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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Category: Real Estate

Published: 19 April 2023

Applicants who filed an application to tear down a home formerly owned by the Milstein family at 20 Heathcote Road failed to appear for their hearing at the meeting of the Committee for Historic Preservation on April 18. At the previous meeting of the committee the applicants did show up but decided to adjourn when all seven members of the committee were not present. This month, the house was on the agenda but no one came to plead their case.

The 10,500 square foot home with pool and tennis court on 5.49 acres was built in 1988 and sold for $8,150,000 in August 2022. It was previously owned by Vivian Milstein and the current owner is 20 Heathcote Road LLC.

Last month, the Scarsdale Board of Trustees upheld a decision to deny an application to tear down another home owned by the Milstein family at 76 Birchall Drive. That one had been the subject of several meetings and a campaign by neighbors to demonstrate that the home met Scarsdale’s criteria for preservation. Perhaps the owners of the home at 20 Heathcote Road were deterred by the Village’s willingness to defend the preservation laws and deny an appeal to raze 76 Birchall.

In addition to the no-show for 20 Heathcote Road, a second application to demolish a Tudor style home at 7 Tyler Road was withdrawn. This may be due to the findings of Andrew Dolkart, the Village’s architectural historian who was asked for an opinion and found that the home meets Scarsdale’s criteria for preservation.

7 Tyler Road was designed by Maxwell A. Norcross, a member of the AIA who was designed many buildings in Shaker Heights and many of his homes are on the national register and in historic districts. An application to tear down 7 Tyler Road was withdrawn.

Furthermore, Dolkart found that the house has not been altered and is a “fine example of the small Neo-Tudor style houses built for middle-class households in Scarsdale in the 1920’s and 1920’s. In his letter he details many of the homes significant architectural features.

Last Dolkart noted that in his Reconnaissance Level Cultural Resource Survey, done in 2012 for Scarsdale, he identified Heathcote Crest as a study area worthy of preservation. 7 Tyler Road is within this area.

The committee did however approve two applications:

One to take down a two car garage at 11 Ridgecrest North and another to take down a Tudor style house built in 1929 at 241 Nelson Road.

The decisions were unanimous among the seven members of the committee.

Featured Listings





8 Overlook Road, Scarsdale
4 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms, 3,317 Square Feet
Frank Lloyd Wright's long-time apprentice and protege, Edgar Tafel, designed and built this Mid-Century Modern masterpiece in 1950 on nearly 1 acre, in the prestigious Fox Meadow neighborhood of Scarsdale. Meticulously restored in 2019 to its original splendor and renovated for today's discerning buyer, the property is move-in ready and boasts an open floor plan with soaring cathedral ceilings, oversized fireplace and walls of windows overlooking the beautiful level property with mature specimen landscaping, a 45x15 Gunite pool (& spa) with electric cover, an oversized bluestone patio, a large playground area and expansive lawn. The living room, dining room and large lower level family room all open to the pool and patio area for great indoor and outdoor entertaining & living. The 1st level primary bedroom features a new bath with radiant floors and handmade Heath floor to ceiling tiles; 3 additional bedrooms, including one w/updated ensuite bath & a new hall bath complete the 2nd floor. The lower level features a huge family room w/original copper & brick details & wood ceiling, a 2nd fireplace and a new full bath (perfect for pool guests). The basement features the laundry room, a bonus space (perfect for storage, gym or home office) & a new full bath. Don't miss this opportunity to live in an architectural showpiece in your own private oasis in an absolute prime location, within walking distance to the elementary and high schools, Metro-North train and the award-winning Scarsdale Public Library.
Click here for more information 
Sale price: $3,299,000






29 Brite Avenue, Scarsdale
6 Bedrooms, 4.1 Bathrooms, 5,333 Square Feet
Entrancing, stone and shingle Fox Meadow Colonial offers everything the heart desires. This six bedroom, four and one-half bath home was expanded and renovated with highest quality finishes throughout. Foyer leads to spacious living room with bow window and fireplace and French door to private office. Dining room with bow window and wainscoting. Powder room. The heart of the home is a huge, open plan gourmet kitchen and step down family room with fireplace and built ins. French doors to patio and beautiful level yard. Guest suite with ensuite bath. Mudroom with built ins and two car garage. Second floor features sumptuous primary suite with tray ceiling, fireplace, his and hers WICs and spa bath. Large bedroom with ensuite bath and balcony. Three more bedrooms and hall bath. Great custom closets throughout. Lower level with walk up to yard has gym and play areas, laundry, storage and mechanicals. Walk to town, train, schools and shops on highly sought after block. Ideal for family living and entertaining-a true Fox Meadow gem!
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Sale price: $2,775,000

Details

Written by Jordi Wiener

Category: Real Estate

Published: 27 April 2023

Despite limited inventory, homes are selling. See this month's sales below.

