By ANTHONY BOTTAN
Now a new plan has been proposed, and board members say they hope it will revitalize the downtown area.
A comprehensive master plan was submitted by the Regional Plan Association, a not-for-profit regional planning organization that, according to its Web site, "shapes transportation systems, protects open spaces, and promotes better community design for the region's continued growth."
RPA's proposal lists five tasks outlining the scope of its work. First, it would update the existing land use map of Lynbrook's downtown. Second, it would undertake a "structure by structure" analysis of building and sidewalk conditions, to determine which sites would be best suited to redevelopment or preservation.
The organization's third task would be to present its recommendations to village officials for review. Then, with the village's feedback, the RPA would determine the zoning regulations that would need to be changed to accommodate the project. And then, Task 5: The RPA would present its final master plan to the mayor and village board.
RPA's proposal listed its asking price for the work at $10,000. Village Administrator John Giordano explained that the original price tag for the work was $80,000, and included all of Lynbrook rather than focusing on the downtown. Giordano made it clear, however, that such a plan was just too expensive.
Though Trustee Dave Penso appeared optimistic about the project and said he thought the price was fair, he seemed wary about what the village would get for its money. "I think we're going to be disappointed with what we get for $10,000," he said. Penso suggested that the master plan be "all encompassing," and cover the entire village - the stores on Merrick Road as well as the vacant property scattered around the village.
Mayor Brian Curran agreed. "We shouldn't be dealing with one concept, but the overall plan," he said.
Giordano responded that it would be most beneficial to the village if the plan focused on the downtown because, he said, "It represents 80 percent of the vibrancy of the village."
Deputy Mayor Bill Hendrick's only concern was that the plan succeed in revitalizing the downtown. The last time the village came up with a comprehensive plan for the downtown, five years ago, Hendrick said, it "did not fulfill expectations."
Penso said he is looking into other municipalities' redevelopment plans to determine if RPA's is the best one for the village.
A vote on the proposal was tabled until Monday.
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