Details

Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Category: Real Estate

Published: 30 January 2014

The application to demolish the former home of Earl Graves at 8 Heathcote Road in Scarsdale was denied for a second time this week. After the Committee for Historic Preservation turned them down on November 19, 2013, the new owners, Steven and Fiona Silver, took their case to the Board of Architectural Review on Monday night January 27. In a vote of 5-2, the BAR rejected the "certificate of appropriateness" which would have cleared the way for a demolition permit for the stately brick colonial that was built in 1907.

The Silvers are represented by Lawrence Otis Graham, a real estate and land use attorney with Cuddy & Fedder of White Plains. Commenting on the BAR's decision, Graham said, "I was surprised that although the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) voted that the vast majority of the Code Criteria for preservation were not satisfied, the BAR still went ahead and voted to deny the application. The house does not meet either the necessary level of architectural or historical significance to outweigh the private property rights of the new owners. No one has suggested converting this house into a Museum or Historic Site in public ownership. The evidence did not support the Decision."

Mr. Graham added: "In the prior (November 19, 2013) hearing in front of the Committee for Historic Preservation, the Committee based its vote on their insistence that three additional famous Scarsdale residents had owned the home. In a complete title search of the property, I revealed that the Committee was wrong and that none of those individuals had owned the house. It is unfortunate that their decision was informed by their incorrect assertions."

However Andy Bass of Scarsdale who often advocates to protect Scarsdale's older homes sent us the following to support the historic merit of the house. Here he quotes a prominent architect whose firm was retained by the Village of Scarsdale to create a historic resources survey of the Village's homes and buildings. It is curious that 8 Heathcote Road was left off the list of potential landmarks. Here is the architect's comment on the omission:

"I fully support the preservation of this house," writes Andrew Dolkart, Director of Columbia University's Historic Preservation Program, in a January 26 letter to the BAR. Counsel for the applicant had repeatedly noted that the building was not among those identified as worthy of preservation in the reconnaissance survey report Dolkart and Li/Saltzman Architects prepared for the village in 2012."

According to Dolkart, the building was simply "missed." He writes, "I can say categorically, that had we reviewed this house, we would have included it in the list of potential individual landmarks." Dolkart concludes, "8 Heathcote Road is a building of significance that should be preserved."

In a January 27 letter, Kathleen A. Howe, Survey and Evaluation Coordinator at the New York State Historic Preservation Office, writes, "the house appears to be eligible for the State/National Registers of Historic Places for its association with Earl G. Graves, Sr."

"The property," Howe explains, "appears to be exceptionally significant under National Register Criterion B for its association with Graves, who made significant historic contributions to African American business history in the post-civil rights era. Though his contributions are relatively recent, sufficient scholarship exists to determine the eligibility of the Graves House."

Now that the Silver's application has been denied by the BAR, they can appeal the case to the Scarsdale Board of Trustees.

Like Earl Graves, the Silver's attorney, Lawrence Otis Graham, is also a person to note. Educated at Princeton and Harvard Law School, Graham, who is Afro American, is the author of 14 non-fiction books. Perhaps he is best known for an article he wrote in New York Magazine about his experience going undercover as a busboy at The Greenwich Country Club during the 1990's to explore racism and anti-semitism. Today, Graham and his family live in Chappaqua and in addition to serving as Special Counsel to Cuddy & Fedder he lectures, writes and is a frequent guest commentator on television.

Sales:

59 Park Road: Newly renovated home offers expansive open grounds with over 1.7 acres of level park-like property. Possible room for pool or tennis court. Classic architectural detail throughout including stone fireplace, custom built-ins, paneling and moldings. Beautiful wide plank hardwood floors. Wonderful flow opens to gourmet kitchen, family room & dining room w/ doors out to blue stone patio overlooking gorgeous gardens. Ideal for entertaining. New everything including Marvin windows, foam insulation, 6 zone Heat/CAC.
Sale Price: $2,730,000
Real Estate Taxes: $46,286

15 Boulder Brook Road: Move right into this newly renovated spacious center hall colonial. Brand new large stunning master suite with walk in closets and remodeled master bathroom. This house contains everything that today's most discerning buyer wants including a modern EIK kitchen, top of the line stainless steel appliances, new hardwood floors, detailed new moldings, beautiful circular staircase & gracious entryway, & large bedrooms and bathrooms. Flat back yard and large stone patio. 1/2 block to Corell Park.
Sale Price: $1,817,500
Real Estate Taxes: $36,509

