A compilation of timely information regarding matters of interest to homeowners, buyers and sellers of real estate in Dobbs Ferry, the Rivertowns and the Westchester County, NY area in general.
Posted on December 6, 2019 2:51 pm by Scott Rosasco
The Rivertowns Holiday Trolley
Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty in Dobbs Ferry is sponsoring the Rivertowns Holiday Trolley, on Saturday, December 7. The office will be giving out candy canes and free, holiday basket raffle tickets. Have a photo taken with Santa, next door at the firehouse and watch the holiday tree lighting. Nothing like that small town appeal with big time charm at BHG Rand Realty, 108 Main Street, Dobbs Ferry NY.
See the link for full details and the trolley schedule, with participating Rivertowns shops and restaurants: Rivertowns Trolley
Only 4 brand new 1 bedroom units are still available, in this iconic, pre-War landmark building, at the most convenient location in Dobbs Ferry. Each residence boasts stainless appliances; gas range, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, granite counter tops and new bathrooms. Coupled with all the charm of yesteryear including terrazzo hallways, gleaming, original, ribbon inlaid hardwood floors and 9′ ceilings. Great security with new key fob entry and video. All new electric in each unit and a new laundry room. 4 blocks to Metro North commuter train. Across the street from Stop and Shop and convenient to all the chic restaurants and shopping in the village. Future plans include a gym and roof deck with river views. Free overnight parking within two blocks. Pets are allowed. Priced at $1999 month. 381 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry NY
2/5/2020 Call For More Information At: 914-960-3837 cell
The New York Times Real Estate Section recently espoused the benefits of living in Irvington NY. A brief quote was:
“A small town with a progressive attitude, Irvington offers residents a sense of community and history — as well as proximity to the Hudson River……According to data from the Hudson Gateway Multiple Listing Service, as of July 23 there were 53 single-family homes on the market, from a 948-square-foot, two-bedroom, 1926 Bungalow listed at $449,000, to an 11,653-square-foot, Eight-BedroomGated Colonial Built in 1929 for $4,950,000. There was one condominium, listed for $595,000, and 10 cooperative apartments, priced from $199,000 to $799,000.For the 12-month period ending July 23, the median sales price for a single-family home was $1,325,000, up from $1,192,500 during the previous 12 months. The median price for a condominium was $660,000, down from $675,250 the previous year; for a co-op, it was $245,000, up from $187,000 the year before…”
If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in The Rivertowns, let your #1 Rivertowns Real Estate Resource help. Call me to discuss all your real estate needs at 914-960-3837, or contact me thru the form below:
Stop down to Hastings-on-Hudson’s inaugural River Spirit Summer Music Series Tuesdays and enjoy a cool, summer evening on the Hudson, in MacEachron Waterfront Park. Hastings-on-Hudson now joins Dobbs Ferry’s long standing, Wednesday Summer Music Series, The Hastings-on-Hudson, Tuesday series, from 7PM – 9PM, is already well underway, with only 5 events left. Tonight’s performer is Wess Meets West who infuse elements of electronic music and post rock to blend otherworldly soundscapes. Please park in the Zinsser Commuter Lot across from the Hastings-on-Hudson train station. If there are no spaces available, please cooperate with police and event staff who will direct you to available parking, free after 6PM. Also, free shuttle service is available from 6PM – 9PM. The shuttle will run in a loop from the Zinsser Commuter Lot to the park. You may bring food and beverages to the event, however they will also be available for purchase. Should you wish for a slightly more formal way to enjoy the show, a great place might be at a table, outdoors, in the garden at Harvest on Hudson, directly adjacent to the park, a proud sponsor of the event.
On September 8 there will be the Grand Finale – The River Spirit Music & Arts Festival, a full-day event at Draper Park, also in Hastings-on-Hudson. The September 8 event requires tickets, which range in price from $10 – $15 for children to $35 for adults. Children under 5, free.
For information about buying or selling a home in the Rivertowns or to stay abreast of future events like this one, please fill out the form below. Or simply subscribe to this newsletter, in the upper right sidebar.
Housing inventory is up in Dobbs Ferry. With the average number of homes listed for sale in Dobbs Ferry in the first quarter of 2018 set at 28, there were nearly double the number of homes listed for sale in the second quarter, with 52 houses. Allowing for homes that have since sold quickly, those off the market or those currently under contract and waiting to close, there are currently 42 homes for sale in Dobbs Ferry. They range from a “Handyman’s Special” listed for $374,900 on the low end and range up to a$3,495,000 homeon the high end.
Summer is here and the living is easy. A great way to escape the heat is to stop down at your local waterfront restaurant and enjoy the waterborne breezes that are always cooler than anywhere else in the Rivertowns of Westchester County. A brief rundown of your Rivertowns waterfront dining options, from south to north, for 2018:
Forty North Restaurant
40 North Restaurant, in Hastings-on-Hudson has a 100 seat dining room with an adjoining deck for beautiful waterfront dining, re-opened under new management. Their venue is available for celebrations and has re-opened for dinner. The new owners have taken advantage of the beautiful Hastings-on-Hudson waterfront and water views to create a menu that celebrates the beautiful, bountiful, Caribbean. 914-274-8655 Forty North Restaurant
Harvest On Hudson Restaurant
Harvest on Hudson is located in the village of Hastings On Hudson, right on the Hudson River in Westchester, NY. The flagship restaurant of the Fort Pond Bay Company, the Harvest on Hudson waterfront location offers patio dining, an organic vegetable and herb garden, stone fireplace, a classy bar and lounge, view of the sunset over the Palisades and more. Chef David Amorelli creates authentic gourmet Italian cuisine, inspired by their fully-functional garden and local produce. Harvest on Hudson can also accommodate your dining experience for any private event. 914-418-5724 Harvest on Hudson Restaurant
Half Moon Restaurant
Half Moon is the newest addition to the Fort Pond Bay Company family, serving casual yet sophisticated American cuisine. Located in Dobbs Ferry, NY on the Dobbs Ferry waterfront, Half Moon has become a Westchester favorite for enjoying steaks, raw bar, and fresh Montauk seafood with a view, sipping a specialty cocktail at their outside bar, or even attending a special private event. Free Docking is available for boats at the adjacent Dobbs Ferry Waterfront Park. 914-693-4130 Half Moon Restaurant
Red Hat Restaurant
Nestled on the Irvington waterfront, Red Hat on the River is a French-American modern bistro which has been serving satisfied diners since 2007. There’s hardly a seat in the house that does not offer a spectacular view of the beautiful Hudson River. Banquettes and a pewter bar accent the space, while the walls of this 100-year old renovated factory building are adorned with WPA-era art evoking a feeling of a turn of the century Parisian bistro. 914–591-5888 Red Hat Restaurant
Sambal Restaurant
While not directly waterfront (separated by a short parking lot) the expansive, second story deck at Sambal Restaurant has great water views and Hudson breezes. From the restaurants web site: “We bring you the freshest organic ingredients, exotic herbs and spices from Thailand and Malaysia. The cooking process combines the high heat of the wok with constant agitation to create flavors and textures that are crisp, sharp yet complex. The fragrant and aromatic cuisine in a sophisticated, elegant ambiance helps us assure that you have a memorable dining experience. We look forward to serving you here soon.” 914-478-2200 Sambal Restaurant
Sunset Cove Restaurant
It’s hard to believe, but the views of the majestic Hudson, the sparkling lights of the Tappan Zee Bridge and soaring Palisades take a backseat to the masterful Italian Cuisine that awaits here on the Tarrytown waterfront. The outstanding culinary staff tap into their creativity and flair when presenting such entrees as house favorite Chicken Scarpriello served alongside a flavorful Day Boat Scallops Entree. Located in the Washington Irving Boat Club at 238 Green Street in Tarrytown, NY. From February through December, lunch is served Monday through Saturday, 11:30 AM until 3:00 PM. Dinner is served Sunday through Thursday 5:00 until 10:00 PM, and 5:00 until 11:00 PM Friday and Saturday. Brunch is available on Sunday, 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM and Sunday Dinner is served from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Free guest docking is available. 914-366-7889 Sunset Cove Restaurant
Barley On The Hudson Restaurant
Located in the old Striped Bass space at 236 West Main Street, next to Tarrytown Marina — which had been vacant since Hurricane Sandy left it severely damaged in 2012 — Barley on the Hudson is the seafaring sister outpost of Barley House, a popular tavern in Thornwood. Free guest docking is available. 914-418-5724 Barley On The Hudson Restaurant
Hudson Farmer And The Fish Restaurant
Hudson Farmer & The Fish is the southern showcase of the northern farm and restaurant in Purdy’s NY, bringing a New England feel to the Hudson waterfront. Situated on the Riverwalk in Sleepy Hollow, their menu features seasonal specialties from their farm, along with a full raw bar, pizza and innovative interpretations of your favorite seafood classics. Daily deliveries combine with the freshest gifts of the sea, supplied by Downeast Seafood for a true farm to table experience. Hudson Farmer & The Fish features an open kitchen with a chef’s counter, seasonal outdoor dining overlooking the Hudson River and a private back dining room for up to 16 guests. 914-631-8380 Hudson Farmer And The Fish Restaurant
If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in The Rivertowns, let your Number 1 Rivertowns Real Estate Resource help. Contact me today:
Dobbs Ferry NY
Dobbs Ferry will be celebrating July 4 in its usual big way with a fireworks display at dark, probably in the vicinity of 9:00 PM. The 2018 Dobbs Ferry fireworks display will be shot off from the north end of Waterfront Park on the Hudson River. Parking permits are required to park in Waterfront Lot, but those permits must be purchased in advance at village hall. Other than parking, this event is open to the general public. Prior to the show the village is also sponsoring the Thomas Cullen Picnic starting at 2:00 PM, also on the waterfront, parking permits required as well. Refreshments for sale or bring your own. Music by Rooney Tunes Entertainment. A great way to enjoy a dinner and the Dobbs Ferry fireworks show might be at one of the waterfront patios at The Half Moon Restaurant. Dobbs Ferry Fireworks 2018 Link
Irvington NY
July 4th Fireworks will be held for residents and their guests only.
