By Nicole Falco
Having already received the unanimous approval of the Hempstead Town Board, last September, to rezone the property from Residence B District to Golden Age (GA) District, the developer, Broadval LLC of Islandia, now awaits a decision by the Nassau County Planning Commission. The planning commission's decision is "imminent," according to both town Councilman James Darcy and Doug Partrick, one of two principle partners of Broadval. The other is Partrick's father, Donald. If the Nassau County Planning Commission gives its approval, Broadval will then have to appear before the Town Board for a final site plan review. If that is approved, building permits can be issued.
"We're just trying to tie up the loose ends waiting for approval," Partrick said.
First preference for the condos will be given to residents of Valley Stream School District 13 and their parents, followed by town and county residents. The town is maintaining a list of perspective buyers, which it will turn over to the developer.
"We keep getting a lot of inquiries," Darcy said. "There is a lot of interest from residents in the area. It is a clear example of how the great the need [for such housing] is in the community."
According to Partrick, Broadval must submit an offering plan to the state attorney general's office, and have that plan approved, before it can maintain its own list of perspective buyers or set a starting price for the units. He added that the state will not approve an offering plan until the final site plan is approved by the town. Once the units can be sold, a sign will be erected on the property and Broadval will look into other forms of advertising, if necessary, Partrick said, although he expects "word of mouth" to account for most of the sales.
In a presentation before the Town Board last August and September, Broadval's attorney, Jack Libert of Libert, Alizio and Galfunt of Mineola, said the units could potentially start at approximately $250,000, and, based on that price, the complex would generate about $1.8 million in tax revenue annually -Wayside was tax exempt. And the complex will not be eligible for federal or state subsidies.
"Because of the average selling price of a home in Nassau County, people would do very well to sell their house and buy a unit with us, and they'll still be able to put some money away for retirement," Partrick said. "It's a win-win for everybody. A win-win for the community as well as for the school district, which will benefit from the extra tax revenue without the impact of school-aged children. People will still be able to live in their community at an affordable price and it's a great planning tool for keeping people here and from moving off Long Island."
Also in the presentation they made last summer, Libert and project engineer Kevin Walsh of Barrett, Bonacci & Van Weele, P.C. of Hauppauge, said the complex will feature eight two-story buildings, an 8,000 square foot community building and recreation areas. Each unit will measure 941 square feet and have two bedrooms, one and a half baths, a kitchen, living room, dining room and rear patio. First-floor units will be handicapp accessible and second-floor units will have handicap amenities such as a shower guard rail. Four parking spaces will be provided for every three units. Garbage dumpsters will be located throughout the property and pickup will be done through a private company. The main entrance will be on Dutch Broadway opposite Lawrence Street. Residents will be required to use an access card to gain entry to the complex between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.Two additional accessways will only be used in case of emergency and will otherwise remain locked. A 6-foot cedar stockade fence will surround the property and evergreens will be planted along the property line.
Any Salvation Army buildings on the 14-acre property, which is located on Dutch Broadway west of West Gate, have been demolished in anticipation of construction. Wayside, which offered counseling and rehabilitative services to troubled girls, closed in December 2003 - after nearly 70 years - citing economic diifficulties.
"We're optimistic and looking forward to breaking ground and getting construction underway," Partrick said. "I anticipate we will have the job done and complete and people moving in within 18 months to two years [once construction has begun]."
Comments about this story? NFalco@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 208.
