A special exception was granted by the village board to East Rockaway Taxi at Monday night’s board meeting, allowing the company to set up shop at 6 Davison Plaza.

“Thank you, Mr. Mayor,” said John Eakin, owner of the taxi company, upon hearing the board’s decision, “Thank you very much.”

A public special session was held last month to consider the application of East Rockaway Transportation, Inc. — or East Rockaway Taxi — to operate within village limits. The meeting attracted more than it’s usual number of interested parties, and turned into a taxi war of sorts, with representatives from rival companies speaking out against the newly-proposed business.

Eakin defended his cars and his drivers, saying that they are licensed by the Nassau County Taxi and Limousine Commission, and have been fingerprinted, background checked and drug tested, as required. The Nassau County Taxi and Limousine Commission regulates the registration of for-hire vehicles operating in Nassau County.

The Davison Avenue location is among a group of businesses that include the Bold O’Donoghue’s Pub and Torborg ‘s garage, among others, and is diagonally across from the East Rockaway Long Island Rail Road train station. The are some residential second-floor apartments above the businesses.

At last month’s meeting, Trustee Bruno Romano and Village attorney John Guardino refused to hear any opposing testimony offered in opposition because other taxi companies simply did not want the competition. “It is not something the board would even consider,” said Guardino.

Mayor Ed Sieban and the board’s decision was pending upon the Nassau County Planning Commission, which has approved zoning, allowing the company to come in to East Rockaway.

East Rockaway Taxi has four vehicles in its fleet, including three cabs and one Town Car.

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