On Our Radar

Details: Written by: Sammy Silberberg; Published: 27 January 2021; Created: 27 January 2021; Last Updated: 28 January 2021; Hits: 2634

GormanInaugural Mayor Marc Samwick opened the meeting of the Scarsdale Village Board of Trustees on Tuesday, January 26 by quoting several lines from "The Hill We Climb," the inspirational poem that Amanda Gorman, the 22-year-old Youth Poet Laurette, wrote and beautifully delivered at President Biden’s inauguration last week:

“When day comes we step out of the shade,
aflame and unafraid,
the new dawn blooms as we free it.
For there is always light,
if only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it.”

This young woman’s powerful words touched millions of people across the nation and spoke to the depth of the challenges we face as a country. Mayor Samwick then transitioned to Scarsdale, emphasizing the importance of addressing both the short and long-term impact of the choices we make as we continue to deal with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Mayor praised the years-long prudent financial management of Scarsdale that resulted in having $4 million available to weather the expensive and unanticipated Covid-19 storm. He also underscored the importance of continuing to maintain the services and structures that define the character of the Village.

The Village currently has $7.35 million, or 13% of the budget in unassigned fund balance. Unfortunately, however, there remain substantial financial challenges for the Village to manage. There is a $1.3 mm or 2.2% increase in operating expenses this fiscal year. Personnel costs account for over 75% of the Village budget and Samwick said, "delivery of Village services remains a highly labor-intensive operation – from reviewing building plans, to planning and implementing recreation programs, to building and grounds maintenance, to performing marriage ceremonies."

A decline of $1.9 mm in revenues and a $1.3 mm increase in spending has resulted in a funding gap of $3.2 million, representing over 5% of the projected $60.5 million-dollar budget. Mayor Samwick stated that while a 4.87% increase in the tax levy would be required to balance that budget, “no one wants to see a tax increase of that magnitude.” Furthermore, he stated that the Village will work to develop solutions to bridge this gap and avoid implementing a tax increase of that nature.

Public Comment:

During public comments Scarsdale residents are given the chance to voice their concerns directly to the Board. Robert Harrison, a 40-year resident of Scarsdale, spoke about the financial strain faced by the Scarsdale Pool and the proposed 30% increase in the cost of pool permits. Rather than enact this steep rate increase he proposed offering pool memberships to members of the surrounding community on Garth Road at a higher rate than is charged for Scarsdale residents. Additionally, he suggested the Village offer membership to Scarsdale teachers, police officers, and firefighters so that rates do not have to be raised for Scarsdale residents. He projected this would lead to the sale of 100 extra permits which he projected would not overcrowd the facilities.

Mayor Samwick addressed Mr. Harrison’s remarks by stating that the Board is considering selling 100 non-resident permits. He responded by saying that the Board feels similarly to Mr. Harrison about the need to find creative solutions to finance the Scarsdale Pool without overcharging residents for pool permits. While the Scarsdale Pool's fund balance has been depleted, the Village is committed to developing solutions to keep the pool open and financially accessible for Scarsdale residents.

The final public comment was from Leah Dembitzer, the President of the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the League of Women Voters, the League recently hosted a panel titled “100 Years of Progress: Women in New York Politics.” Attending the virtual event was New York State Attorney General Letitia James, New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, New York State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, and Westchester District Attorney Mimi Rocah. The panel was moderated by Janice Starr and the panelists discussed issues such as voting and systemic racism in New York. A full video of the event can be found HERE. Additionally, Ms. Dembitzer announced that the League published an updated They Represent You Brochure, which is a document containing the information on the elected officials in Scarsdale, Westchester County, New York State, and the Federal Government.

Trustee Liaison Reports:

Trustee Waldman delivered a report about the ongoings of the Scarsdale Library. The library has increased its virtual program offerings for all ages, and events can be found on the library’s updated website HERE. Parents are encouraged to ask for book recommendations for their children and can pick up books through the library’s contactless pick system.

