Residents Plead to Save 76 Birchall Drive
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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In a sign of a change in attitude about preservation of homes in Scarsdale, a persuasive, prepared and eloquent group of Murray Hill residents attended the July 19 meeting of the Committee for Historic Preservation to defend the mid-century modern former home of Paul and Irma Milstien at 76 Birchall Drive. Lawyers for the family had submitted an application to tear it down, and were working with a builder with plans to subdivide the property and construct two homes in its place.
This was the second meeting that an application by the Milstein’s family lawyer to demolish the house was considered. After considerable discussion on June 28, 2022, with only four committee members present, the decision was held over until July 19. 2022.
The neighbors at the meeting were undeterred by the opinion of expert Andrew Dolkart who believed that the home did not meet the criteria for preservation. Instead, they presented evidence to demonstrate that the home did meet one, if not several of the criteria, as outlined in Village Code.
Speaking for the family, Andrew Berkman, a lawyer for the family contended that the architect who designed the home, Simon B. Zelnik was not a master, that the home was not mentioned in the 2012 Cultural Resources Survey and that alterations made to the home following a fire had undermined the integrity of the design so that its historic significance was lost.
Polled at the beginning of the meeting, the committee chair and several members of the committee agreed with Berkman. Chair Adam Lindenbaum said, “It is a tremendous house on a tremendous property but that does not mean it warrants preservation.”
Kevin Reed agreed, saying, “It’s a nice house. If I had the power of fiat I would order it preserved but we have to go by what the trustees would say – rather than our hearts.”
Mark Behr commented about the other Zelnik homes in Scarsdale. He said, “ The sad thing is that one of Zelniks house burned, we approved another to be taken down and now this – but it doesn’t elevate it to meet the code for preservation. I am leaning toward supporting the application.”
Jonathan Lerner said, “I lean the same way myself. But do we want to at least discuss the importance of the residents? In regard to criteria 1 and 2.?”
Lauren Bender said, “There are few remaining mid-century modern homes in Scarsdale. We have a handful of named architects that built in Scarsdale. I understand that there have been alterations. But the overall general aesthetic is mid-century modern architecture. We lost the Barancini house in a fire. And the other one was knocked down.”
Talaiya Safdar refuted the claim that Zelnik was not a master. She said, “He was a noted architect. What does an architect need to achieve to be considered a master?”
Dr. Emily T. Cooperman an Architectural Historian from Cherry Hill, NJ sees little worthy of preservation in Scarsdale.Dr. Emily T. Cooperman, an expert from Cherry Hill, NJ who was retained by the attorney’s said, “the alterations had changed the historic value of the home.” Cooperman has been hired several times before to testify on behalf of applicants who wish to raze historic homes. To date she has found little, if anything, worth preserving in Scarsdale. See her opinion of the property here.
Committee member Safdar replied, “It’s a slippery slope to say if the house has been altered it is no longer historic.”
However after the public was given the opportunity to speak, the tone of the conversation changed.
Gayle Helman of 62 Birchall Drive first spoke about the prominence of the homeowners, one of the criteria for preservation. She said, “I want to speak to the point that the home is associated with someone of significance. The first owner, Ruth Farkas, was the Ambassador to Luxembourg and her husband owned Alexander’s Department Stores. Paul and Irma Milstein are some of the most prominent and philanthropic families in New York who donated the Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy Collections to the NY Public Library, the Milstein Hospital at Columbia, the Whale Room at the Museum of Natural History and more. She said, “There are few if any families that have left a mark like this on New York.”
About architect Simon B. Zelnik she listed many of his buildings including the Joyce Theater a series of movie theaters and an important synagogue in Riverdale. She said, “What would make you a master if not that?”
A newcomer to Scarsdale, David Greenberger said, “We moved to Scarsdale from the city a year ago and one of the reasons why we chose Birchall Drive was the beautiful homes, including this one that is diagonally the street from us. If any house would meet the criteria for preservation it would be this one.”
Greenberger said, “Simon B. Zelnik was a master.” Greenberger shared a historic caricature from the New York Post picturing the top five architects of the day, with Zelnik next to Frank Lloyd Wright. Greenberger, who is an attorney, said, “That would be like putting me next to Chief Justice John Roberts.”
