Westchester in the Movies
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It turns out that segments of many award-winning television shows were filmed in Westchester. We received this press release from the county listing many of sites used in popular shows like Succession, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Gilded Age, the Watcher are places you drive by all the time.
Read this from Westchester County:
In a testament to its growing prominence in the entertainment industry as a film destination, Westchester County is well-represented this awards season, with several shows filmed within its borders garnering 56 Emmy Award nominations and notching nine wins in Monday night’s ceremony. The industry bestowed additional acclaim on productions filmed here with honors at last week’s Golden Globes and with recent honors from the prestigious Critics Choice Association, and Screen Actors, Producers and Directors Guilds.
County Executive George Latimer said: “The film industry's impact on Westchester is undeniable. A driving force for investment, film production is a $1.1 billion sector in Westchester. It showcases our assets, creates jobs, supports local vendors, and attracts audiences here and around the world.”
HBO’s “Succession” swept awards this year, scoring six Emmys, including outstanding drama and best writing in drama for show creator, Jesse Armstrong; four Golden Globes, including best drama, and three Critic’s Choice Awards. The series is set in New York City and in locations around the world, but the production filmed several episodes in film-friendly Westchester County. The shocking episode centering on the death of patriarch Logan Roy features scenes filmed at Westchester County Airport.
The long-running Amazon Prime show “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” filmed at Wykagyl Country Club in New Rochelle for its last season. The comedy earned two Emmy awards, for period makeup and cinematography. This year’s winners also include the Hulu murder mystery, “Only Murders in the Building,” which filmed at the Westchester County Records Center. The series received an Emmy for outstanding production design and a Critic’s Choice award for acting for star Meryl Streep.
Notably, Alchemy Post Sound, a post-production sound studio in Peekskill, took home a Creative Arts Emmy for its sound editing work on “The Bear” (FX).
Additional productions that earned award nominations this season include:
“The Watcher” (Netflix), filmed at a private home and country club in Rye
Photo Credit Netflix
“FBI: Most Wanted” (CBS), films regularly and extensively throughout Westchester
“The Other Two” (HBO), filmed at Haven Studios NY in Mount Vernon
“White House Plumbers” (HBO), filmed in the Michaelian Building in White Plains, Purchase College, Wykagyl Country Club in New Rochelle; and the Belvedere Estate in Tarrytown
“Poker Face” (Peacock), filmed at the former IBM campus in Somers
“The Gilded Age” (HBO), filmed at Lyndhurst, Glenview Mansion/Hudson River Museum, Manhattanville College, Jacob Purdy House, Pace University, and more
“Maestro” (Netflix) filmed in Rye
“The Crowded Room” (Apple TV+), filmed at Untermyer Park and Gardens in Yonkers and downtown Hastings-on-Hudson
Westchester County Tourism & Film Director Natasha Caputo said: “Westchester's diverse locations provide excellent backdrops for storytelling, exemplified by these numerous recognitions. The honors celebrate how attractive our region is to the film industry and signal the quality of production that’s taking place.”
Film business has steadily grown due in no small part to the services provided by Westchester County Tourism & Film. The film office provides location guidance, offers technical visits, and facilitates the permit process. The support makes a big difference in choosing where to film, according to many industry professionals.
Location manager for “FBI: Most Wanted” Mike Hartel said: “They understand our needs and pave the way for successful filming. Westchester provides a wide range of looks and plenty of space to park trucks and equipment, set up complicated shoots, and establish base camps. Whether I need a traditional English garden, a Florida marina, a suburban home, or a wooded area, I know that Westchester has a location and facilitators to make filming as easy as possible.”
Westchester’s film-friendly communities enhance the appeal of filming here, with crews visiting local parks and enjoying the best of the area, adds Michael Engler, “The Gilded Age” director. “We love shooting in Westchester. When we go up there, everyone enjoys it and stays for a few days... People are extremely friendly and gracious…creating a sense of community.”
(Top Photo Credit: Lyndhurst)
Rite Aid on East Hartsdale Avenue to Close
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Residents are losing another essential retailer. This week we learned that the Rite Aid at 196 East Hartsdale Avenue will close. It appears that the closure is due to a restructuring due to a filing for bankruptcy.
The store was popular with people who live in the apartments on East Hartsdale Avenue along with many other Scarsdale residents who relied on their pharmacists for prescriptions and vaccines. The store also sold some grocery items to allow those walking through town to pick up food, milk and household items.
In response, Paul Feiner has posted a petition on Change.Org asking the landlord to replace the Rite Aid with another pharmacy, convenience store or grocery store.
His petition says, “The sad announcement that Rite Aid will be closing in February is devastating news to many seniors who live on East Hartsdale Ave, Hartsdale. Residents who live on the avenue have depended on Rite Aid for milk, eggs, toiletries and other items for the many years that Rite Aid has served our community.
