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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 09 April 2025

Created: 09 April 2025

Last Updated: 25 April 2025

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Jason Kofman, Justin Arest, Dara Gruenberg and David Goldschmidt were sworn into office on Monday April 7, 2025.The Mayor and newly-elected Village Trustees were sworn into office on Monday April 7, 2025 at noon, and quickly got back to work with a work session and Village Board meeting on the evening of Tuesday April 8.

Village Clerk Taylor Emanuel began the proceedings on Monday when she swore in Mayor Justin Arest for his second term in office. He then swore in first time Trustee David Goldschmidt, returning Trustee Dara Gruenberg and newly elected Trustee Jason Kofman.

The ceremony was attended by Village staff, former trustees, current trustees and family and friends who offered a hearty round of applause for the new board.

Without missing a beat, the new Village Board was back in action on Tuesday April 8. 2025. At a work session prior to the meeting they heard a presentation from Scarsdale’s new Police Chief Steven DelBene calling for the adoption of a new surveillance system in Scarsdale. The system utilizes “an eco-system of inter-connected tools to monitor and identify vehicles in Scarsdale in order to find and apprehend criminals. Included are live-view cameras, license plate readers (LPR’s) and drones which will alert police of the presence of vehicles and match license plates in real time to pre-existing databases (National Crime Information Center – NCIC.)

Once there is an alert, a drone will be immediately deployed and will be on scene prior to officer’s arrival to provide critical real-time information to aid in the response. See all the details of the new system here.

Why is this new program necessary?

According to Chief DelBene: Since 2010 Scarsdale has experienced 329 burglaries, 1,557 larcenies, and 139 motor vehicle thefts. These are extremely difficult to solve as the perpetrators are well organized, transient or individuals committing crimes with obscure identities. He cited seven other lower Westchester municipalities who are currently utilizing the technology. (As far as we know, Police never found the people who broke into 52 cars in the Village in the early morning hours of Labor Day in September 2024.)

At the meeting of the Village Board that followed the work session on 4/8, the Board voted 6-1 to adopt the technology which the Mayor said will be paid for by a federal grant. They agreed to retain Flock Safety to “provide the Scarsdale Police Department with First Responder Drones including hardware, software, training and services for a total of $116,142.86 annually with an initial term of seven years; and to provide the Scarsdale Police Department and with public safety video cameras and license plate reader cameras and all corresponding hardware, software, training and services for a total of $141,000.00 annually with an initial term of seven years.”

Trustee Jeremy Gans was the lone “no” vote. He cited concerns about privacy and the sharing of personal data.

Mayor’s Comments

"At the opening of the Village Board meeting on April 8, 2025, Mayor Justin Arest made the following comments:

I’d like to begin by taking a moment to recognize the passing of Merrell Clark, a longtime Scarsdale resident whose quiet leadership and enduring civic commitment left a meaningful imprint on our community.

Merrell was deeply engaged in the life of the Village. In 1985, he chaired the Scarsdale Futures Committee—an initiative that sought to take a broad, forward-looking view of Scarsdale’s needs and values. Under his leadership, the Committee conducted what remains one of the most ambitious and inclusive surveys in our community’s history, with over 3,000 residents participating. The results guided conversations for years and are still remembered today as a gold standard in community engagement.

Merrell also served on the Board of Ethics and was active in the Town and Village Civic Club, which is now the Scarsdale Forum, where he helped promote transparency and thoughtful local governance. Whether contributing to neighborhood conversations or participating in public meetings, Merrell brought a calm, reasoned presence and a genuine desire to serve the public good.

Outside of Scarsdale, Merrell dedicated his time to nonprofit organizations focused on mental health and social justice—continuing his lifelong commitment to service and compassion.

Here in Scarsdale, we will remember him as a neighbor who listened closely, acted with integrity, and believed deeply in the importance of community. We are grateful for all he gave, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

May his memory be a blessing.

Continuing now with some reflections on a weekend that really captured the energy and spirit of Scarsdale. I had the privilege of helping start the 55th Annual Scarsdale 15K and 4-Mile races—an incredible community tradition made possible by the coordination and dedication of so many. I want to especially thank our Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, along with their entire department, for leading the effort.

