Well there’s one thing for sure, people love Balducci’s.
More than 20 people attended a public hearing for the auto-repair shop, which applied for a special use permit after moving locations from 329 Post Ave. to 311 Wilson Ave. Almost a dozen local residents and patrons spoke on behalf of owner Bobby Balducci, praising the way he ran the shop and his high-quality service.
“He’s always been honest and compassionate with people who come in,” said Westbury resident and Balducci’s patron Judy Gerard. “He gets to know us. That one-on-one attention he gives to you, that’s something that’s really lacking nowadays.”
Mayor Peter Cavallaro pointed out that it was customary legal procedure for the board to have a hearing before granting a special use permit. The business also had to go under review by the village’s planning board, which had several suggestions regarding the auto-repair shop’s new site. One of the issues flagged by the planning board was that because of the shop’s new location on Wilson Avenue, vehicles exiting the premises would have to go down a one way street, potentially causing traffic in a residential neighborhood. But several meeting attendees dispelled those concerns, saying that the shop hasn’t caused any traffic problems.
“I’ve never had any problems with cars coming out of his parking lot. There is no issue at all,” said Donna Mamthey. “He’s providing a community service and improvement to our community.”
Balducci was located on Post Avenue in Westbury for 15 years, but moved to the Wilson Avenue location around the block in early April because the taxes on his old shop were too high. On a daily basis he typically gets three to 10 cars in his shop, which in addition to himself, has two other employees working.
The planning board also flagged the lack of street parking for the site, but Balducci noted that there were at least 10 spots on his lot.
“I got 10 spots and we never have a full lot because business isn’t what it used to be,” Balducci said. “We have plenty of parking.”
Pending revisions to Balducci’s application with regards to the parking, another public hearing will take place next month.
“I wish more business owners got this type of response from their customers. You’re doing a great job running your business obviously,” Cavallaro said after the public comment portion of the hearing, noting that Balducci was free to operate his shop in the interim. “We’ll work as quickly as we can to get you a decision. I don’t think there would be any changes that would be intrusive, but there are a few things that might have to be done to make sure we cover our bases.”
Balducci said if and when the permit is granted, he has plans to beautify the auto-repair shop with a new exterior, blacktop and signage.
“I like Westbury and I love the people here. Westbury is a melting pot and I try to give back to the people,” he said.
