Timeline of the Gibson housing project

A timeline of the proposed housing complex on Gibson Boulevard in Valley Stream, behind the Gibson train station:

April 2005
An informational meeting is held at the American Legion hall for Gibson residents about Dr. Leonard Bleicher’s proposed 41-unit, three-story condominium complex on Gibson Boulevard, the site of two strip malls. The presentation is led by Bleicher, his attorney, Dominick Minerva Sr., and architect John Capobianco. The proposal calls for 40 two-bedroom units and one one-bedroom unit, with parking for 82 cars and fitness facility.

June 2005

Several Gibson residents speak out against Bleicher’s proposal at a Board of Zoning Appeals meeting.

July 2005
A revised 35-unit condo complex is approved. Several variances are granted to the developer, including for greater lot coverage, number of units, and front and rear setbacks.

November 2006
The New York State Supreme Court denies an initial appeal by Gibson residents to halt the development. Judge Zelda Jones backs the power of the local Board of Zoning Appeals, saying it knows better than the courts what development is and isn’t right for a community.

July 2009
Bleicher appears before the Board of Zoning Appeals seeking to change his original proposal. The developer now seeks a building with 42 apartments instead of 35 condos. He says the change from condos to apartments was necessitated by the downturn in the housing market.

August 2009
The Board of Zoning Appeals rejects Bleicher’s new proposal.

January 2010
The developer comes back before the Board of Zoning Appeals with a revised plan. Bleicher’s new proposal calls for a 39-unit apartment building. Overall lot coverage is reduced by 40 percent, and the front setback of the building is increased from 4 to 25 feet. Additional entrances and exits are added for the parking garage. The Board of Zoning Appeals approves the revised plan for the property.

April 2011
Construction has not started on the housing complex, and many residents and village officials believe the project to be dead. All the stores are now vacant.