Their hard work didn’t end with the race. Thanks to their strong stewardship and investments we have made in recent years, our athletic fields were in excellent shape and open for community use all weekend. That’s no small feat in early April—and a testament to how well they manage both infrastructure and weather challenges. I heard from many residents who appreciated that we could be open when many other communities could not.

Yesterday, we marked an important milestone with the swearing-in ceremony for Trustees Goldschmidt, Gruenberg, and Kofman. I want to warmly welcome Trustees Goldschmidt and Kofman to the Board. I’m excited to work with both of you and continue building on our tradition of thoughtful governance. And to Trustee Gruenberg—congratulations on your continued service.

I also had the honor of being sworn in for a second term as Mayor. It has been an incredible honor to serve Scarsdale, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue doing so.

Tonight, we open our public hearing on the Tentative Village budget for FY2025–2026. I know Trustee Gans will offer our thanks to the Village Treasurer, the Village Manager, and all staff involved in this year’s budget process—and rightly so. But since I get to speak first, I want to offer my appreciation as well.

What continues to impress me about Scarsdale’s budgeting is how transparent and inclusive the process is. Many local governments don’t begin public budget conversations until the tentative budget is filed. Here, we start much earlier—typically at least eight months out for staff and at least six months of deliberation and discussion for the Board and public. Capital planning—and by extension, long-term investment in community infrastructure—is a year-round effort.

This extended process matters, especially in communities like ours where the majority of the tax levy comes from single-family residential properties, and where much of our spending is non-discretionary—shaped by collective bargaining agreements, state mandates, and long-term obligations. That means every discretionary dollar must be carefully weighed. And it’s why we work to take the long view—balancing our immediate needs with investments in the future.

As we look ahead, we are mindful of potential economic headwinds. Signs are emerging that point toward a possible weakening of broader economic conditions. This year, we’ve made more aggressive revenue assumptions—particularly around sales and income tax—than we typically would. While we believe these projections are reasonable, they may become harder to achieve if economic conditions continue to deteriorate. And because the performance of the equity markets directly affects the pension rates set by the State Comptroller, market volatility could also impact future obligations.

Of course, these financial uncertainties don’t just affect our budget—they can weigh heavily on the households and families that make up our community. Our residents are not only our constituents, they are also our friends and neighbors, and we are always mindful of how broader economic challenges can ripple through their lives. I share this not to raise alarm or suggest immediate changes are needed, but to reassure the community that we are closely monitoring these factors. We remain prepared to make prudent adjustments if and when they become necessary.

With the information available to us today, I believe this budget represents a sound, responsible, and forward-looking fiscal plan for our community.”

Public Comments

During Public Comments Anne Hintermeister expressed concerns about a budget line that calls for the issuance of a $37 million to pay for the pool complex.

She said, “The Board chose to go forward with a $53 million year-round facility. Is the $37 million bond realistic? It sounds kind of low. Does it include contingencies and bond issuance costs? You originally rejected the year-round option due to staffing costs and anticipated losses – have these changed? Who will operate it, run it, staff it? Subsidizing pool operations from the Village budget is not a good idea. Would you charge residents even more? I think it should continue to be run with the Enterprise Fund. I don’t think the public has an idea of what is going on.”

Mayor Arest responded, “In terms of the true cost, until we get to 25% of the schematic design, it is fairly uncertain. We want to spend the least amount while providing the community with what they want. I am comfortable leaving it at this level for now. We will produce the plans so we can understand the costs moving forward once we have a better idea of the operational structure. We can’t do it without knowing how many buildings there will be and how much staff will be needed. The intent is to have it as an Enterprise Fund and keep it self-sustaining.”

Trustee Jeremy Gans said, “I appreciate that you go back and look at prior presentations. If nothing happens with the tariffs, we won’t be able to build this pool. But we need a number for the budget at this time.”

During Trustee Reports, Trustee Gruenberg said, “I attended the Junior League of Central Westchester fundraiser last Friday night. They do 8,000 hours of community service a year. They donated over 2,000,000 diapers. Assemblymember Paulin threw the first die to get the party started.”

