Real Estate: Trustees Prioritize Changes to Land Use Code and Procedures

Village Trustees are taking steps to re-examine aspects of local zoning code in an effort to reduce the number of teardowns and the bulk of new homes. At a meeting of the Land Use Committee on June 12, trustees discussed a wide array of measures that arose after discussion with the Village land use boards in November, 2017.

Deputy Village Manager Robert Cole outlined the measures under consideration, some of which are procedural, and others that would involve a change to Village Code.

For instance, members of the Board of Architectural review asked if they could review landscaping plans at an early enough stage to influence decisions about tree preservation, screening and other landscaping elements. Trustees discussed how this could be accomplished as part of the BAR submission process.

Also on the list of items to be examined are changes to the Floor Area Ratio code, (which details the amount of allowable square feet for a home based on the size of the lot) as well as FAR bonuses and setback requirements with the goal of limiting the size of newly constructed homes. For instance, the current code has a provision that allows second story space built over a garage to be exempt from the floor area ratio calculation. If this bonus were eliminated, it would cut down on the permissible size of new homes.

Under consideration is the requirement for a special use permit for homes of over 15,000 to be constructed.

Trustees will review the provision that requires that any bonus square footage for additions to existing family homes to be added in the rear of the structure as it was suggested that this encourages teardowns.

A suggestion to reduce the size of the side-yard setback bonus or to implement a 5% reduction in all of the FAR code could also impact the size of new homes.

Village staff is examining zoning provisions in neighboring municipalities including building height, setbacks and FAR and will share their findings with the Village Board.The Village was unable to save this historic home at 12 Dolma Road  after the homeowners appealed a ruling to deny permission to demolish it from the CHP.

Looking at demolitions, the Village Board recently changed the Historic Preservation code to define the term “Master.” They also changed the criteria for preservation that formerly said, “That the building is the work of a master; and
That the building embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction that possess high artistic value;

By changing the word AND to OR they provided more opportunities for preservation. They are also appointing an architect from outside the community to serve on the committee.

Village Attorney Wayne Esannason  is drafting a local law to support historic designations of local properties, building on the 2012 survey of historic properties that was conducted by Li/Salzman Architects and Andrew Dolkhart.

Trustees may engage a consultant to model some of these changes, to examine what happens in different scenarios and to determine whether or not the change will address the concerns people have about bulky houses.

You can read more about the changes under consideration here:

Sales
64 Greendale Road64 Greendale Road: Dramatic 5 bedroom/5.2 bathroom sun-filled classic. Special features: front porch, 9' ceilings on 1st/2nd floors, double door entrance, California custom closets, whole house generator, office with coffered ceiling, custom built-ins and 2 sets of French doors, Cook's kitchen with large dining area that leads to mud room with bead board and door to rear private bluestone patio, 2nd floor cozy upstairs family room. Square footage includes lower level family room and mirrored exercise room.
Sale Price: $2,595,000
Assessed Value: $1,900,000
Real Estate Taxes: $46,136

15 Paddington Road15 Paddington Road: Sited on .45 acres of lush plantings and perennial gardens. This very bright, open and expansive home with two fireplaces, showcases exceptional architectural details and incredible eat-in kitchen, stunning master suite, marble bath, fabulous family room. Large lower level playroom, gym/media room.
Sale Price: $2,080,000
Assessed Value: $2,126,750
Real Estate Taxes: $57,829

3 Edgewood Road3 Edgewood Road: High quality home with a sought after location. High end kitchen with connecting family room opens to a covered porch. Master suite with two walk in closets. Jack and Jill bathroom connects two family bedrooms and one bedroom has an en suite bath. Laundry is conveniently located on the 2nd floor. Lower level has everything you could want from a guest room, full bathroom, media room/gym. Full two car garage, flat yard and professional landscaping complete the outside.
Sale Price: $1,765,000
Assessed Value: $628,800
Real Estate Taxes: TBD

2 Azalea Court2 Azalea Court: Set on almost one half acre, this residence has 4 bedrooms and 4 baths. The formal dining room opens into the modern chefs kitchen with a center island. The family room has a wood burning fireplace. Upstairs you will find the master bedroom suite, including a walk in closet and full bath. There are three additional bedrooms here, another full bath with double sinks, as well as a charming office or den space. The lower level features a recreation area, bedroom, office as well as a full bath.
Sale Price: $1,330,000
Assessed Value: $1,138,100
Real Estate Taxes: $37,873

166 Johnson Road166 Johnson Road: An exciting opportunity to buy in the Scarsdale School District at a very low price point with very low taxes. Home welcomes you to entry/foyer/living room area. The eat-in kitchen is located in the rear of the home which can be expanded into the bonus room with door to the patio. Convenient location to the park, playground, schools, shopping, restaurants and bus to Village and train.
Sale Price: $480,000
Assessed Value: $475,000
Real Estate Taxes: $10,480

