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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 01 May 2025

Created: 01 May 2025

Last Updated: 01 May 2025

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(This letter was submitted by Alissa Baum, Deborah Porder and Myra Saul)

To the Editor:

The Scarsdale Democratic Town Committee, Indivisible Scarsdale and concerned community members cordially invite all to attend a rally in Chase Park on Saturday, May 3, 4pm. (Rain date May 10, 4pm)

Another rally against Trump? Why in Scarsdale?

The report card on President Trump's first 100 days is not good. Recent polls bear out that he is a failing president. Even his signature policy of immigration is not in the plus column.

President Trump has flouted our traditional values---including our Constitution and statutes--in so many ways. But the Republican majority in Congress has decided not to object.

This leaves those on the sidelines, like our local Democratic committee, Indivisible Scarsdale and hundreds of other organizations and thousands of individuals, united in the need to state that WE object. WE object to his willful disregard of economic common sense which threatens not only our standing in the world's economy but may also trigger horrific inflation. WE specifically object to his gutting of federal agencies and mass firings, seeking to obliterate scientific research, academic freedom and civil liberties. WE object that under his "leadership", vital programs, like Social Security and Medicaid, may be radically changed or decimated.

Are not these values the ones that Scarsdale prizes? What better community to speak out against the destruction of the values that have actually made America great?

None of us can afford to sit on the sidelines. Republicans want to cut the money and programs that keep our hospitals open, our food safe, our water clean and that will prepare us for the next epidemic. United we can stop them!

Alissa Baum and Myra Saul, co-chairs, Scarsdale Democratic Town Committee

Deborah Porder, lead organizer, Indivisible Scarsdale

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 24 April 2025

Created: 24 April 2025

Last Updated: 24 April 2025

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Denim Day at Village HallScarsdale will officially recognize Denim Day on April 30, 2025 when everyone is encouraged to where denim to raise awareness about sexual assault and domestic violence.

Olivia Barbezat and Milagros Chatelain, Youth Outreach workers at Scarsdale Family Counseling Service attended the Village Board meeting on April 22 when the Village issued a proclamation recognizing Denim Day as an expression of support for victims of sexual violence.

The two explained that Denim Day has become a symbol of protest opposing erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault. It Olivia Barbezat and Milagros Chatelain display the Denim Day Proclamationstems from an infamous ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim in the case was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped her rapist remove her jeans, thereby implying consent.

Residents are encouraged to wear denim on April 30 to support survivors and educate themselves and others about all forms of sexual violence.

Barbezat and Chatelain invited the community to attend a screening of the film, “It Ends With Us,” and a discussion at Scarsdale Library at 7:00 pm on April 30, 2025.

The board and village staff wore denim in a show of support.

Pope Francis

Mayor Justin Arest asked for a moment of silence for Pope Francis. He said, “We pause tonight to acknowledge the passing of Pope Francis, a global spiritual leader whose humility, compassion, and commitment to justice touched lives far beyond the Catholic Church. As the first Jesuit and first Latin American pope, he led with a deep sense of service, championing the poor, the planet, and the dignity of all people. His legacy will continue to inspire people of all faiths to lead with empathy and purpose. We will be flying our flags at half staff in coordination with the state until Saturday. I ask for a moment of silence in honor of Pope Francis.”

Village Budget

The Village Board approved a $72.2mm budget for 2025-2026 that calls for an increase in the tax levy of 3.95%, or $1,930,000, which exceeds the allowable levy under the New York State Tax Cap formula. Approximately $456,606 of the total levy increase exceeds the cap.

This 3.95% increase translates to a 2.39% rise in the tax rate, equating to approximately $203.25 per year for the average household.

-The budget includes funds for road paving and stormwater improvements.

-There is $5.3 million for an artificial turf field at Winston Field and plans to redesign Crossway, which will involve relocating the tennis courts, building six pickleball courts and redesigning the parking lot. This will be funded through debt and the general fund.

-$200,000 for community safety technology, such as license plate readers and security cameras and $175,000 for an upgrade to the nearly 40-year-old computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system are included in the budget.

Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg made the following comments about the budget:

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to Village Manager Marshall, Treasurer Scaglione, the department heads and entire Village staff for their diligence, expertise, and professionalism throughout the 2025–26 budget process. I also want to thank my fellow Trustees for their thoughtful engagement, collaborative spirit, and shared commitment to responsible governance.

This budget reflects months of careful analysis, meaningful public input, and productive dialogue. Every decision was guided by our responsibility to safeguard public resources while ensuring that Scarsdale remains a vibrant, well-managed community.

