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Published: 18 May 2016

Created: 18 May 2016

Last Updated: 19 May 2016

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This year, Maggie Favretti's City 2.0 class of 20 SHS seniors put words into action by planning the redesign and transformation of a park in Harlem's Renaissance Playground at 144th and Frederick Douglass Boulevard. The class embarked on the project to create a space for the community, where Harlem families and children could enjoy plants and flowers, learn about, and play jazz and other kinds of music.

When the class traveled to the park to see where they would be working, they met with jazz musician and locally famous florist, Phil Young, along with a community advocate, Michael Allen. Young, Allen, Favretti and a group of Scarsdale High School students. They have made tremendous strides to create the reborn "Harlem Renaissance Jazz Garden".

I was fortunate enough to be a member of the City 2.0 class and help with the process of transforming the park into the Renaissance Jazz Garden. Once our team had made the initial contacts and put together a coalition of support, we had to address the Harlem community board and present our ideas to them. As a group, Ms. Favretti, four City 2.0 students (including myself), Michael Allen, and Phil Young met at the community board meeting to present our pitch for the new garden.

The community board meeting helped create the momentum that the project needed. Ms. Favretti elaborated on the importance of the board meeting and said, "Going to the community board was very helpful to us and informed us of what to do next. We need[ed] to first work with the park system to build support in the community; then the city government will respond to our project once there is a well organized community movement". The community board meeting was also attended by staff from the nearby schools who also committed their support to the Harlem Renaissance Jazz Garden. As the project continues to grow and progress, it is gaining more and more support. As of now, school officials from Harlem Village Academy, Harlem Children Zone Teen Center, the Police Department, and the City Parks Foundation have committed to help the Harlem Jazz Garden develop.

Based on online and in class research it was apparent that community organizing is the most important step in order to keep the project going. Creating a sustainable community base will allow us to receive the necessary signatures of support for the project.

In order to gain the community's support, the Harlem Renaissance Jazz Garden association is hosting "It's My Park Day" on May 21st to help build and fund the organization. Ms. Favretti described the event. "We will meet up with the school government kids from Harlem Renaissance Academy, and at least 20 community adult volunteers who have signed up for planting. Michael Allen has been working all week to clean everything up for the big day." As a group everyone is hoping that after this event, the organization will have enough support to get the necessary signatures in order to apply for a Capacity fund grant.

This Capacity fund grant will allow the group to create a website, receive donations, hire a publicist and pay for the programming of music in the park. Hopefully after the grant is submitted and reviewed, the city's park's department will take over and make further progress on the project.

The City 2.0 class focused on urban design and how to bring about beneficial change in a community. The class and the "Renaissance Jazz Garden" group has faced many challenges throughout the year. When I asked Ms. Favretti what motivates her to keep working on the Jazz Garden, she stated, "Trust, so the hardest thing and the best thing about community based design is trust. In order to build trust there has to be commitment. You have to be committed and once you show that you are committed then you are stuck. You have to be willing to get stuck". One of the hardest things we had to do was prove ourselves to the community and build trust with the community in Harlem we are working with. The class taught me the power of investing myself in an idea to create trust in the project and the wider community.

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Published: 09 May 2016

Created: 09 May 2016

Last Updated: 10 May 2016

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Scarsdale High School will say goodbye to a beloved math teacher Roger Cappucci who will retire at the end of this school year, after the completion of his 50th year at Scarsdale. Cappucci has been a school favorite for the entirety of his time at SHS. Cappucci teaches by the belief that math is an art form that needs to be worked on by a team. His engaging and interactive classes help his students fully grasp complicated math topics, while also forming bonds with him and each other.

Capucci grew up just a few miles from here but a world away from Scarsdale in Arthur Avenue in the Bronx with three other siblings and his italian immigrant parents. Early in his humble start at P.S 74 and then at Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx, he loved math and dealing with numbers. He graduated from Fordham University in 1957 and then began his first teaching job at Lincoln High School in Yonkers at just 21 years old. After a couple years at Lincoln he moved to New Rochelle High School, and then finally to Scarsdale High School.

