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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 06 March 2014

Created: 06 March 2014

Last Updated: 06 March 2014

Hits: 10759

Though the snow is still piled high outside, Pookie & Sebastian has just opened in the Village with some great looks for spring. The spacious new store, the seventh in the chain, extends from East Parkway to Harwood Court and has been artfully designed to display their very appealing line of clothing, bags, shoes, jewelry and accessories. From what they have in stock, it looks like we'll be wearing lots of white this summer – and perhaps some orange and navy too. There are sheer tunic tops – reasonably priced at $78, which can be paired with colorful jeans and jean shorts. Also on display are long, flowing maxi dresses, lace crop tops, and crochet cover-ups. They can outfit you from head to toe with a straw hat, platform sandals and wonderful accessories from their large selection of beads, chains and pendants. This store is going to be fun for both moms and their daughters. Stop by and tell them Scarsdale10583 sent you!
Pookie & Sebastian
34 East Parkway
Scarsdale, NY 10583
(914) 713-4396
Open 7 days a week from 10 am to 7 pm

Around the corner there's more in store at the newly-opened Green with Envy in two storefronts at 6-8 Harwood Court. They've got display cases filled with jewelry, as well as scarves and bags for you or to give as a gift.

The jewelry starts with a fashion forward collection of bracelets, necklaces and earrings and extends to designer lines with semi-precious stones. There are 1950's Swarovski crystals, diamonds So whether you're looking for a $25 gift or a $10,000 indulgence, you'll find it in their collection. On the other side of the store I spotted some wonderful spring leather totes, cashmere wraps in pastel colors plus crinkly scarves ($18 -$40)

Green With Envy
6-8 Harwood Court
Scarsdale, NY 10583
914-725-9700

Meanwhile – it looks like Cosmetic Boutique around the corner on Spencer Place did not get off to a good start. The store is closed and a sign says they have temporarily shut their doors due to a problem with the furnace. Will keep you posted on this one!

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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 12 March 2014

Created: 12 March 2014

Last Updated: 12 March 2014

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Development of a six-lot subdivision on Cushman and Garden Roads will proceed, despite objections from a Willow Road resident who lives "downstream" from the property and fears that runoff from the development will endanger his property. A decision by the Scarsdale Planning Board to allow the KOS Building Group to move forward with the project was challenged by Robert Falk of 3 Willow Lane who brought an Article 78 proceeding to NYS Supreme Court objecting to the Planning Board's negative SEQRA declaration, which is a determination that the project would not have significant adverse environmental impacts.

Since both Falk's home and the proposed development sit in a designated sensitive drainage area, his attorney argued that runoff from the property would raise the water level in the stream that runs through his property to dangerous levels.

To receive approval from the Planning Board, KOS Building Group was required to submit a Storm water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) outlining their plans to install underground infiltration and retention tanks to capture storm water runoff. Experts retained by KOS contend that with the new system, storm water runoff volumes will be lower than at present. However Falk and his experts disputed these findings and took issue with the deep pit tests that were conducted to determine the seasonal high water level. They believed that forensic soil analysis should have been done to indicate the true seasonal high groundwater level and also argued that the testing was done during a relatively dry year and therefore the results were not representative of a typical wet season.

Both the Planning Board and KOS responded to Falk's objections saying, among other things, that his house is 300' away from the property and is separated from it by a street and another property. They claim that his allegations that his property will flood are speculative. The Planning Board contended that they followed all required steps in making their determination; holding four public meetings and hiring outside consultants and therefore met regulations for storm water infiltration and retention systems.

The court ruled that Falk did have "established standing" to bring the proceeding and demonstrated that he was at risk. However they found that there was a rational basis for the Planning Board's negative SEQRA declaration and that the determination was not "arbitrary or capricious." They denied the Article 78 petition.

Commenting on the decision, Falk stated: "I am very disappointed by the Court's Decision. This subdivision lies right in the heart of a sensitive drainage area. The runoff and flooding in this area is a serious problem. I am not opposed to development of this site; however, I sought assurances that the increase in storm water runoff from the new homes would be adequately managed. Any uncontrolled runoff from this site would end up in the stream in my backyard. My professional consultants submitted detailed reports to the Planning Board, explaining their technical concerns about the design of the Applicant's storm water system. My main concern was whether the Applicant accurately measured the seasonal high groundwater level. We think the Planning Board approved the project without having this key data. In particular, we think that the Board erred in failing to order the same kind of groundwater tests that were used in reviewing the storm water systems for two prior subdivision plans for this property. These plans were abandoned after the new tests revealed that the groundwater levels were materially higher than represented by the project engineer based on standard deep hole testing procedures."

