Will the Village Spruce Be Taken Down? Village Board Discusses Tree, Leaf Pick-up and More
- Details
- Category: Content
- Published: 29 November 2020
- Written by Ezra Lerner
The Village Board considered the fate of a Colorado blue spruce tree in Boniface Circle and also heard details about the effect of COVID on Village Hall personnel and leaf collection at their meeting on Tuesday night November 24, 2020.
Mayor’s Remarks
Mayor Marc Samwick discussed how the specter of the coronavirus pandemic has made this holiday season different from those of years past. He specifically singled out COVID fatigue and the dark, winter season as contributory factors behind that change. In addition to reading out Center for Disease Control suggestions for how to deal with the season’s challenges, Mayor Samwick spoke to the recent increase in local COVID-19 cases. Scarsdale “has gone from 9 [cases], about three weeks ago, to 38 [cases] today,” according to the Mayor. Samwick also noted that village staff members have gotten sick, taking a toll on village operations.
The Mayor stressed the importance of continuing to provide fiscal support for different Scarsdale institutions. He asked residents to “please continue to shop and dine the ‘Dale throughout the winter months,” and called for donations to the Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps, so as to avoid the increased costs that would come from the use of a commercial ambulance service. See his full remarks here.
Village Manager Comments
Scarsdale Village Manager Steve Pappalardo shed more light on the effect of COVID-19 on Village Hall. As a result of positive tests and “close contact,” 11 full-time employees are currently out of the office under home quarantine. The exposure hit the first floor of Village Hall where the Village Clerk, Village Treasury and Water Departments are located. These have been shut down as a result, with offices closed until November 30 when the quarantine will end for these staff members.
Village Manager Pappalardo explained that a plan is being developed, in response to these closures, to have employees work in two different groups—one from home, and the other in the building—so as to prevent a cluster of positive tests from once again sidelining an entire department for 14 days. Cleaning protocols will be increased with the entire building fogged twice a week and high touch areas cleaned daily.
Leaf Pick-Up
The Village Manager called on residents to bag their leaves.
Pappalardo also noted that the Highway Department has been impacted by the virus. Currently 14 full time and seasonal workers have tested positive or are quarantined as close contacts. The number of crews taking care of leaf collection has decreased because of COVID. As a result, the Village is close to completing the second round of leaf collection at each home but may not be able to complete a third round of leaf collections by the end of the season on December 11. Pappalardo asked residents to consider bagging their leaves, and leaving them at the curb to be collected by sanitation workers, or asking their landscapers to bring the leaves to the recycling center where they can deposit them without a fee if they have proof they come from a resident’s home. Forms to allow leaf drop off were distributed to landscapers or can be picked up at Village Hall and at the recycling center. A signed note from the resident will also suffice. The Village would appreciate the help as they have been “dealt a severe blow” by this pandemic.
Public Comment Period # 1
Marcy Berman-Goldstein spoke on behalf of the Scarsdale Business Alliance and the Downtown Revitalization Committee of the Scarsdale Forum. The groups have a joint desire to revitalize the village center and have been assessing ideas to recreate Boniface Park into a welcoming space for visitors. She said, “Unfortunately Boniface Park has long been a neglected and underutilized space…. It is dark and shadowy at night and was until recently overgrown with bushes that blocked views…. The blue spruce tree is not thriving … it should be removed to open up space for public use. … planting a new tree would still allow for a tree lighting, or a temporary tree could be used during the holiday season. Members of the SBA and Downtown Revitalization Committee respectfully request that the blue spruce tree be removed, leaving space for other uses.” She said funds to do the work might be able to be raised through private sources.
Susan Douglas spoke on behalf of the Scarsdale Forum, and echoed concerns about the blue spruce tree. She noted, however, “that The Forum has and will continue to promote green projects,” suggesting for example, that Scarsdale residents could mulch their leaves at home, as an eco-friendly alternative to collection options. About the tree she said, “We want a festive holiday tree. Just not this particular tree in this particular location.” She said the tree was “visibly unwell” and “infested with beetles”. She called it “scraggly and sad,” and suggested a replacement tree or a temporary tree. She said, “We are interested in creating a vibrant downtown,” but that “every space does not need to be covered with grass and trees.” She called for the area to be a gathering space with tables and chairs, emulating European cities where people can have a snack or hear a musical performance or a tent could be set up for events.”