The Village of Irvington and the F.A.C.E Committee will be holding the Annual Irvington Fireworks on Wednesday July 4th, 2018 in Matthiessen Park. The 2018 Irvington Fireworks will begin between 9:00pm and 9:30pm. Park Permits are required. No tents are allowed. All coolers are subject to inspection. Residents are asked to park on the east side of the train tracks to make it easier to leave at the end of the show. If you can’t get in to the park you can try viewing them from the private parking lot owned by Bridge Street Properties. Or make the event really special and book a reservation at Red Hat on The River. The Rain Date for the event will be Saturday September 29th as part of the planned Rocktoberfest Celebration. Irvington Fireworks 2018 Link
Tarrytown NY
Tarrytown Fireworks – Tarrytown, NY 10591 – July 4th, 2018 (Wednesday)
The Tarrytown Recreation Department will be hosting its 2018 Tarrytown fireworks display in Pierson Park on the Hudson just north of Tarrytown Marina, preceded by a concert by Kick-Start Charlie, which starts at 7pm. Fireworks at dusk (around 9:00 or 9:15). This event is free. A great place for dinner and the show would be one of the three dining venues at Sunset Cove Restaurant. Tarrytown Fireworks 2018 Link
Sleepy Hollow NY
Sleepy Hollow Fireworks – Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591 – July 4th, 2018 (Wednesday)
8:30- 9:15pm with Fireworks scheduled for dusk. 2018 Sleepy Hollow Fireworks can be seen from Beekman Ave, Kingsland Point Park, Horan’s Landing Park, DeVries Park and Barnhart Park. Carpool or walk as parking is limited (Rain date is Thursday, July 5). Have dinner and watch the fireworks from indoors or out at Hudson Farmer and the Fish, Sleepy Hollows’ newest waterfront restaurant. Sleepy Hollow Fireworks 2018 Link
If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in The Rivertowns, let your Number 1 Rivertowns Real Estate Resource help. Contact me today:
Posted on October 10, 2017 6:03 am by Scott Rosasco
2017 Dobbs Ferry Festa
Once again, this Saturday October 14, between 1 PM and 8 PM the “Ferry Festa” will be celebrated on Main Street and Cedar Street in the Dobbs Ferry village downtown. Featuring a wide variety of village businesses, outside vendors, food and music it looks to be a great time for the whole family. Stop by the Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty tent in front of our office at 108 Main Street, next to village hall. We will be sporting a haunted house theme with a raffle and crafts for kids. There will also be information available about real estate for sale and rent in Dobbs Ferry and the Rivertowns.
WHITE PLAINS— High sales rates, a sharp decline in inventory, and an uneven pattern of price increases across the region marked 2017’s first quarter entry to the real estate market recovery of the past five years, according to the recently released “2017 First Quarter Residential Real Estate Sales Report for Westchester, Putnam, Rockland and Orange Counties, New York” report authored by the Hudson Gateway Multiple Listing Service Inc. Realtors participating in the HGMLS, a subsidiary of the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors, Inc., reported a grand total of 3,700 closed transactions in the four-county region during the first three months of 2017, a 9.1% increase or 309 units more than last year’s first quarter results. The closings largely resulted from sales and market activity during the winter months of 2016 and early 2017, and comprised single-family houses, condominiums, cooperatives and 2-4 family houses……….
Rising sales and rising prices, coupled with low inventory, makes this a great season to sell your home. If you are thinking of selling, eitherEmail Meor call me at914-960-3837
“Once a downscale, sleepy Rivertown squeezed between Hastings-on-Hudson and Irvington, Dobbs Ferry has taken a giant leap to the forefront with a wave of commercial, residential, and lifestyle improvements. The biggest news in the village is the expected completion this fall of Rivertowns Square, a $150 million mixed-use development next to the Saw Mill at Lawrence Street. The project will turn an abandoned research laboratory into a….”
Following in its northern neighbor Irvington’s footsteps with their recently acquired knowledge that even national and state historic landmark status designations cannot prevent demolitions, a group of Dobbs Ferry homeowners and other concerned citizens have proposed the first historic district in the village. Centered on one of Dobbs Ferry’s prettiest streets, Belden Avenue, the historic district designation would establish what is and what is not acceptable for home renovations and/or replacements to maintain the historic nature and character of the street.
According to Dobbs Ferry village code, the village board may designate landmarks and historic districts as “a contiguous area containing a number of sites, buildings, structures or features having a special character and historical, architectural or aesthetic interest or value, and constituting a distinct section of the Village“
A similar, yet unsuccessful, attempt appears to have been made over 30 years ago, on an equally historic and pretty Dobbs Ferry street, Clinton Avenue. Hopefully, with proper planning and research, this new attempt will be more successful and stand as a model for future districts in the village.
An Ad Hoc Committee of residents, homeowners, architects, attorneys and village officials has been established to research and report back to the village board the necessary steps, benefits and ramifications of creating one or more historic districts.
According to Niche.com, a website that runs a ranking and review site, schools in the Westchester County Rivertowns rank among the most highly regarded in the State of New York. Schools were evaluated based on several statistics, as well as parent and student reviews. Amongst Rivertowns schools, Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Hastings-on-Hudson and Irvington rank among the NY Top 100. All four schools received A+ grades overall and closer scrutiny of the list reveals only minute differences between them. According to Niche.com, the high rankings are derived from a combination of factors including academics, extracurricular and sports involvement, positive school culture, diversity and overall happiness with all facets of the school experience.
This years Penguin Plunge, which hopefully signals the end of winter, will be held on the beach at Matthiessen Park, on the Irvington Waterfront, Sunday March 22, at 1 PM. A fundraising event at its core, in past years it has raised money for Irvington senior programs, open gym for teens, summer camp scholarships, the July 4th community fireworks celebration and additional revenue for the Park & Recreation Department’s budget. The March 22 date appears optimistic, given that we have had one of the coldest winters to date and the amount of ice in the Hudson River currently impedes all water access. If you want to give it a try this year, full details can be found on the event website at: https://sites.google.com/site/irvingtonplunge/
UPDATE: The Irvington Penguin Plunge is in postponement until its new date Sunday April 26.
Posted on December 4, 2014 6:02 am by Scott Rosasco
Before vs. (Proposed) After, at 19 Livingston Avenue, Dobbs Ferry NY
For the second time this year, the developer of the proposed and contentious 12 unit condominium complex, at the former Rudy’s Beau Rivage site in Dobbs Ferry, which seeks to block the panoramic Hudson river views from both the street and neighbors homes, will be appearing in front of the Dobbs Ferry Zoning Board. The purpose of their visit will be to appeal their second denial of the project by the Dobbs Ferry Architectural and Historic Review Board. The developer seeks to make the case that the AHRB once again acted in an “arbitrary and capricious” manner in denying their application with respect to a number of discrepancies between the proposal and the AHRB village code mandate required for approval. The developer seeks relief and permission to build the project as designed. Their first attempt, was denied by the ZBA, after a multi-month round of hearings. According to the Finding of Fact, submitted by the AHRB on October 22, the reasons for denial include Excessive Dissimilarity to the Neighborhood, Excessive Similarity of the Development to Itself and a failure to follow various parts of the Dobbs Ferry Residential Design Guidelines, as well as a lack of harmony with the neighborhood. Of particular concern in the denial is the fact that the construction of the complex as proposed, will result in a loss of property values to adjacent neighbors of between 10% – 20%. This is borne out by two appraisals from licensed real estate appraisers, submitted by neighbors. That equates to a loss of at least $60,000 – $120,000 per homeowner. Given the obvious and profound ramifications, when viewing the before and after documents and since there certainly must be many other ways to design and build a project like this, yet to the benefit of all, it remains to be seen how development of this parcel will proceed. The ZBA meeting is a public hearing and will be held at village hall, December 10, beginning at 8 PM.
UPDATE 12/11/2014: After an almost 3 hour debate, the application was continued on by the ZBA, until their next scheduled meeting; January 14, 2015 at 8 PM.
2012 Irvington Pengun Plunge. Photo by Scott Rosasco
Its that time of year again, when only the bravest Irvington residents and sympathetic non-residents decide to jump in the Hudson River for a good cause. This years event was previously postponed until March 16 and now has been postponed again until Sunday, April 6th at 1:00 p.m, presumably because the Hudson was so cold this year it actually froze over from shore. Given the current weather it can be assumed it is not much warmer now. You have a mere 13 days to get a team together or donate to the cause.
Posted on January 7, 2014 6:05 am by Scott Rosasco
Ardsley NY Featured in The Wall Street Journal
The January 4, 2014 Wall Street Journal featured a great article touting the benefits of living in bucolic Ardsley NY. It mentioned the excellent school system that Ardsley has become well-respected for, as well as some of the challenges the village faces with respect to traffic.
The village of Ardsley is concerned enough about a potential increase in traffic affecting its quality of life, it has led them to file an Article 78 lawsuit against neighboring Dobbs Ferry over its approval of the Rivertowns Square development, just across the village border.
The Mayor of Ardsley as well as two Realtors, myself included, were interviewed for this article. All in all, it is a good read for anyone considering a move to this part of southern Westchester County NY.
