Valley Stream pursues grant for Gibson

Valley Stream officials are pursuing a grant to jump-start development along Gibson Boulevard, where two vacant strip malls now stand.

After representatives of the village attended a conference on development last week at Hofstra University, officials made plans to submit an application for funding to the New York State Department of Economic Development. Vinny Ang, the village’s assistant to the Board of Trustees, said that the goal is to secure funding so a proposed housing development can get under way.

“We have a very good chance of getting some funding for that,” Ang said. “We’re going to get the application as fast as we can. There’s quite a bit of money available.”

A 39-unit apartment complex, proposed by developer Dr. Leonard Bleicher, was approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals in 2010. Bleicher modified a proposal for a 35-unit condominium complex, initially approved in 2005, and survived a court challenge from Gibson residents.

Bleicher’s attorney, Dominick Minerva Jr., said that Bleicher has not arranged financing for the development. The property has remained vacant for the better part of two years, and has been a constant target of vandals.

Ang said that if funding does come through, it might not go to Bleicher. The village is seeking other developers, despite the fact that Bleicher owns the property. Ang said that the development opportunity could be attractive for others because a plan has already been approved by the village. A grant, he said, would make development prospects even more attractive.

He added that officials do not have a preference for whether the property is developed by Bleicher or someone else. “The village’s preference is, get that blighted group of stores out of there,” Ang said.

Mayor Ed Fare said that although eminent domain proceedings would be a last resort, he would consider taking over the property if it is absolutely necessary. He added that the village does not want to be a landlord, and would want a guaranteed turnaround of the property to a new developer. At a public hearing last week on the proposed eminent domain takeover of property on Rockaway Avenue, some residents asked village officials to do the same for the Gibson buildings.

Minerva said that Bleicher is “entertaining any offers.” He is still seeking financing from lenders as well as looking for a partner to build with. Additionally, Minerva said, Bleicher would be interested in selling the property if the right offer came along, although the land is not currently on the market.

“He’s pursuing all alternatives,” Minerva said. “He wants to build what he planned, if he can get the money.”

The village had tried to find Bleicher some financing through the federal County Development Block Grant program, with funds administered by Nassau County. But Minerva said that money would not be available for Bleicher’s development because he did not have financing plans in place.

“They don’t give the money first,” Minerva said. “They give the money last so that doesn’t help get the project off the ground.”

Two years ago, the village received $2.5 million from the state Department of Economic Development for a proposed housing development at Rockaway Avenue and Sunrise Highway, the Sun Valley apartment complex. That money went to the developer for demolition and building costs.

Ang said that Valley Stream’s track record of getting grant money from the state can only help the village’s chances for the Gibson property. “They know we’re serious,” he said. “We’re not just doing one project. We’re looking to rebuild an entire community in our business districts.”

The diversity of Valley Stream and its access to public transportation makes the village a prime location for these types of developments, Ang explained.

Owner fined

Bleicher was recently fined $300 by Village Court because of violations at the site. On July 20, he was cited by village Fire Inspector Frank Roca because combustible materials such as wood, paper and cardboard were not removed from the vacant buildings. According to village officials, Bleicher was in violation of state fire code.

On Sept. 8, Gibson Boulevard resident Anthony Cocuzzi said he saw a demolition crew at the building, cleaning out debris and piling it in a large dumpster. Cocuzzi said that was the first activity he had seen at either building in a long time.

The fire code violation came on the same day that Bleicher was cited for failing to repair a broken window. Code Enforcement Officer Sal Costanzo said that the broken window, on the Muller Place side of the south building, was dangerous and a safety hazard.

Judge Robert Bogle fined Bleicher and gave him a conditional discharge, meaning that the case could be revisited if the violations occur again. Minerva said that Bleicher has been “very responsive” to complaints, and typically fixes problems within a few days.