Scarsdale Inquirer Suspends Publication After 123 Years
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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The digital edition of the January 12, 2024 issue of the Scarsdale Inquirer(Updated January 29, 2024) The Scarsdale Inquirer, a community newspaper and an institution in Scarsdale, announced that it had suspended publication on January 16, 2024. The paper has been published weekly for 123 years, since its founding on July 4, 1901. The news was sudden and unexpected by staff and readers.
Though the regular digital version of the paper was published on Thursday January 11, 2024, the paper itself failed to appear on Friday January 12, 2024 or anytime over the three day holiday weekend. Some assumed that it was delayed due to Martin Luther King Day and the snow, but it turned out the paper was not to come at all.
The Scarsdale Village Board was among the first to learn the news. The Village publishes legal notifications of their meetings in the newspaper and was advised on Tuesday January 16 that notice of a Planning Board meeting to be held on January 24 had not appeared in the paper. The Board was forced to delay that meeting until January 31 as proper notice had not been given.
Without their own news channel available, on Wednesday January 17, both the editor Valerie Abrahams and senior reporter Todd Sliss turned to social media to let their readers know what had happened.
Sliss, who has reported on sports, the schools, the Village and more said this on the social network X:
“Devastated to say I was laid off from @ScarsInquirer Monday. Spent my entire adulthood covering Scarsdale/Edgemont in a variety of ways. So many memorable stories/people/events the last 24 years. It saddens me to think about the stories I won't be telling this week and beyond.”
And Valerie Abrahams, the paper’s Editor in Chief indicated that they might be back, saying, “The Scarsdale Inquirer has suspended publication as we look for solutions to bring us back to financial sustainability. — Per statement from Publisher”
The first sign that something was amiss was in November 2023 when Scarsdale Living, the company’s quarterly lifestyle magazine was supposed to appear. Though the issue, dated Fall/Winter 2023 is accessible online, it was never printed, distributed or mailed to subscribers.
However it wasn’t clear if the missed publication was a single event or a harbinger of things to come.
Indeed times are rough for print publications and media. In November 2023 a study by Northwestern University reported that an average of 2.5 newspapers closed each week in 2023 compared to two a week the previous year, a reflection of an ever-worsening advertising climate. In the case of the Scarsdale Inquirer, there was likely a loss in subscription revenue as well.
On social media in Scarsdale, many asked what they could do to revive the paper and suggested a Go Fund Me page. Others noted the loss of big advertisers such as Zachys, and the real estate agencies that used to take out multiple page spreads in each issue.
Whether or not readers can provide enough support to revive the paper is yet to be seen.
We reached out to some former employees of the paper and here is what Todd Sliss said:
"My entire journalism career, my entire adulthood, has been spent covering the unique communities of Scarsdale and Edgemont. Over the years my roles have evolved and changed for a multitude of reasons and I enjoyed every challenge I was presented with. To have production of the paper suspended has been a great personal loss for me and my dedicated longtime co-workers, in addition to the communities we serve. The outpouring of support and offers to help we have received lets us know how valued we are and how important our work has been to generations of readers. I don't know what the future holds for myself or the Inquirer, but I hope both are bright."
"On a personal and professional level I thank former editor Linda Leavitt and publisher Deborah White for taking a chance on me out of college and for allowing me the freedom to grow and do my job, in addition to making it possible for me to work remotely before it was a thing when my first son was born almost 17 years ago. Many still remember me pushing my boys around in strollers while doing Focal Points or covering games. Working full-time and being able to spend so much time with my kids has been a true blessing and something I will always cherish."
Commenting on the news, Scarsdale resident Susan Levine had this to say: "My fantasy has long been that our Village would wish to support The Scarsdale Inquirer, our excellent local newspaper, and as a result every family would get the paper every week and be informed. I am very sad to lose the paper and hope that it does return."
Removing Invasive Vines and Planting for Pollinators
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- Written by Elaine Weir
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(This article was submitted by the Scarsdale Forum's Sustainability Comittee and Friends of the Scarsdale Parks)
On a wintry afternoon on Sunday, January 7th, Scarsdale Forum’s Sustainability Committee and Friends of the Scarsdale Parks co-sponsored a presentation on protecting our trees and shrubs from invasive vines and planting pollinator gardens. The program attracted over fifty-five people who participated in person and on Zoom.
Bob DelTorto, president of the Bronx River Parkway Reservation Conservancy, addressed the importance of removing invasive vines. By training hundreds of volunteers to cut vines he has saved thousands of trees. He focused on three problematic vines invading Westchester County.
