Real Estate: No Decision on 11 Dolma Road Due to Untimely Death of the Applicant's Attorney

Attorney Lawrence Graham passed away on February 19.Those who are focused on historic preservation in Scarsdale will be interested in a strange turn of events concerning an application to demolish a Normandy style farmhouse built in 1928 at 11 Dolma Road.

The applicants filed an application to take down 11 Dolma Road with the Committee for Historic Preservation in 2020 by Lawrence Graham of Cuddy and Feder in White Plains who had considerable experience in the field.

Unhappy with the result, they appealed that decision to the entire Board of Trustees of Scarsdale who heard their case on February 4, 2021. At this most recent hearing Graham was joined by Andrew Shriever in making their case that the committee’s ruling should be overturned.

The Village was represented by James Staudt, who summed up the case saying, “If ever credit should be given to the CHP it is in this case. There are 600 pages of documentation. The record demonstrates that both sides were afforded opportunities to supply evidence…. The decision provides clear articulate reasons and thoughtful discussion of how Julius Gregory advanced architecture into the modern age…. it is difficult to fathom a more thorough process.”

Following the hearing the Village Board deliberated in executive session, so their thoughts on the matter were not made public. They later said they would announce their decision at a future meeting of the Village Board and the matter was on the agenda for the February 23, 2021 meeting.

However, at the 2/23 meeting, Mayor Marc Samwick said, “There was a very unfortunate incident. One of the attorneys on this matter passed away over the weekend.” He requested to move this item to the next meeting and took a vote of the board and the move to table passed unanimously. Asked later why the matter was tabled, Samwick said, “We felt that, out of respect for the loss of the lead advisor to the owner, and to provide the owner the opportunity to be in front of the village with a full team, it was reasonable to defer this item for two weeks.”

Samwick was referring to Lawrence Otis Graham a 59 year-old lawyer and author who was well known around the county. He died this past weekend. No cause of death has been provided.

Graham was a graduate of White Plains High School and lived in Chappaqua at the time of his death. He attended Princeton University and Harvard Law School. He was a New York Times bestselling author of 14 books and was a contributing editor at U.S. News & World Report. He offered weekly commentary on Cablevision News 12 TV, which keeps him in contact with the top government officials in the region. Larry has served as legal commentator for WNBC and has appeared on “The Today Show” and PBS’ “Charlie Rose.” His corporate and legal research has appeared in USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.

Remembering Graham, County Executive George Latimer said, “His writing particularly struck a chord as he described growing up Black, well-educated, articulate and accomplished, and still facing prejudice and racism in this society.” He continued, ““I met him when he and his wife Pam - a talented and successful executive in her own right - lived in White Plains and I was going door-to-door running for re-election as a County Legislator,” Latimer said. “I walked away from that front door meeting knowing I had just met an impressive man... and he was that and more over the 25 years of our friendship.”

So now, nine months after the original application there is still no decision on 11 Dolma Road.

At the same time as the Village Board was meeting, the Committee for Historic Preservation was in conference to consider an application to raze another historic home, this one at 2A Cooper Road.

Builder Bobby Ben Simon has already subdivided the original 3.75 acre property in anticipation of building two additional houses on the property. Unable to sell the original home, he was granted permission to take down a large garage with servants’ quarters and proceeded with that demolition. Now he has applied to take down the 21-room, 10,656 square foot Colonial Revival home built in 1914.

However, his application provided no historic information on the home, leaving the Committee for Historic Preservation to do the research. They have asked architectural historian Andrew Dolkart to help them learn more about the provenance of the home and, if possible, name the architect who is not identified on the original plans.

In order to give the committee and Dolkart time to do some research, Committee Chair Adam Lindenbaum proposed to hold the application over to the committee’s next meeting on March 23, 2021. They encouraged neighbors or anyone with knowledge about the home to contact Frank Diodati in the Building Department who will relay the information to the committee. After the committee discusses the information, there will be opportunity for public comment.

