By:Jennifer Marino
There are now fewer permitted uses in these areas, formerly zoned Business A. The theory behind the legislation, commonly referred to as the "little town" laws, is that it will provide a buffer zone between Sunrise Highway and nearby homes. In 1998, discussion about improving the zoning code in Rockville Centre began, and the new laws are one of many steps that have been taken and will be taken in the future. There were seven bills voted on at Monday's board meeting. All were approved unanimously, and had already been extensively debated by the board and the public. In the Business C district, stores and offices will be permitted, including those in which storage and distribution components do not exceed 40 percent of the premises. Multifamily uses, restaurants, private schools and ground-level, non-structure parking lots will also be allowed. With special-use permits, multi-family uses with non-residential ground floors, senior-care housing, bowling alleys and dry-cleaners will be allowed. The Business C2 district allows the same uses as Business C, except for restaurants. Special uses are the same, though bowling alleys are not permitted and two-family homes are allowed. There are criteria for parking lot requirements, including height, lot coverage and setbacks. The Planning Board will have the power to grant special-use permits, but bowling alleys, dry-cleaners and two-family homes would require special permits issued by the Zoning Board of Appeals. The requirements for special-use permits are outlined in the laws.The audience at the board meeting applauded after all the laws were passed. Because they were several years in the making, the board was satisfied that the laws had finally passed. Deputy Mayor Wayne Lipton said he hoped there would be more changes to the zoning code to keep the village from becoming too dense. His suggestions included possibly increasing lot size from 8,000 square feet to 9,600, and reducing the maximum percentage of lot coverage from 33 percent to 30 or 28 percent. Several residents also spoke, thanking the Board for its hard work in passing the legislation. "I appreciate what you've done," said Joe Kelly of the Maple Avenue Task Force.A full text of the bill is available on the village Web site at www.ci.rockville-centre.ny.us.
Comments about this story? JMarino@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 221.
