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FORUM FOCUS
September/October
2023
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Message to Our Membership | |
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Dear Members,
We hope you had a wonderful summer! As we return to our fall routines, I wanted to take this opportunity to share how excited I am to be leading the Forum this year. We have an incredible lineup of speakers and events including U.S. Congresswoman Lucy McBath and many others. Octoberfest is coming up and we're looking forward to a spring social event too.
But before we get into that, I want to reintroduce myself and some of the Forum’s goals for the year. I grew up here in Scarsdale and live in Quaker Ridge with my husband, two children and our golden retriever. I work full time: as a mom, a lawyer and, of course, as a volunteer. As some of you may know, I am a third generation Scarsdalian which makes our children the fourth generation of my family to live in Scarsdale. My dad and I are the only parent and child to serve as presidents of the Forum in its 119-year history. My grandmother, Molly Goldstein, was the “Mother” of the Scarsdale pool. She fought for years to build the Outdoor pool complex for Scarsdale, and the pool opened in 1969 – ten years before I was born.
Just as families pass traditions and values from generation to generation, so too must our civic organizations persist by passing on our traditions and values to new generations.
This year, we will carry the Forum forward in many ways including by being inclusive and striving for, listening to, and incorporating varying opinions. We will also engage our children; in the spring we launched the Forum’s Youth Advisory Council. We are actively seeking members and hope you will engage your children, grandchildren and friends concerning this wonderful new initiative.
We hope everyone will focus on fall and engage with us to the fullest extent possible.
We would love to hear from you! Please reach out to talk, go for a walk, volunteer, share feedback and/or engage however the Forum works best for you.
Sarah Bell, President
sarahbellscarsforum@gmail.com
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Sunday, October 22, 12:30-4:00 pm: OCTOBERFEST
The Forum's Annual Party. Celebrate fall with fun for the whole family - and artisanal craft beer! At Scarsdale Woman's Club.
Sunday, November 12: Lucy McBath, U.S. Congresswoman
Sunday Speaker Program 4:00 PM at Scarsdale Library.
Thursday, November 16 Membership Meeting: "State of the Village and Schools" featuring Mayor Justin Arest and School District Superintendent Drew Patrick. 7:00 PM at Scarsdale Library, Scott Room.
Annual Membership RENEWAL Start Date: was May 1, 2023
All memberships run from May 1st of each year and end on April 30th of the following year. Your annual $50 individual membership fee is tax-deductible.
You may pay in two ways:
- Online by credit card or PayPal by "joining" or "renewing"
- Payment may also be made by check payable to Scarsdale Forum, Inc. mailed to Scarsdale Forum, P.O. Box 86, Scarsdale, New York 10583.
You are also invited to make a tax-deductible gift to the Scarsdale Forum. Please contact the Forum’s Treasurer, Matt Martin, at (917) 697-2747 or by email at matthew.martin@pattoneakins.com if you have any questions.
Renewing or lapsed members may sign up and pay here: https://www.scarsdaleforum.com/Membership/renew
Residents who wish to join should go here: https://www.scarsdaleforum.com/Join
Your support of the activities of the Forum is greatly appreciated!
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COMMITTEE and BOARD UPDATES | | |
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Scarsdale Youth Advisory Council (SFYAC)
Seeking members!
The Forum has created the SFYAC to empower the youth of the Village of Scarsdale to actively participate in community dialogue, to express personal views, and to 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; and will include conversations concerning Village and Scarsdale School District (the “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. To join, please submit a short letter explaining interest to sarahbellscarsforum@gmail.com.
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Downtown Revitalization
The Downtown Revitalization Committee is back in action after a quiet summer. Several working groups are ready to begin or continue work on the following issues, some in collaboration with other Forum committees: assessing the new Dine the 'Dale tent placement at the east end of Spencer Place; enhancing walk-ability, traffic flow, and safety in the Village Center; reassessing Freightway Garage issues; revisiting the Forum's Business Improvement District (BID) report (available here), and meeting with Village officials and stakeholders to gather updated information; and investigating parking needs versus demand. We encourage Forum members to join the Committee and assist with these projects and any others of interest. Contact Chair Susan Douglass, susanudouglass@gmail.com.
