Villa at Glen Cove moving forward

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In addition to the Garvies Point Waterfront and Village Square projects, another residential condominium development is progressing in Glen Cove.

The Villa at Glen Cove is being developed by Flushing-based real estate firm the Livingston Group New York on about four acres of blighted property along Glen Cove, Craft and Ralph Young avenues.

Demolition of vacant buildings began in May, and there are still several buildings that have yet to be torn down, including a strip mall. The developer’s attorney, Patrick Hoebich, said that demolition started this year — more than nine years after Daniel Livingston, owner of the Livingston Group, proposed the project — because the relocation of tenants and preparatory work had to be completed before construction could move forward.

The remaining buildings are scheduled to be demolished in the next 60 days, according to Hoebich. He added that Living-ston intends to develop the property with a joint venture partner. The Villa project will comprise 176 condominium units in six buildings, with 16 units scheduled to be for affordable housing. The six buildings will be between two and a half and four stories.

Parking will be underground, out of the public’s view, and extensive landscaping and streetscaping improvements will be made, including street trees, lanterns, pavers, sidewalks and water features to create a tree-lined gateway to the downtown.

For transportation, two bus stops will be added in front of the development, and a trolley will loop to the ferry terminal, train stations and downtown.

A video rendering of the project on the Livingston Group’s website shows private balconies and patios, common rooms, a spa, gym and indoor pool.

A couple who live near the development area have sued the Livingston Group and the city over the project. The plaintiffs, Marsha Silverman — who is running for Glen Cove City Council — and Roni Epstein, said they believe the city has violated the State Environmental Quality Review Act and other laws and regulations. They said by phone that they had filed the lawsuit in the interest of the public, with the support of the community. Amy Marion, of Garden City-based Barket Marion Epstein and Kearon, is representing them.

“Livingston has maintained that those allegations are without merit,” Hoebich said. “This has been a thoroughly vetted project by two municipal boards over many years.”

The case is now in Nassau County Supreme Court before Judge George Peck. “We are confident that we will prevail on that decision,” Hoebich said, adding that there should be a ruling in the case within a month.

He also confirmed that the Livingston Group is reimbursing the city for its legal expenses incurred because of the lawsuit. Charles McQuair, who is representing the City of Glen Cove, said the city does not comment on ongoing litigation.