The North Hempstead Town Council last night granted a change in zone from industrial to multi-family residential for property on the Glenwood Landing (GWL) Waterfront. The action changes the use on town-owned property and on property that once housed Harbor Fuel. The action clears the way for the town-owned portion of the property to be sold to Glen Harbor Partners, a developer that proposes construction of a condominium apartment building at the site.
The vote split 5 to 2 in favor of the zoning change, with Councilmen Fred Pollack and Wayne Wink dissenting. The action creates the first multi-family residential zone in GWL and doubles the population of the North Hempstead portion of GWL. The application to rezone passed despite uncertainty about the feasibility of a sewer line to the sewage treatment plant in Glen Cove and many other concerns that, in the view of the Glenwood / Glen Head Civic Association and others, remained unaddressed during environmental review.
The Town of North Hempstead (TNH) has said that the Glen Harbor proposal is contingent upon a sewer line to Glen Cove. Mayor Ralph Suozzi recently told the towns of Oyster Bay and North Hempstead that no sewer lines from outside Glen Cove would be considered until Glen Cove completes its master plan, which could take some time. In addition, Mayor Suozzi has said that, when and if sewer lines from outside Glen Cove are considered, priority will be given to public projects for which a need has been demonstrated based on scientific study.
Another of the civic association's concerns relative to the sewer line is the number of times Shore Road may be opened for construction of sewer lines, particularly in light of the close proximity of the Glen Harbor project to the Shore Realty parcel (a Superfund site where a cleanup has been ongoing for many years and where a proposal for a project of considerable density is likely).
The civic association also has questioned the wisdom of constructing a privately funded sewer line to service the proposed condominium apartment building only, with no possibility of hooking up sections of GWL that may be contributing a significant amount of bacteria to Hempstead Harbor.
To their credit, through the Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee, the towns of Oyster Bay and North Hempstead, Sea Cliff, and Glen Cove recently applied for a state grant to fund a sewer feasibility study for GWL. The Hempstead Harbor Water Quality Improvement Plan endorses sewering as the preferred method of treating waste whenever possible.
In another key development, in response to an inquiry from Councilman Pollack, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto indicated a willingness to explore ways that the site might be jointly managed as parkland. The civic association appreciates Mr. Venditto's receptivity to this idea.
In light of these and many other factors, the civic association believes that the North Hempstead Town Council should not have granted the zoning change. The civic association is assessing whether there is enough financial support and legal ground to contest the town's action in court. We also will attempt to follow the Glen Harbor application when and if it proceeds to the TNH Zoning Board of Appeals and TNH Planning Board.
A key component of the project is a public access waterfront boardwalk. Should the project move forward, the civic association advocates a walkway constructed with high-quality, long-lasting materials; 24-hour access to the public walkway; and a conservation easement for all land around the building held by a conservation organization stipulating that the land must be managed to maximize wildlife habitat. The North Shore Land Alliance has expressed an interest in holding such an easement. Last summer NSLA and Glen Harbor Partners had a brief exchange about the possibility of NSLA involvement.
We also seek a reduction in the height and footprint of the building and the impact of the roof line. At a recent hearing, there was discussion about adding a water tower to the building's massive roof, which already obstructs the view of the water from Rams Hill. Minimizing the roof line is important because of the proximity of Rams Hill, the neighborhood that overlooks the proposed building. Toward that end, the civic association advocates exploring the possibility of a green roof (rooftop plantings designed to control runoff, to insulate the building from extreme temperatures, and to be aesthetically pleasing).
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Civic Asks NYS to Support Sewer Feasibility Study for Glenwood Landing & Glen Head
Below is a copy of a letter the Glenwood / Glen Head Civic Association has sent to the NYS Dept. of State to support an application submitted to the NYS Dept. of State / Division of Coastal Resources for a sewer feasibility study for parts of Glen Head and Glenwood Landing (see previous postings for more information). It is one of many such letters that the civic association has written over the years. If you ever wonder why it is worth bothering with a civic association, this is a good example of the positive contribution a civic association can make in a community. As a private citizen, you, too, can make a similar contribution—in this case by sending a similar letter to the same address.
