Williston Park’s village board withheld judgment pending a transcript review for the 700 Willis Ave. housing proposal at its Monday, March 16, board meeting.
Developer Dean Poll has proposed a five-building, 18-unit complex with six townhouses and 12 apartments on Willis Avenue, between Princeton and Syracuse Streets.
“The board felt, as a whole, that it is better to wait until we get the transcript and the stipulations from the attorney,” Mayor Paul Ehrbar said, adding that the board will appear at a different meeting to vote publicly. “The hearings are over.”
Residents from the surrounding neighborhood attended the meeting with extensive, heated commentary about the application’s code compliance. They raised concerns about waste receptacles, setbacks from sidewalks, zoning, curb cuts along the surrounding roads, parking and water use.
The applicant had a hearing with the village in October and was scheduled to meet in January and February, but the meetings were delayed due to snow.
The Poll Brothers purchased the lot in the 1980s and used it for Pappas Restaurant, which later became Riverbay and closed in the 2010s. It was then TD Bank for about 10 years before it was demolished. The lot now sits empty.
At the October meeting, Umberto Mignardi, who lives across the street from the lot, entered official comments to the public record, alleging code violations in the application.
“We’re on the record saying that there are a number of things here that are in violation of the [village] code,” he said. “I believe that if you’re voting for it, you’re voting to violate the [village] code.”
Kathleen Deegan-Gickson, the applicant’s attorney from Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP, said the application is entirely code-compliant.
“In our November letter that I mentioned, we addressed the comments about zoning compliance with the project… the plan conforms with the zoning code requirements for the business district,” she said. “[The applicant] will be responsive. If there are any concerns, we’ll come back and fix anything that needs fixing.”
In a formal response to Migardi’s comments, the applicant said many of the code issues raised were not applicable.
Regarding property line setbacks, the applicant and the village said the lot is fully zoned commercial and its unique location along three roads provides three frontages, as defined by the village code. Deegan-Dickson said that because the frontage along Princeton Street is a front yard, only a five-foot setback is required.
Mignardi said the section should be considered a side yard abutting a residential district, requiring a 20-foot setback.
Village Attorney Peter Trentacoste said “700 Williston is exclusively in a business district.” He said the lot’s unique position means it has three frontages; the section along Princeton is considered the front yard.
In response to traffic concerns, the village said it hired an outside firm to review the parking study in the application, which independently confirmed the study’s results.
Mignardi said even though he disagrees with the board’s approach, he respects the officials.
“The code is the code,” Mignardi said. “I believe [Poll] has to respect the code abutting residential districts.”
He said the board would be making a mistake if it accepted the proposal without requiring special exemptions.
“If this group of neighbors does hire lawyers,” he told the board, “I guarantee you’re going to lose.”
The village board also held two hearings on federal grants for residential rehabilitation and a law that would allow the board to pierce the tax cap if needed.
A resolution to request an additional $85,000 as part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s community development grant was passed unanimously. The additional request would go toward housing upgrades for residents and renovations to the parking lot, benches, and lighting near Fordham Street.
Deputy Mayor Kevin Rynne said the board has no intention of exceeding the tax cap, but should pass the law as a formality in case a higher tax levy is needed in the future.
Before the public hearings, Ehrbar shared public honors for village residents and officials for their service to the village. First, he honored the Chamber of Commerce Businessperson of the Year, and Harry’s Hilltop Deli owner Harry Hadjicharalambous.
Ehrbar also honored Trustee Michael Uttaro, Nassau’s chief fire marshal, for his recent Building Investigator’s Association commendation from County Legislator Olena Nicks (D–Uniondale).
He also presented a plaque to Kerry Collins, the village’s building inspector, for his long-term dedication to Williston Park.
Ehrbar also singled out Richard Dierlam, a longtime resident and active community member.
“Everywhere there’s an event, a parade, Rich is there,” he said, adding that Dierlam has volunteered for the Red Cross, worked as the village Rotary Club president, completed the Nassau County Citizens Police Academy and served as a block captain. “He brings a strong spirit to the village by demonstrating volunteerism.”
