Tarrytown Lighthouse Reopens to Visitors
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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After vandals damaged the iconic lighthouse in Tarrytown in June, 2025, the landmark was closed to visitors.
This week, County Executive Ken Jenkins announced that the site has re-opened.
He said, “The Tarrytown Lighthouse in Sleepy Hollow is one of Westchester County’s most popular destinations. I’m excited to welcome the public back for tours now that the damage has been addressed so residents and visitors alike can learn more about the County’s history and experience this remarkable landmark firsthand. With new security measures in place, we can continue providing meaningful opportunities that connect our community to the stories and structures that have shaped Westchester for generations.”
The cast-iron “sparkplug” lighthouse was built in 1883 and remains a striking beacon along the Hudson River. Guests will have the opportunity to climb and explore five decks of the structure during curator-led tours that highlight its fascinating maritime history and architectural significance.
The structure was originally constructed in response to appeals from local steamship companies seeking assistance navigating the river’s dangerous shoals. For 68 years, it served as a vital guide for Hudson River shipping before being decommissioned in 1961 following the construction of the Tappan Zee Bridge. The lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Tarrytown Lighthouse in Sleepy Hollow is located in Kingsland Point Park off Palmer Avenue. The lighthouse is accessible via a 10-minute walk south along the Riverwalk Path. Parking fees may apply.
Public tours will resume on Saturday April 4. These curator-led tours are free; but registration is required. Here is the link to sign up:
550 Runners Participate in the 56th Annual 15K and 4 Mile Race in Scarsdale
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- Written by: Jeremy Gorrin
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Runners take off for the 15K race.On Sunday, March 22, hundreds of runners arrived at Scarsdale High School early in the morning to participate in the 56th annual 15K and 4 mile races. The 4 mile race began at 9:15 with 377 participants and the first finisher, 
Randolfo Portillo came in first in the 4 Mile race with a time of 22:33.Randolfo Portillo, ran through the finish line, with a winning time of 22 minutes and 33 seconds. The second and third place finishers were not too far behind, with times of 23 minutes, and 27 minutes. The top female runner in the 4 mile race was Scarsdale's Lizzie Hurshman.
Shortly after the start of the 4 mile race, 173 runners took off to complete their 15 kilometer journey through Scarsdale. After 57 minutes, Daniel Kenefick took first place and crossed the finish line. Just behind them were the second and third finishers with times of 59 minutes. The top female in the race was Scarsdale's Alyssa Simm.
It was a great community event with lots of people cheering the runners on along the course at the finish line at the high school.
See the list of the winners below.
Daniel Kenefick finished first in the 15k race.
Rabid Coyote Bites Three People and Six Dogs in Eastchester-Bronxville
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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Though we are often told that coyotes are not dangerous or aggressive, a report last week gave us cause for pause.
According to the Westchester County Department of Health a coyote attacked six dogs and three people on March 9, near Siwanoy Country Club and Twin Lakes Park in Eastchester and Bronxville. Eastchester Police ultimately shot the animal and found it had tested positive for rabies.
The animal charged a man who was walking his dog on California Road and ultimately ran onto the golf course at Siwanoy Country Club.
Here’s information from the county:
“Health officials note that unusual behavior is often the first sign of rabies in an animal. A rabid animal may appear aggressive or unusually tame, lose its fear of people, act irritable or excitable, or appear lethargic. Other possible signs include staggering or frothing at the mouth. Residents should never approach or attempt to handle a wild or stray animal. Any animal behaving strangely should be reported to local authorities.
Keeping pets vaccinated against rabies is also essential. New York State law requires dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies and receive regular booster shots.
Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said: “To avoid rabies, residents should steer clear of wild animals and strays and teach children never to approach or handle animals they do not know, even if they appear young, injured or friendly. Children should be told to report any bite or scratch immediately. It is also important to keep pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date and take steps to discourage wild animals from visiting your yard.”
Amler added that residents should bat-proof their homes, keep trash cans tightly sealed, and avoid leaving pet food or water outside, which can attract wildlife.
For more information about rabies prevention, visit westchestergov.com/health or call the Rabies Infoline at (914) 813-5010.
