Scarsdale Prom at Glen Island May 31
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Scarsdale High School seniors have finished their finals and replaced their studying with preparations for Prom, scheduled for May 31st at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle. A prom committee made up of volunteers from the senior class and headed by faculty advisors Eric Rauschenbach and Lauren Meyer created the plans for both the Prom and Pre-Prom. Pre-Prom is set to run from 4:00-5:30 at the high school, after which the students will load onto busses and ship off to Glen Island Harbour Club until Prom ends at midnight. Sara Pattiz, a member of the committee, laid-out the decision process that went into picking the location. “We looked at a few locations (including where prom was hosted last year), and the mutual favorite was Glen Isle. We liked it because it’s beautiful, on the water, spacious, and has amazing menu options. Also, they have a very helpful staff and are very flexible so we were able to make it our own.” And, another committee member Claudia Heitner noted that the entire Prom, “Is in a totally different direction from last year. It will have a more intimate feel and a different setup food wise.”
With the details of the Prom set, tickets were sold for $150 initially, with prices rising as Prom approaches. While this price may seem expensive, senior class President Alex Altieri noted it was “just about where we expected as it was pretty close to last years numbers.” Considering that prices factor in bussing, food, venue expenses, and décor, the price does not actually seem so high. However, along with the purchase of clothing and After-Prom tickets, the costs can add up.
And, as the committee and government are preparing for Prom, so are the members of the senior class. Students have been planning what to wear for months. In fact, most of the girls attending prom are in a Facebook group specifically for that reason. “It was made a few months ago for girls to post pictures of their dresses if they've already decided on one so that we can try and prevent too many people from wearing the same one,” stated Senior Libby Gross. While a situation like this is ripe for drama, with some girls posting more than one dress, and only seniors allowed to wear long dresses while younger girls who are attending must wear shorter dresses, Gross believes that things haven’t gone too badly. “I feel like most girls just end up using the group because they like looking at the other dresses. There haven’t been too many conflicts over a dress and when that does happen girls are usually very easygoing about it all.” In a satire of the whole show made by the Facebook group, some senior boys even created a tuxedo group where they post funny ensembles.
Once prom has finished, some students will be going to the city to enjoy After-Prom. Although After-Prom has sometimes caused trouble, students are confident that this year’s class will not let it get out of hand. As one senior mentioned, “Everyone will be looking to just have a good time and spending time with their date so kids wont be really out of hand.” Although, as another senior noted, that won’t subtract from the fun. “Afterprom is going to be absolutely ridiculous! Everyone will be showing up looking for a good time and expecting one. Kids are going to go crazy, dance until the night ends, and hopefully have one of the greatest nights of their lives!” And, the next morning, many seniors will be shipping off to the Hamptons for the afterprom weekend. After a hectic two days, seniors will look to cool off at the beach.
Tensions Brew at Planning Board Meeting Over NextG DAS Proposal
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At a May 7th work session of the Scarsdale Planning Board tension was clear between village residents and NextG, a company that plans to put up telecommunication antennas throughout Scarsdale. The antennas, called DAS, can be rented out to up to three cell-phone companies in order to improve their service. NextG, now owned by Crown Castle, classifies its work as a utility and demands the same consideration as any other utility. However, in order to put up DAS in Scarsdale, it would be necessary for the board to change the zoning laws that mandate a 350 ft distance for any cell-phone antenna from any residential structure (For background information, click here and also read a letter from a concerned resident here.)
In order to better understand and deal with the issues facing the town, the board took Greenburgh’s lead and hired an attorney, Joseph Van Eaton, a partner at DC based firm Best Best and Krieger, who specializes in telecommunications cases and has handled disputes with NextG/Crown Castle in the past (Greenburgh hired Andrew D. H. Rau, of the law firm of Unruh Turner Burke & Frees). After planning board chair Jane Veron began the meeting, Van Eaton gave a presentation on the legal issues that any changes or refusals to change in zoning would have to deal with. The first federal law that he mentioned, 47 USC 253, states that local governments may not stop telecommunications expansion on a discriminatory basis. Since NextG considers itself a utility, this means that if the board is to bar their expansion, it cannot be for any reason specific to the telecommunications aspect but must be applicable to any utility placed in the right-of-way (public areas of transportation).
