Letters and Public Comments Supporting the SCC!
Many voices need to be heard to convince the Village Board to adopt the community center project as a priority. Village government needs to know that a solid majority of the community wants a community center in
Scarsdale.
Ways to help:
· Voice your support during the public comment portion of the Village Board meeting on December 9th.
· Write a letter to the Mayor and Trustees to let them know why you support the SCC. Contact the Village Board at mayor@scarsdale.com or Scarsdale Village Hall, 1001 Post Road, Scarsdale NY. Address your letter: Dear Mayor Fisher and Members of the Village Board.
· Write a letter to the Editor of the Scarsdale Inquirer about why you support the SCC. Its fine if you are willing to write to the Village Board but choose not to publish in the paper. Contact The Inquirer at lleavitt@scarsdalenews.com or 14 Harwood Court, Suite 510, Scarsdale NY. Address the letter: To the Editor.
Please send copies of your letters and Board comments to the SCC at letters@scarsdalecommunitycenter.org and we'll post them here on our website.
Thanks for helping to make the SCC a reality!
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Here are some of the letters we've received:
December 9, 2008
I am writing to add my voice to that of others who have made clear that there is a strong base of support for the proposed indoor pool and community center at the site near the library and high school. A Fox Meadow resident of 35 years, I have watched with dismay as several plans for our community have been scuttled by a relatively few, but highly vocal opponents. Please do not let that happen to this project. The
Scarsdale
Community Center would be an enormous enhancement to the town, and, I believe, will attract active membership and support just as the outdoor pool has. The proposed location creates a wonderful community center, being located near the high school, the library, the Girl Scout house, park and playing fields. I know that you, Mayor Fisher and the members of the Village Board, will listen to all points of view that are expressed, but I hope that you will remember that often it is the opponents of a project who seem to be best organized and speak the loudest, while, unfortunately, the supporters tend to remain in the background – perhaps thinking that their elected officials will do what is best for the town. I strongly believe that this proposal is, in fact, best for our town and now is the time to go forward with it.
Phyllis F. Perkins
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December 9, 2008
The Trustees of
Scarsdale Should Show Leadership before it’s too late!
The ugly debate, intentional foot dragging, and obfuscation concerning the SCC pool concept is a sorry reflection of the decline of
Scarsdale. Instead of being a place that is highly sought-after
Scarsdale is at risk of becoming a second tier town known for high property taxes and limited services.
If everything done in this town was debated and scrutinized the way the SCC pool is being tortured we would have only one fire house in Scarsdale since we rarely have fires here, the outdoor pool would not exist because a significant number of people in this town have their own pool, garbage would be collected once per month because it does not generate revenue, our library would be devoid of computers because libraries are intended only for books, and our schools would not have some of the best teachers because the budget which represents over 80% of all tax revenue received by the town cannot be justified since only 30% of the families in this town use the school system.
Clearly at some point in
Scarsdale’s history our leadership wisely funded good ideas that enhanced the quality of life for everyone in this town regardless of the service being used by each family. Now, an indoor pool for town residents would add value to all properties in
Scarsdale just like the strong school system increases property values. If the Village Board had shown leadership by working with the SCC to refine the proposal and then moved it forward at any time in the past decade the pool would have already been built at the original costs. However by giving undue credence to the vocal minority, who are against anything that does not directly improve their personal situation, the Village Board risks allowing their governing function to become irrelevant and impotent. This lack of leadership and planning has allowed
Scarsdale to decline in the eyes of many town residents such that we are no longer looked upon as the gold standard of towns. At one point in time we were a town governed for the benefit of the community, however as this SCC debate lingers like a bad game of ping pong we seem to be more like a bunch of self centered people who happen to live near one another.
Henry Ford once said that if he asked everyone what they would want for future transportation the answer would have been a faster horse and we would not have the car. Let’s use our imagination and ingenuity as a community to get this pool built so the entire town can benefit. Board of Trustees, you have graciously allowed everyone to have their say on the soapbox, now is the time to show the necessary leadership and move the project forward for the enhancement of Scarsdale. If this idea fails it will be a great shame on our community and its leaders– I sincerely hope that this is not the case.
Jordan Rosner
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December 9, 2008
My husband and I are firmly in favor of a Scarsdale Community Center, and we feel that the location near the library would be a good one. It would not be in the immediate vicinity of homes (in spite of what speakers said last meeting), and it is in what could be described as a cultural center--Library and High School. I don't think that the neighbors would be barraged by an influx of many cars, as the activities would be spread out over the day and evening and weekdays and weekends.
