Envision talks pros and cons of industry

Hawthorne Avenue is a prime industrial area in Valley Stream that is also very close to homes.

Brian Croce/Herald

Should Valley Stream’s industrial properties be enhanced, reduced or remain the same? This question was one of the many that residents discussed at the March 27 Envision Valley Stream meeting at Sip This on Rockaway Avenue.

Envision President David Sabatino cited a map of the village’s industrial zone that primarily follows the Long Island Rail Road line along Hawthorne Avenue. Of the dozens in attendance, some people were for expanding the industrial zone while others were against it. However, everyone in attendance agreed that there isn’t much undeveloped real estate left in Valley Stream, so to expand industry would be difficult.

“In Valley Stream, like in many other communities, we all have the ‘not in my backyard’ (mentality),” said resident Sandy Seyfried. “Nobody wants things near them. Everybody agrees that we do need this, but nobody wants it to be where they are. So that’s where we run into problems with progress and industry.”

One person in attendance already has industrial development practically in her backyard. Kiran Siddiqi said she lives close to Hawthorne Avenue and sees the effects of industry on nearby residents.

“All of us have the same complaint,” Siddiqi said of her neighbors, citing an auto detailing business on the other side of Railroad Avenue. “The fumes from the paint, depending on how much work they do or depending on what way the wind is blowing, is very, very strong. I think there’s a bakery on that street too, so sometimes we get fresh bread and sometimes we get fumes. We call to complain and let them know that it’s not safe; it’s very hazardous to our health.”

Sabatino added that residents can also hear deliveries being made at odd times in the day or night, but for the village as a whole, industry is important. “This industry makes up a lot of our tax base,” he said, “and removing that or curtailing that would have a significant impact. You would see your taxes change.”

At a recent Board of Zoning Appeals meeting, Sabatino said that board discussed the relocation of car dealerships from West Merrick Road to Sunrise Highway.