Posted on October 30, 2013 6:18 am by Scott Rosasco
Another Successful Halloween at the Rand Realty office. 2013
Dobbs Ferry celebrates Halloween in its usual big way with the annual Halloween Parade down Cedar and Main streets on Thursday, October 31. Generally starting in the vicinity of 4PM there are always a few younger goblins, who perhaps have earlier bedtimes or homework, showing up here at Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty at 3PM. We are usually overwhelmed by the number of spookily dressed trick or treaters and are continually amazed at their imaginative costumes. The homemade costumes are really the best. This year we will have our usual scary window costumes, flying bats on our awnings and even the occasionally more frighteningly dressed Realtor, handing out candy. Come early while we still have treats. The village of Dobbs Ferry will be providing entertainment by Joe Rooney.
Posted on September 12, 2013 6:10 am by Scott Rosasco
In the now all too typical “development vs. quality of life” conversation, it appears that the incredible Hudson River views from the once thriving Rudy’s Beau Rivage property, a local landmark at the southern gateway to Dobbs Ferry, are in jeopardy of being lost to a developers vision, for a wall of condominium buildings at the street, approximately 141′ long by 35′ high, on the now vacant site. Frighteningly enough, the village of Dobbs Ferry may be prepared to ignore its own new rules, some 10 years in the making, prohibiting this type of development, which robs the entire village of existing views, for one developers benefit. Currently, under village law, a thorough View Analysis must take place by village advisory boards before permitting this project to go forward. This View Analysis must seek to mitigate to the fullest extent possible the adverse effects of construction on existing views. The item is on the agenda, as a public hearing, for the Thursday, September 12 Planning Board meeting. The developers response so far has been to propose mitigating the loss of the views from his own property, by opening up views from the neighboring Cabrini Nursing Home property to the south. While this is all well and good for the Cabrini property and is probably something that should be done anyway, it fails to address the village code requirement for the applicant to mitigate his own property. Unfortunately, this has become the all too typical way for developers in Dobbs Ferry to shirk their own responsibilities under village law, with tacit support from the village governance.
Existing public Hudson River views are called out as important to Dobbs Ferry, in the recently enacted village code: “Views to the Hudson River, from both public and private property, are particularly important and demand consideration in the review of development applications. The purpose of these standards are to preserve the scenic quality of these resources and thereby promote a high quality of life, preserve property values, and promote sustainable economic development by limiting development that would reduce their visual integrity and to ensure that development does not block observation of a scenic view from delineated public viewing places.”
As well, section 300-46 of Dobbs Ferry Code states: “When development occurs on or in the vicinity of a well-recognized landmark or outstanding view it can have a dramatic negative effect upon the general character of the community. As part of the Vision Plan process, the Village has identified significant scenic views and view corridors from selected viewing places throughout the community. Views to the Hudson River, from both public and private property, are particularly important and demand consideration in the review of development applications. The purpose of these standards are to preserve the scenic quality of these resources and thereby promote a high quality of life, preserve property values, and promote sustainable economic development by limiting development that would reduce their visual integrity and to ensure that development does not block observation of a scenic view from delineated public viewing places.”
It will certainly be interesting to see if the Dobbs Ferry Planning Board, which is supposed to have the first look at these applications and which appears to wield the most power and influence over development, will embrace its new powers to thoroughly address this issue. Developers should be held fully accountable to village law, as opposed to the more typical rubber stamp reputation Dobbs Ferry has gotten over the past few years, towards development in the village, which comes at the expense of the quality of life of its residents.
This past Saturday’s, August 3rd edition of the Wall Street Journal featured a great review of living in Dobbs Ferry. Two Realtors were interviewed, myself included, as well as the Dobbs Ferry Mayor, Hartley Connett. In addition to great commentary and information on the flavors of the village, some of Dobbs Ferry’s wonderful dining and shopping destinations were mentioned. Featured on this list were Half Moon Restaurant and The Cookery, as well as the Fiamor and Affordables boutiques. All in all, a great article in a nationally read, financial newspaper.
The full article can either be viewed on the wsj.com site, generally by subscription only, at: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324136204578642362803411642.html
2013 2nd Quarter From The Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors MLS
According to the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors, the median sale price in the 2nd quarter jumped 5% in Westchester County, to $650,000, the highest 2nd quarter increase since 2008. In the region consisting of Westchester, Putnam, Rockland and Orange counties, sales volume is up 24% compared with the 2nd quarter of 2012. The HGAR MLS also reported 3,445 residential real estate closings in the past quarter, with both a 23.8% volume increase in the Westchester county single family home segment and a 27.8% volume increase in the Westchester cooperative housing market. This is viewed as the beginning of a sustained recovery. The low interest rates and increased volume of transactions however has also resulted in a shrinking inventory of homes for sale in the area. Available inventory is down 13.1% over this time last year.
There were 1,425 sales of single-family homes in Westchester in the second quarter, 296 sales of condos, 391 co-op’s and 113 multi-family dwellings. There were 2,202 single-family homes sold in the first six months of 2012 in Westchester, representing a 17.1 increase from last year and the highest figure in the past four years.
For the full report see: http://cdn2.dailyvoice.com/sites/default/files/2ndqtr2013salesreportfinal_1.pdf
With the 4th of July rapidly approaching, in the Rivertowns of Westchester County NY, here is a quick rundown on what shows can be expected:
Dobbs Ferry will be hosting its fireworks display on July 4th at dark, probably in the vicinity of 9:00 PM. The display will be shot off from the north end of Waterfront Park on the Hudson River. Parking permits are required to park in Waterfront Lot, but those permits must be purchased in advance at village hall. Other than parking, this event is open to the general public. Prior to the show the village is also sponsoring the Thomas Cullen Picnic starting at 3:00 PM, also on the waterfront, parking permits required as well. Entertainment by Joe Rooney. A great way to enjoy a dinner and fireworks show might be at one of the waterfront patios at The Half Moon Restaurant.
The village of Irvington will be having its fireworks show at dark as well, from the north end of Matthiessen Park on the Hudson. This event is limited to Irvington residents for those wishing to enter the park and park passes are required. Parking is never guaranteed for this event, so the best bet might be to park in the village ahead of time and partake in one of the many fine Irvington restaurants for dinner before walking down to the show. Excellent viewing most likely can be also had from Red Hat Restaurant on the Hudson.
The Village of Tarrytown in cooperation with the Village of Sleepy Hollow will have its July 4th fireworks shot off at the General Motors site in Sleepy Hollow. The rain date will be July 5. Pierson Park remains under construction and will not be available to the public as a public viewing area. Scenic Hudson RiverWalk Park will be open, as well as Kingsland Point Park in Sleepy Hollow. The Hudson Harbor property, located just east of the RiverWalk Park and north of West Main Street is not available to the general public for viewing the fireworks. All of the commuter parking lots will be open and available to the public, including the West Main Street commuter parking lot. West Main Street will be closed just west of the West Main Street parking lot. If you can time your reservations correctly, a great viewing spot might be the 2nd floor deck of the Moon River Grill in Sleepy Hollow, overlooking the General Motors property.
As the lazy days of Summer 2013 are upon us and last Friday was the longest day of the year, the Dobbs Ferry Better Homes and Gardens Rand Real Estate office is proud to present our 2013 Annual Summer Events Guide. This guide is a comprehensive list of all the great things to do in the Rivertowns and the Hudson River Valley, in this great summer season. Read the full event guide at: http://www.randrealty.com/r4lreport.aspx?ai=11FF&rp=summer2013#page=1
This Friday 5/31 the Irvington Boat Club, located on the Hudson River in Irvington NY is holding a public open house to introduce potential new members to its waterfront facility. The Irvington Boat Club, established in 1958, offers a unique opportunity to watercraft owners in the Rivertowns. Membership dues are relatively low by comparison with virtually anywhere else on the Lower Hudson. You can store your kayak, canoe or other beach launched boats such as a Sunfish for $725 per year, year round. They can also accommodate power and sailboats, for in the water moorings, from 13′ up to and possibly beyond 30′, for only $750 total for the summer season.
The facility also has a clubhouse with bathrooms, a kitchen and a deck overlooking the beautiful Hudson River. There is a beach for water based recreation, BBQ grills, Adirondack chairs on the pier and even a few club owned boats you can take out, if you are not sure you really want to own a boat just yet. Make a point of visiting them tomorrow and watch the sunset, at the most affordable boat club on the Hudson, from 5 PM – 8 PM.
For more information see: http://irvingtonboatclub.com/
Perhaps I am late to the dance, but there is a great new book out called “Today’s A Yellow Day” which recounts fictional events that take place in Dobbs Ferry NY in the 1960’s. Written by James Roth who grew up in Dobbs Ferry at that time, it mentions a number of Dobbs Ferry “hot spots” like Sam’s Restaurant, The Ardsley Country Club, Masters School etc. As a lifetime Dobbs Ferry resident, the whole book just rings true because of these details and is very believable. There are even a few things I had forgotten about, like how there used to be a dump on the waterfront, of all places. It’s kind of like a walk down my own Memory Lane except for the crime part, at least a generation later. A great read for anyone that lived or lives in Dobbs Ferry. It is available at the Dobbs Ferry Library, although there is a long line of holds on it, but it can also be purchased at your local bookseller or, if all else fails, amazon.com: Today’s A Yellow Day
Posted on February 26, 2013 6:45 am by Scott Rosasco
Courtesy: National Association of Realtors
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal appears to confirm some of the more hyper-local activity that we have been noticing here in Westchester and the Rivertowns. Sellers are gaining the upper hand once again in the sale of their homes. Due to a low inventory, which can be traced to a number of reasons, homeowners are often picking and choosing between multiple offers on their homes. It goes without saying that if you have multiple offers on your home, within two weeks of listing, some of those offers are likely at or above the full asking price. I have had experiences in the past two weeks, of my clients bidding against other buyers, where the full asking price was just not enough. In these cases, buyers who have the full purchase price or more available in cash, are able to forgo the mortgage process and are often the winners. These are not foreclosed, short or otherwise distressed sales. Simply homes which show very well to prospective buyers and are perceived to be a good value in a given price range, currently well over $1,000,000 in that market. This trend is not unique to any particular price point though. In the village of Dobbs Ferry, in the Rivertowns, I have another listing at a significantly lower price point of the market, currently in contract for just slightly less than full asking. Back up offers have come in, even after it is made clear to prospective purchasers that binding contracts of sale have already been signed with other buyers. These back up offers are at full asking, hoping for a failure of the current buyers, so they may gladly take their place in the process. There are other accounts of this at all levels of Rivertowns real estate.
