By JEFF LIPTON
Posillico developers had withdrawn an application for a 98-unit condo plan after apparent lack of neighborhood and town support, only to return more than three years later with plans for 69 more units. The developers have proposed to change the zoning on the 11.6-acre petroleum contaminated site from industrial to a condominium designation.
Many residents said they would be happy if the property would no longer be zoned for industrial use, but had expressed hope that single-family homes would be built instead of condos. However, the developers have made it clear that constructing condos would help Posillico recoup the money being invested in the multimillion dollar cleanup of the contaminated site.
The hearing on the 98-unit complex was held on March 23, 2004, but soon after that the application was yanked when several residents showed up to oppose it.
About six months ago, the developer submitted to the Town of Hempstead new plans — this time seeking to construct 167 condo units in an 11-building complex at the former Cibro site. The application once again seeks to change the zoning from industrial to "CA," which is a specific designation for condos. During a Tuesday, Nov. 27 public hearing before the Town board, which has jurisdiction over zoning changes, eight residents spoke in opposition to the proposal, with many asking for single-family homes instead of condos. Following the hearing, the Town board reserved its decision for a future date.
Angelo Balbo, who was one of more than 20 residents that spoke in favor of the project, said those who are holding out for single-family homes are wasting their time.
"The issue is not single-family homes," said Balbo, who has lived close to the property since 1991. "That's not what's on the table. It's CA or industrial, that's the option."
According to Posillico attorney William Cohn, the price of the proposed units will range from $300,000 for a studio to more than $1 million for a three-bedroom with a waterfront view.
Michael Posillico, a managing partner of the company, said in July that the number of units proposed has increased from 98 to 167 to make it more affordable to many buyers.
Cohn said the main benefit to area residents is the cleanup that Posillico has undertaken, which "is a monumental task."
"That in of itself is significant," said Cohn. "Everyone is concerned about contamination. And instead of looking at a horrendous site, they will see a beautiful development.
"This is a win-win situation," said Cohn.
He said there will be far less traffic generated by the proposed condo project than with an industrial development.
Some residents who expressed support for the condos said they would have been happier with 98 units instead of the newly proposed 167.
"I wish it were less [units]," said Karen Mitchell, a resident of Island Parkway South who lives directly across the street from the site. "But I don't want it to remain industrial, and he's willing to clean it up.
"If it stays industrial, I'm afraid we won't be able to sell our house," said Mitchell, who is a longtime area real estate broker.
Posillico purchased the property in July 2000 on condition of a cleanup of the contaminated site, a responsibility left to Posillico since Cibro Oil, the previous owner for 40 years, went bankrupt during the mid-1980's and was thus excused from the cleanup.
Meanwhile, residents have complained in the past that the company has since piled mounds of dirt on the site, took down slats from its chain-linked fence that conceal the property, allowed grass to grow high around the fence, and increased truck traffic there — all of which some residents interpreted as intimidation tactics. Posillico has strongly denied this claim.
Posillico has expressed hope that the condos could be built by 2009, if the project receives the necessary approval, said Cohn.
Comments about this story? Jlipton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 287.
