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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 25 November 2020

Created: 25 November 2020

Last Updated: 25 November 2020

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Scarsdale Mayor Marc Samwick at the Light the Dale celebration in 2019: This year it will be virtual.The 2020 holiday season is upon us. Like much of 2020, this season will differ in many respects from the traditions that we are accustomed to. Like other years, this holiday season offers us the opportunity to step back and reflect on what matters most to us. In spite of, and perhaps because of, the pandemic that surrounds us, we may take time to reflect on what we are truly grateful for.

In the midst of our reflection, it is important that we remain vigilant, for the virus is making what many public health experts say may be the most difficult stage of the virus before we are able to start receiving vaccines and creating the herd immunity that will change the course of the pandemic, finally, in our favor. The coming months will be challenged by COVID-fatigue and the difficulty of being restricted during the coldest and darkest part of the year.

The stress and anxiety we are facing is enormous. The CDC and State Department of Health have issued suggestions for tending to our mental health during the pandemic.

1. Know where and how to get treatment and other support services and resources, including counseling or therapy.

2. Project Hope, a collaboration between the State of New York and FEMA, provides a COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline (1-844-863-9314), educational materials, and trusted referrals. Talking to them is free, confidential, and anonymous.

3. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be difficult.

4. Take care of yourself and make time to unwind and to do some other activities you enjoy.

5. Connect with others, including your community- or faith-based organizations. Note that the Scarsdale-Edgemont Family Counseling Service is there to help, too.

Since protocols became clear during and following the first wave of virus infections, Scarsdale residents have been diligent in protecting ourselves from infection. Nevertheless, we have seen a meaningful increase in COVID cases with recent County-wide positivity rates hitting about 5% and Scarsdale having our active case count increase from 9 less than three weeks ago to 38 today. Active cases are those that have been tested positive over the past two weeks.

This recent increase in COVID cases and exposure has impacted Village operations with a number of Village staff testing positive over the past two weeks. We wish them a speedy and complete recovery. We ask that residents recognize that Village Hall and DPW operations are strained by COVID illnesses and quarantine orders. Please be patient and try to conduct business with the Village remotely, to the extent possible.

As we battle this latest phase of the pandemic, please continue to:

• Wear a mask
• Practice social distancing
• Wash and sanitize your hands frequently
• Avoid touching your face
• Stay home when you are not feeling well

Recent virus spread has occurred in smaller groups within private residences, so please adhere to the Governor’s Executive Order to restrict gatherings at private residences to no more than 10 people.

As the seasons change and we spend less time outdoors, our Village restaurants and merchants are facing increasing stresses on their business. Our community has rallied around our Village merchants and restaurants over the summer and fall. Please continue to Shop and Dine the Dale throughout the winter months. We want to support our business community so that we may have a vibrant Village when Spring arrives and we get closer to resumption of our more typical activities.

As we continue to reflect, it is clear that we have had extreme challenges in 2020. We have also witnessed extreme acts of caring, generosity and bravery. Locally, our first responders have risen to the challenges and have tackled issues they never thought they would be asked to face. This Thanksgiving, please share your gratitude with our primary first responders, our Police, Fire and Ambulance Corps. Also, please join me in thanking our Village employees for stepping up in the face of unprecedented risks to make sure that the Village’s essential services continue to be performed. Thank you all.

I would like to highlight one agency at this time, our Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps (SVAC), which has been here for Scarsdale residents throughout the pandemic. SVAC personnel haven’t hesitated to risk their own personnel welfare to protect our health and safety.

SVAC, as its name states, is a volunteer organization – one that provides an extraordinary level of service to Village residents every hour of every day.

Now, SVAC needs our help.

Without our generous contributions, we would have to rely on a commercial ambulance service, which would not only result in a reduced level of care for Scarsdale community members, but also increased cost to Scarsdale taxpayers.

Please join me in donating to SVAC today.

We wish you a safe, happy and healthy Thanksgiving and holiday season.

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Written by Ezra Lerner

Published: 29 November 2020

Created: 29 November 2020

Last Updated: 30 November 2020

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The Village Board considered the fate of a Colorado blue spruce tree in Boniface Circle and also heard details about the effect of COVID on Village Hall personnel and leaf collection at their meeting on Tuesday night November 24, 2020.