I in particular should swim and exercise for my health, and I find that the opportunities for my needs are far away (YWCA in White Plains) or expensive (JCC or health clubs) which lack some of the components. As a long time Scarsdale resident (40 years) we have many friends in the community,and we would like more frequent occasions to enjoy their company and do things together (e.g. bridge, book talks, social; events, exercise classes and studio etc.) The Girl Scout House is an inadequate standin for a real community center.
We realize that the economic situation is not very friendly right now. But, please keep an active interest in a Community Center on your agenda. There are enough of us seniors (and teens) interested to make it a worthwhile addition to our Village resources.
Thank you,
Georgia and Robert Donati
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December 4, 2008
I am writing to express my support for the Scarsdale Community Center to be located near the library and high school. We are neighbors of this proposed location and are in full support.
We moved about a year ago to Scarsdale from Manhattan. My husband and I are not from the New York area so when it came time to choose a suburban location, we could choose anywhere. We chose Scarsdale because of its community feel. We liked that the schools are top notch and that people move here to be part of the public school system. We liked that our kids would go to the same school as the neighbors and the sense of community and cohesiveness that brings. We loved the outdoor pool facility and that so many residents use it in place of private clubs. Again, it was the feeling of community that attracted us. Very few other towns, villages or cities in the New York suburbs offer what Scarsdale does.
Therefore, we fully support the Scarsdale Community Center. How wonderful that it would be in close proximity to the library. It will make the library and its offerings and activities even more of a focal point. It will make it easy for the high school kids to swim and gather at a community location. It is in a location where there are already sidewalks (the one thing that seems to be in short supply in most Scarsdale neighborhoods), meaning that those in the area can easily walk to the pool or events at the community center. It is also a central location within the community meaning that many can enjoy biking to the facility.
We strongly believe that the community center is a great asset that our families can use and enjoy and that it will be one more factor making Scarsdale an attractive spot for homebuyers.
Please continue to give this project your support and know that we stand behind you.
Andrea Lowenberg
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December 1, 2008
Some petitions, letters to the editor and community comments opposing the proposal for building a community center unfortunately perpetuate some myths about the plan. While there are of course important questions about the project to discuss (financing in the current economic climate, site selection, etc) it is important to keep the debate civil and focused on the most central issues, remembering that many concerned citizens and professionals have carefully researched these issues over a period of many years.
"It could be built somewhere else _____ (fill in JCC, high school, St.Pius, etc)"
Site discussions have gone on for seven years. The school board has said "no" definitively- twice. Evaluating the relative merits of the current sites is challenging enough.
"The project ballooned"
The project started at about 29,000 sq ft at its inception seven years ago. It's now 32,000 sq ft.
"Just build an indoor pool"
A 2001 study looked at 28 nearby pools and concluded that a stand-alone indoor pool would likely not be self-supporting, which is a requirement for the project. The fitness area and community rooms help make it self-supporting.
"The pool will be open to people outside Scarsdale"
The community owns the pool and membership is based on the outdoor pool criteria. In distress there are other options to control cost, such as limiting hours.
"Other good pools are close by like the YMCA"
The YMCA in White Plains has limited parking, low ceilings, small pools, cramped changing rooms…. The closet comparable pools to the proposed SCC would be the community centers in Ossining or Greenwich.
"The outdoor pool site and Leaf transfer site were dropped because of vocal neighbors"
The architects independently concluded that Harwood has some merits over those sites because it is centrally located and offers synergy with the library, high school and Girl Scout house. They found the outdoor pool site more costly and cramped. There does not seem to be a suitable place to relocate the leaf transfer site.
A huge effort has gone into trying to make the community center a reality. Let's evaluate the current plan fairly and as a community decide whether or not to move forward.
Monica Rieckhoff
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December 1, 2008
Over the past several years, an extraordinarily dedicated group of individuals has grown the mere idea of a community center into an organization with membership totaling 20% of the families in
Scarsdale for a facility that does not even exist. This number is greater than the total percentage of eligible voters who take part in both the Village and School Board electoral process combined. By
Scarsdale standards, it represents an overwhelming show of support, and yet the Board of Trustees through five different mayoral administrations has failed to take this mandate seriously.
Since its inception, the
SCC has revised its economic projections to take account of changing conditions and has done so again to reflect current economic realities. Contrary to the assertion in this past week’s front page headline article, the center was never intended to be a $4 million project. It started out at $8 million, and is now anticipated to be $15 million, largely due to the increasing cost of construction, not because the project has gotten any larger.
