By Brian Zanzonico
Steven Krieger of the Lynbrook-based Engel-Burman Group said that the proposed gated community with 100 duette (attached) 1,800-square-foot homes with one-car garages put forward last year has been scrapped in favor of a plan to build single-family homes on 53 lots. The developers are seeking a zone change from light manufacturing to residential, and the issue will go before the town board on Tuesday, June 7 at 7 p.m., at Hempstead Town Hall, One Washington St. in Hempstead.
Last November, when developers unveiled plans for the gated community, called The Meadows at West Hempstead, it was met with opposition from about 100 residents. Many said they abhorred attached housing, and had concerns about the Malverne School District's and the Lakeview Fire Department's ability to handle so many new residents. But they seemed open to the idea of single-family units.
"We're trying the make the community happy," said Krieger. "Chairman Sydney Engel and President Jan Burman are excited about the newest proposal, and we have made every effort to make the residents happy. I hope we accomplish that."
The 10-acre site is home to a 150,000-square-foot manufacturing plant, the temporary quarters of Richner Communications Inc., publishers of Herald Community Newspapers and PrimeTime Guide. The 52-year-old building originally operated as a cardboard manufacturing facility. It was later sold to a prescription drug company that used it as a distribution facility. In 1995 it was purchased by Butterfly Realty, whose Natural Science Industries Ltd. manufactured crafts and toys.
In 2003, the Engel-Burman Group, which is in contract with Butterfly Realty to take over the property, proposed a 289-unit retirement community. After that was shot down by residents, the developers came back a year later with plans for the duettes.
An Orlando Avenue resident, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said she would welcome the addition of single-family homes to the block. "Anything's better than that eyesore [the plant]," she said. "Except attached housing."
Her neighbor disagreed. "I'm fine with the factory across the street," said Brenda Pinder. "Houses will overcrowd the community. For me, the factory is perfect."
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