Geese Lay Waste To Scarsdale Pool
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A flock of Canadian geese sullied the Scarsdale Pool on Tuesday September 10 when they descended on the pools and used them as their playground and toilet. As of 3 pm Tuesday, all four pools were closed.
In its last week of operation, the pools were scheduled to be open from 3 pm to 7 pm on Tuesday. However, when the staff arrived they found the pool deck smeared with goose poop, the pool water fouled and one lone goose swimming in the main pool. Due to the warm weather many had counted on a swim and were disappointed to find the pool closed by a "crap attack," as one overheated resident called the incident.
It appeared that a whole flock had landed at the pool complex and caused significant havoc in all four pools. Crews power washed the decks and sides of the pools and were able to open the lap lanes in the main pool at 4 pm. The diving, wading and intermediate pools remained closed.
Here's a comment from Jason Marra from the Scarsdale Recreation Department on the geese in Scarsdale: "After chasing the geese away from Library Pond and other Village properties for the spring and summer, new geese began showing up in late August at some of the Village athletic fields, specifically in the mornings at Crossway Fields, Winston Field and Boulder Brook. The Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department has been chasing the new geese away in the mornings at these locations. Since the pool complex is now open for extended season hours in the afternoon only, we do not have staff onsite until the mid afternoon.
Yesterday morning the geese were again chased from athletic fields and since there was no staff onsite at the pool complex they found a great location to have a party without being bothered. The geese left a huge mess that was cleaned up by the pool staff in the afternoon upon opening. The main pool was vacuumed and the pool deck and walkways were power washed. The cleanup time resulted in a one hour delayed opening of the main pool. The pools will be monitored the remainder of the pool season to prevent this from happening again. This was the first time this summer geese were at the pool complex."
Was this retribution by the geese for their eviction from the fields and library pond? If there are any goose whisperers out there, please let us know.
Additional days and hours have been added for the pool this weekend. The pool will be open Wednesday through Friday from 3PM to 7 PM, Saturday September 14 from 9 am to 12 noon (lap swim only), Sunday September 15 from 11 am to 4 pm (main pool and baby pool). Since today will be a hot one, the recreation department will make sure that the geese are not swimming today.
Photo credit: Michelle Lichtenberg
Fro-Yo for Hartsdale ...New Self-Serve Parlor is on its Way
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- Written by Deborah Skolnik
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Those of us who've lived near Hartsdale for more than a decade know that the village has had its ups and downs – from the flood of 2007, which washed away a bloc of stores on the southern side of the street, to the economic downturns of both 2002 and 2009, which saw the closures of restaurants, office-supply shops, and other mom-and-pop ventures.
An iconic testament to the hard times has been the shell where Big Top once stood. Once a convenient place to buy a birthday-party present or remedy a misplaced school supply, it shuttered years ago. Since then it's devolved into a dusty cavern, its windows graced by various odd artworks which, depending on the selection and your mood, either intrigued you or fed your nervousness during our town's many blackouts. (Can creepy apple-head dolls come alive, and do they like to give payback for carvings?)
So imagine my delight when, this sunny morning of Rosh Hashanah, I spied two workmen in the empty store, consulting over a sawhorse and circular saw. Taking my chances, I stepped over the threshold and shouted "Is something opening here?".
"Yeah," one of the men shouted back. "Peachwave Frozen Yogurt."
"Beachwave?", I pressed, since that seemed like the more logical name. But no, the men insisted, Peachwave. And indeed it's true—check out here! While the gentlemen couldn't give me an exact target date, they estimated our new fro-yo palace will be opening in "a couple of months."
Now hold up before you fill the comments box with snark like, "Oh great, just what we need, another frozen yogurt place." In fact, we have no dedicated ice-cream or fro-yo shop in our little Hartsdale strip, and for our teens who like to walk down the hill and hang, this will be a nice addition. I could see stopping off there to grab a treat as I step off the train, too. It'll be a nice way to cap off a meal at Harry's, Vega, F+F's, or any of the other savory purveyors that rule the block.
And most of all, it's nice to see a sad storefront, a reminder of the economic pinch, find new life at last. And it seems especially fitting to get the news on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year and a lovely time for new beginning. So welcome, Peachwave Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt—I'll stop the recession and melt with you.