In recent months, in response to the Village’s site analysis, the
SCC has completed work to recommend a site that will be convenient to a
SHS swim team and to the community at large without disrupting the current delivery of Village services. While it is unlikely that any construction project would ever find unanimous support for a given form or location (e.g.,
Christie Place, Crossway soccer fields, expansion of the current pool complex), it is easy to continually find reasons not to do something. The time has come for the Village to take on a leadership role in moving this project forward in the best interests of the entire community.
Chris Lonner
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November 23, 2008
As a 54 year resident of Scarsdale and a founding member of the proposed Scarsdale Community Center, I hope that our excellent Mayor and Village Trustees will give an immediate go-ahead to the multi-purpose center. I know these times are difficult, but all the more reason to provide people of all ages with a place to exercise, swim, socialize and take care of their health needs.
As a founding member of the outdoor swimming pool, I remember how long it took to get the then-Board of Trustees' approval. Today we are so happy to have this additional jewel in Scarsdale. I feel confident in years to come we will be equally happy to have an indoor community center.
Some years ago, at a Village Board meeting, I requested that the Trustees consider some basic needs of the track and tennis court users by putting up bathrooms for their use. Knowing how long and thoughtfully our Trustees study any proposed changes in Scarsdale, I further requested these facilities be installed before I became too old to walk around the track. Happily, I can still enjoy my walks with an additional feeling of security!
So much studying has been done of the proposed community center that I suggest the time for approval is NOW. I hope that I will be able to exercise and enjoy the wonderful facilities, and that Scarsdale residents-- young and old-- will be able to enjoy them with me.
Many thanks for listening.
Elsie R. Smoler
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November 20, 2008
We are writing to voice our stong support for the proposed Pool and Community Center for our Scarsdale Village, a facility that has long been needed and which we have supported from the beginning, as Founding Members. A neighborhood indoor pool, a place for our Seniors, and meeting rooms, exercise and workout areas, would be most welcome in our Village, which lacks these amenities for our residents and is far behind many other towns when it comes to these kinds of facilities.
Since we have lived here, starting in 1969, Scarsdale has continued to have the reputation, probably well deserved, of taking a very long time to get almost anything done, despite need and public support, the Christie Place project with much needed Parking being just one example, and the Junior High Tennis Courts, another Village treasure, being another. The new playing fields as Crossway can also be included in that. And I have been told that before we moved here, our Outdoor Pool took years to be approved, despite the fact that it immediately became another Jewel in Scarsdale's crown.
The NIMBY affect is also very much a part of the way Scarsdale's citizens react to almost any project that is proposed. I hope that the importance of having an Indoor Pool and Community Center for all Scarsdale's citizens, but especially for our High School Students and our Seniors, will outweigh that affect, and that the project will soon be approved by you, to be built at one of the recommended sites. The funding needed for the first three years of operation will surely be available from the Founding Members and many others who have come to understand the need and value of a Pool/Community Center for our very special Village.
Our sincere thanks to you for your help in making this important project a reality as soon as possible.
Susan and Joseph Levine
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November 14, 2008
You may wonder why I am writing about the Scarsdale Community Center. Twelve hundred memberships have already been sold to real people who paid real membership fees with real money, and I am not one of them. My excuse is age. I am sure Jon Steward would warn me to refrain from buying green bananas.
I do have three real reasons why I support the Scardale Community Center, and I want to be sure I do everything I can to share these reasons with as many Scarsdale homeowners as possible.
- As a senior citizen I view the construction of a Scarsdale Community Center a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to provide a permanent home for a real Scarsdale senior center, something the architects have already taken into account. Making space available for senior programs and services within a facility that will come already fully equipped to meet the ever-increasing health needs of older people for sustaining "quality" in our lives is a bargain that simply cannot be ignored. As a teenager during the recession of the '30s, believe me, I know a bargain when I see one.
- Although I am not an "insider" in the Scarsdale real estate market, I do hear there is a significant reduction in activity, houses take longer to sell, along with downward pressure on prices. This means that Scarsdale has to offer something more than just the best schools to be a serious competitor. A great community center with a home pool for the high school team, coupled with a senior center second to none could be a dealmaker.
- Scarsdale has to do a lot more than it is now doing for seniors in order to retain the number of homeowners over the age of 65, with no children in the school system -- 26%!
With shrunken portfolios, more seniors will be weighing more carefully their decision to stay in their Scarsdale homes. I don't believe it is necessary to finely dissect the ramifications of an accelerated exodus of empty-nesters.
