Trustee Gans Discusses Fields, Land Use and Stormwater In Advance of his Run for a Second Term
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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The Citizens Nominating Committee has announced their candidates for Village Trustee for election on March 19, 2024. The general election will take place Tuesday, March 19, at the Scarsdale Public Library, 54 Olmsted Road in the Scott Room. Voting hours will be from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm. Trustee Jeremy Gans was selected to run for a second two year term. Below we asked him about his views on issues that were encountered during his first term, and why he is looking forward to serving for an additional two years.
Introduce yourself to those who may not know you. What do you like about living in Scarsdale? How were your first two years as trustee and why did you decide to run again?
I moved to Scarsdale in 2007 and I live in Quaker Ridge with my wife Lisa and my three sons. Jason is a sophomore at Cornell University, Aaron is a sophomore at Scarsdale High School and Evan is in 7th grade at Scarsdale Middle School.
Scarsdale has been a great place to raise our family. The schools have been excellent, and we love living in a place with such a strong sense of community.
I have truly enjoyed my first term on the Board. I am proud of what we have accomplished so far, and I look forward to continuing to work to improve Scarsdale with my colleagues on the Board.
Tell us what developments/accomplishments from your first term you are most proud of?
I am very happy that the Village Board has decided to examine the status of our fields and recreation facilities. Sports and recreation are important to me, and I think the status of our facilities does not always meet the expectations of our residents. I am glad that we are prioritizing improving these facilities.
Our Parks and Recreation staff is excellent and preparing our fields and maintaining our facilities. But at some point, capital expenditures are necessary to significantly improve things. The Board is taking a deep look at those needs and hopefully our community will notice improvements in the near future.
In your view, what are some of the major issues and decisions facing the Village Board this year?
This year should be exciting for the Village Board. We anticipate making significant progress on renovating the Pool Complex. I look forward to engaging with staff, the Board and the entire community as the project moves forward.
Following our consultant’s review of our current land use code and policies, we will have important decisions to make in that area. We will seek to balance the rights of homeowners to improve their properties while minimizing the impact on the environment and their neighbors. We all want to preserve what has made Scarsdale such a special place for generations, while allowing the type of modernization that will allow Scarsdale to continue to be among the most desirable places to move for families.
In your first term Scarsdale lost its Village Manager. Did the absence of a Village Manager prevent the Board from moving forward on any initiatives? When do you think a new one will be installed and how do you envision his/her role?
Acting Village Manager Alex Marshall has been doing an outstanding job since the moment she was appointed in September. The Village Board and Staff have operated very well during her tenure, and we thank her for serving the Village so well. We hope to fill the Village Manager position with a permanent replacement soon.
Stormwater management and flooding have been on the agenda of many meetings. Please discuss what the Village government can do and what else can be done to safeguard residents’ homes and public property.
During my term, the Village Board has approved several code changes to better address stormwater management issues. We implemented new provisions regarding stormwater runoff in adjoining property buffer areas; we revised our lot coverage provisions; and we took steps to remove illegal connections to our sanitary sewer system.
Staff is looking at ways to improve stormwater management on a near-daily basis. They are aware of problem areas throughout the Village and are always looking to improve the situation for our residents.
This year the Board was faced with challenges to our land use code and preservation code from residents, realtors and developers. We currently have a six-month building moratorium in place that you did not vote to implement. Share your views on these issues and what you expect the Village Board to do as an outcome of this pause.
We are primarily looking at three areas:
1. Aesthetics. We have heard concerns from residents about the size and bulk of homes, the design of homes, and the perceived proliferation of homes that appear out of character for their lots or for their neighborhoods. It can be nearly impossible to codify what are, in many cases, matters of taste. But we are examining whether things like building height, setbacks and floor area ratio can be revised to mitigate some of the aesthetic concerns that residents have.
2. Historic Preservation: Preserving historic homes is important to the community and to the Board. We are looking at whether our current Code strikes the right balance between preserving truly special and historic homes, while allowing necessary updates of our housing stock. We also want to make sure that we close any loopholes that exist, that could allow homeowners or developers to skirt the intent of our historic preservation laws.
3. Stormwater management: This is a complex topic, with homeowners, the Village, Westchester County, and the State all playing a role. With respect to residential properties, we will be analyzing our lot coverage and building coverage code provisions to determine whether any changes should be made. We will also look at requiring verification of regular maintenance of stormwater management systems by property owners.
I’m glad that we are having these important discussions. Regarding my vote, I simply did not agree that we needed to impose a moratorium at the same time we were looking at these issues.
