Developer Gains Approval for Controversial Subdivision Despite Flooding and Neighbor's Pleas
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Click on the photo for a video of the flooding.Overriding vociferous objections from scores of neighbors, the Scarsdale Planning Board approved a controversial subdivision and relocation of a watercourse at their meeting on Wednesday September 25, 2024.
The application to add a third building lot between two homes at 46 Lincoln and 101 Carthage Roads was filed in November 2023 and has been the subject of lengthy discussions at Planning Board meetings since that time. The newly formed lot was previously a pond and now includes a buried drainage pipe. The property is wet and serves to absorb water from a large watershed above it before it flows down into a culvert and into the street.
In recent years there has been considerable flooding in the streets and homes adjacent to the lot, so neighbors are fearful of additional water damage when 56 trees are uprooted to accommodate the building of the three homes and the watercourse diversion.
Initially the developer proposed to move the watercourse along the street in the Village right of way. They changed course during the summer and the final plan calls for a 36-inch drainage pipe to be buried between the house at 46 Lincoln Road and the new home to be built on a lot called 103 Carthage Road. Neighbors speculated that the developer abandoned the plan to move the pipe into the right of way when they realized the move would need to be approved by the Scarsdale Board of Trustees. Maintenance of that pipe and the weir will be the responsibility of the homeowner. If the pipe and release device get clogged with silt it will be up to the homeowner to keep it clear.
An attorney for the applicant contended that the new pipe would be a benefit to the community and reduce the runoff from the site. Engineering consultant John Ruschke from Mott McDonald who worked closely with the applicant concurred, saying “there will be no notable change in the flow.”
When neighbors questioned the Planning Board about the existing flooding in their neighborhood they were told that the project could be approved if the developer proved he would not make the flooding worse.
The matter was fiercely debated at meeting in November 2023, January, February, March, May, June, July and September 2024. During that time the Village received 36 letters and emails from residents and scores came to speak at multiple meetings. They pleaded with the Planning Board to protect their homes from further damage and questioned a decision to put the responsibility of an important underground watercourse into the hands of a single property owner. Some questioned whether or not the drainage system would work as designed, and what would happen if it failed.
Take a look at these videos submitted by a resident of a river running off the property, flooding neighbors and the street.
Watch here and watch here:
At the September 25 meeting Jack Miller from Fayette Road said, “We have sheets of water coming down Carthage Road. New homes are monopolizing the drainage system with cultic overflows. Over the long run no one will be accountable. The home on Lincoln Road was vacant for years so no one maintained the existing pipe. For a long time I have been coming to these meetings. The boards decisions are memorialized on the streets. We have the right to quiet enjoyment of our homes. This will take away that right.”
Aaron Chyfetz of Carthage Road said, “The town must balance the rights of this developer against the rights of homeowners. The developer should be put on notice. Will he pay for a 20-year surety bond to guarantee us against damage? What will the Village do?
Diana Hurwitz of Fayette Road added, “The middle area of this proposed is wet land. It is a bowl populated by 40 or more trees that mitigate flooding. It originally held an open stream and a pond. Allowing this to happen will put all of us in the neighborhood at risk and adds a considerable toll to the overwhelmed and antiquated sewer system. Destroying 50 trees is shameful. It will take 20 years to recreate the drainage created by these 50 trees. Creating three massive homes with grading is not fitting with the neighborhood.” She ended with a plea: “Protect us – just say no.”
Mario Barazza from 54 Crossway said, “I am downstream. At the edge of my driveway is a storm drain. If I am away during a storm, there is no way to clear this. What happens when no one is home? I have had to call the Village to clear the drain. The plan for the homeowner to maintain it is not foolproof.”
Cynthia Roberts of 50 Autenrieth Road said, “Our Planning Board is being asked to bend over backwards to jam a square block into a round hole. Perhaps because of fear of litigation we have lost common sense. The engineering department does not have the staff to monitor this.
What recourse will these homeowners have when the system fails?”
Several restated their belief that the developer had the right to demolish the two existing homes and build and sell two homes on the lot, presenting him with a nice profit. They were only objecting to a third home on the wetlands between the two homes.
At the conclusion of the September 25 meeting the Planning Board went into executive session. They approved the three-lot subdivision, the right to build in an adjoining property buffer and a watercourse diversion permit all with “conditions.”. The public could not hear the rationale behind their votes and the Village Planner has not revealed the nature of these “conditions.” We asked if the decision would need to be approved by the Scarsdale Board of Trustees but did not get a response.
The dark black line depicts the underground watercourse that will run through 46 Lincoln Road - and be the responsibility of the homeowner to maintain.
Commenting on the decision Myra Saul said, “Shame on the Planning Board! It has basically abrogated its responsibility to the community by transferring a public stormwater problem to a private homeowner. Whether or not the homeowner will be responsible in maintaining the ‘fix’, which neighborhood residents doubt, is only one of the issues here.