Cappucci says that what he will miss the most at at Scarsdale High School are his many students. He references his 2015-16 B.C. Calculus class as one of his favorite classes of his teaching career. "It's been a real joy with [this year's B.C. Calculus class] because they're so good. They are so good and so giving and cooperative. And you can see it in their faces how they enjoy the learning experiences". B.C. Calculus is the highest level of math available at Scarsdale High School, and he is inspired by the level of determination and devotion that these students show each year. One of his B.C. Calculus students, Aditi Valada, spoke about his dedication to the class. "All of his students have grown very fondly of him and have gotten to know how much of an amazing teacher he is". Another B.C. Calculus student, Stephanie Strek, also praised Mr. Cappucci's dedication. "This class has been pretty tough for all of us, but Cappucci really helped us come together as a class and work together to succeed". Cappucci inspires all of his students, no matter what level math class or level of ability. "Math hasn't always been the easiest subject for me but with Cappucci as my teacher this year I really excelled", said Jake Frishberg, a student in his Pre-Calculus level class.

Although Cappucci has maintained his enthusiasm for teaching over his many years at Scarsdale High School, he has observed many changes in the school. Most obviously, he has witnessed the implementation of widely new technological advances for teaching at Scarsdale. The introduction of graphing calculators, Smart Boards, and even online teacher pages have all changed the ways in which students gain and process information. Mr. Cappucci has also noticed more subtle changes in his students since his start in 1957. "I think they're under more pressure than they were years ago", stated Cappucci. He references the increased competition for grades and colleges for this change. He says that competition in the world today is, "so much more vigorous, and that translates to the pressures that the students have in the school". Although his students may be under more pressure, he hopes he has alleviated the increased competition by creating a welcoming class. "We are all under so much pressure with colleges, AP exams, and parents, but Cappucci makes an effort to make us all feel comfortable and relaxed in his classes. I looked forward to seeing him everyday!", said Strek.

After retiring, Cappucci plans to relax, "play lots of tennis", while continuing to tutor and teach those who are less fortunate. He says he will, "continue to teach and give of myself for those who are in need... to give of myself to them". Cappucci will leave a legacy in Scarsdale High School that will live on through all of his students, past and present. "His legacy has grown by the results of his students and their feelings toward him", praised Valada. "We will all miss you, Mr. Cappucci! Thank you for inspiring all of us", said Strek.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 04 May 2016

Created: 04 May 2016

Last Updated: 04 May 2016

Hits: 5343

The following are the comments of Mayor Jon Mark with respect to the 2016 Village-wide revaluation. The comments are substantially those given during the meeting of the Board of Trustees on April 26, 2016 and were in part given in response to an email sent to the Board on April 22, 2016 by Robert Berg which Mr. Berg read at the April 26th meeting of the Board of Trustees. Mr. Berg's email is posted on this web site.

2016 Revaluation: The tentative assessment roll will be filed on June 1st, as required, and notices of the 2016 assessments are expected to be mailed on June 2nd.
As is the case every year, residents are entitled to grieve their assessments. Pursuant to New York State law, grievances can be filed with the Village Assessor's office between June 1st and the third Tuesday in June, or June 21st for this year's statutory grievance deadline. The Village Board does not have the authority to modify the dates established in accordance with NYS law.

Some general notes about the revaluation process. Unlike what occurred in connection with the 2014 revaluation, this year more detailed information will be made available to residents directly and on the Village website soon after the filing of the 2016 tentative assessment roll. Among other things, I understand that the notices residents will receive will be approximately two pages in length and will contain sufficiently detailed information to allow residents to understand how the value of their property was calculated. For example, I am advised that the notice will set forth the physical attributes of the property that were taken into account in the modeling process and the corresponding coefficients applied to calculate the total property value estimated as of the revaluation assessment date which is July 1, 2015. That estimated value will become the 2016 total assessed value. In addition, the model used by the Village's project consultant, J.F. Ryan Associates, will be made available on the Village web site within a few days of the posting of the 2016 tentative assessment roll. Therefore, it should not be necessary to file numerous FOIL requests to obtain an understanding of how the 2016 revaluation was accomplished. This level of transparency should be an improvement over 2014.