He contended that the home met another criteria, in that it “represents a type, period or technique with high artistic value,” saying “It is a beautiful home in the mid-century modern aesthetic. That is exactly what a mid-century modern home should look like. The wood and stone façade is emblematic of an era.”
About claims that the renovation made it lose its integrity, he said, “The White House was both burned and expanded.”
He then introduced a surprise visitor to the proceedings, Bryan Zelnik, an architect and grandson of Simon Zelnik.
Bryan explained that he was the son of Martin Zelnik and the grandson of Simon Zelnik and the only third generation 
A caricature from the NY Post depicting Zelnik alongside Frank Lloyd Wright.member of the AIA. About his grandfather he said, “Yes he was a master. Simon was a fellow of the AIA. They are recognized with highest honors for significant contributions to society. Only 3% of all AIA members have that honor.”
About the senior Zelnik, he said, “He won medals at Cooper Union, attended the Ecole des Beaux Arts in France and won many honors.” He said, “My grandfather was a true modernist for his time.”
He listed many of the buildings he designed, including the synagogue in Riverdale, the Baracini stores, Lindy’s restaurants and more. He said, he was considered one of the five top architects of the period.”
About the home on Richbell he said, “He used stone and wood to create the form. His work is in keeping with the Prairie style and it has been maintained and remains intact.” He reminded the committee, “In the city a landmark is only the façade.” He said, “My grandfather was a true American success story. He came here from Poland and as immigrant.” His emotional appeal was moving.
Neighbor and interior designer Jackie Cutler also spoke to preserve the home. She said, “There are few mid-century homes left in Scarsdale and this is a fine example of mid-century modern architecture.” She listed the large windows, the small steps between rooms, the expanse of rooms and said, “this is a mid-century jewel.”
Later at the meeting it was revealed that the fire in the house was limited to the attic and did not damage the design of the house. The additions were to the sides and rear and had no impact on the façade.
More comments were heard from Lika Levi and Ariel Stillman, all in support of saving the house.
However this was not enough for some members of the committee, who appear to lean heavily toward approving demolitions rather than preserving homes.
Chair Adam Lindenbaum was reluctant to deny the application and sought to discredit the claims that it met any of the criteria. He concluded, “I don’t think the Milsteins are significant. I think the renovations are substantial and I don’t think the home rises to rare artistic value.” He
questioned whether Zelnik’s status as a fellow of the AIA qualified him as a master and asked for further documentation. Kevin Reed agreed and suggested the decision be deferred.
Both Bender and Safar said they were ready to vote at this meeting and seemed convinced that Zelnick was indeed a master but agreed to put this off for another month.
Jonathan Lerner said, “I disagree with your point about the Milsteins – they are among the top 100 families in the US. They also made a lot of donations to Scarsdale anonymously.”
The committee agreed to give this further consideration at their next meeting.
So ultimately, even armed with enough evidence to meet the criteria as set forth in the Village Code and backed with the support of fellow residents, the committee lacked the fortitude to enforce the code and deny the application.
Perhaps some of the newer residents, who have only recently become aware of the struggle to preserve Scarsdale’s history, will ultimately volunteer to serve on the Committee for Historic Preservation and be willing to challenge insatiable developers who are determined to erase the past to line their pockets.
Stay tuned for their next meeting on September 20, 2022.
Scarsdale Has a New Village Clerk Plus Tax Liens, Girl Scout House Talks Resume and a Budget Surplus
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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There was good news all around at the meeting of the Scarsdale Village Board on Tuesday July 12 when a new Village Clerk was appointed, the treasurer announced a $4.6 mm surplus in the Village Budget for the end of the 2021-22 fiscal year and the Mayor congratulated Village staff on July 4th fireworks and games at the pool and residents on the return of July 4th celebrations at Arthur Manor and Greenacres.
Girl Scout House
About re-opening the Girl Scout house, Veron announced that the Village is in talks with the Girl Scouts to come to an agreement. She read the following statement:
“Village of Scarsdale officials and Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson representatives together announced that they met July 8 in furtherance of their mutual commitment to move forward toward a renewed partnership strategy for the management, maintenance, and occupancy of the Betty Taubert Girl Scout House in Scarsdale. The parties share the goals of reopening the facility as quickly as possible and aligning on resolving its longer-term operational and capital needs.”
