The Board of Trustees welcome Scarsdale’s new police chief
The wide-ranging meeting included a small celebration of tne newly appointed Steven DelBene.
Hail to the chief Village Board members with Chief Steven DelBene.
BY DEBORAH SKOLNIK
On Tuesday, January 14th, the Village Board convened to discuss Scarsdale affairs and decisions pertaining to them. Right away, the Board addressed the highlight of the meeting: A modification of the agenda to add a resolution regarding the appointment of a new police chief, Steven DelBene. “This appointment reflects not only the strength of Lieutenant DelBene’s, distinguished career, but also the values of professionalism, innovation and community service that are central to our department,” said Justin Arest, Mayor of Scarsdale.
Chief DelBene began his career with the Scarsdale P.D. in 2006, risking through the ranks and earning trust among his peers and all of Scarsdale. Most recently, as a lieutenant, he has helped guide a team of 52 sworn and civilian personnel. “At every stage of his career, he has demonstrated the ability to inspire confidence, foster collaboration, and ensure operational excellence,” Mayor Arest said. In addition, Chief DelBene has spearheaded initiatves that have strengthened the department's readiness, transparency, and officer wellness—the last of which included the SPD’s first wellness canine, Sushi. “I look forward to the positive impact Lieutenant DelBene will continue to make in his role as chief of police,” Mayor Arest said.
Some support for Scarsdale Taxi
Moving on, Mayor Arest shared that the evening’s agenda would include a resolution to modify certain fees and charges specifically regarding Scarsdale’s taxi licensing fee. “We have been in communication with Scarsdale Taxi and have worked collaboratively to support their efforts to maintain essential taxi service for our residents who depend on it.”
To that end, the Board proposed an amendment to Village code that would allow the vehicle license fee to be paid on a monthly basis rather than yearly or semi-annually for 2025. Although the change will increase the Village Clerk’s administrative workload, “I believe this board will gladly accept that additional burden in the interest of ensuring continued access to taxi services for our community at this time,” Arest said.
Library liaison discusses upcoming events
After a public-comments portion of the meeting, during which no residents asked to speak, about amending a chapter of Village code concerning appointments of assistant village manager, the library liaison spoke about upcoming events. Tomorrow, an author will come to read her story, One Sweet Song, and attendees will have opportunity to learn about various instruments and make their own tambourine and participate in a musical jam session. On Sunday, January 26th, the teen services department will show the film Human, which was produced over a period of three years, and involved interviews more than 2000 people in 60 countries. On Friday, January 31st, there will be a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Claims approved
Trustee Jeremy Gans shared he reviewed the abstract of claims dated Tuesday, January 14th, 2025, in the amount of $1,719,263.88, which were approved for payment.
Chief DelBene expresses gratitude, devotion
After an enthusiastic vote to confirm Lieutenant DelBene as Scarsdale’s next police chief—effective February 1st—it was his turn to speak. The following is a condensed version of his remarks.
“ I am honored and humble to stand before you as your next chief of police with the Scarsdale Police Department. Over the past nineteen years, I've had the privilege of serving this community in various capacities, and in that time I've come to truly understand and appreciate what makes Scarsdale so special. Our community is not only rich in tradition and pride, but it is also home to an engaged and supportive citizenry that partners with its police department to create an unparalleled standard of public safety. This promotion is not just a professional milestone for me, it's a responsibility I take to heart. I am deeply committed to ensuring that the Scarsdale Police Department continues to reflect the high standards our residents expect and deserve.
“As chief, one of my priorities will be taking care of our officers and civilian staff because I firmly believe that when we take care of our people, they will better serve our community to the board members. Thank you for your faith. In my leadership to our officers, staff and residents, I promise to serve with transparency, accountability, and an unwavering dedication to protecting and enriching this wonderful community. I look forward to working together to ensure that Scarsdale remains a safe, vibrant, and thriving place for all. Thank you again for this incredible opportunity. I look forward to working with everyone to accomplish our shared goals.”
Gifts get the green light
Trustee Karen L. Brew next addressed the matter of two $5,000 gifts from the Fenway Golf Club Charitable Fund for both the Scarsdale Fire and Police Departments. “This is in recognition of the essential public safety services provided by the Scarsdale Fire Department as well as the Scarsdale Police Department,” she said. “For the fire department, it will support firefighters in their duties, and for the Scarsdale Police Department, it will be used to purchase equipment deemed by the police chief to be most important for the safety of officers and the general public,” The Board voted to accept the gifts with thanks.
Filling boards’ open positions
A resolution passed regarding the appointment of Lori Fallow to the Board of Architectural Review as an alternate member for term ending April 5th, 2027, or until such time as a successor is appointed.
