Planning Board still has concerns over Village Square.

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The Glen Cove Planning Board reviewed an updated Village Square site plan following a lengthy public hearing on Tuesday, June 6, where more concerns by the board were voiced. 

The updated plan included increasing the size of the plaza from 12,000 to 16,500 square feet, varying the colors and heights of the buildings and creating an overhang to shelter the path between the Brewster Street parking garage and the residential building. Additionally, a public walkway starting on the Brewster Street side is planned to go underneath the building and come up at the back entrance of the square. To quell safety concerns, there are plans for a retractable gate to be installed at both ends of the public walkway that the city will have the option of using.
One issue that was discussed was the area the developer has designated for a loading dock for the retail stores, which would be where four parallel parking spots on Bridge Street are now located. Anthony Guardino, attorney for RXR said they would designate the area for the truck in the early morning hours and leave the spaces open to residents during the day. However, several board members were concerned that the area may not be large enough for some trucks. Because there is a divider, drivers would not be able to maneuver around the trucks, thus causing traffic issues during morning rush hour.
Mayor Reggie Spinello spoke during the public hearing and said the Glen Cove Police recommended that the four spots on Bridge Street be designated for loading from 5 to 9 a.m. “For myself and for the police, the on-street loading seem to be the best remedy.”
The board was also concerned over where the truck would park if a delivery was late and they missed the time slot, but Spinello said he didn’t think it would be an issue. “They’ll find a spot,” he said. “They always do.”

Resident Ted Dubicki suggested that a loading space be created in the parking lot behind the existing post office and that a garage door be built onto the new building. This way the truck could back into that area during the loading process instead of parking on the street. But RXR said they had already considered the various options, and designating this space made the most sense in its plans.
Another concern was the city’s use of the center of Village Square. Because RXR is donating the public square to Glen Cove, the city will have control over what public events are held there. “This is a pretty big project, I mean if the city decides to open a skate rink in there, your residents might not like it,” said planning board member John Maccarone. “A concert that lasts until 11 p.m. at night? You think your residents are going to like that?”
Guardino responded, “RXR has a very good relationship with the city, and our hope is that if there was something being proposed that had an adverse effect on the development and the people who live there, the city would coordinate with RXR.”

Site plan details

David Minno, of New Jersey-based Minno and Wasko Architects and Planners, presented the site plan and updated renderings of the new Village Square, which will include a 16,500-square foot plaza to be donated to the City of Glen Cove, 17,500 square feet of retail, European plaza-inspired architecture, modern studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with a residential lounge and fitness room, and on-site parking. RXR is currently in the process of negotiating a parking lease with the city for 30-plus years, and has increased the number of designated parking spaces for Village Square residents in the Brewster Street garage to 74.
Minno said while planning the project, they drew inspiration from European plazas like Piazza del Campo in Siena, Italy, and the Old Town Square in Prague. The buildings encapsulating these squares — which are not usually square in shape — vary in height and color because they were built at different times. To recreate that look, the exterior of each building will be made of different materials, and have distinct accents including window treatments, mouldings and balconies.
The Zoning Board will review the Village Square plans on Thursday, June 15 at 7 p.m. in city hall.