Scarsdale Sisters Inspire New Law Signed by the Governor
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Amy Paulin with Katherine and Elizabeth SanchezAssemblymember Amy Paulin (D-Westchester) announced that Governor Hochul has signed into law the bill she authored (Ch. 227 of 2024) which addresses period poverty by requiring public colleges and universities to provide free menstrual products in their restrooms.
Two sisters and Scarsdale High School students, Katherine and Elizabeth Sanchez, while touring colleges, saw a disparity in the availability of free menstrual products and approached Paulin to author a law. They noted that due to the cost, women may go without changing for long lengths of time which can lead to health risks. They met with Paulin in her home in Scarsdale, asking her to propose the bill, and continually followed up on its progress. Most recently, after the bill passed in the Assembly and Senate, they wrote a strong advocacy letter to Governor Hochul urging her to sign the bill.
“When we first began this journey, Elizabeth and I turned to Assemblywoman Paulin, a crusader for women’s rights,” said Katherine Sanchez. “Her support of this bill from day one was invaluable, and I am thrilled to see these much-needed products made available to any woman who may need them. One state down, many more to go.”
Katherine’s sister and partner in advocacy Elizabeth, is also proud of the bill’s passage. “As a rising senior in high school, I visited many colleges and universities and was shocked to see the inequality, in terms of availability, of these products,” said Elizabeth Sanchez. “My sister and I knew that we needed to act and make a change. To have these free products in all New York State colleges and universities is a triumph for women’s rights and socioeconomic equity. Katherine and I are proud lifelong New Yorkers and are forever thankful to Assemblywoman Paulin, State Senator Hinchey, and Governor Hochul for signing this important bill into law.”
“It was wonderful for me to meet with Katherine and Elizabeth, and I appreciate their initiative and advocacy for this important bill,” said Paulin. “The stress that comes from being unprepared at school with no menstrual products at one’s disposal is real, and can lead to a disruption of school and learning. These products have always been relatively expensive, and there are women who cannot afford to purchase an endless supply for changing, which can lead to health issues. There is a serious need for women to have access to these necessary items at no cost.”
“One of the most important ways that I can serve my constituents is by passing impactful bills,” continued Paulin. “This bill underscores my commitment to improving the health outcomes and lives of women. And working with amazing young residents like Katherine and Elizabeth gives me great hope for the future of New York!”
This bill was passed in the New York State Senate by Senator Michelle Hinchey.
How Will the NAR Settlement Affect Local Home Sales?
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New rules for buying and selling properties went into effect this weekend and we asked several local realtors how they anticipate these new practices might affect the market and the way they do business.
The changes were the result of a lawsuit against the National Association Realtors. While previously the seller charged the buyer 5% - 6% and split this commission between the buyer’s and seller’s agents, the new rule no longer permits the seller to offer a commission to the buyer’s agent on the Multiple Listing Service.
Instead, the terms of the agreement between a purchaser and his agent will be negotiated in an agreement that prospective home buyers and agents will sign before touring homes. They will agree on a fee that the buyer will pay their agent if they decide to purchase the home. Since that fee will not always be bundled into the purchase price, it may mean that buyers will need to have more funds available to purchase a home and renumerate their agent.
How might this affect transactions and what are possible outcomes of the new laws? Here is what a few local realtors think:
Mark Nadler, Director of Westchester Sales at Berkshire Hathaway Homes Services said, “Many things have changed as a result of the NAR settlement but yet many elements remain the same. Many buyers/sellers will continue to hire brokers/agents they know and trust based on past and/or personal relationships to receive professional guidance when making a transaction which may still be one of the largest in their lives. Hiring a broker purely based on perceived pricing is unlikely to affect a majority of the clients we transact with similarly to people choosing doctors, attorneys or financial advisors based solely on price. The financial stability of strong solvent firms with exceptional reputations will help those firms survive the uncertainty of the changes we are currently facing.
The need for professional guidance has not changed and the media’s portrayal of the settlement and impact has been largely inaccurate. The biggest change is that buyers will need to sign a representation agreement that they understand the broker is representing them and how compensation will be handled.
In the very low supply market we have, demand continues to remain very strong and prices very high. Coordinating the compensation will now be done on an individual basis by the parties involved. I am not overly concerned that the changes from the settlement will have a large detrimental impact to the local markets.
Jonathan Lerner, a licensed broker at Five Corners Properties commented:
“Our approach at Five Corners Properties will remain fundamentally client-focused, ensuring that we continue to provide exceptional service. However, we will adapt to any specific procedural changes required by the new ruling to maintain compliance and transparency. We will also enhance our communication with clients to ensure they are fully informed about any impacts on their transactions.
Buyers and sellers may notice more detailed discussions around certain terms and conditions, especially concerning commission structures and disclosures. We are committed to making these conversations clear and straightforward, so our clients at Five Corners Properties feel confident and well-informed throughout their buying or selling journey.
The new ruling might lead to some adjustments in how transactions are negotiated, particularly in relation to agent commissions. However, we anticipate that the overall market activity will remain robust. In the long term, these changes could lead to a more transparent and equitable marketplace, benefiting all parties involved.”
Anne Moretti, licensed broker with Julia B. Fee Sothebys Scarsdale said this: "This past week, real estate commissions paid to buyer agents officially can no longer be listed on the MLS. However, these commissions can continue to be advertised, offered and negotiated outside the MLS, including on our company’s website.
In addition, now all homebuyers working with real estate agents to find a home must sign an exclusive buyer representation agreement which specifies the various responsibilities of that buyer agent and the fee being charged for providing that service. Before selecting a buyer agent, we expect that consumers may want to interview a few agents to find the right fit.
