| | |
FORUM FOCUS
FEBRUARY
2026
| | Message to Our Membership | | |
Dear Scarsdale Forum Members,
As we settle into the heart of winter, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible sense of community that continues to define Scarsdale. Even during the coldest months, our Village remains warm with connection, volunteerism, discourse, and civic spirit—and that was on full display this season.
Our Winterfest event on January 31 was a tremendous success, and I’m thrilled by the turnout and enthusiasm we saw across all ages; the evening truly captured the best of what our community represents. Events like this don’t just happen—they are built by dedicated residents, local partners, and volunteers who care deeply about Scarsdale, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed.
This winter also brought a particularly exciting moment of recognition for the Forum. We were honored to hear Congressman George Latimer reference the Scarsdale Forum on the floor of the House of Representatives—an acknowledgment that speaks to the Forum’s long standing role in promoting civic engagement and thoughtful dialogue. It was a proud moment for our organization and for our community as a whole.
As we look ahead to the remainder of winter and into the spring, the Forum remains committed to fostering informed discussion, meaningful programming, and opportunities for neighbors to come together. I encourage all members to mark your calendars and join us for the Forum’s Membership Meeting on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, when we host the State of the Schools featuring Dr. Drew Patrick, Superintendent of Schools and James Dugan, Board of Education President. This annual program is one of the Forum’s most important and well-attended events, offering valuable insight, open discussion, and the opportunity to engage directly on issues that matter deeply to our community. I hope you will make every effort to attend.
Wishing you a healthy, happy, and WARM winter season.
Best,
Jill
| | Save These Dates and Reminders | | |
Attend the Forum's annual STATE OF THE SCHOOLS program at next week's MEMBERSHIP MEETING on Wednesday FEBRUARY 11, 2026, when we host Dr. Drew Patrick, Superintendent of Schools AND James C. Dugan, President of the Board of Education.
Refreshments and conversation at 7:00 pm. Program begins at 7:30 pm. Attend either in person at the Scarsdale Library OR virtually via Zoom. Login by clicking HERE
OR for an Alternative Login use Zoom Meeting ID 848 8920 0890 with PASSCODE 125410
| | Committee and Board Updates | | |
County Fiscal Affairs
The County Fiscal Affairs Committee released its Report
analyzing the 2025 County budget and its implications for Scarsdale property taxes. Contact chair Tim Foley, Timothy.d.foley@gmail.com.
| | |
Downtown Revitalization
In January 2026, the Village publicly announced to the community that a new Freightway redevelopment study had been initiated. The Downtown Revitalization Committee's Freightway Garage working group is gearing up for another major study to reimagine the Freightway Garage. A report will then be presented to the Village government and to the community to supplement the results of our Committee's year-long study on projected parking needs based on the number of cars, motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, and e-bikes parked at Freightway Garage and areas near the Scarsdale train station. Read our August 2024 Report on the Redevelopment of the Freightway Site. Another working group of the Committee has been formed to follow up on recommendations in prior reports for improving Boniface Circle. We also are coordinating with the Municipal Services Committee on issues of vehicular and pedestrian safety in the Village Center. Forum members interested in participating in projects concerning these or other issues relevant to the Village Center are invited to contact chair Susan Douglass, susanudouglass@gmail.com for more information or the date of our next meeting.
| |
Education
See the Committee’s Report on the School District's initiative, "Profile of a SHS Graduate,” published in June 2024. Contact chairs Sarah Bell, sarahbellscarsforum@gmail.com, Liza Lee, mslizalee@gmail.com and/or Art Rublin, arublin@mayerbrown.com
| |
Municipal Services
Traffic and Safety: Municipal Services is collaborating with the Downtown Revitalization Committee on a range of traffic and safety issues that focus on the Post Road and in the Village Center, which include recommendations for new crosswalks and improvements to existing signals and signage to help protect pedestrians, cyclists and prevent gridlock along Village Center corridors. We continue to recommend speeding and traffic violation enforcement on Village roads. This work is consistent with recommendations made to the Village in the most recent Municipal Services Report on village-wide traffic safety. We welcome and look forward to committee and community input.
The Environment and Health: See the most recent collaborative Report of the Sustainability, Municipal Services, Parks, and Recreation Committees, dated January 15, 2025, updated on March 29, 2025, on the health, safety and environmental impact of artificial turf. Also review the joint Report with the Sustainability Committee on saving our tree canopy. Various non-profit civic organizations in town have supported that Report’s tree code enforcement recommendations. Forum committees followed up with the Village in summer 2025, renewing recommendations for a total ban on gas leaf blower use in the Village and enforcement of the Village code.