Sales
12 Park Road
Built atop a knoll in the Grange estate area of Greenacres, this residence built by a local developer as his family's primary home offers a setting for entertaining on a large scale, as well as a welcoming multi-generational retreat. French doors from many main level areas lead to the outdoor covered porches, bluestone patio featuring a built-in BBQ station, a curved salt-water Gunite pool, gardens with five raised vegetable garden beds. The grandly proportioned interiors of this 10,500+ square foot home with a 21’ ceiling entrance incorporates all the amenities and needs of a modern family with mechanical systems and rich architectural appointments throughout. Featuring two fireplaces, formal and casual rooms, kitchen, office, playrooms, workshop, wine cellar, storage space and a three-car garage complete this home.
Sale Price: $7,400,000
Real Estate Taxes: $144,398
Assessed Value: $5,725,000

38 Saxon Woods Road
Don’t miss this Quaker Ridge red brick Colonial home built in 1999 and set on .68 acres of property. This home offers a combination of privacy and convenience with a tree-lined front and backyard, with room for a pool, that borders the Saxon Woods Park and Golf Course. A layout for everyday living and entertaining, this home features an entry foyer with circular staircase, living room,l dining room, butler’s pantry with wet bar and updated, kitchen with island, premium appliances and two sinks. The kitchen opens to the sun room with built-ins, wet bar, two walls of windows and heated floors. The sun room opens to the family room with a gas burning fireplace and views of the backyard with gazebo. An office, powder room, 3-car attached garage, adjacent mudroom with washer/dryer and back stairs to the second level complete the first level of this home. The second level includes a primary bedroom suite with a bath with Jacuzzi tub, separate shower and double vanity, and two closets. Four other bedrooms complete the second floor, two that share a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, one with an ensuite bath and another with an adjacent playroom or study and en-suite bath. The lower level contains a recreation room, wine room, full bath and two other versatile rooms i.e. gym, office, storage or a space of your choice. There is a bonus space on the third floor. BBQ on the back patio.
Sale Price: $2,900,000
Real Estate Taxes: $77,568
Assessed Value: $3,075,000

63 Drake Road
Updated Tudor in the heart of Heathcote. This Scarsdale home was designed by a celebrated architect & combines luxury with modern amenities. The exquisite remodeled St. Charles kitchen was featured in an architectural magazine & will impress with white cabinetry, marble flooring w/ Quartz countertops & appliances. Other 1st floor highlights include home office, family room, dining room, library, powder room & porch. The 2nd floor boasts 2 en suite Bedrooms w/ marble baths & a Master Suite w/ closet which could serve as a potential 4th BR. The Master Bath has a shower w/ double vanity. The backyard is for enjoying the outdoors w/ a bluestone patio & landscaping. Enjoy suburban living in this exceptional home.
Sale Price: $1,800,000
Real Estate Taxes: $34,032
Assessed Value: $1,375,000

8 Magnolia Road
An entertainer's dream! Welcome home to this home on a third of an acre on a street in the Quaker Ridge neighborhood of Scarsdale. The first level features an entry, living room, dining room flowing into the kitchen, all overlooking the property and yard. A first level study - the perfect work from home space. Up half a level, the primary bedroom suite boasts high ceilings, two dressing areas and en-suite spa bath, in addition to two family bedrooms and full hall bathroom. A few steps down from the kitchen, the lower level features an above ground family room with sliding doors to the bluestone patio, two additional bedrooms (one is currently used as a music room), full bathroom, playroom, windowed laundry room, and plenty of storage and utilities. Don’t miss this family home, perfect for indoor and outdoor entertaining and working from home, nestled on a property in Quaker Ridge.
Sale Price: $1,500,000
Real Estate Taxes: $28,952
Assessed Value: $1,175,000

2 Myrtledale Road
Dreams do come true. Move into this 5 Bedroom Scarsdale home on a third of an acre offered at a phenomenal price! Enjoy spacious rooms and hardwood floors, a first floor home office/bedroom with built-ins, living room with fireplace, dining room with window, family room, and kitchen with access to the backyard patio. The primary bedroom and a hall bath complete the first floor. The second floor features 3 bedrooms and two full baths.
Sale Price: $1,260,000
Real Estate Taxes: $25,755
Assessed Value: $1,227,870

