Readers Comments on Preservation and Demolitions

Last week the Scarsdale Committee for Historic Preservation voted to preserve two homes and to clear the way for demolition of several more. We received many comments about the news from readers.... some about the preservation process and others about the members of the committee... when an architect who serves on the CHP also signed the application to demolish 11 Carstensan Road. See below for a few thoughts from our readers:

#1: I don't think 11 Carstensan is a particularly attractive house. The scale of the timbering on the facade is skimpy and the window sizes and shapes are not particularly attractive. It seems sort of like a Tudor - craftsman hybrid. And 1023 Post Road isn't likely to appeal to most buyers. Anyone who buys it won't have any economic incentive to do long-term, high-quality renovations, So it will sell cheap and get run down. That is NOT the best outcome for the neighborhood. Wouldn't it be better to create stricter architectural guidelines for ALL new homes, instead of imposing extreme penalties on a small minority of homeowners who want to demolish existing structures? I see so many multimillion dollar new homes in Scarsdale with glaring architectural defects. I bet these homes have the highest quality interior finishes, but the designs and lot placements are AWFUL! Misplaced stone facades, poorly sized dormers, snap on shutters, ugly roof lines, oversize for the lot... creating higher architectural standards for new construction would remove some of the economic incentive to demolish, without somewhat arbitrarily penalizing a small minority of homeowners. There many attractive homes in Scarsdale that date from 1900 - 1930. These are old homes, and many have had ill-advised renovations during their 100-year life spans. As time goes on, it will make sense to demolish more and more of these. Rather than impose draconian penalties on the owners of these homes, why not do something to ensure that the replacement homes will add as much to their neighborhoods in 2115, and some of these home do now?

#2: Shame on Choura: The corrupt face of developers architects trying to line their own pockets while appearing to volunteer their time is there for everyone to see. I would hazard a guess that Bana sold her services to the owner on her special ability to obtain the approval of demolition. The committee at the minimum should dismiss Choura and consider banning all people who live off the profession in town. What more evidence do you need of blatant abuse of position?

#3 I respect the people who have donated their time and energy to serve on the committee but more rules need to be put into place to preserve the homes, character and overall feel of the town. I live down the street from 110 Brewster Road. I am disgusted that this house will be torn down. The property is only .17 acres!! What will be built on that tiny lot that is worth it?! The house will likely overwhelm the property, tower over neighboring homes (see current homes being built on Huntington and Brewster Road). A particular HOME may not be deemed overall "historical" but a home that is nearly 100 years old is adding to the charm and character of this town. It is sized appropriately on the lot in comparison to neighboring homes and creates an overall community feel. The town is losing this. Please be careful.

#4: It's difficult to understand the need to demolish 110 Brewster but I'm sure builder will speculate that a new home towering over its neighbors with a prominent two car garage will sell.

Sales:

239 Fox Meadow Road

New classic fieldstone colonial with customization, including entry hall with curved staircase, two story family room and open kitchen with center island and butler's pantry. The living room has french doors to a bluestone patio. A mudroom with cubbies and garage on first level also leads to back staircase to second level loft perfect for study, office or play area. The master suite has two walk-in-closets and a spa bath. There are three additional family bedrooms, each with their own bathroom. The lower level is fully finished with a playroom, fireplace, private guest room and full bath. Additional amenities include spray foam insulation, detailed millwork, hardwood floors and thoughtful appointments.

Sale Price: $2,800,000
Taxes: TBD

31 Bradford Road

Located in Quaker Ridge, this classic center hall colonial has a great room with soaring ceilings off the custom designed granite kitchen, which opens onto a large deck. French doors and floor to ceiling windows overlook the in ground pool and bluestone patio with built- in barbecue. The main floor has millwork and wood floors, a formal dining room, living room with a wood burning fire place, office with custom built-ins, powder room and main floor laundry all enhanced by surround sound. The second level features a master bedroom with walk-in closet and en-suite marble bath, three additional bedrooms, a hall bath, and large walk-up attic. Walk out lower level recreation/media room with French doors leading to the patio has custom built-ins, as well as an exercise room, full bath and a powder room.

Sale Price: $2,550,000
Taxes: $40,362

17 Tisdale Road

Fully updated stone front colonial in Crane Berkley neighborhood with views of pond and park. This home features wood floors and architectural details with extensive perennial plantings and masonry work with multiple patios and terraces in the fully fenced, private yard. New water heater (December 2013), driveway repaved in 2013, Marvin windows installed (all but five) in 2000 and 2007. Stated square footage does not include additional 360 square foot finished rec room with fireplace in lower level.

Sale Price: $2,102,500
Taxes: $40,903

141 Brite Avenue

This home has an entry with double height ceiling, kitchen with granite island and breakfast room which opens to a family room, living room and dining room with shared gas fireplace, speakers in kitchen, family room, dining room and basement, nine foot ceilings on the first floor, and a finished lower level with playroom, bedroom/office and full bath, with approximately 1100 square feet.

Sale Price: $2,088,000
Taxes: $47,950

42 Springdale Road

Two story home on .44 acre of landscaped property. This home features an abundance of upgrades including a state of the art eat-in chef's kitchen (stainless appliances, two dishwashers, two ovens, custom cabinetry and closets, built-in desk, pantry, space for second washer/dryer) opens to a new Bluestone patio. A two story entry, living room with fireplace, dining room (seats 16), butler's pantry, family room with fireplace and new powder room. The master bedroom suite (his and hers walk-in closets, shoe closet, office, and master bath with heated floors, self sanitizing jacuzzi, large shower, vanity with double sink and ample storage) complete the first level. The second floor has three large bedrooms, new bath with oversized vanity with double sinks and easily accessible attic storage. Hardwood floors, new portico, walkway and retaining wall. Indoor/outdoor sound system.