Mayor’s Remarks

Mayor Marc Samwick discussed how the specter of the coronavirus pandemic has made this holiday season different from those of years past. He specifically singled out COVID fatigue and the dark, winter season as contributory factors behind that change. In addition to reading out Center for Disease Control suggestions for how to deal with the season’s challenges, Mayor Samwick spoke to the recent increase in local COVID-19 cases. Scarsdale “has gone from 9 [cases], about three weeks ago, to 38 [cases] today,” according to the Mayor. Samwick also noted that village staff members have gotten sick, taking a toll on village operations.

The Mayor stressed the importance of continuing to provide fiscal support for different Scarsdale institutions. He asked residents to “please continue to shop and dine the ‘Dale throughout the winter months,” and called for donations to the Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps, so as to avoid the increased costs that would come from the use of a commercial ambulance service. See his full remarks here.

Village Manager Comments

Scarsdale Village Manager Steve Pappalardo shed more light on the effect of COVID-19 on Village Hall. As a result of positive tests and “close contact,” 11 full-time employees are currently out of the office under home quarantine. The exposure hit the first floor of Village Hall where the Village Clerk, Village Treasury and Water Departments are located. These have been shut down as a result, with offices closed until November 30 when the quarantine will end for these staff members.

Village Manager Pappalardo explained that a plan is being developed, in response to these closures, to have employees work in two different groups—one from home, and the other in the building—so as to prevent a cluster of positive tests from once again sidelining an entire department for 14 days. Cleaning protocols will be increased with the entire building fogged twice a week and high touch areas cleaned daily.

Leaf Pick-UpThe Village Manager called on residents to bag their leaves.

Pappalardo also noted that the Highway Department has been impacted by the virus. Currently 14 full time and seasonal workers have tested positive or are quarantined as close contacts. The number of crews taking care of leaf collection has decreased because of COVID. As a result, the Village is close to completing the second round of leaf collection at each home but may not be able to complete a third round of leaf collections by the end of the season on December 11. Pappalardo asked residents to consider bagging their leaves, and leaving them at the curb to be collected by sanitation workers, or asking their landscapers to bring the leaves to the recycling center where they can deposit them without a fee if they have proof they come from a resident’s home. Forms to allow leaf drop off were distributed to landscapers or can be picked up at Village Hall and at the recycling center. A signed note from the resident will also suffice. The Village would appreciate the help as they have been “dealt a severe blow” by this pandemic.

Public Comment Period # 1

Marcy Berman-Goldstein spoke on behalf of the Scarsdale Business Alliance and the Downtown Revitalization Committee of the Scarsdale Forum. The groups have a joint desire to revitalize the village center and have been assessing ideas to recreate Boniface Park into a welcoming space for visitors. She said, “Unfortunately Boniface Park has long been a neglected and underutilized space…. It is dark and shadowy at night and was until recently overgrown with bushes that blocked views…. The blue spruce tree is not thriving … it should be removed to open up space for public use. … planting a new tree would still allow for a tree lighting, or a temporary tree could be used during the holiday season. Members of the SBA and Downtown Revitalization Committee respectfully request that the blue spruce tree be removed, leaving space for other uses.” She said funds to do the work might be able to be raised through private sources.

Susan Douglas spoke on behalf of the Scarsdale Forum, and echoed concerns about the blue spruce tree. She noted, however, “that The Forum has and will continue to promote green projects,” suggesting for example, that Scarsdale residents could mulch their leaves at home, as an eco-friendly alternative to collection options. About the tree she said, “We want a festive holiday tree. Just not this particular tree in this particular location.” She said the tree was “visibly unwell” and “infested with beetles”. She called it “scraggly and sad,” and suggested a replacement tree or a temporary tree. She said, “We are interested in creating a vibrant downtown,” but that “every space does not need to be covered with grass and trees.” She called for the area to be a gathering space with tables and chairs, emulating European cities where people can have a snack or hear a musical performance or a tent could be set up for events.”

Madelaine Eppenstein, President of the Scarsdale Forum and secretary/treasurer of the Friends of the Scarsdale Parks, spoke next. She wished everyone at Village Hall well. She added that after consulting with a certified arborist from Bartlett Tree, it was determined that the Colorado blue spruce tree at Boniface Circle Park has fungal disease and is perhaps suffering from “insect damage.”

