BY STEPHEN E. LIPKEN

“At the Fire Department Ceremony on Monday, September 8, we officially welcomed firefighter Nicholas Camardella. Later in the day, we welcomed new Police Officers Philip Del Bene, Coleman Murphy and Manuel Vega,” said Scarsdale Mayor Justin K. Arest at the September 9 Village Board of Trustees meeting.  Patrol Sergeant Patricia Arcesi was promoted to Lieutenant, the first female Lieutenant in the Department.  

Victoria Sirota was reappointed to serve a six-year term as Town Assessor and Toby Levin was appointed to the Town Board of Assessment Review.  Melissa Chai was appointed to the Arts Advisory Council.

Mayor Arest opened the meeting by recounting many important September events. 

“We began the month with Labor Day, reminding us that work is more than a job title,” Arest stated.  “It is the daily effort of residents, staff and neighbors who make Scarsdale what it is. Thursday, September 11 is Patriot Day.  We pause to remember the lives taken, the families forever changed and first responders who ran toward danger.  Let us honor them with silence, reflection and kindness.  

“September is also National Preparedness Month.  Make a family plan, check flashlights, medications and sign up for emergency alerts.  We can never be too prepared and if an emergency occurs, readiness matters.  

“We mark Suicide Prevention Month, a chance to end stigma around mental health.  The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Number is always available.  From September 15 to October 15 we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.  Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Monday,  September 22 and Yom Kippur, Wednesday, October 1.’’

Although the Public Hearing for Proposed Local Law to Amend Chapter 281 of Scarsdale Village Code concerning licensure of commercial tree businesses was adjourned to September 30,  concern was expressed regarding the cutting rate of Village trees—for every 1.000 trees cut down only 300 are replaced. 

The Village also renewed a lease agreement with AT&T to place wireless telecommunication facilities on the smokestack at 110 Secor Road.  Trustees also agreed to hold a Public Hearing on September 30 for a code change that will extend metered parking until midnight.  It is now prohibited to park in metered spaces after 11 PM.

In a work session before the meeting, Scarsdale Police Chief Steven DelBene requested funding for a new dispatch and record keeping system. The new system would cost $126,000 in the first year and $72,000 in the second year, and would allow police to respond to emergency calls more quickly.