Water Rates on the Rise
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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We received a water bill from the Village of Scarsdale this week that far exceeded any of our prior bills. Though we live on a third of an acre and do not have a pool, our bill went from about $100 in August to $721.50 for a reading date of June 21- September 4. A neighbor on a similarly-sized plot reported that their bill was $1,400. Was it a mistake?
Curious to find out more we called the Scarsdale Water Department and found out that the rate for water consumption above 50 units is more than triple the rate for the first 50 units. To be clear, the first 50 units were billed at a rate of $2.05 each, while the remaining 80 were billed at $7.18 per unit.
The woman at the water department reminded me that unlike the prior summer this year there were no watering restrictions– allowing residents to use their sprinklers as much as they desired. And I must admit, though our lawn looked lovely this year, we are paying for it dearly.
We also emailed Village Manager Al Gatta for an explanation of what's behind the high cost for excess water and here is what he shared:
From Village Manager Al Gatta
Our rates have been pretty steady in the past years and rank very well with the 18 utilities for which we have comparisons. For example, in the last ten years, 2004-2005 to 2014-2015, the rate increased from $1.60 per unit to $2.05, a .45 increase or about 2.8% a year. Last year the rate was not increased and remained at the 2012-2013 rate of $1.95. Scarsdale was the 14th lowest rate of the 18 utilities that were measured against.
The sole and most significant factor in rate increases is the charge by the New York City Water Board for its water. Since 1999-2000 the entitlement charge increased from$383.78 per million gallons to an approximate $1,600 per million gallons, or 417%. The excess rate increased from $1,737.97 in 1999-2000 to an approximate $5,200 in 2014-2015, an approximate 300%.
When I was in school there was a book called the Cadillac Desert and it was about controlling the water rights to the Colorado River where you had Native Americans, Colorado, Arizona and California disputing rights to the resource. The Native Americans said he who controls the water rights controls the public policy. It certainly has been the case with the City of New York in the last 25 years.
New York City Water Board has been forceful in its public policy in a number of ways which has caused the water rates to increase significantly over the past years. Some examples are support for environmental issues such as fixing its multi-billion dollar infrastructure, to full treatment of water, to increasing the treating of water for certain bacteria. This has been in the $billions. Also to protect the watershed in Westchester County, it has given out $millions in grants to up-county Towns and Villages for land preservation and infrastructure improvements. Also the city has been a leader in advancing programs that reduce the use of water by the 20 million people it serves. All of these programs have been welcomed and supported by Westchester residents and particularly the environmental groups in the County.
It looks like the only way for residents to reduce expenses for water is to reduce the amount used, i.e. conserve. The City is now involved in a multi-million dollar program to inform, educate and encourage the reduction of water use through its system.
Finally, the resident in Scarsdale that had such a large increase in the quarterly bill should call the Water Department to come out and check the meter and investigate for leaks.
Westchester Voters Go Democratic
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Though the Republicans dominated the national election, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino failed in his bid to unseat popular Governor Andrew Cuomo either in his own county or statewide. The unofficial vote tally for Westchester County shows that Cuomo got 55% of the vote to Astorino's 42%. Statewide results were similar with Cuomo at 53% to Astorino's 39%. So for now Astorino will return to White Plains and focus on county issues.
Cuomo faced criticism for disbanding the Moreland Commission, a group he had formed to investigate corruption. He angered some voters with mandating a comprehensive state testing program in local schools. However his campaign messaging stressed new gun control laws, balanced budgets and reduced tax increases due to the tax cap. Cuomo spent $30 million on the campaign to Astorino's $4.6 million. Speaking from Mt. Kisco Cuomo said, "We cut spending, we reduced taxes and jobs are coming back. Westchester County has the highest property taxes in the nation and I am tired of excuses from local government about why they can't make ends meet."
In his concession speech Astorino indicated that he would run again, saying, "We have not tilted at windmills – we have planted a flag and will be back to claim it. Better governing is what NY needs." Quoting John F. Kennedy he said, "Without debate, without criticism no administration and no country can succeed and no republic can survive."
Democrat incumbents for state office all fared well in Westchester County. Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli got 60% of the vote here and 57% statewide. Attorney General Eric Schneiderman got 59% of the vote in Westchester and 54% in NYS. Congressman Eliot Engel and State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin both ran unopposed. Commenting on her re-election, Paulin said, "I want to thank the voters in my district for their support. It has been my great pleasure to represent the people of the 88thAssembly District. Together we have accomplished so much and I look forward to continuing to work on legislation and constituent issues that matter to you and to all New Yorkers, said Paulin. "I am honored to have your trust."
Scarsdale's State Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins had a solid victory with 73% of the vote vs.
27% for her Republican challenger Robert Lopez Foti. She hoped to become the first woman to lead the majority party in the NYS Senate but her colleagues did not fare as well and the Republicans are claiming a majority of the seats in the NYS Senate. A spokesperson from her office said, "Senator Stewart-Cousins won a resounding victory in her district and thanks voters for their support."
