New Sweet Spots Coming to Scarsdale Village
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Three new sweet spots will soon be opening in Scarsdale Village. Imagine Candy is in the works on Harwood Court, next to Yogo Joy and will offer every conceivable kind of candy to downtown shoppers - from penny candy to artisanal chocolates. Bill Vogel and his partner are now sourcing the best products out there -- and will sell unique products from all over the United States. Vogel says he searched Westchester for the right spot for the new store and landed in Scarsdale where the shop is currently under construction. In addition to candy dispensers and the chocolate display, the new store will feature a candy art wall, created with artwork from local residents. Imagine will have a party space so keep them in mind for your child’s next birthday bash. The current timetable plans for an opening in early October, well before the Halloween candy rush.
We also spoke to Diana of Martine’s Bakery, soon to open at 48 East Parkway. She reports that they plan to open at the beginning of September and will be selling their own breakfast pastries, fresh-baked artisanal breads and serving soups, salads and sandwiches at tables in the shop. In nice weather you will be able to sit outside and enjoy coffee, cappuccino and espresso.
Also opening in just a few weeks will be Patisserie Salzburg at Christie Place. The shop has been under construction for many months and the work is almost complete. Similar to Patisserie Salzburg in Rye, the Viennese pastry shop will offer sumptuous croissants, pain au chocolat, strudel, baguettes, breads, pastries, tarts and cakes -- all freshly baked. There will be a good selection of coffees, sandwiches and salads sold at lunchtime. For breakfast, lunch or a snack, there will be ample seating inside and out –weather permitting.
Trustees Explore Roundabout at Heathcote Five Corners
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On Monday August 8, the Scarsdale Village Municipal Services Committee met to review and discuss the results of the second phase of a study conducted by Creighton Manning Engineers on the feasibility of a roundabout at the Heathcote Five Corners.
During the first phase of this study, Creighton Manning engineers reviewed 5-legged roundabouts in New York State in order to show how intersections similar to the one at the Heathcote Five Corners benefit from a single-lane roundabout as opposed to traffic lights at each leg.
Phase two of this study, which was the focus of Monday’s meeting, culminated in a presentation given by Jeff Pangburn and Stephan Godlewski, consultants from the Creighton Manning firm. Their presentation included a detailed mapping of the existing intersection at the Heathcote Five Corners, a preliminary layout of what the roundabout might look like, statistics that suggest how a roundabout would improve the intersection, and an initial cost estimate of the project at large.
Pangburn began the presentation by explaining why a roundabout would be a more favorable type of intersection in the first place. He cited an improvement in pedestrian safety, a reduction in the severity of potential accidents, an increase in traffic flow, a decrease in vehicular speeds, and a decline in carbon emissions as potential benefits.
The presentation was particularly useful in providing a visual image of the roundabout. The key features of the roundabout would include a landscaped center island, truck aprons, raised pedestrian islands, roadway lighting, and additional signage. The virtual image created by the Creighton Manning firm certainly suggests that such a project would improve the existing intersection at least from an aesthetic standpoint.
In addition to providing a visual image, the consultants presented some hard facts collected from past studies. The results of these studies indicate a 35% reduction in automobile accidents and a 45% reduction in pedestrian accidents as a result of the implementation of a roundabout at intersections similar to the one that exists at the Heathcote Five Corners. In a study of a roundabout in Glens Falls, NY, which has the same characteristics as the Five Corners in terms of the type of intersection, traffic delay was cut by 20%, and traffic volumes decreased dramatically. The improvement was so remarkable that before the intersection was transformed, only 31% of Glens Falls residents were in favor of the roundabout, whereas after the transformation, 63% were in favor.
Unfortunately, the potential benefits of a roundabout at the Heathcote Five Corners come at a high price. The projected cost of creating this new intersection is estimated at $1.9 million before right of way acquisitions are even considered.
Beyond the monetary costs of the project, many residents at Monday’s meeting voiced their concerns about the physical price they and others would have to pay if the roundabout is in fact constructed. The roundabout is a successful form of intersection if drivers yield when they are signaled to yield. However, many residents alluded to the fact that Scarsdale drivers are not known to be the most considerate group of individuals on the road. To this extent, aggressive driving could result in an increase in number of accidents at this intersection, which would entirely defeat the purpose of creating a roundabout in the first place.
Of course, like any big decision, the Municipal Services Committee will have to weigh the pros and cons of creating a roundabout in order to determine whether or not it will be worth constructing. Monday’s meeting was the first of many future discussions regarding what could be one of the most monumental municipal changes the village of Scarsdale has seen in decades.
Shelby Rokito recently graduated Scarsdale High School, and will be attending Cornell University in the fall as a Communication major in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She loves writing, cooking, and playing with her dog.
Planning Board Forwards Affordable Housing and Wetlands Code to the BOT
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The Planning Board of the Village of Scarsdale referred amendments to the village code on affordable housing and the freshwater wetlands map to the Board of Trustees at their meeting on Wednesday night July 27th. The recommended wording was the outcome of several work sessions and on both matters and the committee gave unanimous approval to forward the recommended code to the trustees.