We are signing this petition in the hopes that you will try hard to find a replacement tenant that will offer our community the same positives that Rite Aid did. Suggestions would include a grocery store (we had that in the past), a 7-11 kind of convenience store, a green natural organic grocery.
Please consider the seniors. Many seniors don't have cars and depend on stores they can walk to to purchase food and essential items.”
If you want to sign it, click here:click here:
Bronxville Police Sergeant Shoots Family and Takes His Own Life
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Bronxville is mourning the death of a police sergeant and his family as a result of a murder suicide. Clarkstown Police report that just after midnight on December 30, Sergeant Watson Morgan (age 49) from the Bronxville Police Department, his wife Ornela Morgan (age 43) and their two boys ages 10 and 12 were found dead in their home in New City.
The New City Police discovered their bodies when Morgan failed to show up for his shift at the Bronxville Police earlier that evening.
Police officials said Watson Morgan, a sergeant with the Bronxville Police Department, fatally shot his wife, Ornela Morgan, 43, and their sons before taking his own life. All four had gunshot wounds, police said. A handgun was recovered at the scene.
Here is a press release from the Bronxville Police Department:
Questions and Answers about the Building Moratorium
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Questions about the moratorium? Here are answers from the Village of Scarsdale
2024 Scarsdale Land Use Moratorium FAQ
On November 14, 2023, the Scarsdale Board of Trustees introduced a proposed local law to enact a temporary six (6) month moratorium on certain land use applications within the Village’s residential zoning districts. There was a public hearing to discuss the proposed local law at the Board’s December 12, 2023 meeting. The public hearing was adjourned to January 9, 2024 with the intent to revise the language of the Moratorium local law before that date. The Board met on December 19, 2023 in a work session and came to an agreement on possible changes. A revised version of the Moratorium was then published by the Village on December 30, 2023. The public hearing was continued on January 9 and the local law was passed by the Board of Trustees later at the same meeting. The Moratorium is in effect until July 9, 2024, unless terminated earlier or extended. You can read the new law here.
This document is offered to the public in an effort to answer frequently asked questions which may arise. This document shall not be construed as legal advice, is not a substitute for the local law and is subject to revision.
1) I submitted my land use application on or before December 19, 2023, am I subject to the Moratorium?
NO, wholly exempt.
a) Any land use application (including special permits and building permits) approved, received, or pending on or before December 19 is entirely exempt from the Moratorium and is subject to the zoning and land use regulations in effect prior to the adoption of the Moratorium.
b) Such application may also be referred, heard, reviewed, and approved by other land use boards to secure other approvals necessary to complete the project as well as receive reasonable approval extensions.
i) For example, an application submitted to the planning board on or before December 19, 2023, may then move on to the Board of Architectural Review, the Board of Appeals, or Committee for Historic Preservation for additional approvals as needed.
c) Note: One proceeds at their own risk and may have to comply with any adopted zoning amendments unless 1) work is completed; 2) substantial construction as determined by the Building Inspector has occurred; or 3) the adopted zoning amendment exempts compliance for previously approved projects and issued permits.
2) I submitted my land use application after December 19, am I subject to the Moratorium?
YES.
3) Can I submit a land use application now?
Land use applications will not be accepted for review pursuant to Section 6 of the Moratorium, unless the application falls under one of the exceptions set forth in Section 7 or, receives a variance or waiver according to the hardship appeal procedure established in Section 8. Please see Section 6 of the Moratorium for which types of land use applications are temporarily prohibited from being accepted, reviewed, and approved while the Moratorium is in effect.
4) What are some of the exceptions to the Moratorium?
(a) Any repair, maintenance and/or interior or exterior renovation/alteration may proceed as per Section 7(I) if it does not increase lot coverage or stormwater runoff. However, pursuant to Section 7(I), exterior alterations which are estimated to cost more than $50,000 will be referred to the Interim Review Committee for the review process set forth under Section 7(L)(d). Please note that exterior alterations requiring substantial demolition are generally not allowed. Those requiring less than substantial demolition could proceed as per Section 7(I) as well as compliance with an expedited historic review process as per Section 7(L)(d). The Village Building Department will determine, on a case-by-case basis, if an applicable exemption applies.
(b) Applications that increase building footprint may still proceed if the new construction or expansion / addition meets the modified setbacks, FAR, Building and Lot Coverages in Section 7(L), do not require a stormwater connection to the Village’s system and comply with the historic review process in Section 7(L)(d) (if applicable). For example, the addition of a 2nd floor which does not increase lot coverage or stormwater runoff may proceed if the project otherwise complies with the Moratorium.
5) Can I make an addition to my home?
