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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 06 August 2025

Created: 06 August 2025

Last Updated: 06 August 2025

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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

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 27 July 2025

Created: 27 July 2025

Last Updated: 27 July 2025

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Here is an obituary and notice of a memorial service for Robert November:

Robert November, 89, of Scarsdale and Rye, NY, and Pawlet, VT. Graduate of Harvard College and CUNY Graduate Center, leaves sons Peter (Elana) and David (Nicole), and grandchildren Zachary, Lucas, Hadley, and George. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Eleanor Tripp November in 2019. Worked for over 20 years at The New York Times and helped steer changes in distributing news and information at the start of the computer era to adapt to new technologies for gathering, distributing, and archiving news. Continued similar work at The Bond Buyer and at the F.W. Dodge division of McGraw Hill. Tirelessly involved in community work as a parent, school board member, and board member of numerous other community groups from the 1970’s until his death. Along with his wife Eleanor, received the Scarsdale Bowl Award in 2001 in recognition of their extensive community service.

The memorial service will be held at 11:30 am on Sunday, August 3, 2025 in the auditorium of The Osborn senior living community, 101 Theall Rd, Rye, NY.

Contributions in Robert’s honor can be made to Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling, or to the Robert November Book Fund at Harvard College Libraries in Cambridge, MA.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 18 July 2025

Created: 18 July 2025

Last Updated: 10 September 2025

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Here is a statement from Representative George Latimer on the House Bill Rescinding Funding for Public Broadcasting, Life-Saving Foreign Aid

On July 18, 2025 Congressman George Latimer (NY-16) released the following statement after he voted against rescinding funding, that is already law, for public broadcasting and life-saving foreign aid:

“This rescissions package reflects the extreme and out-of-touch DOGE agenda. It slashes civilian aid to Ukraine and Eastern European allies, strips access to basic family planning for 48 million women worldwide and eliminates the U.S. contribution to UNICEF. It even eliminates funding for public broadcasting, jeopardizing PBS Kids, local public TV and radio, and the emergency alert systems communities rely on during natural disasters.

Republicans call these cuts ‘savings,’ but this is funding they voted for in the bipartisan Continuing Resolution. This isn’t about fiscal responsibility. It’s about imposing a harmful, ideological agenda at home and abroad. It is an agenda that will destroy America.”

The recissions bill pulls back $9 billion in funding Congress already voted on and President Trump signed into law this year. This package codifies cuts that Elon Musk and the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) recommended that will destroy the government and weaken U.S. power and standing in the world.

Video of Rep. Latimer recently speaking about the recissions bill on the House floor.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 09 July 2025

Created: 09 July 2025

Last Updated: 10 July 2025

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A Village Food Drive, a pool update and proposed police technology were all discussed at the Village Board’s first meeting in July.

The meeting opened with comments from Mayor Justin Arest:

Mayor’s Comments:

Good evening. I have four items to discuss tonight. Before I get to those, however, I want to extend our deepest condolences for the loss of life and share that the thoughts and prayers of this Board and our community are with everyone impacted by the flooding in both Texas and North Carolina.

I’d also like to recognize that July is Disability Pride Month, an important time to celebrate the contributions and diversity of the disability community. And on a lighter note, July is also National Ice Cream Month—something we can all enjoy as we come together this summer.

First, a reminder: we have paused the Technology Upgrade Program with Flock Safety following notification that our grant application was not approved. The Police Department had already begun developing a contingency plan in anticipation of this possibility, and we have now asked them to expedite that work and return to the Board in September. This timeline allows for thoughtful revisions and ensures the recommendations can be shared with both the Board and the broader community. We also recognize that many residents are away at times over the summer and want to allow for the greatest possible community engagement.

To clarify, the agreement with Flock Safety has not been cancelled, but no further steps will be taken until all options for public safety upgrades are reviewed at a public meeting in September. Termination remains on the table, as maintaining flexibility to meet the Village’s evolving needs has always been a priority for this Board and was a key consideration when entering the agreement.

