Village Board Unmoved by Public Outcry Over Surveillance
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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A long-awaited public workshop on community surveillance was held on Tuesday June 10, 2025, and the community had a lot to say.
As background, on April 8, 2025, the Scarsdale Village Board hastily passed a resolution to adopt a seven-year agreement with the surveillance firm Flock Safety without public notice The agreement calls for enhanced public safety equipment including cameras, license plate readers and drones, all operated in concert with Flock’s national database. The resolution and the signed Flock contract, dated April 29, 2025, were later added to the meeting agenda.
At the meeting on Tuesday, some new facts emerged:
-- No Request for Proposal (RFP) for the security contract was issued and no competitive bids were solicited for the $1.8mm contract that was awarded to Flock Safety.
-- A Congressional grant application for the funds to pay for the equipment appears to have been in the works for some time, and letters of endorsement for the grant monies were solicited from the Scarsdale Public Schools, State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, State Senator Shelley Mayer, Congressman George Latimer, County Executive Ken Jenkins, the Scarsdale Business Alliance and several clergymen in March, 2025. Some of these letters are addressed to US Senators Kristen Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer. This was all done when the public was in the dark, and as of now the monies have not come through.
The Mayor originally said that absent the grant, the Village would not proceed. However, now it appears that $200,000 of taxpayer money will ostensibly be used to launch the program in July. The Mayor indicated that Flock would hold off on invoicing the Village for the balance of the program until the grant is awarded.
The work session on Tuesday drew a crowd of 30-40 people to Village Hall with more commenting via Zoom. In the audience were some familiar faces of those who often follow the business of the Scarsdale along with many who rarely visit Village Hall. In the crowd were many foreign born residents who have first-hand experience with living in autocratic environments.
Mayor Defends the Process and the Program
The Mayor opened the meeting with assertions about the need for the equipment and claims that the process for purchasing it had been transparent.
Though crime rate has remained low in Scarsdale, the Mayor said, “We are at a crucial moment. We can become a target…. The best way is to remain vigilant. We need to have the tools before a tragedy occurs.”
He continued with a review of what he says was a transparent process. He said, “Public safety will always be a priority… We have followed a transparent process. We reviewed it in January and applied for a grant. … We also had a public work session and the Board decided to vote on it as an add-on item that night ….. We have the ability to terminate the contract within the next six months. There was nothing secret about the vote. It was a unanimous decision to add this to our agenda.”
He read a comment from former Village Trustee Sameer Ahuja to address concerns about the security of the data.
And defending the use of Flock Safety for security breaches he said, “We will have restrictions on the use of the data. Just because other communities use it differently does not mean we will use it that way. He assured the public that the Village manages much sensitive data and warned against conflating the situation in Scarsdale with national events.
About the Flock contract he said they will not use facial recognition technology and only maintain the data for 30 days unless it is requested by another entity. He said the drone will only be used for emergencies and said that the Village negotiated a $1.4mm discount on the contract which now starts on July 1, 2025.
Police Chief Vows to Maintain Community Trust
Scarsdale Police Chief Steve DelBene, who assumed the role in Janauay, said “This is not new technology. We have been using cameras and LPR’s for years. He said, “These technologies are not about broad surveillance.” He said they will “operate under oversight and be auditable,” adding, “These are proven tools that allow us to act more effectively. Most communities are already using this technology.”
He then recounted a long list of incidents that occurred in New Canaan, CT, a similarly sized community where Flock tools were used to find a car involved in a hit and run, to locate stolen vehicles and to chase a stolen vehicle out of the community. It was also used to find the person who stole golf clubs from the New Canaan Country Club, to solve a robbery at CVS and to catch a husband stalking his ex-wife using a car tracker.
He said, “We recognize the importance of community trust and look forward to maintaining that trust.”
