Trustees Review Proposals for Stormwater: See Where They May Store the Runoff!
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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Bronx River Parkway, July 15, 2025Though Scarsdale was spared the worst in an intense rainstorm that inundated the region on July 14, 2025, the flooding in surrounding areas was a reminder of the ever-present risks posed by stormwater in Scarsdale.
(Updated July 28, 2025) For as long as Scarsdale10583 has been published, Trustees have been reviewing proposals to mitigate flooding in several low-lying areas of town. And just one day after the storm, Scarsdale Village Trustees again held a work session to review the status of several proposed projects, some of which are quite large.
At the meeting were consultants from two firms who were selected to analyze and propose plans to alleviate flooding: Jim Moran of H2M and John Ruschke of Mott MacDonald. The two presented options for reducing flooding near George Field, on Cushman, Willow and Sheldrake Roads, on Brite Avenue, Chesterfield Road and Fox Meadow Road and in the Sheldrake River watershed on Oneida, Cayuga, Canterbury, Catherine and Mamaroneck Roads.
Superintendent of Public Works Jeff Coleman reviewed work currently in process. He said that new culverts for Catherine Road are currently being designed. Once the design is complete, the Village will get bids and construction should begin in a couple of months. He said this work is being funded largely by a 2024 grant from FEMA.
Also in design is a culvert on Griffin Avenue that lies between Scarsdale and the Village of Mamaroneck. Therefore, Scarsdale would split the cost with Mamaroneck and they are hoping to get a grant to cover the expense.
George Field Park
Scarsdale built a seven acre retention pond on George Field Park in 2013. At the time this was one of the largest wetlands areas in Westchester County, able to hold water at depths of up to three feet. Though the project did much to improve water flow, a study in May 2022 found that more could be done to prevent flooding on Greendale Road, Oxford Road, Cambridge Road and Rugby Lane.
On Tuesday, H2M presented several proposals and their associated Benefit Cost Analysis (BCR) a calculation that determines the future risk reduction benefits of a mitigation project and compares those benefits to the costs. The higher the reduction in risk to the highest number of homeowners, the higher the BCA. FEMA will not fund any projects with a BCR under 1.
Moran made several proposals for George Field and Cooper Green (opposite the police station.)
The first involved installing 1,645 feet of piping, 10 manholes and 4 catch basins and replacing the existing catch basins and manholes. This would decrease the runoff entering the trunkline between George Field Park and Cooper Green, reduce flooding in a 10-year storms and provide substantial benefits in a 25-year storm. The estimated cost of this work is $2,251,600 and the BCR is .52.
Another option is to replace the control structure that discharges water into the pipe at Oxford Road, to elevate a portion of Greendale Road to prevent flooding and to install two new retaining walls along the southern and eastern portions of the pond to prevent it from over-topping during a 10 year storm. The BCR of this project is .12.
A further option is to do both projects which combined would have a BCR of .32. The total cost for construction is estimated at $4.1mm and the total project cost with project management and design fees would be $5.4mm.
Cushman, Willow and Sheldrake Road
This area, which encompasses water run-off from Cushman, Willow, Garden and Sheldrake Roads has been the source of years of complaints from residents. The area surrounds the water tower and is frequently flooded during rainstorms. According to the consultant, the existing drainage system does not have sufficient capacity to convey water from a two-year storm.
The consultants provided four alternatives and it was not clear if some or all of these would be undertaken:
The area defined as Cushman West, starts at the intersection of Mamaroneck Road and Cushman Road and ends at the sedimentation chamber at the intersection of Cushman Road and Willow Lane.
For that segment Moran proposed to install 2,040 feet of new drainage infrastructure, replacing seven existing catch basins and installing 8 more to capture runoff. At a cost of $1.4mm this would provide a higher level of collection and conveyance and reduce runoff.
At the north end of Cushman Road, bordering White Plains, there has been significant flooding as water from Cushman, Willow and Garden Roads converge there before entering a stream.