The role of government is very much front and center. Essentially, the Planning Board has taken up the policy of self-regulation, which is at odds with its role. What does it take for the Planning Board to act responsibly? A six-year fight by residents, who need to hire attorneys and engineers to counter the ‘pretzel’ solutions of developers?
The community deserves better.”
Richard Cantor said, “Every Scarsdale resident should be outraged at the Planning Board's decision to green light the project at Carthage and Lincoln Roads and for the Board turning a completely deaf ear to residents' concerns.”
As an observer who sat through many of these sessions, here are a few takeaways:
1) “It’s not if a project will be approved, but how.” The Planning Board review process is set up to assist the developer with crafting a proposal to gain the approval of the Planning Board. Developers are given free rein to work in lock step with the Village’s engineering consultants to design and refine a plan that the Planning Board will approve. Developers who work with Mott McDonald , the Village’s engineering consultants, put funds in escrow to pay the bills before the project is approved. But residents have no access to the consultants and are forced to fund their lawyers and experts out of their own pockets. After months of meetings the Planning Board, the Village engineer, the consultants and the developer have a vested interest in getting an approval.
2) Why does the Planning Board rarely say no? Some speculate that it is the goal of the Village is to avoid litigation. However, forced to defend their own properties, residents are hiring their own attorney’s, making it just as likely that the Village will be sued by homeowners. Has the Village considered retaining some of the excellent land use attorneys that residents have hired to defend Scarsdale instead?
3) Why are residents repeatedly forced to come to Village Hall to protect their homes? Isn’t that the function of government? Why do the land use boards give priority to the rights of the developer over the rights of taxpayers?
4) Where is our vision? In the case of the proposed developments on Garden Road and Lincoln Road, the sites would be excellent locations for ponds and water retention facilities. In return for the right to develop a portion of the properties has the Village thought of requiring the developers to build retention ponds and turning portions of the sites into wetlands parks? As we face increased flooding, can we harness our environmental experts to come up with some creative solutions? If not, why not?
5) What happened to term limits? Earlier this year the Village Board passed a resolution removing term limits for service on Village Boards. In light of recent events, should we reinstate term limits to allow those with environmental backgrounds to serve on these boards?
6) Why get involved? We often here from the Village Board and Mayor that it’s up to the residents to get involved, attend meetings, participate and contribute. But recently the voices of residents are ignored. Those who are encouraged to come to meetings sit for hours before they are permitted to speak, and afterwards their concerns are dismissed. If the Village relies on residents to volunteer, the Village boards should defend them.
These are just a few thoughts on how Scarsdale can change their procedures to safeguard the Village against flooding and climate change.
Do you have ideas? If so, please share them in the comments section below.
Back to School Guide For Fall 2024
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Though it may feel like the best of summer is to come, fall is just around the corner and it’s time to consider programming for both you and your children. Fortunately Scarsdale has a wealth of options available for enrichment in music, dance, sports, history, literature, pre-schools and even cooking classes. See below for options for the entire family to learn, grow and discover new passions.
Music
Hoff Barthelson: Discover the Magic of Music at Hoff-Barthelson! As the new school year approaches, it's the perfect time to explore enriching extracurriculars that ignite creativity and passion. Hoff-Barthelson Music School stands out as a beacon of exceptional music education, offering a vibrant and supportive environment for students of all ages.
At Hoff-Barthelson, the journey of learning music goes beyond private lessons. The school is renowned for its wide array of musical programs, ensuring every student can find their niche and thrive. Whether your child dreams of performing at Birdland, Broadway, or Carnegie Hall, Hoff-Barthelson provides the tools and opportunities to turn those dreams into reality.
Students can immerse themselves in youth orchestras, chamber music, musicianship and music technology classes, choral groups, and jazz ensembles, each designed to foster musical growth and personal development. Hoff-Barthelson's commitment to nurturing a love for music is reflected in its warm, welcoming atmosphere that emphasizes exceptional education and community involvement.
Embrace the new school year with the joy of music and explore all that Hoff-Barthelson Music School has to offer. It's not just about learning an instrument—it's about becoming part of a musical family that celebrates every step of the journey.
Hoff-Barthelson welcomes need-based financial aid applications for students of all ages and levels of advancement. To register for fall visit www.hbms.org, e-mail [email protected], or call 914-723-1169. Hoff-Barthelson Music School is located at 25 School Lane in Scarsdale.