Scarsdale's own Acting Village Justice Arlene Katz won her bid for Family Court Judge with an impressive 137,265 votes. Commenting on the results, Katz said, "It has been a great honor to serve as Acting Village Justice in Scarsdale for almost 19 years. I am now deeply honored to have been elected to the position of Family Court Judge in Westchester County. Decisions made in Family Court can have longstanding consequences and often affect every aspect of the lives of families and children every single day. I am committed to making a difference and ensuring all those who appear before me receive the services, guidance and protection they need and deserve."
All three ballot propositions passed in both Westchester and in NYS. The Scarsdale Schools will benefit from the Smart Schools Bond Act and is slated to receive $445,000 for classroom technology, high speed internet and tech smart security features from the $2 billion bond.
Cable Commission Proposes Improvements for the Scarsdale Cable Channel
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In the wake of a proposal from the Scarsdale Village Manager's office to consolidate the operation of the Scarsdale Cable Channel with New Rochelle, the Scarsdale Cable Commission presented their own proposal to modernize the village's cable operations and maintain local control.
Representing the Cable Commission, Lorayne Fiorello explained the proposed plan to the Scarsdale Board of Trustees on Tuesday October 28, saying that the commission studied the issue, reviewed new technologies on the market and looked into how other municipalities are managing their public access channels. She stressed that this new program would cost no more than the $70,350 currently allocated in the Village Budget. These funds are provided by Verizon and Cablevision and now go into the Village's general fund.
The commission recommended hiring a new Senior Cable Commission Coordinator to work 20 hours per week and interviewed many candidates. In addition they recommended that the village continue to use part-time camera operators and an assistant Cable Television Coordinator.
The commission proposed to expand programming beyond Village Board Meetings and broadcast community events such as the Memorial Day Parade, annual fireworks, Halloween Window Painting, meetings of the Scarsdale Forum and the annual library book sale. They proposed installing fixed cameras in the Scott Room at Scarsdale Library to broadcast some of the special events that occur there.
Village organizations would be permitted to publicize their activities by making their own Public Service Announcements with the assistance of the Village's cable team. These PSA's could be aired on the channel in between programming. Residents could also sign up to produce and air their own shows on the channel. By law all residents have the right to air their own programming on the site though no one is currently doing so.
The commission also recommended upgrading the equipment using PEG funds (Public, Educational and Government). Using new technology from Tightrope Media and Swagit, all programming could be offered on the internet as well as on television. Streaming video equipment would provide residents access to live and archived programming.
Fiorello summed up by saying, "We have done research. We have experience in this field and we think we can make this one of the top flight stations in Westchester."
After some discussion, the Board then went into executive session to discuss the personnel portion of the proposal.
At the Village Board meeting that followed that same night, Bob Harrison continued to urge the Board to require the Planning Board to deliberate in public rather than behind closed doors. He mentioned that he attended a meeting of the Planning Board where they considered a subdivision at 15 Circle Road and said that none of the attendees at the meeting were able to hear the discussion on the issue.
In other business, the board granted a license agreement to Alan and Deborah Annex of 7 Park Road to construct steps from the street to their driveway in the Village right of way.
The board also voted unanimously to refer several proposed changed to the Village Zoning Code to the Planning Board for review and comment. The proposed amendments were not distributed.
Mayhem Haunted House - Final Weekend
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Tipping the fright scale for more than 1300 visitors over the last three weekends, Fright Room Productions and The Center @ 862 prepare for the final weekend of "Mayhem Haunted House" at Supply Field, 244 Heathcote Road in Scarsdale. The haunting begins Friday, October 31 from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. and continues for one last scare on Saturday, November 1 from 7 to 11 p.m. Admission is $13 and children under 10 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, visit www.TheCenter862.com or Like Us on Facebook.com/FrightRoom
Announcing the Winners of the 2014 Window Painting Contest
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There's no end of talent in Scarsdale, as demonstrated at the 63rd annual Halloween Window Painting Contest. This year's Grand Prize went to Mary Cecil for her masterpiece, Ghoul with the Pearl Earring, now on display at LF in the Village. The contest began in 1952 and the Recreation Department believes that Scarsdale was the first Village to run such a contest.
There were a total of 149 individual entries, 117 team entries and 106 parent/child entries for a total of 595 participants. It was fun and challenging for parents and children who quickly learned that there's even an art to painting the window background. Awards and honorable mentions were given out by a team of volunteers judges including current and former Scarsdale residents, many who were former window painters themselves.