The consultants report, “There is an open channel that runs around 105 Cushman Road and enters an 18” closed drainage pipe via a concrete headwall that is located adjacent to 105 Cushman Road. The closed system then runs south towards Cushman Road, where the pipe increases in size to a 30”x30” stone culvert that crosses underneath the road and discharges into the existing sedimentation basin.”
In order to address the issue, Moran recommended replacing the existing damaged 18” drainage pipe with a 24” pipe, and removing and replacing the existing catch basin there. This would improve the flow, reduce ponding and flooding and repair the pipe. The cost of this work is estimated at $91,200 and has a BCR of .18
A third project, estimated to cost $759,700, would remove and replace piping along Cushman and Garden Roads and Varian Lane. Four existing catch basins would be removed and replaced and six new catch basins and one manhole would be installed. The impact would be to replace damaged pipes and reduce ponding. This work has a BCR of .2.
A larger project, estimated at $3,347,700 would enable the area to handle 2, 10 and 25-year storms by increasing the size of the piping to “increase flow capacity in the storm network and mitigate flooding during heavy rainfall. The BCR of that work is .21.
The consultants include that the greatest benefit for the money would be to do the improvements on Cushman Road West and North. See the report here:
Fox Meadow Project
John Ruschke of Mott McDonald then presented proposal for projects in Fox Meadow and the Sheldrake River Basin.
The Fox Meadow study was to investigate flooding concerns along Fox Meadow Road, Brite Avenue and Chesterfield Road, due to the suspected insufficient capacity of the existing systems. Currently the existing drainage systems along Chesterfield Road and Fox Meadow Road and the low-lying areas around Brite Avenue experience frequent flooding due to insufficient capacity. The consultants said the existing drainage system for the 155 acre site has less than a 2-year storm capacity and includes a combination of open channels and culverts that meander through residential properties.
The study recommends spending $2.6 mm to construct a new storm sewer system in that area.
Here is the description:
Construct a new supplemental storm drainage system along Fox Meadow Road, Chesterfield Road and Brite Avenue using pipes ranging from 42” to 60” in diameter that can withstand a 100-year storm. The existing open channel will remain active. The report says, “The new system would be designed to convey the 100-year storm event and would be designed to maintain a trickle flow into the existing open channel drainage system.”
Since the project affects so many homes it has a BCR of 1.1 and might be eligible for FEMA funding.
Sheldrake River Flood Mitigation
This is a huge project involving a 700-acre watershed. The project would relieve flooding on a large swath of homes across the street from Scarsdale Middle School that were originally built in a FEMA flood plain. Since it is a massive project, the consultants have not given an estimate of proposed costs, but here is a summary of what they are suggesting:
Replacement of the two culverts at Catherine Road adjacent to the middle school.
Replacement of a culvert on Cayuga Road.
Installation of a ten foot by four foot bypass culvert to bypass flows from Cayuga Road and send them downstream to the middle school athletic filed.
Construct a large underground detention structure underneath the SMS athletic fields. This would require the cooperation of the Scarsdale Schools as the field is their property. Consultants estimate the underground facility would be a 300 x 250 foot structure buried ten feet underneath the field.
Ruschke said, “At this point it shows that we would get significant benefits – we are still refining this. It is massive. We are looking at different types of materials. It is probably a $5 mm plus project and the middle school is not our land – it belongs to the school district. But there are substantial benefits.”
Following the discussion, Trustees posed a series of questions about the benefits of each project. Asked about the timeline, Jeff Coleman, Superintendent of Public Works said, "The next step is to speak with Westchester County to determine if any of the projects could fit into the County Flood Mitigation program. If so we will make formal application for those projects." See more here:
Greenacres Celebrates July 4th
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- Written by: Claudia Wang
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There’s nothing quite like a hometown 4th of July. On a sunny Friday morning, the Greenacres field filled with laughter, cheers, and red-white-and-blue as the Greenacres Neighborhood Association hosted its annual Independence Day celebration. From 9:00 to 11:15AM, families, friends, and neighbours gathered for a morning of community, tradition, and fun.
