Black oak in Scarsdale catches the attention of the CEO of the New York Botanical Garden

Jennifer Bernstein, CEO and President of the New York Botanical Garden, is making a trip to Scarsdale next week to view a historic, healthy black oak tree at 21 Autenrieth Road. While neighbors have brought this tree to the attention of Scarsdale’s Board of Architectural Review (“BAR”) because a renovation project threatens the tree’s future, the massive tree has also caught the attention of the New York Botanical Garden.

A Rye-based investment group has bought the house with the intention of renovating and reselling it. Their plan is to build a new two-car garage and a new driveway into the front yard next to the huge oak tree, threatening the tree’s survival. There have been no objections to a proposed two-storey addition, but neighbours are pushing for the applicant to use one of the two existing two-car garages and not build near the tree.

Mature trees provide important environmental functions such as oxygen, shade, stormwater mitigation, and wildlife habitat. In Scarsdale, they also play an important role in improving the water quality of the Bronx River. Scarsdale is part of the Bronx River watershed, and like all communities within the watershed, Scarsdale’s stewardship of its mature trees is important. The Bronx River flows directly through the New York Botanical Garden, and the Botanical Garden reaches out to communities along the Bronx River to emphasize the critical role trees play in maintaining a healthy environment.

As Ms. Bernstein’s planned visit demonstrates, mature trees serve an important ecological function. By protecting the stately oak at No. 21, Scarsdale can be an example of thoughtful local government allowing mature trees to thrive in a suburban community.

The tree’s fate is now in the hands of the Scarsdale Board of Architectural Review and is on their agenda for Monday, August 12th at 7 p.m. in Village Hall. Please come to share your concerns.