SMSI GRANT PROGRAM
NYS Dept. of State
Bureau of Fiscal Management
41 State Street / 10th Floor, Suite 1000
Albany, New York 12231-0001
Re: Hempstead Harbor Area Joint Sewer Feasibility Study SMSI Grant
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to express the enthusiastic support of this civic association for the application submitted by the Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee, with the Village of Sea Cliff as lead applicant, for a sewer feasibility study focusing on the eastern side Hempstead Harbor under the Shared Municipal Services Incentive Award grant.
This civic association has a long history of participating in HHPC and supporting its mission. We believe a sewer feasibility study is timely in light of the high bacteria counts that have been documented at the Glenwood Landing (GWL) Powerhouse Outfall, the large amount of under utilized property on the GWL Waterfront, the applications for development in GWL and Glen Head that are (or soon will be) under review, the recommendations found in the Hempstead Harbor Water Quality Improvement Plan, and the high water table that characterizes much of the area.
A sewer feasibility study will provide information that is urgently needed for land use and water quality improvement planning. The committee, particularly the Village of Sea Cliff, the City of Glen Cove, and the towns of North Hempstead and Oyster Bay, are to be commended for cooperating on this project.
We strongly urge you to approve the application and thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Patrice Benneward, President
SMSI GRANT PROGRAM
NYS Dept. of State
Bureau of Fiscal Management
41 State Street / 10th Floor, Suite 1000
Albany, New York 12231-0001
Re: Hempstead Harbor Area Joint Sewer Feasibility Study SMSI Grant
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to express the enthusiastic support of this civic association for the application submitted by the Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee, with the Village of Sea Cliff as lead applicant, for a sewer feasibility study focusing on the eastern side Hempstead Harbor under the Shared Municipal Services Incentive Award grant.
This civic association has a long history of participating in HHPC and supporting its mission. We believe a sewer feasibility study is timely in light of the high bacteria counts that have been documented at the Glenwood Landing (GWL) Powerhouse Outfall, the large amount of under utilized property on the GWL Waterfront, the applications for development in GWL and Glen Head that are (or soon will be) under review, the recommendations found in the Hempstead Harbor Water Quality Improvement Plan, and the high water table that characterizes much of the area.
A sewer feasibility study will provide information that is urgently needed for land use and water quality improvement planning. The committee, particularly the Village of Sea Cliff, the City of Glen Cove, and the towns of North Hempstead and Oyster Bay, are to be commended for cooperating on this project.
We strongly urge you to approve the application and thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Patrice Benneward, President
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Techniques for Protecting Open Space in Glenwood Landing & Glen Head Topic of Workshop Presented by Pace University Attorney
Learn about innovative, effective land use techniques that can be implemented to protect open space in Glenwood Landing, Glen Head, and the rest of Nassau County at a workshop presented by Sean Nolan, Director of the Land Use Law Center at Pace University School of Law in White Plains.
The workshop, "Building Stronger Local Laws to Protect Your Community," will be held Thursday, Nov. 9, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at East Woods School in Oyster Bay Cove. The cost is $15. Light refreshments will be served from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Topics to be covered include aquifer protection zones, steep slope ordinances, conservation area overlay districts, habitat assessment guidelines, and open space protection. Mr. Nolon's presentation will be followed by a panel of government officials who have adopted some of these techniques in their communities.
Sean Nolon trains local officials, environmentalists, and developers in land use law and consensus building techniques, provides strategic assistance to local governments and intermunicipal councils, and mediates land use disputes. He has taught a law school seminar in conflict resolution and land use law and coordinates the Land Use Conflicts Externship at Pace University.
The workshop is sponsored by The Nature Conservancy and The North Shore Land Alliance (follow links at right for registration information).
The workshop, "Building Stronger Local Laws to Protect Your Community," will be held Thursday, Nov. 9, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at East Woods School in Oyster Bay Cove. The cost is $15. Light refreshments will be served from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Topics to be covered include aquifer protection zones, steep slope ordinances, conservation area overlay districts, habitat assessment guidelines, and open space protection. Mr. Nolon's presentation will be followed by a panel of government officials who have adopted some of these techniques in their communities.
