Letter to the Editor What You Need to Know About the Scarsdale Pool Project

The following letter was written by Susan Levine

Most residents seem not to know much about the proposals for the Scarsdale Pool renovation.

Those who have been pool members and love the four pools as they have always been would like to see them totally removed and then restored to their former glory with necessary upgrades to the pool building as well. The cost to all Scarsdale taxpayers would be 35 million dollars paid over 25 years. The value of restoring the 56 year-old outdoor pool complex as a valuable Scarsdale amenity for those who Need It as their summer refuge can be understood by everyone.

BUT here is the problem. A group of residents wants to remove the beloved outdoor Diving Pool and build instead a large structure with Indoor Lap Lanes and Diving Boards for use in the cold months. And add many new elements to a newly constructed building that are not necessary but only desired and very costly.

The Cost for residents in taxes would now Double to 70 Million dollars paid over 25 years and the tax amount Increases each year. The cost also Increases from the original estimates if your home’s assessment is over $1.6 million.

My sincere concern is that a minority of indoor lap swimming enthusiasts would appear not to mind adding a huge tax burden for everyone else in Scarsdale, the silent majority. For 25 years. And the large Indoor Lap Pool and Diving building with glass doors that open on one side in the summer changes the Outdoor Pool Complex that its members love just as it is ... forever.