BOT Discusses Historic Preservation Code Plus Sales and Featured Listings

When the entire Committee for Historic Preservation resigned in November 2017 after they were unable to use the current Village code to preserve any homes, they offered to provide the Scarsdale Board of Trustees with their suggestions on how the code could be changed to be more effective.

On January 9, 2017, the Board of Trustees held a meeting to discuss these suggestions and invited the former committee members to attend. Former committee members Bill Silverman, Alan Steinfeld, Joyce Hirsch and Barbara Jaffe attended as well as Associate Village Historian Jonathan Lerner.

They suggested changing the current code so that it conforms to state and federal preservation code, as Scarsdale's code is now even more narrow.

The national code reads as follows:

"Properties may be eligible for the National Register if they embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction." The federal and state standard appears in countless codes, including Mamaroneck.

However the Scarsdale code requires that a home "the building is the work of a master AND embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction that possess high artistic values." By changing that AND to an OR, Silverman and the committee members thought the code would be more effective.

Since many of Scarsdale's homes were built before the name of the architect was included on the plans, it is rare that the committee knows who designed it, and therefore can't claim it is the work of a "master."

Silverman said, "The village code is unique-- it does not follow state or federal standards. Why should the definition in Scarsdale be different than anywhere else? How is the village served by a narrower law ... wouldn't you want a law that follows the convention so that its easier to defend the law?"

They also suggested that the Village's historic properties be pre-designated as is done in Mamaroneck and Bedford. They found that Bedford selected 200 homes to receive this designation and only 14 of those homeowners appealed the decision. Likewise in Mamaroneck, very few people turned down the designation.

Lerner said, "We look at historic designation as a negative – this is not typical. Overtime, historic homes will increase the value of the community."

The trustees, Village Planner Elizabeth Marrinan and Village Manager Steve Pappalardo discussed how a list of designated homes could be created. The 2012 Historic Resources Survey by Andrew Dolkhart was one resource as it names historic buildings as well as suggested historic districts for preservation. Lerner suggested that there are grants and matching funds available for historic preservation.

Also discussed was the Board of Trustees decision to overturn the Committee for Historic Preservation's decision to preserve 12 Dolma Road. Justin Arrest asked, "Is the board concerned about the precedent set by this hardship claim?" The applicants claimed that they could not get a reasonable return on their investment as they house was outdated and did not appeal to today's buyers. When the Board of Trustees agreed to permit demolition, some worried that any applicant could claim hardship.

At the end of the meeting, the Board of Trustees asked the Village staff to examine the preservation code change and also look into the predesignation of historic homes and buildings in Scarsdale.

However, before this work is done, more historic homes may be razed.

On January 29, the Scarsdale Board of Trustees will me at 6:00 PM to sit as an Appeals Board to consider applications to raze 6 Fenimore Road and 3 Claremont Road, two applications that were turned down by the former members of the Committee on Historic Preservation.

Sales:

22 Bradford Road: 6 bedroom, 5 bathroom, 3,684 square foot home on 0.620 acres in Quaker Ridge. This all-brick English Tudor is freshly painted, has a renovated eat-in kitchen, light-filled family room, office overlooking the backyard, and updated bathrooms. Other luxurious features include casement windows, a slate roof, hardwood flooring, authentic wood doors, beautiful archways, and built-ins. This property sits on a charming park-like yard that can easily accommodate huge gatherings. 
Sale Price: $1,600,000

Real Estate Taxes: $40,731
Assessed Value: $1,668,750

25 Hamilton Road: New 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 1,979 square foot home on 0.122 acres. Located in the heart of Edgewood, this home has an updated eat-in kitchen, wood burning fireplace in the living room, and a spacious dining room with a bay window. Additional details include an updated master bathroom, new roofs on the house and garage, and private bedroom on the third floor with its own full bath.

Sale Price: $915,000
Real Estate Taxes: $19,900
Assessed Value: $875,000

Featured Listings:

20 Clarendon Road Edgemont, NY 

New Construction in Edgemont! Great opportunity to own one of two custom built homes by premier Edgemont builder. Center Hall Colonial features Hardiplank exterior, 9 foot ceilings on the first floor, hardwood flooring, custom trim throughout, gourmet chef's kitchen with center island, quartz countertops, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, custom cabinetry and a large breakfast area. 

Learn more here: 

List Price: $1,595,000

16 Clarendon Road Edgemont, NY 

New Construction in Edgemont! Great opportunity to own one of two custom built homes by premier Edgemont builder. Center Hall Colonial features a welcoming front porch, cedar shingle exterior, 9 foot ceilings on the first floor, hardwood flooring, custom trim throughout, gourmet chef's kitchen with center island, quartz countertops, SubZero and Wolf appliances, custom cabinetry and large breakfast area.

Learn more here:

List Price: $1,595,000

Open Houses:

26 Cayuga Road Scarsdale, NY

Open house 1/14 2 PM- 4 PM

Bright Center Hall Colonial on level half acre on a cul-de-sac. Custom features throughout. Large entrance foyer opens to a comfortable living room with gas fireplace, and mahogany library also with fireplace. Not to be missed is the lower level plus a guest room/bath.
Learn more here: 

List Price: $3,395,000

9 Chedworth Road Scarsdale, NY

Open House 1/14 1 PM- 3 PM

A cut above! This is a jewel of a home that provides comfort and pleasure to its lucky owners. Built with the finest attention to craftsmanship and with premier materials, this fantastic Tudor has been expanded and updated with an eye for subtle quality and the needs of a modern lifestyle. Truly, this Cotswold home has it all.

Learn more here:

List Price: $1,875,000