The second law that he considered was HR 3630 Section 6409, that states that a locality must accept any modification of any existing wireless tower, collocation, or base station as long as the physical dimensions are not substantially changed. The main difficulty with this law is that none of the terms within, tower, collocation, base station, physical dimensions, or substantial, are defined. NextG could attempt to say that affixing their antenna to existing utility towers would simply be a modification, so the board would have to allow it. However, considering none of the words are defined, it is quite possible that they would still not meet the requirements.
The third law was 47 USC Section 332(c)(7), which gives localities control over the placement and modification of antennas, although this control cannot prohibit the filling of a significant gap in a wireless provider’s service, nor be based on fears of radio frequency as long as the FCC allows them. This law creates the greatest cause of concern. First, many residents do have problems with the concept of radio emissions so close to their homes. It was clear, especially when NextG’s expert, Dan Collins of Pinnacle Telecom Group, was explaining that DAS towers actually have significantly lower emissions than the bigger towers and that radio emissions are not even detectable over 15 feet, way under the FCC levels, that tensions were high. While he was speaking, muttering could be heard from residents on how that could not possibly be true. Moreover, in the later Q&A, three different residents asked why the initial 350 ft rule had been put in place in 1998, pointing to concerns about radiation. So, the fact that the board is not allowed to change policy based on this present concern is critical. Second, that the board cannot prohibit the filling of a significant gap in a wireless provider’s service created conflict due to its vagueness. How is a significant gap decided? By the provider or by the consumers?
Next Van Eaton noted the reason for any possible DAS expansion. Cell-phone usage is at an all time high and shows no signs of shrinking. More antennas will be needed in the future and choices will have to be made. Does Scarsdale want a few large telephone towers or a bunch of DAS systems. His presentation ended with some follow-up questions from the board and a note by Veron that the planning board would not make any specific decisions on placement or take any actions but would solely make a recommendation to the village board. With that, the floor was opened up for questions.
Wynmor Road residents Margerie Rosenblatt and Jon Thaler had previously circulated flyers, urging residents who lived near a proposed DAS to come to the meeting. Therefore, the room was filled with concerned residents, ready to learn more. One main question that surfaced continually was that of proving that there is no significant gap. Although residents noted that either a) they do not find any gaps in their Verizon or AT&T service or that b) they have no desire to have such gaps filled, Van Eaton pointed out that a court would have to decide and NextG representative Peter Heimdahl affirmed that although resident’s might not feel a significant gap, NextG’s client Metro PCS certainly felt like they had a gap in the area. This further brought into question whether the significant gap was from the customer or the provider’s perspective. Residents pointed out that they do not need Metro PCS since Verizon and AT&T already work and Metro PCS has no clients in the village. But Heimdahl argued that that was not a reason to prohibit competition and that it was impossible to get initial clients without first having service in an area.
A second frequently asked question was why we even have to change the current law. Van Eaton noted that the current law did not account for DAS since when it was created in 2002, DAS did not exist. Moreover, the law could be considered discriminatory against telecommunications and NextG could sue the town. If NextG could show in court that significant gaps were created by our law, a win for them in court would create even worse circumstances for the town than if it just abridges the zoning codes to cut out specific types and locations of DAS.
Another common question was why Metro PCS even needs DAS. First, NextG has also put up DAS in White Plains, and New Rochelle. In both cities, which are larger than Scarsdale, NextG put in only 8-12 DAS while they plan to put up 15 in the village. Why are so many necessary? Heimdahl stated that the area doesn’t necessarily matter as much as topography and current reception but did not flesh out the point much. Second, if Verizon and AT&T already get reception, why can Metro PCS not rent space on their larger antennas? Van Eaton noted that this could be very expensive and might cause large modifications. However, residents stuck to this issue and made a very valid point. Why is it our job to make their lives easier just because another way might be a bit more expensive?
A last question pointed out the presence of NextG representatives, the possible plaintiff in a lawsuit, at the meeting. One resident asked if it would be possible to not invite them next time, and others chimed in that the meeting could just be word of mouth style and the public could not be notified. However, the village attorney quickly pointed out that due to state laws that would be very illegal. Moreover, NextG were not plaintiffs yet. However, the fact that the question was asked shows that the residents do not plan to give in easily. This conflict will be a long fight, one that is completely undecided as of yet.