Scarsdale Community Center leaders are aggressively seeking to broaden community support for this project with a petition-signing program via email and volunteers at train stations. The sudden global economic collapse isn't the best economic environment for whipping up village government enthusiasm for a brand new multimillion dollar project -- even with a financial plan that imposes no burden on the village taxpayer.
Can you really afford to pass up this one-time opportunity to keep Scarsdale a dream community and to make the effort to keep Scarsdale seniors in their Scarsdale home?
If you have not received a petition by email or been given the opportunity to sign a paper petition, I will forward the email verson I received.
Albert Schott
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November 11, 2008
On behalf of the Scarsdale High School Varsity Girls Swim Team, we feel that an indoor pool in Scarsdale is a necessity. As seniors and captains of the team, we have been part of the program for four years and have experienced all the difficulties that come with having practice at Westchester Community College. Since we do not have a pool in Scarsdale, we are forced to take a bus to WCC every day so that we can have an inadequate practice. The bus ride there is half an hour long, so instead of spending two hours practicing, like all the other Scarsdale athletic teams, we have one-hour practices, and if another team has a meet, our practices range between 20 to 30 minutes.
We also share the pool with two other teams, so many times, thirty girls are crammed into three lanes. With such conditions it is virtually impossible to achieve success. One girl swims on top of the other, sprinting is impossible, and lengthy sets have long been forgotten. Since we do not swim at our own pool, there is no record board, nothing that we can call our own. We are, ironically, like fish out of water at WCC.
As Scarsdale, we are a village that prides itself on the intellectual achievements of its youth, but how are we supposed to achieve if we spend an hour or more on the bus every day? Now you may say that that hour would be spent in practice, and you are completely correct; yet exercise, as the ancient Greeks believed, stimulates the mind. Therefore, doing homework afterwards would be much more efficient.
An indoor pool would not only be beneficial to our high school swim team, but also to the rest of our community, regardless of age. So let us put political issues aside and do what we know is right.
Maria D. Vissas
Katie Sokol
Nina Cooperman
Allie Failla
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November 11, 2008
I am writing this letter in support of the Scarsdale Community Center. I have been a swim coach at Scarsdale High School for the past 15 years. Every year we have been spending more time on the bus traveling to and from Westchester Community College than we do in the pool. The W.C.C. pool is shared by three and sometimes four teams. This limits our practice time to 1 hour. For the first 15 minutes of this hour we share the pool with another team and the pool is split up so 2 lanes are used for diving and four lanes are used to swim with 30 to 40 swimmers sharing the four lanes. The next 30 minutes we have the pool to ourselves and this is the only quality part of our workout. The last 15 minutes are shared with another team so we are back to 10 or more swimmers in each lane and swimming more than two laps at a time is impossible. This is comparable to the football team being allowed to only practice short running plays or the basketball team being allowed to practice layups and nothing else.
The situation is even worse when one of the other teams has a swim meet at W.C.C. On these days we rarely get to practice more than 30 minutes. This can happen 1,2 or even 3 times a week. If you add the two times a week the S.H.S. has a swim meet this leaves us with 2 or less practices a week. The standard practice time for any sports team is a minimum of 1 ½ to 2 hours.
The S.C.C. will not only benefit the high school students with a more productive practice, that would produce a more successful team, it will also provide the students with a home where their records can be displayed and the pride that comes with that creates a much better quality of life than traveling on a school bus for over an hour each day to and from practice.
Last and definitely not least. The pictures that have been displayed at the recent town meetings show a state of the art facility that is esthetically beautiful and functionally outstanding. The finished product will be even more impressive. The entire community, from the youngest infants to the oldest seniors will benefit from this facility. Whatever obstacles that may pop up can be worked out with clear thinking, persistence and keeping the best interest of the entire community in mind.
Tim Callahan
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November 11, 2008
As a Fox Meadow resident, I am writing to urge the Village Board of Trustees to support further steps towards development of the Scarsdale Community Center.
The SCC would be a community facility in every sense, appealing to a broad range of Scarsdale residents and providing a place to swim and exercise as well as a venue for educational and cultural activities. Given the more than 100 children who annually participate on the Scarsdale swim team at the outdoor pool, the SCC would provide an opportunity to continue this program year-round. Further, a location near Scarsdale High School would ensure significant usage by boys and girls on the high school swim teams who, unlike their peers in nearby towns, must be bussed daily to train at remote locations at inconvenient times. During school hours, the more senior of our residents would have a place to enjoy aerobic activity in an environment that limits stress on joints and limbs.
