Greenacres Man Pleads for Village to Stop the Construction of Tall Retaining Walls on Kingston Road
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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An aerial perspective of the proposed project.What do you do when you find out that a developer is planning to build two rows of 130 linear feet of six foot high retaining walls on the hill in your backyard?
A. Ask the Village Engineering Department for help.
B. Appeal to the Board of Architectural Review.
C. Launch a petition to gather support from neighbors.
D. Retain counsel, an engineer, an urban planner and an architect.
Brite Avenue resident and realtor Mark Nadler took all these steps and still has no answers as to why the Village would permit a developer to build an 8,000 square foot house on a steep hill and extend the backyard through the use of tall retaining walls, which would loom above the Nadler’s backyard.
The developer is not even required to submit a rendering of how the property and walls would look from the bottom of the hill where Nadler’s home sits.
The property in question is at 4 Kingston Road, where the developer has applied to “to construct 2 or 3 retaining walls spanning approximately 130’ to maximize the size of the yard and house to accommodate a 44 x 20 in-ground pool with a complex of patios, spa, BBQ, bars and gas fire-pit surrounded by .65 acres of landscaped gardens and lush lawns,” on a property to be listed for $3.795 million.
Nadler contends that the project will require the “removal of over 30 large, medium and small trees and all foliage and will create a tall wall that will be a permanent visual eyesore in the neighborhood.”
Nadler’s queries go unanswered with the Board of Architectural Review saying they don’t get involved with the engineering department and the engineering department saying they don’t look at aesthetics.
The project will be resubmitted to the Board of Architectural Review at their January 11 meeting and the Zoning Board of Appeals will review the application for the pool at their meeting on January 13. At the June 2020 meeting of the BAR, when the plans were first presented, the applicants submitted two sets of drawings, one with two rows of retaining walls and another with three. No one noticed until Nadler’s lawyer reviewed the project after the meeting.
Nadler is appealing to neighbors to do the following:
A. Sign the petition he has created against the destruction of the hill and construction of massive retaining walls here:
B. Request that all Board of Architectural Review (BAR) members and the Mayor and Trustees walk the property before the meeting in order to see the steepness of the property and that the site is not suitable for this project. There were no pictures submitted by the developer.
C. Consider attending the zoom meetings and speaking up against the destruction of the hill and construction of massive retaining walls during the proposed renovation of 4 Kingston Road.
The meeting to approve the project is the Zoom BAR meeting on 1/11/21, and the meeting to approve the pool (pending approval at the BAR meeting) at the Zoning Board of Appeals is on 1/13/2021.
Nadler asks that you forward the petition to neighbors in Greenacres and Scarsdale for their support to stop the destruction of the hill.
Here are the links to see what the developer has submitted to the Board of Architectural Review:
And here are the documents for the Zoning Board of Appeals:
Below is a letter from Nadler:
Nadler's yard on Brite Avenue
Dear Mayor, Trustees, BAR members, Zoning Board of Appeals members,
I am sending this email with the urgent request that 4 Kingston Road, Scarsdale be given your attention for an additional few moments. Please forward this to the BAR and ZOA members if needed.
As the downhill neighbor of this proposed renovation, expansion and in-ground pool project, the system has not worked properly to give this the appropriate review it must have.
As a result, I have been forced hire an attorney, engineer, urban planner and a firm to represent me (and my neighborhood) and create simulations of the proposed development at significant expense to me to make sure my objections are heard.
I am emailing you now with several requests:
1. Please walk the property prior to the meeting on Monday to see the steep, unsuitable property where the developer wants to expand the yard over the hill and erect several retaining walls. The developer has not submitted a single picture, or rendering of the hill in the entire time this project has been submitted. You are welcome to physically walk in my backyard so you understand the significant loss of value to my property if this project proceeds as presented.
2. Please make sure I am allowed to have my experts present at the BAR meeting. They will have visuals and reports to present and must be allowed to be heard and NOT just under public comments. The June zoom BAR meeting was not a forum where this could be done or people were allowed to raise issues.