While the budget includes a modest tax increase, it’s important to note that rising fixed and personnel costs alone placed us above the state tax cap. These are necessary expenses to maintain the high-quality services and professional workforce our residents rightly expect. Even in that context, the budget manages to prioritize key investments in infrastructure, stormwater mitigation, sustainability, public safety, and technology enhancements, each essential to both meeting immediate needs and positioning Scarsdale for the future.

Equally important is the continued focus on long-term planning. This budget lays the groundwork for future capital investments in major community assets such as the Scarsdale Pool Complex and playing fields. These are complex, multi-year initiatives that require foresight, fiscal discipline, and public engagement. I’m proud that we are advancing them thoughtfully.

I fully support this budget. It is balanced, forward-looking, and aligned with our values as a community. It reflects the dedication of our staff, the leadership of this Board, and our collective commitment to the future of Scarsdale.”

Tree City

The Village of Scarsdale was recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, for its commitment to cultivating a healthy and sustainable urban forest. The Tree City USA program, sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation and run in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, honors communities that use urban forestry to improve sustainability and quality of life. To qualify, a municipality must meet four standards: maintain a tree board or department, enact a tree ordinance, invest at least $2 per capita in tree care, and hold an Arbor Day observance.

The Village of Scarsdale will hold its annual Arbor Day celebration on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. (rain or shine) in De Lima Park. This year, the Village will plant a white oak (Quercus alba)—a species recommended by the Friends of Scarsdale Parks for its ecological value and long-term contribution to Scarsdale’s urban canopy. All members of the community are invited to attend the planting.

Destination Scarsdale

Village Manager Alex Marshall announced that the first farmer’s market will be held on Sunday May 4 in Scarsdale Village and run through November 23, 2025. There will be a ribbon cutting at 11 am. This will be the first day of “Destination Scarsdale,” a series of events coordinated with the market and Bicycle Sundays on the Bronx River Parkway.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 16 April 2025

Created: 16 April 2025

Last Updated: 17 April 2025

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Stephen Shallo was appointed Deputy Village Manager of Scarsdale in December 2024. He comes to us with years of experience in city and muncipal government and is eager to assist the retail community to thrive in town. Learn more about Shallo below:

Tell us about your education and how you became interested in municipal government.

I am a proud University of Delaware Blue Hen! I received my Bachelor’s degree with a dual major in History and Political Science with a concentration in Public Law. I had initially envisioned a career in law, but during my time as an undergraduate, I pivoted to government following an internship with the New York State Battery Park City Authority. During this internship, I worked on a variety of projects including the use of innovative energy solutions such as the use of solar, geothermal heating and cooling and the harvesting and recycling of rainwater—all in a small-scale municipal setting. These were emerging technologies at the time and redefined how we tackle the problems impacting our communities. It taught me to embrace innovation to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and transform customer service.

During my junior year, I had the privilege to serve on the University of Delaware Undergraduate Student Government Association as co-chair of the government affairs board. In this role, I served as a student representative to the City of Newark, Delaware at their municipal meetings. This work allowed me to develop a unique understanding of municipal operations, budgeting, good governance, active citizen engagement, and community planning. My extracurricular experiences solidified my interest in government and set me on my current path.

Upon graduating from the University of Delaware, I began what would become a twelve-year career with the City of New York. Eager to expand my knowledge and abilities further, I attended Pace University Graduate School to pursue a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in local government. My classes were during the evening which allowed me to balance my professional and academic responsibilities. During my time as a graduate student, I had the good fortune to take a course in municipal management taught by the talented Patricia Dwyer who—at the time— was the Village Manager of Pleasantville, New York. Professor Dwyer would become my mentor and guide over the years and was instrumental in introducing me to her municipal colleagues in Westchester. Little did I know at the time that this connection would result in a new career trajectory in the council-manager form of government.

What are the responsibilities of the Deputy Village Manager? What do you handle?

I am primarily responsible for assisting the Village Manager with the day-to-day operations of the Village including preparation of the Village Board agenda, participating in the annual budget process, and working with the Village departments to implement the policies of the Board of Trustees.
In addition to this work, I manage parking operations within the Village in coordination with our Village Clerk, Court, and Police Department. I also serve as the liaison to the Scarsdale Business Alliance and as the liaison to our scouting organizations throughout the Village.

We see that you spent many years working for the City of New York. Tell us about what you did there and how it may be applicable here.