Support for the SCC within the community is widespread. In a village where it is seemingly difficult to get consensus on any issue, the SCC draws support from all age groups and neighborhoods. With over 1200 families committing to founding memberships, the demonstrated support within Scarsdale for the SCC goes far beyond what has been required in other communities who have elected to move forward with facilities of this type.
My daughter had just been born when exploration of the feasibility of an indoor pool re-commenced in late 1999. She is now 9 years old and in fourth grade at Fox Meadow School. We should not let another generation pass by—the SCC should move forward now.
Joseph Kaufman
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November 8, 2008
As a Fox Meadow resident and a parent of two Scarsdale High School students, I am writing to express my support for the Scarsdale Community Center to be built at the proposed Harwood site. Built on the Post Road, this site would compliment the Scarsdale library, Village Hall and High School which are in close proximity. This facility would allow High School students easy access to the community center before, during or after school. I believe it would be used immensely by our teenagers who are looking for a convenient place to swim, workout or take classes plus offering a safe, warm and vibrant community environment. There are many reasons we initially moved to Scarsdale such as the outstanding school system, the civic pride so well demonstrated, and the programs and events offered to all residents. The Scarsdale Community Center would only add to the wonderful quality of life we enjoy in Scarsdale. I urge the Village Trustees to approve the Community Center now!
Geralyn Della Cava
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October 30, 2008
Waiting 26 Years
In an open forum in 1982, I recommended that the village use at least some of the $163,000 coming to
Scarsdale that year from the Federal Revenue Sharing Program to construct a community center. Back then the model for such a facility was located in
Harrison, which was equipped with a gym, a game room and roller rink, and offered teenagers a variety of activities in a supervised environment. We know that
Scarsdale now has a teen center but in cramped quarters on
Scarsdale Avenue. But no community center.
Do we have to wait another 26 years? I hope not.
I am a founding member of the current Scarsdale Community Center (SCC) project, and urge the Village Trustees to strongly consider the building of a multi-purpose facility on Village-owned property now. I know the Trustees—in all good faith and working on behalf of all the citizens of
Scarsdale-- have already spent numerous waking hours considering this project that, if approved, can only add value to the price of homes in
Scarsdale. But more to the point, we need this center now in order to offer the citizens of our village a plethora of exercise options, programs and events for all ages. In the plans for the center are a fitness center with weight and aerobic equipment and multipurpose spaces for all types of programs from teen and kids’ classes to senior events. Also included is an 8-lane pool, a family pool and a smaller warm water recreational and therapeutic pool.
And the good news—the annual membership fees and revenue from classes and special events will cover operating expenses.
I urge the village trustees to approve a community center now.
Bill Doescher, Fox Meadow
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October 27, 2008
I am writing to voice my support for the Scarsdale Community Center Project. I was a member of the inaugural
Scarsdale
High School swim team in 1984. Practices were held at a variety of neighboring pool facilities in
Westchester at odd time slots based on availability. The constantly variable practice schedule was a challenge for busy students and carpooling parents but I think the dedication of swimmers like those will surely go a long way to ensuring that an indoor pool in
Scarsdale is actively supported.
I am thrilled that my children, now four, have learned to swim at our beautiful outdoor pool complex and would like to think that long before they enter high school we will have a matching indoor facility. I would also quickly give up my current gym membership to join a community facility and would be eager for the other services that the community center would make possible.
As a Fox Meadow resident living near the Harwood site, we would be delighted to have a facility that we could walk and bike to. We look forward to a terrific addition to the neighborhood.
Rachael Perkins Arenstein and Moshe Arenstein
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October 26, 2008
As a Scarsdale senior I fully endorse the Harwood site for the proposed Scarsdale Community Center. I have lived in Fox Meadow for 39 years and have spent much time at the library. Having a place for seniors to meet in a complex so near the library and pond would be a wonderful combination for us, providing us with mental enrichment, natural beauty, health and social benefits all in one area. Whether walking or driving to the library over the years I have not had any difficulties with the high school student traffic and do not foresee any hazardous traffic problems. I look forward to spending time with my children and grandchildren at this wonderful complex before too long.