Madelaine Eppenstein, President of Scarsdale Forum, spoke next. She wished everyone at Village Hall well. She added that after consulting with a certified arborist from Bartlett Tree, it was determined that the Colorado blue spruce tree at Boniface Circle Park has fungal disease and is perhaps suffering from “insect damage.”
Bob Berg spoke in defense of the blue spruce tree in Boniface Circle Park. “It is a tree that has not been determined to be dying at this point,” protested Berg. He then complained about village laws related to people tearing down trees on private property. Circling back to the blue spruce, Berg called it an “iconic tree,” and referenced the Joni Mitchell song, Big Yellow Taxi, claiming that the effort to tear down that tree seemed to be in the vein of those who want to “pave paradise and put up a parking lot.” Berg also called for Trustee Lena Crandall to analyze the impact of taking down this tree.
Diane Gurden, the Village Budget Portfolio Chair of The League of Women Voters of Scarsdale, spoke next. She asked the board a series of questions about the impact of COVID on the upcoming budget process. Among them were: “Has the Village applied for any grants for COVID relief? How will the board gather community input for the budget? How has the pandemic impacted village revenues? How has COVID 19 affected levels of staffing for this year, and how will it impact the upcoming year?” In response to those questions, and several others, Mayor Samwick said he is looking into financial relief for merchants, and that the issues Gurden raised will be addressed during the budget process.
A developer is proposing the construction of 22 foot retaining walls to accommodate a larger yard and pool at 4 Kingston Road.Mark Nadler from 171 Brite Avenue spoke in opposition to the site development at a home on 4 Kingston Road which includes the construction of “2 massive retaining walls, 22 feet high by 100 feet wide. He is the downhill neighbor. He asked for the board to help repair a “broken approval process.” He said, “This is about a non-local builder,” wanting to move over a 32-foot high hill six feet closer to my property line to accommodate a bigger in ground pool and yard.” He said, “His rights as a builder should not exceed my rights as a homeowner.” He said, “the entire purpose and function of the Scarsdale Architectural Review Board needs review, as they are not sure of what they are or are not reviewing.” He continued, “It is impossible to get details of the BAR conversations. This was approved without any visuals of the 32- foot high hill or retaining walls or where they are to be located. There was no in-depth discussion of landscaping, land use or the suitability of this project. …. I should not have needed to hire a lawyer, and spend thousands of dollars,” to find inconsistencies in what was proposed. He said, “I also hired an engineer who did a stormwater management study which found several mistakes in the builder’s submissions. The zoning board of appeals needs to focus on damage to a neighbor. The pool application is on the agenda for the Board of Zoning Appeals on 12/9 and I suggest that this should be adjourned since plans need to be submitted. I plan to bring experts to testify at that meeting.”
The Mayor assured Nadler that he had attention from the highest level staff to ensure that everything is legal and appropriate.
Bob Harrison, the Volunteer Director of the Scarsdale Summer Youth Tennis League, discussed the price of the proposed comfort station at the Middle School Tennis Courts. A strong supporter of the comfort station, Harrison did not understand why it is slated to cost $150,000. In response, Village Manager Pappalarado said that the Scarsdale School Board did approve the IMA, but that he understood Harrison’s concerns, and that the architect had been contacted about a preliminary project estimate.
Trustee Liaison Reports
Trustee Rochelle Waldman announced that beginning December 1, contactless drop off and pick up will be available at the newly reopened Scarsdale Public Library at 54 Olmstead Road. She also noted that expanded library hours are being introduced as well. The librarians are available by phone and virtual services have been planned. However, rising COVID infection rates are affecting in person services. She said, “Though they want to offer some in-person services, we’re concerned for the welfare of staff and patrons.” Waldman said that peer libraries are currently drawing down their in-person offerings. Scarsdale will continue to assess the situation and may allow for in person browsing by appointment.
Trustee Crandall called for a public works session to evaluate the proposal for the tree at Boniface Circle. She said, “Is it a hazard tree in a public place?” Crandall also noted that she was “concerned about the emotional impact of the discussion on our residents” during this time of COVID. She said that apartment inhabitants who look out onto Boniface Circle were concerned, and that taking down the blue spruce tree is a permanent change that might affect them. However she said she would look at this with an open mind. She also called for residents to bring plastic film and plastic packaging material to the recycling center.
Trustee Jonathan Lewis expressed concern about Scarsdale’s “cyber-security readiness and [its] ability to work in a virtual environment for some time.” He stressed the need for the Village to put in cyber defenses, reach out to the Technology Advisory Council for support, and address these issues before the currently-scheduled January 12 meeting, which he believes is too far away to begin taking action.