Scarsdale Library Asks You to Complete Survey on Resident Needs and Library Priorities
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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Scarsdale Public Library is currently embarking on a broad-based strategic planning process. This blueprint will help to guide our services, programs, and other priorities over the coming years.
The end goal of this strategic plan is for the Library to serve our community as fully and effectively as possible. That means that your input into the process is important and valued – even if you don't consider yourself a regular user of the Scarsdale Public Library.
As a means to that end, residents are invited to take this online survey: It includes just 14 core questions and, on average, takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete. It will remain open from Monday, March 9 through Monday, April 6, and will be available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
As a thank you for your input, participants will have the opportunity to enter in our raffle to win a $25 gift card to the Boleria Brazilian Bakery.
Please help develop the Strategic Plan for the Scarsdale Public Library by participating in this survey. In order to better serve library patrons and Scarsdale residents, your input on a variety of library topics is needed. Your responses will help greatly in planning the future of the library.
The survey was developed by, and is being conducted for the library, by the independent Library Strategies Consulting Group (LSCG). All responses are directed to LSCG. Your individual responses are confidential, and only aggregate responses will be reported to the library.
Thank you for taking the time to assist in planning the future of your library.!
About the Library
The Scarsdale Public Library strives to encourage the joy of reading, the exploration of ideas, and the pursuit of lifelong learning for the children and adults of our community. With services available for visitors of all ages, we welcome everyone to learn, explore, and connect with us.
Neighbors Save 21 Cambridge Road from Demolition
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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21 Cambridge RoadThe intervention of neighbors saved a 1924 Colonial Revival home at 21 Cambridge Road from demolition at a meeting of the Committee for Historic Preservation on February 24, 2026.
After a Pelham man purchased the home and filed an application to take it down, a group of neighbors rallied and did some research on the home to show that it met the Village’s criteria for preservation. After they presented their findings, the Committee voted 5-0 to deny the application to raze it.
In a detailed memo they argued that the home reflects the broad pattern of history and suburban development, it was designed by a recognized architect of the day and retains distinctive design characteristics and integrity.
Quoting from their memo they say, “Much of the immediate neighborhood was constructed in 1920’s, creating a recognizable period streetscape and a strong sense of place… 21 Cambridge Road is not an interchangeable structure: It is among the older homes in the area and remains a meaningful contributor to the neighborhood’s historic pattern of development.”
About its distinctive characteristics they write,
“21 Cambridge Road retains the key integrity that matters for a neighborhood of this era – its relationship to the street, its massing and scale relative to nearby 1920’s homes, and its contribution to the overall historic streetscape.”
They highlight the following:
-Dominant steep roof that establishes the home’s historic silhouette and scale
-Three aligned dormers, including two larger dormers with distinctive flared sides and Juliet-style railings.
-Balanced, symmetrical façade composition with historically consistent massing and lower flanking wings
-Prominent arched main entry surround that remains a focal element of the façade, consistent with 1920’s Colonia Revival design
-Wood shingles cladding o the street facing elevations
-Consistent multi-light window patterns with traditional shutters
Furthermore, they say, “Allowing full ldemolitio of a 1924 home in a predominantly 1920’s area accelerates loss of historic character and undermines the Village’s preservation objectives.
Finding that the home meets the criteria for preservation, the Committee voted 5-0 to deny the application.
Also on the agenda that evening were applications to raze 33 Garden Road, 69 Penn Boulevard and 3 Ridgecrest East.
3 Ridgecrest East
The home at Ridgecrest East, designed by the same architect as 21 Cambridge Road, is sited in another historic area. When that application was adjourned, neighbors who turned up at the meeting left.
33 Garden Road is a beige brick home, built in 1963 with a pool and a tennis court. Ed Alisberg of Alisberg Parker Architects presented the application on behalf of the Cum Laude Group who plans to build a new home at the site.
The original application did not include the names of the architect/engineer which the committee only learned at the meeting. They therefore asked for the application to be adjourned for a month to allow for more research to be done on its provenance.
Last, an application to demolish a 5,768 square foot ranch style home on an acre on a corner lot at Penn Boulevard and Franklin Road was approved. Though some notable architects renovated it at different points in time, and there was even a hot tub in the living room, the committee did not find that it met the criteria for preservation.