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Education
The Education Committee is continuing work on a draft report on "Profile of a SHS Graduate." School District leadership met with committee members to discuss the District's thoughts on the topic. As background to doing additional research, the Committee has conducted virtual sessions with thought leaders in education around the country. Our plan is to meet again with the District leadership for updates on activity around Profile, and outreach to learning community constituents (current and former students, current and former teachers, etc.) to bring their thoughts into the discussion. The Committee's latest report, New Strategies for Promoting Well-Being and Addressing Mental Health Issues within Scarsdale's Schools is available here. Contact Chairs Barry Meiselman, barwest2@aol.com; Art Rublin, art.rublin@gmail.com; Christine Weston, theweston4@gmail.com.
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Parks and Recreation
The Parks and Recreation Committees continue to evaluate current conditions and usage of our parks, fields, paths, green spaces and recreational facilities. Forum member and wider community input is welcome. Issues include the Pool Complex project; girls’ athletics participation; pickleball courts; and a Village initiated field study. Contact Parks Chair Erin Rudensky, ejzerring@aol.com and/or Recreation Chair Omer Wiczyk, omer@wiczyk.com.
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Scarsdale Fiscal Affairs
The Board passed the 2023-24 Village budget which was estimated to increase Village taxes on the average home by 3.17%. Click on ClearGov for details. The Committee prepared a comprehensive Report commenting on the Tentative Budget before it was passed, and recommended how the Board should prioritize competing financial needs and wants and how to pay for them.
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Municipal Services
Municipal Services is continuing work on a study of the traffic issues on the Post Road that includes the elimination of the un-signaled crosswalk at Edgewood Road until a signal is installed, recommendations for improvements to existing signals to prevent logjams on Village arterials, and addressing speeding and enforcement, all consistent with 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. Other follow-up includes collaboration 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; further restriction of gas leaf blowers; fall leaf collection; and degradation of the Village tree canopy despite Code amendments meant to preserve it. 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 recently amended Village Code's broad pesticide ban on public property. Contact Chair Madelaine Eppenstein, meppenstein@eppenstein.com.
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Sustainability
The Sustainability Committee supports initiatives for an environmentally sustainable and healthy environment and climate that provide 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 LeFrancois Haber, M.D., dlefranc@montefiore.com.
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Zoning and Planning
The Zoning and Planning Committee's focus continues to be about 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. Priority topics include: further research on the potential for establishing a Business Improvement District in the Village center; 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 including Municipal Services, Downtown Revitalization, and Sustainability. Contact Chair Jill Spielberg, jillspielberg@gmail.com.
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County Fiscal Affairs
The County Fiscal Affairs Committee is getting ready to quickly review and analyze the County budget and its implications for our property taxes. The County Executive is expected to release his draft budget in late October/early November. The County Board of Legislators will review, revise, and ultimately pass the budget in early December, as required by the County Charter. Before they do, our Committee will have the chance to weigh in on the projected income and expenses, which represent about 18% of our property tax bills in Scarsdale, but also on many of the County's initiatives for the year. Past reports have offered comments and suggestions on issues including infrastructure (including sewer and water), school safety, climate sustainability, human rights, health care, and housing. A representative of our Committee testifies each year at the County Board of Legislators' budget public comment session. If you're interested in being part of our Committee and helping to produce our Committee's report, please contact Chair Tim Foley at timothy.d.foley@gmail.com.
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Community Events, News & Resources | |
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OCTOBERFEST - Scarsdale Forum's Annual Party
October 22, 2023, 12:30-4:00 PM
at the historic Scarsdale Woman's Club
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. The Scarsdale Forum offers programs, activities, and events to support community quality of life, social engagement, and dialogue with 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 here. Check the Village Board calendar here.
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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
Officers 2023
Sarah Bell, President
Omer Wiczyk, First Vice President
Jeanne-Marie Castiello, Vice President
Matthew Martin, Treasurer
Rebecca (Becky) Chase - Secretary
2023-2024 Committee Chairs
Communications - Madelaine Eppenstein & David Fenigstein
County Fiscal Affairs - Tim Foley
Downtown Revitalization - Susan Douglass
Education - Barry Meiselman & Art Rublin & Christine Weston
Hospitality & Special Events - BK Munguia & Kristen Zakierski
Membership - Jeanne-Marie Castiello
Municipal Services - Madelaine Eppenstein
Program and Speaker Series - Eli Mattioli & BK Munguia
Parks - Erin Rudensky
Policy - Jonathan Mark
Recreation - Omer Wiczyk
Sustainability - Darlene LeFrancois Haber
Zoning and Planning - Jill Spielberg
Directors-At-Large
2024 Sylvia T. Dundon, Elaine Weir, Rob Mawson
2025 Purnima Srivastava, Peri Zelig, Han Zhou
2026 Alexandra Vargo, Seth Ross, Dan Kovel
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