What Does Scarsdale Value in 2024?
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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(This article was submitted by Cynthia Roberts)
The effort to protect a spectacular Black Oak tree in the historic Old Scarsdale neighborhood poses the question to our community leaders: What does Scarsdale value most in 2024? In an effort to protect a unique, historic and massive Black Oak tree from root damage and therefore premature death, Friends of the Scarsdale Parks, Inc. (FOSP), a local not-for-profit community organization has nominated the Black Oak tree at 21 Autenrieth Road for Heritage Tree designation pursuant to Scarsdale Village code. Heritage trees are given special protections by our tree code.
The tree is located in the front yard of 21 Autenrieth, a stunning brick 1910 Georgian revival home that was bought by an investment group developer to be flipped. It is notable that neither the neighbors pleading with the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) to protect this tree, nor FOSP, has objected to the developer’s proposal to build an addition expanding the living space of the house. Neighbors have merely requested that rather than placing a new garage and new driveway in the front yard of this home next to the oak tree, thereby damaging its roots, the developer use the existing driveway and one of the two existing garages. The neighbors have also supported a viable alternative presented to the BAR by the developer’s architect to place a new garage in a location a safe distance away from the tree.
More than a dozen neighbors have given up their evenings to attend multiple BAR meetings, pleading for respect of this iconic tree, a symbol of Scarsdale’s “Village in a park.” This oak tree was already growing in Scarsdale before the American Revolution, according to the expert arborist’s estimate that it is 275-325 years old.
Neighbors hired expert arborist Bill Logan, President of Urban Arborists, Inc., longstanding faculty member of the New York Botanical Garden, and a Visiting Professor of Landscape Architecture at Pratt Institute. to examine the tree and submit a report. In his report, Mr. Logan emphatically warned about the need to preserve the “green infrastructure” functions of this Black Oak tree, which serves critically important services to human health and the environment: “This oak is an extraordinary specimen, among the largest oaks in Westchester County. It is almost 5 feet in diameter at breast height (57.5” DBH). Such a tree represents an incalculable benefit, not only to the people who can see and interact with it daily, but also to the thousands of mammals, birds, insects, spiders, and other macroinvertebrates that live and/or feed on and in it, as well as to the billions of bacteria and fungi that inhabit it. It is part of the intact ecosystem that characterizes Scarsdale yards and gardens. Its loss would be very serious, not only aesthetically but also ecologically.”
Neighbors are also greatly concerned about flooding from the loss of the stormwater uptake of an oak this size, which is over 10,000 gallons in one year according to i-Tree, a tool of the USDA Forest Service for assessing the benefit of individual trees. “How will the Village protect us from water in our basements after the developer has flipped the house, killed the tree, and left town?”, asked one neighbor.
The consent of the owner of the property is required for Heritage Tree status consideration by the Board of Architectural Review (BAR). And, as was explained to the developer, should a future owner so desire, our code makes provision for a tree to be un-designated by the BAR.
Neighbors and FOSP had hoped that the developer would respect the longstanding value Scarsdale places on our historic trees and consent. But after hearing nothing from the developer for two weeks, there is little optimism that the developer will join our community in protecting our trees.
It is hoped, however, that our own BAR will represent our community’s values and recognize the enormous positive impact this tree has on the character of Autenrieth Road. The Bar can do so by requiring that the developer protect the tree as per the detailed instructions provided by expert arborist Bill Logan.
Over 1,000 trees are cut down each year in Scarsdale and at best, only one third are replaced. To allow this extraordinary Black Oak tree to become another statistic would be a huge loss for Scarsdale and will tell us clearly what Scarsdale values in 2024.
Letter: Consultants Need to Analyze the Causes of Flooding Before Proposing Solutions
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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This letter, outlining concerns about the proposed new building code, was written by Scarsdale resident Cynthia Roberts.
Scarsdale Village Board of Trustees Meeting May 28, 2024
Dear Mayor Arest and Scarsdale Village Board of Trustees,
I appreciate the effort you are taking to use the Moratorium period to gain further insight into the factors that currently threaten Scarsdale’s housing market.
As we all know, families come to Scarsdale seeking excellent public schools. What they may find are distinctive, well-designed homes in a bucolic, leafy setting in some neighborhoods. But increasingly in Scarsdale they are finding new cookie cutter “mcmansions” with scant space for landscaping and trees. While the high price paid for one of these oversized generic homes may thrill the developer, the fabric of our neighborhoods is ultimately cheapened.
There are many issues that threaten Scarsdale’s housing market.
