Trustees Review Proposal to Protect Scarsdale's Tree Canopy

Though Scarsdale has been designated as a “Tree City USA” by the Arbor Day Foundation for 42 years, the reality is that the Village’s tree canopy is on the decline. A report from the Village found that last year 1,000 trees were taken down, and only 300 replaced, for a net loss of 700 trees. Though there are laws in place to protect the trees, any tree designated as invasive, such as Norway Maples, and any “diseased” trees can be clear cut.

In order to strengthen protections, Trustees proposed a code change to require licensing for commercial tree service businesses operating in Scarsdale. Licensees would be required to show proof of insurance. The code says that tree removals must be done from Monday to Friday between 8 am and 6 pm. The law could be suspended when an emergency requires removal of trees and branches.

The code defines penalties for individual violators and for business or corporate offenders that climb with repeat offenses.

The provision applies to the removal of “any part of a tree connected directly or indirectly to the trunk at a height greater than 10 fee above grade.”

A public hearing on the new law was held during the Village Board meeting on September 9, 2025.

Commenting on the proposal, Joan Weissman of 3 Kingston Road called it a “positive step in helping to protect Scarsdale trees.” She said, “I look forward to further provisions that will safeguard our tree canopy. Thank you for taking these steps.”

Michelle Sterling, Chair of the Scarsdale Conservation Advisory Council, said she was “appreciative of the code change” and called it “a great first step.” She said, “I am hopeful that we will make further changes. 70% of trees are not being replaced…. In the future we will denude the landscape. Hopefully we can address tree replacements in the future.”

Ron Schulhof of 8 Springdale Road said, “The changes are valuable improvements. Having worked on multiple updates I appreciate the willingness of the board to continually review the code and make changes as needed. I urge the board to adopt these changes. I want to thank the DPW for their street tree planting. The trees will help future generations long after we are here.”

Discussing the proposed code, Trustee Mazer questioned the height provision. He said, “If a branch is 11 feet up, hanging over a gutter, you would need a licensed tree person? Not the roof guy?”

Jeff Coleman, Supervisor of the Department of Public Works said, “The intent of the code is that any major work should be done by someone who receives a license from the Village.”

Trustee Gans said, “I think Scarsdale’s tree canopy needs to be preserved and enhanced. We have to be careful about the right way to do it. The law as drafted needs to be tightened up. Some lawn companies will need to get a license. But this prohibits tree work on Saturday and Sunday and after 5 pm. Why do we allow yard work on weekends but not tree work?”

Trustee Kofman questioned the penalties, saying, “It is not clear about what defines an individuals vs. a corporation.”

Trustee Wise asked, “Do you have any plans to revisit the other tree code – concerning removals? Why are you allowed to take down one tree a year?”

Mayor Arest said, “There is a difficult balance between property rights and concern for our tree canopy.”

About the ban on weekend work, the Mayor said, “If you hear a chain saw on the weekend, it’s reasonable to assume that the person is not complying with our code.”

Trustee Gans said, “Pruning does not require a permit – and presents a gray area – especially on the weekends.”

Trustee Goldschmidt added, “We don’t want to interfere with normal housekeeping and keeping the property neat and clean. But when is pruning tantamount to a tree removal?”

Gans said, “I think we should allow tree work on the weekend – like stonecutting and gardening.”

After discussing some of the questions, Mayor Arest said the public hearing would be re-opened at the next meeting on September 30, 2025.

Mayor’s Comments

Mayor Justin Arest opened the meeting with the following comments:

Good evening. September always feels like a reset. Summer is ending, school buses return, and our community gets back to its rhythm.

We began the month with Labor Day. It reminds us that work is more than a job title. It is the daily effort of residents, staff, and neighbors who make Scarsdale what it is.

Thursday is Patriot Day, September 11. We will pause to remember the lives taken, the families forever changed, and the first responders who ran toward danger. Let us honor them with silence, reflection, and kindness.

Back to school is fully underway. Drivers, please take extra care. Slow near crosswalks, stop for buses, and remember that children move unpredictably. Safety is not seasonal.

September is also National Preparedness Month. Make a family plan, check flashlights and medications, and sign up for our emergency alerts if you have not already. You can never be too prepared, and if an emergency occurs, readiness matters.