Trustee Randall Whitestone reported on a virtual meeting of the Safe Coalition, Children’s, Family Community, an organization that works to provide support for those struggling with domestic violence. Whitestone referenced a half hour video they released about resources available for those dealing with domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Agenda Items
The trustees approved a resolution read by Trustee Justin Arest for issuance of $6 million in refunding bonds which will save the Village over $500,000.
Trustee Crandall read a resolution accepting a monetary gift of $1,650 from Meredith Grossbach, for the purchase of a bench near library pond in memory of her late father, Dr. Conrad Goldberg.
The Board approved resolutions to place a créche in Boniface Circle, a Menorah in Chase Park and to Chabad to hold a virtual menorah lighting celebration in Chase Park on December 13, 2020.
Trustee Waldman read a resolution to accept a “police traffic services program grant” that was approved by a roll call vote.
After explaining the financial hardship that O’Neills Concession—the proprietor of the Scarsdale Pool concession stand—underwent at that venue this year, the board approved a license fee reduction of $11,000 from $16,000 to $5,000.
Trustee Whitestone proposed that the contract to rehabilitate the Boniface Water Tank on Garden Road, “VM contract #1249, be awarded to Brave Industrial Paint.” The resolution passed.
Public Comment Period # 2
During the second public comment period, Mike Levine said that a spruce tree came down on his house and advocated for streamlining the process to “remove large, old trees.”
Future Meeting Schedule
During discussions about future meetings, Trustee Lewis asked the Board to consider bringing back agenda meetings and trustee work sessions. He said that since the COVID crisis there has been little opportunity to engage in serious public discussion. Trustee Arest, called for more frequent work sessions to discuss help for downtown merchants and a host of quality of life issues.
The next Village Board of Trustees meeting is Thursday December 3, 2020.
Edgemont and Scarsdale Schools Make Changes to Learning Plans for K-2 Students
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- Category: Schools
- Published: 25 November 2020
- Written by Pam Miner
The Learning Commons at Greenacres Elementary School has been reconfigured to accommodate kindergarten students attending school full time. Photo Credit: Sharon HillAs the COVID pandemic continues to sweep over our communities, ongoing steps are being taken to adjust to the difficult environment. In recent weeks, both the Edgemont and Scarsdale school districts have come out with slightly different approaches to creating the best learning environments possible for its kindergarten through second grade students.
Edgemont makes changes to provide more support for K-2 students
Based on the results of focus groups with elementary parents and teachers and on surveys from parents about Edgemont’s elementary program, the District has announced a new plan for the Community’s youngest learners starting November 23.
Currently Edgemont teachers teach in-person, hybrid, and fully remote students from their classrooms. Students are split into AM/PM groups that attend school every day for half the day, while spending the rest of the day in a remote learning setup. It’s been determined, however, that Edgemont’s youngest learners need more support with remote learning, and that they would greatly benefit from having a teacher dedicated to them instead of one who is also trying to balance in-person and hybrid students.
Moving forward, the District will reallocate some members of the existing teaching staff so that remote-only students in grades K - 2 will have teachers dedicated solely to them. This will require a transition for remote-only students in particular, but the District believes the benefits of this change will far outweigh the challenges. Starting November 23rd, remote-only students will have a new classroom teacher. Special-area teachers will remain the same. These reallocated teachers are appropriately certified and are currently in other roles in Edgemont.
How does this affect in-person and hybrid students?
Hybrid teacher placements will remain the same, and these teachers will have more time to dedicate solely to the students who attend their physical classrooms in the AM/PM cohorts.
In the event that a “hybrid” student must quarantine, they will continue to receive remote instruction from their assigned homeroom teacher.
Edgemont is not able to offer an opportunity for all K - 2 students to return due to space constraints and health/safety concerns, but they are still working out the details of plans to safely bring additional K - 2 students to a brick-and-mortar setting. According to one Edgemont parent of a second grader, “We are very happy that Edgemont has decided to provide additional support for on-line learning. We realize there will be a transition period, but we’re confident that this change will work out really well for our kids...and for us parents too!”
Scarsdale takes different approach, returning Kindergarten-Second Grade to full time in person learning starting November 30th
Whereas Edgemont has space limitations that keeps it from bringing back all K-2 students, the Scarsdale School District will offer all kindergarten through second grade currently in the hybrid program a return to full days of instruction in school. On Monday November 30, K-2 students at Edgewood, Fox Meadow, Greenacres and Quaker Ridge will begin full time instruction, creating more opportunities for student to teacher connections and student to student connections.