Of greatest concern is the flooding of homes that never flooded before now. Current residents now experience property damage, expense and anxiety with regularity. They wonder whether in the future they will be able to sell their homes, often their largest single investment. Their financial security, as well as the physical and emotional safety their homes once provided, are sinking in stormwater. Once the word gets out that Scarsdale housing stock is waterlogged we have a big problem.
What are the causes of Scarsdale’s run-away flooding? This question should be posed to BFJ Planning. They need to identify the specific causes of the flooding and the magnitude of contribution of each cause in Scarsdale, in order to recommend effective solutions.
The lot coverage of new homes and additions has increased. How does BFJ quantify this trend such that solutions can fit the problem?
This covered land can no longer host plants and trees that would slow and absorb rain. It would be easy for BFJ to compare the lot coverage per square foot of a site on projects approved in the last two years with the lot coverage allowed and built ten years ago.
Scarsdale has lost at least 1,000 trees per year, most of which are not replaced. The small number of newly planted replacement saplings are unable to compensate for the loss of mature canopy trees capable of handling thousands of gallons of stormwater per year. How does BFJ quantify the loss in stormwater mitigation from our diminishing tree canopy?
Without quantifying what is occurring in Scarsdale, how can BFJ predict that expanding the side yard setbacks by 2 feet on each side of a home will substantially alleviate flooding? How do they use these 2 feet to account for expanded lot coverage, significant tree loss, and a rising water table?
There is no disputing that the water table has risen in many areas of Scarsdale. Before a new home or an addition is proposed to our Board of Architectural Review our Engineering Department appropriately requires essential data from both deep soil testing and what is known as percolation testing.
This is one of the key pieces of information that must drive the amount of land that is allowed to be covered with structures and hardscape. This key deep soil and percolation testing information also drives the requirements for drywells on the site. If these tests indicate that the water table is high, a drywell will be of no use in stormwater mitigation.
To ensure the tests are appropriately done and the data appropriately recorded, these tests should be witnessed by either our Village licensed engineer, or licensed engineers hired by Scarsdale to witness the testing done by a developer’s contractor. Other Westchester communities hire licensed engineers to ensure this data is as accurate as humanly possible. They know that this data forms the basis for the appropriate lot coverage that a particular piece of land can accommodate without resulting in flooding the new house, the neighbors, or the neighborhood. Scarsdale owes our residents this safeguard.
BFJ has suggested that gravel and porous asphalt should be considered impermeable surfaces and I applaud this suggestion. Unfortunately, BFJ also suggests that “porous pavers” should be considered a permeable surface. Please ask BFJ how the regular maintenance of “porous pavers” and the soil quality and type into which they are installed impacts whether they should be considered permeable long-term.
In order to better understand the current flooding crisis in Scarsdale, BFJ should be provided with the minutes of the Planning Board meetings regarding the proposals for 46 Lincoln/101 Carthage and for 80 Garden Road. Scores of Village residents are literally pleading for help from our Village government.
Finally, it would be helpful if BFJ were asked whether the two new homes built at the corner of Crane Road and Church Lane on Church Lane would have been permitted under BFJ’s proposed code changes. Only in this way can the Board and the residents start to understand the proposals.
Thank you very much.
Cynthia Roberts
15 Autenrieth Road
Letter: Village Should Allow Gas Leaf Blowers for Spring Clean-Up
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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(The following letter was written by Jonathan Lerner)
Dear Editor Scarsdale10583,
As a concerned resident of Scarsdale invested in the upkeep of our community, I write to advocate for a temporary adjustment to the current limitations on gas leaf blowers during the spring cleanup period. While acknowledging the valid concerns regarding noise and environmental impact, I believe a brief allowance for their use, particularly in April, would significantly benefit our town.
With the onset of spring, our streets and yards often become littered with debris from the winter months—fallen leaves, twigs, and other organic matter. Clearing this debris is not merely a matter of aesthetics but also of safety and environmental health. Without the assistance of gas-powered leaf blowers, this task becomes excessively laborious and time-consuming.
One of the primary obstacles to adopting electric leaf blowers as an alternative lies in their cost and efficacy. The upfront investment required for electric battery-powered equipment can be prohibitive for many gardeners and landscaping businesses. Additionally, electric blowers often lack the necessary power to efficiently tackle large-scale cleanup tasks, especially in areas where debris accumulation is significant.
While we must continue to explore environmentally friendly alternatives, such as electric and battery-powered equipment, it's crucial to acknowledge the practical limitations they present. Many landscapers rely on the power and efficiency of gas leaf blowers to effectively carry out their duties, particularly during the demanding spring cleanup season.