“Said Helen Wronski, interim CEO of Girl Scouts Heart of The Hudson, and Robert Cole, Scarsdale Village Manager, "We are pleased with our constructive conversations on reopening the GSH and our healthy discussions on a strong and clear go-forward relationship. These are important first steps in commencing a fresh start in our continuing long-term partnership, making sure the needs of our Girls Scouts and the Scarsdale community are met by having access to a well-maintained facility.”
Pool Memberships
The Mayor announced that this year the Village will offer 100 pool memberships to non-resident children of current Scarsdale residents, and former Scarsdale residents and their children:
New Village Clerk
Taylor Emanuel is Scarsdale's new Village Clerk.
The Board of Trustees approved a resolution to hire a new Village Clerk to replace Donna Conkling who held the job for 25 years. The new clerk, Taylor Emanuel, has a master’s degree in business and has experience with school boards, with running elections and preparing minutes. She will begin the job on July 18, 2022.
Liaison Reports
Trustee Randall Whitestone announced that Maryellen Saenger will retire this summer and thanked her for service. Saenger is the Director of the Aging in Place initiative at Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service and helped Scarsdale’s seniors. Whitestone said, “She did a wonderful job and ensured that seniors were not left out during COVID.” Mayor Jane Veron expressed the Board’s appreciation as well.
Trustee Karen Brew shared plans for the library, saying that the Friends of the Scarsdale Library is rolling out a new campaign to finance improvements to the outdoor space surrounding the library. She said, the friends are “turning their focus to the outside of the library with a library in a park campaign to add more outdoor space, seating, outdoor technology access and open air pavilions. Donations of $5,000 or more will be recognized with pavers on the newly landscaped grounds.
Trustee Ahuja said that the annual Scarsdale Sidewalk Sale will be held from July 28 – 30 in Scarsdale Village, with a Chalk the Dale event on Friday night July 29 from 6 – 8 pm and family fun activities in the dining tent on Saturday July 30, 2022.
Award
Village Treasurer Ann Scaglione received accolades as the Village of Scarsdale has been recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association for excellence in financial reporting for the Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
Village Finances
During the meeting of the Town of Scarsdale, Village Treasurer Ann Scaglione said that the Village ended the 2020-21 fiscal year with a $4.6 million surplus due to higher than expected sales tax receipts, higher than anticipated, mortgage tax revenue, higher than expected fees from the building department and increases in revenues from recreation and parking.
Foreclosures
Scaglione also announced that thought school tax collections were at 99.55%, the Village was proceeding with tax foreclosures on the following properties on which there are tax liens:
Address Year of Oldest Lien
1023 Post Road 2019
18 Fox Meadow Road 2019
136 Madison Avenue 2013
21 Richbell Road 2013
147 Lyons Road 2017
31 Saxon Woods Road 2019
3 Brittany Circle 2015
Former Library Employee
Sign on Stettnisch's CarDuring her opening comments, Mayor Jane Veron said the following about Robin Stettnisch, a former part time employee of Scarsdale Library who was not rehired after the renovation. Stettnisch spoke at the June 28, 2022 meeting of the Village Board and Veron said,” I would like to read a statement from the Board that clarifies misinformation shared during recent public comment. "The Village Board wants the Scarsdale community to know that we are aware of the statements made by a former Library employee regarding her termination. The Village plays no role in deciding whom the Library hires or terminates, and this former Library employee has never been employed by the Village in any capacity. The appropriate venue for her concerns remains the Library, and it is our understanding that the Library Board is preparing a response to her claims that they will publicly share in the near future."
Stettnisch continued her campaign at the July 12 meeting when she called in twice. Referring to the Mayor’s comments at the opening of the meeting, Stettnisch said, “I am shocked that the Mayor acknowledged me and admits that I exist. I was a former well-loved librarian at Scarsdale Library. Scarsdale, the wealthiest town in America, put on a $21.7 million renovation by firing their long term employees. The CSEA Union said what the library was doing to us was shitty but legal. Is that what you want to be known as? Look at the article, “Library Picket Scandal” in Maroon. It was impressive that it took you almost a year to acknowledge there is a problem, as well as the library board….Who do you go to if the library board ghosts you? I went to you! You pretended I did not exist. I can’t wait to hear the response as to why it was fine to fund a $21 mm expansion on the back of its employees… I want to see you tell your employees it is okay to go back to entry level salaries and no pensions.”