Sale Price: $1,800,000
Taxes: $31,193

4 Adrian Circle

This Quaker Ridge contemporary colonial home on a cul-de-sac features an entry hall, formal dining room with built-ins, eat-in kitchen with island and marble counter tops leading to a screened-in porch with views to private lush backyard, family room with fireplace, living room with fireplace and spectacular views of level landscaped property and Winged Foot Golf Course. The powder room, guest room, full bath, laundry and garage complete the first level. The second floor boasts a master bedroom suite with sitting room and updated marble bath, three additional bedrooms and updated hall bath. The lower level has a playroom and office/game room with access to backyard.

Sale Price: $1,700,000
Taxes: $33,965

23 Cushman Road

This center hall colonial located in the Heathcote estate area has been remodeled in 2005 with a chef's kitchen with Viking and Sub Zero appliances and granite counter tops, two zone heat/air conditioning, master bedroom and bath, high ceilings, three additional bedrooms and a hall bath. Also has a partially finished basement and high efficiency sani dry basement air filtration system and dehumidifier.

Sale Price: $1,450,000
Taxes: $27,387

44 Tunstall Road

Classic front to back 1920's center hall brick colonial on quiet tree lined street in Edgewood situated on level .20 acres with five bedrooms, 3.1 baths, hardwood floors, leaded windows, a custom kitchen, formal dining room and living room with fireplace. The recently renovated kitchen features a subzero refrigerator, Viking appliances and marble counter-tops. All the baths have been renovated.

Sale Price: $1,410,000
Taxes: $28,550

17 Donellan Road

A classic three-story Greenacres colonial with an entry hall that provides views of the entire first floor, stunning floors, living room, abundant windows, and spacious bedrooms. A lower level provides a powder room and a large open space.

Sale Price: $1,389,000
Taxes: $26,071

6 Gatehouse Road

This ranch home has a high ceiling entry foyer, a living room, a family room with cathedral ceiling and fireplace, formal dining room, modern eat-in kitchen, two bedrooms with a Jack and Jill bath, a bedroom, hall bath, an en-suite master bedroom and walk-in closet, an additional en-suite bedroom, laundry room, and a level yard.

Sale Price: $1,385,000
Taxes: $36,000

10 Barry Road

Center hall colonial with five bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths, located in Edgewood. Off the living room is a den/office/powder room and access to a large deck. Off kitchen is a family room with skylight and door to yard. There is surround sound in family room and dining room speakers. Property is flat and usable.

Sale Price: $1,271,000
Taxes: $24,193

79 Carman Road

This colonial is in Edgewood, with a Four Seasons® sun room, flat yard, hardwood floors, new central air conditioning, new gas furnace, hot water heating, eat in kitchen, high efficiency appliances, walk-in closet, walk-out basement, and tremendous storage.

Sale Price: $808,000
Taxes: $14,531

39 Weaver Street

Heathcote Colonial situated on .39 acres, with side hall entry, classic floor plan, spacious eat-in kitchen with sliders to patio and backyard. Hardwood floors throughout, three bedrooms, two baths, living room with working fireplace, and walk-up attic for storage.

Sale Price: $710,000
Taxes: $19,781

100 Dunwoodie Street

Colonial with updated kitchen, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances. Hardwood floors throughout, finished lower level playroom or family room. Eligible for membership at Lake Isle Country Club for pool, tennis and golf.

Sale Price: $637,500
Taxes: $19,904

153 Nelson Road

This home has a Dutch front door leading to a living room with fireplace. There is a heated family/sun room looking out on a flat back yard. One bedroom on the first floor and two on the second floor. 1.5 baths. Good mechanicals -- all in working order.

Sale Price: $560,000
Taxes: $14,716

Edgemont:

350 Old Army Road

This five-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath Edgemont colonial on an acre of property has a rocking chair front porch, wide plank hardwood floors, four fireplaces, driveway, a two-car detached garage and specimen plantings.

Sale Price: $795,000
Taxes: $26,307

Featured Listings:

62 Birchall Drive, Scarsdale

Majestically set in Scarsdale's prestigious Murray Hill one approaches this elegant 6 bedroom white washed brick colonial with a sweeping circular drive. This sundrenched home is beautifully landscaped with formal gardens and rolling lawns and includes a pool, cabana and prominent pergola. The proportions of the living room, dining room, foyer, family room and playroom, make for gracious entertaining with numerous doors opening to the property. There are stunning architectural details throughout this classic masterpiece. This is a rare opportunity to own one of the most admired homes in Scarsdale. For more information, click here.

List Price: $6,395,000

72 Mamaroneck Road, Scarsdale

Bright renovated elegant Tudor with slate roof (2001) on over 1 acre of lushly landscaped property in Scarsdale's prestigious Murray Hill section. Among the many amenities and improvements is a three room guest wing with ADA bathroom and separate entrance. The foyer opens to a gracious dining room perfect for large gatherings and an elegant living room. The spectacular family room opens to magnificent formal gardens and a beautiful pool with its own cabana and kitchenette. The kitchen has an attached breakfast/great room drenched with light. All of the bathrooms and kitchen have been renovated. Upstairs is a master suite like no other with his and her dressing and bathrooms, walk-in closets, porch overlooking the property and a library leading to a fantastic sitting room/office (23' by 24') complete with gas fireplace and custom built-in desks. There is an enviable wine cellar in the lower level as well as laundry and play area. This is a masterpiece waiting for its new owner. For more information, click here.

List Price: $4,025,000