19 Claremont Road: Subtly elegant, tastefully updated, this gracious home is move-in ready. All systems, kitchen and baths have been updated. There are 5 bedrooms, 3.1 baths, a finished basement and a charming screened in porch. There is a beautiful eat-in kitchen with center island and breakfast nook, first floor laundry, a den for television or study and formal living and dining rooms.
Sale Price: $1,551,000
Real Estate Taxes: $31,841

5 Barclay Road, Edgemont: Huge split with level fenced back yard in great location close to school and train. Entry level features large slate foyer with closet, louvered doors to spacious family room, sliding glass doors to large deck, bedroom, and full bath. Second level boasts expansive living room with wall of windows, big dining room, eat-in-kitchen, and 3 season room. Third level has master bedroom and bath, 2 other bedrooms, and hall bath. Beautiful neighborhood with tree lined streets.
Sale Price: $810,000
Real Estate Taxes: $27,189

Featured Listings:

20 Leatherstocking Lane, Scarsdale
Entertain graciously in this spacious, bright, updated and meticulously maintained five bedroom, four and a half bath home on a gorgeous half acre of private, beautifully landscaped property with a stunning pool and patio. See attached list of improvements, floor plans, survey and flood map. Square footage includes playroom near driveway (351.5 square feet). This house is not In a flood zone. Assumable flood insurance $458 per year. Learn more here:

List Price: $1,795,000

49 Club Way, Hartsdale,(Edgemont): Dramatic Norman Tudor of incomparable beauty, quality and size with classic proportions and exquisite architectural details. Features striking sunken living room with 20' ceiling, door leading to bluestone patio, extra large dining room with marble floor, den off of kitchen, extraordinary private 3 room master suite, separate three bedroom wing, new generator, spacious closets, high ceilings and quiet street. Short walk to Hartsdale Village, train, restaurants and shopping. Wonderful home for entertaining. Learn more here:

List Price: $1,150,000

Details

Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Category: Real Estate

Published: 06 February 2014

Applications to demolish three more properties will be considered by the Scarsdale Committee for Historic Preservation at their meeting on February 18 at 8 pm at Village Hall. If you have something to say, plan to attend the meeting.

Here are the three addresses:

22 Birchall Drive - Built in 1977 and sold in December 2013 for $2,900,000, this contemporary homes sits on an acre in Murray Hill with a pool. Realtor's description said, "Wonderful light throughout. Double height entry with skylight. Living room, family room, kitchen and master bedroom have doors that open out into the impressive yard. Cathedral ceilings. First floor master bedroom with his and her baths. Five bedrooms, five baths 3 zone a/c, outdoor cabanas." Taxes are $48,980.

4 Weaver Street - built in 1924 (Let's Dance Studio near Heathcote Tavern)

23 Farragut Road - built in 1953

Sales:

34 Wayside Lane: New construction. Seven bedroom, seven and half bath home on .38 acres in Fox Meadow. Plans for a 7,600 square foot house on just over a third of an acre are now before the Scarsdale Board of Architectural Review.

Sale Price: $3,382,150
Real Estate Taxes; TBD

21 Cooper Road: Tudor like no other, full of sun, space, and class. Restored down to its bones with love and respect for the original style. High vaulted ceilings, extra garage house & gourmet kitchen, can be dressed up incredibly elegant or made to feel more relaxed like an old English Hunting Lodge.
Sale Price: $2,920,000
Real Estate Taxes: $77,975

50 Brookby Road: Timeless new home on serene, private level 1/2 acre with room for pool. Patio with gorgeous outdoor fireplace. Highly respected Scarsdale builder admired for finest quality craftsmanship and dedication to clients and community. Features include: stone w/portico entrance, circular driveway,3-car garage w/finished 600+SF loft-access from house. 9'ceilings throughout.