During the second public comments session she said, “Just imagine how heartless it is that we were all fired. And if we got our jobs back we would start as a new person. How does this reflect on you that you ignored me?” She called her treatment “heartless and unethical.” She continued, “one donor who gave in the six figures was enraged. It does not sit well with most people with a conscience.”
Bob Harrison also spoke. He promoted the Scarsdale Youth Tennis League and encouraged people to sign up. He complimented the Village on wonderful July 4th activities at the pool and urged the Trustees to keep the pool as is, and not raise money via bonds to change it.
Consultants Reimagine Scarsdale Village
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Consultants propose a new entrance to Scarsdale Village.(Updated June 16, 2022) Consultants from FHI Studio made an initial presentation of their preliminary ideas to improve Scarsdale Village, enhance safety on Sprague, Popham and Crane Roads and improve pedestrian and cyclist safety on Fox Meadow Road. The presentation was made via Zoom on Tuesday evening June 14, 2022.
Mike Ahillen from FHI Studio explained that they have set up a separate website at Scarsdalemobility.com where residents can give input and comments.
The group was retained by the Village to improve “Placemaking,” in the Village which they define as creating spaces for gathering and events and passive spaces that people can enjoy on their own.
In addition, they were charged with improving mobility, on Sprague, Crane and Popham Roads where residents complained of unsafe conditions from vehicular traffic, along with Fox Meadow Road where some would like to see traffic calming and safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists.
In order to gather information for their study, FHI conducted a walking tour and audit, met with Village Trustees, and use drone imaging to analyze traffic patterns.
They identified the following as their top priorities:
-Activated spaces for gathering for all ages
-Emphasis on sustainability – in design as well as transportation
-Improving multi-modal connectivity to parks and neighborhoods
-Improving safety and traffic circulation
-Parking considerations and other community needs
They identified needs for vibrancy, outdoor dining, car free spaces, pedestrian and bike lanes, friendly gathering spaces, improved landscaping and lighting.
They also referred to previous traffic studies, crash history, traffic volume data and drone studies to understand vehicular and pedestrian traffic at peak times as well as driving speeds.
Among their key findings were:
Gathering spaces are a critical need to increase vibrancy in the Village Center.
Spencer Place, Boniface Circle and Harwood Court offer opportunities for placemaking.
Popham Road needs to be redesigned and can be used for multimodal connectivity
Improved pedestrian and bicycle access to the Village Center is a goal.
A permanent glass enclosure would replace the dining tent.
Adam Tecza from FHI presented initial concepts in order to get feedback.
He prefaced the presentation by stating their goals for the Village which are:
Connect the east and west village center
Reinforce the Village Venter east core
Identify new and different community spaces
Explore road closures and pedestrian priority streets
Make the Village Center more attractive
In order to accomplish these goals the consultants considered circulation, access to businesses and for deliveries, costs and implementation.
Tecza then took participants on a virtual “walking tour” of a redesigned village and presented several schemes for the redesign of downtown.
During events, the right side of the street could be tented.
In the opening design, the Village clock would be moved, a prominent sign identifying Scarsdale would be installed, streets and sidewalks would be the same height (eliminating curbing) and there would be more seating, and plantings. The dining tent would become a permanent glass covered structure that could be opened and closed depending on the weather and locked at night to allow for storage. They envisioned colorful seating in a central gathering place.
For special events and functions, the parking spaces on the left side of the street could be tented for booths, tables and activities.
Further down the street, they envisioned a fountain and raise crosswalk leading into Chase Park. There would be space for food trucks, possibly a farmers market and benches. They recommended relocating the war memorial to Chase Park.
An alternative design for Spencer Place.
Their vision is to create a continuous pedestrian space from the train station all the way through to Chase Park where they suggested the installation of a splash pad, which has interactive fountains for kids.
In order to accommodate the street closures and the pedestrian walkway, they suggested a new circulation path for traffic.
See below. In this concept those leaving the Village on Chase Road – heading south – would only be able to make a right – no left. A traffic circle would be added on Chase Road at the intersection of Harwood Court, and from there only right turns would be permitted. East Parkway would be one way from south to north.