Brad T. Schwartz, of Zarin and Steinmetz, who represented Falk said, "This Decision reaffirms that the legal standard for upholding municipal land use decisions is low. The Court determined that Mr. Falk did not meet the extremely high standard of proof required to show that the Planning Board acted arbitrarily and capriciously. Mr. Falk does not plan to appeal. "

Mr. Falk continued, "The Court did not say that the Planning Board did a good job in reviewing this application, or that it acted prudently under the circumstances. The Court only found that the Board satisfied the rationality test – an extremely low bar. Apparently, the Village believes that development trumps prudent storm water management, and because of the almost impossibly high standard of proof required to successfully challenge the actions of a municipal board, residents really have no practical recourse."

However, Joshua E. Kimerling of Cuddy and Feder who represented KOS Builders said, "We are pleased with the decision of the court as it is supported by the facts in the record for the subdivision and the meaningful review by the Planning Board in issuing the approval for the subdivision. We look forward to proceeding with the project."

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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 24 February 2014

Created: 24 February 2014

Last Updated: 24 February 2014

Hits: 6708

Always on the prowl for new dining spots in Westchester we jumped at the chance to check out Fortina in Armonk and braved the potholes to get there. Located in a new shopping center off Route 22, the barn-like, rustic wood-paneled interior gives the impression that the restaurant has been in operation for longer than its short nine-month tenure. The large space includes a 50-foot stainless steel bar and ample seating to accommodate families and large parties. Though it's billed as a pizza place we quickly saw they had much more to offer.

The gen-X staffers are inviting and hip – and you almost feel like you are in Williamsburg rather than deep in suburbia. Our waiter's hair was wound into a top-knot and he looked adorable and was friendly and generous with advice on what to order. Chef Christian Petroni came to Fortina from Barcelona Restaurant in Greenwich and also happens to be a co-owner of Cooked & Co. in Scarsdale.

The drink selection is extensive. For wine I counted 22 whites available by the bottle (and some by the glass), ranging in price from $36 to $112 per bottle. There are draft beers, ciders, ales and beers from many countries. The cocktail selection is appealing as well –with many imaginative concoctions including unusual spirits and liquors.

While we considered the extensive menu and sipped our drinks, we munched on spicy green olives bathed in red peppers. Since we were a large party, we had the chance to order and taste a good array from Fortina's menu.

For appetizers we shared garlic bread topped with melted mozzarella and accompanied by fresh, chunky tomato sauce. That was irresistible and filling. We also ordered the fried meatballs in tomato ragu with parmesan cheese. Those were crisp on the outside, flavorful on the inside, and a meal in themselves. Salads are served in large bowls. We had the house salad with romaine, red onion, cucumber, and tomato in a crispy Italian dressing. The lettuce was crisp and crunchy and we would order that one again.

For starters, there is also a selection of salumi e formaggi – at $11 each, $19 for three or $29 for five. On the list are sweet and hot sopressata, speck, mortadella and more meats as well as fontina, pecorino, provolone, manchego, gorgonzola dolce and parmesan. I would consider going back to sit at the bar to feast on these meats and cheeses with a glass from Fortina's wine cellar.

Pizza and pasta are the restaurant's mainstays and the smell of the wood—fired pizza oven infuses the restaurant. From the pizza menu we ordered a classic margherita, "The Luigi Bianco" with burrata, robiolona, parmesan and black truffle, and a prosciutto pie with mozzarella, tomato, arugula and olives. The pizzas emerged hot from the oven and were staged atop large empty San Marzano tomato tins on the table. The crusts were bready and delectable and it was difficult not to scarf these slices down too fast. The truffle pizza – swimming with truffle oil and mushrooms was gone first – but in fact all three pizzas were delicious.

From the Primi menu, we ordered three of Fortina's pastas, each arriving in it's own ceramic casserole. All were consumed and enjoyed including the ravioli with fresh ricotta, pomodoro and basil, the "Wood-fired Paccheri – pasta and baby veal meatballs in a rich béchamel sauce, and the spicy "Pici,"baked with tomato, onion, smoked bacon and a dash of chili. For those looking for meat and fish, there's a wood-roasted half chicken, prime dry-aged beef, pork braciole and a market fish of the day. We were too busy downing carbs to try these, but since everything we had was good, I 'd have to assume these dishes would be as well.

The atmosphere was relaxed, informal and lively enough to ward off another dark winter night. Kids were busy with crayons, singles were mixing it up and people of all generations appeared to be enjoying the food and the ambiance. Prices were reasonable – with pizzas ranging from $11 to $21 and pastas at $15. Why was there a large oil painting of Bill Murray dressed up as Ernest Hemingway on the wall? You'll have to go there yourself to get the story.

So – if you can't get into Polpettina in Eastchester, hop in the car for a more spacious rendition of their menu and more. You can't go wrong on the food and you'll have a good time too!

Fortina
17 Maple Avenue
Armonk, NY
(914) 273-0900
Monday through Friday
12- 2:30 pm
Dinner starting at 5 pm
Saturday and Sunday –Dinner starting at 5 pm
Sunday Brunch 12 pm – 2:30 pm
http://www.fortinapizza.com/