Meals on Wheels

The Board signed an agreement to provide administrative support for Meals on Wheels to deliver meals to recipients in the Village at a cost not to exceed $12,000. Trustee Gruenberg pointed out that the recipients pay for their meals, but the Village steps in to support the delivery.

Village Wide Fees and Charges

Trustees voted to adopt a schedule of fees and charges for the 2025-26 fiscal year. You can see the new schedule here.Baked goods from Boleria.

Teen Travel Camp

The Board awarded a contract for teen travel buses to Nationwide Bus Charter of Staten Island for the travel camp for the summer of 2025.

A Café for the Library

The Board voted to execute a revocable license agreement with Boleria NY LLC as licensee for the operation of café services at the Scarsdale Public Library. Boleria is a Brazilian bakery in Mamaroneck that makes cakes, treats, quiche, soup and more.

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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 16 April 2025

Created: 16 April 2025

Last Updated: 17 April 2025

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Stephen Shallo was appointed Deputy Village Manager of Scarsdale in December 2024. He comes to us with years of experience in city and muncipal government and is eager to assist the retail community to thrive in town. Learn more about Shallo below:

Tell us about your education and how you became interested in municipal government.

I am a proud University of Delaware Blue Hen! I received my Bachelor’s degree with a dual major in History and Political Science with a concentration in Public Law. I had initially envisioned a career in law, but during my time as an undergraduate, I pivoted to government following an internship with the New York State Battery Park City Authority. During this internship, I worked on a variety of projects including the use of innovative energy solutions such as the use of solar, geothermal heating and cooling and the harvesting and recycling of rainwater—all in a small-scale municipal setting. These were emerging technologies at the time and redefined how we tackle the problems impacting our communities. It taught me to embrace innovation to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and transform customer service.

During my junior year, I had the privilege to serve on the University of Delaware Undergraduate Student Government Association as co-chair of the government affairs board. In this role, I served as a student representative to the City of Newark, Delaware at their municipal meetings. This work allowed me to develop a unique understanding of municipal operations, budgeting, good governance, active citizen engagement, and community planning. My extracurricular experiences solidified my interest in government and set me on my current path.

Upon graduating from the University of Delaware, I began what would become a twelve-year career with the City of New York. Eager to expand my knowledge and abilities further, I attended Pace University Graduate School to pursue a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in local government. My classes were during the evening which allowed me to balance my professional and academic responsibilities. During my time as a graduate student, I had the good fortune to take a course in municipal management taught by the talented Patricia Dwyer who—at the time— was the Village Manager of Pleasantville, New York. Professor Dwyer would become my mentor and guide over the years and was instrumental in introducing me to her municipal colleagues in Westchester. Little did I know at the time that this connection would result in a new career trajectory in the council-manager form of government.

What are the responsibilities of the Deputy Village Manager? What do you handle?

I am primarily responsible for assisting the Village Manager with the day-to-day operations of the Village including preparation of the Village Board agenda, participating in the annual budget process, and working with the Village departments to implement the policies of the Board of Trustees.
In addition to this work, I manage parking operations within the Village in coordination with our Village Clerk, Court, and Police Department. I also serve as the liaison to the Scarsdale Business Alliance and as the liaison to our scouting organizations throughout the Village.

We see that you spent many years working for the City of New York. Tell us about what you did there and how it may be applicable here.

I began my career with the New York County (Manhattan) District Attorney’s Office. My responsibilities included providing investigative and trial support to several Assistant District Attorneys. It was an incredibly rewarding experience and a privilege to work with so many dedicated law enforcement and justice officials.

After several years with the District Attorney’s Office, I accepted a role within the Office of the Mayor where I joined a new multi-agency unit known as the NYC Business Acceleration Team. This unit consisted of staff brought together from several City agencies and tasked with developing innovative solutions to help small businesses open faster. Together we identified redundant regulations, introduced multi-agency inspections, and created several inspection guides and resources. As a result of our work, we helped business owners open an average of four weeks earlier than they would have without our assistance, guidance, and education.

After several years with the Office of the Mayor, I accepted a role with NYC Department of Small Business Services where I continued to innovate and improve how small businesses open and operate in the city.