Whether this is a temporary blip in the market, until inventory or interest rates rise or a more prolonged phenomena remains to be seen. The short story for sellers though, may be to not wait until the traditional spring market starts in April and instead to list now while this situation still exists. Read the full Wall Street Journal article at: http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2013/02/21/housing-its-becoming-a-sellers-market/?mod=WSJBlog&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wsj%2Fdevelopments%2Ffeed+%28WSJ.com%3A+Developments+Blog%29
Posted on February 12, 2013 7:00 am by Scott Rosasco
In what appears to be a now annual event, the Irvington Penguin Plunge is back for the second year in a row. It is set to start off at 11:30 AM on Saturday March 2, 2013 in Matthiessen Park. One might think that after last years plunge into the frigid Hudson River people may have had second thoughts, but no such luck. It appears to be just as popular an event. This year may be slightly different though in that, unlike 2012 which was a comparatively warm winter, we have actually had some ice on the Hudson River already. One would surmise therefore that the water will be even colder, however marginally, than the Irvington Penguin Plunge of 2012. Time will tell, but hopefully swimmers will not have to climb over shore ice to get into the water.
Remember, this is a fundraising event so the more sponsors you get for your “Plunge”, the more money will be generated for the Village of Irvington programs. Last years Irvington Penguin Plunge raised $76,000.
For a look at last years event, click on the link and associated video below. If that still doesn’t scare you off, a link to the entrance application is also enclosed. See you on March 2 at 11:30 AM. https://dobbsferry-rivertowns.com/2012/02/08/1st-irvington-ny-penguin-plunge-set-for-march-3-2012/
How To Register For The 2013 Irvington Penguin Plunge:
Posted on November 15, 2012 2:07 pm by Scott Rosasco
Rivertowns Square Proposal
The oft postponed Rivertowns Square public hearing, regarding the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), prepared by the applicant and accepted as complete by the Dobbs Ferry Board of Trustees, will be held tonight at 6:30 PM at the Embassy Center, 60 Palisade Street, Dobbs Ferry. This will be the first opportunity for members of the public to comment on the final document and air their concerns. Although there may be additional meetings scheduled after this and written comments will also be accepted, it’s possible this may be the only opportunity to comment on the FEIS, before this project proceeds further in the development process.
An abbreviated version of the public notice, from the Dobbs Ferry village website, is as follows:
Description of Action:
Application by Saber Dobbs Ferry LLC and Lincoln Dobbs Ferry LLC, as co-developers, for site plan approval of a proposed mixed-use redevelopment of the former AKZO Nobel Chemical, Inc. property. In response to comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (“DEIS”), the applicant has modified the project to now include: (i) approximately 202 residential units (including affordable units); (ii) an approximately 18,000 square foot supermarket; (iii) approximately 62,000 square feet of retail/restaurant space; (iv) an approximately 123 room hotel; and (v) a 33,600 square foot hotel, together with approximately 1228 parking spaces to serve all uses.
Location of Action:
The subject property is located on Stanley Avenue, Danforth Avenue, Livingstone Avenue, Ogden Avenue and Lawrence Street, Dobbs ferry, New York.
A copy of the FEIS is located on the Village of Dobbs Ferry Website and is available at Village Hall, 112 Main Street, Dobbs Ferry, New York 10522.
Posted on October 31, 2012 10:51 am by Scott Rosasco
Due to the after effects of Hurricane Sandy, Halloween in Dobbs Ferry, including the traditional trick or treating on Main and Cedar Streets has been postponed until Friday November 2. From Rivertowns Patch:
“Dobbs Ferry has postponed trick-or-treating in the village—which was originally scheduled for Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.—and is re-scheduling for Friday, Nov. 2 from 4 p.m. 6 p.m”
*As of 5:55 PM Tuesday, Con Ed reports 2161 homes in Dobbs Ferry without power, as well as 1597 homes in Ardsley, 1536 homes in Irvington and 2003 homes in Hastings-on-Hudson.
Posted on October 17, 2012 7:00 am by Scott Rosasco
Rivertowns Square Proposal
The FEIS (Final Environmental Impact Statement) for the proposed Rivertowns Square development has been released to the public by the Dobbs Ferry Board of Trustees. This voluminous document, prepared by the developer, attempts to address all of the comments presented by a variety of village planners, advisory boards and residents, which were raised during a number of public and semi-public meetings.
There will now be at least one and possibly several public hearings held by the Board of Trustees to address the remaining issues in this document. The first, and for the moment only, meeting in front of the Board of Trustees, is scheduled for October 30 at 6:30 PM at the Embassy Club, 60 Palisade Street, in Dobbs Ferry. This is a very important meeting and may represent your last opportunity to make comments into the record at the Board of Trustees level and therefore should not be missed. Written comments will also be accepted if you are unable to attend the meeting.
Prior to that there are also two Planning Board work sessions to discuss the FEIS from the Planning Board perspective. The first was held October 15 at village hall. The second is scheduled for Monday, October 22 at 7:30PM at the Embassy Club.
If you missed the October 15 work session, a complete video record of it can be found here: http://dobbsferry.com/mediaitem/37-rivertowns-square-work-session-10-15-2012
A brief synopsis of the current proposal, according to the published public notice, is as follows:
“Application by Saber Dobbs Ferry LLC and Lincoln Dobbs Ferry LLC, as co-developers, for site plan approval of a proposed mixed-use redevelopment of the former AKZO Nobel Chemical, Inc. property. In response to comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (“DEIS”), the applicant has modified the project to now include: (i) approximately 202 residential units (including affordable units); (ii) an approximately 18,000 square foot supermarket; (iii) approximately 62,000 square feet of retail/restaurant space; (iv) an approximately 123 room hotel; and (v) a 33,600 square foot hotel, together with approximately 1228 parking spaces to serve all uses.”
Posted on September 25, 2012 7:20 am by Scott Rosasco
The 2012 Hudson Valley Events Guide for Fall is hot off the presses here at Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty in Dobbs Ferry. With information on over 200 events in the Hudson Valley it seems there is something to do for everyone this season.
In particular don’t miss the Dobbs Ferry Festa on September 29th and stop by our office at 108 Main Street. We will be having a silent auction for cancer research, crafts for kids and a whole host of other activities.
Also, in the near future, is the always well attended Dobbs Ferry Halloween Parade. Last years Halloween Parade featured a pet element which seemed to be a success. Look for an update on this in October.
The full Hudson Valley Events Guide can be found here: http://www.randcenter.com/downloads/2012_fall_events_guide.pdf
UPDATED POST LINK FOR 2018
I’ll admit it. The 4th of July is my favorite holiday of the year. For me it is the official beginning of summer. As a kid growing up in Dobbs Ferry, it was always de rigueur to go down to Waterfront Park, just as it was getting dark, to watch the fireworks. The acoustics of that park are somewhat unique in that when the “bombs are bursting in air” it echoes throughout the steep hills of the village, perhaps off the High Street retaining walls and it sounded like all the metal garbage cans that everybody used to have, were rolling down Main Street all at the same time. We don’t seem to have too many metal cans anymore, but the sounds remain the same. It’s great and aside from the Ferry Festa which also introduces non-residents to Dobbs Ferry, it is a wonderful coming together of the entire village all in one place, for perhaps the only time during the year.
I was always a little envious though, of all the boats bobbing out on the Hudson, watching the fireworks from their own private viewing platforms, with their twinkling green and red navigation lights and their clinking wine glasses. Where did they all come from and where do they all go? Now, every year, some 40 years later, while others escape to the supposedly more glamorous Hamptons or the certainly more rustic Adirondacks for July 4th, you will always find me bobbing out on my own private, floating, viewing platform, enjoying the spectacle of my own village, with all the other dedicated lovers of Dobbs Ferry, to celebrate the birth of this nation and the coming, relaxing times of summer.
A brief rundown of some of the other great fireworks celebrations in the Rivertowns is as follows: To my knowledge, only Irvington actually requires residency passes to view fireworks from its parks; an always odd rule for such an important national holiday, celebrating freedom.
For more information on any 4th of July evening events, contact your local village police department.
Dobbs Ferry: Waterfront Park at dusk. Village Police 914-693-5500
Irvington: Matthiessen Park at dusk. Village Police 914-591-8080
Sleepy Hollow/Tarrytown: Scenic Hudson RiverWalk Park and Sleepy Hollow along the riverfront at dusk. Village Police 914-631-5544 or 914-631-0800
It seems an apropos time to repost something I wrote last year, about summer dining opportunities on the Hudson River waterfront in the Rivertowns. It is a testament to the strong experience of dining on the water and the quality of the restaurants mentioned in that post that nothing seems to have changed much, except for perhaps some prices. There is word however of the future opening of an offshoot of Crabtree’s Kittle House Restaurant, based in Chappaqua, on the Tarrytown waterfront, in the Hudson Harbor condo development under construction, adjacent to the Metro North commuter parking lot.
“One of the really great things about living in the Rivertowns, is the easy access to a number of waterfront restaurants at virtually all price points. From a $12 glass of Chardonnay at Half Moon on the Dobbs Ferry waterfront to a $4 plastic cup of Pinot Grigio at Sunset Cove in Tarrytown. When the light is just right and the breeze is just so, if you squint your eyes you can easily imagine yourself sitting out in the Hampton’s or on the North Shore of Long Island. Dining spots on the river have their own special charms though. Some, like Sunset Cove and Striped Bass in Tarrytown are even accessible by boat.