The Village Attorney called the contract with Flock “one of their most stringent policies.” Flock cannot release data without the consent of the Village. Disclosure is only pursuant to a subpoena or a court order.” You can read the General Orders about the use of the data here:
Lots to Say
Many people came to the mic to speak during a lengthy public comments session. Charles Seife of 40 Montrose read said he was a former NSA employee. He said, “The system is extremely dangerous because it is nonspecific. It is passively gathered data collected on everyone. It is persistent and allows for retroactive surveillance. It tracks through time. This is the hallmark of mass surveillance and it seldom provides crime reduction or improvement in the quality of life.”
He continued, “I don’t have the time to enumerate the problems with mass surveillance. Read the indictment of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. His arrest was made possible by the system in St. Louis. They assure us that the data will be eliminated but somehow the government used the data to arrest him. It is a weapon that is pointed squarely at us.”
Nik Singhal of 217 Mamaroneck Road said, “Anyone who thinks that these are not tools of mass surveillance is fooled. The political environment is polarized. The government is going after people who are not aligned with their agenda. You can be targeted for your past and your beliefs. If you think it’s crazy look what happened in Russia and Germany. By approving this we just invited the government to track everyone 24-7. I think these privacy policies are not relevant – they are one subpoena away. The 30-day policy has virtually no meaning. If residents fall victim to the abuse of power – would you be personally accountable? Does the Village have the wherewithal to defend itself? I have no idea where the cameras will be placed – closer to some homes than others. It’s discriminatory to have some homes get more surveillance than others. If the magnitude of the concern is not obvious – the number who signed a petition opposing it is more than the number of people who voted for the trustees.”
Alissa Baum, former President of the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale and now Co-Chair of the Scarsdale Democratic Town Committee said, “I want to make clear that I value and respect our police department and know that our officers are dedicated to protecting us. I also believe that our mayor and village trustees have the best of intentions and are not embracing this technology for nefarious purposes.
That said, the surveillance equipment you intend to purchase will collect a vast amount of information about the everyday whereabouts and activities of law-abiding citizens. It does constitute an invasion of privacy and raises the risk that information collected can be used in discriminatory or otherwise improper ways.
I do see that you have attempted to draft policies that provide some appropriate protections—30-day data retention limits and the like.
However, it may be impossible to draft protections that are sufficient. I recently had the opportunity to see Spencer Reynolds, a former senior counsel at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and now a scholar at the Brennan Center, speak about the issue of surveillance technology in communities. He explained that local governments may not necessarily be able to prevent the sharing of information it collects with other government agencies (even if such information is wholly unrelated to criminal activity). Private companies like Flock may sell the information they collect to third parties, and in that instance, the government is free to purchase that information from such third parties without a warrant. This is known as the “data broker loophole.” That loophole has been used to get information about citizens’ movements, habits, and even religious beliefs.
I, like many in our community, am highly concerned about President Trump’s use of executive power, especially as we witness the immigration crackdown in Los Angeles. It is not difficult to imagine the information gathered by systems such as these being used to intimidate or discredit political opponents by disclosing lawful, but potentially unpopular or embarrassing behaviors or associations.
I wonder, in a community with such a low crime rate, whether this surveillance equipment is necessary or will provide sufficient benefit to justify the risks of disclosing the private information of law-abiding citizens.
Public servants—like the mayor and the trustees—need to understand that their roles are not just to get things done, but to have a dialogue with the community, especially this community which prides itself as thoughtful, informed, and caring. The process here did not meet the portrait that the administration and that we as a community want to portray.
Let’s slow down and make sure this is an avenue worth pursuing.”
Michael Otten said, “We are living through a difficult time. I do not have the same confidence about all branches of government.” He advocated for “two safe spaces without cameras in Scarsdale – one in Chase Park and another at the train station so that freedom of speech and assembly will be not be limited.” He said, “A resident did not attend a recent rally because he was concerned. Police officers can use observation to monitor crowds. This (the cameras) will inhibit free speech and assembly.”
Mayra Kirkendall Rodriguez said, “What your remarks tell me more than anything is that surveillance technology in Scarsdale is officially a fait accompli. Before April 8, The Village Board or manager did NOT announce beforehand that you were placing a surveillance technology vote on the agenda.
