Scarsdale Opts Out of Cannabis Dispensaries and Lounges and Enacts No-Smoking Laws
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 5906
After extensive study and many lengthy discussions, Scarsdale’s Trustees voted to opt out of the licensing of retail marijuana dispensaries and cannabis smoking lounges within the Village. In addition to banning the sale and consumption sites, they also voted unanimously to enact laws to ban all smoking at Village owned properties including Village buildings, parks, playgrounds, the Scarsdale Pool Complex, parking lot and even inside Village owned vehicles.
Furthermore, smoking is prohibited on streets and sidewalks owned by the Village and in Village business districts.
NYS passed the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) that legalized the sale and consumption of marijuana in New York in March 2021. It gave municipalities the choice of opting out of dispensaries and consumption lounges before December 31, 2021. Those who opt out before the deadline can choose to opt in at a later date. However, those who fail to opt out by the end of the year, would permit marijuana stores and lounges by default. The Board of the Town of Greenburgh voted to allow dispensaries but not lounges.
Trustees Karen Brew and Lena Crandall piloted the Scarsdale Village Board through the process of gathering information, investigating the actions of neighboring towns and Village and holding public hearings to get feedback.
At several work sessions and a public hearing, the Trustees heard from members of the Drug and Alcohol Task Force, representatives from Scarsdale Family Counseling Service, doctors, health professionals, parents and students who expressed their views on the possible impact of marijuana stores and smoking lounges within the Village.
Though most were concerned about the potential negative impacts on youth and neighborhood character others saw this as a source of additional village revenue and an enhancement for resident smokers.
At the meeting on December 14, Trustees Brew and Crandall , the two who had done the research, spoke in favor of licensing marijuana sales in the Village.
Trustee Brew made this statement:
"My charge as a Trustee is to consider information and make a determination; to avail myself of data and use logic, not preconceived opinions, to make a decision. And I have done that now with this very emotional issue of MRTA. The Board has spent a lot of time listening to the community and debating the issue. Here are some of the key considerations that influence me:
There is much research that shows that prohibition in the 20’s and early 30’s did not limit the amount of alcohol consumed; it only changed the locations of procurement and consumption.
New York State conducted a thorough Cannabis Impact Assessment that considered the health, public safety, criminal justice, economic, and educational impacts of a regulated marijuana program in NYS. This impact assessment involved a public health approach to examining the benefits and risks associated with legalizing marijuana in NYS as compared to maintaining the status quo. They found that Marijuana is easily accessible in the unregulated market and that the status quo has not curbed marijuana use, including among the 12-17 year old population.
The Scarsdale High School Pride Survey proves that out - 17.9% of our high school students have consumed marijuana in the past 30 days. That is almost 1 in 5. That’s a big number; And the data is from pre-legalization! If they want it they will get it. And what they get illegally from drug dealers or on the internet is far more concerning as it can be laced with anything including deadly fentanyl.
People talk about not wanting to increase access by having a dispensary in town. But whether or not their is a dispensary in Scarsdale will not meaningfully impact acess.
As our kids get older, we do not necessarily know the parents of their friends. When your child goes to a friend’s house do we know if they have a secured liquor cabinet or is it free access? Do they have a stash of weed or edibles that the kids can get into? Raiding a home supply is a much easier access than trying to get into a state licensed dispensary in town where they will be seen and will have to have real ids proving they are 21.
The NY State Impact Assessment recognized that Marijuana is easily accessible in the unregulated market. Regulation of marijuana at least benefits public health by enabling government oversight of the production, testing, labeling, distribution, and sale of marijuana.
If a dispensary in town does not impact accessibility, then we are really only talking about messaging. I believe there are much stronger, more direct ways to message the dangers of underage marijuana use to our youth. We need proactive education and some tough conversations to really guide our children on the dangers of alcohol and marijuana on the developing brain; on the fact that substances that are OK for adults and that they see adults buying and consuming are not OK for the underaged. 38% of our high schoolers reported using alcohol in the past 30 days and I doubt they are getting it in Zachy’s. Almost 20% have used marijuana. We have not been able to stop this age group from experimenting with illicit substances. But, we have been able to educate them on dangers. Through in-school programs and guest speakers they are required to attend to get a senior parking pass, they are taught about the dangers of drinking and driving. We need the DATF, the schools and all of us as parents to put this same effort behind the dangers of underaged marijuana use.