I began my career with the New York County (Manhattan) District Attorney’s Office. My responsibilities included providing investigative and trial support to several Assistant District Attorneys. It was an incredibly rewarding experience and a privilege to work with so many dedicated law enforcement and justice officials.

After several years with the District Attorney’s Office, I accepted a role within the Office of the Mayor where I joined a new multi-agency unit known as the NYC Business Acceleration Team. This unit consisted of staff brought together from several City agencies and tasked with developing innovative solutions to help small businesses open faster. Together we identified redundant regulations, introduced multi-agency inspections, and created several inspection guides and resources. As a result of our work, we helped business owners open an average of four weeks earlier than they would have without our assistance, guidance, and education.

After several years with the Office of the Mayor, I accepted a role with NYC Department of Small Business Services where I continued to innovate and improve how small businesses open and operate in the city.

During my time with the City of New York, I honed the skills that I feel are necessary to manage complex projects across multiple teams, deliver excellent results in a timely manner, effectively communicate with elected officials, and assist the public in resolving their concerns. I believe these professional experiences—along with the knowledge I gained working with the Village of Bronxville—will allow me to effectively support our business districts, manage complex projects such as the Scarsdale Pool and Freightway redevelopment, and address the needs of our community.
I am excited to continue leveraging my personal and professional skills within the Village of Scarsdale and I look forward to meeting our residents, merchants, and community members in the coming months.

You also worked with small businesses in the city. Did you have experiences there that can help Scarsdale to drive the growth of local business?

Certainly! While working with the City of New York, I became well versed in common bottlenecks entrepreneurs encounter when opening a small business. I intend to leverage these experiences in my evaluation of internal operations by collaborating with department heads to explore opportunities for improvement. Similarly, I look forward to working with the Scarsdale Business Alliance in support their incredible efforts and find new, innovative ways to aid our merchants throughout the Village.

For the last five years you worked in Bronxville. What are some differences you noted between the way Bronxville and Scarsdale operate?
While I have found many similarities between the two municipalities, I was immediately struck by the size of Scarsdale in both geography and personnel. In Bronxville, I was familiar with each street and the challenges/needs of the different neighborhoods. I also interacted with all staff on a regular basis. I am confident I will achieve the same familiarity in Scarsdale and I look forward to providing competent and dedicated service.
Another unique feature of Scarsdale is its oversight of its own water distribution and infrastructure. Previously, I had worked closely with a water utility company to address any delivery or maintenance concerns for residents. I will leverage new experiences such as this to learn as much as possible from my Village colleagues.

My mentor and previous manager in Bronxville—James Palmer—always taught me the importance of being a visible presence in the community. In Scarsdale, you can expect to see me throughout the Village through my day-to-day responsibilities as well as my work with the Scarsdale Business Alliance and Farmers Market. Please don’t hesitate to say “Hello!” I look forward to meeting you!

What opportunities do you see here to enhance operations in Village Hall and the experience of residents?

The Village of Scarsdale has an exceptional team of staff members; each department is run competently and efficiently. I intend to continue to deliver this same level of service and encourage members of the public to contact me should they have any questions, comments, or concerns. There is always room for improvement, and it is important that we remain engaged with the public in a productive and collaborative manner.
What are some possible impacts on Scarsdale from the uncertainty and upheaval in the Federal Government?

The Village Manager and I continue to monitor the changes being implemented by the federal government. While we anticipate modifications to federal programs such as grant funding, we continue to work with our elected officials at all levels of government to ensure continued access to appropriate Federal resources.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

As someone who is behind a desk many hours of the workday, I find it important to get outside into nature to refocus and recharge. I regularly hike throughout the Hudson Valley including the Catskill and Taconic Mountains. I also enjoy canoeing and kayaking; during summer weekends, you can find me offering kayaking lessons on the shores of the Long Island Sound.

When I’m not enjoying the great outdoors, I am busy in the kitchen trying new recipes, cooking for my lovely wife, or spending time with my adorable nieces and nephew. Watching them learn, grow, and laugh always brings me happiness.

I also volunteer my time with several organizations including—Board Member of the University of Delaware Alumni Association, Assistant Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America – Troop 2 Scarsdale, and co-founder of Midland Avenue Green Association in Yonkers, NY.
I like to stay busy!

What else?

