Scarsdale Has Been Well Served By the Non-Partisan System
- Details
- Hits: 4068
Here is a letter from former Scarsdale Mayor David Kroenlein: To the Editor: During recent months substantive discussions have arisen about the structure of the candidate selection process and elections in Scarsdale’s Non-Partisan System. I urge Scarsdale’s citizens to use these discussions to appreciate more fully the benefits of this unique system for selection of our elected officials, under both the Scarsdale Citizens’ Nominating Committee and the School Board Nominating Committee, and not let the discussions of March’s Village elections and proposed changes to the rules governing the Village selection process evolve into an attack on the system.
Based on my 40 years in Scarsdale and participation in Village government, I believe that the Non-Partisan System has served Scarsdale very well over many years by bringing highly qualified volunteers into leadership positions in our Village and School District without the necessity of engaging in a traditional election campaign. Because we generally have not had divisive political processes, persons have been selected to serve on our boards and councils, where much of the hard work of Scarsdale policy development and governance occurs, based on interests and abilities, not politics. These individuals have been able to function effectively, focusing on the community’s best interests instead of political interests. We have enjoyed the benefits of strong professional leadership from our Village Managers and Superintendents of Schools that is not buffeted by political influence. Clearly our debates have reflected significant differences of views, but the elected officials and appointed boards and councils are able to seek the best path for the Village and School District without having the next election in their sights. I suggest that we see enough of this in our daily news reports on our national leadership.
At first blush the system may sound undemocratic and restrictive. To be sure, very low voter turnout in the selection processes for persons who serve on the nominating committees means that a limited number of residents participate in the election process, but that does not necessarily create a non-democratic result. All residents have the opportunity to seek positions on the nominating committees or vote for their neighbors who are doing so. I hope that the nonparticipation in the election process is not a result of apathy or frustration but rather primarily a reflection that Scarsdale’s governmental institutions work so effectively that our residents do not feel compelled to participate in the selection process. Given the large number of highly qualified persons who volunteer their time in support of Scarsdale activities, I believe that we achieve broad-based governance.
I urge new residents and residents who are not familiar with the Non-Partisan System to read former Mayor Grady Jensen’s essays at http://scarsdalecitizensparty.com/history.htm, the League of Women Voters description at http://www.lwvs.org/villageschoolelections.htm , the Procedure Committee’s website at http://www.scarsdaleprocedurecommittee.org and the School Board Nominating Committee’s website at http://scarsdalesbnc.com . This material is relatively brief but will provide interested persons with good background information. I also urge our residents to participate in the selection process and to volunteer to work in the numerous parts of our Village and School District organizations to see first hand the benefits of our Non-Partisan System.
David Kroenlein, Scarsdale
Popham Road Bridge to Close Thursday and Friday
- Details
- Hits: 2935
The Village of Scarsdale has scheduled a complete closure of the Popham Road Bridge to vehicular traffic from 8:00 am on Sunday, October 16th to 5:00 am on Monday, October 17th. Pedestrian access over the Bridge will be maintained during this period. The Bridge will be closed so the contractor can pour the concrete deck on the north side which will require time to cure. A traffic detour has been established for the Bridge closure and we ask motorists to please follow the detour signs to avoid expected traffic delays. Drivers familiar with the area are encouraged to use alternate routes and avoid the Popham Road, Garth Road, Harney Road, and Scarsdale Avenue areas during the Bridge closure period. Efforts to minimize motorist delays have been coordinated by the Village with all contiguous municipalities and involved agencies. Police personnel will be on site to assist with traffic control. Additional advisories will be issued in the event that the closure schedule changes.
Flood Much?
- Details
- Hits: 5296
If your basement was wiped out by the waters of Hurricane Irene or its aftermath, you may be wondering if there is anything you can do to protect yourself in the future. It seems like “hundred year” storms are coming our way on a more regular basis. In fact, in April of 2007 and March of 2010, much of Scarsdale was inundated, including houses that were not in a flood zone and had never been flooded before.
We were offered flood insurance about a year ago and turned it down. But now that we have seen that Mother Nature means business, we plan to reconsider our options.
To learn more about flood coverage, we spoke with Roz Binday of Advocate Brokerage in Scarsdale, who insures many Scarsdale homes and here is what we learned about flooding and insurance:
- Flooding is a standard exclusion.
- Federal flood insurance is available to those who live in “favorable flood zones” – which applies to most Scarsdale homes – for $405 per year.