Therefore, I urge town officials and fellow residents to consider a pragmatic approach that balances environmental concerns with the practicalities of spring cleanup. Allowing a temporary exemption for gas leaf blowers, limited to a specific timeframe such as two weeks in April, would facilitate the efficient maintenance of our community without imposing undue burdens on gardeners and landscapers.
In conclusion, let us strive to find solutions that promote sustainability while also addressing the practical needs of our community. By working together, we can ensure that Scarsdale remains a beautiful and well-maintained place to live for all its residents.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Lerner
Scarsdale, NY
Massive Tree Splits on Tompkins Road
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Neighbors were awakened on Friday morning at 5:40 am when a large historic oak tree split and half of it fell to the ground in a thud. The weather was calm and there did not seem to be any immediate cause for the sudden fissure of the tree, that was rumored to be 200 years old and to date back to the Civil War. Before it fell, the tree appeared to be healthy.
The branches covered the yard and Tompkins Road in Fox Meadow.
After it fell, neighbor Tara Greco reports that she saw two deer emerge from the woods and head down Kensington Road to Butler Road. She thinks they may have been scared out of the woods by the loud noise from the buzz saws.
Crews from the Village took several days to cut up the fallen piece and take down the rest. You can see the logs here.
Photo credit: Tara Greco
SHS Students Receive Academic Awards
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- Written by Wendy MacMillan
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Over forty Scarsdale High School seniors were honored not only for their academic, artistic, or leadership achievements but also for their kindness, integrity, inclusive nature and dedication to our District’s motto: “non-sibi; not for oneself,” at the SHS Awards Ceremony on May 7, 2024.
The annual ceremony, thoughtfully organized by a committee of faculty members and led by Assistant Principal Andrea O’Gorman, sought to create a non-competitive celebration of students from a variety of backgrounds and diverse accomplishments during their four years at SHS. While many students were indeed recognized for their success in certain subject matters and other students were honored for their perseverance and commitment to growth and learning, every award recipient was applauded for their enthusiasm, curiosity, and their ability to inspire both their peers and their teachers.
The evening began with Karine Schafer, Chairperson of the English Department, honoring four students who in their own unique ways, each demonstrated their passion for, and deep understanding of literature and the written word.
-The English Department Faculty Awards were given to Nina Maor and Serena Wu.
-The Harvard University Award was given to Sam A. Kofman.
-The Audrey McGinn Creative Writing Award was given toTobias Edward Rosewater
Next to present awards, was Dr. Eve Eisenstadt, Chairperson of the Fine Arts Department. Dr. Eisenstadt honored three students for their exceptional creativity, talent, and devotion to different areas in Fine Arts.
-The Excellence in Visual Arts 2D Awards went to Rachel Jane Coplan.
-The Excellence in Visual Arts 3D Award went to Ella L. Hayes.
-The Media Award went to Danielle Weinberg Barro.
Debra Asher-Zitrin, a representative for Friends of Music and Arts in Scarsdale Schools, was also on hand to celebrate students who excelled in the arts during their time at SHS.
Friends of Music and the Arts Elisa Draper Art History Award was given to Ava Brooke Schnipper
Friends of Music and the Arts Permanent Collection Award was given to Angela Yishian Chiang
The Chairperson for the Mathematics Department, Ms. Maureen Ellison-Connolly, presented four seniors with awards for their masterful problem solving skills, their deep curiosity, and outstanding achievement in mathematics.
The Math Department Faculty Awards were given to Thomas Edward Kornfeld, Frederick Evan Li, Etai Jordan Pollack, and Leon Jeremy Rode.
In the field of Music and Performing Arts, Chairperson Ms. Lisa Forte honored four students for their passion, dedication, and their remarkable contributions to the SHS community.
-The Band Award went to Owen Brant Gurekian
-The Chorus Award was given to Randee A. Smith
-The Orchestra Award was given to Patrick Peiran Chen
-The Music and Performing Arts Department Award went to Julianna SuYuen Fang
Ms. Debra Asher-Zitrin returned to the podium to present two more awards on behalf of the Friends of Music and the Arts in recognition of the student’s incredible talent, and their time, dedication and enthusiasm for the Performing Arts.
-The Friends of Music and the Arts Drama Award went to Oryna Bludova
-The Technical Studies Award was given to Benjamin Taichi Kawai
Ms. Nicole Pisano, Chairperson of the Science Department, announced the recipients of the Excellence in Science Award and the Department Faculty Awards, and noted these students’ deep understanding of the subject matter, insightfulness, and exceptional leadership skills.
-The Excellence in Science Award went to Patrick Peiran Chen
-Science Department Faculty Awards went to Kevin V. Daniel, Arianna Makrakis Toniolo, and Albert Ming-da Wei
There were five awards presented by Social Studies Department Chairperson, Ms. Jennifer Maxwell. The first award she presented recognized the recipients for their achievement in impressive growth in the area of Social Studies. Maxwell described these students as stellar models of hard work, and touted their dedication and open-mindedness.