Trustee Crandall and I, as co-chairs of the Law Enabler, dug deep into research and data around marijuana legalization and are both leaning towards voting against opting out. Opting out of a cannabis dispensary is like trying to put a bandaid on a gunshot wound. You might feel better that you’ve done something but you’re not solving the problem at all. Let’s look at the data and make unemotional determinations and put our time, energy and resources behind making a real impact where we better can."
Trustee Crandall explained the reasoning behind her vote to permit cannabis sales in the Village. She said, “Education about the risks of drug use is necessary – not prohibiting dispensaries.” She asked “reporters to get the word out that marijuana isn’t safe for kids,” and advised the community to take advantage of the courses available from Scarsdale Family Counseling Service.
She said, “The fact remains that our state has legalized it – the illicit market is inherently dangerous. Adults will appreciate a dispensary – and Scarsdale has the right to impose restrictions….We have the right to control this legal business. We could use the additional tax revenue. If we opt out, we lose out. I will vote no to opting out.”
Trustee Whitestone said, “We went through a valuable process. My decision is to opt out.”
Mayor Veron thanked the community for their input and said she supported the decision to opt out of dispensaries and lounges.
The vote to opt out of marijuana sales passed with yes votes from Trustees Arest, Ahuja, Lewis, Whitestone and Mayor Veron, and no votes from Trustees Brew and Crandall.
On the vote to opt out of cannabis consumption lounges, Trustee Brew explained that she favored the opt out because, “I feel very differently because people are consuming and driving.”
The vote was unanimous to opt out of consumption lounges as well.
New Investment Policy
Trustees passed a new investment policy that requires regular reporting and review of Village investments. The process to revise this policy was led by Trustee Jonathan Lewis who explained that the new policy will “modernize how we conduct our business in the 21st century.” It will require the Village Treasurer to submit quarterly reports of returns and interest rates and to report non-compliance to the Village Manager with a recommended remediation plan. Trustees will meet regularly to discuss investment decisions.”
Trustees agreed to hold a public hearing on an amended law on “Wireless Telecommunications Facilities” on January 11, 2022. You can review the draft of the new law here.
In other business, a drainage easement was passed for 72 Mamaroneck Road where excavation during construction revealed a series of storm drainage pipes traversing the property that serve Mamaroneck and Murray Hill Roads. The easement will allow the Village to service the pipes.
Trustees accepted a $5,000 gift from Experian PLC for the fire department for the purchase of equipment and training for the safety of firefighters.
Trustees approved $28,000 for upgrading of AV equipment to accommodate broadcasting of hybrid remote and in person meetings at Village Hall.
Comments from the Mayor
Mayor Jane Veron made the following comments at the opening of the meeting:
The end of the year is a time for reflection, to take stock of what we accomplished together through resilience, dedication and grit. We simultaneously look backward, acknowledging where we started, and peer into the future, imagining where we hope to be. This year more than most has been one of tremendous transformation in Village government. In a matter of months, there has been swift adoption of a strategic and innovative culture that rewards forward thinking and questions the status quo. Under the leadership of our visionary Village Manager, we’ve experienced a whirlwind of change, embracing new policies and practices, adopting new technologies, and welcoming new personnel.
Tonight, our agenda is packed with signs of these advances. Resolutions on our agenda speak to institutionalizing improved processes for internal controls and investment policy, upgrading technology to facilitate public engagement, and refining code to enable Scarsdale to advance with the times. We’re readying Scarsdale to embrace the new model of 21st century government.
As we close out the year, we also bid farewell to our dedicated public servant Chief James Seymour who has valiantly served our community for 17 years. Chief Seymour has been at the helm of the fire department since 2016. He has seen us through exceedingly difficult times with confidence, calm, and determination. With a deep and abiding commitment to the safety and welfare of our community, Chief Seymour has provided strong leadership to the department, and I know he will be sorely missed. Chief Seymour, thank you for all you have done for our residents.