Second, Scarsdale has launched a month‑long food drive this month, in partnership with Feeding Westchester. The drive began last week and will run through July 31, collecting nutritious, non‑perishable items at convenient drop‑off locations Village wide. Please go to our website, Scarsdale.gov for more information on how you can participate.

I think it is important to note that in Westchester County:

-1 in 3 households is currently at risk of hunger, and
-2 in 5 households report skipping meals or relying heavily on food pantries

Feeding Westchester serves over 175 partner food programs monthly, distributes fresh produce, and operates mobile pantries: providing vital nutrition to 80,000 children each month

The Village is proud to participate in the fight against this ongoing epidemic of food insecurity. Hunger, even in more affluent areas, is a growing, serious issue, and I encourage every resident to contribute canned goods, perishables, and if possible, a cash donation. Every dollar helps provide up to two meals.

Third, our pool renovation project is progressing. The architects are working on the schematic design, and we’ve reengaged Ballard and King to build upon earlier economic analyses. We expect to present a detailed plan, including design, operations, and timeline along with financial projections, to the Board and public during a work session in October. Once we have a better sense of timing, we will publicize that meeting.

Lastly, I want to mention community events that we attended on July 4 to celebrate the 249th anniversary of our nation’s Declaration of Independence. Trustees Wise, Mazer, and Deputy Mayor Gruenberg joined me at Arthur Manor’s celebration that included a parade with Uncle Sam, a ceremony and awards for scooters and floats. Deputy Mayor Gruenberg, County Executive Jenkins and Assembly Member Paulin joined me at Greenacres’ event which included a community gathering and ceremony along with the annual water run with a lot of welcomed help from our fire department. Thank you to Arthur Manor President Matt Martin and his team, Greenacres President Kristin Zakierski and her team, and their respective Neighborhood Associations for putting on and including us in these wonderful celebrations.

Village Manager Alex Marshall announced that the Public Service Commission will be holding hearings throughout July on Con Edison’s proposed rate increases for electric and gas delivery. See the full schedule here:

Marshall also announced that a traffic study of Mamaroneck Avenue is in progress. The information is needed in the planning of enhancements to Boulder Brook and Crossway including courts, a turf field and parking. The consultants have already collected the traffic data and plan to have the report by the end of the summer.

Responding to a question about the status of the pool project, Marshall explained, "Lothrop and Associates are further developing the proposal in schematic design for the pool complex that includes a year round natatorium in accordance with the board's direction at the January 28, 2025, budget work session. Our consultants from Ballard*King are simultaneously updating the market analysis and operational plan for the pool complex that were previously conducted in 2022. We anticipate having a public meeting this fall to update the Village Board and the community on the progress for the pool complex."

Following the meeting we questioned the Mayor about the timing of the pool renovation. Since it will not begin this fall, we asked if the current pool will remain open for the summer of 2026 - with construction to begin in the fall of 2026? He responded, "This is a reasonable assumption at this point. We want as little downtime as possible."

Stormwater and Sidewalks:

Village Trustees will hold a work session on stormwater management and sidewalks on Tuesday July 15 at 6 pm at Village Hall.

Public Comments:

Joseph Mauro of Murray Hill Road attempted some comic relief. He said he had come to present a video, but had to do a slideshow instead. It is a comic weaving of the complaints he has recently heard at Village Hall about accessible sidewalks, turf fields, redefining the zip code and more all-weather fields.

He suggested that Scarsdale annex Edgemont for their playing field and use drones to limit littering at the Golden Horseshoe and enhance golf bag security at Scarsdale Golf Club.
He suggested that the Scarsdale Pool could be converted into a turf field and that a lazy river could transport commuters to the Hartsdale Train Station. He said the video would be posted on social media.

Beth Lambert of Chateaux called in via Zoom to discuss the Flock contract. She said, “I’m grateful we have this moment to pause, to reset, and I hope you see it as a chance to refine your plans and seriously consider some community concerns.

Meaningful, appropriate security is vital to our village. But like any investment in our shared well-being, it demands deliberate thought. Surveillance, call it what you will, is not a dog park debate. It’s not about pickleball. This is a fundamentally different kind of conversation, one that touches on privacy, trust, and the future we want to create together.

