In Gibson, it's apartments

After five years of community debate, variance applications and architectural redesigns, the 39-unit rental apartment development proposed for Gibson Boulevard was unanimously approved at the Valley Stream Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on Jan. 26.

The developer, Dr. Leonard Bleicher of Hewlett Harbor, has not yet determined a groundbreaking date, according to his attorney, Dominic Minerva Sr.

Board member Sal Pizzolo said that the modified plans Minerva presented were much better than the first set of proposed changes he submitted last August, and alleviated several of the board’s concerns. “All the problems brought up were answered,” Pizzolo said. “He compromised with us, and I’m in favor of it.”

Five years ago, the zoning board approved Bleicher’s plan to build a 35-unit condominium complex on Gibson Boulevard. Last year, Bleicher wanted to make the building four feet higher, add seven more units and make them rental apartments to adapt to the current housing market, but the BZA denied his request. Board members called the idea of 42 apartments “too excessive” and gave Bleicher three options. He could file an appeal to the state Supreme Court, go back to his original design or submit a modified plan. Bleicher chose the last option.

Minerva came back to the BZA on Jan. 12 with a modified plan, outlining proposed changes that, he said, would alleviate the concerns expressed by board members and residents. In the new plan, the complex’s front-yard setbacks were increased, positioning the building 25 feet from the curb. Village code requires setbacks to be at least 20 feet, although the BZA in 2005 approved a variance to allow setbacks of just four feet.

Multiple parking entrances and exits were also added, in contrast to the single entrance in the original plan. Other additions included decorative lamp posts along Gibson Boulevard and a handicapped-accessible ramp at the front entrance. The building will have four floors — three above ground and one a parking lot below ground — but its lot coverage has been reduced by more than 40 percent.

Minerva also submitted a parking study done by AKRF, an environmental planning and engineering consulting firm, which concluded that the proposed complex would not increase traffic in the surrounding area.

The building will replace two mostly vacant strip malls behind the Gibson train station. The only remaining business is a laundromat.

Zoning board member Jon Brandt said that the village — and in particular the Gibson section — could benefit from an apartment complex. “It’s a blighted area,” Brandt said of that stretch of Gibson Boulevard. “It would be an improvement to the area.”