By Anthony Rifilato
They inquired about his selections, such as Kohler and Schrock. And while tastes and styles of interior design may have changed over the 77 years that Gainsburg's family has owned this business, there has always been one constant, he said, that separates Baldwin Kitchens from behemoths like Home Depot: good service and quality products.
"Our business is very strong," said Gainsburg. "We do a considerable amount of sales."
So it came as a surprise to Gainsburg last month when the Town of Hempstead announced that it had conducted a blight study of the area, a study that included Baldwin Kitchen and Baths within roughly five acres of real estate along Grand Avenue and Merrick Road. Town and county officials said that the study is the first step for a proposed redevelopment plan of Baldwin's downtown [See story, front page].
If the blight study is approved later this month, the Town could eventually condemn some buildings through eminent domain, in the hopes of revitalizing Baldwin's commercial base. The United States Supreme Court, ruling 5-4 last June, reaffirmed the government's right to condemn property, in the name of allowing local cities and towns to spur job growth and increase tax rolls.
"You're not going to be able to stop it [condemnation]," said Gainsburg.
While Gainsburg said that he is for redeveloping the area, he doesn't think his business should have been included in the study and doesn't want to see his business torn down or relocated.
The Town's proposal has sparked intense debate among local officials and community leaders as to how to factor in Gainsburg into the revitalization formula. All agree that Gainsburg's business is not a blight, but viable and thriving, and do not want to see him hurt as a result of the plan.
"Maybe there's a way [Gainsburg] could be worked in there," said Doug Diana, a member of the Town of Hempstead Board of Appeals and Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, at last week's meeting.
Even at a tax grievance workshop last week, Legislator. Joe Scannell (D-Baldwin) told residents that Gainsburg has been the only viable business in an area riddled with absentee landlords and deteriorating storefronts.
The plan is still just a nascent proposal, however, and officials said that they are going to help Gainsburg, though Diana told chamber members that more information was needed about the redevelopment plan and that it was too early to make Gainsburg a guarantee.
As to why Gainsburg was included in the study, there were no clear answers, and Town officials were not available at press time. Diana did speculate, however, saying that while Gainsburg's business is not blighted, it is in a blighted area.
"Nobody wants to see you get hurt," Diana said. "How we do that has yet to be determined."
In the meantime, Gainsburg said he is thankful for the support from chamber members and hopeful since politicians have been receptive to his concerns. He said he hopes that his business will receive a favorable mention in the redevelopment process, which officials say is likely to go forward if the blight study is adopted. But despite the consolations, Gainsburg's fears haven't been assuaged.
"I don't want my building to be a part of it," Gainsburg said. "It stops you from doing anything to enhance your business."
An exemplary business
Gainsburg has good reason to be concerned. This isn't the first time the fate of Baldwin Kitchen and Bath Designs has hung in the air. His building was scheduled for condemnation once before, he said, when plans to move the First Police Precinct there were in the works, a plan that was ultimately scrapped after several years.
It was a weight off his shoulders, he said, but for years, no one knew if the project was going forward or not and businesses, as well as developers lost any incentive to better enhance Baldwin's downtown.
"It prevented us from spending money to fix it up for a number of years," Gainsburg said. "We were basically scheduled for condemnation, but that was rescinded."
Even if Gainsburg wanted to sell his business at this point, it is unlikely that anyone would buy because of the Town's plan, he said.
"I couldn't sell, because no one will buy this for private use due to the Town's plan," Gainsburg said.
The exterior of Baldwin Kitchen and Bath Designs belies its relatively large, 6,500 sq. ft. interior, with its expansive array of kitchen vanities and glistening bathroom showers, sinks and whirlpools.
In the rear warehouse, employees assemble custom-made bathroom vanities, which are produced on premises. This is an amenity that Gainsburg said was grandfathered in because the business is so old, something he will lose if his business is relocated.
"How would I move my showroom, my warehouse," he said. While Gainsburg speaks with conviction, the father of three is far from histrionic. But he is very concerned. Not long ago, Gainsburg said he spent $100,000 to expand the store, and also added new ceilings and air conditions. The business has supported his family for generations, and two of Gainsburg's children work with him at the store.
"This is their livelihood," said Gainsburg. "We've been a model business and contribute regularly. I'm just trying to protect my family and business."
Indeed, Gainsburg's office is a testament to the contributions he has made over the years, and is filled with appreciation awards and citations ranging from the Baldwin Recreation Association to the Shields of Long Island. Each year, Gainsburg is responsible for putting up the chamber's menorah at the Baldwin Train Station each year, and has supported many organizations, such as the Baldwin Council Against Drug Abuse, the Kiwanis Club, and numerous chamber events.
"We've supported every possible thing that we can."
Hardly a blight on the community, he said.
"I'm confident that the county, town and chamber will see to it that I am made whole and not hurt in the Town's plans," Gainsburg said. "I'd be willing to do whatever it takes to accommodate the downtown revitalization of Baldwin. But I don't think my family should be hurt."