However, the plan has been delayed a week at Heathcote where an exposure to COVID caused 35 staff members to be quarantined. In a November 24 email from Superintendent Thomas Hagerman he explains, “Heathcote was required to quarantine 35 staff members, representing nearly 40% of all faculty and staff. This included the full custodial team, a number of cleaners, some teachers, and many teaching aides. While we have been able to run school this week, it has been extremely challenging, and only possible through the hard work and flexibility of our staff and the fact that K-2 students were remote to allow for the transition to full-day instruction after the Thanksgiving holiday. The majority of the quarantines necessitated by recent cases will end on December 3rd, reducing the staffing challenges (assuming there are no additional quarantines). As such, we will need to delay the start of K-2 full-day school at Heathcote only until Thursday, December 3rd. From November 30th through December 2nd, K-2 at Heathcote will move to remote learning. All other elementary buildings are expected to start K-2 full-day on November 30th as previously planned.”
Despite another exposure at Greenacres that was reported on Wednesday November 25, the district will move ahead with the plan.
To accomplish this while maintaining social distancing, the district has reconfigured large group spaces to create more classroom space. See photos above and below of the Learning Commons at Greenacres reconfigured for kindergartners, courtesy of Greenacres Principal Sharon Hill who said, "The teachers have done an amazing job transforming these large spaces into inviting learning environments for the children."
Greenacres Learning Commons with socially distanced desks
Survey Results: Scarsdale Residents Will Comply with the Governor’s Directives on Thanksgiving
- Details
- Category: On Our Radar
- Published: 22 November 2020
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
It will definitely be a different kind of Thanksgiving this year. That’s what the respondents to our Thanksgiving survey revealed. The vast majority of those who replied to the survey indicated that they are complying with the Governor’s orders, they will have few if any visitors, will celebrate at home with their immediate families and will not invite grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins to join them.
Here are the results of the survey, to which we received 92 responses:
92.3% of respondents said they would comply with NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo’s order to limit indoor gatherings to 10 people.
Asked if they agreed with that order, 85.8% said yes though some commented about the Governor dictating how the holiday could be celebrated. One respondent said, “I don’t believe the government should dictate what happens in a household. Common sense does suggest this is not the time to have a large gathering, I’m bright enough to figure that out on my own,” and another said, “I do not agree with the order (which limits outdoor gatherings to 10 as well). It does not into consideration an individual's ability to distance in their home, or a person's ability to make the judgment or risk/reward. Especially when governments (local and state) have been so selective when it comes to enforcement of public safety rules (allowing those that match their politics), they have lost moral authority to command people to restrict private gatherings.” Another commented, “10 is an arbitrary number. An order to limit gatherings is ok, but if you have two families with 4 kids each - nope!”
Asked how many people would be at their table, 66.3% said there would be one to five people and another 27.1% reported there would be six to ten. Just 5% said they would have 11 to 15 people and 1 person reported that they would disregard the order and have more than 26 people at their Thanksgiving. On a usual year 32.6% report hosting 11-15 people and 33.6% have 16-25 at their table, so this year will be a dramatic change.
Commenting on their decision, readers said, “We usually have 25-30 relatives. But this year it will be just me, my husband and only one adult child. My other adult child has opted to stay up at college for the holiday so he can complete the rest of the semester in person there,” and another said, “No Thanksgiving this year. A solo "event". Another said they would “join 8 close friends on Zoom” for their Thanksgiving.
Will guests be asked to get a COVID test before coming to dinner? Just 17% said yes and many noted that they are dining only with their immediate families so it won’t be necessary.
And where will they be having their Thanksgiving dinner? 90% will be right where they are now – at home.
Village Asks Residents to Pick Up Their Own Leaves
- Details
- Category: On Our Minds
- Published: 29 November 2020
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
With 11 members of the highway department either out of work with COVID or due to exposure, the Village’s ability to complete three rounds of fall leaf pick-up has been impaired. At the Village Board meeting on Tuesday November 24, Village Manager Steve Pappalardo reported that the Village has almost completed their second round of pick-up but may not be able to finish the third round, which will leave many leaf piles on Village streets.
He asked for residents and landscapers to help in one of three ways:
-We strongly encourage on-site mulch mowing – it’s easy and beneficial.
-Direct your landscaper to transport leaves to the Recycling Center, 110 Secor Road, where the
leaves are accepted free-of-charge if accompanied by a letter from the property owner attesting to the fact that leaves originated from their Scarsdale residence.