Consultants envisioned a Splash Pad in Chase Park and a raised interesction on Chase Road for events and gatherings.
In terms of parking, the consultants said that the Village has already lost 12 parking spaces due to the dining tent. Their plans would cause the additional loss of three more, for a total of 15 spaces. They plan to add some more spaces by using straight rather than angled parking spots.
Traffic would be re-routed around the Village.
Though there was limited time for public comment, some residents were able to participate. Cynthia Roberts from Autenreith Road was concerned about the trees and green space in Chase Park, which she said, “is the green oasis that make Scarsdale a Village in a Park.” She said it was “ impractical to put a splash park there due to the shade and the trees.” She said, “Any actions that would compromise the trees should be thought about carefully.” Instead she said, “Add more trees and greenscape to any streetscape.”
Ken Rilander questioned the assumptions on traffic and circulation. He said, “View the village as a snapshot at various points in time. You should look at the Village during peak drop off and pick up times for the train. It is like no other time of day. Between 8 and 9 am Popham Road is heavily congested.”
A called identified as David said, “If you close off Chase Road, you cut off access to two parking lots on Overlook Road.”
Trustee Karen Brew expressed concern about the proposed traffic pattern and also said “I am not sure merchants would support eliminating parking spaces as it will limit their customers access. We need more rather than less parking.”
Mayor Jane Veron asked for improved access to the Freightway Garage. She said, “We need to provide alternative parking because people are uncomfortable walking to Freightway.” She also said, “When we do have events in the park, we have to call them off when it rains. It would be good to have a covered space in Chase Park.”
Trustee Gans added, “Traffic data is important. People have to have a way to get to the train. Shopper parking is tougher for me to analyze. Making the Village pedestrian friendly eliminates parking which is critical for local businesses. How do you evaluate the central tension between being pedestrian friendly vs. having available parking.?”
Trustee Lewis thanked the consultants for a “thought provoking analysis which has generated great conversation.” He said, “if we want to attract the kind of retailers we would like we need more activity.” He asked the consultants to address Freightway and also asked, “How do people reinvent parking? How do you repurpose Freightway? Should we consider a skating rink in the winter? And other fun activities?”
Trustee Ahuja inquired about the method used for the traffic study.
Responding for FHI Parker Sorenson said, ““A lot of it is done by hand – you observe and count. We did collect data in the afternoon. This is a conceptual presentation. The Village might want to model this further.”
Sprague Road
Sorenson then turned to a conversation about proposed traffic calming measures for Sprague Road. He said the challenges are vehicle speed, rolling stops, the width of the roadway, topography, and visibility.
In order to slow down the traffic and reduce the volume the consultants have a range of measures in their tool kit.
Among these are:
-All-way or four-way stop signs
-Speed bumps
-Neighborhood traffic circles
-Mini roundabouts
-Chokers (A choker is an isolated narrowing of one or several traffic lanes created by the installation of horizontal deflections in the center or on the sides of the road.)
-Chicanes (A chicane is a series of alternating mid-block curb extensions or islands that narrow the roadway and require vehicles to follow a curving,
-Traffic diversion – half closure – create one way at certain juncture
-Traffic diversion – full closure
The consultants then presented an array of schemes utilizing some of the above at various intersections of Sprague Road to slow traffic. Ideally, they explained, a speed management measure will be installed every 300-400 feet or every block and a half to two blocks. Another technique is to reduce the radii of the curb to cause drivers to slow down when turning.
During comments, Jeanine said, “There are lots of accidents – a car even hit our house once.
Sprague is already very narrow. What about all the cars that park in the street – making it even narrower?
A traffic calming scheme for Sprague Road.
The consultants then discussed Popham and Crane Roads. On Popham they noted that the right turn lane into the CVS parking lot was not heavily used and might be repurposed. They also suggested that some of the same measures suggested for Sprague Road could be employed. They said Crane Road was a challenging thoroughfare to manage and said speeding signs, a roundabout or turning it into a one way street might help reduce driver speed and safety.
Last, the consultants offered suggestions for safe pedestrian and bike traffic on Fox Meadow Road. They noted that the two lanes of traffic are now 15 feet wide each, and that they might be reduced to allow space for bike and pedestrian lanes separated by a planting strip on both sides of the road.
