Consultants Present Recommendations for Scarsdale's Fields and Courts
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We last heard about a joint field study undertaken by the Village and the Scarsdale Schools in May, 2024. At that time consultants had done a survey of all of Scarsdale’s recreational fields, sites and facilities and were gathering input to prioritize what work should be done first.
Drainage, grading, bathrooms and additional fields, both natural and synthetic were all up for discussion.
As a next step in the process, the leadership of the Village and the Schools held an unusual joint “public outreach meeting” at Village Hall on Tuesday October 22 to hear a presentation from consultants CHA. They reviewed their findings to date and presented a series of recommendations to address the issues identified in their study.
Opening the meeting, Mayor Justin Arest repeatedly stressed that “There are no set recommendations now. The next step is to get more feedback and come up with the best plan moving forward with the funds that are available.”
The consultant explained that they had done a complete study of both Village and School owned sites including fields, parks, courts, and the track.
As an outcome of the feedback they received they identified three key themes from the community:
Playability of the existing fields due to wet conditions and drainage
Insufficient capacity and the perception that there is not enough time scheduled for some sports and conflicts in timing between the school and Independent Sport’s Organizations for field time.
Planning and communication including the need for a clear roadmap for implementing improvements, better policies, equitable improvements by sport and gender and last, the noise from pickleball courts.
What did people what to see?
Surveys and feedback identified these themes:
More synthetic fields and new courts, more fields for baseball and softball, more volleyball, basketball and permanent pickleball courts.
Improvements to the existing natural grass fields and courts, including drainage improvements, resurfaced tennis and basketball courts , conversion of elementary school baseball fields to full fields and updated fencing and dugouts.
In addition, respondents asked for lights at one more field, bathrooms or bathroom access, concessions and storage space and equity of field use.
The consultants then provided an analysis of scheduled usage of both the Village and school fields by location and identified shortages in softball, rectangular and baseball field availability. They also provided a comparison of Scarsdale’s field inventory to neighboring towns. Take a look below.
Using this data they presented a series of options to install more synthetic turf fields, construct pickleball courts and basketball courts, improve turf fields, and add parking. They proposed work at Crossway, Boulder Brook, the Middle School and the high school, accompanying each option with an estimated price tag.
Also included is a list of proposed improvements to “natural” turf including resurfacing tennis courts, adding bleachers, improving drainage, fencing and parking. At several of the elementary schools they proposed field relocations and conversion to full skinned infields.
Overall, the big picture benefits of their proposals include:
-Options for additional synthetic turfs fields for the community on both village and school fields
-Benefits for six field programs: Baseball, Football, Soccer, Softball, Lacrosse and Field Hockey
-Benefits for three court programs: Basketball, Pickleball, and Tennis
Comparing the economics of grass vs. synthetic turf, the consultants showed that though the initial cost to install a synthetic field is double that of a turf field in the long run the maintenance cost for the turf is far lower.
There were many options to sort through and evaluate. Since both the Village and the schools will need to finance the work, both bodies will need to consider these plans in their upcoming budget planning process.
Many turned out to hear the presentation and state their views:
In person and on Zoom there was a mix of opinions – some strongly in favor of building more synthetic fields, others asking the Boards to move swiftly so that their children could benefit from the additional fields and another contingent who voiced concerns about the health and environmental effects of installing synthetic plastic.
Becky Bach said she “Supported field equity and “fully supports turf.” She said, “I hope this comes to life so that our children can benefit from it. We have experienced many rainouts.
The kids need to get out and play.”
Eric Premisler a Co-President of Scarsdale Youth Soccer Club said, “Athletics is one of the most important things we can give our kids. I am a naturalist – but turf fields are workhorses. We need them. We’re hoping that something comes from this.”
Others said the numbers in the report were not correct:
Diana Gatto who heads Scarsdale Softball corrected the number of fields shown in the report.
Venu Angara said, “The report is not showing actual usage – we should work on the numbers. We need actual numbers for this report to start the analysis.”
Noah Sanders a Co-Chair of SYSC also favored a turf field but asked that the placement be sensitive to the aesthetics of Scarsdale.
Ralph Geer said, “I think it’s high time for this endeavor to take place. I think we should consider adding a dome over one of the fields for winter use – this would maximize field use.”
