Forum Focus April 2023

FORUM FOCUS

April 2023

Message to Our Membership

Dear Members,

We welcome spring, when our homes and gardens awaken with color and the promise of beautiful weather. Take a walk around the neighborhoods and enjoy the lovely sights.

We also welcome our new Village government: Mayor Justin Arest, and continuing Trustees Jeremy Gans, Ken Mazer, and Randy Whitestone; re-elected Trustees Sameer Ahuja and Karen Brew; and new Trustee Dara Gruenberg. The Forum looks forward to collaborating with our elected officials in the coming year.

Six of our Forum Committees – Zoning and Planning, Downtown Revitalization, Education, Municipal Services, Scarsdale Fiscal Affairs, and Sustainability – have been studying Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed Housing Compact. The Committees' Report on the Housing Compact was approved by the Executive Committee pursuant to expeditious treatment and is being released to the public. This proposal, if enacted, would affect everyone in the Village so be sure to familiarize yourself with the project. The Scarsdale Forum is Our Community Voice: We encourage you to become involved with us.

With warm regards,

Susan Douglass, President

susanudouglass@gmail.com

Notes from the Board of Directors

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

SAVE THE DATE: SCARSDALE FORUM ANNUAL MEETING

MAY 4, 2023

COMMITTEE and BOARD UPDATES

Development-strategic planning

The Committee will be working on the development of a strategic plan, with goals, objectives, and actions designed to ensure that the Forum continues to carry out its mission and purposes well into the future. Forum members interested in participating are welcome to join us, and should contact Committee Co-Chairs Barry Meiselman at barwest2@aol.com and Ed Morgan at eamlaw@optonline.net.

Downtown Revitalization

The Downtown Revitalization Committee will be meeting to discuss updates in the Village Center. The Committee continues to review the village's plans for spring and summer, and also discuss the parking, traffic and accident situation. Please join us and weigh in on these important topics. If you are not yet a member of this committee, please join us. Contact Chair Susan Douglass, susanudouglass@gmail.co m.

Education

The Education Committee is in discussions with the Scarsdale School District on two Forum study topics. The first topic, "Profile of an SHS Graduate," will be an examination of the skills and dispositions necessary for a graduate of Scarsdale High School to be successful beyond high school and into the workforce. The second topic will look at operational, financial and sustainability issues related to transitioning the district's bus fleet to electric vehicles. It is anticipated that this second topic will draw on the strengths and contributions of several Forum committees, such as Education, Sustainability, Finance, and Municipal Services. The Education Committee's latest innovative Report, New Strategies for Promoting Well-Being and Addressing Mental Health Issues within Scarsdale's Schools is available here. Join the Education Committee to participate in these exciting studies by contacting Chair Barry Meiselman at barwest2@aol.com, or by joining the Education Committee online at the Forum website.

Recreation

The Recreation Committee continues to evaluate current conditions and usage of our parks, fields, paths, green spaces and recreational facilities. Forum member and wider community input is welcome. Our goal is to provide timely feedback to the village so that it may budget accordingly. In addition, our committee is committed to partnering with the Scarsdale Fiscal Affairs and Municipal Services groups on the Pool Complex Project. We hope Forum members from all neighborhoods will join this dynamic and active group and provide feedback. If you would like to participate. Contact Chair Erin Rudensky, ejzerring@aol.com.

Scarsdale Fiscal Affairs

Committee members attended three budget work sessions in February and are continuing to study the budget issues and information requested from Staff. The Board has approved the "second pass" proposed 2023-24 Village budget which will increase Village taxes on the average home by 3.17%. Click on ClearGov for details. Staff is preparing the Tentative Budget that will be presented on March 14, 2023. The hearing on the Tentative Budget will be scheduled for March 28, 2023 and the Board will vote on the budget on April 25, 2023. The Committee will meet in March and prepare a report commenting on the Tentative Budget to submit prior to the hearing. There is still time to join the committee and have a say in how the Board should prioritize competing financial needs and wants and how to pay for them. There is still time to join the committee and have a say in how the Board should prioritize competing financial needs and wants and how to pay for them. Contact Chair Anne Hintermeister, ahintermeister@gmail.com.

Municipal Services

Municipal Services is working on a study of the traffic issues on the Post Road consistent with our committee's prior recommendations made in the most recent Municipal Services Report on village-wide traffic safety and implementation of complete streets, Zero Vision, and safe routes to schools policy and design. We look forward to community input. The committee also plans on follow-up with the Sustainability group and the Conservation Advisory Council regarding the status of Scarsdale's participation in New York State's Climate Smart Communities program; prior Forum recommendations on further restriction of gas leaf blowers; fall leaf collection; and the degradation of the Village tree canopy despite recent code regulations meant to preserve it. Education of the public on the dangers of widespread pesticide use on private property is another issue of continuing committee focus in view of the recent Village code amendment's broad pesticide ban on public property. Contact Chair Madelaine Eppenstein, meppenstein@eppenstein.com.

Sustainability

The Committee supports initiatives for an environmentally sustainable and healthy environment that provides quality of life for village residents. Related to Committee Reports in 2018 and 2019, we supported the recent village code amendment covering "Pesticide Use on Village Property." The new local law bans chemical pesticides, fungicides, fertilizers, etc. on Village properties and allows only organic landscape practices. Recognizing the absolute inter-dependency between the health of our environment and our own health, the Committee continues to support a number of potential green initiatives including, but not limited to, those geared toward recycling, green energy, storm preparedness, and NY State's Climate Smart Community initiative. A recent Report focuses on the promotion of mulch mowing, the elimination of street leaf pile vacuuming, and a total ban on the use of gas blowers. Contact Chair Darlene Le Francois Haber, M.D., dlefranc@montefiore.com.

