Scarsdale

Trustees Explore Overhaul of the Scarsdale Pool Complex

The pool complex opened in 1969 on 7.6 acres previously owned by the American Legion. Pictured above: Mayor Saul Horowitz Jr., Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, Robert Eldridge and Village Trustee, Hartselle Kinsey. When the Scarsdale Pool Complex opened in 1969 the four pools, volleyball court and locker rooms were state of the art facilities. Now 52 years later, it’s a struggle to keep the pools and equipment functioning as it has outlived its useful life and is in dire need of an overhaul.

But how much of an overhaul is in order? Do the pools need to be renovated or replaced? Should the complex include water features like sprinklers and slides? How much is the community willing to spend on the work?

According to Mayor Jane Veron, in order to find answers to these questions the Village developed an RFP “to identify outside experts who could lead the study and condition assessment.” They received proposals from nine firms, narrowed the field to two and conducted in person interviews and unanimously selected Lothrop Associates who will partner with Ballard & King for the Market Survey Report and The ETC Institute for a statistically valid survey.

The $114,000 bid includes an assessment of the existing pool conditions, a statistically valid survey of residents on their views on the pool and an in-depth analysis of demographics, expected usage and pricing. Once all this information is gathered and parsed, Lothrop will come up with three pool concepts and associated costs for consideration by the community. The consultants said, “The main point is to come to a conceptual design at a cost that everyone would like to build.”Pool and Communnity Center in Mt. Pleasant

At this point, the Trustees are only deciding on whether or not to hire the firms for the feasibility study. They are not giving the go ahead to do any work at the pool complex.

At a work session at Village Hall on Tuesday night September 21, 2021 the three firms were invited to present to the Board and the public in Village Hall and via Zoom.

William Simmons explained that Lothrop Associates LLP is based in White Plains and has built many municipal and facilities in Westchester and beyond including the Mt. Pleasant Aquatic and Community Center, Kittrell Municipal Pool in White Plains, Leewood Golf Club in Eastchester and the Larchmont Yacht Club Pool Complex. Nine years ago they created a division called Aquatectonic dedicated to pools and are responsible for 80% of all commercial pools in the greater NYC region. They are currently replacing the pool at Playland Park and doing a scoping report for Twin Oaks Public Pool in Chappaqua along with work at many New York City school pools.

The Larchmont Yacht ClubTheir first step would be to do an existing conditions survey of the pool complex at the same time that Ballard*King Associates does a marketing survey report. Their survey would identify the demographics of potential users, expected participation rates, how much they would be willing to spend and include information about the presence of backyard pools and use of local country clubs. In order to cast the widest net they would use both mail and online outreach to get community input.

They will conduct focus groups and also host open houses with residents to get feedback on what residents want from the pool. The survey results will be analyzed by ECT Institute with the end goal of coming up with a program recommendation based on what the community said they are looking for.

Based on this information, Lothrop will present the Village with three pool concepts and estimated costs. The first might be the most minimal to repair the existing facility, the second might include some bells and whistles like water features and the third could include larger enhancements like water slides, a lazy river or sprinklers. All three schemes will include modern and efficient systems that will save energy.Charles Cook Memorial Pool in Cortlandt Manor

Along with the schemes ,Lothrop will provide operational plans on what it will cost to maintain and run the pools, along with projections of associated revenues, membership rates, penetration rates, anticipated usage for special events and parties etc.

The entire project from approval to final presentation is expected to take 23 weeks or about six months.

The next move is for the Trustees to place a resolution to approve the $114,000 market study and existing conditions survey on the agenda for an upcoming Village Board meeting.

Residents to See Little Benefit From Installation of New Gas Main in Greenacres

By now you probably know that Walworth Avenue is closed from Fenimore Road to Greenacres Avenue. Con Edison is in the midst of installing ten miles of gas pipes, some of it running directly through Scarsdale.

