By Anne Marie Allocca
Board Chairman Ken Bond asked the board for a motion to close the hearing so a decision could be rendered. Clerk Frances Russo read the revised notes from building inspector Thomas Viani, so the ZBA would have a clearer understanding of the variances Bleicher applied for. After the June 21 decision meeting, Dominick Minerva, Bleicher's attorney, had submitted a letter and revised site plans, and the board reopened the case.
Village zoning code allows a maximum of 40 percent coverage of a lot, whereas Bleicher's proposed lot coverage is 69 percent. The maximum number of dwelling units permitted on the 33,766-square-foot lot is 30, but the proposed number of units is 35. Code requires a 20-foot front setback, but the proposed front setback is now 4 feet along Gibson Boulevard. A 5-foot rear setback is required for any structure with a parking structure on the rear property line. A roof overhang may extend 12 inches into the required front setback, but the proposed overhang is 2.84 feet from the front property line. There is a 10-foot maximum height for accessory structures, but the proposed wall height adjacent to the Long Island Rail Road Gibson station is 14 feet.
According to the original plans, the maximum height of the building was to be 37 feet, but the architect reduced it to 35 feet, which complies with code. The setback along Muller Place also now complies with code, at 20 feet. The side setback was previously 7 feet, but is now 18 feet, which also complies with code, which requires a minimum of 10 feet of side setback. Although Minerva had previously applied for a variance regarding balconies encroaching into any setback, that has been omitted from the project.
Marvin Ronik, Jon Brandt and Gerard Frusci thanked the Gibson residents for their input and letters regarding the project, and voiced their approval of the project.
George Malekian eloquently summed up his opinion for the board. "I've lived in Valley Stream since 1947, probably longer than most of you here in this room," he said. "I remember when the apartments on DuBois Avenue were built in 1949. I came from the city and saw that apartment house built and nobody said boo. This was a semi-country place, and now it's part of the city. I've heard the expression 'We're changing the character of the neighborhood.' I feel the character of the whole world is changing. This town has changed quite a bit in 50 years."
Malekian added that there is a need for upscale buildings so Valley Stream can catch up to its neighboring communities. "I am for this project because there is a need," he said. "Great Neck had apartments for years. It's an upscale town with no 99-cent stores or a half a dozen nail salons on the main street.
"I understand we disagree on this issue," Malekian said to the Gibson residents, reminding the board of the King Kullen issue several years ago. "We were vilified for King Kullen. We're residents just like you. We're not on the payroll; we serve at the pleasure of the administration. I would like to see this apartment house go up. I am for this project, and if there are other places where we can put upscale apartments, I am for it."
Ronik then made a motion to approve the project, case No. 2051. Brandt seconded the motion, a vote was taken, and the project was approved. As residents filed out of the room, cries of "We'll see you in court!" and "You don't care - you don't live across the street on Gibson Boulevard" were heard from the crowd.
Residents immediately huddled, and planned their next move. Although the decision has been made, they can choose to take legal action. For now, they plan to meet at the Gibson railroad station on Monday, Aug. 1, at 7 p.m. Anyone interested in discussing the ramifications of the Gibson condos is invited to attend.
Comments about this story? NFalco@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 208.