We mark Suicide Prevention Month, a chance to end stigma and make help normal. Today is Firearm Suicide Prevention Day. The community should know that the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is always available.

On Sunday we celebrated Grandparents Day. If you forgot to call someone, consider this your official municipal reminder.

From September 15 through October 15 we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Our community is stronger for the cultures, languages, and traditions that neighbors bring to our shared table.

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Monday, September 22, and Yom Kippur follows October 1. To our Jewish friends and neighbors, L’Shanah Tovah and wishes for a meaningful fast and reflection.

Sunday, September 21 is the International Day of Peace. Peace is not passive. It is built in our homes, on our blocks, and here in this chamber.

Yesterday we had the privilege of attending two important ceremonies that speak directly to service and sacrifice. At the fire department ceremony, we officially welcomed Nicholas Camardella to the Scarsdale Fire Department. Nick is a familiar face in our community having grown up in the area and attending IHM, and after serving as a police officer in Greenwich he has now joined a fire department defined by courage, camaraderie, and service above self. His timing is meaningful, as we look ahead to the retirement of Arthur Hickey after 20 years of distinguished service. We are proud that Nick chose to bring his skills and commitment to Scarsdale.

Later in the day, at a police department ceremony, we recognized three new officers joining the ranks and four of our own stepping into leadership roles. It was a powerful reminder of why the Scarsdale Police Department is among the most respected in our region, with CALEA Tier 2 Advanced accreditation held by fewer than five percent of agencies nationwide. We welcomed Officers Murphy, Vega, and Del Bene, and celebrated the promotions of Detective Galindo, Sergeants Wilder and Kringas, and notably Lieutenant Arcesi, the first female lieutenant in the history of the Scarsdale Police Department. Her promotion is not only a personal achievement, but a milestone for our community. She carries forward the professionalism, integrity, and community engagement that define our police, and she stands as a role model for others who will follow. We thank them all, and the families who stand behind them, for their service and sacrifice.

The pool is officially closed and we thank our Parks Department for their hard work to ensure we had another successful season.

I also want to mention two upcoming work sessions, of course other work sessions will likely be planned and we will announce those as soon as possible:

Sept 30: Discussion on the land use code changes and Freightway, and Nov 18: Discussion on Roadway Paving and Sidewalks

We anticipate holding a pool work session in October and hope to have a date in the next week or two.

Staff is currently working on the budget calendar for the proposed 2026-2027 budget cycle which will include various work sessions.

Finally, please remember that the first School Tax payment is due this month.

Public Comments

Sidewalks:
Elizabeth Lawrence of 7 Walworth Avenue and Marion Green of 43 Butler Road commended the Mayor for scheduling a meeting on sidewalks for November 18, 2025.

Flock Safety:
Joseph Lawrence also of 7 Walworth Avenue commended the board for not following through with the contract with Flock Safety. He said it “raised privacy concerns,” and that the state of Illinois announced an investigation into Flock sharing data with out of state agencies. He said, “In August, Flock paused contracts with ICE and Homeland Security.” He called Flock “a serious threat to our civil liberties,” and said, “I hope the Police Department will learn a lesson from Flock Technology.”

Lawrence continued, saying that when Con Edison put in the gas line at the intersection of Walworth and Fenimore Roads they disrupted private home hook-ups to the sewer system. He asked if Con Edison would be held accountable.

Mayor Arest assured him, “If Con Ed did not do what they were required to do, they will be held accountable. They would be responsible for rectifying that.”

In other business, the village renewed a lease agreement with AT&T to place wireless telecommunications facilities on the smokestack at 110 Secor Road.

Trustees agreed to hold a public hearing on September 30 for a code change that will extend metered parking until midnight. It is now prohibited to park in metered spaces after 11 pm.

They adopted a revision to the code regarding eligibility requirements for serving on boards and councils. They lowered the required age from 21 to 18 and will allow one non-US resident to serve on many of the boards and councils.

Melissa Chai was appointed to the Arts Advisory Council

A professional service agreement was signed to retain Woodard and Curran Engineering to maintain the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system associated with the Village’s water system.

Victoria Sirota was reappointed to serve a six-year term as Town Assessor. The Mayor said, “We are fortunate to have Assessor Sirota and appreciate that she is here. I hope she will be here longer than the six-year term.”

Toby Levin was appointed to the Town Board of Assessment Review.