Porcelain berry may grow over 40 feet in thick mats, killing trees and shrubs by blocking sunlight. Bob calls Oriental bittersweet the “boa constrictor” of vines, smothering a tree to death by girdling and blocking light. English ivy, the ubiquitous but highly destructive plant, not only kills mature trees by girdling its truck and limbs, but provides a reservoir for bacterial leaf scorch which causes premature browning, leaf drop, and eventual death of the tree.
Bob emphasized that preserving our established canopy of mature trees helps us and our environment, while newly planted trees take decades of growth before providing similar benefits. Trees combat climate change by absorbing CO2; cleaning the air of polluting gases and particulates; providing atmospheric oxygen; creating shade that cools street heat islands; and conserving energy by reducing air conditioning demands. Trees cool the air by releasing water vapor from their leaves, and help prevent soil erosion, flooding, and water pollution by slowing rainwater runoff. Tree roots act like a sponge that filters water naturally and recharges groundwater. Trees provide habitat for a variety of species.
After the presentation numerous participants volunteered to cut vines in Scarsdale.
Margie Lavender, active in Hasting’s Pollinator Pathway, recommended native plants that support wildlife and create climate resilience. Such nature-based gardening creates a vibrant ecosystem safe for families and pets. Our lawns, modeled after 18th century formal gardens, are pollinator deserts. Margie recommended:
• Not using pesticides or herbicides unless applied carefully, without spraying, and only for severe problems.
• Replacing lawn with native shrubs, trees, and perennials.
• Cutting grass lawns high, four to six inches, to allow for blooms like clover, crocus, and violets.
• Providing a water source for birds and other pollinators.
• Leaving autumn leaves in borders and mulch mowing remaining leaves to enrich soil and lawns.
• Planting a succession of blooms in large drifts to enhance visibility to pollinators from the air.
• Planting native oaks, the single most ecologically important tree that supports over 500 species.
Trees and pollinators need our help. Scarsdale has lost thousands of trees. There are 3 billion fewer birds in North America today than in 1970 and 40% fewer insects including butterflies, bumblebees, and fireflies. Pollinators are responsible for supporting 80–95% of plant species. Because the majority of local green space is privately owned, this ecological battle to protect and conserve our tree canopy and ensure the survival of pollinators needs to be fought in our own backyards.
Scarsdale Forum Inc. Sustainability Committee
Friends of the Scarsdale Parks, Inc.
Scarsdale Forum Inc.
Contact elaine.weir.sherman@gmail for more information about its vine cutting project
Friends of the Scarsdale Parks, Inc.
Contact meppenstein@eppenstein.com for more information about its vine cutting and pollinator garden projects
LWVS Questions Code Change on the Role of the Village Manager
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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(This letter was submitted by the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale)
Dear Mayor and Board of Trustees,
The Board of the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale (LWVS) thanks the Mayor and the Village Board of Trustees for their dedicated volunteer service to the Village of Scarsdale as public officials. We appreciate all the hard work you put in serving our community.
We are writing with regard to the proposed legislation to amend Chapter 57 of the Scarsdale Village Code, which concerns the Village Manager’s Office. At the time that former Manager Rob Cole resigned, Mayor Arest announced that the Village Board and the Village Attorney were working on an amendment to the Village Code to incorporate the current language in Chapter 57 and Section A318, a codification of a 1962 Village Board resolution, and that further clarification would be provided to the public. At that time, the Mayor and Board of Trustees stated that nothing would change with regard to Village operations.
Upon consulting with a professional organization, we have reason to believe that the proposed legislation may limit the authority of the Village Manager relative to certain personnel decisions and direct supervisory authority over certain department heads in a way that changes how the Village government has operated, in practice, since 1941. The LWVS Board is poised to undertake further study of this issue and is also concerned that the community may not have had sufficient notice, time, nor opportunity to weigh in on the proposed changes.
Because of the significance of the potential changes to Village governance, the LWVS Board respectfully requests that the Mayor and Village Board pause on any action until the public has had the opportunity to learn more about the proposed amendments and to ask questions about them.
Sincerely,
Heedan Chung and Jessica Zellner
Co-Presidents, League of Women Voters of Scarsdale
BOT Moves to Scale Back the Scope of the Proposed Building Moratorium
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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The Mayor appeared to be backing off from a controversial proposal for a building moratorium after receiving feedback from developers and realtors who feared the impact on their businesses.