Marjorie Spiro
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October 10, 2008
After attending the final presentation of architect, Joel Bargmann, this past Tuesday, I am convinced that building a community center at the Harwood site is an absolutely wonderful idea. I initially felt that the outdoor pool site was the ideal location for the SCC. However, after much discussion and research by the architectural firm, the SCC committee, and the community members who attended those meetings, we have all come to the conclusion that there is no perfect site amongst the four that were considered. The outdoor pool, while there is plenty of parking, the pool staff is already there in the summer, and the fact that the place is desolate in the winter months, the SCC could not be built there without destroying the beauty of the grounds and incurring tremendous expense.
The Harwood site is ideally located near the high school so that the high school teams would have a place to practice and host their meets. It is also near the library which makes it a nice connection to another village attraction. Mr. Bargmann’s presentation showed us how the SCC could be placed on the site to maintain and even improve the wetland areas that are there. There would be easy access from
Post Rd. and there would be walkways built from the high school and the library. I found the presentation to be awe-inspiring! It seemed to make perfect sense. There were some concerns expressed by those who live in the neighborhood about increased traffic in the area. However, I do not think that with the variety of programs scheduled at the center, there would be hoards of people entering at any one time, but dispersed throughout the day and evening.
One of the reasons that we moved to
Scarsdale years ago was because of the beautiful outdoor pool. I am a dedicated fitness swimmer and have been swimming for many years. I have been a member of many indoor pools over the years, sometimes up to three at a time to accommodate my work schedule! Whenever we travel, I research the availability of a pool so that I can get in my laps. Nothing, however, can compare to the Scarsdale Municipal Pool. I look forward to its’ opening every summer, and mourn its’ closing every September. It is a beautiful facility, and I can’t imagine
Scarsdale without it. I have heard there was much discussion and disagreement about the building of the outdoor pool years ago, much as there is now about building the SCC. I am confident that if we can build the SCC, particularly at the Harwood site, we will not be able to fathom that that there had been so much dissent.
I urge the village board to give a green light to the construction of the SCC at the Harwood site. The founding members have waited long enough! I would like to see my daughter, currently a sixth grader, who swims competitively and has now, taken up diving, be able to swim at the SCC if she chooses to swim and dive while in high school. I would like to have a great place to swim, and to see my other swimming “buddies” who I meet every summer. I am hopeful that I will one day no longer mourn the closure of the outdoor pool because I will have an equally beautiful place to swim the rest of the year.
Sarah Weinshel, M.D.
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September 30, 2008
We are writing to express our support for the
Scarsdale
Community Center. We have been swimming competitively since we were seven and eight years old, and it has truly been one of the best things we’ve ever done. We first started swimming on the
Scarsdale
Town summer team, but quickly got hooked. We now swim year-round for a USA Swimming club (and for
Scarsdale in the summers).
One of the best parts of swimming is the diversity of people it attracts. It’s not only about competitive swimmers like us. The Scarsdale Swim Team has about 150 swimmers of all ages and abilities. The team encourages newcomers all the time. Swimming is about fitness for all levels, and camaraderie. We know people of all ages from many parts of
Westchester who share our passion for this sport. In fact, our eighty-one-year-old granny still swims at the outdoor pool in the summer early morning swims. She gets her laps in, chats with a few friends, and even gets to see her terrific grandchildren! This is exactly what a community center would give our town all year round: a multi-generational fitness and social networking location.
We sincerely hope that one of the current locations under consideration can ultimately be developed into this great Community Center. Everyone in town can use it, young and old alike.
Brett and Colin Hogan
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September 11, 2008
I had the privilege of attending the Scarsdale Community Center’s (SCC) site selection forum on September 10th. The tenor of the audience at the meeting was very encouraging. There was a unified voice in supporting creation of a community center for our village and many residents spoke up encouraging the SCC leadership to move forward.
The Village of Scarsdale is unique in our region. Scarsdale is known for its activism, civic pride and quality of life. Adding a community center with an indoor pool would augment our village amenities which would be, in turn, beneficial to all residents. A community center would add value to our homes and increase the luster of our village name.
We must stretch our imagination. The Harwood site makes the most sense and would concentrate the Village Hall, Wayside Cottage, Scarsdale High School and the Scarsdale Library along one corridor, the White Plains Post Road. What an impressive sight!
To make progress in this endeavor, it is essential that the Village of Scarsdale provides its enthusiastic and vigorous support to this worthwhile project.
