By:Jonann Brady
Inside, a letter from Village Trustees James Callahan and Patti McDonald warned residents of "a grave threat to our village" in the form of a "3,000 pound propane storage tank in the midst of our residential community." The letter went on to say that if a propane tank of that size were to explode, it would have a "blast-radius of 1/2 mile," and asked residents to send a coupon to the village's Zoning Board of Appeals in favor of "keep[ing] Malverne safe."
Though the letter never said specifically where the propane tank is located, the flier is the latest shot in an ongoing battle between the village and Woodland Nursery on Franklin Avenue.
Owner Dominic Natoli says that his business has been the target of unwarranted tickets and summonses since he took over the nursery in 2001, and the village is trying to keep Woodland from expanding by preventing it from selling propane.
Natoli, 36, said his business is faced with increasing competition from places like Home Depot and local supermarkets that sell flowers and gardening supplies, and selling propane is one of the few ways to keep his business competitive and profitable. "If they want me to survive, I have to keep up with the times," he said.
Trustee Callahan contends, though, that the nursery has ignored village zoning codes in trying to install the propane tank, which he believes crosses the line of safety. "When it comes to health and safety, we can't look the other way," said Callahan. "We can't strike a deal."
Natoli disputes the claim that the tank poses a threat to the village. "How many times have we heard about a propane tank annihilating a village? Never," he said. "In my opinion, a propane tank on a barbecue is more dangerous than this."
Natoli also claims that the nursery has been the target of the village for personal reasons that have become political. He said the nursery was involved in litigation with Building Superintendent Bob Solarino a few years ago, which has since been settled. Natoli did not want to comment on specifics of the litigation, but said it had nothing to do with the village. Solarino could not be reached for comment at press time.
Woodland has received necessary permits to operate the propane tank from the Nassau County Fire Marshal's Office, but has not received a permit from the village. Natoli said that is because the village has no regulations regarding the sale of propane. But since last May, Woodland has been unable to operate the tank, after Nassau Supreme Court Judge Peter Skelos ruled that the village's zoning board must decide on the matter. A zoning hearing is scheduled for Thursday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. at village hall.
Residents divided
The flier, which Callahan said he helped pay for, along with the Malverne Independent Party and McDonald, has produced mixed responses from villagers. Callahan said the feedback has been about 80 percent favorable to his position that the tank poses a significant danger, while Natoli says that his customers have overwhelmingly expressed their support for the nursery.
Interviews with several Malverne residents indicate that people are indeed divided on the issue. A number of residents said they were dismayed by the tone of the flier. "It's disgusting," said Paul Gilas, who ran Gilas Florist in Malverne for more than 50 years and now helps out at Woodland. "It's a scare tactic."
Malverne resident Pat Kraft, who supports the nursery, agreed. "All my neighbors didn't like the scare tactics," said Kraft, who lives on School Street. "We're all afraid of terrorists. Who needs this?"
Kraft also complained that the village was attempting to drive the nursery out of business. "They're not giving Woodland Nursery a break," she said. "They do such a beautiful job over there. Why turn the community against them?"
Other neighbors whose property abuts the nursery, however, say that they do have safety concerns, especially considering the tank's proximity to the LIRR tracks and the fire department. Diane Romano, who lives on Ackley Avenue next to the nursery, said she has no problem with the nursery itself, but the safety of the propane tank worries her and her neighbors. "The general consensus is that it's a concern," she said.
Another neighbor on Ackley, Kim Giaquinto, said she has had ongoing problems with the nursery and has been vocal with local officials about parking issues, and now, the propane tank. "[The nursery] has their own rules and regulations," said Giaquinto. "They don't even ask the neighbors."
Natoli is running the nursery alone after his partner, Jimmy Schimmenti, left the business earlier this year. Natoli, who said he has spent a great deal of money on attorney fees, hopes the zoning board will put politics aside to decide the issue. If the board does not allow Woodland to sell propane, he said, "business will be a struggle."
The hearing on the 29th will be the fourth time the nursery comes before the zoning board, and Natoli hopes it will be the last. He noted that no residents have attended previous hearings. "If there's so many objections, how come no one's saying anything?" he asked.
