A Memorial Bench for Susana Balkin and more from the Scarsdale Village Board

The Scarsdale Village Board accepted the gift of a memorial bench in Chase Park to honor Susana Balkin a Fox Meadow wife and mother of twin 10 year-old boys who passed away at age 42 in April. Her husband Jonathan Balkin told us that the family moved to Scarsdale from New York City in October 2020 and shortly afterwards Susana was diagnosed with a blood disorder. In the short time she was well she left her job and enjoyed Scarsdale and playing golf and tennis at Sunningdale Country Club.

Balkin said the family made an amazing group of friends in town who have been extremely supportive of the family, sending food, hosting the boys for meals and sleepovers and inviting Balkin out as well.

At the Board of Trustees meeting on May 13, 2025, Deputy Mayor Gruenberg read the following about the gift of a memorial bench.

“The Village received a request for a memorial bench donation from Scarsdale resident, Jonathan Balkin, in memory of his wife and mother of their two children, Susana Balkin. Susana passed away in April 2025 after a courageous 4+ year battle with blood cancer and complications following a Bone Marrow Transplant. She is survived by her loving husband, Jonathan, and their 10-year-old twin boys, Andrew and Ryan Balkin. Her legacy of resilience, strength, leadership, and passion continues to light the way. She also had a deep passion for travel and adventure, embracing every opportunity to explore new cultures and experiences with her family.”

“Understanding the family’s desire to place a bench in Chase Park, which will be a focal point of remembrance and reflection for future years, I have worked with the Friends oof Scarsdale Parks to determine a location suitable for all.”

The 5” x 8” bronze plaque that will be affixed to the bench will read:

In Loving Memory of Susana Balkin
01/09/1983 – 04/23/2025
Cherished wife and devoted mother to twin boys who filled our lives with love and the joy of adventure.
Sit, rest, and take peace in the beauty that surrounds you.
Always in our thoughts, forever in our hearts

Other Business
The meeting got off to a late start. Without explanation it was postponed from 8:00 pm until 8:30 pm and then further delayed by technical problems with Zoom.

Mayor’s Comments
The Mayor opened the meeting with some general notes, acknowledging mothers for Mother’s Day, observing Mental Health Awareness Month along with Asian American Pacific Island Heritage Month and designating the week of May 11-17 as Food Allergy Awareness Week in recognition of the 377% increase in food allergies in the past decade. He reminded the public that the vote on the school budget and school board members will be held on Tuesday May 20 from 7 am to 9 pm at Scarsdale Middle School.

He also noted that the term of Ben Boykin, Scarsdale’s representative on the County Board of Legislators, comes to an end in June and that the Democratic primary for a candidate for the seat will be held on June 24, 2025.

In other news, he reported that the recently passed NYS Budget eliminates the MTA payroll tax, which is good for local commuters.

In response to concerns about a resolution to purchase cameras, license plate readers and a drone from Flock Security, the Mayor said, “The Board intends to hold a meeting about public safety technology that we expect to install this summer.” He said the meeting would be held in June, with the data to be announced soon.

Village Manager
Village Manager Alex Marshall told residents to be aware that water main flushing is ongoing. The schedule can be found here. Though the discolored water is safe it could stain your laundry.

The Scarsdale Pool will open on Saturday May 24, 2025 and permits are available online or at the Recreation Department. Contact them at 914-722-1160.

Public Comments
Mayra Kirkendall Rodrigue of Fox Meadow Road called in. About the police technology she said, “It’s good to hear that there will be a meeting in June. But it is backward – the meeting should have happened before the secret vote. We’re lucky to have so many diverse people in Scarsdale – I don’t know why you didn’t want to hear from them. 260 people from all districts have signed a petition. While we support responsible public safety we are concerned about the lack of a transparency. This will have a lasting impact on privacy and public trust. It is critical that we have a meeting to discuss this and I think you should pause this until there is funding. When did you apply for this grant? Give us a meaningful voice in shaping the policies.”

Communications from Residents
Village Clerk Taylor Emanuel reported that there were 15 communications about the new police surveillance equipment, water billing and a report from the Scarsdale Forum. You can see the letters here:

Tax Collections
The Village Treasurer reported tax collections as follows:

As of April 30, 2025, collection percentages are:
93.32 % of the 2025 County Tax Levy.
99.58 % of the 2024 School Tax Levy; and
99.62 % of the 2024 Village Tax Levy.
Tax liens were at an historic low, $546,000, on 19 properties.