On April 8, this Board, voted in secret to have a contract with Flock Safety, a tech company riddled with violations, a lawsuit hanging over it, and a record of sharing private data with the federal government and immigration authorities. Flock Safety has been barred from doing business in some towns in Texas. Let that sink in. Texas, a state with a long tradition of supporting police and soldiers has towns that have found that Flock is a serial violator of rules.
There was no urgency to vote for this technology. I now have discovered that in early March someone, either within Village Hall or the Police asked several members of the clergy, a cabinet member of the Scarsdale School District and state representatives and senators to write to Senators Schumer and Gillibrand in support of drones, cameras, and license plate readers. The aforementioned parties used a template and wrote the same letter and sent it out to Senators Gillibrand and Schumer Most of those people do not even live in Scarsdale and yet, they knew before we the taxpayers did, what you were up to.
Board of Trustees, you are comprised of all white people and not once did you think to reach out to our amazingly diverse community to ask us what we thought. You can say you’re transparent but that does not make it so.”
Cynthia Roberts said, “Your efforts at transparency were not effective. We are all listening. Are you in touch with what’s going on in our minds? Reach out and make agendas transparent.” About the discount on the Flock contract she said, “Your story reminds me of a husband who comes home and tells his wife he got a deal on a state-of-the-art pool cover. She says, “Honey that’s great but we don’t have a pool.”
Jeannie Mackler said, “I am very fearful. I think we should have a referendum on this system. The only time we had a crime was when two checks were stolen from the mailbox.”
Chelsea Wang said, “I am a US citizen and I am a minority. I am very concerned about mass surveillance on me and my family. My family did not move here to live under surveillance.”
Deborah Skolnik said, “I am a 23-year Scarsdale resident. This is unnecessary and alarming. I have had my data stolen all over the place. I get many notifications about data breaches. Even if Flock has our best interest at heart, I think that my data might get out there. We live in an era of brilliant criminality – there is not much we can do to deter criminals. I think there is no harm in admitting this was a mistake and stopping it.”
A doctor who lives on Palmer Avenue said, “I have lived here for 18 years and never had an issue here. My kids walk and come home late and I never give it a thought. How much crime do we have here that we need such a big gun? I am a doctor. When people have a disease we start with the minimum treatment possible to minimize the side effects.” She referenced North Korea and China and said, “Think about a human being breathing down our neck every time we walk out. Do you want to live like that? Do I want my son surveilled going to see his girlfriend? Let’s think this through first.”
Diksha Mutabarry said, “I don’t hear any real justification on why we require this and why we require this now. The crime data speaks to a very safe Village. We are living in troubling times. It would have been proper to offer the community an opportunity to weigh in. This should have taken place two months ago. Moving forward it creates mistrust. There is a sizable population of people of color. Many of us are living in a state of fear.”
A man from Crossway said, “As a technologist I can understand. But as a resident who values safety and privacy this should have been more transparent. This should go through a clear and public review process. We are a small town – we need to think about the limits on usage of data. Thirty days of data seems long. What is the audit process to prevent misuse? Consider civilian oversight of the data.”
Rober Berg of 19 Carriage House Lane in the Mamaroneck Strip said, “Everything does not pass the smell test. Everything was ass backwards. This should have been done before the vote. There was only a vague agenda item and the board allowed this and voted on it in secret. The hubris of the board is stunning. Now no one is backing off. These are extraordinary times in this country. To count on Flock not to sell this data is ridiculous. We have equipment – we can buy more drones – I have three. I love flying my drones. It’s all the coverage you need. We have LPR’s – why do we need Flock?”
There were a few supporters of the plan. Susan Douglass asked for cameras to be installed on bike racks to prevent bike thefts and her husband said he read a study that showed a significant impact on safety in communities where these systems are installed.
