By Nick Buglione
It¹s the second time the board has heard testimony on the requested zoning change for the roughly 1.5-acre lot on the east side of Carman Avenue, just across from Melody Lane. Like the November meeting, the board postponed judgment, though it hopes to render a decision on June 7.
Residents opposed to the plan again cited fear that building condominiums would open the door for similar projects in the future, as well as exacerbate Carman Avenue¹s traffic problem and limit street parking.
³If you rezone the property, you set a precedent,² said Helen Meittinis, president of the Community Association of Stewart Avenue (CASA), a Salisbury civic group.
With a number of other open parcels of land along Carman Avenue, the civic group is afraid a zoning change will only encourage undesired developments. ³There are other projects that can come to this neighborhood that can hurt us more than we can ever imagine,² Meittinis said.
Meanwhile, residents living in close proximity to the property have expressed their support, stating that the lot is a rat-infested eyesore that would be vastly improved if condominiums were built.
Since the last town board meeting, MDS Enterprises, the Wantagh-based firm behind the project, modified its plan so only those 55 and over can buy a condo. As a result, a number of seniors in search of housing turned out to voice their support.
³I couldn¹t believe how much support there was from the senior community,² said Chris Coschignano, the attorney representing MDS Enterprises. ³I think there¹s a need for this.²
Coschignano said that placing the age limit would also alleviate traffic and parking concerns, because less people would be living in each condo. ³It helps parking a great deal, because you¹re dealing with empty nesters,² he said.
But Meittinis argued that the age restriction doesn¹t necessarily mean only two people will be living in each unit, and that seniors are being misled to believe the condos will be considerably cheaper than market value.
³I am eligible to buy one of the condos and I have two adult children living with me. That yields four cars,² she said. ³My nest is not going to be empty any time soon.²
Lorri Bauer, a Salisbury resident who has been vocal in her opposition to the plan, agreed. ³The fact that MDS Enterprises amended its plans in no way changes the negative impact that this proposed condominium complex will have on the community,² she said. ³The board¹s decision on this re-zoning application is a defining moment in this community¹s history and future. Re-zoning will create a significant negative safety impact on the traffic situation on Carman Avenue for both drivers and pedestrians, especially children crossing Carman Avenue.²
The plan calls for 30 Victorian-style condominiums, roughly 1,250 square feet each, and a recreation room. Though Town of Hempstead only requires 40 parking spots for such a project, the firm is putting in 60, Coschignano said. They upped the amount to assuage residents¹ fears that those living in the complex would park on adjoining streets.
Residents in nearby neighborhoods such as Wantagh and Levittown, where MDS Enterprises has built similar complexes, also turned out to testify on the firm¹s behalf, stating that the condos have been positive additions to their communities.
Since that section of Salisbury is zoned for single family houses, MDS Enterprises needs the Town Board to approve a zoning change before the project can move forward.
Hempstead Town Councilman Gary Hudes (R-Levittown), who is up for re-election in November, wouldn¹t say whether he is for or against the plan. He did say, however, that he¹s received a lot of feedback on the issue, and encouraged those who were unable to attend the meeting to write the board before it renders a decision June 7.
³We certainly would hope that anyone who has interest would feel free to send us their opinion in writing,² he said. ³The board wants opinions from the community.²
Comments about this story? NBuglione@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 236.