Hoff-Barthelson Music School's Faculty Set to Dazzle Audiences in Fifth HB Artist Series Concert
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Tomoko Uchino at Piano: Photo by Steven SchnurHoff-Barthelson Music School proudly announces the fifth installment of its celebrated HB Artist Series, spotlighting the remarkable talents of its faculty members. Mark your calendars for Friday, March 1, 2024, at 7:30 pm, as the Joan Behrens Bergman Auditorium at 25 School Lane, Scarsdale, sets the stage for an evening of musical excellence.
The concert will showcase the extraordinary talents of faculty performers Michael Finckel and Peter Seidenberg on cello, April Johnson on violin, and pianists Dominic Meiman, Vered Reznik, Katsura Tanikawa, and Tomoko Uchino.
The program features an enthralling selection of classical masterpieces:
• Morceaux pour 2 Pianos, Op. 61 Nos. 19-24 by Reinhold Glière: An enchanting collection of pieces for two pianos, showcasing intricate melodies and dynamic interplay between the performers.
• Concertina in A Minor, Op. 94 by Dmitri Shostakovich: A hauntingly beautiful composition for piano, characterized by its melancholic themes and evocative harmonies, offering a glimpse into the composer's emotional depth.
• Piano Trio No. 4 in E minor, Op. 90, B. 166 “Dumky” by Antonín Dvořák: A rich tapestry of melodies and rhythms, this trio unfolds in a series of "Dumky" or folk-inspired movements, each brimming with vitality and emotion.
• Piano Trio in B flat Major No 1, Op. 898 by Franz Schubert: A delightful blend of elegance and charm, this trio transports listeners with its graceful melodies and intricate interplay between violin, cello, and piano.
Tickets are priced at $20 for general admission and are complimentary for HBMS students. Tickets can be purchased in advance through Eventbrite, the School’s website (www.hbms.org), by calling 914-723-1169, or by e-mailing hb@hbms.org. Please note that the program and artists are subject to change.
About the HB Artist Faculty Concert Series
Hoff-Barthelson faculty comprises some of the nation’s most distinguished performers and educators. Many hold chairs in prominent New York orchestras, are members of world-class chamber ensembles, perform in major Broadway productions, and are in international demand as solo artists. Others teach at leading conservatories including The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, and Mannes College of Music. The School’s superb faculty have contributed to the Music School’s national recognition for unsurpassed leadership in music education, performance, and community service. Hoff-Barthelson prides itself on providing access to these outstanding artist-educators in the heart of Westchester. Held in Scarsdale, these concerts guarantee riveting music-making of the highest caliber, in an intimate setting, at prices far below those in New York’s major concert halls.
The final concert of the season will be held on April 19, 2024.
About the Faculty Artists
For complete faculty artist biographies visit https://hbms.org/faculty/
Michael Finckel, a versatile musician, is known for his roles as a cellist, conductor, teacher, and composer. As a founding member of Trio of the Americas and the Cabrini Quartet, he performs extensively as a soloist and chamber musician across the U.S. He's collaborated with leading new music ensembles in New York and performed alongside members of the New York Philharmonic. With a passion for contemporary music, Finckel brings innovation to his performances, captivating audiences with his expressive interpretations and virtuosic prowess.
April Johnson, a versatile violinist, has showcased her talent as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral freelancer throughout the U.S. She's held prestigious positions such as concertmaster with orchestras like the Jupiter Symphony and Galatea Ensemble. Johnson's performances with ensembles like The Oracle Trio alongside her husband, Peter Seidenberg, have garnered critical acclaim. With numerous recordings under labels like Lyrichord and Dorian, Johnson's artistry shines through her brilliant technique and emotional depth, captivating audiences wherever she performs.
Dominic Meiman, an accomplished pianist and conductor, brings a wealth of experience to his roles in teaching and performance. Meiman has led national tours with Columbia Artists Management and served as principal pianist for the Light Opera of Manhattan. He's also made significant contributions as a composer, creating works like the children's opera "Jack and the Beanstalk." Meiman's dedication to music education and performance has made him a respected figure in the music community, inspiring both students and audiences alike.
Vered Reznik, an internationally acclaimed pianist, has mesmerized audiences with her solo and chamber music performances across Europe, Israel, and the U.S. With degrees from prestigious institutions like the New England Conservatory and the Rubin Academy of Music, Reznik's artistry reflects a deep understanding of the piano repertoire. She's been praised for her performances at renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall's Weill Hall and Vienna's Konzerthaus.