Sean Nolon trains local officials, environmentalists, and developers in land use law and consensus building techniques, provides strategic assistance to local governments and intermunicipal councils, and mediates land use disputes. He has taught a law school seminar in conflict resolution and land use law and coordinates the Land Use Conflicts Externship at Pace University.
The workshop is sponsored by The Nature Conservancy and The North Shore Land Alliance (follow links at right for registration information).
Two Thousand Neighbors Receive Civic Newsletter
The distribution of the Fall 2006 issue of the Glenwood / Glen Head Civic Association Newsletter is just about complete, with nearly 2,000 pieces delivered thanks to a great team effort. About 1,200 were mailed to all of Glenwood Landing and the portion of Glen Head between Kissam and Scudders lanes and Glen Cove and Cody avenues. The reminder have or are in the process of being distributed in other neighborhoods, including Radcliff Manor, Todd Estates, and Glen Knolls.
Many thanks to all, especially the hand distributors. A distribution of this magnitude costs about $550. Your efforts help to keep costs down.
The newsletter contains information about two major items: the Nassau County Environmental Bond Act, which will be on the ballot in November, and the Glen Harbor Partners rezoning application to make way for a condominium apartment building on the Glenwood Landing Waterfront south of the Glenwood Landing Power Station. The North Hempstead Town Council is scheduled to vote on the application on November 14. See previous Civic Spot postings and check out the links at right for more information about these matters.
If any reader would like to distribute materials in his or her area, contact the civic association; extra copies are available. One problem has surfaced in connection with hand distribution, however: some hand-distributed pieces have been left in mailboxes. This is against postal regulations and could endanger the civic association's mailing permit. Any items that are distributed door-to-door should be wedged into a secure spot, such as under a mat, in a door handle, or in a fence or railing. It's important for the newsletter to be secured because we do not want to litter. The newsletter must never be placed in mailboxes.
The Post Office is serious about this. The Glen Head Post Office reports that items left in mailboxes will be confiscated. Thus, all the work and expense of preparing and distributing the newsletter would be for naught. In some cases, confiscation may have already occurred. In addition, the Glen Head Post Office says that if Glenwood / Glen Head Civic Association newsletters on which no postage has been paid continue to be found in mailboxes, the civic association's mailing permit may be revoked.
This is something we hope to avoid. Plus, we appreciate all the work our local post office workers do for us, and we don't want to cause them headaches. At the very least, we can hope that the intended reader of the newsletter is the person that throws it in the trash—not a post office worker!
The civic association's policies require that it strive to comply with federal and local codes in all matters. That's why, for example, we do not post items on telephone poles, a practice prohibited by the Oyster Bay town code. Similarly, ever since the civic association was formed, we have asked that people who distribute items for the civic association or who copy civic association items for distribution on their own never use mailboxes.
Many thanks to all, especially the hand distributors. A distribution of this magnitude costs about $550. Your efforts help to keep costs down.
The newsletter contains information about two major items: the Nassau County Environmental Bond Act, which will be on the ballot in November, and the Glen Harbor Partners rezoning application to make way for a condominium apartment building on the Glenwood Landing Waterfront south of the Glenwood Landing Power Station. The North Hempstead Town Council is scheduled to vote on the application on November 14. See previous Civic Spot postings and check out the links at right for more information about these matters.
If any reader would like to distribute materials in his or her area, contact the civic association; extra copies are available. One problem has surfaced in connection with hand distribution, however: some hand-distributed pieces have been left in mailboxes. This is against postal regulations and could endanger the civic association's mailing permit. Any items that are distributed door-to-door should be wedged into a secure spot, such as under a mat, in a door handle, or in a fence or railing. It's important for the newsletter to be secured because we do not want to litter. The newsletter must never be placed in mailboxes.
The Post Office is serious about this. The Glen Head Post Office reports that items left in mailboxes will be confiscated. Thus, all the work and expense of preparing and distributing the newsletter would be for naught. In some cases, confiscation may have already occurred. In addition, the Glen Head Post Office says that if Glenwood / Glen Head Civic Association newsletters on which no postage has been paid continue to be found in mailboxes, the civic association's mailing permit may be revoked.