I find municipal governance to be a fulfilling and rewarding career. It provides me with a unique opportunity to ensure the long-term success of the community, help members of the public, promote economic development, and find creative solutions to solve problems. I am grateful to the Village of Scarsdale for selecting me for the role of Deputy Village Manager and look forward to a long and productive career of service.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 09 April 2025

Created: 09 April 2025

Last Updated: 25 April 2025

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Jason Kofman, Justin Arest, Dara Gruenberg and David Goldschmidt were sworn into office on Monday April 7, 2025.The Mayor and newly-elected Village Trustees were sworn into office on Monday April 7, 2025 at noon, and quickly got back to work with a work session and Village Board meeting on the evening of Tuesday April 8.

Village Clerk Taylor Emanuel began the proceedings on Monday when she swore in Mayor Justin Arest for his second term in office. He then swore in first time Trustee David Goldschmidt, returning Trustee Dara Gruenberg and newly elected Trustee Jason Kofman.

The ceremony was attended by Village staff, former trustees, current trustees and family and friends who offered a hearty round of applause for the new board.

Without missing a beat, the new Village Board was back in action on Tuesday April 8. 2025. At a work session prior to the meeting they heard a presentation from Scarsdale’s new Police Chief Steven DelBene calling for the adoption of a new surveillance system in Scarsdale. The system utilizes “an eco-system of inter-connected tools to monitor and identify vehicles in Scarsdale in order to find and apprehend criminals. Included are live-view cameras, license plate readers (LPR’s) and drones which will alert police of the presence of vehicles and match license plates in real time to pre-existing databases (National Crime Information Center – NCIC.)

Once there is an alert, a drone will be immediately deployed and will be on scene prior to officer’s arrival to provide critical real-time information to aid in the response. See all the details of the new system here.

Why is this new program necessary?

According to Chief DelBene: Since 2010 Scarsdale has experienced 329 burglaries, 1,557 larcenies, and 139 motor vehicle thefts. These are extremely difficult to solve as the perpetrators are well organized, transient or individuals committing crimes with obscure identities. He cited seven other lower Westchester municipalities who are currently utilizing the technology. (As far as we know, Police never found the people who broke into 52 cars in the Village in the early morning hours of Labor Day in September 2024.)

At the meeting of the Village Board that followed the work session on 4/8, the Board voted 6-1 to adopt the technology which the Mayor said will be paid for by a federal grant. They agreed to retain Flock Safety to “provide the Scarsdale Police Department with First Responder Drones including hardware, software, training and services for a total of $116,142.86 annually with an initial term of seven years; and to provide the Scarsdale Police Department and with public safety video cameras and license plate reader cameras and all corresponding hardware, software, training and services for a total of $141,000.00 annually with an initial term of seven years.”

Trustee Jeremy Gans was the lone “no” vote. He cited concerns about privacy and the sharing of personal data.

Mayor’s Comments

"At the opening of the Village Board meeting on April 8, 2025, Mayor Justin Arest made the following comments:

I’d like to begin by taking a moment to recognize the passing of Merrell Clark, a longtime Scarsdale resident whose quiet leadership and enduring civic commitment left a meaningful imprint on our community.

Merrell was deeply engaged in the life of the Village. In 1985, he chaired the Scarsdale Futures Committee—an initiative that sought to take a broad, forward-looking view of Scarsdale’s needs and values. Under his leadership, the Committee conducted what remains one of the most ambitious and inclusive surveys in our community’s history, with over 3,000 residents participating. The results guided conversations for years and are still remembered today as a gold standard in community engagement.

Merrell also served on the Board of Ethics and was active in the Town and Village Civic Club, which is now the Scarsdale Forum, where he helped promote transparency and thoughtful local governance. Whether contributing to neighborhood conversations or participating in public meetings, Merrell brought a calm, reasoned presence and a genuine desire to serve the public good.

Outside of Scarsdale, Merrell dedicated his time to nonprofit organizations focused on mental health and social justice—continuing his lifelong commitment to service and compassion.

Here in Scarsdale, we will remember him as a neighbor who listened closely, acted with integrity, and believed deeply in the importance of community. We are grateful for all he gave, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

May his memory be a blessing.

Continuing now with some reflections on a weekend that really captured the energy and spirit of Scarsdale. I had the privilege of helping start the 55th Annual Scarsdale 15K and 4-Mile races—an incredible community tradition made possible by the coordination and dedication of so many. I want to especially thank our Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, along with their entire department, for leading the effort.

Their hard work didn’t end with the race. Thanks to their strong stewardship and investments we have made in recent years, our athletic fields were in excellent shape and open for community use all weekend. That’s no small feat in early April—and a testament to how well they manage both infrastructure and weather challenges. I heard from many residents who appreciated that we could be open when many other communities could not.