This article was contributed by SHS Senior Zach Edelman who is working at Scarsdale10583.com during Senior Options.
Edgemont Resident Files Complaint Against Putnam Valley Dog Boarding Facility
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Here is a follow-up to our story about Edgemont resident’s Susy Kahn’s loss of her family dog Coco at a boarding facility in Putnam Valley. The following information was provided by Ms. Kahn’s press consultant Nina Reeves: Susan Kahn has filed a complaint in Supreme Court in Westchester County against The D.O.G. dog boarding and training facility and Joanne Willard and Trever Willard concerning the death of Kahn’s dog Coco, while she was at the D.O.G. facility.
The complaint alleges that on March 15, Ms. Kahn sent Coco, a 6 year-old, 17 lb. Cockapoo to board with The D.O.G. which is reputed to be a “top-of-the-line” dog training and boarding facility in Putnam Valley owned and operated by Joanne Willard. Willard claims to be a specialist in anxiety, fear and other behavioral issues. Coco was to be boarded for a 3-week program recommended by Joanne to comfortably acclimate Coco to other dogs, as she tended to be fearful and intimidated by them. The owners of the facility made the decision to socialize Coco, who was not accustomed to being off-leash with other dogs, by putting her in a room with several dogs, including a 40 lb. pitbull mix who aggressively attacked Coco. Coco was dropped off at a local veterinary hospital which did not have specialists present to deal with Coco’s injuries; Kahn’s husband had Coco transferred by ambulance to the Animal Medical Center in NYC in an attempt to save Coco’s life. Despite life- saving measures, Coco died several hours later, after enduring pain and trauma. Autopsy results show multiple bodily injuries including skull fractures and brain damage so severe that her brain had ultimately stopped signaling the heart to beat. Under the care of a trainer who claims to be experienced in “behavior modification for issues like anxiety, fear and aggression...as well as temperament testing”, Coco should never have been mauled to death by another dog.
The complaint further alleges that the trainer, who advertises herself as an experienced certified dog trainer, refuses to accept responsibility for Coco’s death. Soon after attacking Coco, the same dog, according to a violation issued by Putnam Valley Animal Control “bit, chased, jumped upon or otherwise harassed any person in such manner as to cause intimidation or put such person in reasonable apprehension of bodily harm.” The person involved in this incident was a child, who was grabbed.
The owners of the boarding facility state on their website that they only take dogs which they have personally trained - they had not personally trained the Kahn’s dog before, but were happy to change their policy when a substantial training and boarding fee was available. The complaint further alleges that Joanne Willard does not have an operating permit to operate her business out of the kennel where she boards the dogs.
Asked for a comment, Joanne Willard of The D.O.G. provided the following statement to Scarsdale10583.com.
“Our hearts go out to Susan Kahn and her children on the tragic loss of their family dog Coco. This tragic death occurred while their pet was in our care. We feel an intense sense of responsibility for what happened. We are terribly sorry that this occurred. In the coming days, we will make every effort to help the Kahn family deal with their grief and suffering. We have carefully studied what happened and have taken important steps to prevent something like this from ever happening again.”
Susan Lerner of Common Cause Addresses Scarsdale Forum on Redistricting
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When Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause New York spoke about the redistricting of the N.Y.S. Senate map on Thursday night April 26 at a meeting of the Scarsdale Forum, she was hopeful that a soon to be released decision by the Department of Justice would find that the new lines discriminated against voters on the basis of race.
However, the letter, released the next day, Friday April 27, found no evidence of racial discrimination in the newly redrawn map.
The new district lines, which were approved by Governor Andrew Cuomo in March have a big impact on residents of southern Westchester, where Scarsdale has been moved from the 35th district which was held by State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer for 28 years. Scarsdale has now been carved out of the 35th district which it shared with Larchmont and Mamaroneck and pushed into Andrea Stewart-Cousin’s district which extends from Yonkers to the Rivertowns and north. According to an analysis by Common Cause, the Republican controlled State Senate drew the new lines using party registration data in an effort to gain another seat for their party in southern Westchester. Lerner called the redistricting, “outrageous political gerrymandering” and said that Common Cause advocates the use of clear standards and community based maps.