Logan Mancusi who is a Captain of the SHS Baseball Team asked the board to “Try to get the fields open earlier in the season.” He said, “When it rains Dean Field gets shut down. We need better tarps to cover it when it rains so it can be playable the next day.”
Benjamin Hogan, who is an assistant coach of a soccer team suggested that the board provide an FAQ about the timeframe for when these decisions will be made. He said, “We need the fields to be available year-round for kids.”
Claire Paquin favored the use of the field adjacent to the parking at the high school as asked if a full game could be played there? She continued, “How will this be funded so that the burden is not all on the volunteers. This should be bond and budget heavy and private citizens light."
JP Van Arsdale said “I have three kids in high school, middle school and elementary school. I hear the environmental complaints – but the one turf field at the high school has the most activity around it. It shows how important turf can be. This is a must have. Every athlete in the town wants to play on turf.”
Jessica Kourakos said, “We struggle with how often we are rained out of practices and games. We are at a disadvantage compared to other communities. We should take a look at what they are doing in Europe about grass and turf.”
Environmental Concerns:
However there was chorus of those who object to the use of synthetics because it removes permeable surfaces, exacerbates flooding, and poses health concerns for the athletes who play on them.
Rochan Mehta from Deerfield Lane said, “I don’t want to see natural turf converted into synthetic fields. I am in favor of improving drainage rather than adding more plastic to our environment.”
Michelle Sterling said, “Turf causes high heat and off-gassing. It’s a much harder surface as the cushion underneath gets compacted over time. Natural turf is cooler, more cushioned, more sanitary. There are carcinogens from the off gassing and sliding on turf. Though you do get extended playtime, years from now we will think back on this when our kids get cancer. There are also environmental concerns about ripping up the turn every ten years.
Lisa Purcell said, “I am surprised that they are recommending converting grass fields to turf. Other municipalities have banned the use of turf fields. The European Union has also banned crumb rubber. The City of Rye was sued by residents over the installation of artificial turf. Artificial turf does not absorb water and grass does. This is far more expensive than grass. Let’s improve our fields with grading and drainage.”
Darlene LeFrancois Haber introduced herself as a doctor and Chair of the Forum Sustainability Committee. She said, “I am concerned about the installation of turf – I think it would be reckless. I would be happy to download the data on microplastics. I can’t believe were talking about laying this down on turf. I feel like the Village is having an issue with flooding. When you replace this plastic, how do you dispose of this turf? You are adding to a waste stream that you don’t want or need.”
Lori Garfunkel of Lincoln Road was happy to see that the plans for Crossway would move the pickleball courts further from her home. About the current courts she said, “I hear it in my house, in my office and in my bedroom. I would appreciate it if it could be moved further away. It’s over 60 DBA’s. I cannot be outside when it is being played. It is untenable by my home.”
Sarah Bell said, “What about updating the existing fields with drainage, seating and grading? Can we use any part of the pool complex in this plan? I agree with the environmental concerns and health concerns. There is already flooding in Quaker Ridge.”
Trustee Ken Mazer said, “In total, the budget is almost $30 mm. What would be the lowest hanging fruit for the biggest buck?”
Concluding the meeting, Mayor Arest said, “We will post the presentation online and seek additional input from the community. Both Boards will discuss this during budget time.”
On the Ballot: The Equal Rights Amendment Will Protect Abortion Rights in NYS
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Jenna Lauter of the NY Civil Liberties Union Urged Voters to Approve Proposition 1 on the NYS Ballot in November (Photo Credit Michelle Lichtenberg)
This year’s election is a pivotal one for many reasons. First it’s a presidential election year at a time when our democracy hangs in the balance. For those of us living here in Congressional District 16, we have the opportunity to elect our longtime County Executive George Latimer to represent us in Washington – and there’s more.
And at long last, the Equal Rights Amendment will be on the reverse side of the ballot in New York State. The amendment, which is Proposal 1, will safeguard abortion rights in New York State and offer many more protections against discrimination by the government based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability and sex, including sexual orientation gender identity and expressions, pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes.
In order to inform voters, the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale invited Jenna Lauter from the NY Civil Liberties Union to address locals at the Scarsdale Library on Tuesday night October 1, 2024.