Consulltants suggested that bike lanes and planting strips could be added to Fox Meadow Road.
Comments on social media did not favor the update. Readers expressed concern about drop off and pick up at the Scarsdale Train Station, the concept of an outdoor mall, preservation of Scarsdale's historic Tudor style architecture, the additional loss of parking spaces and "fixing what is not broken."
Do you have comments on the proposal? See the slides here and share your thoughts on Scarsdalemobility.com or comment below.
Scouts Plead with Village to Reopen the Girl Scout House
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Some of the community’s youngest citizens sat patiently at Village Hall on Tuesday night June 28, well after their bedtimes, waiting to address the Mayor and Board of Trustees at the podium. Wearing their uniforms, Brownies and Girl Scouts assembled at the Village Board meeting to plead with the Village to reopen the Betty Taubert Girl Scout House that has been shuttered since March 2020.
Despite the appearance that callous bureaucrats had simply locked the doors to the Scout House on Wayside Lane, the story turned out to be far more complex. Remarks from Scarsdale Mayor Jane Veron, a former scout and troop leader, Village Manager Rob Cole, Helen Wronski, who is serving as the Interim CEO of the Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson, Scarsdale/Edgemont Service Unit Manager Donna Caro, BK Munguia and a long list of others involved in scouting, revealed the real reason the house is no longer in service.
Though there was no signal to the public that the issue would be addressed, local scouts organized and asked the girls and the leaders to attend and “show the trustees how our troops have been negatively affected because we have not had access to the house since March of 2020. We want them to see the many faces of the girls in SEGS who are depending on them to re-open the house. Our remarks should only be about re-opening the house as soon as possible.”
Someone alerted News 12 of the upcoming meeting, and cameramen were posted inside Rutherford Hall taping the proceedings.
The Mayor was also expecting to see representatives and in her opening remarks she offered her support to the scouts. She said, “We want to underscore, our commitment to our Girl Scouts community. Two weeks ago, I spoke at the Girl Scouts Silver and Gold Award ceremony and shared that the Girl Scouts are very near and dear to my heart. I was once a Brownie and a Girl Scout myself; I was a troop leader in college at a local under-resourced elementary school, and I am the mom of three girls who each participated in the Scarsdale program. I have seen first-hand the formative power of the Girl Scouts."
"We as a board are fervent believers in the catalytic role our Girl Scouts play in solving societal problems. Girl Scouts lead with a deep commitment to community and a roll up your sleeves ethos to tackle challenges to make the world a better place. In a moment, our Village Manager will share the Village’s journey to ensure our essential community asset remains open and accessible for our Girl Scouts as well as for our Seniors and the myriad other community groups who value this central space. We work directly with the Seniors Council, seeking to deliver on their needs. For as long as I’ve been on the Board, the Village has been seeking to address the critically needed upgrades to the space and tonight the Village Board is poised to allocate ARPA funds to repave the driveway. The Girl Scout House plays a vital role in enabling our broader community to convene and gather.”
She then turned the mic over to Village Manager Rob Cole who explained why the Scouts and the Village had come to this impasse. He said, “the Betty Taubert House has deteriorated and the Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson have not met their financial obligations. The building needs $550,000 of work. The Girl Scouts asked the Village if they were interested in purchasing the building so that it could be repaired and put back in use. But we have received no response to our calls and letters.
With mounting repair costs and the building in disrepair, we sent them a notice of default. The Village intends to return it to use for scouts, seniors, recreation programs and more. Now the Girl Scouts have requested a meeting. We would like to compensate them for the property and expedite the sale so we can restore it to usage.”
However that was not the response the scouts wished to hear.
Helen Wronski, who is the newly installed interim CEO of the Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson objected, saying “I do not appreciate Mr. Cole’s comments. The first Girl Scout troop in Scarsdale was established in 1917 and the first Girl Scout house was established in 1941. We have been in partnership with the Village for over 80 years. Both houses were built with Girl Scout funds. For a greater part of this 80 years we have had a collaborative and effective partnership in providing a safe and welcoming facility. The Village wants to buy it but we want to maintain it for the use of scouts. I can tell you this will eventually result in the loss of the building for the scouts. We are afraid we will be regulated back instead of forward. The Girl Scouts Heart of Hudson is committed to the house.