In addition to this awkward reconfiguration of the southern districts, an additional 63rd district was created west and south of Albany. This new district is also expected to go for the Republicans.
Lerner told the Forum that another decision was pending about the redrawn districts. Common Cause filed a suit to challenge the
Also at the Scarsdale Forum meeting Assemblywoman Amy Paulin addressed the group on the state of the state. She joked that her district was still in place, largely due to the fact that she lives in Scarsdale, saying, “they can’t move my house.”
She reviewed the state budget that was passed on time and includes additional funds for education and a reduced deficit, but put off mandate reform until next year. Speaking about redistricting, Paulin called the process “too partisan,” and held out hope that in 2020 lines would be drawn more fairly.
State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins stopped by the meeting to meet and greet constituents in Scarsdale who may soon be joining her district.
Tom Chapin to Give FREE Performance at Sustainable Scarsdale Day
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Tom Chapin and Friends will be live in Scarsdale on Saturday May 5th as part of Sustainable Scarsdale Day at the Scarsdale Middle School. Hosted by the Scarsdale Schools, Scarsdale Forum and Scarsdale Village, the day will offer exhibits, events, speakers and fun – all focused on green living.
An impressive array of exhibitors have been recruited to demonstrate how we can help to guard our environment. On hand will be experts to show you how to reduce energy usage at home, how to compost to enrich your soil and recycle your household waste and how to mulch your leaves to feed your lawn. There will even be a car show, featuring a sustainable fleet of vehicles including Tesla, Fiskar, Volt, and Leaf. A full list of presenters and exhibitors is included below.
The day will be completed with a free concert by Tom Chapin and Friends at 2 pm in the Scarsdale Middle School auditorium.
To learn more and register, click here:
Susatainable Scarsdale Day
Saturday May 5 10 am – 3 pm
Scarsdale Middle School
http://www.sustainablescarsdale.com/
Presenters (10:30-12:30)
- Elyssa Rothe, of the NYS Energy Research and Development Authority will discuss NYS regulations, tax rebates, and incentives for Home Energy Improvements
- Bud Nicoletti, the White Plains Commissioner Public Works will discuss alternative fueled vehicles
- Ben Waller, Director Residential Sales at Mercury Solar will discuss solar installations, incentives, & rebates
- Anna Snider, of the Cornell Cooperative Extension will review the benefits of composting. Composting is a great way to reduce your waste stream and create your own organic soil amendment.
- Rick Harper, an arborists and entomologist from the Cornell Cooperative Extension will show how residents of Westchester County can address common pest problems of their home and garden in an environmentally-responsible, least-toxic way.
- Architect Bjorn Kuhn, will discuss the advantages of geothermal heating and cooling.
- Yoel Magid, will discuss the new LEED certified building at Westchester Reform Temple
- Anthony Vulpone will give a leaf mulching demonstration
- Middle School teacher Cara Forray, will lead voluntters at work in the middle school garden.
- Art Teachers will run an environmental art workshop for students and parents
- Larry Nesman, of Phoenix Mechanical will explain the importance of energy audits.
Last, see the display of sustainable cars at the High Voltage Car show, featuring cars by Tesla, Fiskar, Volt, Leaf and White Plains’ sustainable fleet
A FREE concert from Tom Chapin and Friends will be held in the Scarsdale Middle School auditorium frm 2:00 – 3:00 pm.
Exhibitors on Display (10 am-2 pm)
- Boy Scouts
- Bronx River Sound Shore Audubon
- Carol Capobianco, Native Plant Center
- Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation
- Conservation Advisory Council
- Embassy Cleaners
- Federated Conservationists of Westchester County
- Friends of Scarsdale Parks
- Grassroots Education
- Green Guru Network
- Green Schools Coalition Westchester
- Greenburgh Nature Center
- Greenhomes Westchester
- Murphy Brothers
- Robison Oil
- Rosehill Home
- Scarsdale/Edgemont Girl Scouts
- Schildwachter Oil
- Southern Westchester Energy Action Consortium
- Weinberg Nature Center
- Westchester Green Business Challenge