Sales
39 Olmsted Road
This classic colonial offers expansive living spaces, renovated interiors and a huge yard on a stunning, tree-lined street. Carefully updated in 2012, this home begins with formal living, library and dining rooms. Ahead, the eat-in chef's kitchen offers a fantastic indoor-outdoor flow with sliders that open to the deck and large leafy yard that could easily accommodate a swimming pool. The impressive double-height family room beckons with its warm fireplace and beautiful custom built-ins. An en suite bedroom and a convenient mudroom to a 2 car garage complete the first floor. Upstairs, you'll find the luxurious owner's suite, plus four additional bedrooms and two updated baths and a fabulous study. The walkout basement boasts a flexible rec room and a bathroom. Enjoy effortless ease with two laundry rooms, a generator, updated HVAC and integrated audio system. This superb location delivers quintessential suburban charm close to Fox Meadow Elementary, Scarsdale High, the library, village and train station.
Sale Price: $2,707,000
Assessed Value: $2,675,000
Real Estate Taxes: $66,864

221 Griffen Avenue
Modern Colonial with welcoming front porch on park-like grounds thoughtfully redesigned and renovated to meet today’s needs. Generous formal living and dining rooms, a kitchen for casual dining, and an open plan family room with a soaring ceiling and stylish French doors to a comfortable private deck. Expansive golf course views. 2 private offices balance home and remote work needs. Retreat to the second floor master bedroom, complete with luxurious en suite bathroom, 2 bedrooms, hall bath, and a 2 bedroom suite with a bathroom that can also be accessed directly from the kitchen. Picturesque windows in every room admit the benefits of natural light. The finished basement adds 1400 square feet with a family room, exercise room, guest room and bathroom. Major upgrades include the entire HVAC system, roof, siding, windows, insulation, wiring, energy efficient rapid hot water heater system, and conversion to natural gas.
Sale Price: $2,440,000
Assessed Value: $2,043,000
Real Estate Taxes: $50,112

54 Tisdale Road
Welcoming Fox Meadow colonial in the heart of Crane Berkley. Set on lush park-like grounds this Collet built home offers the perfect location just a short stroll to Scarsdale village and train. Its classic design blends the traditional with an open flow to a tranquil formal living room with fireplace and adjoining sun porch, a spacious dining room with built-ins, new powder room, and elongated family room with custom library and magnificent water views from floor to ceiling windows. The bright kitchen features stainless steel appliances, recessed lighting and tiled floor with adjoining butler's pantry. The second floor boasts a master suite with new bath with radiant heated floors, three bedrooms on this level share an updated hall bath, and two additional bedrooms are accessed via a second staircase sharing a hall bath. A finished playroom on the lower level for media, exercise and games with wine storage and laundry.
Sale Price: $1,975,000
Assessed Value: $1,850,000
Real Estate Taxes: $47,094

298 Evandale Road
Classic Colonial with flawless modern layout. Spanning over 6000 square feet, this residence features a reimagined 2 story kitchen family room with beautiful stone fireplace, bar area and vaulted ceilings with french doors to outdoor dining area and bluestone patio with built in grill. There is a library/office off the kitchen with custom built-ins and an outdoor covered porch with swing overlooking the pool and professionally landscaped grounds. A dining and living room with doors to enclosed sunroom, mudroom, 3 car garage and back-staircase complete the 1st floor layout. Above, the master suite has 2 walk-in closets and dressing area, spa bath with outdoor porch. There is a gym/office suite off the master with 3 additional bedrooms, 2 baths and lounge/study. The lower level has a guest quarters with its own kitchen, bathroom, full bath and private entrance. There is also a huge playroom and wet bar.
Sale Price: $1,850,000
Assessed Value: $2,032,000
Real Estate Taxes: $69,998