During my time with the City of New York, I honed the skills that I feel are necessary to manage complex projects across multiple teams, deliver excellent results in a timely manner, effectively communicate with elected officials, and assist the public in resolving their concerns. I believe these professional experiences—along with the knowledge I gained working with the Village of Bronxville—will allow me to effectively support our business districts, manage complex projects such as the Scarsdale Pool and Freightway redevelopment, and address the needs of our community.
I am excited to continue leveraging my personal and professional skills within the Village of Scarsdale and I look forward to meeting our residents, merchants, and community members in the coming months.

You also worked with small businesses in the city. Did you have experiences there that can help Scarsdale to drive the growth of local business?

Certainly! While working with the City of New York, I became well versed in common bottlenecks entrepreneurs encounter when opening a small business. I intend to leverage these experiences in my evaluation of internal operations by collaborating with department heads to explore opportunities for improvement. Similarly, I look forward to working with the Scarsdale Business Alliance in support their incredible efforts and find new, innovative ways to aid our merchants throughout the Village.

For the last five years you worked in Bronxville. What are some differences you noted between the way Bronxville and Scarsdale operate?
While I have found many similarities between the two municipalities, I was immediately struck by the size of Scarsdale in both geography and personnel. In Bronxville, I was familiar with each street and the challenges/needs of the different neighborhoods. I also interacted with all staff on a regular basis. I am confident I will achieve the same familiarity in Scarsdale and I look forward to providing competent and dedicated service.
Another unique feature of Scarsdale is its oversight of its own water distribution and infrastructure. Previously, I had worked closely with a water utility company to address any delivery or maintenance concerns for residents. I will leverage new experiences such as this to learn as much as possible from my Village colleagues.

My mentor and previous manager in Bronxville—James Palmer—always taught me the importance of being a visible presence in the community. In Scarsdale, you can expect to see me throughout the Village through my day-to-day responsibilities as well as my work with the Scarsdale Business Alliance and Farmers Market. Please don’t hesitate to say “Hello!” I look forward to meeting you!

What opportunities do you see here to enhance operations in Village Hall and the experience of residents?

The Village of Scarsdale has an exceptional team of staff members; each department is run competently and efficiently. I intend to continue to deliver this same level of service and encourage members of the public to contact me should they have any questions, comments, or concerns. There is always room for improvement, and it is important that we remain engaged with the public in a productive and collaborative manner.
What are some possible impacts on Scarsdale from the uncertainty and upheaval in the Federal Government?

The Village Manager and I continue to monitor the changes being implemented by the federal government. While we anticipate modifications to federal programs such as grant funding, we continue to work with our elected officials at all levels of government to ensure continued access to appropriate Federal resources.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

As someone who is behind a desk many hours of the workday, I find it important to get outside into nature to refocus and recharge. I regularly hike throughout the Hudson Valley including the Catskill and Taconic Mountains. I also enjoy canoeing and kayaking; during summer weekends, you can find me offering kayaking lessons on the shores of the Long Island Sound.

When I’m not enjoying the great outdoors, I am busy in the kitchen trying new recipes, cooking for my lovely wife, or spending time with my adorable nieces and nephew. Watching them learn, grow, and laugh always brings me happiness.

I also volunteer my time with several organizations including—Board Member of the University of Delaware Alumni Association, Assistant Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America – Troop 2 Scarsdale, and co-founder of Midland Avenue Green Association in Yonkers, NY.
I like to stay busy!

What else?

I find municipal governance to be a fulfilling and rewarding career. It provides me with a unique opportunity to ensure the long-term success of the community, help members of the public, promote economic development, and find creative solutions to solve problems. I am grateful to the Village of Scarsdale for selecting me for the role of Deputy Village Manager and look forward to a long and productive career of service.

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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 27 March 2025

Created: 27 March 2025

Last Updated: 27 March 2025

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The Village Board said goodbye to Trustees Sameer Ahuja and Karen Brew after 4 years of service.Four years of service on the Scarsdale Village Board fosters friendships, camaraderie and opportunities to learn. That’s what came through on Tuesday March 25, at the final meeting for Trustees Sameer Ahuja and Karen Brew who complete their terms this week.

As is the tradition, there was kudos around the dais and from the audience for the two departing trustees. Many of the comments noted similar character traits and demonstrated how the complementary skill sets of board members benefit the whole.