This Friday, January 29, 2021, at 7:30 PM, the library is hosting a virtual book talk with Sydney Ladensohn Stern, the author of The Brothers Mankiewicz: Hope, Heartbreak, and Hollywood Classics. The book tells the story of Herman J. and Joseph L. Mankiewicz, who wrote, produced, and directed over 150 motion pictures. The brothers were involved in projects such as Citizen Kane, All About Eve, Pride of the Yankees, and Guys and Dolls. Goodreads writes that "for this first dual portrait of the Mankiewicz brothers, Sydney Ladensohn Stern draws on interviews, letters, diaries, and other documents still in private hands to provide a uniquely intimate behind-the-scenes chronicle of the lives, loves, work, and relationship between these complex men." You can learn more and sign up for the virtual event HERE.

Next, Trustee Arest announced that the Christie Place commuter parking has been reprogrammed and it now offers 8-hour parking after 10:00 AM. Hopefully, he stated, this new improvement will be heavily used and will help increase parking revenue for the Village.

Finally, Trustee Waldman introduced two resolutions to the Board. The first was the Resolution Awarding VM Contract #1272 – Athletic Field Maintenance. Scarsdale Village typically contracts the maintenance of field properties to private companies and recently held a bidding process for a new contract as a previous contract expired. A total of eight companies bid for the contract, and the lowest bid came from ACL Property Maintenance. The resolution awarded this new contract to ACL Property Maintenance and the Board authorized the resolution.

The second resolution was the Resolution to Transfer the Principle from the Library Children’s Endowment to the Library Capital Campaign Account. Up to 10% of this Children’s Endowment can be used annually to enhance children’s resources and services at the library if authorized by the Board of Trustees. The Board approved the transfer of $26,572 from the Children’s Endowment to the Library’s Capital Campaign Account.

Written Communications- Rippy Philipps Field

One of the final agenda items for the meeting was Village Clerk Conkling announcing the written communications she has received from village residents. The item she received the most communications about was residents voicing their support for the renaming of Crossway Field to the Rippy Philipps Field. All written communications on this topic can be found HERE and below several messages of support from town residents have been included:

The Patrizio Family:

I am reaching out to express my family’s support of the acknowledgment of Coach Richard “Rippy” Philipps dedication to the Scarsdale Community. While we have relocated out of state, Scarsdale will always be home to our family. A major part of the strong connection we feel to Scarsdale began with our warm welcome to the Scarsdale Community by Rippy when my oldest son (now 26) signed up to participate in Scarsdale Youth Football Organization. Rippy embraced us new residents then and he continues to be connected to our family. We can think of no better way to show gratitude for his many years of service then to rename Crossways Field in his honor. Thank you for your consideration.

Mitchell Stone:

When it comes to naming Crossway Field after somebody, I cannot think of a more worthy recipient of this honor than Coach Rippy. Over the years no one has been more dedicated to Scarsdale athletics. Through his coaching and mentorship, he has instilled generations of Scarsdale children with values such as dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship. He has been the ultimate role model and teacher, so writing this note of support was an easy decision.

Eileen Capone:

It is impossible to express my family’s indebtedness to Coach Rippy. He taught my sons to be both sportsmen and gentlemen; to bring passion, joy and camaraderie to the game and extend these pillars to life off the field; to be generous with their spirit and their time. Because of Coach Rippy’s largesse and commitment, my sons always felt special and felt like they mattered, even in their most trying times. I cannot think of a member of the Scarsdale community who is more deserving of this enduring honor and legacy.

Details: Written by: Joanne Wallenstein; Published: 12 January 2021; Created: 12 January 2021; Last Updated: 12 January 2021; Hits: 3736

Michelle2 (This note was sent to Scarsdale10583 from the Scarsdale 2021 Bowl Committee)
Michelle Lichtenberg, an extraordinary Scarsdale resident with decades of dedication to Scarsdale volunteerism, will be the 2021 recipient of the community’s highest award: the Scarsdale Bowl, which has been awarded annually since 1943 to "one who has given unselfishly of time, energy, and effort to the civic welfare of the community."

The Bowl Committee, a diverse group of 15 community volunteers, selects the recipient after reviewing many worthy candidates who are nominated annually by the community. This past Sunday evening, the 2021 Bowl Committee voted to honor Ms. Lichtenberg. Afterwards, Bowl Committee Chair Nancy Michaels and Secretary/Treasurer Abby Sroka surprised her in person with the news, to which a shocked Ms. Lichtenberg responded with characteristic modesty, “I am honored and overwhelmed.” Then she added, demonstrating her reliable sense of humor: “and a little terrified!”