After they complete the first block, they will move north, with the next segment to be installed from Colvin Road to Brayton Road. While they do the work, the street is closed and it’s very challenging for those who live on the street to get their cars in an out of their driveways.

The project has caused a big disruption in local traffic as drivers who want to access the Village from Greenacres have to go to Brite Avenue or Brewster Roads. Brite Avenue was recently repaved at the same time Walworth was closed, causing lots of aggravation for anyone trying to navigate the ‘Dale.

We wondered if the new gas main would allow Con Edison to lift their moratorium on new gas service in Scarsdale and also asked how the presence of this line would benefit locals who put up with the road closures.

We questioned Allan Drury a spokesperson for Con Edison to comment and here is what we learned:

1) Who will be the end user of the gas that is passed through the line?

The project will replace 10 miles of existing 24”main and create a continuous transmission system between gas supplies in Westchester and the Bronx that will allow us to maintain service to customers in the event of the loss of either supply.

2) Where are the two endpoints?

Bronx and White Plains.

3) Who is paying for the extra police who monitor the site everyday?

Con Edison.

4) Have you considered doing the work at night so that drivers are not inconvenienced?

The area is largely residential. Doing the work at night would be inconvenient to residents.

5) Concerning our local moratorium on new gas hook-ups, when do you expect this to be lifted?

We have said that the moratorium could be lifted when a project on the Tennessee pipeline increases the capacity of that line.

6) Some of the businesses in the Village need gas lines to serve customers. Will you be providing service to commercial customers?

The moratorium covers new gas connections. A business that takes over a space that was formerly used by another business can use the existing gas connection.

7) How will Scarsdale customers benefit from this work - especially given the big inconvenience to residents?

See the answer to the first question. The project adds reliability and safety to our system.

A large mobile generator is parked on Church Lane.In other energy news, why is there a large mobile generator is parked on Church Lane? According to Drury, "We continue to work on the electric-delivery system to restore it to the condition it was in before Tropical Storm Ida hit the area. In the meantime, that generator provides redundancy and reliability for customers."

Scarsdale Boys’ Soccer Snaps Seasonal Curse Posting Wins Against White Plains and Edgemont

For the past few years – as long as the seniors on the team can remember – there has been a reputation surrounding Scarsdale Soccer built on how “Scarsdale always starts seasons slowly.” This year, an early-season skid was not a worry, even with a disappointing 0-0 opening-day draw against Mahopac.

The Raiders had to wait two weeks from their first match, which was an impressive performance only hindered by goal-scoring woes, to rally the troops and try to pick up their first win of the season. After losing access to Butler Field due to a small hazard on the sideline, the Raiders were able to get to winning ways.

Simply stated, the pitch at Quaker Ridge is not as “nice” as the turf, with real grass and mud leading to a less-slick surface. The match itself is pretty similar to how it would be if played at the preferred venue, but the difference is notable nonetheless. However, safety is the priority, and Quaker Ridge does not have an injury-threatening spot as Butler Field currently does.

White Plains showed up to Scarsdale Boys’ Soccer’s temporary home on 9-17 not knowing exactly what to expect. After all, they only had one Scarsdale game on which to base their scouting. The Tigers soon learned their neighbors are more than just a force to be reckoned with.

The match turned into a Scarsdale scoring and possession clinic. Co-captain Luke Peltz calmly tucked away a penalty in a dominant first half to give the Raiders a 1-0 lead heading into halftime. Even though complacency could have seeped in, an applaudable first-half performance was built upon in the second period of play.

Eli Gelblum slotted away a composed finish to double Scarsdale’s lead. The build-up play was phenomenal, with Zach Ruback brushing by a defender on the right-wing with intricate footwork before playing it to Nico Galeano who fed the ball to the well-positioned Gelblum. Co-captain Kian Batliwalla scored soon after from close range to put the game well out of the visitor’s reach. After putting extra emphasis in training on finishing for two weeks straight, the rewards for the efforts were there for all to see.

