The Town of Hempstead board voted to repeal the North Lawrence and Inwood transit-oriented development plan at their meeting, on Nov. 19.
Two decisions were made — adapting a negative declaration under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act and rescinding the original building zone ordinance.
Councilwoman Melissa Miller, whose district includes Inwood and Lawrence, motioned both decisions. Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby seconded both.
“”I’m going to vote yes to rescinding it because I know we had a wonderful turnout, a lot of residents were concerned about it and a number of people have been keeping up to date about this,” said Donald Clavin, Town of Hempstead supervisor. “This is to rescind the zone and not grandfather in those developments that is based on the analysis set forth by outside council as well as our consulting agency.”
Steven Losquadro, special counsel to the town on land use, addressed the determining factors for the residents in the zoning area.
“There was a comprehensive review and understanding of this zone and the impacts it could have on the communities comprised particularly in North Lawrence and Inwood,” Losquadro said. “The study to understand what impacts could take place and to understand how the zone was impacted was done so the best interest of the town and its residents could be met.”
The town hired an environmentalist consultant to review the state Environmental Quality Review Act and examine potential rezoning impacts. Nelson, Pope & Voorhees conducted a comprehensive review and they found inaccuracies of the plan, according to Losquadro.
“I vote yes and want to echo Supervisor Clavin’s sentiment," Miller said. "We really appreciate the communities coming out and voicing what we need to hear, it’s how government works. We gave you the opportunity to explain pro or against what you think and the voices were loud and clear, we heard you and thank you for participating.”