Every Rivertown has its own special place. Harvest-on-Hudson in Hastings-on-Hudson, Half Moon in Dobbs Ferry, Red Hat in Irvington and both Sunset Cove and Striped Bass in Tarrytown. Try to sample each one sometime this summer.”
As Summer 2012 is almost upon us, here at the Dobbs Ferry office of Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty we are pleased to present our 2012 Summer Events Guide. Covering events in most of the Hudson Valley and the Westchester NY area in general, it goes into detail about some of the more interesting things to do, as the days get balmy and the kids get bored. Read the full event guide at: http://www.randcenter.com/downloads/2012_summer_events_guide.pdf
Former Anaconda Wire & Cable on the Hastings-on-Hudson Waterfront Photo by Scott Rosasco
According to a recent news release from the NY DEC, another cleanup plan has been finalized for the 28 acre waterfront property in Hastings-on-Hudson NY, formerly occupied by the Anaconda Wire & Cable Company. The comprehensive plan was developed with input from Scenic Hudson, the Riverkeeper, the village of Hastings-on-Hudson and the Atlantic Richfield Company. This plan caps a 60 day comment period and is expected to cost over $250 million by completion. Atlantic Richfield, the successor to the Anaconda Wire & Cable Company, will bear the cost of the cleanup.
Portions of the remediation will include a new sheet pile bulkhead at the northwest corner of the property, creating almost 1 acre (.88 acre) of new land for the purpose of the containment and recovery of liquid PCBs. Sediments will also be dredged from the Hudson riverbed, extending up to 80′ offshore of the site, to a depth of 6′, including the former marina area. The expectations are to remove tens of thousands of cubic yards of contaminated river sediments and land soils, including the PCB and heavy metal contamination.
This decision follows on the heels of a recent meeting to begin to address a similar, although perhaps less severe, contamination issue at the former GM site in Sleepy Hollow NY, also on the Hudson River, approximately 6 miles to the north of Hastings.
With any hope, the collaborative combination of these efforts will help the Westchester Hudson riverfront to live up to the incredible potential it has for scenic beauty, waterfront uses, development and as a great natural recreational resource.
Seemingly without much fanfare or public notice, Dobbs Ferry recently changed its building code again, to require all property transfers to obtain an updated Certificate of Occupancy from the village. Irregardless of whether you own property that was built in 1912 or 2012; house, condo or co-op, you will be required to request the building department to inspect your property prior to any sale, to get what will now be called a CCO (Continuing Certificate of Occupancy). The fee will be $150. Currently, it will be good for 90 days after it is issued. Alternatively, you can wait up to 180 days after a successful inspection to get the CCO issued, at which time the 90 day clock starts. After that, a reinspection may be required for another $75 – $150.
This would appear to be a great new benefit for buyers of properties in Dobbs Ferry, to ascertain that the homes they are buying do in fact pass building department standards with respect to fire, safety and building codes.
On the seller side of the equation however, the idea that you would need a new CO for a home that already has an existing, building department issued CO, even if you’ve made no changes to the property, makes this sound less and less like a good thing for buyers and more and more like a new village transfer tax for sellers, once the costs of all the other possible fees are factored in. Especially if you need to bring a home up to conformity with current fire and safety standards as well as village records, which can often times be inaccurate.
There can be no doubt that this has the potential to open a whole Pandora’s box of issues for sellers of property in Dobbs Ferry. As a result, for any homeowner, this inspection needs to be addressed before a property is listed for sale.
For an unsuspecting seller, who perhaps has been living in a home for any number of years, to find out well after a deal with a buyer has been consummated, that their home does not match building department records or current fire and safety rules, even though it has an existing Certificate of Occupancy, this new change may be an abrupt awakening. That homeowner may need to hire an architect or plumber or electrician, with all the associated village permitting fees and possibly be required to bring certain updates before the various statutory boards in the village, taking valuable and expensive time away from a potential real estate sale. It remains to be seen how this new law will work out over time.
A PDF of the new law can be found here, from the Dobbs Ferry website: https://scottrosasco.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/home.pdf
Built in 1850 as a residence and later converted to a variety of restaurant uses; Villa Arturo, later Rudy’s Beau Rivage and now the failed Windows on the Hudson, 19 Livingston Avenue represented a charming and iconic landmark, at the southern gateway to the village of Dobbs Ferry downtown for over 160 years. Last week it was unceremoniously torn down. A combination of excessively grandiose intentions by a new owner, coupled with a diminished economy, limited financing opportunities and a lack of village oversight during the reconstruction phase turned what could have been a great renovation, into a pile of rubble.
It is a sad state of affairs in Dobbs Ferry when what started as a structurally sound building of this vintage, was essentially left to rot, exposed to the elements, in broad daylight on a main road, until such time as there was no other choice but to demolish it. This was the second such building of a similar age and character to be demolished on Livingston Avenue in the past several years. One can only imagine, given the value of the land, which recently sold for $1,145,000, what it’s to be replaced with. Hopefully, it’s not the maximum number of residential units one can possibly fit on the property, sheathed in vinyl siding, as the welcome mat to the village downtown district.
The newly passed Dobbs Ferry zoning code allows the Board of Trustees to request a determination, or catalog, of historically significant buildings and districts in the village of Dobbs Ferry. As of yet, this request has not been made. The demise of these buildings should serve as a wake up call. Perhaps it is time the village exercised the full freedom and powers that the new zoning code allows, in the hopes of either preventing, slowing down or at least adequately regulating and overseeing, with more stringent controls, what goes on during the reconstruction of buildings of this type. Dobbs Ferry, like most other river villages, has an ever dwindling supply of these old buildings, now minus one more. Hopefully, something has been learned here and this can be avoided in the future.
"The Palisades From River View Manor" Postcard, circa 1909?
According to the latest issue of Westchester Magazine, featuring this years top choices for the best places to live in Westchester, Hastings-on-Hudson was voted “The Best Place For History Lovers.”
One reason for this distinction is that several years ago in 2005, the Hastings-on-Hudson Historical Society inaugurated its Museum In The Streets. This walking tour of the village starts at Boulanger Plaza, in the center of the village and helps to give a sense of place to 34 different locations, village wide. Each spot is marked with a plaque consisting of historical pictures and a brief outline of what happened there, in Hastings-on-Hudson’s historic past. These descriptions are printed in both English and Spanish. In total, there are more than 80 photos in various spots in the village. Among some of the more well known village landmarks depicted via this unique museum are the Croton Aqueduct and the Hastings-on-Hudson waterfront with the old Anaconda Wire Company. You will also find lesser known sites such as the home of Frank Morgan, the actor who portrayed The Wizard, in The Wizard Of Oz, the Revolutionary War era Peter Post Tavern and the home of Admiral David Farragut, who coined the phrase “Damn the torpedoes…..”
Read the complete post on the Westchester Magazine website: http://www.westchestermagazine.com/914INC/April-2012/Westchester-Real-Estate-2012-Hastings-on-Hudson-Is-the-Best-Place-for-History-Lovers/
Or check out the links to the Hastings-on-Hudson Historical Society: http://hastingshistoricalsociety.blogspot.com/
or: http://hastingshistorical.org/
According to the Hudson Riverkeeper, the current plan proposed by the Department of Environmental Conservation to clean up the General Motors (GM) site in Sleepy Hollow NY, as well as the Hudson River waters directly adjacent to the abandoned factory property is deficient and the public should get involved before it is too late and the plan is approved and finalized. The possibility exists under the proposed plan that much of the contamination from the manufacturing of cars there for 82 years could remain in place. An important meeting on the subject will be held this coming Thursday March 22 at 7PM at the Village of Sleepy Hollow Senior Center, 55 Elm Street The public is encouraged to attend. http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8676.html
The 100 acre site is predominantly a man-made piece of property created using fill, in the area that once consisted of Pocantico Bay and the beginning of the Pocantico River. At one time the entire area was a navigable body of water allowing access by Hudson River sloop all the way up the Pocantico River to the current grist mill restoration, operated by Historic Hudson Valley. The soil used to create the filled in area has become contaminated over the years by toxic heavy metals, solvents and petroleum as has the soil vapor, groundwater and Hudson River sediment. The DEC proposes to simply cap the contaminated areas and dredge a small portion of the Hudson, which would do little to restore the site to the situation most closely resembling the conditions that existed before industrialized uses began occupancy. Capping a brownfield site does nothing to stop the leaching of the contaminants into the Hudson River or other nearby properties. It also runs counter to the current Clean Water Act which seeks to, at some point, make Hudson River fish safe for human consumption and make the Hudson River once again the viable commercial fishing and recreation resource it once was.
For more information on the Hudson Riverkeeper stance see: http://www.riverkeeper.org/campaigns/river-ecology/waterfront-development-review/gm-redevelopment/
Although few would call the past few months here in the Rivertowns of Westchester County NY a real winter of any sort, Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty of Dobbs Ferry is still delighted to present its annual Spring Events Guide, to inaugurate the almost imperceptible change in seasons. We have brought together over 100 local community events throughout the Hudson Valley. They are organized by region, and then by date, and we have also listed ongoing events in a separate section to make it easier to find great ways to enjoy the coming warmer season. For more continually updated lists of events, go to http://www.randrealty.com and look for our weekly events. For the full PDF see: https://dobbsferry-rivertowns.com/?page_id=2453&preview=true
Posted on February 17, 2012 7:07 am by Scott Rosasco
There are currently a total of 81 residential properties for sale in the MLS in Irvington. They range from Nuits, an estate property, built in 1853 and widely regarded in the architectural community today as the finest example of Italianate residential architecture in the United States, currently on the market for $11,750,000 http://goo.gl/kzOcx to the other end of the price point, the least expensive co-op in Irvington, a 2 bedroom unit for sale at $135,000 http://goo.gl/yZXqE And everything in between. Interest rates are probably as low as they are ever going to get and are certainly the lowest they have been in the past 50 years. While some pundits would have you believe prices might go down further, just as many believe we have reached the bottom of the market and prices are going up. Irregardless, on every front, this is probably the best time to buy real estate anyone has seen in the past 25 years.