-Bag leaves for curbside Sanitation pickup on your second collection day of the week.
We drove around the neighborhood today and saw that a few homeowners had already responded, packing leaves into bags for pick up by the sanitation department.
Above is a photo of my curb – where I discovered that I needed quite a few bags to complete the job!
Bee-Line Bus Crash at Scarsdale Train Station
- Details
- Category: Neighborhood News
- Published: 23 November 2020
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
(Updated) MTA spokesman Aaron Donovan reported that the MTA is investigating a bus crash at 8:26 am on Monday November 23 at Scarsdale Train Station. A Westchester County Bee-Line bus carrying no passengers struck and became wedged in the weather-protection overhang in the passenger drop-off area at the Scarsdale Metro-North station. The MTA Police are investigating the cause of the collision.
Metro-North Railroad personnel inspected the station and found it was undamaged. They reported no impact to train service. The bus driver sustained only minor injuries.
Later in the afternoon, Scarsdale Fire Chief Jim Seymour reported that the Scarsdale Fire Department was dispatched to 1 Depot Place just after 8:30 am. They found a Bee-Line bus that struck the Scarsdale Training Station building. The bus was unoccupied at the time other than the driver/operator. Crews were able to remove the driver/operator through an emergency window and she was evaluated by Scarsdale Ambulance Corps at the scene. Scarsdale Fire, assisted by the Fairview, Greenville and Hartsdale Fire Departments, installed temporary shoring to ensure structural stability in order for the bus to be removed. Also on location were units from the Scarsdale Police Department, the MTA Police and Fire Departments and members of the MTA Building Structures Division. The bus was removed without further incident or injury following an approximate two-hour operation.
Photo Credit: MTA
Photo Credit: Scarsdale Fire Department
One Down, Two To Go: Girls Varsity A Soccer Moves On To The Next Round Of Playoffs
- Details
- Category: The Goods
- Published: 21 November 2020
- Written by Sophia Caione
Jojo Denion, #16, chest trapping a ball in the air. On Thursday, November 19th, the Girls Varsity A Soccer team was triumphant- once again- claiming victory against Ardsley in round one of the playoffs. The victory was captured through stylistic goals and a strong team presence on the field. Intense pressure was put on Ardsley from the start, as the Raiders presented an urge to win, but beyond winning, to conquer the field a by an overwhelming margin.
The final score was 6-2; The first 4 goals were scored in the first half of the game, leaving Ardsley with a large gap to fill. Ardsley had a difficult time catching up as their play was mostly “kick and chase”. The Raiders defensive line, lead by Captains Victoria Von Redden, #17, and Emily Yacob, #19, proved to be fierce as they stopped breakaways, captured long balls, and maneuvered through Ardsley’s attacking players. Additionally, senior goalkeeper Dylan Gross, #35, was a powerful and leading communicator on the field, commanding the defense and encouraging her teammates.
Season leading scorers, Alessia Schettino, #20, and Riena Parente Ribeiro, #7, were two leading performers during the first playoff game. Both players scored two goals each, in addition to one goal scored by Jojo Denion, #16, and one goal scored by Lizzie Wachs, #23. Lola Tirabassi, #13, showed her skills by providing 4 assists, and Victoria Von Redden demonstrated that a defensive player could do it all by assisting a goal.
Kate Braverman, #6, maneuvers around an Ardsley player.
Schettino put constant pressure on Ardsely’s defense and was highly aggressive in the final third of the field, especially when it came time to shoot and score. Riena Parente Ribeiro, nicknamed “RPR” by her coaches and teammates has been an essential part of the midfield. Parente Riberio acknowledges that “after a strong start, our team started to struggle to connect simple passes and there were a few miscommunications. [However,] we were able to overcome these difficulties and dominated the end of the second half. We ended the game with a confident mindset to lead us to the semifinals.”
Audrey Gendel, #9, dribbles around Ardsley.
The second playoff game against rivals New Rochelle-on Saturday, November 21st-will be packed with action, competition, and heart. Schettino says, in the next playoff game “We need to capitalize on our opportunities... If we see the net, we have to score.” Parente Riberio comments that “New Rochelle is a tough opponent and we always look forward to playing them because they are our rivals and a competitive team. The stakes are going to be higher than during our previous games and both teams will bring 100%. I’m excited for the energy and the competition.” Girls Varsity A Soccer will put their all into every second of the game, until the desired outcome.
Photos and text by Sophia Caione.
Abigail Talish, #14.