Lauter explained that many in New York think our rights are already protected and say, “Why do we need this?” Lauter said, “When Roe vs. Wade fell, we were shocked and we realized our rights aren’t as safe as we thought.” And the election of a conservative governor or state legislature could put these rights in risk. This new amendment protects abortion as a right as a part of the clause against sex discrimination.
Lauter said, “Proposition 1 goes far beyond reproductive rights. It creates a vision for what it means to be equal in our society. It enshrines text against government discrimination for all groups.
She pointed out that the text on the ballot does not mention abortion. Instead Proposition 1 is defined as an “Amendment to Protect Against Unequal Treatment,” but if passed by a simple majority it will protect the right to abortion in New York State.
Here is the text of the amendment:
A. No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws of this state or any subdivision thereof. No person shall, because of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, creed [or], religion, or sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy, be subjected to any discrimination in [his or her] their civil rights by any other person or by any firm, corporation, or institution, or by the state or any agency or subdivision of the state, pursuant to law.
B. Nothing in this section shall invalidate or prevent the adoption of any law, regulation, program, or practice that is designed to prevent or dismantle discrimination on the basis of a characteristic listed in this section, nor shall any characteristic listed in this section be interpreted to interfere with, limit, or deny the civil rights of any person based upon any other characteristic identified in this section.
Lauter urged voters to turn over their ballots and vote yes on Proposition 1 -- and to inform family and friends that this critical amendment is on the ballot on November 5, 2024.
For those choosing to vote in person, in-person early voting is October 26-November 3, 2024, at any of the early polling locations in Westchester County. Election Day is November 5, 2024. Then, voters must vote at their designated polling location.
Mayor Names Alexandra Marshall as Scarsdale Village Manager
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The following letter was written by Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest and emailed to the residents of Scarsdale on September 11, 2024.
Dear Residents,
I am excited to announce the appointment of Ms. Alexandra Marshall as the new Village Manager of Scarsdale, effective immediately. This decision was ratified in a unanimous vote by the Village Board at our September 10, 2024, board meeting.
Over the course of the past year, beginning last fall, the Village Board conducted a nationwide search for a new Village Manager. We engaged the search firm SGR who brought 20 resumes to the board. Four candidates were interviewed and completed in-depth questionnaires and personal statements. Two final candidates met with stakeholders in both the community and staff as well as the full board in the spring. After much discussion and feedback from all involved, the board decided we had yet to find the right person for the position.
In June, as we continued our discussions as to how best to proceed, Ms. Marshall notified the Board that she would be interested in participating in the next iteration of the search for a Village Manager. Having already served in the position for eight months at the time, she knew she was ready to take on the role of Village Manager.
Over the course of the summer, the Board met with Ms. Marshall and conducted a formal interview. After successfully filling the role of Manager over the last year and serving our community effectively, the Board is confident that Ms. Marshall is the best person for the job.
Alexandra, or Alex as she is known to many, has been a vital part of our community for the past three years. She has served as Acting Village Manager for the last year, a role in which she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to our village. Before stepping into this position, Alex was our Deputy Village Manager for two years, where she played a crucial role in many of our initiatives and budget processes.
Before joining us in Scarsdale, Alex spent nearly six years in the Administrator’s office in the Village of Rye Brook, where she honed her skills in public administration and municipal management. Her experience, combined with her natural ability to listen and address concerns efficiently and effectively, has earned her deep respect among our department heads and village staff. Alex previously served as President of the Municipal Administrators Association of Metropolitan New York and is currently an Executive Board Member of the New York State City/County Management Association. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Fordham University and earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration at the College of New Rochelle.
Ms. Marshall is highly regarded by the Village Board, which recognizes her dedication to our village and the positive impact she has had on our community. Her problem-solving skills, professionalism, and approachable nature have made her an invaluable asset to Scarsdale.
We are confident that under Ms. Marshall’s leadership, our village will continue to thrive and that she will guide us with the same dedication and vision that she has demonstrated throughout her career.
Please join us in congratulating Ms. Marshall on her well-deserved appointment.
Now that we have filled the role of Village Manager, the search to find our next Deputy Village Manager will begin next week.