Karen Brew was noted for her business acumen, ability to listen and her courage to speak up with a competing viewpoint. Highlights of her leadership included taking the Village through the difficult decision of whether or not to authorize the sale of marijuana in the Village, along with her leadership during the formulation of changes to building code and a building moratorium last year.

Sameer Ahuja, who was unable to attend the meeting in person due to business travel, participated via Zoom. There were many comments on his knowledge of technology and assistance in improving cell phone coverage, improving the technology in Village Hall and decision making skills, all with a sense of humor.

Here are some excerpts from the lengthy remarks:

Heedan Chung, President of the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale said, “We are so grateful for all of your work.” She said the League would miss working with their liaison Karen Brew.

Marian Green, Chair of the Council on People with Disabilities said, “Knowing Karen for many years I would like to thank her for her most valuable efforts. Her business acumen is incomparable.” She said, “I am sure you won’t just stop. I know I can always call on you.”

Mayor Justin Arest read comments from former Village Trustee Randy Whitestone:

About Ahuja he said the Village had “benefited from a homegrown top-flight corporate executive dedicating time to helping make our village a better place. In seeing first-hand your work on the pool project and on improving our cellphone coverage, I appreciated your goal-oriented approach and problem-solving skills.” He thanked him for his contributions to village staffing, organizational structure, communications, and technology.”

To Karen, Whitestone said, “I appreciated your common-sense approach to issues both simple and complex, bringing to bear your practical business experience and deep understanding of our community. You always looked at issues at both the twenty-thousand- and five-hundred-foot levels, both big picture and “on the ground” the way our residents experience Scarsdale... … The village has benefited greatly from your clear-eyed wisdom and dedication.”

Ken Mazer brought a laugh when he said, “With Sameer absent, I feel a little like Clint Eastwood at the 2016 Republican convention talking to an empty Chair…”

To Sameer he said, …. “You provided an executive’s drive for excellence and an entrepreneur’s strategic vision. For example, I was continually impressed by your role in transforming the technology in our village. Residents can see – or should I say, hear – the fruits of your work through our enhanced village cell coverage that will only get better.”

To Karen, Mazer said, “I appreciated your thoughtful demeanor. When the rest of us were going at it sharply exchanging opinions and debating viewpoints, you were listening carefully to everything said, and would only finally speak when you had something of value to say that brought consensus to our decision-making. We hung on your every word, at least I did anyway. You provided objective and practical counsel on every discussion and every matter. Often, I’d say to myself “That’s a really good point.”

Then Mazer got a second laugh when he turned to the Mayor who was elected for a second term and said, “And finally, Justin, now that your term has expired…oh, never mind…”

Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg addressed Brew saying, ”You consistently brought a level of diligence and attention to detail that helped move conversations forward in a productive way. You never glossed over the fine print—you dove in, asked the right questions, and made sure nothing was overlooked. That commitment to doing the work well has been a clear through line in everything you’ve taken on.”

“Your voice during our land use discussions was especially valuable. You brought a balanced, practical perspective to the table, and helped us navigate some very complex topics with a focus on long-term impact and fairness. You brought a calm, grounded approach to all of our work, and a steady energy to the board—never the loudest in the room, but always prepared, engaged, and focused on doing what’s right for the Village and never wavering from your moral compass.”

To Ahuja, Gruenberg said, “Working with you on personnel matters, communications and technology, as well as a plethora of other issues, gave me a close-up view of how you operate—and I have to say, I really appreciated your ability to cut through the noise and focus on what matters. You asked the tough questions, skipped the posturing, and pushed conversations forward with honesty and efficiency. You weren’t afraid to challenge assumptions or suggest a better way of doing things, and that kind of no-nonsense approach helped us stay results-focused and move things forward - which is not always easy in municipal government. You were an excellent seatmate—and a good neighbor in every sense. Sharp, observant, and always just the right amount of sarcastic.”
Mayor Justin Arest said, “Sameer, despite your demanding career and frequent travels, you’ve consistently prioritized the well-being of our community. Your expertise in technology has been invaluable—whether it’s safeguarding our systems against cyber threats or enhancing our network management, you’ve ensured that Scarsdale stays protected and connected. On the finance committee, your efforts to boost interest income and strengthen our budget have been particularly impactful, reflecting your thoughtful and strategic approach.”

