By Leslie Gonzalez and Dave Vieser
Residents Oppose Proposed Home for Ambulances
A plan to build a new fire house for Lynbrook Fire Department's Emergency-Medical Co. # 1 has set off a firestorm of complaints from local residents. Many of the homeowners, who fear that the new building for the busy emergency-medical volunteer team would detract from the safety of their neighborhood and the value of their homes, voiced those concerns at a public hearing held last Monday night at Village Hall. Also present were uniform-clad fire company representatives who expressed their support for the new building.
"We did not plan to raise our family in a commercially-zoned area", stated Randall Avenue resident Cynthia Perez in objection to the proposed location at the intersection of Forest and Randall Avenues, which calls for a two story, 2,400 square foot facility on a vacant corner parcel owned by the Lynbrook Diner. The rescue company already placed a deposit towards the $20,000 purchase price of the land four months ago, but the plot is classified as residential, requiring permission from the Village Board for a zoning variance that would allow the building on the site.
Emergency Company # 1 has actually been searching for a permanent home for several years, while leasing their current site at 160 Vincent Avenue since 1998. However, the Vincent Avenue building was recently sold to a Honda dealership, forcing the company to rent on a month-to-month basis since June while they seek a new, permanent home.
Unlike most Long Island fire departments, Lynbrook's fire companies are totally incorporated entities, meaning that the members, not the village, own the buildings which house the various apparatus. As such, it is the members who must provide the funds to negotiate the purchase of the property.
The proposed plans from the company include two garage bays on the first floor for ambulances, a 1,200 square foot second floor meeting room and hall, and designated parking spaces along Forest Avenue. The hearing lasted several hours as each neighbor addressed the Board regarding whether such a structure, whose volunteers respond to an average of three to five calls a day, would fit into their residential neighborhood. Each cited potential parking, traffic, social and noise disturbances, and possible loss in property value.
In response, company officials explained how the building's structure would be distinctively designed to please residents. Construction plans specify vinyl siding, home-style windows and peaked roofing. While some fire houses may offer their hall space for social events, the new location's second-level space would not be rented.
"We feel this strategic location will meet our needs to better serve the Village", stated Catherine Arresta, Emergency Medical Company representative. "And we want to be a good neighbor." Addressing sound issues, Mrs. Arresta explained how ambulance sirens can be delayed until the vehicles reach major roads, and that most siren posts are independently-located away from fire and emergency company grounds. To avoid side street congestion, the company plans to route vehicles north on Forest Avenue towards Sunrise Highway. Also raised at the hearing was the option of changing Randall Avenue into a one-way street.
"It's basically squeezing an oversized house on an undersized lot" countered James Esposito, who claims he had also sought to purchase the property from it's owner. Mr. Esposito's house borders the lot.
Building sketches displayed at the hearing depicted only the structure's outside face as it would be seen from Forest Avenue, and future parking would still be short by five cars. Consequently, the hearing ended in a reserved decision on behalf of the Village, with Trustee William Hendrick withholding his vote due to his personal involvement in the project's legal requirements. Mr. Hendrick's wife is also a lieutenant for Emergency Medical.
The Board requested further review of more definitive architectural and landscape plans, including visuals of the building's corner and Randall Avenue sides before casting a final decision. Additional blueprints are expected to be submitted within two weeks, but another hearing date has yet to be determined. Emergency Medical representatives hope to have a Board decision by late November.
"It's a tricky situation because the company is classified between residential and commercial. It's a fine line, and Emergency Company must convince both the Board and local residents that it can be responsible," stated Lynbrook Mayor Eugene Scarpato.
