The Buzz: Massa Closing, Earl Graves' House Hangs in the Balance and more...

Massa, the Italian restaurant in the Heathcote Tavern Building is closing, or as they say, relocating as of January 25, 2014. The move coincides with the application of Frederick Fish to develop a condominium complex on the property that is now the parking lot of the Heathcote Tavern Building. According to the non-binding agreement between developer Frederick Fish and the Village of Scarsdale, the historic Tavern building would remain. It was assumed that Fish would continue to operate a restaurant on the site – but now that Massa is closing, it has fueled speculation that the developer could use the restaurant space to construct four additional condominiums. Meanwhile, we spotted a sign for Massa' Coastal Italian Cuisine opening at 599 East Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck in the space that once housed Neméa Greek Taverna.

Sweat It: Competition is heating up for exercise studios in Scarsdale. Just on the heels of the opening of Physique57, the Barre studio in the Golden Horseshoe, Flywheel and Flybarre studio will open their doors on Scarsdale Avenue this weekend. And for those wondering who will occupy in the new building at 1 Palmer, in front of Balducci's, rumor as it that SLT, Strength, Lengthen, Tone, will soon take occupancy. Their slogan is "if cardio, strength training and pilates had a baby,.. it would be SLT," and they are currently in operation in Soho, Midtown, the Hamptons, Rye Brook and Short Hills, with new locations in Roslyn and Scarsdale coming soon. Check them out here: 

Also on our minds this week is the fate of Earl Graves' mansion at 8 Heathcote Road. An application to tear down the house, built in 1907, was rejected in a unanimous decision by the Committee for Historic Preservation. Graves was the founder of Black Enterprise Magazine and lived in the house from 1974 until September 2013 when it was sold for $7.5mm. The owners have the right to appeal that decision to the Board of Architectural Review who will meet at Village Hall on Monday night January 27 to hear their case.

Last, the School Budget Forum that was cancelled on Tuesday night due to the snow storm has been rescheduled for tonight, Thursday January 23 at 7:30 in rooms 170-172 of Scarsdale High School. Come out to hear the discussion and learn what your neighbors think is important to put in or take out of next year's school budget.