A draft of a proposed six-month moratorium on all building and land use applications was proposed at the November 14, 2023 meeting of the Board of Trustees. The rationale behind the moratorium was explained by Village Attorney Nicholas Ward-Willis as follows:
He said, “The improvements, subdivision and redevelopments on single-family lots have created a number of pervasive adverse impacts including but not limited to the loss of the architectural and historic qualities and scale that helps define the fabric of our residential neighborhoods as well as negative environmental impacts such as increased flooding and the destruction of mature trees and natural habitats. These impacts are resulting from, among other things, the rapid pace of demolitions and replacement of older homes, additions being built on single-family properties, the construction of accessory structures, and the subdivision and redevelopment of residential lots. Such development activities create new impervious surfaces thereby diminishing the natural drainage and flood mitigation provided by mature trees and open space. Our natural resources are finite and fragile, and the Village’s infrastructure and other public resources are increasingly being tested by more frequent and severe storm events.”
However responding to push back from the community, at a work session of the the Village Trustees on December 19, Mayor Justin Arest proposed more limited measures to tweak the building code to require modest reductions in the floor area ratios (FAR) or sizes of homes and in lot coverage.
Arest proposed the following for the period of the six month moratorium:
-Decrease the FAR (floor area ratio) to 95% of what is now permitted.
-Decrease the lot coverage (all impervious surfaces) to 90% of what is now permitted.
-Decrease the building coverage to 95% of what is now permitted.
-Potentially increase setbacks 10% to 20% depending on the building zone.
During this period hook-ups to the stormwater system would not be permitted from private properties.
Another new provision would require an expedited histsoric preservation review of all projects. Arest explained, "As for historic preservation, we want to prevent any potentially historic properties from having exterior alterations done to them that could impact their historic nature. Therefore, all exterior alterations that would not already require CHP review, would now require an expedited historic review process."
Explaining the rationale, Arest said, "The goal is to retain the benefits that a moratorium can provide the community as we undertake the holistic review of our code while limiting the negative impacts on homeowners ability to make improvements to their homes and lots," and “to find the right balance.” He said that planning consultants would be retained to analyze current code and propose changes.
Though the new proposal addresses home bulk it fails to take any action on the preservation of neighborhood character, historic preservation, height of new homes, subdivisions and the retention of Scarsdale’s trees, all of which originally brought residents to Village Hall with a petition. However, in the case of a subdivision, under these new rules, the two or three new houses built on the subdivided land would be reduced in size.
This house on Tunstall Road was technically a renovation and now towers above its neighbors.
Arest said he would ask the Village Attorney to redraft the moratorium language to reflect these changes and it would be posted on the Village website 10 days before a hearing scheduled for January 9, 2024. He anticipated that the Board would hold a hearing and vote on the resolution at the same meeting.
Discussing the proposal, Trustee Jeremy Gans said, “These proposed setbacks are substantially greater than any in any peer community. This would cause non-conformity.” He later said, “All of the discussion was about what happens when there is a teardown. Could we simply say no tear downs during this period.?” “Voting against the proposal, saying “I was hopeful we would find an area to attack – I think this is too broad. I think we should better define what we’re attacking and narrow the scope.” He added, "The Planning Board and staff have said that the notion that development adds to burden on our stormwater system is debatable. That’s not to say that development should continue unabated. But I’d like to avoid making assertions that are not backed by data that we currently have."
Trustee Karen Brew said, “I wonder if 95% on FAR and 95% on building coverage is enough.” Referring to data from the Village Planner about homes that received a Certificate of Occupancy in 2023 she said, “These projects were built to 90% and still appear incredibly bulky.”
Trustee Ken Mazer asked if “We could tighten the process to prevent the teardowns like the one that happened on Hampton Road.”
Trustee Dara Gruenberg said, “Concerning the Conservation Advisory Council report on trees, is there anything we can do to address the trees?” She suggested that the Village 2024-25 Village budget include an enforcement officer to confirm that replacement trees are planted.
The trustees agreed on the new proposal by a vote of 6-1. The draft will be posted on the Village website by December 29, 2023 and will be the subject of a hearing and a vote on January 9, 2024.
Remediating Stormwater: What to do First?
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Scarsdale has been experiencing some record rainstorms, putting the Village’s system of storm drains, pipes, culverts, sewers and retention basins to the test. On Friday September 29 the Village received 5 inches of rain in less than 24 hours and many roads and homes were inundated.
In response to this storm, and several others that preceded it, the Superintendent of Public Works and Village Engineer issued a report on which areas flooded and what roads were closed.