Yes, if the project complies with Section 7(L) of the Moratorium. Additionally, the regulations set forth in Section 7(L) of the Moratorium are temporary and do not make existing properties non-conforming in any way. These temporary regulations are intended to allow some new construction or additions to be built during the Moratorium. However, any new construction or addition which will increase the footprint of a building must comply with these temporary regulations.
6) Will a permit to demolish an existing house be granted during the Moratorium?
Generally, no. Pursuant to Section 7(J) of the Moratorium, the Building Department may only issue demolition permits to redress a casualty loss or a home that suffered catastrophic damage provided that any new construction does not increase the footprint or bulk of what existed previously. Demolition of less than 50% of a home may proceed if the project complies with Section 7(L) and receives approval from the Interim Review Committee established under Section 7(L)(d).
7) What about fences and generators?
Sections 7(H) and (M) exempt the installation of generators and fences from the Moratorium.
8) Can I resurface my driveway?
Yes, pursuant to section 7(I) provided the footprint of the driveway is not expanded or pursuant to Section 7(L) if you also comply with the lot coverage requirements in Section 7(L).
9) Does the Moratorium apply to special use permits for swimming pools and tennis courts?
Yes, unless an application meets the criteria established in Section 7(L). If it does, then a request for a special use permit may proceed to the Zoning Board of Appeals who shall consider any such applications accordingly.
10) Will Stormwater and Erosion Control (SWEC) permits be issued during the Moratorium?
Yes, but only in connection with a project that falls within one of the exemptions set forth under Section 7 of the Moratorium.
11) Will applications for subdivisions be processed during the Moratorium?
Yes, Section 7(N) provides that an application for a subdivision may proceed to the Planning Board if it complies with Section 7(L).
12) I have plans to slightly expand my home. This will include a very minor amount of demolition and exterior work. Am I permitted to proceed?
Possibly, subject to compliance with Section 7(L). Such determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis by the Village Building Department.
13) What is the “hardship appeal” process previously mentioned?
a) Any owner who believes that the Moratorium has imposed an unreasonable hardship upon them may apply to the Village Board of Trustees for a waiver or variance of the Moratorium’s application.
b) It is the applicant’s responsibility to show that the Moratorium has imposed an unreasonable hardship upon them personally. The applicant must also show that the granting of the variance or waiver will not materially undermine the purpose of the Moratorium or adversely affect the interests of the health, safety, or general welfare of the community. The Board of Trustees will make each “hardship” appeal determination on a case-by-case basis.
c) Any such application for a “hardship” variance/wavier must be submitted to the Building Department as well as comply with all other applicable provisions of the Village Code and State law.
d) All “hardship” appeal applicants must pay the requisite fee or escrow amount for processing and reviewing the application. The applicant may also be responsible for paying the reasonable costs of any consultant that the Board of Trustees retains to assist in reviewing the application. The Board of Trustees are required to make a final decision on the “hardship” appeal within sixty (60) calendar days of receipt of a complete application.
Ho Ho Ho: See What’s In Store for the Holidays in Scarsdale
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Hanukkah began early this year. We lit the first candle on Thursday night December 7 with Christmas close behind.
We reached out to retailers in town to see what they recommend for holiday gifts and here is what they have in store. Browse below and then visit them to support our local economy.
Happy happy to you from Scarsdale10583.com.
I Am More Scarsdale
From everyday jewelry, woven travel accessories, leather metallic handbags, candles & diffusers, to hats, texting gloves and scarves, I Am More Scarsdale has all of your gifting needs!
Linda Richards hats ($120) & fingerless fur gloves ($84), Evolg texting gloves ($40-$53), Rino & Pelle Scarf ($74), Everyday Jewelry ($68-$178), Lemiz metallic leather bags ($365-$495), TRVL woven accessories($44-$84), Harlem Candles($48-$98) & Diffuser($52)
Naghedi signature sustainable handwoven neoprene totes ($210-$360)
I Am More’s mission is to empower women to make them feel confident, to support women-owned businesses and designers, and to give back to local and women’s philanthropic organizations. I Am More operates as a philanthropic business, with ownership forgoing a salary in order to donate profits to the organizations that it supports.
I Am More Scarsdale, 6 Spencer Place, Scarsdale, 914-723-6673 (MORE) @iammore.scarsdale
Eye Gallery
Eye Gallery of Scarsdale invites you to check out the latest sunglasses and eyewear for this holiday season! With new styles from Chanel, Celine, Chrome Hearts, Thierry Lasry, Jacques Marie Mage, Barton Perriera and AHLEM eyewear you will never run out of options for holiday gifts this year! And while you’re in town make sure to make an appointment for your annual eye check-up.
Keep an eye out for the opening of our brand new expanded facility at 15 Boniface Circle this winter.
