
Site Plan Approvals
These changes address the sequence of approvals from Land Use Boards and changes which projects need to be reviewed by the Board of Architectural Review. Read the memo to see which applications required BAR review.
Stop Work Orders
The memo outlines a new schedule of fines and penalties for work done without site plan approval or work that deviates from the approved site plan.
Here are the proposed fines and penalties:
First offense, by a fine not less than $500, not to exceed $1,000, or by imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both. The penalty for a corporate offender's first offense, by fine not less than $2,500, not to exceed $5,000, or any higher amount not exceeding double the amount of the corporation's gain from the commission of the offense. Each day that any such violation shall continue or exist shall constitute a separate and distinct offense hereunder.
2. For a second offense within five years after a conviction of a first offense, by a fine not less than $1,500, not to exceed $2,500, or by imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both. The penalty for a corporate offender's second offense, by fine not less than $7,500, not to exceed $15,000, or any higher amount not exceeding double the amount of the corporation's gain from the commission of the offense. Each day that any such violation shall continue or exist shall constitute a separate and distinct offense hereunder.
3. For a third offense within five years after a conviction of a second offense, which took place within three years after a conviction of the first offense, by a fine not less than $4,000, not to exceed $6,000, or by imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both. The penalty for a corporate offender's third offense, by fine not less than $25,000, not to exceed $50,000, or any higher amount not exceeding double the amount of the corporation's gain from the commission of the offense. Each day that any such violation shall continue or exist shall constitute a separate and distinct offense hereunder.
In addition, the offender could be subject to a civil penalty up to $50,000.
Free Westchester Band Concerts Begin on Thursday June 25
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Why travel miles to Manhattan to pay for an expensive night of entertainment, when you can grab a chair, pack a dinner and head to Chase Park in Scarsdale Village, and relax under the stars with friends and family, while enjoying the FREE summer performances of the Westchester Band?
Scarsdale is one of the few Westchester communities that is still fortunate to benefit from free concerts every summer in their town. For nearly 60 years the Westchester Band, a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization, has been entertaining generations of residents and friends with repertoire of Marches, Broadway and light Classics, original band works, rock arrangements, and audience participation with mystery tunes and prizes. The Band is made up of talented members of the community, professionals, amateur, and outstanding student musicians, and the concerts are free due to the sponsorship of the Scarsdale Department of Parks and Recreation, local merchants, and donations from the Friends of the Westchester Band.
Under the direction of Maestro Alan Hollander, the Band performs every Thursday night at 8:00PM in the park, beginning June 25th, and ending August 6th. In the event of rain, the concerts are moved to the auditorium at Scarsdale High School (1057 Post Road.)
Additionally, the Band will play its annual Independence Day concert at the Scarsdale Village Pool (311 Mamaroneck Road) on Thursday July 2 , starting at 7:30 PM and will accompany the July 4th Fireworks display at 9PM.
This year promises to be filled with extra spectacular performances as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
The Westchester Band is grateful to the generous supporters who share a passion in ensuring that the Band continues to make music accessible to all. Donations are greatly appreciated and tax deductible. Interested donors can mail checks made payable to “Friends of the Westchester Band” to 41 Van Etten Boulevard, New Rochelle, NY 10804.
For more information, please visit westchesterband.org.
2,066 Boxes of Cereal Fall Like Dominoes at Greenacres
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The Greenacres Cereal Box Dominoes was another tremendous success!! Second grade teacher Ms. Mateja said, “Greenacres staff members worked together to organize and set up 2,066 cereal boxes, both the day before and the morning of the big event. All students and staff members carefully filed into the Learning Commons to enjoy the domino fall.”
“The boxes set up in rainbow order in memory of Zachary Snetiker was a beautiful display. Once the first box began to fall one could see students jumping up and down, screaming, cheering, and waving their arms in the air. When the big event came to an end, the fourth graders worked diligently to put all of the boxes into bags to be transported to the Kol Ami Food Pantry. Thank you to all who donated to provide 2,066 boxes of cereal to those in need. We cannot wait for the drive to take place again next year.”
Trio of Troop 2 Scarsdale Scouts Earn Eagle Scout Rank
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Photo Credit (L to R): Thomas O’Leary, Ian Rozens and Connor Cassidy Troop 2 Scarsdale celebrated one of Scouting's most cherished milestones on May 30 when Connor Cassidy, Thomas O'Leary, and Ian Rozens were honored at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Scarsdale.
The Eagle Scout rank is the highest achievement in Scouting America and is earned by fewer than 4 percent of all Scouts. It represents years of dedicated service, rigorous leadership development, and a deep commitment to community.
The ceremony was opened by Troop 2 Senior Patrol Leader Gerard McInnis and included an invocation by Reverend Stephen Ries. Troop 2's Color Guard and Honor Guard presented the colors, and Greater Hudson Valley Council Algonquin District Commissioner Modesto Acevedo led the convocation and presentation of the honorees.
