Trustees Approve Building Moratorium on Gravel Surfaces

The Village Board of Trustees held a speedy public hearing and passed a moratorium on building projects that include gravel surfaces where the use of gravel allows the project to meet lot coverage requirements on Tuesday March 10. The moratorium, that will remain in effect until June 30, exempts any projects that were already in the approval process before February 10, 2015.

Village Trustees are currently considering the Floor Area Ratio requirements that regulate the size of construction projects in the Village. Their study is in response to residents' concerns about the bulk of newly constructed homes and their effect on neighborhood character.

This brief moratorium is intended to halt the construction of oversized homes until Trustees can study the existing code and determine ways to better regulate building size, placement and lot coverage.

At a meeting on February 25,Geroge Jones of George Jones Associates who helped to formulate the original regulations was invited to meet with the trustees. He discussed his findings but agreed that the trustees first needed to identify and define the problems and then they can craft solutions. In addition to the floor area ratio method, the group discussed a volumetric approach which regulates the volume of a structure and contextual zoning which regulates homes sizes based on block or neighborhood. Each were found to be problematic.

Several trustees and community members thought that the current system of penalties and bonuses that allows builders to add extra space that does not count in the floor area calculation could be at the root of the problem.

The regulations offered rewards in terms of increased space for certain design features and penalties for others that were thought to increase the appearance of bulk.

For example, under the 2002 guidelines, underground garages were penalized while above ground garages earned the builder a bonus. At the time, there was a perception that an underground garage would result in a taller house and an increased appearance of bulk. Also penalized were basements that extend more than three feet above grade and floor to ceiling heights above 14 feet. Oversized dormers would cause attic space to be counted in the floor air ratio equation, while limiting the size of the dormers would allow attic space to be omitted from the equation. Dormered areas above garages were also omitted from the floor area equation as well as basements, explaining why so many new homes today have garages with dormers and fully finished basements extending the entire span of the house. Increasing the side yard setback could also yield a reward of increased square footage.

Though it appears that time is running out for the current Village Board to tackle the issues, the implementation of the moratorium will make this matter a priority for the incoming board and mayor to address in April.

Sales:

50 High Point Road, Edgemont: Custom designed home on private park-like acre in the heart of Edgemont. This renovated custom home features an elegant entry, private office/den, guest suite with private bath, powder room, step down to fabulous dining room and living room with fireplace and stunning views of magnificent property!! Steps away is the state of the art eat-in kitchen w/radiant heated floor, granite counters, custom backsplash & doors leading to wrap around deck. The first level also boasts a fabulous family room and luxurious master suite with doors leading to wrap around stone patio overlooking lush property. The master suite includes his and her walk in closets and spectacular master bath with radiant heated floors and custom skylight. Upstairs you will find two more large bedrooms with walk in closets, a hall bath and wall of closets providing incredible storage. The walk-out lower level provides a maid's room, full bath, laundry room, den/playroom and exercise room.

Sale Price: $1,797,000
Real Estate Taxes: $42,429

6 Theresa Lane, Edgemont: Inviting well maintained Edgemont home on private cul-de-sac on quarter acre lot.Entrance hall,home office/guest bedroom, large family room with brick walled fireplace, sliding glass doors to back property, full bath, steps down to laundry,storage,and door to HUGE 2 car garage with ample storage space. Large living room with cathedral ceiling and bowed window, formal dining room, modern eat-in kitchen with heated floors and door to back deck. Up a few steps,master bedroom and full bath plus additional 2 bedrooms and hall bath with double sinks.

Sale Price: $887,000
Real Estate Taxes: $23,074

61 Mount Joy Avenue: Gracious Tudor with stone turret in prestigious Edgemont School District. Hardwood Floors throughout. Beautiful Living room with wood beam ceiling and stone fireplace, formal dining room, huge eat-in kitchen with Corian counters and custom wood cabinetry, butler's pantry and laundry. Master bedroom with en suite bath, second bedroom and third bedroom share Jack and Jill bath. Central ac, in-ground sprinklers.

Sale Price: $833,900
Real Estate Taxes: $22,475

10 Dobbs Terrace: This charming Colonial beautifully located in much sought after Greenacres is a must see. Step into the inviting vestibule and entry hall leading to a sun-drenched spacious living room with adjacent sun room hosting many built-ins. It opens into the attractive dining room with window seat and lovely built-ins. Hardwood floors abound in this 4 bedroom 3.1 bath home. Features include many replacement windows, updated modern eat-in kit with door to yard, French Doors and recessed lighting. Extra bonus is the newer roof 5-6 years old. Finished 3rd floor includes bedroom, full bath, wonderful all purpose room that could be used as a playroom, office or even an artist's studio. Terraced backyard is a stunning welcome to the property with both levels being flat. 2 car garage with large storage room (16x18) behind it is an important addition.

Sale Price: $720,000
Real Estate Taxes: $17,364

Featured Listings:

270 Clayton Road, Scarsdale P.O., Edgemont: Fabulous updated classic on spectacular property in the Fort Hill Estates area of Edgemont. Each room is a gem. Terrific proportions, smart layout and gorgeous details including a year round sunroom, gracious living room with gas fireplace, elegant dining room with corner shell cabinets, stylish library with a gas fireplace, beautifully redone cook's kitchen and appealing breakfast room, large room with full bath currently used as an office but can serve as a family room (off the kitchen) or a first floor bedroom. Three beautiful bedrooms and two updated bathrooms grace the second floor. Features include a 2-car garage, circular gravel, English gardens with privacy and a wonderful fish pond, central air and generator. Learn more here:

List Price: $1,749,000

24 Rodney Road, Scarsdale: Charming English Tudor in a very desirable and convenient location. Easy walk to bus, schools and park and just a 15-minute walk to Scarsdale Village and train. Entrance hall with powder room, large living room with built-ins and fireplace, sunroom, formal dining room, eat-in kitchen, family room or bedroom right off kitchen/full bath. On second floor there is a master bedroom with alcove, full bath with both tub and separate shower, three additional bedrooms and hall bath. Lower level offers a huge full basement, laundry, utilities and storage with door to outside. New leaders and gutters and lovely hardwood floors throughout. Square footage field measured is 2200. List Price: $929,500. Learn more here:

70 Hampton Road, Scarsdale: Spectacular Colonial in ideal location in the heart of Fox Meadow set on a tranquil 0.25 flat acre. Walk to Fox Meadow Elementary School, Scarsdale High School, Public Library, train station and Hartsdale shops. Featuring a stunning recently renovated designer kitchen crafted for modern living open to a spacious family room with skylights and walls of glass overlooking private level back yard with large deck. Laundry room and garage are conveniently located near the kitchen. Expansive sunny Living and Dining rooms with beautiful architectural details and large windows offer the perfect space for everyday family gatherings and formal entertaining. The fabulous master suite features a fireplace, sitting area, large walk in closet and spacious master bath. Wide sunny hallway leads to three additional spacious family bedrooms and hall bath. Third level features generous finished storage. Lower level offers a potential recreation area and abundant storage. Improvements include brand new roof and freshly painted exterior. Learn more here: 

List Price: $1,895,000