Open House

234 Nelson Road234 Nelson Road, Scarsdale
Price: $1,495,000
Open House 6/16: 2pm-4pm
Learn more here.

Featured Listings
23 Innes Road23 Innes Road, Scarsdale: Exquisite New Construction in Heathcote on 1/2 acre with Room for a Pool. Crafted to perfection by an established local builder, this spectacular residence has been thoughtfully designed for today’s discerning buyer. Inside, the ideal center hall layout features well-proportioned spaces for elegant entertaining and everyday enjoyment. The spectacular and luxurious open kitchen-family room offers direct access to the park like 1/2 acre property, stone patio with glass railing and covered porch. Prime location within a stone's throw from Heathcote Elementary, Shops & Restaurants.
Offered at $4,395,000.
Learn More Here 

32 Cooper Road32 Cooper Road, Scarsdale: Impressive Colonial set on 1.18 private acres on one of the most coveted locations in Scarsdale's Murray Hill Estate area.This stunning residence, with 6758 SF including 1010 SF finished basement, fully rebuilt in 2002, features an elegant 2 story entrance hall w/sweeping curved staircase and spectacular living room with antique marble fireplace and 18 ft. ceilings with walls of glass showcasing dramatic views of the beautifully landscaped grounds.
Listing Price: $3,295,000
Learn More Here

19 Berwick Road19 Berwick Road, Scarsdale: Your Magnificent Mini Castle in Fox Meadow Awaits. Nestled in an exceptional location, this rare, private and perfectly level property offers .6 acres with ample room for a pool. Idyllic and convenient and quiet setting within a short walk to the Scarsdale Train Station, Shops, Scarsdale Schools and the Public Library. 6 Bedrooms, 4 Full Bathrooms, 3 Partial Baths. Newly Priced at $2,999,000 
Learn More Here

44 Meadow Road44 Meadow Road, Scarsdale: Masterful design & modern luxury are uniquely embodied in this one of a kind custom rebuilt home. Every detail was carefully selected & quality crafted including architectural detailed millwork, mahogany flooring, doors & custom vanities w/ various natural stones such as limestone and onyx. Enjoy gatherings in the 2 story fm rm w/ double sided fireplace, billiard rm & generously sized DR. Living is easy in this impressive residence! 
Listing Price: $2,995,000
Learn More Here

2 Weaver Street2 Weaver Street, Scarsdale : The Heathcote, Park Avenue luxury living in Scarsdale! Magnificent New Boutique Residence with 24/7 Concierge. Stunning 1-3 Bedroom Flats & a Duplex Apt. Perfect for those seeking a convenient and chic city lifestyle while appreciating all that Scarsdale has to offer, great public schools & town Amenities. 30 Minutes to NYC! Occupancy Summer 2018.
Prices range from $1,300,000-$3,350,000.
Learn More Here  

161 Rock Creek Lane161 Rock Creek, Scarsdale: Exquisitely set on a landscaped lush .45 acre, this stunning residence is perfectly sited on the bend of the road, commanding attention with its classically beautiful white-wash brick exterior. An entrance hall with broad views and a spiral staircase sets the tone for a house that strikes the perfect balance of the trade. 
Price: $2,050,000
Learn more here

77 Tunstall Road77 Tunstall Road, Scarsdale: Stunning and imaginative whole house renovation featuring: all new 35’ x 15’ chef’s kitchen/great room with quartz countertops, 8’ center island, custom cabinets and designer backsplash, top-of-the-line appliances, and French doors leading to a 454 square foot brand new deck; completely redesigned living room fireplace. 
Price: $1,950,000
Learn more here

40 Chesnut Street Unit PHE40 Chestnut Street Unit # PHE, Dobbs Ferry: Sweeping Hudson River views from this stunning two-bedroom condominium w/ 350 square foot loft and 3rd story cupola with 360 degree views of Village, River and Tappan Zee. In the heart of Dobbs Ferry and steps from train & 35 mins to NYC via metro north. Amenities include state of the art fitness center & rooftop deck. 
Listing Price: $1,949,000
Learn More Here

31 Rugby Road31 Rugby Lane, Scarsdale: Move right into this fabulous home located in the Greenacres estate section of Scarsdale. Meticulously and tastefully renovated for today's modern lifestyle! This 4 bedroom storybook sun filled Tudor brings a perfect blend of old world charm and modern amenities. A short stroll to Hartsdale Village,schools,Library, shops and train.
Listing Price:$1,165,000
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84 Spier Road84 Spier Road, Scarsdale: Expansive park like property in idyllic Quaker Ridge Neighborhood with pool surrounded by lush grounds that offer complete privacy and serenity. This spacious split is situated on .66 of an acre and has a great layout for entertaining and relaxing indoors & out. This is an amazing opportunity to make this a truly special home on one of the most secluded backyards in town.
Listing Price:$1,499,000
Learn More Here