Bob Berg spoke in defense of the blue spruce tree in Boniface Circle Park. “It is a tree that has not been determined to be dying at this point,” protested Berg. He then complained about village laws related to people tearing down trees on private property. Circling back to the blue spruce, Berg called it an “iconic tree,” and referenced the Joni Mitchell song, Big Yellow Taxi, claiming that the effort to tear down that tree seemed to be in the vein of those who want to “pave paradise and put up a parking lot.” Berg also called for Trustee Lena Crandall to analyze the impact of taking down this tree.

Diane Gurden, the Village Budget Portfolio Chair of The League of Women Voters of Scarsdale, spoke next. She asked the board a series of questions about the impact of COVID on the upcoming budget process. Among them were: “Has the Village applied for any grants for COVID relief? How will the board gather community input for the budget? How has the pandemic impacted village revenues? How has COVID 19 affected levels of staffing for this year, and how will it impact the upcoming year?” In response to those questions, and several others, Mayor Samwick said he is looking into financial relief for merchants, and that the issues Gurden raised will be addressed during the budget process.

A developer is proposing the construction of 22 foot retaining walls to accommodate a larger yard and pool at 4 Kingston Road.Mark Nadler from 171 Brite Avenue spoke in opposition to the site development at a home on 4 Kingston Road which includes the construction of “2 massive retaining walls, 22 feet high by 100 feet wide. He is the downhill neighbor. He asked for the board to help repair a “broken approval process.” He said, “This is about a non-local builder,” wanting to move over a 32-foot high hill six feet closer to my property line to accommodate a bigger in ground pool and yard.” He said, “His rights as a builder should not exceed my rights as a homeowner.” He said, “the entire purpose and function of the Scarsdale Architectural Review Board needs review, as they are not sure of what they are or are not reviewing.” He continued, “It is impossible to get details of the BAR conversations. This was approved without any visuals of the 32- foot high hill or retaining walls or where they are to be located. There was no in-depth discussion of landscaping, land use or the suitability of this project. …. I should not have needed to hire a lawyer, and spend thousands of dollars,” to find inconsistencies in what was proposed. He said, “I also hired an engineer who did a stormwater management study which found several mistakes in the builder’s submissions. The zoning board of appeals needs to focus on damage to a neighbor. The pool application is on the agenda for the Board of Zoning Appeals on 12/9 and I suggest that this should be adjourned since plans need to be submitted. I plan to bring experts to testify at that meeting.”

The Mayor assured Nadler that he had attention from the highest level staff to ensure that everything is legal and appropriate.

Bob Harrison, the Volunteer Director of the Scarsdale Summer Youth Tennis League, discussed the price of the proposed comfort station at the Middle School Tennis Courts. A strong supporter of the comfort station, Harrison did not understand why it is slated to cost $150,000. In response, Village Manager Pappalarado said that the Scarsdale School Board did approve the IMA, but that he understood Harrison’s concerns, and that the architect had been contacted about a preliminary project estimate.

Trustee Liaison Reports

Trustee Rochelle Waldman announced that beginning December 1, contactless drop off and pick up will be available at the newly reopened Scarsdale Public Library at 54 Olmstead Road. She also noted that expanded library hours are being introduced as well. The librarians are available by phone and virtual services have been planned. However, rising COVID infection rates are affecting in person services. She said, “Though they want to offer some in-person services, we’re concerned for the welfare of staff and patrons.” Waldman said that peer libraries are currently drawing down their in-person offerings. Scarsdale will continue to assess the situation and may allow for in person browsing by appointment.

Trustee Crandall called for a public works session to evaluate the proposal for the tree at Boniface Circle. She said, “Is it a hazard tree in a public place?” Crandall also noted that she was “concerned about the emotional impact of the discussion on our residents” during this time of COVID. She said that apartment inhabitants who look out onto Boniface Circle were concerned, and that taking down the blue spruce tree is a permanent change that might affect them. However she said she would look at this with an open mind. She also called for residents to bring plastic film and plastic packaging material to the recycling center.

Trustee Jonathan Lewis expressed concern about Scarsdale’s “cyber-security readiness and [its] ability to work in a virtual environment for some time.” He stressed the need for the Village to put in cyber defenses, reach out to the Technology Advisory Council for support, and address these issues before the currently-scheduled January 12 meeting, which he believes is too far away to begin taking action.