Eye Gallery of Scarsdale, 8 Spencer Place, Scarsdale, (914) 472-2020.
Current Home
Home is where the love is this holiday and Current Home has exactly what everyone needs to make time at home special. We are the go-to destination for a large selection of truly thoughtful and luxury gifts the whole family can enjoy.
This gift set contains four Double Old Fashioned tumblers inspired by the four elements of the Baccarat crystal. Perfect for the mixologist in your life: $600
The Ripple Frame from L'Objet embodies the modernist spirit of the 1970s. Fill these stunning frames and create vivid memories that will last a lifetime: From $200
The Excelsior Rumi Set is an elegant twist on an old favorite: $165
Current Home: 1096 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale and 1189 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY.
Pamela Robbins
The iconic store is where luxury and lifestyle come together for women of all ages seeking anything from tee-shirts and jeans to an outfit for a special event. Loyal customers and newcomers alike are drawn to Pamela Robbins for Pam’s incredible sense of style and her team of stylists.
In store for the holidays:
The 90’s Bag from the Row: With a focus on exceptional fabrics, impeccable details and uncompromising quality, The Row explores the strength of simplistic shapes, resulting in timeless staples with subtle irreverence. The '90s' bag is crafted from supple suede with softly rounded edges, leather piping and a slim strap. Use it to carry the essentials.
Signature TOTEME Turtleneck Sweater: Knitted with classic sand and black stripes. It’s made from heavyweight wool certified by the Responsible Wool Standard and organic cotton to a box silhouette framed by a tall neck and wide, extra-long sleeves with dropped shoulders. Style it with the neck undone for a nonchalant look.
Find these and more sweaters, bags, and great looks from heritage brands and contemporary designers at Pamela Robbins, 5 Boniface Circle, Scarsdale. (914) 472-4033.
Scentfluence
Scent the season with gifts, wrapped beautifully and smelling 
fantastic for everyone on your list. Teacher gifts, Hostess gifts, Corporate gifts, Stocking stuffers…easy, wrapped and ready. Let ScentFluence take these to-dos off your list.
Enhance your holiday home with our seasonal diffusible ambient oils, elegant diffusers, great smelling candles, scent samplers, and more. Explore our extensive library of scent oils including our unique collection of luxe hotel collabs (only available at ScentFluence). Discover something for every room and everyone.
Private in-studio scent-events are a unique gift for small gatherings of friends, or holiday company event. Contact [email protected] 914-338-5070. ScentFluence hours: Tues-Sun 12-5.
ScentFluence, 22 Harwood Court, Scarsdale
Dobbs & Bishop Fine Cheese Shop
Dobbs and Bishop Fine Cheese Shop has opened their second location in Scarsdale! They would like to say thank you to everyone for coming to support them and giving them such a warm welcome.
The holiday season is upon us, don't forget to pre-order your holiday baskets and platters. They have an assortment of gourmet cheeses from the states all the way to across the pond to Europe! Their products include anything you might need to put together a delicious cheese board and specialty items for cooking. They also receive fresh bread and pastries daily from Balthazar Bakery and Wave Hill Breads. Their cheese-mongers can arrange a selection to meet any of your needs or budget.
Dobbs & Bishop Fine Cheese, 35 Spencer Place, Scarsdale, (914) 574-5888
Open Monday-Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm and Sunday 11:00am-4:00pm
Bronx River Books
Get your Season’s Readings at the neighborhood bookshop. Over 17,000 different titles currently in store. Hundreds of thousands more available within three days by special order. Plus jigsaw puzzles (more than 300 designs), bookish gift items, and gift certificates. In-store and website shopping.
Bronx River Books, 37 Spencer Place, Scarsdale, 914-420-6396.
Greenwich Medical Spa
"Give the gift of confidence this holiday season. Delight friends and family with a GMS gift card to use however they wish on treatments like facials, laser hair removal, botox, filler and much more. You might just want one for yourself!"
Greenwich Medical Spa, 1132 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale, (914) 228-1954
SBA Dale Dollars 
Not sure what to buy? Then give them a ‘Dale Dollars eGift Card, a community-based digital gift card that makes it fun and easy to keep spending local. Purchase a ‘Dale Dollars eGift Card here to use at any of the participating shops in the neighborhood. With this card, you can write a personal message and send it to family, friends and colleagues via email, text, or physical copy. Recipients can choose to spend it at one of many participating merchants in Scarsdale —or mix it up and spend flexibly at multiple locations.
All-digital and always available on your phone, the ‘Dale Dollars eGift Card is great for the holidays, birthdays, teacher appreciation, coach gifts, or just to show your appreciation to a friend. Now you can give back to the community while you celebrate the holidays and special occasions!
To add your holiday gift suggestions to this guide, email us at [email protected].