Police Recover Two of Three Cars Stolen From Body Fit Valet Service
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Three customers at Body Fit in Scarsdale got more than a workout when they attended classes at the exercise studio on Scarsdale Avenue on Friday morning August 16. All three left their cars with the valet at the studio who parked them in the lot in front of 858 Scarsdale Avenue where they were parked unlocked with the keys inside. However at 9 am three high-end foreign cars were stolen. Missing were a 2008 Porsche 911, a 2012 Mercedes Benz 350 Series and a 2011 Mercedes Benz C30.
The Scarsdale Police Department's Detective Division investigated several video surveillance recordings, questioned eyewitnesses to the incident, and used regional license plate readers to search for the cars. They are looking for a late model Mercedes Benz GL Series with white Massachusetts license plates that was involved in the incident.
At 11 pm that night Scarsdale Detectives located the 2011 Mercedes Benz in a public parking garage in the 
University Heights section of the Bronx. At 12:30 am on August 17 police found another one of the stolen cars in a different public parking garage in the University Heights section of the Bronx. Both cars were searched for forensic evidence and impounded.
Scarsdale Detectives are continuing to investigate the incidents, to search for the remaining stolen car and to identify the individuals responsible for the thefts.
Where to Worship for the High Holidays
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The High Holidays are upon us – with Rosh Hashanah beginning just two days after Labor Day. If the early start has caught you by surprise, here is a list of local synagogues offering free services to the public. Check our their schedules below.
Chabad of Scarsdale is offering free services for the High Holidays at Wayside Cottage, at 1039 Post Road Scarsdale.
The schedule is as follows:
Rosh Hashana: Wednesday September 4
Light Candles at 7:06 pm/Evening Services: 7:30 pm
Thursday September 5
Morning Services: 9:30 am/Children's Program 10:30 am/Shofar sounding 11:00 am
Friday September 6
Morning Services: 9:30 am/Children's Program 10:30 am/Shofar Sounding 11:00 am
Yom Kippur Friday September 13
Light Candles/Fast Begins 6:51 pm/Kol Nidrei: 6:30 pm
Shabbat September 14
Morning Services: 9:30 am/Children's Program: 10: 30 am/Yizkor: 11:30 am/Afternoon Service: 5:30 pm/Fast Ends: 7:47 pm
For more information or to RSVP contact Rabbi Avroham Butman at 646-225-8354 or email [email protected]. Walk-ins are welcome and services are free of charge.
Chabad of Scarsdale
Wayside Cottage
1039 Post Road
Scarsdale, NY
646-225-8354
[email protected]
Congregation Kol Ami in White Plains has 90 years of history and a beautiful new sanctuary. They invite you to join them for the High Holy Days at Westchester's most diverse Reform Jewish community. All are welcome as guests to the following services:
Rosh Hashanah Family Service: September 5, 3:15-4:00pm, reception following.
Community Tashlich: Sept. 5, 5:45pm entrance to Burke Rehab Hospital, 785 Mamaroneck Ave.
Second Day Rosh Hashanah Service: (Schulman chapel): Sept. 6, 10:00am-12:30pm, Reception following.
Yom Kippur Afternoon Service: (Schulman Chapel): Sept. 14, 2:45pm—4:30pm
Yom Kippur Family Service: Sept. 14, 3:15—4:00 pm
Yom Kippur Memorial Service, Sept. 14, 5:00 pm
A limited number of high holy days tickets to other services are still available for purchase. For more information call Janet Hershey, Director of Membership and Development at 914-949-4717 x 115.
Congregation Kol Ami
252 Soundview Avenue,
White Plains, NY 10606
914-949-4717 x 115
www.nykolami.org
Jewish Renaissance Experience: Join the Jewish Renaissance Experience for an inspiring High Holiday explanatory service that will truly bring your Rosh Hashanah experience to LIFE! Discover what Rosh Hashanah is all about and how enjoyable the day can be! Space is limited, kindly RSVP. This user friendly service will take place outdoors in a spacious tent followed by a buffet lunch.
Jewish Renaissance Experience
135 Old Mamaroneck Road
White Plains, NY
Friday (2nd day of Rosh Hashanah) September 6th 9:45 AM
Cost: FREE
To RSVP, for more information or to inquire about children's activities contact Rabbi Avi at: [email protected] or call (917) 833-3891
Scarsdale Synagogue is a modern Reform Jewish congregation—a diverse family of families. Founded in 1961, and with roots dating back to the dawn of the 20th Century, they take a vibrant, contemporary approach to our faith, while honoring the heritage of Temples Tremont and Emanu-El. They welcome and inspire families and people of all ages, including single-parent, interfaith, couples, LGBT and singles.
