BY STEPHEN E. LIPKEN

Village of Scarsdale Mayor Justin K. Arest convened the January 13 Board of Trustees meeting by saying, “As we begin 2026, we look ahead to several important observances in the weeks to come, including Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  Dr. King’s legacy reminds us of the ongoing work of service, justice and building community work that remains very much unfinished.

“We had a Budget meeting earlier in Rutherford Hall, where we looked at First Pass Highlights and proposed Fiscal Year ’27 Budget for parks, recreation and conservation.  I would also like to remind everyone of our Mayoral Community Update Letter about the future of Freightway [parking garage] site. For anyone that has not had a chance to review the information, I encourage you to visit our site, scarsdale.gov and search for Freightway.” 

Editor’s note: Arest’s update letter can also be read in this issue of the Scarsdale Sentinel.

Trustee Jeremy A. Gans requested continuation of Public Hearing for proposed Local Law to amend Chapter 251 of the Village Code.  Chapter 251 deals with Site Plan Review, requiring approval from the Planning Board for nonresidential and multifamily developments, expansions or significant disturbances, focusing on design, traffic, safety and harmony with the community,  covering aspects like setbacks, parking, landscaping and building scale through specific sections and design guidelines.

Consent Agenda items included Resolutions directing Village Staff to distribute a Notice of Intent to be the Lead Agency for State Environmental Quality Review Act ((SEQRA) review of the Cushman Road et al Drainage Improvement Grant Application; Notice of Intent to be the Lead Agency for SEQRA review of Griffen Avenue Drainage Improvements Grant Application; Lead Agency for SEQRA review of George Field Park Drainage Improvements Grant Application; and Lead Agency for SEQRA review of Brite Avenue Drainage Improvements Grant Application.

Agenda Items encompassed Resolution approving contract with MRB Group for Tax Map Services, amounting to $24,400 with additional contingency charge of $4,500; Resolution of gift of $500 by Sang and Lisa Han to Scarsdale Fire Department Gift Account; gift of $5,000 from Fenway Golf Club Charitable Fund to Scarsdale Fire Department; and $2,000 donation from Matthias Bowman to Scarsdale Police Department Gift Account.

Finally, Resolution of Trustee Jeremy Wise awards VM Contract #1326 for Catherine Road Box Culverts Replacement Project, amounting to $1,367,100.