If you would like to see any of these properties or any other properties in the Rivertowns area please call me at 914-960-3837 or email me.
See all 81 properties online at: http://www.randrealty.com/agent/652/Scott-Rosasco/Search/1685434/Irvington/
Posted on February 14, 2012 7:00 am by Scott Rosasco
Village Links Updated June 2018
Dobbs Ferry’s decision to raise train station commuter parking fees this year by $35.00, to $375.00 for residents, invites the question of what other river village residents currently pay and what potential new residents of these villages can expect to pay in 2012.
It should be noted that interested residents of the village of Ardsley, which is bereft of its own train station, pay $1,015.00 for a non-resident parking permit to the village of Dobbs Ferry.
Dobbs Ferry: $375.00 2012 Commuter Parking Permits for Residents go on sale Saturday, February 11th 9:00 a.m. at Village Hall, 112 Main Street.
Please bring your License & Registration and a Check or Money Order (No Cash) made payable to “Village of Dobbs Ferry”. www.dobbsferry.com
Hastings-on-Hudson: $440.00 There are quite a few parking options available for residents who wish to park at or nearby the Hastings-on-Hudson train station:
1. Zinsser Resident Parking Lot across the street from the train station cost is $440.00 per year. Currently, there is a waiting list for permits in the lot for 2012.
2. A Resident Parking Sticker (available through the Police Department) for $10.00 which allows parking at metered spaces in the Zinsser Lot and/or the small parking lot located next to Maud’s Tavern. When parking in a metered space with a resident parking sticker it is still necessary to pay the meter. The meters in both of those lots are 12-hour meters and cost $1.50 for those 12 hours.
3. $4.00 per day parking spaces located in the last 25 spaces on the right side of River Street closest to Harvest-on-Hudson Restaurant.
4. Annual Parking Permit in the River Street non-resident parking lot, which has direct access to southbound train platform. The cost is $440.00 per year. Currently, there is a waiting list for permits in the River Street parking lot for 2012. https://www.hastingsgov.org/village-clerk/pages/parking-faq
Posted on February 8, 2012 6:00 am by Scott Rosasco
A hardy group of Irvington NY souls plan to tempt fate and plunge into the Hudson River on March 3, 2012 at 11:30 AM to raise money for a variety of Irvington programs recently cut from the village austerity budget. After having the entire winter to get good and cold you can expect that to be one brave plunge. According to the National Weather Service, the March mean water temperature in that section of the Hudson over the past 10 years was 2.3 degrees Celsius or 36 F. The event is not limited to Irvington residents. You can sponsor your friends or volunteer to jump in yourself. The festivities will take place at the Matthiessen Park Beach in Irvington. A bonfire on the beach, heating tents and food and drink are expected. As of this writing there are 36 participants including the Mayor, village justice and at least three village police officers. For complete details on this great fundraising event go to: http://www.irvingtonplunge.com/
Posted on February 1, 2012 3:06 pm by Scott Rosasco
When Mary Fagan left the building, housing her longstanding upholstery business, W.T. Barnes Upholstery, at 32 Cedar Street in Dobbs Ferry on Tuesday, it was for the last time in, unbelievably enough, 61 years. In what is probably one of the oldest, individually run businesses in Dobbs Ferry, W.T. Barnes was shut down and the building’s longtime owner, who gave her age as 80, is finally retiring.
Originally built in 1915, 32 Cedar Street first served as Dobbs Ferry’s telephone operating station and the original plans show an Operating Room, an Apparatus Room and a Locker Room for employees. When the Dobbs Ferry telephone system was modernized, the building was converted to a commercial use; the present upholstery business, originally called Wilmer T. Barnes Upholstery.
Mary began working at that business as a teenager in 1950 and enjoyed it so much that later, she and her husband Donald aquired both the building and the business. They have run it ever since. After coming to work 5 – 6 days a week, thru rain, sleet and snow for over 60 years, it appears that it is now finally time for a rest.
The new owner, an architect, expects to create a live/work/retail space on the 3 full floors, in the loft-like building with 10′ ceilings thru-out, which has property stretching all the way back to Wickers Creek.
It is truly the end of an era on Cedar Street in Dobbs Ferry.
Also see: http://www.randrealty.com/agent/652/Scott-Rosasco/NY/Property/979787/32-Cedar-St-Dobbs-Ferry-NY-10522/
Posted on January 27, 2012 2:31 pm by Scott Rosasco
I grew up in an idyllic spot, directly adjacent to the 76 acre Dobbs Ferry Juhring Estate Nature Preserve, yet never saw much of any interesting wildlife. That all changed about 15 years ago. As more development in Dobbs Ferry occurred, particularly near areas of the Juhring Estate which had seen little previous human contact, more and more of the interesting, yet shy, wildlife population was pushed out to the borders of the Dobbs Ferry owned property. Now, I have a herd of deer sleeping on my front lawn at night. Wild turkeys brazenly walk down my driveway on Thanksgiving. A brown fox eats my neighbors garbage. Coyotes as well have been spotted in Dobbs Ferry and the Rivertowns. One report had a large one walking across Broadway, at the Hastings-on-Hudson border, recently.
The NY DEC put out an interesting bulletin that is required reading for anyone concerned about coyotes. In most cases it appears they are more afraid of us than we should be of them. Not always though. With winter upon us and the prospects for food in the “wild” diminished, the following excerpt might be something to take note of: “Owners of large and medium sized dogs have little to worry about. Coyotes, with an average weight of 35 lbs., know they are overmatched by large dogs and will yield part of their territory (your yard) to the dog. A confrontation may occur between a mid sized dog and a coyote. Such confrontations, however, usually do not involve physical contact between the two animals. The dog and coyote usually come to an understanding on whose territory is whose.
Owners of small dogs have cause for concern. The outcome of a confrontation between a small dog and a coyote will depend a lot upon the behavior of the dog. A coyote knows it is physically superior to a small dog and expects the dog to be submissive. Trouble occurs when a small dog does not submit to a coyote. The coyote will discipline the dog to correct its inappropriate behavior. This discipline will continue until the dog submits or is eventually killed.
Very small dogs, e.g., small poodles, are viewed by coyotes as easy prey and are at risk to be killed year round.” Read The Full Article at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/6971.html
Posted on January 18, 2012 6:00 am by Scott Rosasco
Proposed Rivertowns Square, Dobbs Ferry NY
Among the myriad concerns brought to the table at the Monday, January 9 public hearing on the Dobbs Ferry Rivertowns Square proposal, two inter-related issues were raised by residents.
While the developers contend that they have resolved the expected traffic concerns with a variety of roadway improvements, including a proposed traffic light at Ogden Avenue and Ashford Avenue, they seem unimpressed by Dobbs Ferry residents statements that Ogden Avenue, expected to be an access road, is already substandard to begin with and any new influx of traffic will make an already bad situation all the more untenable. Further, this new light would only be installed, after the construction of the project is complete and the traffic situation is re-monitored. This leads one to believe that a deteriorated traffic situation might exist for quite some time before being alleviated, if at all.
A related and more important concern was that of property values, raised by one resident of Ogden Avenue who noted that the DEIS states that property values would actually go up, after the construction of this project. A recently published interview with the developer stated that local Realtors had been consulted in this conclusion, yet the developer was uncertain as to how many. It is highly unlikely however, that any experienced Realtor would suggest that an increase in the amount of traffic on the road facing a residence, of which there is no argument from any party is anything but the expected outcome of this project, would cause a corresponding increase in that homes property values. In fact, just the reverse is true. Clearly, houses on heavily traveled roads are more difficult to sell and for less money than their identical counterparts in quieter areas of Dobbs Ferry, for all the obvious reasons.
These kinds of questions can be best and more thoroughly answered by independent, licensed real estate appraisers, as opposed to Realtors, who generally are not prone to making subjective assumptions based on the party that is paying them and whose testimony, accordingly, is accepted in court. Hopefully, both the village and the FEIS will engage independent, licensed real estate appraisers to verify that property values will, at a minimum, not go down for neighbors with respect to this proposal. Several of the statutory Dobbs Ferry boards charged with looking at this proposal cannot, by village code, approve a project which will cause a reduction in property values to neighbors. This is an important issue that it would be best to attempt to resolve now, thru the FEIS, before it gets to a more subjective and contentious level.
Also see: https://dobbsferry-rivertowns.com/2011/08/06/rivertown-square-development-review-moving-along/
Posted on January 16, 2012 7:16 pm by Scott Rosasco
On January 5, 2012 the Irvington Board of Trustees released a revised draft of a new waterfront plan to replace the previous unapproved draft. That draft, originally prepared as of September 28, 2010, which was debated and also revised thru three public hearings, was ultimately not approved by the Board of Trustees, after they closed the last of the public hearings, in April of 2011. Reasons for the lack of approval centered on the possibility of a parking garage structure in the newly created waterfront zone. The new draft is much briefer at a mere 7 pages and leaves out a number of protections which were meant to further enhance the expected quality of life concerns for the village of Irvington, with respect to any future development on the waterfront. The tradeoff is that the new plan does not in any way encourage or permit the construction of a parking garage. The parking garage was deemed necessary by the property owner for any realistic future development of the waterfront.