Second, without getting into details of the technical or logistical aspects of the revaluation as to which I am not qualified to speak, it is noted that the process being utilized in 2016 has been simplified in a number of respects. For example, the neighborhood map that was used two years ago was simplified from 14 sub-neighborhoods to five neighborhoods that correspond to our five elementary school districts. Site adjustments, referred to as influence factors, will be made to specific parcels for the various factors that impact value (i.e., traffic, flood zones, etc.). The comparable sales data that transacted during the new sales base period in each of the respective five consolidated neighborhoods for the 2016 revaluation will similarly undergo a process of modeling; however, the 2016 modeling process will take into consideration all sales within each of the respective five neighborhoods. It is intended that the new neighborhood designations will ameliorate concerns that previously existed regarding the perceived inaccurate or inappropriate delineation of sub-neighborhoods. Similarly, the possible grades of construction quality assignable to each house were also simplified. The 43 grades that were used in 2014 have been mathematically consolidated into a more manageable grouping of 16 grade categories. These changes in approach, among others being employed, should result in a more robust valuation model relative to two years ago.

One other timing point: A comment has been made that the possible high demand for appraisers triggered by the revaluation will make it difficult for residents who wish to file grievances to find a suitable appraiser that is available to assist them. It is understood that while an appraisal is usually part of the preferred and recommended documentation submitted to support a grievance, the practice before the Board of Assessment Review ("BOAR") is to permit filers to supplement their grievance filing with additional supporting evidence of overvaluation, including an appraisal, after the initial filing of the grievance. It is not unusual for appraisals to be remitted for the BOAR's consideration after the grievance day deadline through the last week of August each year. I am advised that based on the schedule this year, the BOAR would accept additional documentation through September 1, 2016 -- provided that the additional documentation is supplemental to a grievance that was filed no later than June 21, 2016. Note that the statutory date for the Village Assessor to file the final assessment roll is September 15, 2016. Therefore, residents should have substantially more than three weeks to engage a suitable appraiser to prepare an analysis that they believe would support their grievance filings.
Mr. Berg has suggested delaying implementing the pending revaluation for a year. The Board has considered that suggestion and has chosen not to adopt it for a variety of reasons. Among other things, delaying implementation would extend for such a one year period a degree of uncertainty over assessed values in the Village. As some residents stated at the public meeting held on April 21, 2016, that sort of uncertainty is undesirable for residents and for the Village as a whole. On balance it is considered preferable to complete the present process as scheduled and provide some measure of closure on the revaluation process.

Finally with respect to the notice given for the April 21, 2016 public meeting at which an update of the revaluation process was given, the lead time for the notice was one week. While the notice period was shorter than is generally preferred, it was within the time frame permitted under the rules. The choices were to give a longer notice and call the meeting for a date in May, the week of April 25th being a school vacation week when many would be away, or have the meeting on shorter notice. The latter choice was made and the notice was sent to the local media for publication in accordance with the usual practice. With the benefit of 20/20 hindsight it would have been preferable to provide a longer notice and the Board will have that in mind in future cases presenting matters of similar importance and interest.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 28 April 2016

Created: 28 April 2016

Last Updated: 28 April 2016

Hits: 6270

Mayor Jon Mark offered the following explanation of the procedure for the 2016 tax revaluation at the April 26 meeting of the Village Board. He provided information about the new evaluation model, pertinent dates and how those who wish to file grievances can do so.