3. Please attend the BAR and ZBA meetings (if necessary) to make sure you see what is presented as I need you to be informed as this will negatively impact the neighborhood.
Below is the email I have sent to the neighbors and other Scarsdale residents. There are approximately 350 people who have signed the petition in opposition to this project since Sunday night.
Please email or call me with any questions.
Best regards,
Mark Nadler
County Executive Unveils New COVID Dashboard
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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At his bi-weekly Covid-19 briefing on Wednesday December 23, County Executive George Latimer displayed the new Westchester County Covid-19 Dashboard as prepared by the County’s Department of Emergency Services and Department of Information Technology. Notably by Westchester County GIS Specialist Connor Lynch and Software Architect Ilir Tota.
Latimer said: “This codifies data we receive from New York State. We are trying, and have proven over an extended period of time, that we intended to do the things we say we are going to do. When we say that we are going to try to give you information in a more transparent and accessible way - this is an example of how we deliver it." The new dashboard is designed to be accessible and user-friendly.
In addition to supplying the numbers, the dashboard allows you to fill in your address to get information on testing sites near your home.
The new Covid-19 Dashboard, which will automatically update, contains:
· County Active Case Map
· Covid-19 Test Site Map
· Total Confirmed Active Cases
· Total Confirmed New Cases
· Active, New & Cumulative Cases by Municipality
· Total Fatalities
· Total Persons Tested
· NYS Designated Hot Zones
· Positivity Rate
· Various Graphs Outlining Statistics
Latimer said that this new dashboard is in real time and utilizes data from New York State. This new map corrects the lag in reporting from the original map. As of Wednesday December 23, the map shows 88 active cases in Scarsdale, an all-time high. County wide, he reported that 7 people died last night, a disturbing number.
You can access this tracker here:
Note – the map is easier to read on a desktop computer. The mobile version is compressed and a bit hard to read.
Vaccines:
Latimer reported that as of Wednesday, 346 front line workers in Westchester have been vaccinated. As of tomorrow, Thursday December 24, vaccinations will become available for EMS workers. He said "we are grateful that the vaccinations have begun to arrive in Westchester." About vaccine safety, he said that the Pfizer vaccination is to be given in a healthcare setting in case of an adverse reaction. He said the Pfizer vaccine should not be given to those with a history of severe allergic reactions.
SHS Junior Abby Fisher Arranges Thanksgiving Meals for Families in Need
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SHS junior Abby Fisher has coordinated the delivery of 65 Thanksgiving meals to those in need.A high school junior is continuing a family tradition to feed Thanksgiving meals to those in need in memory of her Grandmother. Abby Fisher sent out a call to friends and neighbors to provide Thanksgiving meals, trays of home cooked food, fruit and canned goods to be delivered to low income and immigrant residents via the Community Resource Center in Mamaroneck. This population has been particularly hard hit during the pandemic, losing jobs, housing and access to healthcare. Some fail to get any public assistance due to language barriers and fear of reprisals from I
Fisher explained, “For the past few years in the memory of my grandmother’s passing- my family has put together a Thanksgiving event that fed about 400 families in Westchester that are food insecure. Our friends and family would gather and prepare the few days before and then serve a hot meal on Thanksgiving. For obvious reasons this year things had to be different. This year to honor the memory of my Grandma Pat and the Thanksgiving spirit we partnered with the Community Resource Center (CRC) based out of Mamaroneck. The CRC facilitated an opportunity for us to connect with families in need. We have a list of families that you can “adopt” for Thanksgiving and either deliver a hot Thanksgiving meal. About 45 Scarsdale families are providing hot meals for 65 families in Mamaroneck that are on the brink of eviction. The meals will be delivered the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Our community has always been so generous and this year I think everyone feels even more responsibility to help others. I am so proud and lucky to live amongst such caring people.”