Yesterday, we marked an important milestone with the swearing-in ceremony for Trustees Goldschmidt, Gruenberg, and Kofman. I want to warmly welcome Trustees Goldschmidt and Kofman to the Board. I’m excited to work with both of you and continue building on our tradition of thoughtful governance. And to Trustee Gruenberg—congratulations on your continued service.

I also had the honor of being sworn in for a second term as Mayor. It has been an incredible honor to serve Scarsdale, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue doing so.

Tonight, we open our public hearing on the Tentative Village budget for FY2025–2026. I know Trustee Gans will offer our thanks to the Village Treasurer, the Village Manager, and all staff involved in this year’s budget process—and rightly so. But since I get to speak first, I want to offer my appreciation as well.

What continues to impress me about Scarsdale’s budgeting is how transparent and inclusive the process is. Many local governments don’t begin public budget conversations until the tentative budget is filed. Here, we start much earlier—typically at least eight months out for staff and at least six months of deliberation and discussion for the Board and public. Capital planning—and by extension, long-term investment in community infrastructure—is a year-round effort.

This extended process matters, especially in communities like ours where the majority of the tax levy comes from single-family residential properties, and where much of our spending is non-discretionary—shaped by collective bargaining agreements, state mandates, and long-term obligations. That means every discretionary dollar must be carefully weighed. And it’s why we work to take the long view—balancing our immediate needs with investments in the future.

As we look ahead, we are mindful of potential economic headwinds. Signs are emerging that point toward a possible weakening of broader economic conditions. This year, we’ve made more aggressive revenue assumptions—particularly around sales and income tax—than we typically would. While we believe these projections are reasonable, they may become harder to achieve if economic conditions continue to deteriorate. And because the performance of the equity markets directly affects the pension rates set by the State Comptroller, market volatility could also impact future obligations.

Of course, these financial uncertainties don’t just affect our budget—they can weigh heavily on the households and families that make up our community. Our residents are not only our constituents, they are also our friends and neighbors, and we are always mindful of how broader economic challenges can ripple through their lives. I share this not to raise alarm or suggest immediate changes are needed, but to reassure the community that we are closely monitoring these factors. We remain prepared to make prudent adjustments if and when they become necessary.

With the information available to us today, I believe this budget represents a sound, responsible, and forward-looking fiscal plan for our community.”

Public Comments

During Public Comments Anne Hintermeister expressed concerns about a budget line that calls for the issuance of a $37 million to pay for the pool complex.

She said, “The Board chose to go forward with a $53 million year-round facility. Is the $37 million bond realistic? It sounds kind of low. Does it include contingencies and bond issuance costs? You originally rejected the year-round option due to staffing costs and anticipated losses – have these changed? Who will operate it, run it, staff it? Subsidizing pool operations from the Village budget is not a good idea. Would you charge residents even more? I think it should continue to be run with the Enterprise Fund. I don’t think the public has an idea of what is going on.”

Mayor Arest responded, “In terms of the true cost, until we get to 25% of the schematic design, it is fairly uncertain. We want to spend the least amount while providing the community with what they want. I am comfortable leaving it at this level for now. We will produce the plans so we can understand the costs moving forward once we have a better idea of the operational structure. We can’t do it without knowing how many buildings there will be and how much staff will be needed. The intent is to have it as an Enterprise Fund and keep it self-sustaining.”

Trustee Jeremy Gans said, “I appreciate that you go back and look at prior presentations. If nothing happens with the tariffs, we won’t be able to build this pool. But we need a number for the budget at this time.”

During Trustee Reports, Trustee Gruenberg said, “I attended the Junior League of Central Westchester fundraiser last Friday night. They do 8,000 hours of community service a year. They donated over 2,000,000 diapers. Assemblymember Paulin threw the first die to get the party started.”

Meals on Wheels

The Board signed an agreement to provide administrative support for Meals on Wheels to deliver meals to recipients in the Village at a cost not to exceed $12,000. Trustee Gruenberg pointed out that the recipients pay for their meals, but the Village steps in to support the delivery.

Village Wide Fees and Charges

Trustees voted to adopt a schedule of fees and charges for the 2025-26 fiscal year. You can see the new schedule here.Baked goods from Boleria.

Teen Travel Camp

The Board awarded a contract for teen travel buses to Nationwide Bus Charter of Staten Island for the travel camp for the summer of 2025.

A Café for the Library

The Board voted to execute a revocable license agreement with Boleria NY LLC as licensee for the operation of café services at the Scarsdale Public Library. Boleria is a Brazilian bakery in Mamaroneck that makes cakes, treats, quiche, soup and more.