Photo credit and caption: Registration for Fall lessons, classes, and ensembles is now open at Hoff-Barthelson Music School. Photo by Mark Jessamy
St. James the Less Children's Choristers Program
Newly launched this year, Choristers at St. James is our choir program for children from pre-K through high school. Choristers learn to sing, read music, learn the fundamentals of music, teamwork, and more. They contribute to the worship life of St. James regularly as part of the great Anglican musical tradition. From Sundays, to feast days, to the Christmas Pageant, St. James Choristers have lots of opportunities for music-making in the life at St. James. Contact Director of Music, Victoria Shields at [email protected] for more information or click here.
Dance
Steffi Nossen: Since our 1937 founding by dance legend Steffi Nossen, we continue to offer quality, developmentally appropriate dance instruction and performance opportunities for toddlers -adults. Whether you or your child are pre-professional, recreational, or adaptive students our dance educators invite you to share their love of dance. The school’s dance menu includes Modern Dance, Ballet, Tap, Contemporary Jazz, and Creative Movement, and Parent & Toddler. Try our new Afrobeats - a high energy, fun class that traces the roots of hip-hop back to African Dance. Our supportive dance community and educationally sound, sequential curriculum foster technical and artistic growth through exploration and 
nurture creativity. We emphasize technique and proper body alignment while focusing on a culturally responsive curriculum. Students have a complete performance experience, from the creation of choreography to costuming and staging.
For more information, check out our website: www.steffinossen.org or contact us at 914-328-1900 or [email protected]
Theatre
The Play Group Theatre is a fun-filled, non-competitive theatre program providing training at the highest level while fostering friendships and building skills that last a lifetime. Choose from PGT’s award-winning MainStage program, presenting a broad range of plays and musicals for all ages; TheatreLab, offering multi-discipline theatre classes for ages 7-16; Design/Tech, exploring Technical Theatre and Design; Improv and Sketch Comedy, collaborating in a comedy troupe; Community Cabaret, sharing the love of music; Little Theatre, for ages 4-6, and more – all in PGT’s vibrant, state-of-the-art performing arts complex. Camp PGT also offers fifteen theatre programs filled with summer fun. Join Westchester's theater for children and teens all year long! The Play Group Theatre prepares kids for every stage of life while giving them the tools they need to succeed on stage today. Visit playgroup.org for more info and to Get IN on the ACT! or contact PGT at 914-946-4433 and [email protected]
Cooking School
Fiddleheads Cooking Studio: Enjoy a flavorful adventure with Fiddleheads Cooking Studio, whose mission is to create a fun and educational environment that promotes food exploration and teaches children where food comes from using seasonal ingredients.
In these hands-on cooking classes, children will gain the confidence they need in the kitchen by:
Learning new skills: Collaborating to create dishes as they take turns measuring and mixing ingredients and learning safe kitchen practices.
Discovering new ingredients: Using their senses to touch, smell and taste all ingredients.
Expanding their knowledge: Learning about the farm-to-table experience and engaging in an interactive discussion about where food comes from.
Enhancing their creativity: Enjoying fun projects, games or garden activities aligned with the recipes.
Enjoying the final product: Joining together as a community to share their thoughts and feelings about different flavors and textures as they enjoy their dishes.
Classes are conducted for children of all ages at various locations throughout Westchester and Connecticut.
For more information and to register visit: https://www.fiddleheadscookingstudio.com/, call 646-853-6046 or email: [email protected].
Sports
House of Sports is the region’s largest indoor sports facility located in Ardsley, NY. Our 120,000 square foot complex focuses on Learn to Play for athletes 2 to 8 years old as well as older athletes in various sports. With our combination of state-of-the-art facilities and world-class coaching, House of Sports has something to offer for everyone.
This Fall the House of Sports will offer Learn to Play Soccer classes that focus on skill development for 2 to 8 years. Learn to Play Soccer offers beginner and intermediate soccer clinics and classes in a fun and positive environment. Our on-field curriculums focus on developing and progressing new skills with the goal of molding young soccer players that will go on to be successful at all levels – recreation, travel, club or otherwise.
Our program is based on learning, playing and having fun. Each week of a session will highlight a different skillset of the sport. Whether it’s passing, shooting or game concepts, our goal each semester is for players to leave having at least the basic understanding of all aspects of soccer concepts and strategies
To register or to learn more about our fall offerings, please visit houseofsportsny.com or give us a call at 914-479-5419. House of Sports is located at 1 Elm Street, Ardsley
Westchester Skating Academy is the region’s premiere skating facility located in Elmsford, NY. At WSA, your child can learn to skate, sharpen their hockey skills, throw a themed birthday party, or spin their way to a new figure skating move.
Our Metro Hockey League is a competitive, fun youth hockey program that includes clinics, games, practices, a team jersey, and more. League divisions include Mites (2016-18), Squirt (2014-15, Peewee (2012-13), and Bantam/JV (2008-11). Evaluations being September 5th.