The changes are on both sides, for sellers and buyers. Sellers, aware that commission rates have always been negotiable, can continue to offer specific compensation to a buyers’ agent, or they may decide to consider offers from buyers’ agents which include the payment of that particular agent’s fee, along with the offer itself.
Our market will continue to be an active market of home sales, and commissions will continue to be negotiable; however, while the mechanism for how brokers will work together in deciding how commissions are paid will change, I don’t see that sales volume will be impacted. Agents will continue to work hard for their clients and the more experienced agents will likely see a bump in their business as buyers now consider an exclusive buyer agent relationship.
Shelley Grafstein, licensed broker with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services explained, “The biggest changes in the NAR settlement is that the sellers will no longer automatically cover the cost of the buyer's agent fee, and the buyer will now have to enter into a contract knowing what the agent's fee will be before touring a home. However, this compensation can be included in the offer to the seller along with any discussed seller concessions. Will this change the industry? Not really. In negotiations, the seller will accept the best offer that nets them the most money no matter how the compensation is distributed. That has always been the bottom line in a seller accepting an offer.
What will change for the buyer, is they must be careful and trust the agent with whom they are signing the agreed terms of the buyer's contract. A well-seasoned agent will be able to navigate the different nuances of presenting an offer to the seller where it can get the deal to contract in a quick and efficient manner.”
Hidden Surveillance Camera Discovered on Bradford Road
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(From the Scarsdale Police)
On July 28, 2024, a resident of Bradford Road discovered a hidden surveillance camera on their property. The Scarsdale Police Department (SPD) was immediately notified and is currently investigating the matter in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies. No one was harmed and there was no indication of a burglary having occurred. The surrounding area was searched, and no further devices have been found.
Unfortunately, the use of cameras has become a popular tactic by thieves nationwide to monitor opportunities for burglarizing homes. This article from Southern California shows a similar occurrence and how the cameras were disguised. Here is a link to another article describing similar incidents occurring both in the United States and internationally.
As a precaution, SPD has increased patrols throughout the community. If you come across an unidentified camera or observe any suspicious activity on your property, immediately contact the Scarsdale Police Department at 914-722-1200, or 911 in the event of an emergency.
We understand that this situation can feel unsettling, and we want to equip residents with important information. The best offense against theft is a strong defense, which is why SPD wants to remind you of these burglary prevention tips:
• Keep all exterior doors at your residence locked, using deadbolt locks. Also, keep your garage door closed and locked, including your interior access door, and lock all widows, including second floor.
• Lock your vehicle doors and remove your keys and key fobs from inside your vehicle.
• Secure your garage door opener in a locked glovebox, as thieves may use it to enter your home to retrieve your vehicle key or steal other valuables.
• Always turn your alarm system on when you are away. It is also recommended to have your alarm system in the “stay” or “home” mode when you are home, especially while you are sleeping.
• Use motion sensing exterior lighting and keep the perimeter of your home well lit.
• Never leave your house key under doormats or in “hiding” places outside of your home.
• Consider the use of a video surveillance system to protect your property.
White Plains Man Charged With Assaulting Jogger on the BRP Path
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This in from the Westchester County Police:
Westchester County Police have arrested a White Plains man and charged him with assaulting a woman during a dispute last month on the bike path in Eastchester.
Dmitriy Nazaryev, 47, of Martine Avenue was charged with Assault 3rd Degree, a misdemeanor. He was arraigned in Eastchester Town Court and released on his own recognizance.
On July 26, Nazaryev was riding his bicycle on the Bronx River Pathway south of Harney Road when the handlebars of his bicycle made contact with a female jogger running in the opposite direction. The two argued and then separated. Nazaryev is accused of riding back to where the woman was standing and punching her in the face.
Detectives from the General Investigations Unit obtained video of a possible suspect and posted flyers about the incident along the bike path. Following additional investigation, Nazaryez was arrested on Aug. 7.
He is due back in court in September.
EMT Training at Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps
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(Submitted by Caitlin HIggins, SHS Class of 2024)
For my Senior Options project, along with 20 other SHS seniors, I took an EMT course at Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps. For six weeks, (an accelerated pace since a typical course is twelve weeks long) we learned all about human anatomy, basic life support, how to safely transport people, how to act in times of crisis and more. From 8:45 am to 3:00pm we would have instruction— which ranged from lectures to hands-on scenarios. Yet outside of class we were able to take shifts and ride on an ambulance working alongside the crew experiencing real calls.
The greatest takeaways I had from this course is the importance of not jumping to conclusions/making assumptions, paying attention to detail, and compassion. Many of the times we see these patients during the most stressful and painful experiences of their life. Being able to properly comfort someone and take care of them in an appropriate and swift manner makes the world of a difference.
The course culminated with a surprise mock mass casualty incident held at the Scarsdale Pool with a fake chlorine leak and stampede. The course instructors along with the Scarsdale Fire Department, the Scarsdale Pool, and an ER doctor from White Plains hospital set up the scenario to test our knowledge and skills. We had volunteers (parents and family members) dressed with fake blood, scrapes, bruises and provided cheat sheets of their symptoms/stats. This was a very exciting exercise with a lot of commotion, yet we pulled through. Afterwards, we celebrated the end of class with a barbecue at SVAC headquarters.
To volunteer in New York, EMT students need to take the NY State certification exam. In addition, there is a national exam which some states will accept as well. Last week I passed the NY State certification exam and the prior week, I passed the National exam. This month, I will officially start as an EMT at SVAC, and when I leave for college (out of state) I hope to volunteer there as well. This course was engaging, exciting, and informative. It definitely prepares you for certification. It is empowering and comforting to have the knowledge to help and possibly save another person.
Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance is supported by personal donations. Please consider donating to this amazing group of volunteers and the incredible service they provide to our community. Donate here:
