Mortgage holders will fight city

Investors in a West End property vow to battle the City of Long Beach on its proposal to take the two adjacent lots through eminent domain.

“We will be fighting it vigorously,” said Erwin Pitnick, one of the multiple mortgage holders of the property at 835 W. Beech Street, at the corner of Nebraska Street.

Pitnick added that the group is opposed to the taking, especially for the city’s plan to use as a residential parking lot. The city is waiting for the completion of a review appraisal, by Powers and Marshall Associates of Mineola, to determine the property’s worth.

If the city council approves the plan, the corner lot would be paved and marked for 10 parking spaces.

Senator Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) acquired a $250,000 grant for the city in 2004 for the purchase and paving of a parcel at 1055 West Beech Street for parking, but the plan fell through.

Councilwoman Denise Tangney expressed concern that the money may no longer be available from the state as well as the loss of $14,000 in taxes the property now generates.

According to city officials, M&T Land Inc. bought the commercial property, in August 2004 and received a variance to use it to build two one-family homes. But, the houses were never built. City Manager Charles Theofan said the city has attempted to contact M&T Land with official letters sent to two addresses on file, but both were returned.The property is in foreclosure.

The city council voted to allow Theofan to continue with the condemnation proceedings, but he will need further approval by the council before purchasing the property.

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