One of the last remaining vacant properties on Main Street may not remain that way for long.
The owner of Whit & Whim and her husband want to turn the empty lot on lower Main—next to the Good Year auto shop and across from Manhasset Bay—into a three story building.
There would be professional offices on the first floor and six apartments on each of the two upper floors. There is no retail use proposed for the property and all parking is contained on the site.
The applicants, Port residents Laurie and Marty Scheinman, envision a top flight structure in terms of modern office space and market rate apartments. At a meeting, it was said that monthly rents would run around $1,800 for a one bedroom and $3,000 for a two-bedroom with a water view.
The couple bought the half-acre parcel two years ago for $1 million. Laurie, a child therapist, and Marty, a labor arbitrator, wanted something that “would reflect the future of Port and our lives,” Laurie said.
The last time there was talk of developing the parcel was about a decade ago, when a hotel was proposed. That proposal was shot down due to resident opposition.
Laurie is already a big part of Port, running Whit & Whim, which donates 100 percent of its profits each month to a charity or cause. And the couple envisions moving their professional practices to the 18,000-square-foot building and perhaps even one day living there.
“Our standard is a place we want to live,” now that all five of their children have graduated from high school, Laurie said.
She also acknowledges the project, while a way to eradicate “an eyesore,” is “controversial”—putting up a three-story complex right across from the bay instead of leaving it in its natural state.
The couple has been meeting with area groups, including Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington, BID (Business Improvement District) and the Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society. The Scheinmans have also solicited resident input.
“We want as much feedback as possible,” Laurie said. “We want to address everyone’s concerns.”
They have already made concessions, giving up parking spaces to cut down on emissions and lowering a retaining wall.
So far, feedback from business and civic groups that have seen the presentations has generally been favorable. Residents of Jackson Street, which is just behind the lot, are not as enthusiastic.
“I see a willingness to be flexible” on the part of the Scheinmans, said Rachel Amalsitano, whose backyard abuts the property. “But I still don’t think the concept, involving issuing variances, is right.”
“Perhaps it doesn’t have to be so big,” said Sandra Kahn, a Jackson Street resident who would in all likelihood lose her view of Manhasset Bay. “But they say they want to improve the property and [Marty Scheinman] claims he wants to work there, so that does show caring for Port. At least we’re not getting a nail salon.”
“On a personal basis, I think it is a wonderful use of the space,” said Mitch Schwartz, co-president of the Chamber of Commerce. “It’s not out of context with the neighborhood. We have senior apartments around the corner, and it will not require much traffic use. I do not want to see it as an open space forever. We need to establish a bigger tax base in Port Washington.”
While Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington has not yet voted on whether to endorse the project and the final plan incorporating community feedback, the group, in a statement, said, “Generally, we like it. They’re not just making a building. They are incorporating high quality architectural features that also keep with the community’s nautical feel. Additionally, they are enhancing the sidewalks and trees and creating a more vibrant Main Street.”
“My goal is always to do what is best for the community as a whole, while at the same time working to address the concerns of the residents who are most directly affected by the project,” said Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio, whose jurisdiction includes Port. “I am talking to the developer, the community at large and those who live closest to the project.”
And at least one longtime Port resident, who does not live on Jackson Street, but is known for taking strong stances against development, feels the project should be scotched. “I am really against it,” said Joel Katz. “Manhasset Bay is a true jewel and the area around it should be kept as uncluttered as possible.”
The town board could hold a formal hearing on the proposed project as soon as Oct. 29, during its budget meeting. The town planning department already has blueprints in hand.
The couple is not seeking any variances for the height of the building (three stories is permitted in the code), parking (the code requirements are satisfied), or density. But there are a few they will need.