However, skeptics vastly outnumbered supporters. Purmina Srivastava of Secor Road said, “Is there a checklist of Flock Violations? Was that vetted? The contract is already signed. What I heard today was a defense of this contract. There has not been acknowledgement of the concerns that are being exercised. Is this a check the box situation? I urge the board to take concerns of the resident seriously.”
Now What?
At the close of the meeting there was no sign that the Board would reconsider their decision or cancel the contract. They seemed resolved to move forward with the installation of the system, despite community fear and outrage. There does not appear to be a mechanism for the residents to reverse this decision.
Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest is the first Mayor in Scarsdale’s history to have been nominated and re-elected for a second Mayoral term, which he is now serving. The plan to sign the Flock contract spanned his first and second terms, and therefore a new Mayor did not come in and put fresh eyes on a controversial plan started by the prior board.
The resolution to sign the Flock contract was approved by a vote of 6-1 at the first meeting of the new board, which included two new members.
Delivering Children's Books to Underserved Communities
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At a time when, here in the U.S., educational programs are being systematically dismantled, it may give some folks solace to know that students like Max Spencer are taking tangible actions to provide educational tools to the most vulnerable in our larger community. As the son of an immigrant mother, the Scarsdale High School junior has long appreciated the diverse tapestry that makes up our country and the vast opportunities that exist here. Likewise, Max also greatly appreciates the access he has to an incredible education and the supportive community that comes with growing up in Scarsdale. Though grateful for the privileges he enjoys here, Max felt troubled by the socioeconomic disparity that can be found in Westchester and how it can impact a child’s educational experience. After learning that reading aloud to young children is strongly linked to pursuit of higher education and subsequent social mobility, Max started The Inspiration Project, a program that aims to inspire a love (and pursuit) of learning in children by providing free children’s books to families in need.
We recently sat down with Max to learn more about The Inspiration Project and how he hopes this important work will make a difference.
Q: Can you tell us more about your project?
A: I have been doing childrens' book drives within our larger community and donating the collected books to specific underserved populations. I have started within Scarsdale and have collected many books due to our community's generosity, but I plan to expand much further. I'd like to collect childrens' books that are no longer needed (refreshing library content, children growing too old for the books, etc.) and deliver them to community groups where this specific item (childrens' books) could easily be overlooked. There are many people who are working hard with more basic needs, so books are something that wouldn't necessarily be prioritized, but it could have a significant impact on their kids' futures. I have already provided books to 914 Cards and Hearts and Home for Refugees.
I'm targeting refugee and underserved immigrant populations to the extent that I can. I have an interest in working specifically with immigrant communities because of my own family story and experiences growing up. I'd like to donate books to specific refugee and immigrant centered organizations, but I've collected more books than these communities want to take right now, so I've expanded donation options to a few local child-oriented community organizations who have a greater need for childrens' books. I’ve also connected with Too Small to Fail, a program with The Clinton Foundation focused on childhood literacy, and am hoping to work with them this summer to find appropriate community partners to further my goals and theirs.
As an additional step within this project, I also hope to write and illustrate my own childrens' book this summer, publish it, and donate all sales proceeds to immigrant-oriented organizations. My book will be fictional, but will be inspired by stories of actual immigrants I know within my community.
Q: What inspired you to want to do this sort of work?
A: One of the biggest drivers of real economic change for individuals is pursuing higher education. There are many systemic barriers to this within underserved communities which need to be addressed, but one of them is having the motivation and desire to educate oneself through college. I got interested in this specific topic, because I do think there are communities where motivation is high, and others where motivation is low. So I began to research what drives motivation to pursue higher education, and I came across a presentation from the University of Chicago which cited early childhood literacy as one of the biggest components to the pursuit of future educational goals. Most parents love their children and want them to have good lives, but one of the things that might be different is the actual access to children's books. I can't address this problem on a large scale, but I do have the ability to put a few more childrens' books in a few more families' hands here in the NY area, and that is what my project is centered on. In a nutshell, this project combines my strong interest in immigration and immigrant populations and my desire for increased social mobility through access to education.
