Scarsdale Village is Seeing 20/20: Eye Gallery Opens New Location on Boniface Circle
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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The Eye Gallery has moved to a stunning and expansive new location on Boniface Circle, just around the corner from the original store. Seven months in the making, the light-filled space now includes over 3,000 square feet of display space, exam rooms and an inviting room for events and meetings downstairs.
We stopped in for a visit on Wednesday and Dr. Michael Rosen proudly took us on a tour of the next generation of the original Eye Gallery established by his father and partner Jay Rosen in 1979. Before we began, he offered us coffee from a professional espresso and cappuccino maker at the ready.
Dr. Rosen’s inspiration for his new flagship Eye Gallery was an experiential one, offering clientele and staff an exclusive, luxurious environment with a bright and energetic vibe. He commissioned artist Jillian Whelan of Coloring Wheelz for the artwork seen throughout the gallery. Rosen said, “We have been rapidly expanding over the past several years and were at max capacity. It was time for a larger space. We doubled our footprint in Scarsdale Village and completed the renaissance of Boniface Circle.” He explained that the new entry, large windows and welcoming store was designed by architect Len Brandes.
The new Eye Gallery offers clientele and patients his trademark extraordinary eye care and customer service, coupled with the latest in optical technology. From Digital High Definition Glasses, Blue Light Coating to prestigious Shamir custom lenses. Medically, Dr. Rosen has invested in the latest in diagnostic equipment, for highly accurate examinations and early detection of eye diseases. Making Eye Gallery an all inclusive destination for the ultimate in eye care.
For clientele with a discerning eye, Eye Gallery has the largest over 3,000 pairs of designer frames and sunglasses, including coveted designers such as, Barton Perreira, Jacques Marie Mage, Chanel, Celine, Chrome Hearts and Ahlem along with handmade frames from around the world!
Commenting on the news, Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest said, “I’m thrilled to welcome the Rosens and their team to their new, beautiful and expanded location on Boniface Circle, right in the heart of Scarsdale’s Village Center. This is an exciting milestone for Eye Gallery, a Scarsdale institution and one of the most recognizable storefronts in the Village for 45 years. We are grateful for their long-standing commitment to the Village and know they will continue to serve the Scarsdale community well in their new home for many years to come.
Longtime local business owner and Boniface Circle resident Ken Giddon, Founder Rothmans and Co-President Board of Directors, Scarsdale Business Alliance said “On behalf of the Board of the Scarsdale Business Alliance, it is my pleasure to welcome Eye Gallery to their new location on Boniface Circle. Eye Gallery has been a tremendous service to Village residents for many, many years, and the new larger (and beautiful) space gives them the opportunity to expand and extend their offerings. Thanks to their new landlord at Scarsdale Improvement for putting this deal together and continuing to improve the Village.”
Rosen displays state of the art equipment in the new exam rooms.Vice President, Scarsdale Improvement Corporation, D. J. Petta concurred, “Scarsdale Improvement Corporation is thrilled to welcome Eye Gallery to Boniface Circle. Dr. Michael Rosen has enhanced the Village with his new space and the opportunity for expansion helped us complete our Boniface Circle renovation. We are excited and proud to be a part of Eye Gallery’s milestone and longstanding success in the Village of Scarsdale.
Stop by to see the new store at 15 Boniface Circle and call (914) 472-2020 to schedule an eye exam for yourself or your children ages 7 and up. You’ll receive state of the art eye care and the latest in designer eye wear.
Eye Gallery of Scarsdale (formerly Scarsdale Eye Care) Established by Dr. Jay Rosen in 1979 opened as a small optometry practice in the heart of downtown Scarsdale, NY. Based on a philosophy of great personal care and customer service, the practice thrived in Scarsdale Village for many years. In 1998, Dr. Jay Rosen’s son, Dr. Michael Rosen, joined the practice. The business has evolved over time to meet new needs. In 2000, the Drs. Rosen doubled their space, becoming a recognizable presence in Scarsdale Village. Thanks to knowledgeable staff, customers and patients receive expert, comprehensive eye examinations, obtain eye disease detection and treatment, and have access to exclusive, high-end eyewear and sunglasses — all under one roof. In 2007, Eye Gallery opened a second location, this time in the downtown village of Chappaqua. The Eye Gallery is a place where art and science come together to provide you with a clear vision of well-being and personal style.
A finished lower level will allow Rosen to host events, pop-ups and experts.
Custom artwork by Jillian Wheelan
Rosen's Dad Jay founded the original Eye Gallery in 1979.
A Precedent in Mount Pleasant for Refunds of Tax Penalties, Fines and Fees
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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For those who paid late tax penalties and fees due to non-receipt of their September Scarsdale school tax bills, there may be a remedy available.
It turns out that there is precedent for a law that would allow Scarsdale Village to refund the fees, fines and penalties for late tax payments.
A similar situation occurred in Mt. Pleasant in 2019 when the Mount Pleasant post office failed to deliver real property tax bills to the appropriate real property owners. As a result of this oversight, taxpayers could not submit their tax forms and incurred fees, fines and penalties.
Legislation, introduced in the NYS Senate by State Senator Pete Harckham, was passed that allowed "the Comptroller of the town of Mount Pleasant to refund any fees, fines, penalties and interest accrued on the real property taxes owed by an owner of real property in the town who failed to pay 2019 county and town taxes on or before April 30, 2019 due to a failure by the Mount Pleasant post office to deliver real property tax bills.”
The bill was sponsored in the Assembly by Thomas J. Abinati. The law number is Chapter 432 of the Laws of New York, 2019 and the senate bill number is S6257A and the assembly bill number is A8262-A.
If the Scarsdale Board of Trustees made a request, Paulin could introduce similar legislation in the NYS legislature to permit Scarsdale Village to refund fees, ffines, penalties and interest to those who never received their bills in September, 2023.