Behind Closed Doors
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The reality of domestic violence is that it can sometimes be lethal. One of the misconceptions of domestic violence is that it doesn’t happen in upscale suburbs such as Scarsdale; sadly, however, no neighborhood is immune from domestic violence. While it’s impossible to know what goes on in other people’s homes, learning to identify the risk factors that are correlated with domestic lethality, just may save a life. The decision to separate, for example, is known to be the most dangerous time for a victim of domestic violence, a time when the perpetrator typically feels most out of control.
One in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact, sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking, with impacts such as injury, fearfulness, post-traumatic stress disorder, use of victim services, and the contracting of a sexually transmitted diseases.
The Safe Coalition: Children, Families, Community will be hosting a presentation titled “Behind Closed Doors” in an effort to raise awareness about the risk factors of lethality and to provide resources for those that might be in a potentially perilous situation. The program will be facilitated by Darlene Reda, former director of the Westchester County Family Justice Center and deputy director of the Westchester County Office for Women. Ms. Reda is now an attorney with the law firm of Della Jacono and Ross PLLC. Ms. Reda will discuss the Six S’s, separation being one of them, as part of an educational awareness effort to protect women and families.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness month and accordingly the program will be held virtually on October 2nd from 12:00-1:00 pm. I hope you will consider attending this free and informative presentation.
Milagros Chatelain, LMHC Coordinator,
The Safe Coalition: Children, Families, Community Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service
For more information, or the link to attend, please contact Safe Coalition Coordinator, Millie Chatelain, LMHC at [email protected] or 721-2632.
Fall Happenings at the Scarsdale Womans Club
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The Scarsdale Woman's Club is gearing up for a new year full of entertaining and educational programs and community outreach. All opening programs and most Wednesday programs throughout the year are open to the public free of charge at the Scarsdale Woman’s Club at 37 Drake Road in Scarsdale.
Everyone is invited to an open house and membership drive Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 1-4 pm. Members of club sections on art, literature and film, music, world culture and travel, home and garden, personal investing, pottery and food and dining will showcase their activities and answer questions. Attendees can learn about trips to theaters, museums and other places of interest; special events, and the club’s support of local philanthropies.
You don’t have to wait for the membership drive to sample the club’s diverse offerings. Here’s what’s on tap for fall:
Around the World Trivia will be presented by the club’s World Cultures and Travel Section Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 2 pm. Joanne and Steve Auerbach will lead a Jeopardy-style around-the-world trivia game in which everyone can participate. Bring your travel memories, your thinking caps and your sense of fun!
The club’s Art Section will host Page Knox, a popular speaker from the Metropolitan Museum of Art and adjunct professor of art history at Columbia University on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 2 pm. She will give an illustrated talk on the Harlem Renaissance exhibit that recently closed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Whether or not you got to see this show at the museum, you will feel like you did through this engaging program.
The club’s pottery group will welcome everyone to the studio in the lower floor of the clubhouse for a tour and demonstration Thursday, Sept. 12, 10:30-12:30. Newcomers can try their hands at a simple project. No experience necessary!
“Olive Oil: Myths, Facts, Health Benefits” will be the topic of the Food & Dining Section on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 2 pm. John Arlotta of Arlotta Food Studio will offer tasting samples, recipes, and a selection of items to buy.
Leslie Chang, a trustee of the Scarsdale Historical Society, will present a film entitled “Scarsdale in the 18th & 19th Centuries: From Hardscrabble Farms to Gracious Estates” at the Home & Garden Section opener Thursday, Sept. 19, at 2 pm. Houses to be discussed include Underhill House (c.1687), Wayside Cottage (c.1717), Burgess House (c.1750), Cramer Crane House (c.1851) and the club’s own Rowsley Cottage (c.1858).
The Literature & Film Section will present a poetry reading Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 2 pm. Kathleen Williamson will read from her poetry book "Feather & Bone." accompanied by images and bird notes from Saw Mill River Audubon executive director and photographer Anne Swaim.
Finally, the Alegria Ensemble will perform in the Music Section opener Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 2 pm. Previously known as the Balsam Trio, Alegría includes violinist Chloe Dickens, cellist Sara Strozzo and pianist Ricky Asher Moreira.
Looking ahead, the club is getting ready for the huge tag and book sale Oct. 19 and 20 that supports local charities, and our popular wine tasting and silent auction on Nov. 14 at 7 pm. Free admission to both events!
For more information, go to https://www.scarsdalewomansclub.org/. Our website is updated monthly. Or call 723-0024.