Peter Seidenberg, a celebrated cellist, has captivated audiences worldwide with his solo performances and collaborations with major orchestras. From his solo debut with the Chicago Symphony to performances with orchestras across the globe, Seidenberg's artistry is marked by his expressive interpretations and technical mastery. As a founding member of the Elements Quartet, he's been part of groundbreaking commissioning projects, showcasing his commitment to contemporary music. Seidenberg's collaborations with renowned quartets and festivals have solidified his place as a vibrant and thoughtful musician in the classical music scene.
Katsura Tanikawa, a dynamic pianist, has established herself as a versatile performer with solo appearances in prestigious venues across Europe, Asia, and the U.S. Her performances with orchestras like the Frankfurt State Symphony and the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra have earned her critical acclaim. Tanikawa's solo piano recitals at renowned venues including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Carnegie Hall have showcased her virtuosity and musicality. With a repertoire spanning classical to contemporary works, Tanikawa continues to enthrall audiences with her captivating performances and artistic depth.
Tomoko Uchino, an accomplished pianist, has garnered recognition for her performances in recitals and concerts worldwide. With top prizes in prestigious competitions like the Ettlingen International Piano Competition, Uchino's talent shines through her expressive and masterful playing. She's collaborated with instrumentalists and vocalists in renowned concert halls such as Alice Tully Hall and Carnegie Weill Hall, leaving audiences spellbound with her artistry. Uchino's dedication to musical excellence and her ability to connect with audiences make her a standout performer in the classical music landscape.
In Support of the Property Tax Exemption for Volunteer Emergency Workers
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(This letter was written by Deborah Skolnik)
I am writing to express my wholehearted support for the Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Workers Property Tax Exemption Act. The legislative proposal adopts New York State Assembly Bill A10155A in the Village of Scarsdale, which proposes a 10% property tax exemption for active volunteer emergency service workers. This initiative is not only a recognition of the invaluable contributions of our volunteer firefighters but also a strategic move to fortify the safety and resilience of our community.
In Scarsdale, our volunteer firefighters play a vital role in our Fire Department. Their unwavering dedication and selflessness are the backbone of our emergency services. They respond to crises without hesitation, putting their lives on the line to protect our community. It is only fitting that we acknowledge their tireless efforts and provide a token of appreciation for their service.
The projected average tax impact on village residents is a mere $25 per year, an inconsequential amount when weighed against the profound benefits it brings. This small investment has the potential to yield significant returns. By passing this bill, we send a clear message that we value and honor our volunteer emergency service workers. This recognition not only boosts morale but also encourages others to join their ranks, thus strengthening our emergency services.
Moreover, the bill will aid in the retention of qualified volunteers, ensuring that our community remains well-prepared for any emergency. In a world where every second counts, having a dedicated force of volunteers in town is indispensable.
In summary, New York State Bill A10155A is a win-win for our community. It is a small financial commitment that carries immense symbolic and practical significance. By supporting this bill, we recognize and reward the dedication of our volunteer emergency service workers while fortifying the safety and preparedness of Scarsdale. I urge our Board of Trustees to pass this crucial legislation.
Sincerely,
Deborah Skolnik
917-301-6562
Gifts with Love for Valentine's Day
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Warm their hearts with gifts of love for Valentine’s Day, on Wednesday February 14, 2024. There’s so much available right here in Scarsdale. See what’s in store and shop now to plan for the big day.
Blowouts and Bubbles
This Valentine’s Day spread love and support local with Blowouts and Bubbles!!
Hair Saloon & Café, Micheline, and Ashley Badger of Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s are sharing the local Scarsdale love. On February 14th, receive 15% off a blowout at Hair Saloon & Café as you are sure to look your best for a romantic night out. Love and fun continue when you head to Micheline for dinner that same day! Upon presentation of the coupon from your blowout, enjoy two complimentary glasses of bubbles to enjoy with your dinner. Who knows, you 
might even spot Ashley supporting either places herself – she’ll be glad to help you with any real estate needs – residential or commercial!
Supporting local, supporting Scarsdale, now that’s true Love.
Scent
Follow the scent of roses to ScentFluence in Scarsdale village. Discover Valentine's gift perfection with luxury notable hotel and spa candles. gorgeous home diffusers, scent oils, and gift certificates for anyone you love, any style, or mood. Shop online at scentfluence.com with discount code Valentine10583 for 10% off diffuser and scent oils, or mention our Scarsdale10583 ad when instore.* til 2-17-24. Free gift wrapping.