WSA also offers Learn to Skate and Learn to Play Hockey classes throughout the entire year. We follow the Learn to Skate USA program created by U.S. Figure Skating. All levels are welcome, from the first steps on the ice to mastering advanced techniques. The next session of Learn to Skate and Learn to Play Hockey classes begin September 4th.
WSA also offers holiday camps throughout the year with the first offerings kicking off October 3rd. Our Camp Chillin, Figure Skating and Hockey Camps are fully supervised and offer both on and off ice training to develop skaters individual skills. Both full day and half day camps are available.
To register or learn more about our fall offerings, please visit skatewsa.com or call 914-347-8232. Westchester Skating Academy is located at 91 Fairview Park Drive, Elmsford.
Maroon and White
Maroon and White is the parent volunteer booster association that supports athletics, physical education, student health and promotes school spirit. Raider Pride Weeks, Raider of the Week, end-of-season team dinners, Media Days, and an end-of-year awards ceremony are just some of the ways we celebrate our student-athletes. Our fundraising helps purchase necessary equipment for the high school athletic teams and physical education programs not covered by the current year school budget. Most recently, we donated a video scoreboard for the gym, a scorers box, wind screens, lamp post flags and a commemorative plaque celebrating our State Championship teams, weights for the Fitness Center, and new team banners for the gym. In the past we led the fundraising efforts for permanent lights at Butler Track and Field and aided in the construction of the SHS Fitness Center plus lots more!
Maroon and White membership dues help make all this happen. We hope you will become a member and support Scarsdale athletics. Go Raiders! maroonandwhite.org.
Pre-Schools
Scarsdale Synagogue Nursery School
Mazel Tots® at Scarsdale Synagogue provides a warm and stimulating environment, which encourages children's curiosity and helps them to grow socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. Our warm nurturing staff will guide the children through a curriculum filled with a variety of child-centered and developmentally appropriate activities that are safe, fun and friendly. The children's spiritual growth will be enriched by the study of Jewish holidays, traditions and family values. We also offer a group of special activities such as sports and games, music, creative movement, sign language, nature, yoga, karate, science, art atelier, dance and more! We have two beautiful playgrounds and gardens, plus a fully equipped indoor play space featuring ride-on toys, gym equipment, giant blocks and stepping stones just to name a few! Our Early Childhood Program serves children from 18 months through those Kindergarten-bound! For more information please contact Jody Glassman, Early Childhood Program Director at 914-723-3001 or [email protected]. You can also visit our website. Scarsdale Synagogue is located at 2 Ogden Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583. 914.725.5175.
Westchester Reform Temple Early Childhood Center
At Westchester Reform Temple’s Early Childhood Center (ECC), we strive to create an environment that fosters social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth, as well as, creativity and confidence. Our warm, nurturing teachers provide children with the tools they need to communicate with each other and with the world around them. At the ECC, children learn about Jewish holidays, traditions and lifelong values which help them to become confident members of our community. We emphasize STEAM concepts through hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math investigations which encourage young learners to achieve developmental goals. Through inquiry and play-based instruction, we provide students with an opportunity to learn language arts, math and handwriting readiness skills that prepare them for kindergarten and beyond. We facilitate learning through small groups and foster relationships between our children and their teachers, specialists and the WRT clergy. Lunch and extended days are available for older children. For toddlers between the ages of one and two, we offer parent/caregiver participation “Temple Tot” classes for socialization and fun facilitated by our ECC Social Worker and a variety of other expert early childhood consultants. End of the year Mini Session and Summer Play Place camp offered.
For further information regarding school registration, please contact ECC Director [email protected] or call us at 914 723-5493. Click here to visit our website.
Adult Programming
St. James the Less Episcopal Church's 175th Anniversary Celebration
Come be part of our journey, celebrating 175 years in Scarsdale! Take part in concerts, lectures, historic services, tours, and more, with special guests such as the descendants of the Popham Family and other notables in our history. For the complete schedule, visit our website: stjamesscarsdale.org. All welcome!
Scarsdale Adult School
Scarsdale Adult School (SAS), an award-winning source of affordable quality adult education for 85 years and counting, promises stimulating new classes, renewal of fan favorites, and a special community event that is not-to-be-missed. Mark Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 7pm on your calendar for an evening with the nation’s most famous weatherman Al Roker and his daughter Courtney Roker Laga they discuss their new family cookbook. Rejoice in and relate to the Roker family rituals while thumbing through the Roker family recipe box. Registration is already open for Recipes to Live By: An Evening with Al Roker and Courtney Roker Laga (Course 12819) and will fill on a first-come/first-served basis.
SAS’s fabulous fall semester is packed with even more special events as well as walking tours, lectures, and discussion classes in a wide array of disciplines. SAS will host Middlebury Professor of Philosophy Lorraine Besser (The Art of the Interesting) and breakout novelist Shelby Van Pelt (Remarkably Bright Creatures), both in September over Zoom.
