By:Anthony Rifilato
The developer, Deka Associates, is planning to build 33 senior housing units on 1.35 acres of property at 2751 Grand Ave. after filing an application with the Town of Hempstead to rezone the property from a residential district to a "Golden Age" zone.
This new proposal comes less than a month after the Town approved Deka's application to rezone a residential property at 2870 Grand Ave. a "Golden Age" zone, which would allow for the development of 25 co-op units reserved for senior citizens.
That plan prompted a fierce outcry from residents who said that the development, between Barnes and Atlantic avenues, would impact the quality of life in a residential neighborhood and cause severe traffic problems.
Last week, Deka representatives met with neighbors to discuss the newest proposed project, and the plan received a cold reception from residents.
Bill Bonesso, an attorney for Deka owner John Martino, said that the need for senior housing remains a pressing one, and that the Deka plan is very similar to the development that would be built near Atlantic Avenue. The new development, targeted for the property between Verity Lane and Mervin Court, would consist of 33 units in two separate or conjoined buildings, each two stories and 27 feet in height.
"It's not a favored application," said Bonesso. "But this was just an introductory meeting."
Bonesso explained that like the project near Atlantic Avenue, this plan would be aimed at local seniors. "There is a continuing need for senior housing," he said, explaining that despite criticism, the development wouldn't have a negative impact on residents. "I don't think anybody who lives next to senior housing has anything to complain about."
But several neighbors who live on Mervin Court and Waverly Place have already complained, though they asked to remain anonymous or would not go on the record because they are still awaiting more information and meetings with the developer. Residents who live near the Atlantic Avenue development also expressed outrage, and said that while they don't oppose senior housing, with Halandia Shores nearby, the neighborhood will be overrun with such developments.
"We don't feel happy about it," said one Mervin Court resident who would not give her name. She explained that with the original proposed development and Halandia Shores, the abundance of senior housing will create traffic and quality-of-life issues and change the look of the neighborhood for the worse.
"It's just going to be to much," said one Barnes Avenue resident. "Residents are very upset that we're being saturated with senior housing units."
Bonesso disagreed, saying that neither development would be a blemish on the community, and that people should not use nearby Halandia Shores as a reference for how the buildings will look. He said the project's design is more in line with Milburn Estates, which was also developed by Martino.
"If people are looking at Halandia Shores, they're looking at a more institutional complex," Bonesso said. "These are much more townhouse-type styles. [Deka] is trying to keep it looking as a residential property."
Bonesso also disagreed that there will be much greater traffic in the area, saying that the traffic generated would be equivalent to that produced by five single-family homes built on the properties. Bonesso said that Grand Avenue is vital to senior housing, explaining that senior citizens require easy access to public transportation.
"We understand that Grand Avenue is a busy road," he said. "Anything that goes there is going to increase traffic."
Still, Bonesso said that while Deka plans to pursue its proposal, the project could be scaled back or changed. "It's all very early in the game," he said, explaining that more meetings with residents are expected and, like the other project, this new plan could be revised to meet some of their concerns.