Thanks also goes to our wonderfully informed and engaged community. You have provided essential feedback to the board on a wide range of matters including marijuana dispensaries and lounges, the no smoking law, telecom code, a dog park, stormwater issues, historical preservation, infrastructure needs, quality of life and recreational desires and so much more. I hope you know how essential your input is to good decision making. We tremendously value hearing from you. With the help of our Advisory Council on Communications, we continue the drive to make updates more accessible and information sharing seamless. Given your engagement, it seems we’re heading in the right direction.
We must also offer gratitude to our public safety and health professionals who continue to lead us through the battle against COVID. SVAC has stepped up in ways we couldn’t have imagined to become a trusted provider of vaccines, boosters, and tests. They have been on the cutting edge, mobilizing to support Scarsdale and the greater community, and we are grateful.
This has been a tumultuous year marked by advances and setbacks, struggles and loss, hope and optimism. I am amazed at how our community has rallied together. We have seen the very best of humanity organizing to support those in need. It is this strength of character and good will that propels us forward and leaves us hopeful for the future.
Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season.
Omicron Variant Found in Westchester, COVID Counts Up In Scarsdale
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 4308
In light of rising COVID counts, County Executive George Latimer declared a state of emergency in Westchester on Monday December 6 and announced the first Omicron case in the county on Tuesday December 7. His statement says, ““Earlier this afternoon we were informed that there is a confirmed case of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in Westchester County. The positive case is in a 13-year-old Westchester County resident. We are concerned about this discovery and are closely monitoring the situation. With the new variant circulating, the best way we can protect our families and ourselves is by being vaccinated, and by getting a booster shot if you are eligible.
“Additionally, I have officially signed the State of Emergency Executive Order for Westchester County. I am taking this action to combat the Delta and Omicron COVID variants. There is currently a public health threat, I know it has been many months, I know you are tired but we – together - must take action to be better prepared to fight COVID and the new variants.”
In local news, COVID counts are on the rise in the Scarsdale Schools as well, but so far, no serious illness has been reported. In the period from Friday December 3 to Monday December 6, 11 new cases were reported in the Scarsdale School District, 4 staff members and 7 students. Since the beginning of the school year in September there have been 62 cases reported, half of those in the past 4 to 5 weeks.
According to Assistant Superintendent Eric Rauschenbach here are the latest COVID stats:
-Over the past week the numbers have increased to 26.6 cases per 1,000 daily, which puts Scarsdale into the highest CDC rate for transmission.
-Scarsdale is at a 1.32% infection rate which has not been seen since our last major spike last winter.
-The positivity rate in Scarsdale is 3.7%.
Asked about the latest cases, Rauschenbach said, “There are a mixture of symptomatic and asymptomatic cases, none of which have been severe and no one has been hospitalized.” The new cases occurred with 50% in the unvaccinated and 50% as breakthroughs in vaccinated people.
Asked to explain quarantine rules, Rauschenbach referred listeners to an FAQ page on the district's student services web page.
Rauschenbach said that the district would reinstitute snack after the winter break on January 3, 2022 and that more details will be sent to parents.
He also shared the fact that the gym at Heathcote Elementary School is not in use because it was built without mechanical fresh air exchange. Physical education classes are now being held outside, in a multipurpose room in pods and non-traditional spaces. Funding for the ventilation work were part of the 2018 bond and bids for the work will be presented at the next board meeting. The work is expected to be done this summer.
Commenting on this information, Diana Cohen of 1 Heathcote Road and the mother of a six year old said, “About the pandemic –it is getting better not worse…. The death rate in the county is zero. It’s much, much better than where we were last year. “ Cohen asked for more information about PE classes at Heathcote. She said, “Why can’t they crack a window in the gym? What else can we be doing? Why are we planning for this now? Why didn’t we take care of this in the summer? If we can’t have a PE program, maybe we should have a different special.”