Returning to speak later in the meeting Wronski said, “Three days into my appointment here (as interim CEO) I received the default notice. I called Mr. Cole and he refused to talk to me or meet with me. I had to go there myself. We asked you for the numbers but you wouldn’t tell me the numbers. You only said, “I am going to send you a check.” I want to make this right. We were willing to come to the table and we have yet to hear a response. We came and offered to begin to work and were not given any communication back. I found that stunning for a municipality. You would have communication from me.”
Donna Caro of Harvest Drive said, “I have been a scout since 1981. Betty Taubert was my mentor. I ask you to renew our agreement and reopen the house. The Girl Scouts have been a fixture in the community. Right now our existence is threatened as we have nowhere to meet.
The house closed in March 2020 and our leadership has not had an in-person meeting in over two years. We have not recruited since 2020. Our annual fundraising drive has been cancelled. Our award ceremony has been cancelled. We should have been celebrating at the Girl Scout House not at Hitchcock.”
Caro continued, “We need to be accessible to our girls. We do not meet as a whole community anymore. Having younger and older girls meet is essential. Closing the Girl Scout house has affected every aspect of the program. I urge you to continue to partner with GS Heart of the Hudson.”
Former Mayor David Kronlein asked the Village to continue their partnership with the scouts. He remembered fighting the fire that burnt down the first Girl Scout House. He said, “My wife and daughter were very involved in the funding for the reconstruction of the house only 2 years later. I am the husband of a scout and father of three daughters who were scouts, a former mayor and I urge you to renew your agreement with the scouts.”
Stacey Green of Overlook Road said she is the co-leader of a troop of 16 third grade girls. She said, “I have a background in finance. How much is needed for the upgrades?”
Cole responded, “The reason the house is closed is because we need to fix the ventilation to meet post covid rules. We were trying to work with the scouts to get matching funding. That’s why we would be happy to buy it as we can’t continue to fund it. It is our understanding that they don’t have the funds for investment in the property. They haven’t paid since 2015 and the building and grounds are not in good condition. We are willing to buy it and make the upgrades but they don’t get back to us. We are trying to do the right thing here.” He also mentioned that the Village has allocated $70,000 in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to repair the driveway and parking lot at the Scout House.
BK Munguia of Brookby Road said, “I am here to ask you to reopen the house for scouts and the council. I have a document to show the history of the scouts in Scarsdale since 1917. I have served as the liaison to the Village for the scouts for 17 years. Betty Taubert was committed to the idea of sharing resources. All the stakeholders should be engaged to clear up misunderstandings. Good decisions are never made in haste or anger. There are so many people who are interested in keeping this partnership going.”
Many scouts from Scarsdale and Edgemont came forward explaining why they wanted the Girl Scout House back, for sleepovers, ceremonies, charitable projects, planting and practicing to march in the Memorial Day Parade. One said, “We had to meet on yoga mats in Davis Park. We sat on the sidewalk and painted bird houses and gave them out to people.” Another said, “We learn interesting and exciting things,” and “Girl Scouts has brought our grade together.” Another said, “I love girl scouts and being a girl scout. I really want the house to be open. It teaches me how to interact with my friends and make new friends.”
The Mayor thanked the girls for bringing their local voice to the government. She said, “Remember it and use it – you can make change throughout your entire life. We are passionate about reopening the house. This has been going on since 2015. We want you to have access to the house.”
Following the meeting we asked Village Manager Rob Cole for clarification on a few of the issues and here is what he shared:
(Q) You said the Girl Scout house requires $550,000 in work. What are the short term vs. the long term needs?
(A) The $550K includes such items as a new roof, exterior windows and doors, parking lot paving, kitchen renovation, baseboard radiator repairs/replacement, and others. There are also non-capital needs that require remedy, which are not included in the estimated $550K. We’ll need to work through project prioritization and timing with the Girl Scouts.
(Q) If the ventilation was upgraded, could the house be used?
(A) The most immediate need at the Girl Scout House is addressing the ventilation improvements. An older estimate pegged the cost at $17,347 (50/50 split was the $8,673 mentioned last night). We’ll have to get a new proposal reflecting current pricing, though, and we’re hopefully costs haven’t sharply escalated. That written, and assuming a walkthrough does not reveal additional needs requiring remedy prior to reopening, upgrading the ventilation is the only item I am aware of that would preclude reopening. Any life safety issue identified would need to be remedied prior to reopening, of course.