They referred back to a consultant’s report following Tropical Storm Ida on September 1, 2021 that recommended $3 mm to $12 mm in remediation projects to address the overflows. These proposed projects were the subject of a work session of the Village Trustees on Tuesday evening December 6, 2023.
The report includes studies of the upper and lower portions of the Sheldrake River, as well as Rugby and Oxford Roads, George Field, Ogden and Paddington Road, Griffen Road, Leatherstocking Lane, Hanover and Wheelock Roads. You can see it here:
One study of the upper Sheldrake River area shows that the current stormwater system cannot withstand even a 2-year storm, with 50 and 100 year storms causing system failure resulting in extensive flooding in streets and homes.
Village Engineer Dave Goessl displayed maps of areas where flooding occurs and proposed improvements such as diverting water, grade changes, expanding the size of the culverts, replacing old culverts and working with private property owners to expand or build retention ponds. Even at George Field, where the Village previously built a seven-acre retention pond, flooding occurs in big storms. Engineers have proposed adding more capacity to the pond by raising the height of the outlet and rerouting some of the water coming down Oxford Road into the retention pond.
At Catherine, Wheelock and Canterbury Roads, which lie in a FEMA flood plain, there has been frequent flooding. Engineer Dave Goessl proposed to reroute the stormwater that runs behind Catherine Road and to replace 100 year-old box culverts underneath Catherine Road. There was additional discussion about working with the schools to build a retention pond in front of the middle school. However, Goessl conceded that everything cannot be remediated. He said, “I don’t think we are going to resolve everyone’s problems with this work. We are doing the best we can. It is a FEMA flood plain. In today’s environment you would not have gotten permits to build houses with full basements in a flood plain.”
Trustees asked how the Village should prioritize the work and Jeff Coleman, the Superintendent of Public Works said, “We should prioritize the projects that will provide the greatest benefits based on the frequency of flooding.
Stormwater levels in the upper Sheldrake River area during 2 year, 50 year and 100 year storms.Responding to a question about proposed code changes to ameliorate the situation, Coleman said, “One thing is to make sure that the stormwater management systems that are installed are working. Homeowners don’t seem to know how to maintain it. These cultecs are buried and forgotten. Maybe we should add something to the code to require residents to maintain these systems.”
The Mayor asked how these culverts feed into the Village’s stormwater system and what happens when they are full. Goessl said, “For new projects lot coverage is something we want to look at. If we put in the drainage system it needs to hold all the property’s water but certain lots can’t retain all their water or have poor percolation rates. If the culvert is already saturated it’s even less effective at retaining the water. If they are capturing and storing all their own water post storm they are draining into the system in a controlled fashion.”
The presentation missed the mark for a group of Barry Road residents who have had repeated problems with stormwater infiltrating their sewage line. During heavy storms rainwater floods the sewage lines and they overflow into streets and basements.
Several Barry Road residents spoke. One said, “On September 29 the rain caused the Bronx River system to fail and the sanitary sewers overflowed through the manhole. This was a repeat of what has been happening for decades. We’re here because we have sewage backing up into our houses. We need real action on the sanitary sewer system so that we’re not facing sewage backups into homes. We have been asking this for many years.”
Another Barry Road man said, “I don’t know how you missed Barry Road on this list of projects. I have lived in my house since 1983 and the problem has only gotten worse. All of the houses that are affected are losing value. The manhole cover opens up every time there is a storm and sewage flows down the street.”
Another said, “In 2007 I had to replace all the appliances in my basement. The town is not responding with appropriate urgency. The complete absence of a plan is unacceptable.
The town needs to be proactive.”
Others from Cayuga Road and Catherine Road also spoke. One said, “I want to express support for the Catherine Road project. On each occurrence of flooding each of those 12 homes incurs about $110-$130,000 in damage from each storm.”
Another man from Cayuga Road spoke. After hearing about the woes on Barry Road he said, “I think the priorty should go to Barry Road – that sounds terrible. I feel bad for them.”
Turning to his own problems he said, “Why did they keep building? I moved here in 1986. We did not have a drop of water until 2007 – we had 5 feet. Then again in 2011. This whole area is surrounded by Fenway. All the drainage from Fenway goes into the drainage along Cayuga and Seneca Roads —during a storm it covers the road. There used to be a pond and now it’s 14 Canterbury Road – they built a house there. Why did the town allow new construction on Catherine Road? The homes on Seneca have been rebuilt to twice the original size.”