See below for pictures of Scarsdale friends delivering Thanksgiving meals:
Click here to learn more about the Community Resource Center and find out how you can help.
One Last Time: The Final Game
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- Written by Sophia Caione
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Captain Emily Yacoub #19The Scarsdale Girls Varsity A Soccer team took to the field on November 23rd looking for a final win of the season. Rye played Scarsdale at Scarsdale High School under the lights. Fans showed up ready to cheer in the frigid weather. It was pitch black outside, but both teams shined on the field with a yearning to cap their season with a victory.
Alessia Schettino #20
The Raiders once again worked in unity. The defensive line worked extremely hard to stop long balls and cut off players from entering the goalkeepers box. The offense ran to every ball with determination. The end of the first half resulted in 1-0, Scarsdale. However, with some questionable calls made by the on-field referee, Rye was able to come back in the second half and tie up the game, 1-1. Coach Kiera Fox-Turney commented “We were unhappy with a few calls. It is especially disappointing when you review footage and know that you could have had an opportunity if the whistle went our way. We can’t rely on the calls to get results, though.” The game went into overtime, and the energy stayed high. In the last six minutes of overtime, Riena Parente Ribeiro- an extremely talented Scarsdale senior midfielder- was injured in the opposing team’s goalkeeper’s box. The Raiders fought hard in the last half of overtime, but ultimately their final game resulted in a 1-2 loss to Rye. Many parents were frustrated with calls that had been made against Scarsdale. Coach Kiera Fox-Turney mentioned that the game was “truly a battle and we are immensely proud of our performance.”
Eve Braverman #21
Although the season ended in disappointment, overall it was a season to be proud of. Senior goalkeeper Dylan Gross commented that “This season [was] unprecedented and extraordinary. We never expected to be playing in the middle of a pandemic, never expected to finish the season, and never expected to make it to the section finals. We were able to defy all odds and finish our season despite the pandemic and with an incredible record. I’m really proud of the team and how we were able to stay safe and accomplish so much during our season.” To seniors the potential victory was important, but what mattered most was getting to play their senior season. Ryan Silberfein, a senior midfielder, said that “The 2020 soccer season was the light at the end of a dark tunnel, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the friendships I’ve formed and the memories I’ve made with these people. Having...a team I know I can rely on during such hard times is so comforting and being able to go to soccer each day and ignore everything else going on was such a blessing.” The seniors were strong players for the rest of the team to look up to. A key defensive player, senior Abigail Talish recommends that the younger players on the team “Truly appreciate every moment [they] have on the field and every second [they] get to spend with [their] teammates. The intensity [that is brought] to every practice and game determines how successful [the team will] be. Cherish every single practice and game.”
Audrey Gendel #9
Although the season is over, the memories will last forever. Kate Leffler, a senior midfielder, reminisces that after the final game, “We were all devastated by the loss, and mostly about the season coming to an end. We stayed on the field for about 45 minutes, after the game, just standing in a huddle remembering how incredible this season was. Through all the frustration and tears, we were still able to laugh and smile together. Although there was some sadness, there was also a great final feeling of accomplishment and friendship.” Silberfein comments “My favorite memory was definitely the rush after beating big rival Mamaroneck at home. But aside from practice and games, anytime we hung out as a team I always had a good time. We really bonded this year and got super close, which translated into our play on the field.”
Lola Tirabassi #13
The seniors had to juggle many situations this year: applying for college, doing all of their school work, playing their final high school soccer season, and all during a global pandemic. Dylan Gross offered insight: “This season really put everything into perspective. Knowing that any given game or practice could be our last. I always tried to give my all so I could remember those final moments in a positive light and have no regrets. I could tell that my teammates felt the same way - always putting in the work to be the best and that was so special to watch. I’m so grateful to have spent my senior season on a team with players that all care so much for each other and I will remember it forever.” Initially it was difficult for the seniors to cope with the idea of not being able to play, but once they got the “okay” to get on the field, they bonded and worked together to create an intense season. Talish said “I came into the season super upset that my senior season [would be ruined by] Covid ... but it ended up being the best season ever and we got so much closer than I expected. [We] were able to have so much fun on and off the field.” The team faced challenges, but it was all worth it. Leffler commented that “Overall this season, despite our many obstacles, was truly amazing. Our team became a family. We were, and continue to be, even after the season, so supportive of each other. There are friendships and memories that are going to last forever.”