Q: Why is this work important to you? Is it personal for you?
A: As I mentioned above, my own family story and early childhood experiences are what inspired me to pursue this specific project, which is targeted towards immigrant communities in the NY area. I am the grandson of both immigrants and "natives" to America. My mom's parents came here in the 1970s and she was a first generation Indian American. My dad's family has lived in America for hundreds of years and many generations. But both sides of my family have a very strong respect for the concept of America as a place of hope for better life, no matter where you originate. This concept is under attack right now, which makes me feel even more inspired to work with immigrant populations, but I've always felt this way about immigration and America. Additionally, my first babysitter was a "Dreamer" - her family brought her here from Cote d'Ivoire when she was 2, and they were undocumented. She grew up as American as anyone else, but there were so many things withheld from her because of a situation over which she had no control. I was very close to her, and am still in touch with her, and although I didn't know much about her story when I was 4, I have learned it over the years and it has also been a big part of why I have this specific interest in immigration in America.
Q: How do you hope children and communities will benefit?
A: I think that while America does have real barriers to pursuing socioeconomic growth, it is still probably the country with the most access to opportunity. This is a concept that was also very much a part of what I was taught growing up. There are many things that aren't yet working perfectly in our country, but people generally are able to create real change in their lives in a more significant way than many other countries. I imagine that this is ultimately why so many people from around the world continue to want to immigrate here - they want to change their lives and know that it is possible in America. However, I do think people need to have that internal motivation to push themselves outside of the world they know, and this is why I decided to focus on early childhood reading. If early childhood reading can help kids want to pursue higher education, this will go a long way in helping them on the path to changing their socioeconomic outcomes. So I want to put books' in young kids' hands, and hope that that translates to an internalized belief system and desire for education.
Q: Do you hope to continue this sort of work in your future?
A: Yes. For now, my goal is small - I want to collect and distribute 3,000 books before I graduate (I've already collected just under 1,000 and have been pledged 400-500 more). I'm also hoping to raise at least $3,000 with the sale of my children's book on immigrant stories in my community. But I am very interested in pursuing some sort of continued work addressing these concepts of economic empowerment and immigration. I've already researched and written a paper on the economic impact of immigration in America (and Japan- it was a compare and contrast paper), and I'm in the process of getting it published. I'd like to take my research a step further this summer, if I have time and can find some sponsorship for it. I am very interested in immigration patterns, barriers, and motivations, and ideally I'll be able to continue this type of study once I get to college. I don't yet know how I can make an impact in this area with a career, but hopefully that will come to me as I get closer towards having a career.
Q: How can others get involved or help?
A: This is the most important question. If you are reading this and have children's books you'd like to donate, I will come and pick them up whenever is convenient to you, and I'll find a good home for them. Please email me theinspirationproject25@gmail.com and I'll respond right away to get your books picked up and donated. If you'd like to get involved and help in any other way as well, please reach out. I'm just one person doing this, and the more people involved, the more impact we can have.
A Memorial Bench for Susana Balkin and more from the Scarsdale Village Board
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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.
From Village Hall: A Welcome Page for New Residents and Guidelines for Installing a Memorial Tree or Bench
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If you’ve ever struggled to navigate the Village website to find vital information from Scarsdale, here’s a URL you’ll want to bookmark:
At the Village Board meeting on May 27, Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg announced the launch of a new Welcome Page on the Village website. The page offers links to everything you need to know: How to register your dog, how to pay your taxes, how to sign up for pool permits, important school dates, how to get a library card and lots, lots more. It’s billed as a welcome page for new residents, but current residents will find links to navigate to so much vital information.
Here is a press release from the Village explaining the resource:
The Village of Scarsdale is pleased to announce the launch of its new Welcome Page for New Residents, a digital hub designed to help newcomers seamlessly integrate into the community. This mobile-friendly resource provides essential tools and information to make getting settled in Scarsdale easier than ever.