I imagine you expected unanimous support going into this. And perhaps that was part of the oversight. I’m giving you the benefit of the doubt because I do believe you serve with good intentions. So let me be clear: dissenting from this decision does not mean we don’t value your time or your commitment. It means some of us believe this decision needed more conversation, upfront.

By not opening it up early, those of us with concerns have been cast as divisive or ungrateful. That’s unfair, and deeply disappointing.

I’ll be honest: I don’t know the full scope of what’s involved in securing a village like ours. But I also don’t know what we’re securing ourselves from. Personally, I feel safe here. I always have. So, if we’ve truly been at risk all this time, why are we only hearing about it now?

Mayor Arrest mentioned this agreement with Flock is simply to upgrade failing systems. But if that’s the case, if it’s just an equipment swap, why wasn’t it shared more transparently from the beginning? Was public input deemed less important than on other issues?

Is it wrong for members of this community to question a surveillance contract? To ask about data collection? Or the impact on our children, who make mistakes, who test boundaries, and who deserve the same space for youthful error that many of us once had? What happens when those mistakes are recorded and archived? What of our own mistakes? What happens when that data ends up in the wrong hands?

Please don’t tell me it can’t. We all know it can.

Does increased surveillance prevent tragedy? Sometimes, maybe. But often, no. Atrocities still happen. And if you feel you need cameras to feel safe, you have the right to secure your home, your property, your family. But I ask, will that really prevent the unthinkable? Or are we just building a false sense of safety while quietly giving up something we can never fully get back?

We owe it to everyone in this village, not just the loudest voices, not just those comfortable participating online, to ask hard questions before we normalize surveillance as part of daily life. That includes thinking about those who stay quiet or who fear being seen.

This moment is your chance to rebuild trust. Not by doubling down, but by listening harder, being more transparent, and recognizing that community safety is about more than hardware. It’s about shared values, even when those values are somewhat different.

Let’s make sure we haven’t lost sight of them.”

Robert Berg also called in. He said, “I am concerned about why the Flock contract has not been cancelled. Has the clock started on the no-cancellation clause? I have seen the Village’s response to some FOIL requests. This no-bid contract was a result of documents from Flock claiming they should be the sole source. There are a number of competitors out there that provide identical services but perhaps not marketed as well. In April the Chief noted that no other communities in Westchester were using Flock – though they have drones and cameras.

But you are persisting on going forward – and have not cancelled the contract. The law requires justification for the sole sourcing contract. You are still lying about this. Why would the lawyers on this board go forward with this? Why not question the Village attorney’s erroneous decision?

The public was not made aware of the advanced state of this. This is a terrible state of affairs.
You should admit it and be more transparent moving forward.”

The Mayor responded, “The 180 day cancellation period has not started.”

Resolutions:

Trustees passed several resolutions including:

-Approval of a $199,000 contract with Logically for an IT switch infrastructure upgrade

-Approval of an agreement with the CSEA for the addition of a senior office assistant at the Police Department to the bargaining unit.

-Approval of an amendment to the CSEA agreement for benefit provisions to reflect actual practices.

-The appointment of Joseph Lawrence of 7 Walworth to the Arts Advisory Council.

-The approval of $325,000 in funding for Youth Services provided by Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service. SFCS provides youth outreach, counseling services, leadership groups and managers SAY and the Safe Coalition.

-Approval of the purchase of a 2026 Freightliner, which is a 6-wheel dump truck for snow removal at a cost of $302,000.

-The Board approved disciplinary charges against an employee of the Police Department who was terminated in March 2025.

Communications

The Village Clerk reported that the Board received 32 communications about public safety technology since the last meeting.

Tax Collections

The Village Treasurer reported the following rate of tax collections as of June 30, 2025

98.79% of County Taxes
99.69% of School Taxes
99.71% of Village Taxes

All of these percentages exceeded the average for the past five years.

The Treasurer also discussed the following chart about tax collections via a lock box and online payments. She said the new system was reducing mail bulk and leaving staff more time for customer service.