Non-members are invited to attend the Jewish New Year and Day of Atonement services listed below. You won't need a ticket but, for planning purposes, please register in advance.
Rosh Hashanah
Evening Service Wednesday, September 4th, 8:00 p.m.
Afternoon Family Service Thursday, September 5th, 2:00 p.m.
Second Day Service Friday, September 6th, 10:00 a.m.
Yom Kippur
Saturday, September 14th
Adult Discussion 1:00 p.m.
Family Service 1:30 p.m.
Afternoon Service 3:00 p.m.
Yizkor (Memorial) Service ~ 4:45 p.m.
Neilah (Concluding) Service ~ 5:30 p.m.
Register for open High Holy Day services by calling 914-725-5175, stop by, or e-mail Executive Director at [email protected].
Scarsdale Synagogue
2 Ogden Road
Scarsdale, New York 10583
914-725-5175
www.sstte.org
Shaarei Tikvah, the Scarsdale Conservative Congregation, is a multi-generational egalitarian community, large enough to offer what you want in a synagogue, and small enough to feel like home. For tickets and information, call 914-472-2013, ext. 300.
They are offering several special promotions for the High Holidays:
- Families whose oldest child is in pre-school are invited to attend High Holidays at Shaarei Tikvah free of charge. There will be warm and nurturing children's services on both days of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur.
- For families whose oldest children are in kindergarten or first grade and are ready to begin the WEEKDAY-ONLY religious school (no week-end) the entire family will get a free one-year membership to the synagogue, including tickets for the High Holidays.
- Retired seniors are invited to attend High Holiday services free of charge.
Newcomers to the synagogue may obtain tickets prior to the holidays for admittance to the following services:
Erev Rosh Hashanah (September 4)
Rosh Hashanah (Sept. 5 and 6)
Kol Nidre (Sept. 13)
Yom Kippur (Sept. 14)
Shaarei Tikvah
46 Fox Meadow Road
Scarsdale New York
914-472-2013 ext 300
www.shaareitikvah.org
Westchester Reform Temple is pleased to offer several services open to the community during the High Holy Days. Westchester Reform Temple is located at 255 Mamaroneck Road, Scarsdale, NY. For additional information, please visit www.wrtemple.org.
Thursday, September 5
First Day Rosh Hashanah
3:00 PM: Children's Afternoon Service: Children under 5 and their families. Open to all; no entrance cards needed, photo ID required for adults.
Friday, September 6
Second Day Rosh Hashanah
10:00 AM: Morning service and study. Open to all; no entrance cards needed, photo ID required for all adults.
Saturday, September 14
Yom Kippur
2:15 PM: Alternate Yizkor service in Beit Midrash: Open to members with entrance cards and non-members with entrance cards ordered in advance. Photo ID required for all.
2:15 PM: Children's Afternoon Service Children under 5 and their families. Open to all; no entrance cards needed, photo ID required for adults.
Westchester Reform Temple
255 Mamaroneck Road
Scarsdale, NY
914-723-7727
www.wrtemple.org
Planning Board Considers Zoning Changes at 2-4 Weaver Street
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The Scarsdale Planning Board considered re-zoning for 2-4 Weaver Street as well as plans for a new home at 5 Burgess Road and modifications to 44 Murrary Hill Road at their meeting on Wednesday August 7.
The Planning Board heard the application of The Frederick S. Fish Investment Company, for a Site Plan approval, a Lot Merger, a Parking Waiver and a recommendation on the rezoning of a portion of the property to construct a three story, 11 unit multi-family building at 2-4 Weaver Street, next to the current site of Massa' Italian Restaurant and Let's Dance Studio. The Frederick S. Fish Investment Company, owner of the old Heathcote Tavern Building (which is now used by Massa',) proposed a design to build a 4-story, 11-unit condominium with 31,800 square feet of space. Of the 11 housing units, 10 will be sold at market price and one will be an "affordable and fair" unit. These residential units will sit atop a parking deck containing 25 residential parking spaces. In order to construct this, the Frederick S. Fish Investment Company will need to demolish the Let's Dance Studio at 4 Weaver, as well as purchase two adjacent tracts of land, which are currently owned by the Village and won't be sold until the Planning Board makes a recommendation to the Village Board and the Board of Architectural Review.