Emily Shawn #2
The team stuck together through the lowest of lows and celebrated the highest of highs. Coach Kiera Fox-Turney said that “Coaching this season was a gift. We didn’t know what the season would bring or how far we would get. With everything going on in the world, this was so special. I feel very lucky to have been a part of this team. These girls rose to all the occasions. They play with class and style and heart. We are sad to see our 13 seniors go, but we hope the returners can honor them next season by carrying on the culture that we created. Last words to our seniors: Remember that this is a family. You can always come back and know that we will be here for you! Go forth and continue to make us proud!” Coach Mindy Genovese had some parting words for her soccer seniors- “To all 13 seniors- we are so proud of all your valiant efforts during this must unconventional season! We had a great run and made so many wonderful memories.”
Girls Varsity Tennis Team Prevails Over COVID and Darkness
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- Written by Anna Cho
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Coach Roane gives a COVID elbow bump to Senior Anya Kornfeld.The Varsity Girls A Tennis Team prevailed over COVID and early darkness to eke out a shortened but successful fall season. Under the leadership of Coach Jennifer Roane, they held tryouts, practices and five league matches, giving the talented team the opportunity to compete. As the season extended into November, days ended early and by 4:30 the girls were playing in the dark. Despite all these challenges and the requirement to play wearing masks, the team triumphed.
Senior captains Zoe Tucker and Devin Goldman pose next to their posters.On Friday November 6, they celebrated their seniors with posters, flowers, chocolate, and lots of laughter prior to a match against Rye. With nine seniors on the team, this day was a special one for the seniors, the team, parents and siblings. Parents proudly watched as Coach Roane lauded each senior and presented them with gifts and flowers.
The celebration was followed by a match against the team’s biggest rival, Rye. Although Rye posed as a bit of a challenge, the girl’s fought and won with a score of 5-2, and the team remains undefeated with a record of 5-0. Although the season usually ends in October, this year it started late and was extended until November 13. The last match, scheduled for Tuesday November 10, was cancelled due to a COVID exposure at the high school.
The month of November brought early sunsets and cold weather with the sun setting around 4:40 causing the girls to struggle to play in the fading light. Last week, the players were forced to cut their matches short when playing away at Mamaroneck where there are no overhead lights. At Scarsdale High School the hard courts are lit which allows the team and the community to play when darkness falls.
Seniors Natalie Schonfeld and Anya Kornfeld
Despite the season consisting of only a handful of matches, the girls really made the best of it and continued a second season with zero losses. The entire team is very thankful that they had a season at all. Co-Captain Zoe Tucker, a four-year member of the team, expressed her gratitude to “Coach Roane for keeping us all in line and fighting hard for us to have the season that we had.” Co-Captain Devin Goldman said, “Our team has been doing really well given the circumstances of the season. I’m glad that even though we have a short season this year, we have been able to play as well as we always do.”
Here is the team line-up and scores for the match against Rye. This year, one eight-game set was played rather than two sets.
First singles player Natalie Hu (8-6)
Second singles player Zoe Tucker (8-5)
Third singles player Emily Tsai (2-8)
First doubles players Laura Mendes and Anya Kornfeld (8-3)
Second doubles players Katherine Rolfe and Anna Cho (6-8)
Third doubles players Megan Niu and Natalie Schonfeld (8-6)
Fourth doubles players Devin Goldman and Sabrina Siegel (8-3)
Fifth doubles players Maggie Maronilla and Maya Cukierman (8-3)
Senior Megan Niu
