By Jeff Lipton
But some residents said that building a school next to the Hewlett train station, in the heart of a business community, would be a big mistake, especially since the plans make no provisions for an off-street parking lot.
The opponents and proponents of the proposed Reenas Bais Yaakov School for Girls, at 1199 Railroad Ave., at the corner of Franklin Avenue, will have an opportunity to voice their opinions at a Town of Hempstead Board of Zoning Appeals hearing scheduled for Wednesday, May 21 at 2 p.m. at One Washington Street in Hempstead.
Specific details of the plans came to light recently, when the project was made public after the towns Buildings Department rejected the application, sending it to the BZA for review because it violated the building zone ordinance. The plans call for construction of a one-story addition and a front entry to the existing building for the proposed religious school. The plans request a variance for front-yard setback as well as permission to exceed floor-area ratio and a waiver of off-street parking. The school would require a parking lot to accommodate 74 cars, but plans show no parking will be provided.
Plans also call for construction of seven classrooms, a computer lab, a multi-purpose room, a cafeteria, a science lab, a library, administrative offices, a shul and an assembly room.
According to documents filed with the BZA, a deal was struck in January to sell the property to Reenas Bais Yaakov for $2.725 million. The seller is Ellman International, listed at 1135 Railroad Ave. on the agreement. Ellman took over the building when L.I. Gymnastics moved out of the building a few years ago.
Reenas Bais Yaakov also needs permission to change the zoning from a C-3 light manufacturing zone to a C-5 designation for a school.
In a letter to the BZA, Rabbi Ari Ginian, executive director of Reenas Bais Yaakov, urged the board to expedite the process so the school would be able to open by Sept. 1. We understand that the zoning process is complex and that many applications are currently undergoing due process, Ginian wrote. However, we are an educational institution a womens high school founded by Long Island parents and we would like to use the facility by Sept. 1, 2003. As of now, we rent space from Young Israel of Hewlett and we have accepted a large freshmen class for September ... Therefore, we would like to request expedited review of our application...
In the letter, Ginian said he would like for the school to be open within five months, which would include three months to renovate the building.
Reached by telephone, Ginian said the school has outgrown its use of Young Israel of Hewlett at One Piermont Ave. Were serving the community as much as we can, he said, adding that the proposed new school will have a population of between 45 and 48 students. There has been a growth in the [orthodox] population, and we want to be there to serve it.
He said he is not sure what the parking situation will be if the school takes over the business, but said he was certain the school would provide a big lift for the local economy, since parents of the students will shop in the neighborhood.
Everyone will do their shopping there, he said. It would be convenient. The stores will be supported by all the parents.
When the plans were first announced in March, Joe Gelb, president of the Hewlett Business Association, said he would not oppose the proposal, agreeing that it would help local business. He said the town would have to work harder to find a solution to the local parking situation.
But one resident, who did not want to be identified, questioned where everyone will park. [It] will be extremely taxing on those LIRR commuters using the already overcrowded Hewlett train station, as well as locally owned businesses who require parking for their patrons, the resident said. Many members of the community are unhappy with the plans to put a school of any size at such a congested intersection.
The proposed school would be located near the Hewlett firehouse, an active bus depot and a taxi stand, the resident added.
Anyone who can not attend the May 21 public hearing may send a letter voicing opinions to Joseph Pellegrini, secretary, Board of Appeals, One Washington St., Hempstead, NY, 11550. Include the file numbers 1193-03, 1194-03, 1195-03 and the May 21 hearing date on the letter.