Sale Price: $2,300,000
Real Estate Taxes: TBD

19 Roxbury Road, Edgemont: 5 bedrom, 3 ½ bath clapboard Colonial on .3 acres in Edgemont. Built in 1927.

Sale Price: $1,250,000
Real Estate Taxes: 29,000

13 Hillburn Road, Edgemont: Romantic English mini-castle with old world charm and up to date essentials nestled on a private, lush .4 acre. Stunning sunken living room, formal dining room, Cook's kitchen & sitting room. 5 bedrooms, covered upstairs porch, 3 baths & powder room. Leaded diamond shaped windows, quarter-sawn oak floors, Venetian plaster walls, spacious closets and more. Gorgeous property with gardens & lawns, 3 patios, stonewalls surrounded by woods and town property.

Sale Price: $1,160,000
Real Estate Taxes: $31,890

230 Beverly Road, Edgemont: Whether it's the perennial gardens or the warmth of crackling fires in either of two fireplaces, this Colonial drenched in sunlight will stand out from the rest. It's oak hardwood floors, crown moldings, large family room, mostly all-new Anderson windows, and new walkway are sure to please.

Sale Price: $905,000
Real Estate Taxes: $28,058

10 Winthrop Lane, Edgemont: Pristine and classic brick 1934 Colonial. This home features 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, formal living room & dining room and 1994 family room. Large garden. Second bath legalized. Walk to schools, bus to NYC and shops.
Sale Price: $599,000
Real Estate Taxes: $17,898

Featured Listings:

65 Brite Avenue, Scarsdale: Fox Meadow Classic. Ideal location. Sunny Tudor situated on .66 of an acre with great layout, all large rooms, high ceilings, five-bedrooms and six-and-a-half-baths. First floor includes library, family room and backstairs. Separate fenced heated pool and gorgeous grounds. Easy walk to train, elementary and high school. Learn more here:

List Price: $3,575,000

25 Kensington Road, Scarsdale: Collet Stone Center Hall Colonial of incomparable beauty, quality and size with classic proportions, generously scaled rooms and exquisite architectural details. Features include 9' ceilings on both floors, three fireplaces, triple moldings, huge kitchen with center island and laundry room and cedar closet. Includes 950 square feet in walk out basement. Premier Fox Meadow location, walking distance to school, library, train, shops and restaurants. From the finely crafted edifice to the irreplaceable quality and millwork this is the perfect home for gracious living and entertaining. Learn more here:

List Price: $2,800,000

Details

Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Category: Real Estate

Published: 23 January 2014

At long last, the developer Frederick Fish who is planning a condominium building at 2-4 Weaver Street, won approval for the site plan, lot merger and a parking waiver for the project at the January 22 meeting of the Scarsdale Planning Board. The lot merger involves joining the existing parking lot for the Heathcote Tavern building with a small strip of Village-owned land to the east of the lot that now serves as the driveway. The green light by the Planning Board will allow Fish and his team to again appear before the Scarsdale Board of Trustees to approve a non-binding term agreement, acquire the village-owned land and move forward with the construction of an 11-unit residential building with 33 parking spaces for the condo owners. The new building, pictured here, is now called "Weaver Street Condominiums" and will be 31,800 square feet, with 27,000 square feet of interior space.

The developer will also need to get approval to demolish the small dance studio that sits on the Weaver Street side of the property. Their application was on the agenda for the January 21 meeting of the Committee for Historic Preservation (CHP) which was cancelled due to the snow. The item is now on the agenda for the February 18 meeting. The developer does not anticipate that the CHP will block the demolition as the dance studio was built in 2001 on the foundation of a gas station that was constructed in 1946.

Planning Board member Dan Hochvert asked the team if they had made provisions for parking for the restaurant during the construction period and the team said they would make arrangements for valet parking. However, later in the meeting it was revealed that Massa was due to close. This spurred speculation that the interior space now used by the restaurant could be converted into four additional condominium units.

In the public comments section, Chris Corrini of Heathcote Road said, "My neighbors and I have attended a wide variety of meetings .... At the end of the day this is a large big-box building, a commercial box. Scarsdale is a Village of single-family homes and this does not fit in. This is 1 Palmer times five. What we have is a piling on of a massive apartment building and the owner has not budged from that one bit."

