Village to Explore Development of the Freightway Site
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The following letter was sent to Mayor Justin Arest to Village residents on January 9, 2026.
Dear Scarsdale:
For generations, the Village-owned Freightway site has been a topic of much debate and several unfinished chapters. Efforts to develop this area date back to 1995, 1981, and even earlier. Today, we are pleased to begin a proactive, community-led process to redevelop the Freightway site that keeps community input at the heart of how this vital area evolves. As we look toward the future of our Village center, we can build on what we have learned from past efforts and move forward together with a fresh approach.
Overview of our Most Recent Experience
The Freightway Steering Committee was created by the Village Board in 2017 with a mandate to “develop a community-based vision and set goals for redeveloping the underutilized Freightway site...” It issued a report in 2018, which led to a developer selection process in 2019. However, the Board paused the process in 2020 because many felt the community's voice was being lost. We recognize that much of the unease stemmed from the traditional model approach, where a developer is chosen first and then leads the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process based on their specific development proposal. Under that model, the developer prepares the EIS and the Planning Board typically serves as the Lead Agency (the body with the authority to oversee the environmental review process and evaluate the EIS). While this is standard for most projects, in this context it may have created a perception that key decisions regarding the scale and density of the project had already been made and that a project’s approval was inevitable.
We are flipping that process upside down. In simple terms, we are asking the community to help define what could be possible on the Freightway site before any developer is engaged.
By first conducting a Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS), the Village Board is choosing to do the hard work of planning together and transparently with the community upfront. This is a broad planning and environmental review that will inform us of the type and extent of redevelopment the site can support. The Village Board will retain direct control of the process by acting as the Lead Agency, drafting the GEIS (through the Village Planner and retained land use consultants), ensuring that your elected representatives are the ones setting the standards. Together, we will analyze various "what if" scenarios by examining different heights, densities, and development configurations to determine the potential impact on our schools, traffic, and infrastructure. This study will establish the requirements that any future redevelopment of the site must meet.
To ensure this process is exhaustive and transparent, the Village will soon engage professional planning consultants to provide essential expertise in areas including traffic, school demographics, and economics. Most importantly, we are committing to a process that keeps you at the center through:
• Community Scoping Session(s): Formal meeting(s) where the community identifies the specific environmental, social, and economic impacts that must be analyzed in the study.
• Public Working Group Presentations: Open sessions where our consultants will present data on key topics such as school enrollment and traffic to ensure transparency while the study is being drafted.
• Community Visioning Workshops: Interactive sessions to discuss the preferred look, feel, and scale of any redevelopment to ensure the final study considers Scarsdale's unique character.
This approach represents a significant commitment of Village resources, but it is also an investment in community confidence. By funding this study ourselves, we ensure that the planners and engineers work exclusively for the Village, not for a private developer. While the Village will lead this effort, we are under no obligation to proceed; if the final study shows that redevelopment cannot meet our community standards, we will not move forward. After the conclusion of the GEIS process, if a preferred developer is ultimately selected, the Village expects to be reimbursed for costs incurred in conducting this study.
The Village Board invites you to be a part of this journey. Attached is a Frequently Asked Questions page to help explain how this new process works. Let us build something together of which we can all be proud.
Sincerely,
Justin Arest
Mayor
Frequently Asked Questions: The GEIS Process
What exactly is a Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS)?
• A GEIS is a formal study used to consider broad planning actions for a specific area. Unlike a typical review that looks at one specific building plan, a GEIS looks at a range of possibilities.
• It allows the Village to set "thresholds," which are legal limits on things like traffic, building size, or school impact that any future project must respect.
Who ultimately decides what happens?
• The Village Board of Trustees serves as the Lead Agency. In this role, the Board determines which topics are examined in the GEIS, ensures the sufficiency of the data collected, and makes final decisions based on expert reports and studies.
• However, the GEIS process is designed so that public input informs the GEIS Scope (the document that sets forth what will be studied), the Draft GEIS (the document which explains the data collected and conclusions reached), and
the "Findings Statement" (the final document that sets the requirements for any future development of the site).
• The Board's decisions will be based on the data provided by experts and the consensus built through community engagement workshops.
How much will this cost and who pays for it?
• The Village Board is currently finalizing the budget for this work, which will be informed by the competitive RFP process.
• To ensure total independence, the Village is paying the upfront costs. This ensures the data is unbiased and the experts are accountable only to the Board and the community.
• Under New York State law, the Village can recover a significant portion of these costs via "charge-backs" to any developer who eventually moves forward with a project that utilizes this study.
Is "no development" an option?
• Yes. Every GEIS is legally required to study a "No Action" alternative. This study will provide the data to understand the costs and benefits of keeping the site as it is today versus various change scenarios.
