Letter to the Editor: BAR and CHP Meetings Should be Accessible via Zoom

(This letter was written by Cynthia Roberts of Autenreith Road)
You may have read about the petition for a six-month moratorium on development and tear downs in Scarsdale that has been signed by hundreds of Scarsdalians and was presented to the Village Board of Trustees on October 24, 2023.

Many of the 40 residents at Rutherford Hall last night in support of the petition have appeared before either the Board of Architectural Review and/or the Committee on Historic Preservation, or both recently. These residents expressed frustration at the breakneck pace that historic homes are being demolished or significantly renovated, only to be replaced with one or two “cookie cutter” homes jammed onto the same lot in neighborhoods that are known for their charming character.

Mayor Justin Arest stated last night at the BOT meeting that he welcomed input from the residents. Fortunately, the BOT meetings are held both in person and via Zoom, so that residents with young children, older residents, and residents with health issues are able to participate in our government without attending the evening meetings in person. I was impressed with the ease with which a few residents made comments to the Board from home during the public comment period via the Village’s virtual Zoom connection. I congratulate the Board on extending procedures that were created due to the Covid-19 pandemic, thereby furthering participation in our local government.

Noted exceptions to this combination of in-person and virtual meeting procedures, however, are the Board of Architectural Review and the Committee on Historic Preservation. Neighbors are provided with notice of their meetings by mail 10 days prior to the meetings, or 7 days prior if the notice is personally served. The notices specifically state that the meeting only provide for in person participation. Virtual Zoom participation is not provided.

I understand that the current staff may not have the time to facilitate this audio/visual connection for residents. The Village, however, should make it a priority to facilitate participatory government in Scarsdale. Resources should be dedicated to enable all residents access to all of the meetings and decision makers that will impact their community.

Sincerely yours,
Cynthia Roberts
15 Autenreith Road