Assemblywoman Amy Paulin learned of the precedent from Amanda Hiller, Acting Commissioner of the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance. Hiller added that the Minisink School District (in Orange County) is having a similar issue as some taxpayer’s payments were not delivered to the school district on time.
Mayor Comments on the Scarsdale Pool, Traffic Calming and Freightway Garage
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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What’s the status of the pool renovation project, freightway garage and traffic-caliming proposals? We followed up with Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest and here is what he shared:
Last we heard that the pool renovation had been assigned to an ad hoc committee. Have they met? Have they come to any conclusions? What is the timeline for this project?
Yes, the pool advisory committee has met once. Two members of this group have aided the village in finalizing the selection of the construction manager. This process was not expected to take as long, but the contract for pre-construction services should be on our next meeting's agenda. We expect to move quickly into schematic design and will keep the public informed. He later added, "We are excited for the 2024 pool and rec camp season!"
Also last year there was a study of traffic calming measures along Popham Road, Fox Meadow Road, and Sprague Road. What is the status of those proposals? Will any be tested or implemented?
A decision was made when FHI was first engaged to use Sprague Road for initial study and to develop and pilot potential solutions to traffic safety concerns. We knew that residents expressed a desire for stop signs but have been repeatedly told by our experts that the legal warrants for installing stop signs could not be met at these locations. FHI made recommendations that were also reviewed and discussed by staff and presented at a special public work session with targeted invitations to impacted residents for their input. Because those who attended expressed strong disagreement with the solutions offered by the consultant, we have tabled this matter for the time being. We do hope we can find neighborhood consensus for solutions for this active traffic corridor.
In the ongoing discussion about Freightway, is the Village paying the $3 million to maintain it in 2024-25? Or is there another plan in mind?
There was $250,000 allocated in the FY 23-24 budget. All of that money is expected to be used this fiscal year. We currently have $700,500 in the capital projects section for the Freightway garage in the FY 24-25 first pass budget. I think the $3 million you are referring to has remained about the same but was always expected to be spread out over a few years. We recognize that this important village asset needs continuing maintenance and will thus remain part of budget and planning discussions in the coming years.
Don't Miss Out: Plan to Attend the Scarsdale Library Spelling Bee on March 1
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Scarsdale residents are buzzing with excitement about the return of the ever-popular Spelling Bee, hosted by the Friends of the Scarsdale Library. This community event hits the sweet spot for family fun and will be the Friends’ primary fundraiser for 2024, supporting the hive of activity that we all know as the Scarsdale Public Library.
Spectators of all ages will gather at the Scarsdale High School auditorium on Friday, March 1, at 7:30pm, for a night of stellar spelling and trivia, featuring 2006 SHS alumnus Josh Milstein as emcee—or should we say em-Bee. Mayor Justin Arest, Library Director Beth Bermel, and NYS Assemblywoman Amy Paulin will serve as judges. Audience admission is $20 for adults, and $10 for anyone under 18 years old.
Fifteen teams of three adults each will compete in multiple swarms, and there will also be a separate set of teen rounds. Winners will receive prizes, bragging rights, and more! Get your teams together—this event fills up quickly! Team registration is $180 for adults; $75 for high-schoolers, and Spelling Bee tee shirts and water bottles will be provided. Be sure to avoid the sting of disappointment: Sign up before the February 26 deadline!
Interested in becoming an event sponsor? There are opportunities for corporate and individual donors. This is also a perfect time to join the Friends of the Scarsdale Library for the first time or renew your commitment to FOSL. Help us keep the hive of activity that is our Library going: Attend the Friends of the
Scarsdale Library Spelling Bee on Friday, March 1, at 7:30pm. (Snow date: Friday, March 8th.)
For details about sponsorships or any questions, please contact the event co-chairs:
Mary Pat Jones and Lauren Rubino,
foslspellingbee@gmail.com
Friends of the Scarsdale Library Plan Enhanced Outdoor Spaces
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- Written by Wendy MacMillan
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Since its reopening, the Scarsdale Public Library (SPL) has quickly become a bustling hub of activity, and a vital community center with something for every Scarsdale resident to enjoy. From author talks, film screenings, and exercise classes; to teen study nights, a new Maker’s Space, sensory playtimes, and so much more, the library clearly utilizes all of its beautifully renovated spaces. It may be hard to imagine what could make the new library even better, but in October of 2023, the SPL and The Friends of the Scarsdale Library (FOSL) announced plans to augment the library’s outdoor space by turning the park-like setting around the library, into a true campus which will provide spaces for people to gather and meet outdoors nearly all year-round.
According to the FOSL, “The pandemic helped us appreciate that the Library building itself is just the centerpiece of an entire campus and there is so much more that we can do to make it an incredible asset for our community by maximizing the space outdoors.”
Some of the plan’s upgrades include features like:
▪ Spaces for outdoor programming including a pavilion and performance patio
▪ Increased seating around the property for work and relaxation
▪ A story walk for children
▪ A wall along Olmsted Road to allow families to safely enjoy the expansive library lawn
▪ Revitalized wetlands and woodlands habitats, including native plantings
▪ Other safety features like improved walkways and traffic calming measures
For more in depth details about the Library in the Park Campaign please visit here:
Of course all of these exciting enhancements rely on the generosity of donors, and to create and maintain this new campus oasis, the FOSL aims to raise between $2 and $3 million dollars. Though, according to FOSL Co-President Stacey Mayer, they have secured “over $1.9M in committed gifts and should be signing the new architect contracts this month,” the FOSL continues to offer naming opportunities to interested community members and businesses. To learn more about exciting naming opportunities, contact the Campaign Committee: foslpresident@gmail.com.
