By Hector Flores
The reuse association plan calls for construction of 34 single-family homes, 40 Golden Age semi-attached senior town houses and a recreational facility.
The developer, Kabro Brothers, wanted to build only single-family housing. The company said it couldn't make money off the project if senior housing and a recreational facility were included in the mix.
The town recently rezoned the 17-acre base on Maple Avenue from Residential B to the "North Bellmore Planned Resident District," which requires that the reuse association¹s plan is closely followed in any future redevelopment.
"We amended the town's building zone ordinance to create a 'North Bellmore Planned Residence Zone,'" said town Supervisor Kate Murray, a Republican of Levittown. "By doing so, we gave the force of law to the recommendation of local residents and assured the development of the former Army base pursuant to the wishes of its neighbors - a mix of market-rate, single-family homes and senior housing."
The reuse association comprised North Bellmore residents, and representatives from the town Department of Planning and Development, the U.S. Army and the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.
"When the Army abandoned this site, the town formed a committee of local residents to recommend a use for the land," Murray explained. "That committee held a series of hearings to ensure that nearby homeowners would have an opportunity to play a role in deciding the future of the property. At all times, the committee's goal was to devise a plan that was consistent with the priorities of the North Bellmore community."
Reinaldo Nunez, president the North Bellmore Civic Association, said, "I think this was a great decision the town made. There is a need for this project because our seniors need affordable housing."
Sal and Florence Misciagno of North Bellmore, ages 80 and 77 respectively, were also pleased with the town's decision because they hope to someday purchase one of the Golden Age homes.
"We have been living in North Bellmore for the last 37 years, and we have family here," Sal said. "We don't want to leave the area and move to Florida. Hopefully we will be able to purchase one of the new senior homes."
Comments about this story? HFlores@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 283.