Though residents feared that the addition of the 11-unit condominium would greatly increase the amount of traffic to the Weaver Street area, based on a study, the 11 apartments would generate approximately 55 trips per day. At the peak hour, the maximum would be 8 or 9 extra cars in either direction. So it is expected that the 11 units will increase the number of trips on Weaver Street by 3 per hour, which would be imperceptible. It is also entirely possible that the 11 units will generate less traffic than the current dance studio does, so from a traffic perspective, there is no real increase.
This project will continue to undergo extreme scrutiny from not only the Planning Board, but also the Village Board and Board of Architectural Review. The applicants must first have their request for the rezoning approved. This must be done before any Site Plan approval, a Lot Merger or a Parking Waiver. Once the Planning Board recommends that the Village Board accept the re-zoning, then the Board of Architectural Review will assess the architectural and aesthetic aspects of the project. "This is a complex process," said Village Planner Elizabeth Marrinan. Following the meeting, the Planning Board made a recommendation that Trustees approve the re-zoning and referred the site plan for review by the Board of Architectural Review.
Cheryl and Steven Kessner pursued an application to renovate the home they purchased at 44 Murray Hill Road for $5 million in February. Their current plan is to remove the existing swimming pool and replace it with a new one, complete with a pool house and a surrounding patio. They also plan to remove the existing tennis court, because "the owners seven children and grandchildren would prefer a lawn." They also intend to transform their gravel driveway to asphalt. After hearing the proposal, the Planning Board had a few concerns, particularly concerning the new pool. The area encompassing 44 Murray Hill Road, identified by the Village Tax Map as Section 17, Block 1, Lot 6L, has been identified as a particularly sensitive drainage area, so any imprudent modifications to the underlying pipes could yield significant storm water flooding during heavy precipitation. Therefore, the Planning Board insisted that the applicants provide forensic information on the drainage pipe structure before any construction begins. The Planning Board also stressed the need to "take in and capture all impervious surfaces" in order to ensure that "the area is 100 percent retrofit." Ultimately, the application was "Held Over," meaning that no further action can be taken until the applicants present more information to the Board.
Likewise, Bobby Ben Simon of KOS Builders who purchased 5 Burgess Road for $1,710,000 in June approached the Planning Board with an application to demolish the existing house, and construct a new one with a swimming pool. The project engineer and the residents' lawyer were at the hearing to present the case for this application. The two began by stating that the "demolition permit has already been approved," meaning that the residents have already been cleared by the Village to demolish the lots existing home. This purpose of this hearing was for the Planning Board to determine the eligibility of the proposed site plan for construction of the new house. The proposed new house will essentially go over the footprint of the old one, and will use the same water and electric utilities as the old one. The new pool will be constructed in the rear of the house. According to the engineer, the owners have prepared a full storm water prevention plan, with a storm water management device to ensure that water will remain below existing peak flows. The pool will be located in the rear of the house, making the removal of a few trees from the backyard necessary. However, the builder assured the Planning Board that they will be planting replacement tree's to make up for the lost ones. They also promised to provide a landscape plan before starting construction.
Up to this point, all aspects of the project seemed fairly routine and the members of the Planning Board had few questions. However an anxious neighbor, who resides directly across the driveway at 3 Burgess Road, voiced his concerns. First, he current construction plan created a new driveway that cut into his property. He requested that they modify the plan so the driveway is built on their own property and not on their neighbors. Pretty simple, right? However, that's not the only issue. Sitting directly between the two properties is a 300-year-old tulip tree "in great condition." At over 100 feet high, the tree is "a historical marvel." When considering its sheer size, and the fact that it sits merely 5 feet away from the driveway, it would be very dangerous if the tree were to fall. It would cause serious construction damage, and possibly even serious injuries. The residents of 3 Burgess Road were concerned that when the demolition and construction process are started, the trees roots will be damaged, making it likely to fall down on either residence. According to Bartlett Tree Experts, "any excavation within 35 feet of the tulip tree could damage the roots, and would seriously jeopardize the tree." So, the residents at 3 Burgess Road asked that no excavation be done within a 35 feet radius of the tulip tree, which seemed agreeable, and in the best interest of both parties. To complicate matters even further, the 3- foot perimeter that the neighbors want to create actually would cut in to the property line of 5 Burgess Road. So technically, the 5 Burgess residents have no legal obligation to protect the tree.
From disputes over property lines, to concerns with excavation, this construction plan created a lot of turmoil amongst neighbors, and debatably so as they raised some legitimate concerns. Since the Planning Board does not deal with these types of private disputes they advised that the issue "be worked out between property owners." Due to these issues, the Planning Board held over the application and will revisit it at a future meeting.
