Update from the Mayor on Yeonsoo Go, the Flock Contract, the Pool and More

Here is an update from Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest sent to the community on August 6, 2025

Dear Scarsdale Community,
As we move through the final stretch of summer, I want to share several important updates about ongoing projects and events shaping our Village. Thank you, as always, for your continued engagement and support.

Yeonsoo Go Released
We are overjoyed to share that Yeonsoo “Soo” Go has been released from ICE custody and is now safely home with her mother. This outcome is the result of extraordinary advocacy, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to Assembly Member Amy Paulin and her Chief of Staff, Scarsdale resident Michelle Sterling, for their tireless work in securing Soo’s release. We also appreciate the efforts of Senator Schumer, Congressman Latimer, Congressman Lawler and their offices. We are also deeply grateful to our interfaith clergy for their advocacy and for coming together to help support the community. Thank you to the countless community members who showed their support. The outpouring of love was extraordinary and deeply moving. This is what Scarsdale is all about: standing together and supporting one another.

Pool Complex Project
With swimming top of mind for many this summer, residents have been asking about the status of the Pool Complex renovation. We’re pleased to share that the project continues to move forward. Given the scale and importance of this effort, the Village is proceeding methodically and thoughtfully to ensure we present the community with a comprehensive range of well- developed options.

Our architects, Lothrop Associates, have been hard at work this summer developing schematic designs and working with our owner’s representative, Hill International, on preliminary cost estimates. We have also re-engaged Ballard*King & Associates to provide updated operational cost projections to ensure transparency not only around construction costs but long-term operating expenses as well.

As previously shared, the Board made the decision last winter to advance planning for an indoor/outdoor facility to preserve full flexibility. Once schematic designs and cost analyses are complete, we will hold a public work session some time this fall to present the available options.

Community feedback will be essential in shaping the direction of the project. No final decisions have been made; the process is structured to keep all possibilities open, including indoor, outdoor, a combined facility, or closing the pool complex.

We will provide ample notice once the date and time of the work session is confirmed. I want to reiterate that resident input is critical to the direction of the project, so please be sure to sign up for Village notifications so you will be alerted to village board meetings. Once a direction is chosen, the Board and staff will carefully explore all value-engineering opportunities to ensure the project is executed with fiscal responsibility. As of now, the plan is for the current pool to remain open through the 2026 season, with renovations beginning afterward to minimize downtime for residents.

Public Safety Technology Update
As a reminder, the Village applied for a federal grant to support updated license plate readers, live-view cameras, and Drone as a First Responder technology through Flock Safety. We were notified in early July by Senator Gillibrand’s office that our application was not successful. At that time, Chief DelBene was asked to return to the Board with updated recommendations in September.

On Monday, August 4th, we received a memo from Chief DelBene regarding this matter. Based on his guidance and the absence of federal funding, the Village has canceled its contract with Flock Safety, as of this morning, August 6th. No monies have been expended nor any technology deployed in association with this project. The Police Department remains committed to evaluating technologies that support public safety and will continue its exploration of critical technology upgrades in the future. We always take community input seriously, especially regarding technology that may raise concerns for residents. Protecting privacy is a central part of every agreement we enter into, and we will continue to prioritize privacy safeguards in all public safety initiatives. At the same time, we remain deeply committed to ensuring our professionals have the tools they need to keep Scarsdale safe.

At present, there are no upcoming meetings scheduled on this matter. We will inform the community should a meeting on this topic be scheduled in the future. We thank everyone who participated in sharing their thoughts on this topic.

Feeding Westchester Food Drive – Thank You
We are proud to share that our recent collection drive for Feeding Westchester yielded 3,400 pounds of food which will help create 2,833 meals for our neighbors in need across Westchester County. Thank you to everyone who donated and supported this important initiative. Across Westchester County, countless families rely on the generosity of their neighbors to help put food on the table, and once again, Scarsdale residents stepped up. Special thanks go to the Scarsdale and White Plains Rotary Clubs, as well as the many neighborhood associations that organized local collection drives. Your kindness and commitment will make a meaningful impact in the lives of those facing food insecurity.

Library Pond Restoration Project
Design and planning work continues on the Library Pond Project. This effort will improve stormwater management and restore the natural beauty of the area surrounding the Scarsdale Public Library. The project is scheduled to be completed in September. Learn more about this project here.

Roadway Paving and Olmsted/Brewster Roads Sidewalk Updates
This season, the Village has undertaken the repaving of approximately 10.64 miles of roadway. As a frame of reference, Scarsdale has approximately 91 miles of roadways, 79 miles of which are owned and maintained by the Village, and the rest by the county and the state. We appreciate your patience as crews complete this important work to improve our infrastructure.

In addition to ongoing roadway paving, two new sidewalks are being installed to enhance pedestrian safety, particularly for students walking to and from the high school and the Library. Work is currently underway on Wayside Lane to connect the existing sidewalk at the High School parking lot entrance to Post Road, with completion expected within four weeks. Meanwhile, the Olmsted Road sidewalk, running from Post to Brewster in front of the Library’s campus, is nearing completion. This new path not only supports safe student travel and Library access but also offers a convenient connection to the scenic, rehabilitated Library Pond.

New Electric Sanitation Truck
The Department of Public Works has received a new electric garbage truck which is the first of its kind in Westchester County. This innovative addition will improve the efficiency of waste collection in our community while advancing our sustainability goals. We extend our sincere thanks to the DPW staff and the Village’s Conservation Advisory Council for their leadership and commitment in bringing this project to life. Their forward-thinking efforts continue to put Scarsdale at the forefront of sustainability and innovation in Westchester. There will be more on this addition in Scarsdale Official this Friday.

Village Treasurer Search
Our Village Treasurer, Ann Scaglione, has accepted the position of Comptroller for the Town of Cortlandt. Her last day with the Village will be August 22. We are grateful for her willingness to remain through the majority of the annual audit process and for her many contributions to Scarsdale during her tenure. Treasurer Scaglione brought meaningful improvements to the Treasurer’s Office, implementing new technologies that streamlined both payment collection and the annual budget process. This new role represents an exciting next chapter in her career, and we wish her continued success. Filling the Treasurer position remains a top priority, and the Village has circulated the job posting through local, regional, and national networks for government finance professionals.

Westchester Band Concerts — August 7th and August 14th at 8pm
Join us for the final two Westchester Band concerts under the stars on Thursday, August 7th and August 14th at 8:00 PM in Chase Park. Led by conductor Alan Hollander, the ensemble features professional, amateur, and talented student musicians performing an eclectic and uplifting program of light classics, show tunes, jazz, marches, and more. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a picnic in this relaxed, family-friendly setting. The concert will be held rain or shine, with Scarsdale Middle School as the alternate location in case of inclement weather. Come celebrate the end of summer with this beloved community tradition!

Stay Informed: Sign Up for Village Alerts
Stay connected with the latest Village news, updates, and emergency notifications by subscribing to Scarsdale Official. Sign up here to ensure you receive timely alerts on everything from traffic and weather to community meetings and special events.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support. Wishing everyone a safe and restful remainder of the summer. As always, feel free to email me at [email protected].

Sincerely,
Justin Arest
Mayor