An official awards ceremony will take place on Thursday November 6th at 7:30 pm in the auditorium at the Quaker Ridge School. Congrats to all the painters:
Here's the list of winners and a photo gallery of young painters in town by local photographer Trudy Zohn:
Group # 1
1ST Harley Koch I-30 La Renaissance
2ND Anna Henry I-23 Parkway Coffee Shop
3RD William Gettinger I-27 Scarsdale Eye Care Center
MOST COMICAL Raymond Donovan I-47 DeCicco's
Honorable Mentions:
Taylor Mann I-4 Lange's Deli
Zachary Kristol I-5 Lange's Deli
Danielle Barro I-11 Great Stuff
Fiona Kantor I-33 Trapp Opticians
Samantha Loeser I-43 Sam Lehr
Group #2
1ST Liu, Olivia II-39 Remax
2ND Cavalier, Andrew II-13 Scarsdale Hardware Company
3RD Litofsky, Camryn II-37 Remax
MOST COMICAL Fujii, Miho II-11 Henry's Barber Shop
Honorable Mentions:
Hyman, Benjamin II-4 Coldwell Banker
Nova, Henry II-12 Scarsdale Hardware Company
Fischman, Miles II-24 Authentic Pilates
Kolodner, Emily II-30 Authentic Pilates
Group #3
1ST Wise, Chloe III-25 Kumon
2ND Schwarz, Jordan III-1 Big Top
3RD Kantor, Jolie III-5 Big Top
MOST COMICAL Perl, Alexandra III-9 Big Top
Honorable Mentions:
Knispel, Matthew III-3 Big Top
Breakstone, Leah III-17 Jade Spoon
Stefanou, Anastasia III-26 Kumon
Rechtschaffen, Nathaniel III-35 Amore Pizza
Group #4
1ST Du, Lucy IV-14 Gingerbread Kidz
2ND Glik, Amanda IV-7 Prudential
3RD Cecil, Jack IV-10 Gingerbread Kidz
MOST COMICAL Bailey, Madeleine IV-6 Pamela Robbins
Honorable Mentions:
Segale, Carla IV-1 Wilson & Sons
Mahoney, Lynne IV-3 Wilson & Sons
Cecil, Lucy IV-9 Gingerbread Kidz
Kantor, Margaret IV-13 Gingerbread Kidz
Group #5
1ST Enders, Clara V-3 LF Stores
2ND Bochner, Amy V-1 Danielle Trissi
3RD Cooper, Emma V-2 LF Stores
Group # 6
1ST Griffin Miller Jake Lippmann VI-14 Chef's Table
2ND Luciana Serrano Jade Kraut VI-18 Neil's
3RD Drew Frank Billie Eichel VI-7 Platinum Drive Realty
MOST COMICAL Lana Weiser Maya Regenstreif VI-16 Eye Q Optometrist
Honorable Mentions:
Claire Matula-Osterman, Deanna Matula-Osterman VI-1 Bagel Power
Drew Siegel Abby Etra VI-3 Bagel Power
Group #7
Ellie Bowen Sophie Brenner VII-5 Chase Bank
Madeline Stein Isabelle GoldbanVII-2 Chase Bank
Anna Feldstein Carly GellesVII-18 Vintology Wine & Spirits
Ashley Katzenberg Sydney Seslowe VII-27 Chase Bank
Honorable Mentions:
Eshan Agarwal Jackson Fielding VII-7 Chase Bank
Dani Scheiner Chelsea Berson VII-20 Vintology Wine & Spirits
Group #8
1ST Jeffrey Morse Jayden Bharara VIII-14 Chase Bank
2ND Samantha Kefer Sophia Sipe VIII-20 Chase Bank
3RD Danielle Kohn Emily Messerle VIII-16 Chase Bank
MOST COMICAL Justine Karp Anna Forest VIII-46 Houlihan Lawrence
Honorable Mentions:
Deven Mehta Jonah Rosenstein VIII-1 Heathcote Tailors
Julian Glantz Will Reed VIII-5 La Dentelliere
Sydney Frank Marin Yearley VIII-9 Zachy's Liquor Store
Avery Bensche Nozomi Akita VIII-15 Chase Bank
Emily Simons Blake Goodman VIII-18 Chase Bank
Madison Rosenberg Riley Zachem VIII-19 Chase Bank
Jane Schmelkin Emma Hochberg VIII-22 Chase Bank
Jordan Cascade Ethan Weismer VIII-24 Dunkin' Donuts
Juliette Silk Emily Shawn VIII-28 Little Thai Kitchen
Samantha Menell Ava Thomas VIII-44 Part II Salon
Jonah Miller Zachary Loeser VIII-45 Merle Norman Cosmetics
Group #9
1ST Anika Agarwal Adina Mistry IX-4 Bank of America
2ND Caroline Goldstein Sanjana Bhatnagar IX-13 Embassy Cleaners
3RD Alison Rothberg Sara Frankenthaler IX-12 Embassy Cleaners
MOST COMICAL Rachel Meiselman Jocelyn Lewis IX-1 Bank of America
Honorable Mentions:
Jordana Love Jessica Solodar IX-2 Bank of America
Jennifer Farfel Evan Shire IX-10 Bank of America
Molly Grand Olivia Boccia IX-17 Embassy Cleaners
Sophie Grand Isabella Lelis IX-18 Embassy Cleaners
Group #10
1ST Abigail Rosenstein, Ariel Stonberg X-1 Rothman's
- Village Board Gives Greenlight to Demolish Greenacres Home, Awards Medal for Heroism and Appoints Architect to Oversee Construction at 2-4 Weaver Street
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- Opt-In to Receive Information from the Scarsdale Schools
- LWVS Asks Scarsdale Board of Ed to Allow More Time For Discussion of Gift Policy