Millicent Kaufman
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September 10, 2008
Its very difficult using words to define a Community. Ask five
Scarsdale residents and you will likely get five different definitions/descriptions. Webster's and even Wikipedia have a multitude of definitions on this one word. When I am asked to define Community, I prefer to use a visual. I visualize a portion of the Scarsdale Municipal pool mid-morning on a Sunday in July. Our seniors are methodically getting their laps in on the far left lanes. Right next to them are a few middle aged ladies and gentleman who look like they are ready to swim the LI Sound. Next to them are two 10 year old girls working on the strokes they learned at day camp earlier in the week, and in that last lane is a father with his 5 year old daughter doing a super slow lap. The entire area is guarded by our daughters and sons, who are learning about responsibility and work ethic. From late May to early September, this is "Community". No matter the location or building form, the
Scarsdale
Community Center could provide "year long Community". Now thats a good visual.
Cliff Seltzer
Just your average
Scarsdale resident; a supporter of the SCC that is unfortunately too busy to make it down to town hall.
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September 2, 2008
I moved to
Scarsdale about 3 years ago and am delighted to live in this lovely town. I had previously lived in a small town
Massachusetts, and moved here to be close to family when I retired from a teaching position. While living there I belonged to the Jewish Community Center in Newton, a magnificent facility with indoor and outdoor pools and wonderful athletic facilities, such as indoor walking track, exercise rooms, classes, basketball, rock climbing, etc. So I arrived here and tried to find a place to continue my year-round swimming and exercise. The outdoor pool is fabulous and I am usually there every day. But the rest of the year is problematic. I visited the JCC in
New Rochelle but found their pool too small, dark, depressing. Then I joined the YWCA on
North Ave, but the senior swim period required swimming in a circle instead of laps. That was not much fun. Also joined classes at
Westchester
Community College, but could only get lap swimming for 15 minutes after an aquacize class.
It has been a frustrating situation. My doctors tell me that exercise is essential to maintain good health, but I have not had much luck. The sports clubs are quite expensive for someone living on a teacher's retirement pension. As soon as I arrived in
Scarsdale and heard about thee indoor pool I sent them a check for membership. I am now in my 80's and wonder if I will ever swim in this pool.
Bernice Millman
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August 25, 2008
As a 43 year resident of this special community, I am proud to say that the many years of learning and volunteering have taught me so much about the needs of our residents. It is important to provide up to date facilities for health awareness and fitness where intergenerational groups can mix and create a center with a special feeling of inclusiveness. As a senior citizen, who is not unlike the many seniors who wish to stay in
Scarsdale, there is a need to have a recreational facility that can be easily located, appropriate and available for those who require swim laps or those who wish to have leisure swims. The provision of a fitness center for this group, as well as the socialization they will encounter, would also be of benefit. Senior citizens play an important role in this community, and years of involvement on boards, councils, and village and school activities should enable us to lend our voices with those who have worked so hard and efficiently to make sure a Scarsdale Community Center will be vibrant with the enthusiastic sounds of all ages and make this recreational facility become a reality.
Bette Landes
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August 14, 2008
Our village has and will continue to be built on a sense of community, family and progressive values which are the foundations of its core. As is the case with the
Scarsdale pool, multiple platform and tennis courts and award winning schools each provide outstanding resources to the residents. The same can be said for the Scarsdale Community Center (SCC). It is a shame that with all that we provide to families and residents in
Scarsdale, there is debate about adding a community center which will only add value and build on the great community platform that exists now. This center will provide a much needed place for all to use 365 days of the year, both for educational and physical activities which are not available in one location now or at all. Many residents use facilities outside our Village simply because none exist and I am sure would rather fund something within the community such as the SCC.
We strongly encourage support of this development and hope red tape and politics will not hinder such a needed facility in our Village.
Allison & David Kutas
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July 14, 2008
We would like to encourage the village to proceed with the plans for the Indoor Pool Complex. Improving
Scarsdale is a goal that should be implemented.
We have lived in this community for over 25 years and have seen wonderful growth. What better way to continue growing, than to build this unique complex.
Looking forward to onward movement.
Susan and Stephen Samtur
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July 14, 2008
I am writing this letter in support of the
Scarsdale
Community Center. When I first learned about a desire to develop a
Scarsdale
Community Center my wife and I immediately sent in our commitment. We viewed any attempt to increase a sense of community as a positive. We thought it very worthwhile to build both an indoor swimming facility as well as a weight training area where all members of our community could remain active particularly during the fall and winter seasons. Such a facility would be a boon to the entire community as has been the Scarsdale Pool. Many of our surrounding towns have Community Centers of varying degrees which always seen to be heavily used. Some of the uses have been for community meetings as well as for birthday parties. There will always be opposition to projects such as this as there was to the Scarsdale Pool. In the long term however this type of facility will be used all sectors of our community and will ultimately prove to be a jewel of the community for years to come.