(Q) How much in arrears are the scouts in their payments to Scarsdale Village?
(A) But for limited work already completed by the Village, which is subject to Girl Scouts 50% reimbursement, capital expenses are paid as projects are undertaken. As a result, the Girl Scouts are not in arrears, as such. Rather, there is an infrastructure repair/renovation backlog of work needing to be completed and an associated funding deficit needing to be addressed.
(Q) What is the agreed upon annual payment?
(A) There is no agreed upon annual payment to fund infrastructure needs. Maintenance, renovation, and repair needs drive the amount of money needed each year. Thus, the Village identifies infrastructure needs and seeks to confirm Scout financial participation at the 50% level. If the Girls Scouts come through with their required contribution, the project moves forward. If they do not, the project is deferred.
(Q) How much was the Village offering the Scouts for the purchase of the house?
(A) No specific price had been offered – that would have been the next step had the Village chosen pursue termination of the agreement.
(Q) Is there any documentation of the Village’s efforts to communicate with the Girl Scouts available to see? On the Village website?
(A) The Village’s efforts to communicate with the Girl Scouts have included a variety of methods, including on-site meetings, written, and phone calls. The process has been time consuming and labor intensive, though we are hopeful their new leadership will work to improve communications, responsiveness, and follow-up, as we all share the same goal of opening the Girl Scout House as soon as possible and maintaining it such that it is a safe, comfortable location for Girl Scouts and other users to visit and enjoy.
I sent the Girl Scouts a default notice on May 31, spoke with Ms. Wronski by phone on 5/31 after she read the letter, and sent her a copy of the March 2022 letter that she requested during our phone conversation (also on 5/31). The next day (6/1), I directed my assistant, Christine, to schedule the requested meeting, which she did for 6/9 (seven business days later, based on mutual availabilities). The meeting was held as scheduled.
Madelaine Eppenstein Honored by the Audobon Society
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- Written by Adam Katcher
- Hits: 1879
The Bronx River-Sound Shore (BRSS) Audubon Society selected Madelaine Eppenstein as their honoree in March of 2020, but the official granting of the honor had to wait more than two years. On June 2, 2022 the time finally came to celebrate Eppenstein for what she worked so hard to deserve.
The 37-year Westchester resident has been a local conservationist pioneer, described as a “go-to” person for any conservatory endeavors. Her work to procure and plant over 1000 trees and shrubs in Scarsdale is just one of many of her notable accomplishments in this field. The BRSS newsletter added, “Now every spring she applies for a grant for trees, and the Friends of Scarsdale Parks holds a Scarsdale Community Planting Day involving hundreds of volunteer children and adults.”
The event took place via zoom and friends and admirers popped on to praise Eppenstein. Assemblywoman Amy Paulin was present for the celebration, and was delighted to give Eppenstein a citation. She said, “From snow removal to gas leaf blower regulations, she has been vocal in the community about how Scarsdale can become greener and more sustainable in an efficient, meaningful way.”
Scarsdale Mayor Jane Veron added her accolades. She called Eppenstein “Thoughtful , determined and kind.” She said, “She carries stature in Scarsdale – she is the stamp of approval for everything in Scarsdale. She is industrious, develops proposals that are well researched and documented,” and “is the person who makes things happen.” She said, “What you have done is priceless for us.”
Mike Burger, the executive director of the New York and Connecticut Audubon Society said “It is our honor to share with this event our congratulations for your work. You improve everyone’s life: not just the birds or young people, but everyone. This is what we need to see more of. The way you bring in lots of people to help and helping them see they can be part of the solution going forward is an amazing thing to do.
A representative for Westchester County Executive George Latimer was present to show his respects, offering thanks on behalf of Latimer and apologizing that he was not able to make it even though he most certainly would have if he could.
Eppenstein described her successes with the area between the Scarsdale Library and Scarsdale High School, which used to be used as a sort of “dumping ground,” but it is now a well-protected green area, and she thanked the Westchester Executives for their recognition on this work. She expressed her sincere gratitude for the Audubon Society’s “precious relationship with each other and shared goals” and for putting on the festive event.