Martin Kaufman, also of Heathcote Road said, "I won't repeat the comments I made at many meetings. I want to encourage this board to exercise much greater supervision, policing and management of construction than they did with 1 Palmer which is a fiasco that has not turned out like anyone had hoped. Referring to the homes under construction at Heathcote Manor on Weaver Street, Kaufman said,
"The developer has changed plans and is seeking approval after the fact.
The Village is not doing a good job of supervising changes to the plans. The Village is oblivious – this is not the way this town should be run."

Former Trustee Bob Harrison asked if the Planning Board planned to deliberate on the matter in closed or open session. Chair Seth Ross said the conversation would not be public and Harrison objected. Following the public meeting the Planning Board voted to approve the site plan, lot merger and parking waiver.

In other business, the Planning Board reviewed an application from 147 Bradley Road Corp. for a 2-lot subdivision on the site. The property measures just over two-tenths of an acre and this subdivision will create two lots, each of just one tenth of an acre. Amy Schiff, who lives directly behind the property on Lyons Road, asked if trees and shrubs would be removed to make way for the two homes. She questioned whether two 32 -foot maple trees would be affected. Another neighbor questioned the survey and asked if the lot was really .22 acres. Debra and Michael McCarthy, who live across the street from the lot, asked if the builders could align the driveway with others on the block so that parked cars would not prevent them from exiting their own driveway on this very narrow street. Following the meeting the Planning Board approved the subdivision.

A two-lot merger was approved for Laura and Michael Miller of Leatherstocking Lane. The residents made the application for insurance and tax purposes and said they had no plans to build on the adjacent lot. Their neighbor were present to gain assurance that an additional structure would not be built there as the area is prone to flooding.

Last, the Planning Board discussed a referral from the Village Board to study a possible amendment to Village Code to classify gravel surfaces as impervious. This would mean that gravel areas and driveways would be counted in the FAR calculation which regulates the size of a home and impervious surfaces on a building lot. If gravel areas were included in the calculation, the size of other structures on building lots would need to be adjusted to meet the FAR requirements.

The Planning Board discussed the potential code change and whether or not a consultant should be retained to study the issue. Village Planner Elizabeth Marrinan said that the Planning Department did have some funds available for the study. Board members, builder Tom Fenton and an engineer in the audience discussed the ramifications of the code change. Senor said that people who put in gravel driveways only do it to get around lot coverage requirements. Board member Tom Longman wondered if the code change would spur many requests for variances. Board member and architect Suzanne Cregan-Donat said that if the Village includes driveways in the calculation, builders might elect to move the garage to the front of the house to shorten the length of the driveway thereby increasing the perception of bulk. Resident Paul Henderson said that he found this proposal alarming as it would limit his options and possibly hurt his property value. He said, "If this is enacted I wouldn't be able to change a walkway without knocking down a piece of my house."

Sales:

10 Colvin Road: Beautiful seven bedroom Greenacres Colonial with welcoming covered porch. Exquisite architectural details, high ceilings, 2 fireplaces, formal dining room, original pocket doors, coffered ceiling in living room, beautiful moldings. New kitchen/granite countertops/family room. First floor laundry, Butler's pantry. second floor baths redone. New furnace 2011. Pretty patio and property. 2 car detached garage plus 1 attached service garage.

Sale price: $1,600,000
Real estate taxes: $30,118

Featured Listings:

6 Kensington Road, Scarsdale: Premier Fox Meadow Country English of incomparable beauty, quality and size with classic proportions and exquisite architectural details. Sited on one of Scarsdale's prime acres and boasts unspoiled natural beauty with magnificent gardens surrounding the gracious pool. Ultra cooks kitchen with wood burning pizza oven and professional appliances. Superbly comfortable master suite. This prime Fox Meadow estate is completely renovated with the highest quality materials. Luxury and warmth abound. Learn more here:

List Price: $6,350,000

50 Inverness Road, Edgemont: Majestic Tudor Manor House in Cotswold area of Edgemont. Gorgeous secluded half acre property with mature plantings including azaleas and dogwood trees. Large flagstone patio. Six-bedrooms, four-baths, powder room. Leaded glass windows, many with stained glass insets. Handsome slate roof. Gleaming refinished floors. Closets galore. Meticulous maintenance. Grand spaces for gracious living and entertaining. Walk to schools, train and Scarsdale Village amenities. Learn more here:

List Price: $2,195,000