The schedule includes virtual visits from three non-fiction writers whose books concern the role of physical fitness in the women’s movement and popular culture. In that series, SAS welcomes Vicki Valosik (Swimming Pretty), Danielle Friedman (Let’s Get Physical), and Ava Purkiss (Fit Citizens). Complementing the speaker series is an interdisciplinary literature, film, art, and history course available in-person or online regarding the same topic.
Walking tours venture to historic neighborhoods, museums, and galleries in New York City and the tri-state region. This semester includes guided tours at the Brooklyn Museum, the Morgan Library, Grey Art Gallery, and regular excursions to the Met and art galleries throughout New York City. Culinary trips venture to Arthur Avenue, Astoria, Chinatown, Bushwick, and Industry City. Historic architectural tours take in the beauty of Central Park, Chelsea, the financial district, Greenwich Village, Riverside Drive, and the Upper and Lower East Sides.
Among the many topics debuting this term is a course on France’s influence on American architecture, art, food, and fashion. Harlem Renaissance and Beyond, an art appreciation course inspired by the Met’s exceedingly popular exhibition, The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism also appears in the catalog. New music appreciation courses this fall focus on Joni Mitchell and the music of the 1950s.
Literature and film discussion classes cover the classics to contemporary selections across the centuries, from Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice to Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre to Percival Everett’s latest bestseller James. A film discussion group will focus on the movies showing this year at the Jacob Burns Film Center, beginning with The Remains of the Day.
Hear about notable cases on the Supreme Court's docket for the upcoming 2024-25 term; analyze the American presidency; better understand the International Monetary Fund; and prepare for construction with a step-by-step guide to house renovating. Hone your skills in our world language classes (Spanish, French, Italian, German, and ESL) and refine your storytelling abilities in writing workshops.
Performing arts lessons in piano, string instruments, bells, and voice begin in September with acting and improv starting in October. Arts & crafts offerings include a variety of drawing, painting, knitting, basket weaving, digital photography and other media. Fun continues with fitness classes for those seeking to get in shape or stay in shape, as well as games instruction in bridge, canasta, and mah jongg.
Registration is open 24/7 to all adults regardless of residency. In-person classes are housed in Scarsdale and neighboring venues; online classes are held over Zoom and most are recorded and made available to watch on demand, eliminating any scheduling constraints.
Visit the Scarsdale Adult School to register, to subscribe at no cost to the weekly newsletter, to page through the interactive flipbook or to search the catalog. Call (914) 723-2325 with questions.
Scarsdale Public Library
Photo credit jamesshanks.comThis back to school season all Scarsdale residents are encouraged to sign up for a library card! There are no fines, no late fees, and digital materials are available 24/7. Library cards provide access, connection, independence, and responsibility, and parents can sign up their children (of all ages) either in-person or online through the library website. Study rooms are available and students can reserve them ahead of time using their Scarsdale library card through the library’s website or app. On Tuesday, September 24, there will be a Library Card Sign Up Month Celebration, where you can meet a 9-ft character from the Transformers and explore library offerings and services. During the school year, teens can join the Teen Advisory Board to earn service hours and share their interests and talents with their community. For those who are not yet in school, the Scarsdale Public Library offers a 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program to encourage literacy from birth and up.
Library Links
https://www.scarsdalelibrary.org/discover/get-a-card
https://www.scarsdalelibrary.org/event/reserve-lib-card-mon-event-89836
https://www.scarsdalelibrary.org/1000-books-kindergarten
Social/Emotional Learning Model Helps Students Develop a Sense of Purpose and Belonging
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As parents living in Scarsdale, one can easily assume we all value a quality education and want our children to flourish at school and in life. But “flourishing” in such a rapidly changing world often encompasses much more than good grades and top test scores. In fact, when colleges and companies are reviewing applicants, they often tend to look for far more than just a stellar GPA, and instead want to see qualities such as: critical thinking, the ability to collaborate and work well with teams, flexibility, a willingness to learn, problem solving skills, communication skills, and much more.
The Scarsdale School District is well-known for carefully working to develop the “whole” child and in this vein it has developed a “Profile of an SHS Graduate” that outlines similar qualities to those named above. It has long been the District’s hope that upon graduation, each student will embody these characteristics to ensure that they are prepared for college, the workforce, and the world beyond our small community:
In addition to making sure students engage in first-rate, core academic learning, an integral element of this Profile of a Graduate is the District’s work on Social/Emotional Learning (SEL) and “Belonging”.
According to Edgar McIntosh, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, “There is sometimes a misconception that Social/Emotional Learning (SEL), is just about feeling good, when in actuality it is about so much more. The results are in and conclusive, students thrive (not only socially, but also academically) when they feel a sense of purpose and belonging, and that they matter in a community.” Simply put, the Responsive Clasroom model is about understanding that all of children's needs—academic, social, emotional, and physical—are important. The teacher creates an environment that responds to all of those needs so that your child can do his or her best learning.
