By Angela Marshall
As part of the Board of Trustees' review of the village zoning code, the shape and number of zones are likely to change. Maple Avenue residents and neighbors hope this will mean stricter limits within their neighborhood.
Trustee Mary Bossart suggested that two "little towns" be created in the Maple Avenue area. While the boundaries have not been discussed, the general distinction would be between areas where businesses back up to residences and those that meet the Long Island Rail Road. The board is considering restricting businesses near the railroad to a height of 36 feet, or three stories, and those near houses to 24, or two stories. The current height limitation is 60 feet.
There are currently 16 zoning districts within the village. The planners hired by the village, BFJ, have suggested that they consolidate and reduce the number to 10. If the two "little towns" suggestion is considered, that would make 11.
The number, shape and limitations within each zone are just some of the decisions the board will have to make before it ends a big-business moratorium, which was enacted in June and prohibits the development of any building larger than 40,000 square feet. The ban was created as a stopgap measure to allow the board to finish certain zoning revisions without any large projects slipping through. It will expire Dec. 4.
The evening's itinerary was meant to update board members on the most pressing issues that have to be met if they are to come close to meeting the deadline. However, Martha Krisel, village attorney and the backbone of the recodification effort, said that even if they make the decisions quickly, filing the paper work and receiving approval could cause them to extend the moratorium.
For each issue, there are numerous questions. The decisions are made slowly and are often achieved only after long discussions about the impact each will have on the village.
One zoning code change being discussed is whether to restrict the building of multi-family dwellings in the heart of the downtown in buildings with commercial ground floors. Mayor Eugene Murray, remembering a time when many more residents lived in the downtown area, said he opposes restricting housing in the downtown area. He and Bossart said they felt it would be good for the village.
"It's another type of housing stock," Bossart said, pointing out the need for housing on Long Island.
Deputy Mayor Wayne Lipton said it might be a way to keep the town vibrant but said it would need to be carefully reviewed.
Trustee Jack Matthews initially balked. However, by the end he was willing to consider the idea. It will be discussed further at the next meeting.
As always, parking was also discussed. The board will have to decide what parking requirement changes to make for businesses in all zones. Because of the village's congested parking, one of the suggestions the trustees are considering is the requirement of off-street, on-site parking for all businesses intending to convert buildings from one use into office, retail or restaurants.
Board newcomer Greg Rinn suggested that they consider creating parking requirements for private schools as well.
The date of the next meeting is expected to be announced this month.