Trustee Randall Whitestone reported on a virtual meeting of the Safe Coalition, Children’s, Family Community, an organization that works to provide support for those struggling with domestic violence. Whitestone referenced a half hour video they released about resources available for those dealing with domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Agenda Items

The trustees approved a resolution read by Trustee Justin Arest for issuance of $6 million in refunding bonds which will save the Village over $500,000.

Trustee Crandall read a resolution accepting a monetary gift of $1,650 from Meredith Grossbach, for the purchase of a bench near library pond in memory of her late father, Dr. Conrad Goldberg.

The Board approved resolutions to place a créche in Boniface Circle, a Menorah in Chase Park and to Chabad to hold a virtual menorah lighting celebration in Chase Park on December 13, 2020.

Trustee Waldman read a resolution to accept a “police traffic services program grant” that was approved by a roll call vote.

After explaining the financial hardship that O’Neills Concession—the proprietor of the Scarsdale Pool concession stand—underwent at that venue this year, the board approved a license fee reduction of $11,000 from $16,000 to $5,000.

Trustee Whitestone proposed that the contract to rehabilitate the Boniface Water Tank on Garden Road, “VM contract #1249, be awarded to Brave Industrial Paint.” The resolution passed.

Public Comment Period # 2

During the second public comment period, Mike Levine said that a spruce tree came down on his house and advocated for streamlining the process to “remove large, old trees.”

Future Meeting Schedule

During discussions about future meetings, Trustee Lewis asked the Board to consider bringing back agenda meetings and trustee work sessions. He said that since the COVID crisis there has been little opportunity to engage in serious public discussion. Trustee Arest, called for more frequent work sessions to discuss help for downtown merchants and a host of quality of life issues.

The next Village Board of Trustees meeting is Thursday December 3, 2020.

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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 11 November 2020

Created: 11 November 2020

Last Updated: 11 November 2020

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A long discussed proposal for bathrooms at the Scarsdale Middle School tennis courts overcame a hurdle at the November 10 meeting of the Scarsdale Village Board of Trustees when they approved an intermunicipal agreement with the Scarsdale Schools to build the pavilion. Plans call for “a single pavilion-style building containing two ADA compliant restrooms, an office for an attendant, a storage room, and a room to accommodate the existing irrigation equipment. The covered area surrounding the building provides shelter during inclement weather.”

The proposal has undergone exhaustive debate since it was originally put forth by former Trustee and tennis enthusiast Bob Harrison. It took several years for the school district and the village board to agree that this was a priority. And now, with so many infrastructure needs and a $2 million shortfall in the Village budget due to the COVID epidemic, the decision to spend $150,000 on an enhancement was called into question.

Bob Harrison sought to ease passage of the resolution by phoning in during public comments early in the meeting and offering $10,000 from the Scarsdale Youth Tennis Association to reduce the Village’s bill. He questioned why the project would cost $150,000 as it will be built by Village staff. The Mayor explained that it was necessary to pay the architects, conduct a SQRA review and do a formal submission to the New York State Department of Education for approval.

Though the $150,000 had already been earmarked in the 2019-20 budget the comfort station was the subject of considerable debate.
Trustee Jonathan Lewis read the resolved clause of the resolution which said, “the Village Board of Trustees hereby authorizes the Village Manager to execute an Intermunicipal Agreement between the Village of Scarsdale and Scarsdale Union Free School District, in substantially the same form as attached that the Village Manager is herein authorized to undertake all administrative acts required pursuant to the terms of the Agreement. Read the agreement here.

Trustee Arest spoke first. He said, “Is it an important project, yes…. We spent six years negotiating with the school board, only to reach an agreement where we are on the hook for everything. I don’t appreciate that. I can get past that. What I can’t get past, is spending $135,000. How is that essential during a time of austerity and right before budget season. This should be part of the budget discussion. It should be tabled. I shouldn’t have to vote no on this…. We have revenue shortfalls. We are going to have to cut services. Does the community prefer to build fields or a comfort station? That’s a conversation I would like to have during budget discussions. … It says we are on the hook…. if NYS or the district requires an increase in the cost of construction, we don’t have an out. If the costs skyrocket, we don’t have an out. For all those reasons … and I do support Mr. Harrison in his seven-year endeavor, I vote neigh.”

Trustee Lena Crandall was in favor of the plan. She said, “I am all for more comfort in Scarsdale. Once this is approved by NYS we do have a couple of years to complete it. I appreciate Mr. Harrison’s willingness to raise funds. It serves more people than those who are using the courts. People who walk can use it too. This will help us to become a more walkable community.”