As Dr. Drew Patrick once said in a BOE meeting, these are the fundamental building blocks which enable students to fully attend to their learning.
In a recent conversation, Dr. McIntosh added, “The concept of creating inclusive spaces that acknowledge the importance of belonging, mindset, and risk-taking is not new in Scarsdale. Our teachers take part in purposeful STI courses and are guided by research-supported frameworks like PERMA, Habits of Mind, and CASEL which have been studied and shown to meaningfully impact teachers' practice. Also, secondary structures such as Keystone, the HS tutorial model, the Freshman Seminar, and Civ Ed acknowledge the key role well-being and belonging play in student learning and success. The recent Belonging Survey energized and informed this work.”
In addition to these important frameworks, over the last few years the District has begun to engage teachers in Responsive Classroom (RC) training which, according to their website, “is an evidence-based approach to teaching and discipline that focuses on engaging academics, positive community, effective management, and developmental awareness. Our professional development, books and resources help elementary and middle school educators to create safe, joyful, and engaging classrooms and school communities where students develop strong social and academic skills and every student can thrive.”
Also according to their website, “Independent research has found that the Responsive Classroom approach is associated with higher academic achievement, improved teacher-student interactions, and higher quality instruction.”
When asked, Dr. McIntosh explained that the District chose the Responsive Classroom framework because they “were looking for an approach rather than a set of prescribed activities or set of lessons. To have the best impact, we were looking for a set of guiding core beliefs and a set of strategies and structures that attend holistically to students' social, emotional, and academic needs.”
Importantly, the Responsive Classroom isn’t a set of activities that need to be added into the school day, but rather a foundation which fosters a consistent approach to SEL and provides a common language, tools, and strategies for teachers to employ at each of our seven schools. McIntosh further clarified that RC is not something in addition to core academic learning, but rather a set of tools and strategies that are interwoven throughout all instruction and learning. He related that the District’s new math curriculum already has some SEL components built into the math practices that recognizes individuality, gives students voice, and encourages them to take risks.
McIntosh also noted that, “While the RC training has been open to all educators, the focus of the training has been at the elementary. There is a range of formal training with Responsive Classroom (Introductory, Advanced, and two teacher leaders in the process of becoming RC trainers). So far, the formal training has happened during non-school hours through the STI (Scarsdale Teacher Institute) in partnership with the District. We are in our third year of offering the training (Summer and weekend) and have had full classes at all levels. Informal sharing, modeling, and application have also happened at faculty meetings, grade-level meetings, and during summer program improvement planning sessions. In a positive way, the opt-in training is making its way through our educators across the elementary level.”
He went on to explain that as teachers experience real-world success employing RC strategies, their powerful, positive outcomes motivate other teachers to take part in workshops and training as well. Adding, “There is growing excitement as teachers engage in the work across all schools. As we approach critical mass, we will provide assured opportunities for all educators to experience the vocabulary, structures, and core values of RC.”
In all, studies prove that students only truly thrive if they feel like they belong, like they matter, and that they are essential members of the community. To see what Responsive Classroom might look like in a classroom, please click here.
The Scarsdale School district has long worked to create this sort of environment where in turn, students feel safe to be critical thinkers, to take risks, to challenge themselves and much more, all while celebrating differences and recognizing the various strengths of each student. For more information about Responsive Classroom and how it supports the District’s mission and the Profile of an SHS Graduate, please click here.
Westchester in the Movies
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Carrie Coons in The Gilded Age32 movies that were filmed in Westchester County received Emmy nominations this year.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: "Westchester County's film industry is a true powerhouse that showcases the beauty of our region. The industry's economic impact is undeniable, generating over $2 billion in economic activity in 2022-2023. These Emmy nominations are a testament to the world-class productions that choose Westchester County as their backdrop."
Here's where you can see familiar locations around the county on the big screen.
Leading the pack this year is the critically acclaimed Amazon Prime drama series, "Fallout," which filmed at the Verplanck quarry in Cortlandt, with an impressive 16 nominations across acting, production, and writing categories. The returning miniseries "Feud: Capote & The Swans" (FX) secured 10 nominations for casting, costumes, directing, and acting, among others. The production spent several days filming at the C.V. Rich Mansion in White Plains. HBO's "The Gilded Age" also shines with six nominations, including one for best drama series. The production filmed at several locations across the County including Lyndhurst, Manhattanville College and the Jacob Purdy House in White Plains.
Westchester County Tourism & Film Director Natasha Caputo said: "These nominations celebrate the unique appeal Westchester County offers to filmmakers. Seeing our locations come alive on screen in such captivating productions fills us with immense pride. Congratulations to all the nominees – we are rooting for you."