The recipients of the Social Studies Achievement Award were Ike Patrick Coffey and Yeonsoo Go
Maxwell went on to describe the recipients of the next awards as students who are thoughtful, brilliant, and demonstrate terrific civic leadership.
-The Excellence in Social Studies Awards were given to Emily Ruth Levine, and Stephanie Sensel
-The Social Studies Department Faculty Award was given to Kyle Vahan Pidedjian
Ms. Carol D’ Angelo of the World Language Department, was on hand to present five awards to students who demonstrated a thirst for knowledge, a passion for culture and language, and showed mastery of a foreign language.
-The French Award was given to Owen Brant Gurekian
-The Latin Award went to Tobias Edward Rosewater
-The Mandarin Award went to Natasha Rose Pereira
-The Spanish Awards were given to Grant Myles Lieberman and Arianna Makrakis Toniolo
-The World Languages Department Award went to Caitlin Summer Higgins
Next, the Chairperson for the Special Education Department, Ms. Eileen Cagner presented the Steve Corbin Academic Success Award to Samantha Cali Cohen. Cagner said the recipient had demonstrated remarkable perseverance and resilience throughout highschool and above all else, is a wonderful person.
The Casey Ferrone Memorial Award, presented by Director of Counseling Oren Iosepovici, went to Ryan S. Leitner who Iosepovoci described as patient, calm, kind, and understanding.
Iosepovici also presented the Counseling Department Award which was bestowed upon Ella M. Krausz who he described as a true upstander and someone who has a heart of gold and genuinely cares.
Judith E. Weil Kindness Award was presented by Weil’s daughter Mandy Weil Lax in honor of her late mother. The Kindness Award was given to Christina Maureen Semple who demonstrates exceptional kindness, generosity, and selflessness and helps to make the world a better and brighter place.
The Scarsdale Rotary Club Awards, Presented by Miriam Pappo were given to Kevin V. Daniel and Neha Prakash Nayakkar for their meaningful volunteer work and tireless acts of service to try to make the world a better place.
Ms. Carol Desoe presented the Retired Scarsdale Teachers’ Association Award to Zephyr Campbell Connolly and described Connolly as having a big heart and a generous soul and as a remarkable human being.
The Scarsdale Foundation Award, presented by Ms. Anne Lyons, was bestowed upon Thomas Kronenberg for his distinguished contributions both in the classroom and in our school community. Lyons said Kronenberg is admired for his poise, confidence, and humble nature.
The Michael V. McGill Book Award was presented by Mr. Art Rublin, Chairperson for the Coalition for Scarsdale Schools. The award was given to Kyle Vahan Pidedjian because he best demonstrated the values of Non-Sibi. Rublin applauded Pidedjian for always supporting others despite their backgrounds and thinking of others before himself.
The NYS Comptroller was presented to Alexander Rizk by Mr. James Tully. Tully described Rizk as a natural leader who works well with a larger team.
The Student Achievement Award was presented by Ms. Catherine Comerford and awarded to Brady G. Silberfein who was described as doing everything she does with maturity, courage and character.
The NYS Office of the Attorney General “Triple C” Awards went to Abby Rachel Feuerstein and Drew Ivy Siegel who are recognized as intelligent, compassionate, positive, and diligent.
Assistant Principal, Ms. Andrea O’Gorman, presented three awards during the ceremony. The first being the Dartmouth College Award given to Yejin Jean Sung for their excellence in service to school and community. Sung is described as owning tremendous grit and work ethic, leaving no stone unturned.
Next, the Halliday Clark, Sr. Memorial Award was given to Carolyn Chen for her leadership and service to the community. Chen is described as a truly exceptional and talented student who owns a great enthusiasm for making school a better place.
The Billy Safian Humanitarian Award was presented to Timothy G. Stoffels, who O’Gorman described as a humble, caring, civic-minded young man who is passionate about volunteer service.
To close out the touching ceremony, SHS Principal Mr. Ken Bonamo presented the evening’s last two awards. He first presented the Scarsdale High School Faculty Award to Nathan Hammer Breslow who Bonamo characterized as being extremely brilliant and as an exceptional student and remarkable human.
The Principal’s Award, the final recognition of the night, was given to Natasha Rose Pereira. Pereira was described as someone who continually challenges herself and is a devoted, poised, and graceful leader.
Scarsdale10583.com offers a huge congratulations to all of the students and their families and a heartfelt thank you to the faculty and community members who helped to make this special celebration possible.