Zoning and Planning

The Committee's focus continues to be on supporting the long term growth and development of our Village to improve quality of life and sustainability by providing thoughtful analysis and recommendations for existing and proposed codes. Topics currently being prioritized include: elevation of structures in flood prone areas; requirements for new buildings to utilize heat pumps; installation of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations downtown and at other locations; and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The Committee has a supporting role working closely with other Forum committees such as Municipal Services, Downtown Revitalization, and Sustainability. Anyone interested in joining the Zoning and Planning Committee or learning more contact Chair David Fenigstein, Fenigstein.david@gmail.com.

County Fiscal Affairs

In mid-October 2022, the County Executive released the proposed capital budget, which makes investments in environmental conservation, flood mitigation, the County Parks System, and affordable housing. In November the operating budget was released, with details on the various programs and services the County provides and how they'll pay for it through sales tax, property tax, and other revenue. Those draft plans were handed over to the Board of Legislators who had to amend and pass them by early December. Our committee Report was distributed to the legislators within this tight time frame. For more information please reach out to Chair Tim Foley at tim@commanderfoley.com.

Community Events, News & Resources

According to the Scarsdale Assessor's Office, there is a new tax exemption for seniors. To qualify the Assessor requires submission of a 2022 income tax return, for those with combined gross income of $58,399 or less, and the RP-467 Senior Citizen Exemption application form. The application, available from the Assessor's office, is due by May 1, 2023. Call 914-722-1133 for more information.

RESET is a free program of prevention, education, and early intervention designed for Scarsdale youth ages 13-16 who have become “substance involved” with nicotine, alcohol, and/or THC. Using a group treatment modality, RESET aims to intervene with youth during a critical developmental window. The Spring program is slated to begin on Tuesday April 11, 2023. Intakes will begin the week of March 13th. There is no shame in asking for help. For more information about RESET, please contact Jay Genova, LCSW at 914-723-3281.

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SCARSDALE FOUNDATION OFFERS SCHOLARSHIP AID

Students who graduated from Scarsdale High School or lived in Scarsdale during their high school years and who have completed their first, second, or third years of college are invited to apply to the Scarsdale Foundation for tuition assistance. For the 2022-2023 academic year, the Foundation awarded need-based grants totaling $148,000 to 33 students attending private and state-supported colleges and universities. Applications for the 2023-2024 academic year should be submitted online from the Scarsdale Foundation’s website: www.scarsdalefoundation.org (click on the Scholarships link). Completed applications must be submitted by Wednesday, June 1, 2023. Questions should be directed to Scholarship Committee Co-Chairs Anne Lyons and B. Kathleen Munguia at: scarsdalefoundationscholarship@gmail.com.

The Scarsdale Foundation welcomes contributions from the community to augment the funds available for distribution each year. Contributions may be donated to a specially earmarked Scholarship Fund of the Scarsdale Foundation, enabling the Foundation to carry on the tradition of helping students in need pursue a college education. Donations may be made online by visiting the Foundation’s website or mailed to the Scarsdale Foundation at P.O. Box 542, Scarsdale, NY 10583.

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SCARSDALE BOWL DINNER & HONORS, Thursday April 27, 2023

The Foundation also hosts the Scarsdale Bowl Dinner where Scarsdale individuals are recognized for their volunteer service to the community. This year's honorees are:

Janice Starr, Bowl Award Recipient

SVAC, Spotlight Award Recipient

The Scarsdale Bowl will be presented to the 2023 recipients on Thursday, April 27, 6:30 pm at the Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club. Register HERE.

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SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday, April 18 at 7:00PPM: The Scarsdale Public Library and the Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service's Safe Coalition host a virtual Community Read on April 18 with author Rachel Louise Snyder to discuss her book, No Visible Bruises: What We Don't Know About Domestic Violence Can Kill Us. This program will run virtually through Zoom and can be viewed from home. Registration is required. Copies of the book are available to borrow from the Scarsdale Public Library, and the book is available to purchase with a 10% discount at the Bronx River Bookstore in Scarsdale Village.

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SCARSDALE FORUM invites you to join us as we tackle the subjects described in more detail in the Committee Update section. Members may consider joining any one, several or all Scarsdale Forum committees listed on the website. No prior experience with the subject matter is required. Join here.

VILLAGE BOARD MEETINGS and WORK SESSIONS: Village Board meetings are regularly open to the public at Village Hall or via Zoom webinar at https://zoom.us/j/93183703358, or call in using 1-929-436-2866 and entering the Meeting ID 931 8370 3358. The Zoom login uses the same ID. Sign up for updates here. Check the Village Board calendar here.

Scarsdale Forum Inc.

www.scarsdaleforum.com

Scarsdale Forum Inc. is the 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to community education through discussion and analysis of issues relevant to Scarsdale residents. Since 1904, Scarsdale Forum has contributed meaningfully to village affairs through written reports, prominent speaker programs, social gatherings and other public events. Membership is available to all Scarsdale and Mamaroneck Strip residents, regardless of citizenship status. The Forum Focus newsletter is distributed to Scarsdale Forum members generally during the first week of each month. Pertinent information should be sent to communications@scarsdaleforum.com one week prior to publication to be included in the coming issue. Media Contact: communications@scarsdaleforum.com