Westchester County Tourism & Film plays a pivotal role in fostering the film industry's growth. The film office offers invaluable services, including location scouting, technical visits, and permit streamlining. This comprehensive support system makes Westchester County an attractive filming destination for industry professionals.
The 76th annual Emmy Awards will be held on September 18th. A complete list of nominees is available at emmys.com.
Neighbors Plead with the Planning Board to Turn Down a Subdivision in a Flood Prone Neighborhood
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What is the role of the Planning Board? Should they permit new development in flood prone areas if the work will pose further risks to neighbors?
That was the question at the heart of a Planning Board hearing on June 26 when the Planning Board allowed an applicant a sixth hearing of his proposal to subdivide two lots into three at 46 Lincoln Road and 101 Carthage Road and to construct a third home in a recessed area between the two homes that originally housed a pond. The applicant is proposing to relocate a buried drainage pipe from the privately-owned parcel of land and into the Village right-of way, raising objections from neighbors.
Why the Planning Board has allowed so many hearings and why they still have not voted on the application remains a mystery. If the applicant, his attorneys, engineer and landscape architect have not been able to put forth a convincing case in six months of meetings, why are they permitted unlimited hearings?
More puzzling is the relationship between the applicant and the engineering consultants that the Village retained to review the proposal. Rather than evaluating the plan, the consultant seems to be working in lock step with the applicants and the Village to craft a project that will gain the approval of the Planning Board.
During the six months of meetings scores of neighbors have voiced their objections to the proposal. They have written lengthy letters, sent videos of the flooding and attended many meetings to relay the extent of the existing problems in the area to the Planning Board. They have outlined their fears about what further development will do to their homes and those downstream. At each meeting the Board listens, nods and then invites the applicants to come back yet again. It’s baffling.
On June 26, the applicant and an entourage of professionals were on hand seeking to demonstrate that the proposal would not cause further harm to the flood prone area. They contend that replacement trees, underground cultecs and a watercourse diversion would allow the property to retain as much water as it currently holds. What they did not address is how the outflows from the three lots might impact everyone else.
On hand for the developer were attorney Lucia Chiocchio from Cuddy and Feder, engineer Eliot Senor, civil engineer Sharon Burke and certified arborist Aaron Schmidt.
Since the last meeting in May the applicants submitted “a revised plot plan and an updated tree replacement and planting plan.” They said their will plant 78 trees including 38 large deciduous trees to replace 94 trees that will be removed to accommodate the construction.
According to the applicants they met with the Village retained engineering consultant to “refine the stormwater management system design,” and did an analysis of the runoff from an underground pipe. They claimed to be “reducing runoff by 45% to 48%” and said the project is designed for a 100-year storm. They continued, “We had many meetings between our team and Mott’s team to satisfy everything they wanted to see.”
Arborist Aaron Schmidt was asked about the ability of the new trees to absorb as much water as the old ones they were replacing and he said, “In ten years the trees will provide 90% of the absorption needed. In 15-20 years they will provide all absorption needed.”
The applicants also explained, “This is without the grass and the stormwater infrastructure. With those the site and surrounding areas will experience improved water absorption.”
Board Member Mark Seiden said, “It is going to takes 10 years to get to 90% of where it is today? “
The arborist replied, “Yes! The old trees can take up more water than the new ones will.”
When asked what happens in year one, the arborist explained, “The current trees can absorb 9,500 gallons of water. The new trees can absorb 1,700 gallons of water. In year one there will be an 80% reduction in tree absorption.”
Engineer Eliot Senor added, “There is a 4% grade so water will run through the grass. The 5,000 gallons that the trees are not absorbing will be absorbed by the grass and the detention system. Run off will be improved.”
Seiden responded, “You have to see the data. These neighbors want proof that it is going to get better. We have to overlay these other factors to prove that it will get better.”
Senor replied, “There is no computer program about grass absorption. We now have .46 acres of land. What we are proposing will have 1.15 acres of lawn which will absorb more water.”
Board member Lynn Brooks Avni said, “You’re adding a third house and all the impervious surfaces but adding an acre of lawn?”
John Ruschke, the consulting engineer from Mott MacDonald hired by the Village said, “I feel confident with the current data that I have – and that it will improve conditions on the site. They used a more complex model that captures the situation. I feel confident that it is accurate. They are proposing to do onsite mitigation. I feel comfortable with the relocation of the pipe. It will not increase flooding.”
He conceded, “There is a significant flooding problem along Lincoln Road. What they are proposing will not change the conditions along Lincoln Road. It will still flood. When you look at the entire drainage area it is unrealistic to think there is something they can do impact the flooding there. It’s not a big enough site to change the situation there. What they are doing is not going to reduce the flooding.”