Reflecting on the significance of the Bowl Award, the honoree emphasized her gratitude to the many Scarsdale volunteers she had met and worked with along the way, and who contribute to the dynamic community that is Scarsdale. She expressed her heartfelt thanks, saying that “one of the sweet things about living here is the spirit of volunteerism, and all that can be accomplished together, especially in light of the acts we have witnessed recently,” said Ms. Lichtenberg. “We have to hold on to these things, or the world gets too dark.”

“I am so proud to chair the Scarsdale Bowl Committee as we select such an outstanding honoree,” said Nancy Michaels. “Michelle is devoted to the Scarsdale community, volunteering her time and energy to numerous and varied organizations, always with her wonderful sense of humor, smile, and thoughtfulness. She is eager to bring people in, and to connect them with the issues or people that would strike a chord. Michelle hasn’t just served on multiple boards and committees in town--she pushes for change that makes for a better Scarsdale, and she gets results.”

Ms. Lichtenberg began her volunteer work in Scarsdale at the schools with a series of PTA leadership roles at Greenacres, the Scarsdale Middle School, and at the High School. Under her leadership in 2003, the High School PTA tamped down pre-prom parties where kids would often get intoxicated, and instead instituted the now-beloved Red Carpet tradition, where students gather at SHS with their families and community members to take photos and board waiting buses.

Since then, Ms. Lichtenberg has led the Scarsdale League of Women Voters, been a member of the Scarsdale School Board Nominating Committee, co-chaired the Scarsdale Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol, and been an active member of the Friends of Scarsdale Parks, Scarsdale-Edgemont Family Counseling, and the Scarsdale Forum. She has also chaired the Scarsdale Procedure Committee, which administers the annual non-partisan elections in town, as well as the Council on Human Relations. Perhaps most significantly, in recent years, Ms. Lichtenberg, a former Scarsdale Public Library Trustee and President, has been a major force in the reimagining of the Library, playing a crucial role in the fundraising effort, serving on the Capital Campaign and Major Gifts committees, while also participating enthusiastically as a member of the Friends of the Scarsdale Library Board. “Michelle’s unwavering commitment to seeing the project through to fruition, along with her ability to build teams and provide support, was remarkable and will have a lasting impact on this community for generations,” says Dara Gruenberg, who co-chaired the Library’s capital campaign.

Michelle1 Nancy Michaels and Michelle Lichtenberg

As if that’s not enough, Ms. Lichtenberg is a member of the Greenacres Association, has been a Scarsdale Foundation Trustee since 2017, a STEP board member since 2009, and served on the Scarsdale Citizens Nominating Committee, where she is currently on the Procedure Committee. Also a board member of the Scarsdale Adult School since 2015, and an active volunteer at White Plains Hospital, Ms. Lichtenberg normally visits critically ill patients in the hospital’s cancer center on a weekly basis, something that is not permitted currently due to Covid, and is working toward her accreditation in Healing Touch therapy.

A new grandmother, Ms. Lichtenberg delights in her family. Her sons Andrew and Alec both graduated from Scarsdale High School. Andrew, an attorney, his wife Michelle, and their baby daughter, Lila, live in Brooklyn, and Alec, a teacher, lives in Queens with his partner Natasha. Michelle relishes weekly trips to Brooklyn to hang out with Lila, loves to travel to far-flung places (during non-Covid times), and enjoys bike rides with her husband Frank, who is a Columbia Business School professor. On any given Sunday, they all might be found on the Lichtenbergs’ front porch taking part in a family drum circle.

Since the traditional celebratory dinner is not possible given the pandemic, Ms. Lichtenberg will be honored at a small private outdoor reception this spring. Assuming the current health crisis has passed, the Scarsdale Foundation Bowl Dinner will be back, bigger than ever, in 2022. On April 28, 2022--please save that date!--we hope to gather in force to raise a glass to the spirit of volunteerism in Scarsdale by honoring not only Ms. Lichtenberg, but also 2020 Bowl recipients BK Munguia and Jon Mark, as well as spotlighting the future 2022 Bowl recipient. The entire community will be invited to come out to celebrate on that special evening! Hopefully we will have an unmasked ball!