Elissa and Albert Kramer
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7/15/2008
Our family lived in Scarsdale from 1967 through 2003. When we first arrived the outdoor pool facility was just an idea waiting to happen, with much controversy, negativity, criticism, --- and many, many advocates. We worked hard to make it a reality and it is now one of the jewels of this community. Since the outdoor pool was built, I felt that an indoor pool/community center would similarly be a wonderful addition to the Village – another jewel for Scarsdale. As someone who has loved Scarsdale and has participated in many aspects of the community, the one project which has captured my commitment most strongly is the SCC. I have been a dedicated volunteer for the SCC not only since the project was conceived, but to this day, even though we now live in a different community. I clearly believe that the SCC would be as wonderful an addition to the Village as the outdoor pool complex was 40 years ago – an addition that will enhance the lives of all the residents of Scarsdale. Just as we did 40 years ago, let’s make this idea happen!
Ruth Goldstein
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July 14, 2008
We need the
Scarsdale
Community Center. People move to
Scarsdale to provide a great environment for the kids. It is amazing that our town does not have an indoor swimming pool and extra gym space for the kids to play. This will increase the value of all our homes. The SCC will be self-sustaining- it will not be a burden on taxpayers. This additional amenity is long over due. Please approve the SCC now!
David Fried
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July 15, 2008
As
Scarsdale residents, my husband and I have committed ourselves financially to the construction and operation of the community center. We are very disappointed that the completion of this center is taking so long. As requested, 1200 families have given money up front to prove their solidarity with this project. To date, there is no community center. Many of us are getting on in years. Do we have to wait until we won't be able to take advantange of the amenities due to poor health or physical disabilities?. This is taking way too long. It's time to shift into high gear and get this built!
Marilyn & Enrico Viselli
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July 15, 2008
I am emailing in support of the SCC and indoor swimming pool. It has taken too long to get this important project off the ground. In the end, when the center is completed, it will probably be one of the more important attractions for people to choose
Scarsdale as their home. It will serve as the center for many important activities, and will add to the quality of life. As with the outdoor swimming pool before it, it has received lots of resistance and concern that it will increase expenses, but in the long run, I believe you will be surprised by the large number of
Scarsdale residents who will join and flock to the center. 5 years after its existence, we will marvel that anyone ever questioned its success or popularity. It takes vision to see this inevitable future, and I hope that the town leaders possess that vision.
Dan and
Myra Schutzer
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July 17, 2008
I support the SCC, have invested a few hundred dollars in it, and, as a 70+ senior, would love to swim once in that pool before I die. My wife Alice approves this message.
Fred Perkins
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Here are some of the public comments heard at Village Trustee meetings:
We seek a respite from the frenetic pace of our daily lives. A welcome contrast to our highly scheduled, perfectly synchronized schedules. A place we can visit without advanced warning. A sense of community where casual conversations in the gym or locker room lead to dinner dates and family outings. A place to exercise our bodies. A place to foster connections. There are so many of us, 1200 families plus, who believe in the power of community, who support a facility that unites our neighbors in healthy living. If not now, when?
Jane Veron
As a person involved in the real estate community for thirty years, I believe that this investment for our community will move our property values up another notch. We can never be complacent about keeping
Scarsdale ahead of the competition. I believe that having a community resource for healthy family uses will loom large as a decisive factor in selecting
Scarsdale as a place live. As with our schools in decades past, investments to support
Scarsdale community excellence come back in property prices.
Lynne Clark
There are five areas of concern at Westchester Community College regarding Scarsdale High School's Boys Swim Team usage: 1. Travel time; 2. Reduced practice time due to shared pool and home meets; 3. Lifeguard staffing/pool access; 4. Maintenance; 5. Security. The SCC will be a new facility and many of these problems won't exist or will be treated as a priority.
Tim Callahan
SHS Boys Swim Coach
Based upon research conducted by the Indoor Pool Study Committee, which included telephone interviews and onsite visits to 55 indoor aquatic centers, the most successful centers incorporated other activities in addition to their indoor pool. We have been told by aquatics professionals that people join aquatic centers for the pool, but they stay for the fitness and other activities.
"We acknowledge that there are challenges with this project: parking, ambience and traffic being the three most prominent -- but you have demonstrated in your recent deliberations over Christie Place that even the most seemingly thorny issues can be successfully resolved for the betterment of Scarsdale.
Emily Sherwood