Also, the Mayor commented on the Village Budget and answered questions about fund balances. The Village Trustees adopted the 2016-17 Village Budget at the meeting on April 26. You can watch the meeting in its entirety and listen to comments from the Village Trustees on the budget and appropriate level of fund balances here.

(from Mayor Jon Mark)

2016 Revaluation: I would like to start by providing highlights of the timeline for the 2016 Village-wide reassessment over the coming two months. The tentative assessment roll will be filed on June 1st, as required, and notices of the 2016 assessments are expected to be mailed on June 2nd.

As is the case every year, residents are entitled to grieve their assessments. Pursuant to New York State law, grievances can be filed with the Village Assessor's office between June 1st and the third Tuesday in June, or June 21st for this year's statutory grievance deadline. The Village Board does not have the authority to modify the dates established in accordance with NYS law.

Some general notes about the revaluation process. Unlike what occurred in connection with the 2014 revaluation, this year more detailed information will be made available to residents directly and on the Village website soon after the filing of the 2016 tentative assessment roll. Among other things, I understand that the notices residents will receive will be approximately two pages in length and will contain sufficiently detailed information to allow residents to understand how the value of their property was calculated. For example, I am advised that the notice will set forth the physical attributes of the property that were taken into account in the modeling process and the corresponding coefficients applied to calculate the total property value estimated as of the revaluation assessment date which is July 1, 2015. That estimated value will become the 2016 total assessed value. In addition, the model used by the Village's project consultant, J.F. Ryan Associates, will be made available on the Village web site within a few days of the posting of the 2016 tentative assessment roll. Therefore, it should not be necessary to file numerous FOIL requests to obtain an understanding of how the 2016 revaluation was accomplished. This level of transparency should be an improvement over 2014.

Second, without getting into details of the technical or logistical aspects of the revaluation as to which I am not qualified to speak, it is noted that the process being utilized in 2016 has been simplified in a number of respects. For example, the neighborhood map that was used two years ago was simplified from 14 sub-neighborhoods to five neighborhoods that correspond to our five elementary school districts. Site adjustments, referred to as influence factors, will be made to specific parcels for the various factors that impact value (i.e., traffic, flood zones, etc.). The comparable sales data that transacted during the new sales base period in each of the respective five consolidated neighborhoods for the 2016 revaluation will similarly undergo a process of modeling; however, the 2016 modeling process will take into consideration all sales within each of the respective five neighborhoods. It is intended that the new neighborhood designations will ameliorate concerns that previously existed regarding the perceived inaccurate or inappropriate delineation of sub-neighborhoods. Similarly, the possible grades of construction quality assignable to each house were also simplified. The 43 grades that were used in 2014 have been mathematically consolidated into a more manageable grouping of 16 grade categories. These changes in approach, among others being employed, should result in a more robust valuation model relative to two years ago.

One other timing point: A comment has been made that the possible high demand for appraisers triggered by the revaluation will make it difficult for residents who wish to file grievances to find a suitable appraiser that is available to assist them. It is understood that while an appraisal is usually part of the preferred and recommended documentation submitted to support a grievance, the practice before the Board of Assessment Review ("BOAR") is to permit filers to supplement their grievance filing with additional supporting evidence of overvaluation, including an appraisal, after the initial filing of the grievance. It is not unusual for appraisals to be remitted for the BOAR's consideration after the grievance day deadline through the last week of August each year. I am advised that based on the schedule this year, the BOAR would accept additional documentation through September 1, 2016 -- provided that the additional documentation is supplemental to a grievance that was filed no later than June 21, 2016. Note that the statutory date for the Village Assessor to file the final assessment roll is September 15, 2016. Therefore, residents should have substantially more than three weeks to engage a suitable appraiser to prepare an analysis that they believe would support their grievance filings.

The 2016-2017 Proposed Budget: On the agenda tonight is a vote on the proposed 2016-2017 budget. It is not my intention to review the proposed budget again this evening as an overview was provided at the prior Board meeting. However, since we continue to receive comments from some urging us to use more of the General Fund to provide some measure of tax relief, I will reiterate some of the prior comments Board members have made on this point.