The festivities began with a welcoming breakfast, where fresh trays of watermelon, bagels, and juice cups were served to all. A dedicated volunteer Mary, stationed at the breakfast table, shared, “Every year I love being a part of this. It’s a great way to give back to the community.”
By 9:30AM, the field transformed into a lively playground of games for every age. Organized efficiently by time slots and age groups, events like the spoon race, three-legged race, sack race, dash, and beach ball bash kept everyone, from toddlers to teens to parents, on their feet and having fun. The friendly competition brought a sense of connection and joy to the neighborhood spirit.
GNA President Kristen Zakierski
At 10:45AM, the community gathered near the playground for a patriotic program. Hands on hearts, young and old recited the Pledge of Allegiance together, a shared moment that honored the deeper meaning of the holiday. Greenacres Neighborhood Association President Kristen Zakierski then addressed the crowd, thanking the many volunteers, the hardworking firefighters and the elected officials in attendance including Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest, Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg, Assemblymember Amy Paulin and County Exectuive Ken Jenkins. Beloved Greenacres resident and bugle player Jack once again delivered a spectacular rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner.
The celebration ended with a quite literal splash. At 11:00AM, the Greenacres Gallop and Super-Soaking Fire Hose began. Kids in bathing suits dashed across the field, shrieking with laughter as the firefighters aimed the fire hose across the crowds in the fields. Parents, neighbors, and children all ran through the mist, caught in the spirit of fun and freedom.
Cynthia Crowe, Kristen Zakierski and Andrew Sereysky
This special morning was a reminder of the strong community, shared traditions, and the long history of Greenacres. Zakierski added, "Events like this remind us why Greenacres is such a special place to live. Seeing neighbors of all ages come together to celebrate is what community is all about. We’re so grateful to everyone who helped bring this tradition to life.”
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, Scarsdale Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg, Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest and Assemblymember Amy Paulin
Your Letters: Appeals From Walter Wadwick and Susan Levine
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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See below for letters from Walter Wadwick, and Susan Levine:
Here is an appeal from Walter Wadwick, the former Manager of DeCicco’s in Scarsdale
Good Morning Joanne:
I was reaching out to you today to share with you and your readers that I suffered a stroke on May 15. After being in the hospital for one week I was released home to recover with lots of care and physical therapy each week. This has been a difficult situation for me both physically and mentally as my expenses are so much that I’m also struggling financially. I receive only a very little amount of disability payments. I was hoping you could share this with your readers in hopes they would understand and help with my go fund me page set up by a good friend on Facebook.
Thank you in advance for whatever you can do to help and support me.
Here is a link to my Go Fund Me page:
Walter Wadwick-DeCicco’s
Central Taxi Needs Your Support
To the Residents of Scarsdale and Edgemont:
Central Taxi is not out of business. They are very much alive and trying to survive.
They are operating from the Scarsdale Train Station area as usual seven days a week including nights. Well after midnight some nights.
They charge much less than Uber for the same ride and calling them at 914 723-0016 will bring a car to your door within a few minutes. Please do support this important local taxi service and spread the word that they are still serving our community as they have done for decades.
Susan Levine
It Will Always Be Greenacres
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On June 20th, Greenacres Elementary proudly celebrated the graduation of its 48 fifth-grade students in a heartfelt moving-up ceremony. Principal intern Karon Eldon warmly welcomed parents, families, and friends, setting the tone for a memorable morning. A special guest in attendance was former principal Sharon Hill, who returned to join the festivities after retiring in December 2024. Fifth-grade teachers Jeremy Guski and Heather McCarren had the honor of reading each student's name as they came forward to receive their certificates, marking the end of their elementary school journey.