Also in COVID news, Rauschenbach shared that there will be eleven performances including band and choral concerts in the schools between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Without clear guidance from the Department of Health and the state, the district has set a policy to allow 50% capacity in the auditoriums, filling every other seat. He said there was a miscommunication to middle school parents that said that two parents per student could attend each performance.
There was considerable discussion about increasing capacity by allowing more density from vaccinated parents.
Dr. Hagerman said that the district will reach out to parents again in January to ask for vaccination counts. Once they have that data they can reconsider district policies.
Express Your Gratitude for Scarsdale’s Volunteers
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 1566
The Scarsdale Foundation Honor Roll list is now live on the Foundation’s newly relaunched website.
Scarsdale is a community full of volunteers whose dedication shines in every area of civic life. You can thank community volunteers by naming them to the Scarsdale Foundation Volunteer Honor Roll.
The Honor Roll will support The Scarsdale Foundation, which provides need-based scholarships for college sophomores, juniors, and seniors, reach a critical fundraising goal of $150,000. As a community that values education, we should give every Scarsdale student a chance to succeed beyond their time in Scarsdale schools.
All Scarsdale volunteers are eligible to be part of the Honor Roll, including former residents. For $25 per volunteer, you can honor as many volunteers as you choose, such as neighbors and friends who coach sports, help at our schools, cook for the homeless, serve on local boards, committees, and more! It is a way to acknowledge those who serve in the more prominent ways and the quieter ways as well.
All members of the Honor Roll will be contacted and recognized in print, online, and at the Scarsdale Foundation Bowl Dinner at Brae Burn Country Club on April 28, 2022. Save the date!
Holiday Crime Prevention Tips from the Scarsdale Police
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 1887
The Scarsdale Police Department, in partnership with the community, want you to help make the Village a safe place to live, work and visit. The Scarsdale Police Department makes the following recommendations to residents to assist in preventing home burglaries and other crimes during the upcoming holiday season:
• Make your home appear occupied. Leave lights or televisions on timers when you are out.
• Use motion sensing exterior lighting and keep the perimeter of your home well lighted. The smallest light may be a deterrent to prowlers.
• Consider investing in a camera surveillance system – and advertise that your home is protected by video surveillance.
• Make your home more difficult to enter by increasing exterior security.
• Always turn your alarm system on when you are away. This includes second-story alarm sensors.
• Keep all exterior doors locked, using deadbolt locks. Keep your garage door closed and locked.
• Always lock your vehicle whether it is parked on the street or in your driveway. Do not leave valuables or your keys in the vehicle when it’s unattended.
• Don't allow daily deliveries of mail, packages or other items to build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to collect them regularly.
• Be an observant neighbor. Immediately notify the police of any suspicious activity in your neighborhood. Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
Three SHS Female Athletes Sign Letters of Intent to Play College Sports
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 2504
Three Scarsdale High School senior female were celebrated at “Signing Day” on Monday November 15, when they signed letters of intent to play college sports. The event was held at the Scarsdale Athletic Department.
Pictured above are Olivia Franco, Sedna Gandhi and Haley Matusz.
Olivia Franco began lacrosse in second grade! She joined a travel lacrosse team in 7th grade. Olivia began the rigorous recruiting process in high school . But, due to COVID restrictions the recruiting process became very hard because there were no tournaments to play. Therefore, she had to adjust and attended many lacrosse showcases and used film to send to coaches to get recruited. She is going to her top choice for lacrosse at Catholic University of America, ranked 6th in the country for D3 lacrosse .
Sedna Gandhi has been fencing for seven years, has won multiple national and international medals, trained with the Olympic epee fencing team, and won gold at the national championship and Junior Olympics this past summer. Additionally, she will be traveling to Estonia later this week and Spain next month representing Team USA . Sedna signed her NLI for Notre Dame to attend in the fall of 2022.
Haley Matusz has played lacrosse for nine years and on several travel teams throughout her career completing her travel season with Sound Lacrosse. Haley is so grateful for all the bonds and memories made through her recruiting and lacrosse journey. Haley signed her NLI to play D1 lacrosse for Boston University next Fall. She’s so excited to join warm and welcoming community at BU!! So blessed!