Featured Listings

25 Hampton Road, Scarsdale
6 Bedrooms, 6.1 Bathrooms, 7,885 Square Feet
Luxurious, expansive Colonial, completely rebuilt in 2012 and located in the heart of Fox Meadow on sought-after, beautiful Hampton Road, only a short walk to Elementary School, High School, downtown Scarsdale shops and Metro North train. This home boasts three levels of modern living, a circular driveway and a spacious level yard. The first level welcomes you with a gracious entry foyer leading to an impressive living room with a wall of windows and a 14-foot vaulted ceiling. An expansive, open-plan, high-end kitchen, living and dining area with 14-foot vaulted ceiling, gas fireplace and two sets of French doors to a screened porch provides the perfect layout for everyday living. The premium kitchen features Wolf, Miele and Sub Zero appliances, quartzite counters and an oversized center island. The dining area can easily seat 12 and the family room is the perfect spot to curl up by the fire while dinner is prepared. A desk area is included for homework or a work-from-home space. The screened porch is a great spot to dine al fresco in three seasons with a view of the property and a built-in Lynx barbecue. An additional spacious family room with a wood-burning fireplace, French doors to the deck and a wall of built-in cabinetries and bookshelves makes a great family gathering spot. The primary wing is found on the first level and includes a spacious and elegant bedroom with French doors to the deck, a beautiful office, a spa-like primary bathroom with large soaking tub, modern marble counters, a double vanity, radiant heated floors, a large shower and built-in cabinetry. A mudroom off of the two-car garage and powder room complete the first level. The second level contains four large bedrooms; two with a spacious jack-and-jill bathroom, one bedroom with an ensuite full bath and one bedroom with a hall bath, laundry room and large versatile bonus room currently used as an artist's studio. The lower level features a large recreation room with French doors to the yard, another large room which could be used as a media room and also has French doors to the yard, office, gym with French doors to the yard and bath with shower and sauna, bedroom with a door to the yard and full bathroom, temperature controlled, 1100-bottle wine cellar and cedar closet. The level, usable yard is wide and beautifully landscaped for privacy. Walk to Fox Meadow Elementary School, Scarsdale High School, the fabulous, recently renovated Scarsdale Public Library, downtown Scarsdale shops and the Metro North train station for a 32 minute express train to Grand Central Terminal. A wonderful home in an A+ location!
Click here for more information 
Sale price: $4,495,000

29 Oak Lane, Scarsdale
5 Bedrooms, 6.1 Bathrooms, 5,646 Square Feet
Magnificent, renovated Fox Meadow Tudor superbly located close to schools and train on private .45 acres! This bright and sun-filled home boasts a gracious, finely detailed formal living room and dining room, two family rooms - one off of the chef’s kitchen and one off of the living room - a first floor laundry room with outfitted mudroom, a heated two-car garage, lg. enough for SUVs w/an electric charging station. The primary bedroom suite features a spacious bedroom and includes its own separate sitting room, two walk-in closets and a spa bathroom. Three additional generously-sized bedrooms, each w/ its own renovated en-suite bathroom, completes the 2nd floor. An artist’s studio, a play area, and attic storage rooms can all be found on the 3rd floor. The lower level contains another bedroom, new bath, and playroom/gym. The backyard is lushly landscaped to enhance privacy, play and quiet entertainment on the patio. Oak Lane beckons: this is the year to enjoy a fabulous summer outside!
Click here for more information 
Sale price: $2,950,000

Details

Written by Jordi Wiener

Category: Real Estate

Published: 12 April 2023

Though state budget negotiations in Albany might not be on your radar, this year there is a lot at stake for Scarsdale residents, and local lawmakers are asking you to pay attention.

The budget has been stalled this year over two provisions: one is bail reform and the other is the Governor’s proposed housing compact, which if adopted, would have far-reaching and permanent effects for Scarsdale.

Both State Assemblymember Amy Paulin and State Senator Shelley Mayer have voiced concerns about the plan. In an email to constituents this week, Mayer explained, "1) this Compact does not focus on affordable housing, 2) the proposal was not built from the “ground up” with local voices included in the planning, and 3) it uses a one size fits all and punitive approach to our differing communities."