The Irvington Board of Trustees invites review of this proposal and comments from the public, either at the public hearing scheduled for January 18, at village hall or via regular mail or email to the village administrator, Larry Schopfer, 85 Main Street, Irvington NY 10533 or LSHOPFER@irvingtonny.gov
The revised draft can be seen here: http://www.irvingtonny.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DID=5125
Posted on December 22, 2011 6:09 pm by Scott Rosasco
Dobbs Ferry Walgreens
At Tuesday nights Architectural and Historic Review Board meeting, the latest iteration of the new Walgreens building on Ashford Avenue was approved by a 4 – 1 vote. Occupying the spot of the former Brothers Market, G & L Deli and Off Broadway Restaurant, this caps a number of AHRB meetings where the scale of the building was changed from one story to two story to match the required village code for the Gateway Zone and the overall character of the building was substantially modified. What started out as more of a signature Walgreens, big box building, that one might see in the vicinity of the Central Avenue shopping corridor, was modified by the developers architects, in response to a variety of AHRB concerns, to graciously reflect both what is currently there now and also to incorporate what the AHRB expects to be a precedent for inclusion in other future Gateway buildings.
The overall look is meant to resemble several individual, articulated storefronts with fabric awnings and signage, much in the way storefronts in buildings on Cedar Street and Main Street are now articulated. In this case however it just so happens that the entire first floor is to be occupied by a single tenant. This matches the expectations of the recently adopted Dobbs Ferry Vision Plan. Materials consistent with the dominant buildings of the Gateway neighborhood have also been incorporated into the design, most notably a dark, somewhat more traditional looking brick. A substantial re-landscaping plan is also to be implemented for the parking lot areas, adjacent to the residential neighborhood.
While opinions may vary with respect to the benefits of the eventual tenant, it is clear that this new building has the potential to be a great new neighbor to the other buildings in the Gateway, both present and future and also to the existing character of the village of Dobbs Ferry as a whole.
Also see: https://dobbsferry-rivertowns.com/2011/10/10/dobbs-ferry-walgreens-site-plan-approved/
Posted on November 28, 2011 1:40 pm by Scott Rosasco
Map of Affected Properties
Gillette expects to do soil remediation, with respect to mercury contamination, for at least 78 properties in Sleepy Hollow NY, near the old Duracell battery plant. The remediation is not planned until spring 2012 and the work is to start with affected properties located closest to the old plant with work moving outwards from there.
Soil remediation involves taking away old contaminated dirt and replacing it with new dirt. Some landscaping will also be done to return the affected areas as close as possible to their pre-remediation conditions. Approximately 2,000 soil samples were initially taken from 149 properties, in an area bordered on the south by Depeyster Street, on the west by Clinton Street, Barnhard Avenue and Barnhart Park, to the north by Elm Street and to the east by Cortland Street, as well as in the area around the apartment building at 95 Beekman Avenue.
The affected properties showed lead levels of between 0 and 28,000 mg/kg and mercury levels between 0 and 180 mg/kg. The plan is to clean up the mercury to a maximum level of 4.8 mg/kg which is well above the NYS Department of Health maximum threshold of 1.2 mg/kg. However, according to remediation officials, the 4.8 mg/kg level “is well below the exposure levels that may cause health effects in animals or humans“. Mercury levels below that, in the area, can be attributed to other “historic fill” that has been placed there from sources besides Duracell.
There are no plans to clean up the lead to the state mandated maximum level of 400 mg/kg, as it has been determined that the presence of lead, as well, can be attributed to other sources than just the Duracell plant.
More information can be found at: http://www.sleepyhollowny.gov/images/Documents/Notices/Report.v360011.2011-04-01.PhaseIRIDSR%20R3dDURACELL.pdf
Posted on November 23, 2011 1:39 pm by Scott Rosasco
The DEIS (Draft Environmental Impact Statement) for Rivertowns Square, located in the vicinity of Ogden Avenue and the Saw Mill River Parkway has been released by the village of Dobbs Ferry, to start the public review process.
At last nights Board of Trustees meeting it was reiterated several times that this is just the start of the review process by the public and that the first public meeting must be held no later than 60 days from today’s release. In fact, there is already a public hearing on Rivertowns Square scheduled for December 19 starting at 6:30 PM in village hall. However this is an open-ended process. The Board of Trustees has the option to extend this public hearing process as many times as is necessary to be sure all questions are answered to the satisfaction of the Board and the public. Further, the developer, as a matter of law, is required to answer every question and comment made by the public with respect to the DEIS.
This is an exhaustive document (well over 500 pages in itself with an almost 2000 page appendix) that represents the proposed project from the perspective of the developer and how they plan to mitigate any concerns associated with it. This document does not represent the perspective of the village board or residents. Now is the time for any comments, questions or concerns that the pubic has, to be made during the public hearing process and read into the record for a response by the developer.
The PDF documents are available here: www.dobbsferry.com
CD’s can also be burned by the village upon request and with some notice for a fee of $5.00 each.
Posted on November 10, 2011 11:56 am by Scott Rosasco
A pizza truck from Eddie's Pizza, New Hyde Park NY
There is currently a proposal before the Dobbs Ferry Board of Trustees regarding a Peddlers Permit for the operation of a “pizza truck” from The Cookery Restaurant in the village. At Tuesday nights BOT meeting, concerns were raised by two village pizzeria owners as to whether the village really needed another pizzeria to compete with the existing businesses and whether, if it did, a mobile truck parked at the Farmers Market, across the street from existing pizzerias, seemingly capitalizing on their location, at little or no comparable cost to the truck owner, was really the way to go. Other options included parking the truck at the waterfront.
The larger question is whether, in these tough economic times, it makes sense for the village of Dobbs Ferry to be looking for ways to make it even more difficult for existing village businesses to survive and flourish. Given that the village already has three pizzerias within one block who either pay high rents, high taxes, or both, the addition of a mobile pizza truck would seem to be an affront to those businesses.
There can be no doubt that the Farmers Market already competes with other brick and mortar village businesses in the selling of produce and other foods. Village residents have recently lamented the loss of Brothers Market, a local produce purveyor which left because it couldn’t afford to pay its rent. Providing alternative places to purchase the same products (pizza, produce, wine, baked goods etc.), from outside vendors, who don’t have the same level of investment in the village downtown, would seem to be an odd choice in this economy.
Posted on November 3, 2011 8:50 am by Scott Rosasco
In an interesting turn of events, the timetable for the replacement of the Tappan Zee Bridge has been moved up, irrespective of the current state of the economy. Primarily because of its inclusion, as one of 14 other projects, on a fast track list by President Obama, it is expected to receive an expedited federal review and approval. Construction could begin as early as Spring of 2013. The current price tag for the new bridge is set at $5.2 billion.
The proposed bridge, carrying I-287 over the Hudson between Tarrytown and Nyack, would feature 8 lanes, 4 in each direction along with wider shoulders and bike and walking paths. One notable difference however between the new bridge in its current iteration and most of the previous proposals is the sudden lack of mass transit options. There are to be no Bus Rapid Transit or Commuter Rail Transit services included, for what now would seem to be a significantly scaled back project. This omission does not sit well with most elected officials or residents, who envisioned the mass transit option as a great forward thinking way, to alleviate what are expected to be ever-increasing traffic loads on the roadways and pollution concerns in an ever greener world. Granted, the mass transit options would at least triple the price of the bridge, but from the aspect of long-range planning, a concept perhaps not fully explored with the current deteriorating structure, this would seem to be a glaring omission. As always, it is still a mystery to all concerned as to the actual funding sources for the bridge. At the moment though, the more pressing concerns are to get the mass transit options back on the table.
Posted on October 25, 2011 3:31 pm by Scott Rosasco
This year Dobbs Ferry is sponsoring a Pet Parade in conjunction with their annual Halloween Trick or Treat Parade on Main Street. The pet portion of the parade starts at the corner of Chestnut Street and Main Street at 5 PM. The Trick or Treat Parade starts at 4 PM. You can find an application for your pet here: http://downtowndobbs.wufoo.com/forms/2011-dobbs-furry-halloween-pet-parade-registration/
Posted on October 10, 2011 12:01 pm by Scott Rosasco
The Dobbs Ferry Planning Board, by a 3-1-1 vote, approved the site plan for the proposed Walgreens to be located in the Gateway zone on Ashford Avenue during this past Thursdays meeting. During the public hearing portion of this application the board heard from residents who had concerns about traffic patterns that would be created or exacerbated due to the results of this proposal. One resident noted that all traffic leaving the site and wishing to head back east towards Ardsley will be required to drive thru local residential streets, such as Maple Street, Storm Street or Washington Avenue as opposed to using the main arterial road of Ashford Avenue. This is because no left turns will be allowed on to Ashford or Broadway from the site and thus there is no other way for vehicular traffic to travel east on Ashford. The planning board, rather than doing any planning, chose to ignore this unique opportunity to correct, what the board noted to be an existing problem and instead simply approved a project which, according to even the projects own traffic engineers, will cause an increase in traffic at that intersection to the extent of 25 cars per hour, at its peak.
Three more village boards will need to weigh in on this application in order for it to move forward. The Zoning Board, The Architectural Review Board and probably most importantly, The Board of Trustees. The Zoning Board meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month, the Architectural Review Board meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month and the Board of Trustees meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month.