ScentFluence, 22 Harwood Circle, Scarsdale, NY , M-F 12-5pm
Style
This Valentine's Day, express your love with the perfect gifts from I Am More Scarsdale for that special gal in your life (including yourself!) Elevate her style with our curated selection of clothing, including cozy sweaters, chic blouses, and timeless leather jackets. Whether she enjoys beach days or weekend getaways, our stylish beach bags and travel bags are the ideal companions for adventures. Complete the look with fashionable hats and scarves that effortlessly elevate any outfit. For a touch of romance at home, explore our collection of scented candles and diffusers, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Celebrate your love with thoughtful and stylish gifts from I Am More Scarsdale, because she deserves nothing but the best.
I Am More Scarsdale at 6 Spencer Place in Scarsdale is offering a 20% discount on regular-priced clothing (excluding new spring arrivals) through Valentine’s Day. In addition, save up to 70% of a huge selection of fall and winter merchandise. Discounts are available in-store and online here.
Flowers
This Valentine’s Day send a stunning bouquet from Scarsdale Flower Boutique.
Choose from roses in red, pink, lavender, white and peach or send a custom Valentine’s Day arrangement with premium flowers like orchids, ranunculus, hydrangeas and anemones.
Click here to see our signature Valentine’s Day arrangements including, “Roses are Red, Violets are Blue,” “Pretty Orchids,” “Pretty Petals, “You Are My Everything” and “I Love You Forever.”
Bouquets start at $50.00 with same day delivery. Order soon for Valentine’s Day.
Call them at 914-723-0852, order online at www.Scarsdaleflowerboutique.com or stop by the shop at 7 Harwood Court in the heart of Scarsdale Village.
Open Daily 9 – 6 pm.
Sweets
Baked in Color, owned by Scarsdale resident Julie Waxman, has new festive treats available for Valentine’s Day. 
Valentine’s Day themed cookies, Brookies and cakes now available at baked in color! Call shop to order for pick up in Scarsdale or Larchmont. 914-315-1278 Nationwide shipping available at Baked in Color.
Letter to the Editor: Writer Calls for a Comprehensive Review of Scarsdale Stormwater Management System
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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(The following letter was submitted by Scarsdale resident Cathy Liu)
Dear Mayor and Trustee,
My name is Cathy Liu and I am a 6 year resident as well as a licensed professional engineer specializing in drainage with extensive experience in both suburban and urban planning. I would like to provide my comments regarding the code review during the 6-month moratorium.
I have had the privileges of contributing to the prevention of flooding in various residential developments within the New York Region. The suburban and the city have different approaches to prevent flooding.
As a plan reviewer for stormwater pollution prevention plans at NYCDEP (New York City Department of Environmental Protection), I have dedicated several years to overseeing residential developments, including mansions and subdivisions, in towns such as Bedford, North Salem, Chappaqua, and Somers to prevent surface runoff from impacting the New York City water supply. A stringent process is followed before any architectural review takes place. Developers are required to submit a comprehensive stormwater management plan to our department before proceeding to the town planning board. This serves as the initial step in the development process. This site plan include the size and location of the house and impervious area and it also include essential components such as stormwater management calculations, number and locations of infiltrations, and other stormwater management practices.
Before the submission of the plan, a crucial step involves scheduling soil testing to assess soil quality. Our office are required to be on-site to witness the excavation and soil testing. This thorough examination is imperative, as it often takes the builder's engineer multiple attempts to identify a location with suitable soil conditions for constructing proposed infiltrators. The infiltration rate must adhere to the New York stormwater management standards, requiring it to be above 0.5 inches per hour, with no groundwater present in the first five feet. Failure to locate suitable soil renders the development unfeasible, and the landowner bears the responsibility for associated costs.
Currently, I am working in capital program management at NYCDEP, where my role involves overseeing and executing infrastructure upgrades throughout New York City. The urban landscape presents a distinct scenario—New York City grapples with aging infrastructure but recognizes the necessity to accommodate development. Understanding that such development is impractical without concurrent infrastructure enhancements, the NYC Department of City Planning collaborates with NYCDEP during the planning stage of developments or rezoning. This collaboration involves reaching out to NYCDEP to ascertain the timeline for drainage analysis, specifically evaluating the capacities of the sanitary sewer and storm sewer systems to accommodate the proposed development. Additionally, the infrastructure improvement timeline is a crucial aspect integrated into the considerations for rezoning and development. Notably, the city bears the responsibility and cost associated with averting flooding and preventing sewer backups. This collaborative effort ensures a harmonious balance between urban development and the preservation of essential infrastructure in New York City.