Assistant Principal Sharon DeLorenzo then addressed the graduates and their families, recognizing the students’ growth, resilience, and accomplishments over their six years at Greenacres. Emotions ran high during a touching video montage, which paired kindergarten photos with current ones—reminding everyone just how far the students have come. The video ended with the words, “It will always be Greenacres or nowhere,” a message that resonated with the entire community. The students then sang the Greenacres School Song, proudly adding two new verses written by their class. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the Paulie Strong Award by Mr. Guski, honoring former student Paul Ulysses Jimenez, who lost his courages battle of cancer in 2016. This year’s recipients, Nicole Shum and Ken Narahashi, were recognized for embodying the same spirit, leaving a lasting impression as the class of 2025 takes their next big forward.
Trustees Review Proposal to Require Licensing for Tree Contractors
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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A few weekends ago I took a walk around the neighborhood and saw a mountain of shrubs, trees, leaves and roots piled along the street. The greenery had been chopped up, roots and all, and were amassed in a huge heap. Basically, all the greenery in the front yard had been removed to make way for new plantings.
In the pile I saw some large tree trunks but I had no idea if the work had been done legally and if the residents had a permit. Not wanting to police my neighbors I moved on.
Though current law allows the removal of two trees per year, a permit is needed. Often those without permission take trees down after hours or on weekends to avoid scrutiny. So the question is, how can the Village enforce these laws and bar the removal of trees without a permit?
One proposal was vetted at a work session of the Village Board on June 17, 2025.
Trustees discussed adding a licensing requirement for companies that perform tree cutting, pruning and removal in Scarsdale. The intent of the law is to be sure that licensed contractors familiarize themselves with Scarsdale’s tree laws and will make them accountable for violating the laws. Those who do will have their licenses suspended or revoked.
If police see work in progress they can stop any work being done if the contractor cannot display a decal to show that they are licensed.
The new ordinance could limit work hours to 8 am to 6 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 5 pm on weekends. After discussion, the Board proposed barring any tree work on weekends because it is difficult to enforce the law and it would prevent noise.
The proposed law suggests a fine of $750 -$2,000 for a first conviction and $1,000 - $5,000 for a subsequent conviction. The Attorney also suggested that the tree license of a violator could be suspended or revoked. See the proposed code here:
During the discussion Trustee Goldschmidt asked, “What are we trying to solve? I am all for making sure bad actors don’t take down trees. But I don’t want to make life difficult for someone who wants to prune a tree. Why should the resident have to go to a licensed tree vendor? I think we should narrow the proposed law.”
Deputy Mayor Gruenberg asked Superintendent Coleman, “Can your department give the police a list of people with open tree permits each Friday – so that the police know who has a permit to do work?”
Coleman said, “Even if they have a permit it’s hard to know how many trees they took down legally or illegally.”
Joan Weissman of 3 Kingston Road said, “This is a great step in the right direction however without enforcement it will not be effective. The licensing is good – but there should be enforcement.”
Michelle Sterling of 6 Brayton Road said, “I appreciate the proposal and I am in favor of it.
Keep the registration fee low so we can get people to register. It is duplicative of what they have to file with the county. I would like to keep the tree definition to what we have now. Stick with the definition of a tree that is widely used. I am in favor of stiff penalties. They should pay a fine. I like the idea to give the police a list of people who have tree permits, weekly.”
She suggested, “Why don’t we have no tree removals on the weekends? People don’t want to hear tree removals on the weekends.”
Madelaine Eppenstein of18 Autenreith said, “I think it is unreasonable to expect landscapers and arborists to understand the code. I don’t expect people with chain saws to have read the code. I don’t think the workers will understand the code. There is already a penalty for the homeowner for a permit violation.”
Marian Greene of 43 Butler Road said, “Do people need permits to prune trees?”
Susan Douglass said, “I think no weekend work is a great idea.”
Susan Levine of Ardmore Road agreed, saying “It’s a good idea because police don’t come out on the weekend. Give us peace on the weekends.”
At the conclusion of the discussion the Village Attorney said he would draft some clarifications regarding tree pruning and enforcement procedures. He said, “I think there is consensus to move forward.”
