When Two Is Not Better Than One

Many residents have noted the loss of a Regency style home at the corner of Crane Road and Church Lane. First because the 1930’s weathered brick home had a squirrel weathervane and lots of character and second because it was nicely setback on an ample size lot of just over a half acre.

Despite an opinion by the Village’s architectural historian Andrew Dolkart arguing for its preservation, developers received permission to tear down 29 Church Lane in 2022. In September 2022 builder Dean Scampone received permission from the Scarsdale Planning Board to subdivide the lot.

Now, the property has been divided and two very large homes have popped up. They appear to be very close together and close to the street. The bulk of the home on the corner blocks sightlines and may make this busy intersection even more dangerous. The street is narrow so if cars and trucks park on the street, drivers have to swerve into the opposite lane to pass them. Trees have been taken down, and there is a loss of pervious surface in an area that is prone to flooding.

A posting on Facebook about the demolition and subdivision in October 2022 received 60 comments. One said, “A long time ago/when we were kids here I remember learning that Scarsdale required every house built to be unique. No house could be a copy of another. I learned about this in 8th grade in Social Studies (Popham House 1983). Indeed that was what made Scarsdale a beautiful residential community. Every home was unique jewel box regardless of size, with a size and design harmoniously built within the parameters of its lot. It took thoughtful planning over time to make a beautiful and elegant community. It doesn’t take that much time to take it all down.”

Another said, “I am assuming it's in the hands of a developer?? The lot it sits on is so small … how would they fit two properties there?? Besides the sad fact that that beautiful home will be demolished, that cross section is already so busy and dangerous w its blind spots for vehicles and pedestrians ... this would involve at least 6 months of construction!! Outrageous!!”

The original house at 29 Church Lane.

And a third, asked, “I would love to better understand what we can do to stop the subdivisions and the building of houses that take up all the yard. So many beautiful homes and properties are being ruined in our lovely town!”

Still another said, “Does the Village and its code take any responsibility and will it manage safety with all of the construction vehicles --Crane and Church is a high traffic access point for Fox Meadow Elementary School and for students who walk to SHS. That is the only side of Church with sidewalk access. The number of accidents on Church and Crane between St James and Chase Rd continue to go unnoticed. How will the Village manage safety?

The same scenario occurs over and over again in Scarsdale, yet the Committee for Historic Preservation, the Planning Board, Zoning Board and Village Trustees throw out the welcome mat to developers while turning a deaf ear to neighbors and residents who clearly want better preservation laws, a halt to subdivisions and stricter building requirements. Each board claims that they are following the law governing their own board which prevents them from considering the total picture.

Is anyone listening? Why are we permitting a few developers to profit while we lose neighborhood character, exacerbate flooding and increase the risk of accidents?