46 Sprain Valley Road
Relax and enjoy life in this Frank Loyd Wright inspired home! This Floridian Style beauty sits on a magnificent acre of resort-like property and has unique, custom features throughout! You'll be greeted by matching koi ponds at the entry of the home and step into the foyer which leads to a living room with fireplace opening to den and formal dining room, a beautifully updated(2016) eat-in kitchen with Jenn Air appliances and french doors leading to patio. There are multiple access points to the patio and fully fenced in-ground pool, including the kitchen, den and master bedroom. The master suite includes a walk-in-closet and master bath with jacuzzi tub, shower and double vanity sink. Basement with additional storage room and laundry room off of kitchen , 4-car garage and tons of driveway space.
Sale Price: $1,300,000
Assessed Value: $1,121,800
Real Estate Taxes: $38,768

245 Glendale Road
Beautifully renovated and expanded Colonial in a tranquil setting in the desirable ABC streets in the Edgemont School District. Walk to Greenville Elementary School and commuter bus stop to Scarsdale village and Metro North train. Inviting and warm with quality finishes and thoughtful design for comfort in today's lifestyle. Gourmet kitchen has custom cabinetry, premium appliances and granite counters with an eat-in area and doors to bluestone patio and yard for easy entertaining. Adjacent mudroom connects to the two car garage. Spacious family room with fireplace and custom built-ins, living room, dining room, powder room and a bedroom/office complete the first level. The second level has an oversized master bedroom with ensuite marble bath, double sinks, whirlpool tub, walk-in shower, plus two more bedrooms with hall bath. Central air, updated windows, roof, appliances. Enjoy the private outdoors with patio, green lawns, perennial gardens, and raised garden beds.
Sale Price: $1,130,000
Assessed Value: $869,800
Real Estate Taxes: $29,963

5 Ferncliff Road
Lovely Edgewood Colonial situated on a spacious oversize property with fantastic curb appeal. Enjoy such a convenient location steps from the Edgewood Elementary school and minutes from the Scarsdale village and shopping. Classic covered front porch leads to Entry foyer, Spacious living room with fireplace, Large dining room, kitchen that opens to rear deck. Upstairs find three spacious bedrooms plus a tandem bedroom. Master suite has a full bath and walk-in closet. Full staircase to attic that is floored and newly insulated. The lower level has a great recreation room with hardwood floor along with a laundry room and utility room. Great features include a new roof, replacement windows and newly paved driveway.
Sale Price: $1,030,000
Assessed Value: $875,000
Real Estate Taxes: $21,872

Featured Listings

26 Oak Lane
Scarsdale, NY 10583
Listing Price: $1,825,000
Welcome home to this picture perfect Center Hall Colonial in the heart of sought-after Fox Meadow. This pristine home offers versatile space to live and work from home, boasting a sun-filled living room with fireplace, spacious dining room and custom eat-in kitchen with high-end cabinetry, stone countertops and stainless steel appliances. The family room and kitchen both open to the patio and private level yard. The powder room and mudroom/laundry room complete the first floor. The second floor offers a master suite with beautiful skylit bath, dressing area and ample closets as well as three additional large bedrooms and full hall bath. The lower level offers great space for multiple possible uses, such as home office/gym/playroom/media room as well as a full bathroom. Enjoy the best of all worlds in this tranquil location with a quick walk to the train, village, Fox Meadow Elementary School, high school and library. Move right in!
Learn more here.