Turning to Karen he said, “Your involvement in the pool project demonstrated both your desire to look ahead as well as your willingness to navigate complex challenges head-on. And, from addressing the tough conversations around cannabis to constantly advocating for cost reductions and quality-of-life improvements, you’ve shown unwavering commitment and thoughtful guidance. Your pragmatic approach and dedication to considering every angle have greatly benefited our community.”

“Thank you both for your countless contributions and unwavering commitment to our village.”

Jeremy Gans said, “One of the most rewarding things about being on the board has been meeting new people who I probably would not have met if I had not served. I feel I have become a better person and a better trustee from the service.”

Gans continued, “Karen, you worked with me on bringing in Keene and Beane. You ask thoughtful questions. On the budget, you asked questions that did not occur to me. Most important, you taught me to push in my chair to let others pass by.”

To Ahuja he said, “Sameer, it’s been great to get to know you. I was struck by your passion for Scarsdale. You are always looking out for others. You deserve credit for the work on cell phone coverage. Simply getting Verizon to the table for discussions was the crowning achievement.
Anything is possible because you are Sameer!”

Turning to Karen Brew, Trustee Jeremy Wise said, “High praise is both warranted and earned… You have demonstrated a commitment to the public welfare.” To Sameer, he said, “I was going to say you are an enigma wrapped in a puzzle. You were a credit to the board – your knowledge of technology was invaluable You will be missed but I know we can always call you back into service.”

Karen Brew then made her own closing remarks, saying “It’s been an honor to serve over the past four years. This has been rewarding and a learning experience.”

To Ken Mazer she said, “You are one of the kindest people I ever worked with. You always put the human element at the forefront.”

She called Gruenberg “a no nonsense person of action. You put together a plan and get things done…… I put together a nice wedding ceremony but then I find out you have a few that you let the couples choose from. Then when I had surgery and couldn’t walk you drove me everywhere for 10 weeks.”

To Justin Arest she said, “Your knowledge of all aspects of Scarsdale never ceases to amaze me.
We have been in good hands for the last two years.”

To Village Manage Alex Marshall she said, “When you did the job of Village Manager and Deputy Village Manager for over a year you did a great job. You are calm and cool under pressure.”

About Gans she said, “I have worked with him on the board for 3 out of 4 years. We worked on hiring Keene and Beane and on code changes this past year.”

To Wise she said, “We have developed a great working relationship and friendship. I appreciate your directness and pushing us to find solutions.”

She thanked Ahuja for his “strategic perspective,” and for his “great sense of humor to lighten up the mood in the room.”

Wrapping up, Ahuja spoke via Zoom and said, “I wish I could be there. Thank you all for your flexibility as my schedule has evolved. Tonight is bittersweet. Serving on the Village Board has been one of the great honors of my life. It has been challenging and deeply rewarding.”
Thanks to those who encouraged me to run and to the people on the CNC who twice entrusted me with this important role.”

Working alongside all the volunteers. Passion and dedication leave an indelible mark on the people we call home

He called the Village Staff “the unsung heroes of Scarsdale.”

He said to Wise, “I was struck by your courage even when you ask tough questions. You’re willingness to speak up.” He told Brew, “You always asked the right question.” To Mazer he said, “Sitting next to you was one of the great joys of my tenure. Our families are connected now and I hope they will be for years to come.” To Jeremy Gans he said, “You put residents first. I enjoyed our spirited conversations about economics, politics. My wife said you are her favorite trustee.”

To Gruenberg he said, “Dara, there would be no Samir + Village Board had we not met. The community benefits from your willingness to make people feel welcome and included.
For over a decade you have worked tirelessly to support civic and religious institutions.”

He credited the Mayor with “deep knowledge and a passion for finding consensus.”

Last he thanked his family saying, “I joined the board when my kids were 11 and 8. I hope I showed by kids the value of public service.” He added, “I was the first person of color to serve on the board.” To his wife he said, “You managed your own full time job and everything while I pursued this.”

He ended with a quote from the late great Kobe Bryant who said, “You asked for my hustle, I gave you my heart.”