Where can I find all project documents and updates?
• The Village has a dedicated project page on our website. All formal documents, including the GEIS Scope, Draft GEIS, and data presentations, will be posted there as they become available.
• You can also sign up for NotifyMe to receive Village email notifications about important topics including Freightway, here.
How can the community get involved?
• This process is designed to be public, visible, transparent, and participatory. The community can participate through the formal GEIS Scoping process, written comment periods, and public hearings.
• The GEIS study will be managed by a Village Center Transit Oriented Development (VCTOD) Working Group consisting of the Mayor, Village Board Land Use Committee Chairs, Village staff, and professional consultants. All findings will be presented in public meetings for review, with final oversight and decision-making by the Village Board of Trustees.
What is the preliminary timeline for 2026?
• January: Issue the RFP to hire the professional team with expertise in planning, traffic, school demographics, economics, and other relevant fields.
• February/March: Select the team and begin the formal Public Scoping process.
• Spring: Hold Community Scoping Session(s) and initial Data Workshops while the community is in session.
• Summer: Consultants conduct technical analysis and data compilation. To ensure maximum participation, no formal public scoping sessions or hearings will be held during the peak summer travel months.
• Fall: Present the Draft GEIS (DGEIS) for full community review and public hearings.
• Future Steps: The schedule for the Final GEIS, Findings Statement, and any potential Zoning Code changes will be determined after a DGEIS is adopted by the Board.
Greetings for the New Year from Scarsdale's Leaders
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We made it to the end of another year in Scarsdale. As we say goodbye to 2025 and greet 2026, we asked our community leaders for their hopes for the coming year. Here are comments from Mayor Justin Arest, Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg and the Scarsdale School Board.
Share your holiday hopes below.
Mayor Justin Arest:
As we commemorate Scarsdale’s 325th anniversary alongside our nation’s 250th, I look ahead to a year of tangible progress rooted in our shared commitment to stewarding the Village for future generations.
My hope is that we remain focused on the foundations that keep us strong: prioritizing public safety, breaking ground on our pool complex and fields, and continuing to invest in vital infrastructure. We also have a unique opportunity to look beyond traditional projects to identify ways to grow our revenue base. By engaging in a 
Mayor Justin Arestthoughtful community dialogue to envision the future of the Freightway site, we can explore how to transform a challenge into a sustainable asset that benefits both the Village and our schools.
Working together does not mean uniformity; it means shared purpose. When we approach our goals with respect, transparency, and a willingness to listen, we continue to make progress on the issues that matter most. By honoring the enduring spirit of Scarsdale, 2026 can demonstrate that a community grounded in service and cooperation is capable of achieving great things while preserving what makes our Village so special.
I wish everyone a happy and, most importantly, healthy 2026.
Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg:
Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg My hope for the new year is that we embrace what unites us and lead with empathy and kindness. In doing so, we create a community that is stronger, more connected, and more compassionate, recognizing the unseen challenges people carry. Let Scarsdale stand as an example of how collaboration and respect can guide a community forward in 2026.
Scarsdale School Board:
Dear Members of Our Community,
As we welcome the New Year, the Board of Education extends our warmest wishes to our students, families, educators, staff, and community members. A new year brings renewed hope, fresh opportunities, and a shared commitment to learning, growth, and success.
We are grateful for the dedication, resilience, and partnership that define our school community. Together, we continue to support academic excellence, student well-being, and an inclusive environment where every learner is valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.
We are excited for the opportunities the New Year will bring and confident that, working together, we will continue to build a strong and supportive educational system.
Thank you for your continued trust and support. We wish you and your families a happy, healthy, and successful New Year.
With appreciation,
The Board of Education
Jim Dugan, President
Colleen Brown, Vice President
Amber Yusuf
Suzie Hahn
Leah Dembitzer
Robert Klein
Laura Liu
The Scarsdale Board of Education 2025-26
NYS Assemblywoman Amy Paulin:
I am grateful that the Governor is signing my Medical Aid in Dying legislation in 2026, and predict it will give suffering families peace of mind during their most vulnerable time. I also predict that the $7 billion in federal budget cuts to New York State's health institutions will negatively impact many residents' healthcare, but I am committed to fighting for creative solutions to protect the quality of our healthcare system. On a personal note, I am thrilled that my daughter is engaged and will be married in 2026 and wish her happiness and joy. I remain hopeful that the Mets will survive after losing Nimmo, Alonso and Diaz, and wish they would win a World Series in my lifetime.
Congressman George Latimer
May my colleagues in national government focus less on partisanship and ideology and prioritize more on cooperation and problem-solving.