Less than 24 hours after the resounding victory which sent waves throughout the section, on 9-18 the Raiders made the short trip to Edgemont. Once more, Scarsdale dominated possession, though Edgemont defended in a deeper block than White Plains did. At first, Edgemont’s deep-lying tactics frustrated the visitors.

Scarsdale nonetheless controlled the tempo of play in the first half. However, that is not to say Edgemont did not have a fantastic chance to score. From the edge of the 18-yard-box, the Panther’s free-kick was driven low and around the wall and was destined for the back of the net. Co-captain Rowan Haffner had other ideas, getting down low to make a fantastic diving save to preserve Scarsdale’s perfect defensive start to the season.

At halftime, coach Marcos Monteagudo, alongside assistant coaches Andrew Nagel and Carlos Vazquez, made a tactical adjustment to better break down Edgemont’s deep-lying defense unit. Indeed, the subtle tactical tweak was exactly what Scarsdale needed to put enough pressure to lead to a defensive crack. Even though the match’s only goal came from a dead-ball play, it was clear the wise tactical change – one of many potential adjustments up Monteagudo and Co’s sleeves - was working as hoped for.

A Peltz throw-in led to the moment of magic the Raiders were looking for to pick up their first away win of the season. Peltz’s signature long throw found its way through a sea of bodies to Matthew Choe who made no mistake from close range.

After the first three matches of the 2021 campaign, the Scarsdale Raiders Boys’ Soccer Team have already built up a tremendous head of steam. Both the team’s veterans and the rookies have played a key role in the team’s engine. Even if derailed this season, there is no doubting that this team will be able to get themselves back on track as soon as possible.

The strong start to the season cannot be ignored. The Raiders and rivals alike will all have taken note of the breaking of the Scarsdale-slow-start-to-season curse.

Announcing Scarsdale's Pets of the Week

Left to right: Loki, 18 months; Ghost, 13 months; Hobbs, 4 monthsWelcome to 10583’s Pet of the Week feature! We are so excited to showcase the pets of the Dale and their families! The purpose of this weekly column is simply to put a smile on people’s faces. We all need some happy news these days!

This column will be managed by Katy Goldman and Dara Gruenberg. We didn’t start out as dog people…that was Covid’s doing. Like many of you, we became dog lovers during the pandemic and we couldn’t be more grateful. We have found that our furry friends have infused our homes with so much love and provide some much needed therapy during this stressful time.

Katy is the proud mom of a Mini Sheepadoodle named Mitzi. Mitzi is seven months old, has endless energy and has recently become quite mischievous! It’s hard to get upset with her since she looks so cute.

Dara’s first pandemic puppy is a red haired Cavapoo named Loki. Now 17 months later, Dara has found herself the proud mama of three Cavapoos, rounding out the family with Ghost and Hobbs! All three boys love to play with each other and often find themselves sleeping snuggled up to one another on the couch.

If you see us on the street walking our pups, feel free to say hi! Our dogs love to make new friends.

Send us your pictures and a bit of information about your sweet pets. We will feature at least one a week. Email us at petsofdale@gmail.com.

Mitzi, in trouble with a roll of paper towels!

Just Say No to Development on Garden Road: An Open Letter to the Mayor and Scarsdale Planning Board

This letter was written by Andrew and Lisa Rodman from Cushman Road in Scarsdale.

The Village of Scarsdale is a community internationally known for its first-class school system and regionally recognized as the Village in the Park because of the town’s commitment to “green space. In recent years Scarsdale has undertaken projects such as adding cobblestone curbing along many of the village’s streets and repaving major streets such as Fenimore Road. A few years ago the town completed a major infrastructure improvement when a 7-acre water retention pond was built at George Field Park and along Post Road adjacent to the headquarters for the Scarsdale Police and Fire Departments.