The purpose of the General Fund is to provide the Village with a funding source to address unplanned or emergency situations such as unbudgeted infrastructure repairs or severe storm related activity and to provide an overall cushion for the Village's finances.

The financial management policy of the Village is to maintain a strong General Fund balance. This policy is central to maintaining the Village's Aaa bond rating, a policy that is at the core of Scarsdale's fiscal strategy. When Moody's last reaffirmed the Village's Aaa bond rating, it specifically referenced the "Village's formal policy of maintaining this balance at 10-15% of budgeted expenditures for the ensuing fiscal year." Scarsdale's fund balance target is below Moody's standard 15-20% target as a result of our regular funding of capital items using cash within our annual budget. We understand that the General Fund balance is currently approximately $8.7 million, or 15% of budgeted 2016-2017 expenditures. However, the General Fund balance level fluctuates relative to budgeted expenditures. We expect the fund balance at the time of the Village's fiscal year-end audit to be about $800,000 below current levels, thereby placing the fund balance at approximately 14.25% of the proposed 2016-17 operating budget expenditures. It is fiscal year-end audited numbers that the rating agencies use when determining the Village's credit rating. We do not expect to have audited numbers from which a relevant determination of fund balance can be made until August or September.
The question that has been put to us repeatedly this season is: where should the General Fund balance be relative to the targeted range of 10-15%? This is a matter of judgment over which people may – and in this case do – reasonably disagree. It is the view of the Board that now is a time that we should be very prudent with our management of the General Fund balance. As an illustrative example prompting this approach, the fairly recent completion of the Popham Road bridge contained a nearly $2 million cost overrun. The General Fund balance is maintained exactly for a capital project cost overrun of this nature and magnitude.

When looking forward a few years, we see a number of major capital improvement projects. In the 2016-17 budget, the Village plans to repair the Heathcote Road Bridge, perform storm water management with the Sheldrake River Basin Improvement Project and undertake the Hutchison River Flood Mitigation Project. The Village also plans to start work on Fire Station #1. Looking forward a little further we plan to perform a comprehensive analysis of, and rehabilitation work on, the Village storm and sanitary sewer systems, pipe lining and valve replacement associated with our potable water distribution system, among other things. In addition, material work on the Library is also anticipated although the scope of the work that may be performed is yet to be determined.

These capital projects are in keeping with the Village's long term capital planning and represent one of the critical functions performed by the Village to invest, maintain and improve on critical and aging infrastructure. With these specific major capital projects anticipated over the next five years or so, now is not the time to draw down the General Fund balance for a relatively small amount of one-time tax relief. Not only is the potential benefit relatively insignificant, 0.67% of the aggregate anticipated tax bill (municipal, school district, county) for 2016-2017, but engaging in such a practice has proved to be the first step on a slippery slope for other municipalities which have imprudently depleted their General Fund balances through multiple drawdowns in successive years.

One other note. In addition to the criticism of the approach being taken in the proposed Budget, there has also been some support for it as well. For example, in the League of Women Voters April 12, 2016 letter commenting on the 2016-2017 proposed budget, the League wrote:

"The League commends the Village for their prudent and strategic use of some surplus as a tax relief measure, while leaving fund balance at appropriate levels. The League understands that the proposed application of $1,023,000 is deliberately somewhat lower than in the past. Last year's budget increased the use of fund balance in order to stay under the tax cap and then be eligible to obtain a one-time $2.2M tax rebate to many homeowners from the Governor's Tax Freeze Program. This fund balance, restored to historical levels, should be adequate to maintain the Village's Aaa bond rating and to address any unplanned or emergency situations arising from storms, infrastructure failures, etc. The League recommends that the Village continue to employ this responsible strategy and to regularly communicate this information with the community at-large."