Scarsdale Mayor Arest Leads Opposition to Con Edison Rate Increase
BY STEPHEN E. LIPKEN
Village of Scarsdale Mayor Justin K. Arest voiced opposition to a proposed rate hike by Con Edison of 11.4 percent for electricity and 13.3 percent for gas at a recent meeting of the Board of Trustees.
“Earlier this year, Scarsdale joined over 40 municipalities in Westchester County to formally oppose Con Ed rate increases,” Village Manager Alexandra H. Marshall remarked. Public Hearings were held in various Westchester County locations in July.
Arest noted that a grant application for the Flock Safety System was not approved. “The Police Department developed a contingency plan in anticipation of this possibility. We have asked them to expedite that work and return to this Board in September. The agreement with Flock Safety System has not been cancelled but no further steps will be taken until all options for public safety upgrades are reviewed at a public meeting in September.”
He convened the Tuesday, July 8, 2025 Board of Trustees meeting by extending deepest condolences on loss of life from flooding in Texas and North Carolina. Mayor Arest pointed out that July is Disability Pride Month, recognizing the contributions and diversity of the disability community. “On a lighter note, July is also National Ice Cream Month.”
Arest said that the Village completed its Food Drive on July 31. “I think it is important to note that in Westchester County:
· 1 in 3 households is currently at risk for hunger, and
· 2 in 5 households report skipping meals or relying heavily on food pantries.
· Feeding Westchester serves over 175 partner food programs monthly, providing vital nutrition to 80,000 children each month.”
Trustee Jason Kofman presented a Resolution, authorizing a Professional Service Agreement with WixNet LLC, doing business as Logically for Information Technology (IT) Switch Infrastructure Upgrade. Kofman then introduced a second Resolution, Stipulation of Agreement with Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Inc., Local 1000, AFCSME, AFL/CIO, Local 860, regarding Senior Office Assistant.
Deputy Mayor Dara B. Gruenberg introduced a Resolution authorizing a Stipulation of Agreement with CSEA to amend Benefit Provisions. Gruenberg then introduced Resolutions appointing Joseph Lawrence to the Arts Advisory Council, term ending April 5, 2027; Dena Setzer was appointed Chair, term ending April 6, 2026.