The Welcome Page was developed as a collaborative effort between Village staff and the Advisory Council on Communications (ACC), reflecting a shared commitment to improving the resident experience through clear, accessible, and user-friendly communication.
Key Features of the Welcome Page:
• New Resident Checklist: A step-by-step guide covering important tasks such as signing up for emergency alerts, reviewing sanitation schedules, registering for recreation programs, and more.
• Community & Recreation Resources: Helpful links for obtaining library cards, purchasing pool passes, and exploring local programs.
• Village Department Contacts: Direct contact info for departments including Building, Clerk, Fire, Police, Public Works, Recreation, Sanitation, Treasurer, and Water.
• Mobile-Friendly Design: The Welcome Page is fully optimized for mobile devices, making it easy to access important information from your phone or tablet, anytime.
“We’re excited to offer this streamlined, mobile-friendly tool to help new residents feel at home right away,” said Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg. “It’s part of our broader effort to improve communication and make Village services more accessible.”
Residents can visit the Welcome Page at scarsdale.gov/new-resident. We encourage all residents to review this page, as it highlights a range of village services that are often overlooked yet highly beneficial. For questions or assistance, contact the Village Manager’s Office at 914- 722-1110 or manager@scarsdale.gov.
Memorial Trees and Benches
Have you ever considered planting a tree or donating a bench to memorialize a Scarsdale resident? With the diminishment of the tree canopy due to development, planting a tree in someone’s memory would serve two purposes – it would be a permanent reminder of a member of the Village and would help to defray the loss of trees.
To make this process accessible, the Village Board, Trustees passed a resolution to formalize the procedure for installing a memorial tree, bench or plaque.
The purpose is stated as follows:
“The Village of Scarsdale seeks to honor the memory of deceased residents through meaningful and respectful contributions to public spaces; and memorial donations such as benches or trees with accompanying plaques offer a personal and enduring tribute to loved ones while enhancing the community environment; and a formal Memorial Donation Policy has been developed to establish guidelines for the acceptance, installation, and maintenance of such memorials, ensuring consistency, appropriateness, and sensitivity to the community setting; and the proposed policy outlines procedures for donor applications, eligibility requirements, plaque specifications, Village responsibilities, and long-term terms and conditions.”
Read the entire policy here:
Electric Vehicle Chargers
In other Village business discussed at the meeting, the Board passed a resolution concerning upcoming plans to install electric vehicle chargers in the Village. The resolution standardizes the chargers that will be installed, selecting ChargePoint as the vendor. In brief the resolution says:
"The Village Manager’s Office seeks to standardize the electric vehicle charging stations for public use to be ChargePoint CP6021B 80AMP ®; and the Village Manager’s Office seeks to standardize electric vehicle charging stations for use by the public because (1) ChargePoint® electric vehicle chargers are readily available and ChargePoint® maintains a robust vendor network; (2) ChargePoint® offers a wide array of services making it more effective and efficient for the Village’s purposes; (3) ChargePoint® offers electric vehicle chargers which are compatible with several makes and models of electric vehicles thereby increasing effectiveness and efficiency for public use; (4) standardization of electric vehicle charging stations for public use will be more efficient and economical to maintain and upgrade in the future; (5) standardization will be more efficient and economical to source and stock parts; and (6) standardization will be more efficient and cost effective to train Village staff to maintain and repair only one type of unit.”
Read more here:
Smokestack Lease
Trustees agreed to renew a lease with T-Mobile for the use of the smokestack at 110 Secor Road for telecommunications equipment. The agreement calls for T-Mobile to pay an annual fee of $81,600 for use of the tower with cost escalations for the subsequent years.
See the agreement here:
Public Comments
During public comments the Board heard from Mayra Kirkendall Rodriguez who said that 280 residents from all neighborhoods have signed a petition regarding the village’s intention to install a surveillance system. She said, “I am concerned about opacity. I have been emailing the Board but most of my questions remain unanswered>”
“I receive the Flock contract and annual crime data from Scarsdale which shows that Scarsdale crime is at a 16-year low. I did receive some documents regarding the grant that the Village has applied for....Did you speak to any residents before the vote? Any foreign-born people? Lawyers? Risk assessment experts? Why won’t you hold a meeting now? How could you vote on this when two new trustees had just been brought on board? How did they get up to speed? How is it that it could not be put on the main agenda? I would appreciate a response.”