Though the Board invited public comment on these issues, they did not make their revised copy available. Without drafts of the new language it was difficult to comment on these changes.
The adoption of the model code is a result of the Westchester County Housing Settlement that requires Westchester County to construct 750 units of affordable housing in 31 eligible communities by 2016. The Planning Board reviewed the code recommended by Federal Monitor James Johnson and made revisions appropriate for Scarsdale. Introducing the recommendation for the code Scarsdale, Planning Board Chair Jane Veron said that the board’s draft clarified the number of required units, integration and occupancy standards and addressed the marketing of the affordable units.
The changes to the Freshwater Wetlands map updates wetlands and controlled areas and expands wetlands requirements to areas that may not be on the map but meet the criteria for wetlands. The code strengthens the ability of the Village to protect these areas.
Village Planner Elizabeth Marrinan said drafts of both the affordable housing and wetlands code revisions would be made available by her office later this week.
Also on the agenda at the meeting:
Golden Horseshoe: Representatives for the owners of the Golden Horseshoe Shopping Center came before the Board to ask for a parking waiver. There are two vacant storefronts in the Scarsdale portion of the shopping center and they would like to rent these to restaurants. Under current code, restaurants require double the number of parking spaces as retail stores. The applicants retained an expert who studied parking at the shopping center at peak times and determined that there is already ample parking and that additional spaces would not be required to accommodate restaurant customers who frequent dining spots at night. Though the management of the shopping center does not have a specific tenants lined up, they wish to make these storefronts available to restaurants and therefore applied for a parking waiver for 23 spots.
They also discussed the possible construction of a third arm of the shopping center to be built to complete the horseshoe. These new stores would be built on the New Rochelle side of the property.
Oxford Road: The Planning Board discussed the assessment of a recreation fee to the purchasers of 39 Oxford Road. The property will be subdivided into two lots and in lieu of dedicating land to the Village, the buyer will be assessed a recreation fee of 5% of the assessed value of the property as shown on the 2006 tax role. At that time the property was valued at $1,850,000 so therefore, they will be assessed $92,500.
Roundabout: Last, the Scarsdale Board of Trustees met on Tuesday morning July 26th, and announced that there will be a presentation of a feasibility study for a roundabout at the Heathcote Five Corners at a Municipal Service Meeting at 6:30 pm on August 8th. The presentation will be given by engineers, Creighton Manning.
The Only Thing We Have to Fear About the Tax Cap is Fear of the Tax Cap Itself. Maybe.
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This is the last article I’m going to write about the tax cap for a while I think. Much has been written about how it may affect our schools, but not about how it will affect our town. This is the last article for a while about the matter, I promise.
If you have been following the issue, Albany has voted to limit property tax increases to 2% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. Some say this will help small businesses in suburban areas and assist residents who may be suffering from ballooning property taxes. Opponents say that the cap deprives local municipalities of the power to decide how they raise and spend their money. Those against the cap contend that it will not help businesses and residents, but just lead to cuts in services and education.
According to one recent study, if the 2% cap is in place, due to the costs of pensions and healthcare mandates, Westchester County is already $11 million over the property tax increase. In the current Scarsdale Village 2011-2012 budget, expenditures went up just over 6% mainly due to health insurance and pension costs, debt servicing and an increase in assessment appeals.
Local governments like Scarsdale will now have to rely heavily on revenues from sales tax, mortgage taxes and investment income. With the state of the economy as it is there is little reason to believe those receipts will be strong any time soon.
Scarsdale residents can vote to override the tax cap on the school budget with a 60% supermajority. However, for the village budget, monies for police, fire, maintenance and town services are voted on by the Board of Trustees. A supermajority of the board- meaning 4 votes out of 7- would be needed to override the tax cap as well.
If that override doesn’t happen, the town may have to cut jobs, including those of police? Fees could rise, services will go down. But, your property tax will only go up 2%. Big win, right?
Alfred Gatta, the Scarsdale Village manager, has heard all of these concerns, probably more than anyone else in this town:
"If we have to stay within the 2% cap on the tax levy we'd likely have to reduce services and reduce some employees." He notes that a supermajority of the board can vote for an override. But Gatta says fears over the tax cap are probably hurting not helping matters.
"I want to avoid the anxiety that is out there. Everyone is worried and wants to form committees and studies to analyze what to do if the tax cap override doesn't pass. Although I understand that is a fear for every police officer and resident in this time, we do not have the time or money to research everything and have it explored. Let's take a deep breath and see how things come out.”
And Gatta is right. Going on about these matters may be divisive. Individually, one can take issue with each budget line item in the school or Village budget --- from playgrounds to the Mandarin teacher to employee salaries. One by one we can make a case that an item is inessential or too expensive, but taken as a whole, these things add to the overall quality of our community and make Scarsdale what it is.