The Scarsdale Forum has issued a detailed report about what this housing plan could do to our landscape, our environment, infrastructure and schools. It would behoove every resident to read the detailed the report here.

But the long and the short of it is as follows:

If the housing compact is approved, Scarsdale would be required to build 3 percent more housing units every three years. That translates to 173 units by 2027 and about the same number every three years thereafter. At least initially, this could be accomplished at the Freightway site, and would have a minimum impact on our community. Ironically, the compact does not mandate the building of affordable units.

The second provision is what’s causing all the concern:

This portion of the housing compact is a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Initiative that requires local planning and zoning law changes within a three-year window to facilitate the development of multi-family housing in areas within ½ mile of a rail station. The program requires a forced amendment to Village law adding a new section, “Density of residential dwellings near transit stations.” Under the TOD proposal, the area subject to the mandatory zoning and planning changes would encompass all developed land within a half-mile radius from a train station.

What that means is that developers would have the right to override any local zoning code regulating building code, stormwater, parking and the environment – to build 50 units per acre on any land within a half mile of the Metro North Train station.

According to the report, “The mandated local code changes would be exempt from any state environmental review, and the Village would be prohibited from imposing unreasonable provisions relating to lot coverage, open space, height, setbacks, floor area ratios or parking requirements."

To envision that, think five story apartment buildings in a wide swath of Greenacres and Fox Meadow. Any home that was put on the market could be purchased by a developer who would have the right to build multi family housing on any available lot, with the Village having no local control on what goes up.

According to the report from the Scarsdale Forum, a “worst case scenario” assumes every current property owner within Tier 1 sells, and their property is developed to the maximum units per acre within the half-mile radius of the train station. New York State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, who represents Scarsdale, estimates that the number of units in Scarsdale and Hartsdale combined would be in the range of 10,000 units. State Senator Shelley Mayer, whose district now includes Scarsdale, posits the requisite number of units would be in the range of 13,000 units.

What would happen if we don’t comply? The Village would nevertheless be required to permit the 50 units per acre density requirement as mandated by State law and must review any qualifying projects that could come to the Village pursuant to a process outlined in State law, with enforcement by the State Attorney General.

So, even if you’re not accustomed to getting involved in local and state politics, this issue is at your front door. You should educate yourself and speak up.

Write to Amy Paulin at paulina@nyassembly.gov and Shelley Mayer at SMayer@nysenate.gov and contact Governor Kathy Hochul here. https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form

Featured Listings





163 Fox Meadow Road, Scarsdale
5 Bedrooms, 5.1 Bathrooms, 6,344 Square Feet
Impressive young Center Hall Colonial with grand entrance, sweeping circular staircase, living room, home office, formal dining room, large chef's kitchen with whole house water filtration system, custom cabinetry, center island, granite countertops, skylights, wine cooler, coffee maker, steam oven, six-burner Wolf stove, undercounter microwave/oven, SubZero refrigerator/freezer plus convenient undercounter two fridge drawers, two DWs, two sinks, mudroom/laundry room, attached two car garage with Tesla charger, backstairs to guest/nanny room/full bath, door to patio, powder room, expansive family room with vaulted ceiling/fireplace, door to patio. Second floor features a grand master bedroom with cathedral ceiling, sitting room with Juliet balcony overlooking the back garden, WIC, spa bath with soaking tub and stall-jetted shower, dual sinks, bedroom/full bath, two bedrooms/full bath. Lower level offers a huge playroom, media room, second home office, wine cooler, full bath and abundant storage space. A Fox Meadow gem, convenient to the village, transportation, schools, parks and newly renovated library.
Click here for more information
Sale price: $2,950,000

75 Walworth Avenue, Scarsdale
6 Bedrooms, 4.1 Bathrooms, 3,316 Square Feet
This dreamy Greenacres Colonial complete with classic clapboard exterior, lush lawn and white picket fence is move-in ready! This fresh and happy home features an open layout with large scale rooms, tons of natural light, spacious eat-in chef's kitchen, newly refinished hardwood floors and new furnace and A/C. There are six ample bedrooms, four full baths, a gracious step-down Family Room with large fireplace and multiple outdoor areas to entertain family and friends. The private Primary Suite has French doors that open to a large second story deck for morning coffee or an evening cocktail while enjoying the sunset. From this home, it's an easy walk to the newly renovated Greenacres elementary school and Hartsdale train, shops and restaurants. Quintessential Greenacres!
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Sale price: $1,725,000