Pesticide Use: Education of the public on the dangers of widespread pesticide use on private property is another issue of continuing focus together with the Sustainability Committee in view of the amended Village Code's broad pesticide ban on public property. We hope you have an interest in being part of our team. Contact chair Madelaine Eppenstein, meppenstein@eppenstein.com.
| | |
Parks and Recreation Committees
The Parks and Recreation Committees, whose study encompasses matters relating to Village parks, other green spaces and recreational playing fields and courts, continue to evaluate current conditions and usage of our parks, fields and courts, green spaces and other recreational facilities, and to participate in work concerning these issues. One example is the joint committee Report of the Sustainability, Municipal Services, Parks, and Recreation Committees, dated January 15, 2025, on the health, safety and environmental impact of artificial turf. Forum membership input about these issues and wider community input is welcome. Contact Parks chair Erin Rudensky, ejzerring@aol.com and/or Recreation chair Omer Wiczyk, omer@wiczyk.com.
| | |
Scarsdale Fiscal Affairs
The Committee has a history of preparing comprehensive assessments, such as this Report commenting on the Village budget before it was passed, and has recommended that the Village Board should prioritize competing financial needs, wants, and how to pay for them. The Forum seeks members to participate in this important work.
| |
Scarsdale Youth Advisory Council (SFYAC)
New members are welcome to join. The Forum created the SFYAC to help empower the youth of Scarsdale to actively participate in community dialogue, express personal views, and become involved in addressing the civic issues, choices and solutions that directly impact them. Opportunities for students may include meetings with village, county, state, and federal government officials; conversations concerning Village and School District issues; and opportunities to provide feedback concerning Village and District issues. SFYAC members must be Scarsdale residents who are under the age of 18. Please contact chair at sarahbellscarsforum@gmail.com.
| |
Sustainability
Municipal Services and the Sustainability committees followed up with the Village in summer 2025 on the topic of banning gas leaf blower use in the Village and enforcement of the Code.
See the Report in collaboration with the Municipal Services, Parks, and Recreation Committees on the health, safety and environmental problems with using artificial turf for playing fields and courts, and the Joint Report of the Sustainability Committee with the Municipal Services Committee on saving our tree canopy. The Sustainability Committee supports initiatives for an environmentally sustainable, healthy environment and climate that provide quality of life for all Village residents. Joint Committee Reports in 2018 and 2019 supported the Village Code amendment covering "Pesticide Use on Village Property." Village 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 the NY State's Climate Smart Community initiative. Another Report encourages mulch mowing, the elimination of street leaf pile vacuuming, and a total ban on the use of gas blowers. The Sustainability Committee invites existing and new members to join local efforts to save trees through vine cutting. Vines are an important cause of damage to Scarsdale's diminishing tree canopy. Contact chair Darlene LeFrancois Haber, M.D. at dlefranc@montefiore.org if you are interested in helping our community through other Sustainability projects.
| | |
Zoning and Planning
The Zoning and Planning Committee's focus is 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 of interest include: assessment of the 2024 Village Land Use Moratorium; further research on the potential for establishing a Business Improvement District; elevation of structures in flood prone areas; potential 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 including Municipal Services, Downtown Revitalization, and Sustainability. Contact chair Seth Ross at seth.h.ross@gmail.com.
| | Community Events, News & Resources | | |
SCARSDALE FORUM invites you to join us as we tackle the subjects described in more detail in the Committee Update section above. Members may consider joining any one, several or all of the Scarsdale Forum committees listed. No prior experience with the subject matter is required. The Scarsdale Forum offers programs, activities, and events to support community quality of life, social engagement, and dialogue with the Scarsdale Village government.
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 on the home page of the Village website and check the Village Board calendar.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Board of Education meetings are regularly open to the public at the Scarsdale High School or via Zoom webinar. Information relating to BOE Meetings, Calendars, Documents, Policies, Events, Strategic Goals, Board Members and more can be accessed here.
Annual SCARSDALE FORUM MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL is MAY 1
Residents who wish to join should visit here: https://www.scarsdaleforum.com/Join
Renewing or lapsed members may sign up and pay here:
https://www.scarsdaleforum.com/Membership/renew
Your support of the activities of the Forum is greatly appreciated.
| | |
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 and County affairs through written reports, prominent speaker programs, social gatherings and other public events. Membership is available to all Scarsdale residents, regardless of citizenship. 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 chair meppenstein@eppenstein.com.
| | | | |