Supporting Scarsdale's Financial Futures
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(The following is Sponsored Content from J.P. Morgan)
Jacqueline Falciglia on Creating and Safeguarding Generational Wealth: Helping families build, protect and plan for lasting legacies at the Scarsdale J.P. Morgan Financial Center
At the J.P. Morgan Financial Center in Scarsdale, Senior Private Client Banker Jacqueline Falciglia is known for her thoughtful approach to helping families navigate the complexities of wealth creation and preservation. For Jacqueline, it’s about understanding each client’s story, priorities and the legacy they hope to create—then establishing tailored financial plans that address their needs today while focusing on building generational wealth for the future.
Jacqueline isn’t just a banker; she’s a neighbor, a trusted resource and someone passionate about helping Scarsdale’s families build and protect their wealth for generations to come. She’s often seen at local events, connecting with residents and supporting community initiatives.
A Personal Touch to Holistic Financial Management
With more than a decade in the industry, Jacqueline recognizes that every family’s financial landscape is unique; and effective lifestyle planning goes far beyond numbers and traditional banking. By working closely with investment advisors, estate planners, accountants, travel designers and family lawyers, she ensures every detail aligns with her clients’ goals.
“My clients often have complex financial landscapes,” Jacqueline explains. “It’s about understanding their story, their goals and the legacy they want to create—whether that means structuring trusts for future generations, starting a new business or optimizing year-end tax strategies.”
Tailored Strategies for Every Milestone
“My clients need financial strategies as unique as they are,” Jacqueline says. This keen understanding leads her to craft personalized strategies, whether it’s everyday banking or sophisticated lending. Her commitment to understanding each client’s ambitions and lifestyle has made her a go-to resource in Scarsdale.
With the start of the new year, Jacqueline encourages clients to reflect on their financial plans and review their progress. “This is the perfect time to get ahead, whether you’re thinking about travel, tackling portfolio challenges, navigating evolving markets or simply seeking peace of mind for the year ahead. My goal is to help clients make informed choices that protect their wealth and create lasting impact—so they can focus on enjoying the life they’ve worked hard for.”
A Relationship Built on Trust
For affluent families, financial planning isn’t a once-a-year task—it’s an ongoing partnership built on a shared vision for the future. For Jacqueline, the most rewarding part of her work is building long-term relationships rooted in trust and understanding. She values the opportunity to support families through life’s transitions and milestones, offering steady guidance along the way.
If you’d like to connect with Jacqueline and her team of J.P. Morgan Private Client financial experts to learn more, we welcome conversations at the Scarsdale Financial Center.
More About Jacqueline Falciglia
With 10 years of experience in the financial industry, Jacqueline joined J.P. Morgan in 2018, bringing with her a wealth of experience from Northwestern Mutual and a BBA in Finance from Baruch College. She leads with compassion, building lasting relationships based on trust, care and a deep understanding of each client’s unique journey. Jacqueline recently embraced the joy of becoming a new mom and is savoring every moment of this exciting new chapter. In her free time, she loves traveling and making memories with her family.
Holiday Happenings
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So many wonderful holiday events on the calendar for the coming month. Keep these in mind
Westchester Band Concerts
The Westchester Band will perform two concerts at Scarsdale Library, featuring Sounds of the Season. Concerts on December 11 and December 18 at 7 pm.
New Year's Eve Brandenburg Concertos at St. James the Less
Ring in the New Year with all six of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos led by former St James the Less Music Director, Matthew Lewis. This masterpiece, forgotten and unpublished for over 100 years, almost lost during WWII, and today's most popular Baroque work, will be performed by an all-professional orchestra on the eve of a promising new year. Returning once again this year is a dinner that includes champagne, dessert and non-alcoholic beverages in our festive setting at St James the Less.
$125, dinner included
Halloween Parade for Scarsdale's Youngest Trick or Treaters
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The kids could not have been cuter at the annual Halloween Parade in Scarsdale Village on Wednesday October 29, 2025. Babies in strollers, newly minted walkers, toddlers, and pre-schoolers ran around Chase Park dressed as monsters, witches, cartoon characters, princesses, K-Pop Demon Hunters, lady bugs, bumble bees, Minnie Mouse, bunnies, knights and unicorns. Parents got into the act too wearing costumes that complemented their kids. We met a former Broadway costume designer who created incredible costumes for his kids.
Everyone lined up to parade the around Harwood Court for some trick or treating – and then were greeted by an awesome Bubble Man who showered the crowd in thousands of bubbles and foam.
The event was run by the Scarsdale Recreation Department – who showed up in costumes to distribute treats. Rec Supervisor Brian Gray marveled at the weather on a perfect October day for a parade.
Happy Halloween!