Playground licensing
Next, the Board resolved to execute a license agreement with Scarsdale Union Free School District for a use of a portion of Greenacres Elementary School’s playground. We don't have anyone in the audience, but in case anyone's watching,
Denouncement of antisemitism
The most moving part of the meeting occurred when the Board read a statement against antisemitism, in recognition of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. To do so, the Board took the unusual steps of taking turns in the recitation. The text was as follows:
“WHEREAS JANUARY 27th IS RECOGNIZED AS INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY, commemorating the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz Birkenau and honoring the memory of the 6 million Jews and millions of others who perished during the Holocaust, and whereas this international Holocaust Remembrance Day will mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz Birkenau, serving as a powerful reminder of the responsibility to preserve historical truth learned from the past and take a resolute stand against all forms of antisemitism, intolerance and hate. And whereas antisemitism defined his hostility, prejudice, or discrimination against Jewish individuals is a persistent and pernicious threat with a long history of inciting division violence and societal instability and continues to pose grave risks in the United States and globally. And whereas history demonstrates that antisemitism has repeatedly served as a precursor to broader social intolerance and igniting cycles of hatred that spread beyond Jewish communities and weaken the bonds of our shared humanity. And whereas the village of Scarsdale is unwavering in its commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all residents, grounded in the principles of dignity, equality, and mutual respect. And whereas the rise of hate crimes and bigotry, including acts of antisemitism, serves as a stark reminder of the deeply interconnected and escalating nature of prejudice, demanding immediate and resolute action to confront and eradicate hatred in all forms.
“And whereas in June, 2022, governor Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation embracing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism, recognizing its importance as a tool to help identify and combat antisemitic acts, thereby providing guidance to ensure that all New Yorkers are protected from such hatred. And whereas in December, 2022, former Westchester County executive George Latimer issued an executive order adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism for Westchester County, an action publicly praised for demonstrating leadership and providing a clear standard to identify and address antisemitic incidents at the County level. And whereas the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition for antisemitism endorsed at both the state and county levels provides a globally recognized standard that embraces the ability to identify, understand, and combat antisemitic speech and actions. And whereas the village of Scarsdale unequivocally condemns hatred, bias, racism, and discrimination in all forms, recognizing that such ideologies undermine the fundamental values of inclusivity, solidarity, and respect that are essential to a thriving and united community.
“Now therefore be it resolved that the Village of Scarsdale, through its mayor and board of trustees, one; unequivocally condemns antisemitism in all its forms and recognizes its profound impact on Jewish communities and society at large as a dangerous manifestation of hate that cannot be tolerated. Two; endorses and adopts the IRA working definition of antisemitism in alignment with Governor Hochul's 2022 Proclamation and former county executive Latimer’s 2022 executive order as a guiding tool to identify, prevent, and respond to antisemitic acts and rhetoric. Three; reaffirms its commitment to combating all forms of hate and discrimination, acknowledging their interconnected nature and the shared responsibility to build a community where all individuals feel safe, respected, and valued. Four; encourages residents to report incidents of hate and discrimination, ensuring that such reports are addressed with urgency, transparency, and accountability, or providing comprehensive support to effective individuals and communities. And five; pledges to collaborate with law enforcement, educational institutions, and community organizations to strengthen strategies for preventing and responding to hate incidents, promoting a proactive and inclusive approach to community safety.
“Be it further resolved that the Village of Scarsdale stands in unwavering solidarity with all communities impacted by hate, recognizing that an attack on one of us is an attack on all, and commits to leading by example and upholding and advancing the values of respect, inclusivity, and unity.
“Let this resolution serve as a reaffirmation of the Village of Scarsdale resolve to confront and eradicate hate in all its forms, ensuring that the village remains a beacon of hope, acceptance, and justice for all and be it further resolved that the village clerk is hereby directed to transmit a copy of this resolution to all department heads, the superintendent of the Scarsdale Union Free School District, as well as said district's Board of Education President and be it further resolved that it is recognized that Mayor Arest has proclaimed that January 27th, 2025 is to be officially recognized as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Scarsdale. The resolution passed unanimously.
What’s on our minds?
The Board then shared a summary of the communications received since its last meeting. It received emails regarding the potential closure of Scarsdale Central Taxi, the application for five Barker Lane to the Village Planning Board, an email regarding Tree Code Enforcement, and two emails regarding the pool complex.
Tax talk
The custodian of taxes report as of December 31st, 2024, shared that 99.67% of the county tax levy has been collected, as well as 63.02% of the 2024 school tax levy. As for the Village Tax Levy, over 97 percent has been collected. Residents are reminded that the second installment of the 2024 school tax is due on or before January 31st. Anyone with questions is welcome to call the Treasurer's office.