Scarsdale Mayoral Community Update
Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest shared several important updates about ongoing projects and events shaping the Village.
Pool Complex Project
With swimming top of mind for many this summer, residents have been asking about the status of the Pool Complex renovation. The project continues to move forward. Given the scale and importance of this effort, the Village is proceeding methodically and thoughtfully to ensure the community is presented with a comprehensive range of well-developed options.
Architects Lothrop Associates have been hard at work this summer developing schematic designs and working with the owner’s representative, Hill International, on preliminary cost estimates. Ballard*King & Associates has been re-engaged to provide updated operational cost projections to ensure transparency not only around construction costs but long-term operating expenses as well.
As previously shared, the Board of Trustees made the decision last winter to advance planning for an indoor/outdoor facility to preserve full flexibility. Once schematic designs and cost analyses are complete, a public work session will be held some time this fall to present the available options. Community feedback will be essential in shaping the direction of the project. No final decisions have been made; the process is structured to keep all possibilities open, including indoor, outdoor, a combined facility, or closing the pool complex.
Ample notice will be provided once the date and time of the work session is confirmed. Resident input is critical to the direction of the project, so sign up for Village notifications to get alerted to village board meetings. Once a direction is chosen, the Board and staff will carefully explore all value-engineering opportunities to ensure the project is executed with fiscal responsibility. As of now, the plan is for the current pool to remain open through the 2026 season, with renovations beginning afterward to minimize downtime for residents.
Public Safety Technology Update
As a reminder, the Village applied for a federal grant to support updated license plate readers, live-view cameras, and Drone as a First Responder technology through Flock Safety. We were notified in early July by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s office that our application was not successful. At that time, Police Chief Steven DelBene was asked to return to the Board with updated recommendations in September.
On Monday, August 4, the Village Board received a memo from Chief DelBene regarding this matter. Based on his guidance and the absence of federal funding, the Village has canceled its contract with Flock Safety, as of August 6. No monies have been expended nor any technology deployed in association with this project. The Police Department remains committed to evaluating technologies that support public safety and will continue its exploration of critical technology upgrades in the future. The Village takes community input seriously, especially regarding technology that may raise concerns for residents. Protecting privacy is a central part of every agreement entered into, and privacy safeguards in all public safety initiatives will continue to be prioritized. At the same time, the Village remains deeply committed to ensuring professionals have the tools they need to keep Scarsdale safe.
At present, there are no upcoming meetings scheduled on this matter. The community will be informed should a meeting on this topic be scheduled in the future.
Feeding Westchester Food Drive – Thank You
The recent collection drive for Feeding Westchester yielded 3,400 pounds of food which will help create 2,833 meals for neighbors in need across Westchester County. Thank you to everyone who donated and supported this important initiative. Across Westchester County, countless families rely on the generosity of their neighbors to help put food on the table, and once again, Scarsdale residents stepped up. Special thanks go to the Scarsdale and White Plains Rotary Clubs, as well as the many neighborhood associations that organized local collection drives. Your kindness and commitment will make a meaningful impact in the lives of those facing food insecurity.
Library Pond Restoration Project
Design and planning work continues on the Library Pond Project. This effort will improve stormwater management and restore the natural beauty of the area surrounding the Scarsdale Public Library. The project is scheduled to be completed in September. Learn more about this project at https://www.scarsdale.gov/1080
/Library-Pond-Improvement-Project.
Roadway Paving and Olmsted/
Brewster Roads Sidewalk Updates
This season, the Village has undertaken the repaving of approximately 10.64 miles of roadway. As a frame of reference, Scarsdale has approximately 91 miles of roadways, 79 miles of which are owned and maintained by the Village, and the rest by the county and the state. The Village appreciates your patience as crews complete this important work to improve our infrastructure.
In addition to ongoing roadway paving, two new sidewalks are being installed to enhance pedestrian safety, particularly for students walking to and from the High School and the Library. Work on Wayside Lane will connect the existing sidewalk at the High School parking lot entrance to Post Road. Meanwhile, the Olmsted Road sidewalk, running from Post to Brewster in front of the Library’s campus, is nearing completion. This new path not only supports safe student travel and Library access but also offers a convenient connection to the scenic, rehabilitated Library Pond.
New Electric Sanitation Truck
The Department of Public Works has received a new electric garbage truck which is the first of its kind in Westchester County. This innovative addition will improve the efficiency of waste collection in our community while advancing our sustainability goals. The Village thanks the DPW staff and the Village’s Conservation Advisory Council for their leadership and commitment in bringing this project to life. Their forward-thinking efforts continue to put Scarsdale at the forefront of sustainability and innovation in Westchester.
Village Treasurer Search
Village Treasurer Ann Scaglione has accepted the position of Comptroller for the Town of Cortlandt. Her last day with the Village was August 22. The Village is grateful for her willingness to remain through the majority of the annual audit process and for her many contributions to Scarsdale during her tenure. Treasurer Scaglione brought meaningful improvements to the Treasurer’s Office, implementing new technologies that streamlined both payment collection and the annual budget process. This new role represents an exciting next chapter in her career, and the Village wishes her continued success. Filling the Treasurer position remains a top priority, and the Village has circulated the job posting through local, regional, and national networks for government finance professionals.
Stay Informed: Sign Up for Village Alerts
Stay connected with the latest Village news, updates, and emergency notifications by subscribing to Scarsdale Official. Sign up at https://www.scarsdale.gov/1007/Sign-Up-for-Important-Notifications to ensure you receive timely alerts on everything from traffic and weather to community meetings and special events.