(Pictured at top) Bowl Committee Chair Nancy Michaels, 2021 Scarsdale Bowl Honoree Michelle Lichtenberg, Bowl Committee Secretary/Treasurer Abby Sroka

Details: Written by: Joanne Wallenstein; Published: 30 December 2020; Created: 30 December 2020; Last Updated: 30 December 2020; Hits: 2233

This statement was made by State ASsemblywoman Amy Paulin: As many New Yorkers continue to struggle to stay in their homes during this pandemic, the Assembly has proposed continuing to give relief with the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020 (Act). The Act will ensure that both tenants and homeowners can stay in their homes by putting a temporary stay on evictions and residential mortgage foreclosures until May 1, 2021 for those who attest that financial hardship prevents them from being able to pay their mortgage or rent. Enacting these critical protections will give us the opportunity to work with Congress and the Biden Administration to set policy that directs federal funding to help tenants, homeowners and landlords.

While it’s important to protect New York families who are struggling, I also realize that there are landlords throughout our state who must pay their property taxes and expenses, and who need the income from their properties to make ends meet. These landlords are continuing to be put in a difficult situation as ongoing rent relief is extended. To this end the Assembly is seeking relief through May 1 2021, which is within the trajectory of the pandemic and not beyond. We are also seeking support for landlords’ rights along with the eviction moratorium given to tenants under the Act. I will continue to seek federal aid for renters, homeowners and landlords so that our communities can make it through the end of this pandemic and back to normalcy. I believe this legislation strikes the balance that is needed right now to get our tenant and property owner communities through this crisis.

Details: Written by: Joanne Wallenstein; Published: 22 December 2020; Created: 22 December 2020; Last Updated: 22 December 2020; Hits: 2920

BlackJeep The Scarsdale Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a public lewdness incident that occurred on Berwick Road on December 21st at approximately 10:40 AM.

The suspect was observed driving a Jeep on to Berwick Road, stopping his vehicle and appeared to be masturbating. At no time did the suspect attempt to lure or make contact with anyone.

The suspect is described as a male white, early 20’s with brown hair. The suspect was last seen operating a dark colored 2 door Jeep Wrangler with an unknown white license plate. The suspect vehicle was last seen traveling north on Berwick Road.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Scarsdale Police Department at 914-722-1200.

Details: Written by: Joanne Wallenstein; Published: 15 December 2020; Created: 15 December 2020; Last Updated: 15 December 2020; Hits: 2519

covidscam Numerous scams have appeared since the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Now, with the announcement of a COVID-19 Vaccine, the Scarsdale Police Department wants to remind our residents to be on the lookout for vaccine related scams. Although we have not received any reports, we want to share with you some possible scam warning signs:

Here's an excerpt from the Federal Trade Commission:

-You likely will not need to pay anything out of pocket to get the vaccine during this public health emergency.

-You cannot pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine.

-You cannot pay to get early access to the vaccine.

-No one from Medicare or the Health Department with contact you.

-No one from a vaccine distribution site or health care payer, like a private insurance company, will call you asking for your Social Security number or your credit card or bank account information to sign you up to get the vaccine.

-Beware of providers offering other products, treatments, or medicines to prevent the virus. Check with your health care provider before paying for or receiving any COVID-19-related treatment.

-You receive a telephone call, text message, email or computer pop-up that you did not solicit.

-The solicitor requests unusual payment terms (for example, prepaid debit or gift cards or electronic wiring of
funds).

-The solicitor requests your bank account information, social security number or other personal information or credit card number.

-The solicitor instills a sense of urgency.

-If you get a call, text, email — or even someone knocking on your door — claiming they can get you early access to the vaccine, STOP. That’s a scam.

The Scarsdale Police also encourage you to talk to your friends and family members about these potential scams.

It is important for everyone to remain careful. This is a trying time for all, and unfortunately, this creates many opportunities for scammers to try to take advantage.

Click here for full statement from the FTC.