- For those in flood zones federal flood insurance is available – but at a higher cost. Binday estimates that the insurance could cost up to $3,000 a year for a home that is in a designated flood zone.
- Federal flood insurance covers the home foundation including posts, pilings, and piers or other support systems. Also included is certain mechanical equipment necessary for the habitability of the building, such as furnaces, hot water heaters, clothes washers and dryers, food freezers, air conditioners, heat pumps, electrical junctions, and circuit breaker boxes.
- Federal flood insurance does not cover your furnishings, floor coverings, carpets, media systems or the pool table in your basement, if it is below grade. Strange as it sounds, not all basements are below grade.
- However, if the flooding goes up to the first floor, which is unlikely in a home with a full basement, federal flood insurance would cover up to $250,000 for the house and $100,000 for the contents with a $1,000 deductible.
- Don’t wait until just before a storm to request the insurance as there is a 30-day waiting period before it goes into effect, except in cases where flood coverage is required by a mortgage provider at the time of closing.
Some regular homeowner polices offer limited coverage for water damage; not from flooding, but for sump pump failure. In homes that have a sump pump that fails, policy owners can usually recoup $5,000-$10,000 for damage.
But the good news for those who are in acceptable flood zones, is that if you want more extensive flood coverage it is available from premium carriers at a price. If you’ve had to replace your possessions once already and want to be insured against future events, you may decide that higher premiums make sense for you.
If you have questions about flood coverage, ask Roz or Denise at Advocate Brokerage, 820 Scarsdale Avenue, Scarsdale,914.723.7100 ext. 104 or by email at: rozbinday@advbc.com
Nature's Way
- Details
- Hits: 3309
Have you seen this feathered friend in your neighborhood? Residents on Oxford Road spotted this oversized bird on their lawn in August and I recently saw him again, strutting around a yard at the corner of Oxford and Park Roads. From my vantage point he looked to be almost 4 feet tall when standing upright. Quite a sight. Please send us your guess of just what kind of bird it is in the comment section below … and If you see any unusual visitors in your neighborhood, snap a photo and send it to scarsdalecomments@gmail to share with our readers.
In other natural news, the traffic island at the intersection of Colvin Road and Greenacres Avenue is looking lovely this time of year, with purple asters in bloom and the sedum turned to a deep red hue. The project benefitted from a generous donation of mulch from Val Landry of Community Tree Surgery in Hastings on Hudson. If you need your trees trimmed, call them for a quote at 914-478-2124.
Also – as you will see, there is more mulch on the island than needed. Greenacres residents are invited to take some mulch for their own gardens from the island.
In response to the post about the turkey, Wayne Aaron of Oxford Road sent in the following comment and photo:
"Looks to be a wild turkey. It's been around for a while. Neighbors up and down Park Road have seen it for a while, at least since early summer. He seemed to have disappeared for a week or so when the weather got cold, but was back again earlier this week, maybe Monday. There was also some suggestion that he migrated south of Mamaroneck Road, but then came back. I find him on my driveway pretty often. We haven't named him yet. :)" Here he is on my roof a few weeks ago. Seems wild turkeys can fly.
Another Park Road man sent in this terrific close-up of the turkey strutting through his yard:
And Fern Nadel forwarded us this close-up of the brazen bird:
Scarsdale Rallies for the Cure
- Details
- Hits: 4129
Fox Meadow Tennis Club hosted a tennis and platform tennis Rally for the Cure event on Saturday, September 17. Attracting 50 participants, the event supported the Susan G. Komen Foundation's efforts to raise awareness about breast cancer and fund research. Both club members and non-members played in a team competition, with the "White" team besting the "Pink" team on both the tennis and platform tennis courts. Players enjoyed crisp, clear, pre-fall weather that was perfect for both the tennis and paddle groups.
The Fox Meadow Rally for the Cure organizing committee included Scarsdale residents Helyn Ferebee, Wendie Kroll, Robin Aisenman, and Frances Galloway.
Corporate sponsor for the Rally was Country Bank, which was represented by employees from the branch. An active raffle also aided the fundraising for Susan G. Komen, with generous prize contributors including Ken and Liz Whitney; Piper’s Kilt, Eastchester; Mark Devincenso, Continental 109, Bronxville; Carlos Restaurant, Yonkers; Katherine Winters Hair Salon, Irvington; Harvest on Hudson; and Fox Meadow tennis/paddle professional Gary Squires among others.