Posted on October 6, 2011 1:34 pm by Scott Rosasco
A trail-long celebration of the Old Croton Aqueduct hosted by The Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct. Saturday, Oct. 15th: Yonkers, Sleepy Hollow, Ossining Sunday Oct. 16th: Hastings, Dobbs Ferry, Irvington
SPECIAL GUEST! 3-time Grammy Award Winner, Tom Chapin, performs at The Keeper’s House at 15 Walnut Street in Dobbs Ferry on Sunday, Oct. 16 1pm-2pm. Other highlights include: Bash The Trash in Yonkers, Annie & the Natural Wonder Band in Hastings, Solar Punch in Sleepy Hollow, The Fair Haired Tinkers in Irvington, Aqueduct Weir Tours in Ossining and The Rivertowns Roll—a 25-mile group bicycle ride or 12-mile family ride along the OCA. For all AQUEFEST! locations and full program visit . www.aqueduct.org/
Posted on September 30, 2011 1:08 pm by Scott Rosasco
Celebrating its 9th year, the Dobbs Ferry, Ferry Festa kicks off at 1 PM and ends at 8PM. Featuring a wide assortment of village businesses showcasing their best, as well as outside vendors that run the gamut, from a variety of international foods, to rides and games for the kids (and some adults).
A number of bands will also be providing entertainment at various points along the venue for this, now traditional, end of summer event. They include:
Main Stage (intersection of Main and Cedar): Calypso, Bad Art, Hogiowl and DJ Antoinette Zappier.
Near Doubledays: Tramps Like Us (Courtesy of Doubledays).
Near Cedar Street Grill: The T Bone Shuffle(Courtesy of The T Bone Shuffle)
Posted on September 22, 2011 12:54 pm by Scott Rosasco
Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty in Dobbs Ferry is proud to present its sixth annual Fall Events Guide, featuring almost 100 local community events going on this Fall, in all areas of the Hudson Valley and a special listing of ongoing events throughout the entire region. For the complete guide in PDF form go to:
Posted on September 16, 2011 5:44 pm by Scott Rosasco
At this past Wednesday nights ZBA meeting a total of two variances were granted in Stop & Shop’s continuing efforts to slightly expand and completely renovate their store on Broadway.
One variance was to legalize what would have become a pre-existing nonconforming parking situation and the other was for a reduced amount of glazing, or storefront windows, from what village code requires. As a part of the presentation to the board, representatives from Stop & Shop also showed drawings of their plans to put approximately 40 additional parking spaces on the old Scott Chevrolet property, to provide ancillary parking for shoppers who may be interested in visiting Cedar Street stores or other parts of the downtown area, but not necessarily going to Stop & Shop.
This whole arrangement would appear to be a win-win for Dobbs Ferry, with both a renovated and convenient food store as well as sorely needed additional parking for the village business district.
Additionally, the 8 required variances (down from 11), for the proposed Walgreens store on Ashford Avenue, near the intersection with Broadway, are still being mulled over by the ZBA. The attorney for Walgreens notified the ZBA that even if it wanted to, the ZBA would be unable to grant or deny the variances until after the Board of Trustees weighed in on the proposed application, at their upcoming September 27 meeting.
Posted on September 9, 2011 12:20 pm by Scott Rosasco
On August 15th at the village of Irvington Board of Trustees meeting, a resident brought up the concern that St. Christopher’s school, a non-profit educational organization based in Dobbs Ferry was looking to rent space at the now vacant Abbott House school.
Abbott House Chief Operating Officer Robert Costello confirmed that students from the Greenburgh-North Castle School District, the parent organization of St. Christopher’s, would begin classes in September. It was stressed that the students on the Irvington campus would be day students only, as opposed to the residential students housed on the St. Christopher’s campus in Dobbs Ferry. There may be up to 120 students attending classes on the Irvington campus.
There have been concerns in the past about the behavior of the Dobbs Ferry St. Christopher’s school students, which occasionally leave the campus, but Mr. Costello assured the village of Irvington that “there have not been any problems with this group of students in the past and we don’t believe there will be in the future”.
Posted on September 7, 2011 3:49 pm by Scott Rosasco
Red Hat Restaurant on the Hudson waterfront in Irvington
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal characterized Irvington as “the jewel in the crown of the river villages”. With 6500 residents and nestled along the verdant banks of the Hudson River it offers its residents easy access to NYC with real estate prices that start at about $500,000 and run up as high as $3 million and beyond.
Read the full article at:
Posted on September 6, 2011 12:14 pm by Scott Rosasco
Celebrating its 9th year, the Dobbs Ferry, Ferry Festa kicks off at 1 PM and ends at 8PM. Featuring a wide assortment of village businesses showcasing their best, as well as outside vendors that run the gamut, from a variety of international foods, to rides and games for the kids (and some adults).
A number of bands will also be providing entertainment at various points along the venue for this, now traditional, end of summer event. They include:
Main Stage (intersection of Main and Cedar): Calypso, Bad Art, Hogiowl and DJ Antoinette Zappier.
Near Doubledays: Tramps Like Us (Courtesy of Doubledays).
Near Cedar Street Grill: The T Bone Shuffle(Courtesy of The T Bone Shuffle)
Posted on August 10, 2011 11:00 am by Scott Rosasco
General Motors has issued an RFP “Request For Proposals” to redevelop the former auto manufacturers property on the Hudson River in Sleepy Hollow. Potential developers have until Sept 2, 2011 to make their proposal for the property. While the project is advertised in the RFP as having permits and state approvals, there are still many issues that remain unresolved including obtaining local village planning and building approvals. Additionally, there are toxins on the river bottom adjacent to the site, including lead, deposited by GM during its 82 year occupancy. These will need to be removed by any developer, via dredging or some other means, as part of any decision to move forward. As if that wasn’t enough, there is also a lawsuit over the potential for traffic congestion brought by the neighboring village of Tarrytown that must be resolved as well.
The plan calls for 1,177 housing units, a 140 unit hotel. 172,000 sq.ft. of office space and almost 45 acres for village parkland and other village uses. According to village officials a shovel coud be in the ground by sometime in 2012. http://gmsleepyhollowdevelopmentopportunity.com/
Posted on August 8, 2011 11:50 pm by Scott Rosasco
The long-awaited Stop & Shop expansion in Dobbs Ferry, which originally included essentially leveling the existing building and constructing a much larger facility, as well as a smaller, independent, free-standing building on the Broadway portion of the old Scott Chevrolet site, has been dramatically scaled back. Budgetary concerns are cited as the reasoning. The new iteration has eliminated the free-standing building on Broadway, along with any associated parking and has also diminished the expansion of the existing facility by approximately 70%. The current proposal is limited to exterior facade changes to the original building along with a re-working of the interior. Also included will be a new loading dock addition constructed to the side of the current loading dock, but with the loading doors oriented to the front elevation, as opposed to the current side elevation location. There will also be a parking area added, mid block, to the Scott Chevrolet property, which will extend from Estherwood Avenue to Walgrove Avenue. Formal plans will be submitted to the various village boards shortly.
The review process for the massive development proposed on the Akzo Chemical campus, near New York Sports Club in Dobbs Ferry, is proceeding in a timely manner. The development is slated to include over 200 residential apartments, a 100 unit hotel, a 70,000 square foot supermarket and a number of smaller retail stores.
Among other concerns the village of Dobbs Ferry will have to deal with, traffic certainly reigns at the top. Given that the Saw Mill Parkway is limited to passenger vehicles only, with no trucks allowed, there is some question as to who is going to bear the brunt of what it would seem would be a regular influx of delivery trucks, some of which will be large tractor trailers to service a 70,000 sq.ft. supermarket. Will it be the lone Dobbs Ferry residential street that services the area, Ogden Avenue, or will it be Lawrence Street in Ardsley, which would further exacerbate the Ardsley traffic woes?
Dobbs Ferry is expecting the Draft Environmental Impact Statement from the developer later this month. That document will be expected to answer this question as well as a whole host of others, such as possible negative effects on property values, mitigation measures and alternative plans. Once the DEIS is in the Board of Trustees hands, they will have 45 days to determine its thoroughness and to decide if it is ready to be released to the public for further review. The public will then have at least 30 days, with possible extensions, to weigh in on the DEIS before it is returned to the developer to address any outstanding concerns.
These are important meetings that shouldn’t be missed by interested persons. Village meeting agendas are generally posted in the police station, among a variety of other places.
On July 11, the Westchester County Board of Legislators unanimously approved a bill requiring Universal Design Standards in all county funded, new residential construction. The primary purpose is to help occupants of these properties that are elderly or disabled to stay in their homes as independently and as long as possible. Among other things the new bill requires that no-step entries, one story living spaces, wider doorways and hallways, turn around floor space, grab bars, removable cabinets and reachable switches be incorporated into at least 50% off all housing units which receive some form of support from the county with regards to funding.
Set for September 10, the Hudson River “Swim For Life” celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Originally intended to raise money for a variety of charitable organizations, including Blythdale Childrens Hospital and the National MS Society, it now benefits the Westchester Hudson Valley Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. There is both a three-mile swim across the Hudson from Memorial Park in Nyack to Kingsland Point Park in Sleepy Hollow, as well a 1 mile swim along the shores of Sleepy Hollow. Registration for swimmers closes on September 2. Volunteers are also needed in a variety of capacities. For more information check out: http://www.hudsonriverswim.org/
Dobbs Ferry completed a review of 18 bids and selected Coppola Paving and Landscaping to finish the village waterfront stabilization project. The bid represented the 2nd lowest at 1.38 million dollars. Work will begin in September and should take 4 – 5 months. Read more at:
I grew up in an idyllic spot, directly adjacent to the 76 acre Dobbs Ferry Juhring Estate Nature Preserve, yet never saw much of any interesting wildlife. That all changed about 15 years ago. As more development in Dobbs Ferry occurred, particularly near areas of the Juhring Estate which had seen little previous human contact, more and more of the interesting, yet shy, wildlife population was pushed out to the borders of the Dobbs Ferry owned property. Now, I have a herd of deer sleeping on my front lawn at night. Wild turkeys brazenly walk down my driveway on Thanksgiving. A brown fox eats my neighbors garbage. Coyotes as well have been spotted in Dobbs Ferry and the Rivertowns. One report had a large one walking across Broadway, at the Hastings-on-Hudson border, recently.
Rivertowns Real Estate News 