If Scarsdale intends to amend the zoning code to accommodate downtown development or comply with federal mandates for affordable housing apartments, similar approach should be adapted. A comprehensive evaluation of our existing infrastructure is imperative. Before implementing any new development plans, it is essential to conduct a thorough investigation and subsequent upgrade of the current infrastructure to ensure it aligns with the proposed changes and can adequately support the envisioned developments. This proactive approach will help address potential challenges and ensure that the infrastructure is robust enough to sustain the needs of the community and any mandated housing initiatives.
Both approaches hold the potential to facilitate increased development. Currently in Scarsdale, our stormwater management permit process involves submission after the Board of Architecture Review, a process that, unfortunately, proves too late. By the time the permit is considered for final approval alongside the building permit, homeowners and developers have already invested significant time and resources in the intricacies of the house design. Denying the stormwater permit application at this stage becomes unlikely, as builders often find ways to present a stormwater management plan that meets the criteria. Which then will be self-certified for the soil condition and effectiveness of the infiltrators. Our small engineering team lacks the capacity to witness soil conditions and perc rate tests, rendering our stringent stormwater code less enforceable. In certain areas of Scarsdale with poor soil conditions, the code's enforcement becomes even more challenging, leading to potential hardships, even for replacing a new house with the same footprint. The situation becomes more critical when considering subdivisions that call for a doubling of house footprints; these cases warrant careful examination.
To address these challenges, I propose a fundamental shift in the process. A stormwater management permit should precede the application to the planning board for subdivision or house expansion beyond a specific threshold. Given the strain on the current public system, it becomes imperative that the proposed house's stormwater management plan is not only submitted early but is also feasible and robust before any increased development can be further considered.
Builders often claim that new houses will have superior drainage systems compared to old houses, a fact applicable to the house itself. However, the assertion may not hold true for the broader environment, including streets and neighboring properties. New systems, if not approved robustly, may divert flow to the street, causing potential issues. Many recent developments have been allowed to have infiltrators to be installed in the front yard and under the driveway, with a release mechanism diverting flow to the street when storage is full. This practice, driven by a reluctance to reduce house footprints and allocate space for infiltrators in the backyard, raises concerns about the potential impact on the community. The village faces limitations in issuing violations to these houses, as approvals were granted under existing practices. Even with the introduction of a new code, there is a need to anticipate potential issues and limit the development of future houses to prevent a recurrence of similar problems. Recent housing developments have triggered ongoing complaints among neighbors, underscoring the urgency for the village to address these issues promptly and comprehensively.
It is imperative for the village to actively enforce our existing code. The engineering department, given its relatively small size, faces challenges in adequately serving the village's needs. As mentioned earlier, they are unable to witness soil testing and are sometimes absent during the backfill of infiltrators due to staffing issues. Additionally, the village typically refrains from intervening when issues such as a neighbor's roof leader redirecting water towards another house or a clogged drain causing severe downstream flooding arise. These issues demand immediate attention, irrespective of any potential changes to the existing code.
Furthermore, the recent amendment to our building code in 2020, limiting the height of new buildings, is commendable. However, there are currently no restrictions on the elevations at which houses should be built. A concerning trend has emerged where new houses are constructed at significantly higher elevations relative to neighboring properties. This has the potential to divert surface runoff from these houses onto neighboring properties. I recommend that a consulting company thoroughly examine and address this issue.
In 2015, we engaged the services of consultant Phillips Preiss to examine the matter concerning bulk regulations. The findings indicated that the concept of "bulk" is minimally associated with the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and instead relies heavily on factors such as design, façade, and garage location. I am keen to discover the insights our new consultant will provide on this matter.
Additionally, in 2002, Scarsdale introduced the concept of floor area ratio to control the size of houses. This had a significant impact on numerous existing houses in Edgewood on small lots, constructed around the 1920s, rendering them nonconforming. The temporary moratorium implemented further reduced setbacks for a period of six months, resulting in an additional 160 square feet reduction in floor area ratio for these houses. For instance, a house built in 1928 for 2400 sqft on a lot of A5 (5200 sqft) could only adhere to a 2200 sqft limit as per the 2002 code if a redevelopment is needed, and this have been further reduced to 2000 sqft for new houses temporarily. Careful consideration is warranted in evaluating the necessity of further reducing the floor area ratio. If the issues outlined in the preceding paragraphs are not effectively addressed by the village, a reduction in floor area ratio may not contribute to alleviating flooding concerns but may instead lead to a decrease in property values.
Just my 2 cents,.
Thank you for your consideration,
Cathy Liu