About pipe he said, “All they are doing is rerouting a pipe onto Lincoln. Right now the pipe is broken. It would not be vastly improved by changing it into an open channel pipe rather than a buried one.”
Board member Deb Pekarek asked, “Is there anything more the applicant can do it to make it better? Adding a house and increasing the size of the other two houses will not impact existing conditions even more?
Ruschke replied, “They are saying that they are reducing the overall flow. I can’t represent that what they are going to do will help. I am not comfortable saying there will be flood reduction.”
Seiden said, “You have a property that currently floods – why is the yardstick that we are applying “don’t make it any worse.” It seems to me that engineers are supposed to make things better.”
During public comments, several neighbors spoke.
Perci Battiwalla from 129 Carthage Road said, “You have heard from every resident that we have a huge problem. On May 23 we had 30 minutes of rain and the whole place was flooded. I have heard a lot of conflicting information. We are adding an additional house – we are not changing the width of the pipe. Where is the water going to go? We have to fix this problem. This is not a solution.”
Divya Jain of 54 Lincoln Road said, “Some of the water will be released in the open stream on 58 Lincoln. Where is the analysis of the increase in water that will be released into that open stream?”
Diana Hurwitz of 45 Fayette Road said she has lived there for 25 years and “the water table has changed. Flooding is more pervasive, This year the weather service predicts over 20 big storms.
This is a sensitive area that I consider a wetlands. I think it is a horrific idea. I think two houses should be built. The role of the Planning Board is to protect existing residents. So far the Planning Board has held six meetings on this. This plan will only exacerbate the flooding which gets worse every year. The simplest most elegant solution is usually the one that comes closest to the truth. The plan is not an improvement. The application should be rejected as it puts the neighbors at risk.”
Nelson Soares of 49 Lincoln Road said, “We have lived there since 1989. Developers will build and then move on. What about a bond to address this when it hurts us? What happens when you have a significant amount of rain in a short period of time. The math does not make sense on the amount of permeable service.”
Laura Kalmanoff of 38 Crossway said she has lived there since 2005. She said, “It is a terrible idea to put three houses in this area. It was a beautiful piece of land. This town is beautiful – it is being destroyed. There is a stream that runs down Lincoln Road. It’s obvious that the weather is getting worse,” and she spoke about the effects of development on the wildlife and the birds.
Jack Miller from 45 Fayette Road said, “From the beginning this has been controlled by the applicant. I went to the library and I found (an old map) with the pond on that property. There is a dangerous precedent for approving this project. There are major changes to weather patterns. There used to be a stream and a pond. The next applicant will apply to build on a pond or a stream and divert it into the street.”
About the neighbors’ advocacy he said, “I am proud of my young neighbors. They are at the Justin Timberlake concert tonight. People are bringing their kids to camp. No one is here saying this is a good idea.”
A man from 50 Lincoln Road said he sent a video to the Planning Board. He said, “I have lived in the next house for 5-6 years. It looks like a pond in the winter.”
Sam Blakely of 47 Fayette said, “There was always a lake behind my house.”
David Goldschmidt of 108 Carthage Road said, “I live directly across the road. The project is not going to improve the situation …maybe keep it the same – if the trees grow, the system is maintained. After the developer has long gone, it will take years for the trees to mature. The risk is completely on the neighbors. That’s not fair. At first I thought a bond was a good idea. But it doesn’t help the situation. If we have to access the bond we have been damaged. It won’t help the neighbors. I think the Planning Board should make sure they we are not harmed.”
Chairman Clapp asked the engineer, “What about the downstream effects?” Ruschke replied, “They did not do a downstream model. It is a more extensive, expensive approach. The infrastructure is undersized – it is not designed to accommodate the conditions. It would take a much bigger flood mitigation project – more infrastructure….. It is only a matter of time before FEMA changes these definitions.”
During deliberations Chairman John Clapp reminded the Board that the pipe was not being relocated to improve drainage solely, but rather to help allow for the new third lot.
Attorney Chiocchio said, “We did have a wetlands scientist look at the site. This is not a stormwater site – it is too small to address the stormwater in the area.”
The Planning Board deliberated and approved projects at 9 Ogden Road and 5 Cayuga Road but did not vote on 46 Lincoln and 101 Carthage, saying some of the reports had been submitted too late to be considered at this hearing.
The site is on the agenda again for July 31, 2024.
The project calls into question the role of the Planning Board and Village Engineering Department. Should they allow further development in a flood prone area when neighbors are already suffering significant damage during rainstorms?
Since the developer is already building two new houses, could he be required to convert the “pond” between them into a timed-release retention pond that would help to slow the flow of flood water rather than attempt to divert the water into the street?
If the Planning Board is weighing whether the developer will take to the court system on appeal if he is turned down, should they also weigh this risk against the possibility of a lawsuit against the Village from the neighbors if they are further harmed by the project?
We shall see.
