Mayor Comments on Tree Removal at Scarsdale Board Meeting

Here are comments from Mayor Miriam Flisser given at the Scarsdale Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday night July 10 concerning tree removal at Cooper Green and George Field: In reply to residents and press concerns about the damage to trees caused by the Fox Meadow Stormwater project and other Village construction, expressed this week, I was surprised since the run up to this project has included many public meetings, including one in September with at least 100 residents attending. The project was a response to resident demand for storm water relief.

I also note that the area behind the new Public Safety building received meticulous attention to preservation of trees, with mature trees being moved and salvaged during the construction at the insistence of the Trustees. Residents are invited to look at the landscaping and rain gardens, which include best practices that Scarsdale has been lauded for in NY State publications. Anne Jaffe Holmes, of the Greenburgh Nature Center, expressed appreciation of this, in detail, in February, at a well-attended meeting of the Scarsdale Forum. In addition, I gave public presentations of the project, at the State of the Village Report on October 8; at the Greenacres Town Meeting held in the spring, for 2 years in a row, and at numerous Neighborhood Association meetings, as well as at SNAP.

Concerning the South Fox Meadow drainage project, one of the largest wetlands areas in Westchester County will be created in the area around George Field Park. Wetlands will be rehabilitated, invasive plantings will be removed and replaced with native species. 40,000 square feet of wetlands will be included, with a dry pond capable of holding one to three feet of water on seven acres. The dry pond drains about 48 - 72 hours after a storm event. These wetlands will include a walkway, and a grassy swale to direct water. A 2,900 square foot detention pond and rain garden, including a walking path with a pervious surface, will be installed at Cooper Green, where drainage from Cambridge Road will flow through newly functional catch basins and positive drains.

Besides reducing flash flooding, the project introduces controlled wetlands, removes invasive species, adds extensive rain gardens, and improves water quality. Its $3.1 Million cost is funded by a County grant and Village funds.

When it comes to tree preservation, natural environment, use of pesticides and herbicides; and ecologically sensitive planting, Scarsdale, supported by dedicated and vigilant resident volunteers; educated and responsive professional staff, and committed elected representatives, is a leader in the field.