85 High Point Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583
Listing Price: $1,795,000
Sophisticated, contemporary Colonial on 1 acre which includes an approved .46 acre buildable lot. Renovated for today's lifestyle, this stylish home is located in the Edgemont School District on a cul-de-sac. Some of the special features include bright and spacious rooms, high ceilings, multiple office space options, and picturesque stone patio with mature landscaping. You will love the outstanding cook's kitchen with white cabinetry, high-end appliances, center island with breakfast bar, and large eating area with stone fireplace. Many improvements have been made including renovated baths, renovated office and family room, and painted interior/exterior. New: roof, boiler, burner, hot water heater, air conditioning compressor, paved walkway, front door and above ground oil tank. Lower level has potential with additional 1200 square feet. Property includes tennis court, heated pool house with attic and has potential for pool.
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3 Hillview Drive
Scarsdale, NY
Listing Price: $3,850,000
Impressive Center Hall Scarsdale Colonial nestled on a perfect 0.47 flat acre in a quiet sought after location. This custom home presents a perfect layout, impressive 2-story entrance hall, 10 foot ceilings on the first level and a BRAND NEW all white spectacular kitchen with Viking appliances, large center island & separate breakfast area. The open floor features multiple glass doors that access the expansive deck and park-like property. Elegant formal living & dining rooms provide the perfect setting for entertaining. A sweeping staircase leads to a handcrafted walnut library w/vaulted ceiling & window seat overlooking the stunning property. The primary bedroom features a vaulted ceiling, fireplace, 2 walk in closets & marble bath w/Jacuzzi & steam shower.4 more bedrooms & 2 baths complete the 2nd floor. The walkout lower level has 9-foot ceilings, generous recreation areas, gym w/full bath and powder room. Mudroom, pantry & first floor ensuite bedroom & 2 car garage.
Learn more here: 

254 Fox Meadow Road
Scarsdale, NY
Listing Price; $2,449,000
Your perfect home in Fox Meadow awaits! Beautiful stone front Center Hall Colonial nestled in the heart of Scarsdale's Fox Meadow neighborhood. Located within walking distance to the train station, elementary school, high school, public library, and town, this completely renovated residence is a truly rare offering. Highlights include a new, all-white eat-in kitchen that opens to a sun-filled family room detailed with glass doors to a stone patio and idyllic and level backyard with ample room to play and entertain in style.
Learn more here:

Open Houses

95 Greenacres Avenue
Scarsdale, NY 10583
Listing Price: $2,695,000
Open house Sunday, February 28, 2021 12PM-2PM
Enjoy sleek, modern living in this magnificent Greenacres Center Hall Colonial in a quintessential locale, close to train, farmer's market, shops, cafes and elementary school! Fully renovated and expanded to perfection in 2016 by one of Scarsdale's premier builders, an impeccably executed home inside and out, offering the finest craftsmanship/millwork/built-ins and the most sophisticated smart home with C4 technology. Expansive gourmet eat-in kitchen is Architectural Digest worthy with 12 foot coffered, wood beamed ceilings. Light-filled home office with gas fireplace, 12 foot ceilings, Marvin Palladian windows. Master suite offers a spa bath with radiant heat, fabulous custom walk-in closet, additional home office/sitting room. French doors from the wetbar lead to flagstone covered porch with speakers/wired for TV, additional flagstone patio with premium outdoor kitchen/built-in Lynx grill, three car heated garage/gym space/second level of garage wired for office or studio. Not a detail has been missed in this gem of a home!
Learn more here.

937 Post Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583
Listing Price: $1,499,000
Open house Sunday February 28, 2021 12PM-2PM
The Cudner-Hyatt House, a unique pre-revolutionary Farmhouse, has been restored and reimagined with attention to detail, honoring the historical prominence of our agrarian past. Thoughtful restoration of exposed hand hewn beams, existing hardwood floors/doors compliments the new roof/gutters/wiring/plumbing/insulation/heating/cooling system. Conveniently located within walking distance to Scarsdale Village, markets/schools, this unique home has a tastefully designed costume kitchen with fireplace/separate mudroom/laundry room/adjoining family room/study, plus a private home office, half bathroom, living/dining room all adorned with the heirloom character of 1734. Upstairs, the main bedroom is divine with a custom outfitted walk-in closet, lux bathroom with double vanities/heated floors/stall shower/soaking tub, plus private back stair direct to the kitchen. Three additional bedrooms/hall bath. The lower level is a perfect play space with a distinctive area begging to be a wine room.
Learn more here.