When it’s time to vote on this issue, think broadly and think long term. That’s it. That’s all I’m going to write about it. Probably.
Jen Geller is a freelance journalist who has covered the economy and markets for over a decade at a major financial news outlet. She lives in Scarsdale with her husband and 2 children. Jen has yet to bake a successful batch of cookies.
Drunk Drivers and a Burglary from the Scarsdale Police
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Drunk Drivers: Bruce Mitchell, age 61 of Rock Creek Lane was arrested for driving while intoxicated at 7 am on July 22nd. Police were called after Mitchell drove his 2008 BMW off Meadow Road and struck a tree on the front lawn of 32 Meadow Road. He failed sobriety tests and said he did not remember what had happened. He was processed and given a court date of 7/27.
Michael Savage, age 25 of Dalewood Drive Hartsdale was stopped by police when he was driving 65 mph on the White Plains Post Road at 4:10 am on July 23rd. Police found that Savage appeared to be drunk and he admitted to drinking “at least two Blue Moon beers.” He failed sobriety tests, was arrested and found to have a BAC of .21.
Burglar: A Lyons Road woman returned home on the afternoon of July 22 and discovered that someone had broken into her house. A window on the back of the house had been pried open and her purse and some jewelry were missing. A contractor working in the area had seen a man outside the house earlier in the day and he provided a description of the suspect.
Theft: An employee of Courage B on Spencer Place in Scarsdale complained that her blackberry was stolen from the counter of the store while she was at work on July 18th.
A car belonging to a Lebanon Road man was entered when it was parked in the Christie Place Garage on July 19th. Missing were a cell phone and two power cords.
Fraud: On July 22, a Morris Lane woman reported that her housekeeper had taken three blank checks and deposited them at Bank of America and Chase Bank from 5/19 to 6/22. The woman was alerted to the fraud by Bank of America when the signatures on the stolen checks did not match her own. The three checks were filled out in the amounts of $1,200, $6,000 and $5,000 and the housekeeper admits to taking the checks. The housekeeper was terminated.
On July 19, a Heathcote Road man reported that someone had opened a fraudulent T-Mobile account using his 88 year-old mother’s name, address, date of birth and social security number. The account now has an outstanding balance of $2,039.78 and is delinquent.
Harassed: On 7/18 a Tompkins Road woman filed a complaint of harassment against a Barry Road man who has made phone calls and sent emails stating that the woman’s husband lost hundreds of thousands of dollars of the Barry Road man’s money. The emails were sent to the staff of the center where the woman works. The couple hired a lawyer who asked the man to cease communication but he sent more emails even after he received the lawyer’s letter. All evidence was vouchered and saved by the police.
On July 24th a Brewster Road woman complained of harassment by her housekeeper’s boyfriend via phone and email. The boyfriend contends that the housekeeper is deceptive and “not a good fit.” The complainant’s husband called the man to ask him to stop phoning, but he continued to do so. The boyfriend may also be driving by the house so the residents asked police to keep a watch on their home.
Found: Four bottle of Smirnoff malt liquor and a half full bottle of Hennessey were found in a cooler belonging to carnival employees from Magical Enterprises at Scarsdale High School on July 19th. The cooler was supposed to hold Gatorade for the Recreation Camp employees. On the morning of July 20th, a Magical Enterprises company truck was leaking fuel into the high school parking lot. The truck had to be towed to White Plains.
A Normandy Lane man called police at 8:30 pm on 7/19 when he came home and found kids swimming in his pool. The kids claimed to be friends of the former owners of the house. The man wrote down the names and phone numbers of the swimmers and said he would call their parents.
Spat: Police were called to mediate a dispute between a divorced Madison Road couple on July 20th. The ex-wife feared that her driver’s license would be suspended because her ex-husband was driving an unregistered car that she owned. The car’s registration is suspended and per the divorce agreement the wife was supposed to sign over title to the car but she had not done so. The man verified that he did have insurance on the vehicle, but since it was not registered, police asked the man to drive the car to the gas station and park it. Police impounded the license plates and the man was issued a summons for driving with a suspended registration.
Car Fire: A 2001 Honda owned by a White Plains man burned on Claremont Road on July 20th. The owner of the car said he was driving north on the Bronx River Parkway when the car began to over heat. When he exited at Claremont Road the car caught on fire, starting in the engine and expanding to the inside of the car. The man was able to get out. The fire department extinguished the fire and the car was towed to Roland’s Auto Body in White Plains.
Wrong Way: Michael Damon Ross of Brooklyn was stopped on Boniface Circle in Scarsdale on the afternoon of July 21 when he was driving in the wrong direction. He was also found to have a suspended license and charged with driving in the wrong direction on a one-way street and driving without a license.
Locked Out: An 88 year-old Garden Road woman locked herself out of her house on July 18th. Her neighbor called police to help her get back into her home. A house sitter who was charged with taking care of three dogs at a home on Harvest Drive also locked herself out of the house on July 24th. The fire department was able to get in through a back door.