Trustee Lewis recognized Mr. Harrison for his advocacy but said, “This conversation would have benefited from discussion during our agenda meetings. My vote is no.”

Trustee Seth Ross voted yes. He said, “It’s been discussed for a long time. It was a pre-pandemic project and I think it’s something that the community wants.”

Rochelle Waldman agreed, saying “it would benefit the community.”

Trustee Whitestone said, “I think this is a question of timing. It was a pre-pandemic project. I am going to vote yes.”

Mayor Samwick said, “This project is already funded. We need the agreement to go to the NYS Education Department. After that we have two to three years to build it.
This is a community project – it benefits all. This is something that the community can use.”

The Board approved the resolution by a vote of 5-2.

Later in the meeting Bob Harrison called back in to comment and thanked the trustees who supported the bathroom project. However, he then turned to the two Trustees who had voted in opposition to the resolution and became unhinged. To Justin he yelled, “The state could require three bathrooms? How can you say that? Every bathroom has a male and female bathroom. … Do you have a daughter? Girls can’t go to the bathroom during the summer – and their mothers have to take them home. Hopefully you get the message. Trustee Lewis – you should have read the resolution. The architectural numbers were $32,000 – we have to be accurate. Let’s get this done with our own people! Let’s manage our projects properly! We wasted $110,000 for one tennis court at Wynmor, ridiculous.”

Mayor Samwick responded to Harrison saying, “I think it is unwarranted to call out individual trustees in that fashion and we will ask you to refrain from that in the future.”

Arest got in the last word. He said, “There is no way I am letting that go without making comments.” He said, “Mr. Harrison when you called me at 9:30 pm last night it was not appreciated. My kids were asleep. I stayed on the phone with you for more than a half hour. One of the only ways that the Village can back out is if the state or the school district asks for something like a third or a fourth bathroom. I was not advocating for anything.

a 4th or 5th bathroom. I don’t appreciate the way you spoke to me. So I will say respectfully, “Bob, lose my number.”

In other Village business, the Mayor discussed the “dramatic uptick” in nationwide COVID cases and said “We are seeing real increases in NYS, where the positivity rate was over 2.5% today. In Westchester County the positivity rate was 4% today. 82 people were hospitalized on November 9 as compared to 48 on November 1, 2020.” He urged residents to remain diligent, wear masks, wash hands, avoid large gatherings and practice social distancing. He also asked returning college students to follow the Governor’s guidelines.

Public Comments

Ann Hintermeister noted that many people are working and studying at home and complained about gas powered leaf blowers. She noted the noise, the dust and the smell. She asked the mayor to limit the hours they could be used and to ban leaf blowers from within 50 feet of the property line and 50 feet from a sidewalk or a road. She asked the Board to confine the noise and dust to the property owner and limit use to one at a time.

Later at the meeting, in response to Ms. Hintermeister, the Board asked the Conservation Advisory Council to investigate alternatives to gas powered leaf blowers.

Claire Hunt alerted trustees to the dangers of trampolines and objected to their appearance. She said, “The AAP strongly discourages the use of trampolines at any age. Backyard trampolines resulted in 103,000 trips to the emergency room in 2017.” She added, “Many are not safely installed. They are supposed to be 8 feet away from any obstacle. They should be properly installed so that they don’t fly away in high winds….. My neighbor has their trampoline in their side yard. It is several feet off the ground and allows kids to stare into their neighbor’s windows…. The noise level is higher than any other play equipment. Most kids scream on them! There are no regulations surrounding them …. They are unsightly out of scale and incredibly dangerous. She asked the Board to consider banning trampolines or regulating them. They should require a permit, a setback, be properly anchored to the ground and be insured. You should need BAR approval and a landscaping plan.

Liaison Reports

Lena Crandall said that residents can now recycle plastic bags and liners as well as cooking oil at the recycling center.

Justin Arest encouraged listeners to buy Scarsdale Business Alliance raffle tickets to win prizes and support neighborhood merchants.

Rochelle Waldman reported that the library received over 1,000 responses to their survey and is now planning to open in a modified fashion at the beginning of December.

On a happy note, the Mayor reported that. marriage license fees for the Village are up 60% this year. He said, “We have become a destination for marriages in the COVID era.”