She then said, “I am the daughter of a veteran who landed on Omaha Beach on DDay. He came back and had 15 children – I am number 10…. I have zero intent of giving up until I get a reply from you.”
Marian Green from the Council on People with Disabilities spoke about the “disintegrating condition of sidewalks.” She said the last time she raised this at a meeting she was told, the sidewalks were “not in the budget.”
She said, “We met with Jeff Coleman and Dave Goessl. We came away impressed by their expertise but with the idea that their hands were tied.”
She continued, “There are 20 miles of sidewalks – compared to 80 miles of roads. 50% range from fail to fair – the other 50% have a passing grade. It is a fools errand to continue to use asphalt to repair the sidewalks. It is not cost effective. It is crumbling infrastructure. We are requesting a line item in the budget for a successful conveyance. The Empire State Building was built in less than a year and a half. I think we can rectify this in less that 7 years.”
Elizabeth Lawrence from 7 Walworth also spoke about the sidewalks. She said, “I have lived here and paid taxes since 1986. I am disappointed in your response. I was a principal in the Bronx – when things went wrong in my school I addressed them. My budget was skimpy. But I found the funds somewhere. I managed everything. I pointed out that the light on the handicapped ramp is out – 3 months ago – it is still not fixed. I am angry and you can understand why. It’s the same attitude about the sidewalk between Greenacres and Fenimore Road. My PT therapist says it’s too dangerous to walk there. Next to Hitchcock they have a good sidewalk. It’s shameful – I don’t find it to be a suburban paradise.”
Village Manager Alex Marshall responded to Lawrence and said, “I spoke to the public works staff. We are continuing to discuss this and will meet to address this. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We will follow up about the light on the ramp immediately.”
Police Chief Steven DelBene Says Public Safety Tools Will Be Used Selectively and Responsibly
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Scarsdale Police Chief Steven DelBene(The following was written by Scarsdale Police Chief Steven DelBene
May 8, 2025
Dear Scarsdale Residents,
Over the past few weeks, some residents have raised questions about the Scarsdale Police Department’s selection of new Law Enforcement technology tools used to combat crime and strengthen public safety. I want to take this opportunity to speak directly to the community about why we are pursuing these tools, what they are designed to do, and how the Scarsdale Police Department will ensure they are implemented responsibly and transparently.
The Police Department’s investigation into past criminal activity has confirmed that Scarsdale’s location and reputation make it an ongoing target for organized criminal groups intent on committing property crimes, auto theft, and other offenses against our residents. During my 19 years with the Scarsdale Police Department, it has become clear that in order to stay ahead of these evolving threats, we need more advanced, real-time tools that help us respond faster and more effectively.
For nearly two decades, our department has embraced technology as part of our mission to keep residents safe. We have used vehicle-mounted and fixed license plate readers (LPRs), live-view cameras, officer-worn body cameras, patrol dash cams, and drone technology during emergency responses. These tools have served us well, but like any system they have limitations.
In April 2023, a stolen vehicle carrying multiple firearms crashed on the Hutchinson River Parkway. The suspect fled on foot and remained at large in our Village for several hours. That incident made it clear that the Police Department needed to move quickly to upgrade the technology available to our officers. Since then, there have been several more incidents including very recently, a hit-and-run where a suspect broke into a resident’s home and barricaded himself inside. Real-time data and modern tools could have made a measurable difference in safety and response.