Every Scarsdale resident knows that the cost of maintaining the village’s commitment to excellence does not come cheap--real estate taxes in the town are amongst the highest in the country. Scarsdale’s governmental leaders have recognized that there are limits to how much taxes can be raised every year and accordingly, always are on the lookout for additional sources of revenue. Over the past 10-15 years, one such source of incremental revenue has been tax dollars raised from the development of new homes in the community. Obviously, there is an inherent conflict between the need to raise new taxes and the need to not overly ‘tax’ the village’s infrastructure and services.

One current example of this conundrum is the desire of a local developer to construct eight new homes on Garden Road, adjacent to the town’s architecturally unique water tower. As of the time of the writing of this letter, it appears that Scarsdale’s government is inclined to choose easy money over the health and safety of its current residents. The proposed Garden Road site is a wetlands. In the best of times the land is swampy. After rain events such as the ones the community experienced three weeks ago (Hurricane Henri) and two weeks ago (Hurricane Ida), the site becomes a lake. The irony is the current situation comes to the Planning Board after heavy rains, but these rains have just brought to light the conditions that have prevailed for the 30 years we have been a residents of Cushman Road.

The developer of the proposed site has pretended to address the site’s soil problem (the underlying geology consists of dense clayey soil, rock, and a highly elevated water table) by proposing to elevate the site by 5-6 feet. The proposed Garden Road development will massively aggravate a bad situation. The existing homes located on Garden Road and Cushman Roads undoubtedly also will materially suffer. As every resident of Scarsdale knows, water flows downhill. The elevated platform proposed by the developers will flood its neighbor’s homes. No water collection system designed by the developer’s engineers can possibly hold all of the water that will be collected after a rain storm. This is a massively failed plan. One only had to visit the new George Field retention basins after Hurricane Ida (such visit was only possible by rowboat) to recognize that after such a heavy rain event the retention ponds overflowed and shut down several of the local streets. Can you imagine what it would have looked like without the George Field retention basin in place! When it was built we all hoped that would remediate the problem. It has helped but it has not solved the area’s flooding situation.

The Garden Road developer also cleverly ignores addressing critical issues such as who will maintain and pay for their proposed drainage system. It’s a very good bet that after the system fails several times, the new homeowners will request that Scarsdale Village assume responsibility for funding and maintaining the water collection system. In other words, at the onset, Scarsdale’s government officials likely are thinking that the real estate taxes collected from the proposed new homes will be accretive to the Village’s tax base. In reality, the damages caused to village property most probably will cost the Village more than it collects as it focuses on constructing new water retention facilities that the developer of the proposed site failed to properly address.

One last point should be highlighted. In classic real estate developer fashion, the builders of the proposed site have requested approval to construct eight new homes. Even they know this is a ridiculous request. They probably are hoping only to build four homes. When the decision makers who decide such matters for Scarsdale ‘cut’ the developer’s request from eight to four homes, they likely will feel like they ‘beat’ the developers and showed how they could not be played. The Garden Road site realistically can support (with extensive engineering) only one or two new homes.

Please go to the Houlihan Lawrence website. One can see the developer is so audacious that he is already advertising the sale of these unapproved and unbuilt home. Lot #5-#6-#7 are being offered. One must ask oneself with previous failed attempts to get approvals, how can they be so confident? Has control of the narrative been handed over to developers in Scarsdale?

This is one of multiple attempts over the years by developers to try to push through a plan at the site. What has changed? The climate change issues that face the rest of the world are being felt in Scarsdale. Nothing should be giving the developers confidence except that the sitting government of Scarsdale has changed. We appeal to the present Scarsdale government officials who will rule on the outcome of the proposed Garden Road development. JUST SAY NO. Just as other Boards have done in the past, put the interests of the community’s current residents over those of the real estate developer whose only goal is short term profits.

Lisa & Andrew Rodman
Cushman Road
(residents for 30 years)

Photos taken of the water pooling on the proposed building lots from the Garden Road water tower.