The program featured remarks from an array of distinguished community leaders, including Congressman George Latimer of New York's 16th Congressional District, Westchester County Executive Kenneth Jenkins, Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest, and Eastchester Town Supervisor Anthony Colavita. Officials presented commendations to the Eagle Scouts. Eastchester Councilwoman Theresa Nicholson offered congratulations, as did Town of Mamaroneck Fire Chief Alex Rapp.
Troop 2 Scoutmaster Brian Bandsma and Assistant Scoutmasters Ray Bradley and Luis Marquez also offered congratulatory remarks to the three Eagle Scouts who they mentored.
Connor Cassidy
Connor recently graduated from Fordham Preparatory School in the Bronx. He earned his Bobcat rank in September 2014 through Cub Scout Pack 33 in Larchmont and joined Troop 2 in December 2020. He earned his Eagle rank in February 2026, serving the troop in leadership roles including Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, and Quartermaster. He earned 23 merit badges, with Rifle Shooting as his favorite.
Connor's Eagle Scout project addressed a critical public safety need for the Town of Mamaroneck community. He led a team of Troop 2 Scouts who fanned out across the town and affixed reflective tape to more than 350 fire hydrants in residential neighborhoods, enabling Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department firefighters to quickly locate hydrants in low-visibility conditions. The improvement is expected to have a direct and lasting effect on fire response times, helping protect both lives and property across the community.
Thomas O'Leary
Thomas is graduating from Eastchester High School in June. Thomas's path to Eagle began in September 2015 as a Bobcat in Cub Scout Pack 353. He joined Troop 2 in March 2022 and earned his Eagle rank in February 2026. Thomas served in a variety of troop leadership roles including Historian, Chaplain Aid, Assistant Patrol Leader, Scribe, and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. He earned 26 merit badges, with Cooking being his favorite.
Thomas's Eagle project benefited the Greenburgh Nature Center, a beloved community institution that connects local residents through conservation efforts and provides sanctuary for rescued wildlife. He designed and constructed a new bulletin board in the playground area, giving the nature center a more effective way to share upcoming events and activities with the thousands of visitors it serves each year. The nature center held personal meaning for Thomas, who made many childhood memories there, making the opportunity to give back especially rewarding.
Ian Rozens
Ian is graduating in June from Scarsdale High School. He began his Scouting journey in September 2014 as a Bobcat in Cub Scout Pack 60, earning his Webelos rank by June 2019 before joining Troop 2. He steadily advanced through the ranks, earning Eagle in August 2025 and subsequently achieved the Gold Eagle Palm in September 2025. Along the way he served in several leadership roles, including Outdoor Ethics Guide, Assistant Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and Senior Patrol Leader in 2024 and 2025. He earned 32 merit badges, with Welding as his personal favorite.
For his Eagle Scout service project, Ian managed a team that built and installed a 15-foot-tall trail gateway featuring an antique cross on the grounds of the Graymoor Monastery in Garrison, N.Y. — the headquarters of the Franciscan Brothers and Sisters of the Atonement. The marker holds special significance: Troop 2 has made an annual "Do a Good Turn" service weekend to Graymoor every year since 1938.
More information about Troop 2 Scarsdale and their activities is available at: https://www.troop2scarsdale.org.
Presidential Scholars and Volunteer Service Awards
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Neil SriramGraduating Scarsdale High School seniors, Neil Sriram and Joyce Yuxin Liu have been named as two of 627 semifinalists in the 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The semifinalists were selected from over 6,500 candidates expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2026.
Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, now in its 62nd year, is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high schoolseniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of their accomplishments in many areas-academic and artistic success, accomplishment in career and technical fields, leadership, strong character and involvement in school and the community.
Joyce Yuxin LiuThe U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize some of our nation's most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in academics, leadership, and service to school and community. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields. Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year's senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America's youth. Each year Scholars are presented with a Presidential Scholars Medallion.
A distinguished panel of educators have reviewed these submissions and selected 627 semifinalists. In the coming months, the final selection of the high school seniors who will be named as the 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars will be announced by U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.
Junior League Volunteer Service Awards
The Junior League of Central Westchester (JLCW) recently hosted its annual Volunteer Service Award ceremony, recognizing four outstanding female high school juniors from our local school districts.
This year, we presented the award to:
-Alexandra Ziff Glueck from Irvington High School
-Ryan Hirshhorn from Scarsdale High School
-Hayley Brick from White Plains High School
-Smera Thekkenmar from Somers High School
The League a large number of impressive applications. Each award recipient demonstrated an exceptional commitment to volunteerism and public service. The award aims to celebrate and encourage young women who are making a meaningful impact in their communities and to inspire their continued civic engagement.
Each of the four finalists received a $1,000 award, presented during the May JLCW general membership meeting in Scarsdale at the historic Wayside Cottage.
