By JUDY RATTNER
The proposed resolutions call for the temporary restriction, for the period of one year, of new multifamily housing in business districts, and the restriction of full or partial demolition of existing homes in residential areas to prevent new construction that is considered to be out of character with other homes in the immediate neighborhood. The goal is to study the impact of zoning code modifications that would reduce lot coverage, modify height and setback restrictions, consider historic preservation, tree preservation, corner lot requirements and exterior design standards.
The legislation would prevent approval of pending and new applications for the development, alteration, renovation or reconstruction of buildings for multifamily use in the Commercial, Business A, C and C2, Urban Renewal Light Manufacturing and in Residence B districts of Rockville Centre where the floor area of the existing structure would be increased by more than 25%, or new construction of a single or two-family home or any subdivision of residential property. Approval would also be withheld, under the pending legislation, on the demolition of over 75% of any existing single family, two family or multifamily structure except where it would be necessary in the interest of public safety.
The moratorium proposed in this law would not affect approval to extend the time in which to complete a building or structure that has a permit issued prior to the law taking effect, and on which there is already substantial construction. The proposed law contains language that would allow the board to consider hardship exemptions to the moratorium on a case-by-case basis.
In another unanimous vote, the trustees approved legislation to regulate the use of temporary storage containers in residential areas of the village through the use of fees that will be determined.The board also voted unanimously to clarify the use of real estate signs in residential areas. They agreed that open house signs, for example, are permitted on the front property of the house itself,, for not more than eight hours.
Trustee Wayne Lipton said that using a moratorium is serious and he called on the public to take a very careful look at the proposed legislation. "If people in the village are comfortable with it," he said, "they had better be prepared to live with it." Trustee Jeanne Mulry urged the public to read the proposed legislation on the village web site and to attend the meeting on Jan. 8 to voice questions, concerns and comments.