Prior to the Police Department requesting authorization from the Village Board of Trustees for the purchase of this Law Enforcement technology, as part of the Department’s due diligence, we consulted with colleagues across Westchester County, New York State, and nationally, including trusted contacts from the FBI National Academy. Many of these departments had already implemented fixed camera systems, updated LPRs, and drone-as-first-responder (DFR) programs with strong results. Scarsdale is not alone in its use of this technology. Local departments in Eastchester, Bronxville, Tuckahoe, New Rochelle, White Plains, and Greenburgh have adopted similar tools and continue to expand their use.
To be clear, this is not a mass surveillance system for Scarsdale. It is a public safety tool designed to help deter and solve crime, deliver real-time information directly to our patrol vehicles and dispatch center, and reduce our reliance on outside agencies for critical, time-sensitive data. It will be used selectively, responsibly, and solely for legitimate law enforcement and emergency response purposes.
To clarify how these technologies work:
• License Plate Readers (LPRs) scan and compare plate numbers against databases of stolen vehicles, wanted suspects, or individuals involved in criminal activity. They help officers establish timelines, identify vehicle movements, and support cases involving burglaries, abductions, and more.
• Live-view cameras complement LPRs by monitoring public areas adjacent to roadways—parks, trails, and open spaces—helping officers assess which direction a suspect may have gone.
• Drones as First Responders (DFRs) launch automatically in response to certain emergency calls, giving our team immediate, real-time visuals. They are operated by our police officers and can often arrive on scene faster than officers on foot or in vehicles, and they are valuable for storm assessments, fires, or large-scale events.
These tools are not experimental; they are in use by thousands of communities across the country, including many right here in Westchester.
As we explored our options, we met with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s office to pursue federal grant opportunities that could offset the cost of this program. Her team was supportive and directed us to the funding program to which the Village has since applied.
We also evaluated several vendors including Flock, Motorola, Midl, and Hanwha after seeing demonstrations at a security conference and inviting each to present their solutions. A fifth vendor, Verkada, did not respond. After careful review, we selected Flock for several key reasons:
• The system delivers real-time data directly to our patrol vehicles and dispatch center.
• Our Department controls access, use, and data-sharing- limited to active cases and authorized personnel.
• It includes ongoing hardware and software upgrades at no additional cost.
• The contract includes a six-month trial period which allows us to cancel for any
reason.
• If we do not receive grant funding, the Village is under no obligation to continue with
this program.
• All data is automatically deleted on a rolling basis after 30 days.
• The system includes several built-in accountability features, including public portals for the LPR and DFR systems, to ensure appropriate usage and transparency.
• It is used in almost 200 municipalities and police departments in the NY Metropolitan area. These include New Canaan, Darien, Westport, Wilton, and Ridgefield in CT, and East Hampton, Garden City, Brookville, Old Westbury, and Sag Harbor in NY.
I want to be clear: the Scarsdale Police Department has been nationally accredited through CALEA for over 30 years. We are proud of our policies, training, and oversight- particularly when it comes to protecting personal privacy and civil rights. This program will be no exception.
Our officers are grateful for the community’s support in acquiring this technology. We are committed to using it responsibly and transparently. The Police Department is currently developing a policy, which will be reviewed with the Board of Trustees and shared with the public. In preparing this policy, the Police Department and Board of Trustees are committed to ensuring that we will:
• Use this technology only for legitimate public safety purposes.
• Never use it to monitor anyone based on race, religion, gender, political affiliation, or
any protected class.
• Enforce strict access controls. Every use will be logged and reviewed.
• Maintain clear data retention policies—automatic deletion after 30 days.
• Follow a “data minimization” model, collecting only what’s necessary.
• Conduct regular audits and comply with CALEA best practices.
My first responsibility as Chief of Police is to safeguard the residents of Scarsdale. This is not about chasing the newest trend or expanding surveillance. This is about giving our officers better tools to prevent crime, protect the public, and respond to emergencies with speed, efficacy, and accuracy. These technologies represent a natural and necessary evolution in our work.
I welcome continued conversation with the community as we move forward with this initiative. I ask for your support as our department continues to serve and protect with integrity, professionalism, and care.
Respectfully,
Steven DelBene
Chief of Police
Scarsdale Police Department