This is something we hope to avoid. Plus, we appreciate all the work our local post office workers do for us, and we don't want to cause them headaches. At the very least, we can hope that the intended reader of the newsletter is the person that throws it in the trash—not a post office worker!
The civic association's policies require that it strive to comply with federal and local codes in all matters. That's why, for example, we do not post items on telephone poles, a practice prohibited by the Oyster Bay town code. Similarly, ever since the civic association was formed, we have asked that people who distribute items for the civic association or who copy civic association items for distribution on their own never use mailboxes.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee Seeks Funding for Sewer Study
The Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee (HHPC) has applied for a grant to study the feasibility of sewering Glenwood Landing (GWL) and parts of Glen Head and Sea Cliff by connecting all or parts of these areas to the waste treatment facility in Glen Cove. Glenwood Landing, Glen Head, and Sea Cliff make up Hempstead Harbor Subwatershed 8. According to the Hempstead Harbor Water Quality Improvement Plan, subwatershed 8 contributes more pollution to the harbor than any other subwatershed. The plan also identifies sewers as the preferred method of waste treatment whenever possible.
The Glenwood / Glen Head Civic Association first suggested that such a study be conducted more than four years ago, when a privately funded sewer system was included in the Glen Harbor Partners application for a condominium apartment complex on the Glenwood Landing Waterfront immediately south of the GWL Power Station. The sewer would carry waste down Shore Road to the sewage treatment facility in Glen Cove.
Last month, Glen Cove Mayor Ralph Suozzi said sewer hookups from locations outside Glen Cove only will be considered after the city completes its master plan. At that time, he said, publicly funded projects that have been initiated based on demonstrated need will be given priority.
The North Hempstead Town Council is expected to vote on a rezoning application that would permit the Glen Harbor Partners project to move forward on November 14. The Civic Association has asked councilmembers NOT to grant the Glen Harbor Partners application, or at least to delay voting until a sewer feasibility study can be completed and the community can make judgments about the implications of the data and reach a consensus about the direction it would like on the GWL Waterfront. The next step, we believe, should be a comprehensive plan for all of the land in the Town of North Hempstead (TNH) portion of GWL.
If the grant application is successful, the Civic Association believes that the study it funds will provide a wealth of information that can then be used to make rational decisions about future development, infrastructure needs, and water quality improvement projects.
Given the cost of the privately funded sewer proposed by Glen Harbor Partners, the fact that construction would require opening Shore Road, the implications of sewering on density, and the positive impact that sewering selected areas of subwatershed 8 could have on the harbor, the civic association believes that the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) required by TNH in connection with the Glen Harbor project should have examined the feasibility of sewering all the underdeveloped lots on Shore Road, particularly the Shore Realty site (a brownfield immediately south of the Glen Harbor proposal where a clean up process has been ongoing for many years).
We repeatedly asked that two basic questions be answered: If a privately funded, one-project-at-a-time approach to sewers is taken, how many sewer lines might be constructed under Shore Road and how many times might Shore Road, ultimately, be opened for this purpose? We also repeatedly asked that the EIS examine the possibility that sewering selected portions of Glenwood Landing might significantly improve water quality, and, if so, how such a project might be funded and coordinated with the Glen Harbor project.
This grant, which is offered through the NYS Dept. of State / Division of Coastal Resources, is highly attractive because the local match (the amount of cash or services that municipalities must put up to receive the grant) is only 10%, a much smaller amount than is ordinarily required.
HHPC is an inter-municipal organization made up of the municipalities surrounding Hempstead Harbor. The civic association attends HHPC meetings and supports the work of the committee in any way it can. We commend the members of HHPC for applying for the grant and plan to submit a letter of support to DOS.
The Glenwood / Glen Head Civic Association first suggested that such a study be conducted more than four years ago, when a privately funded sewer system was included in the Glen Harbor Partners application for a condominium apartment complex on the Glenwood Landing Waterfront immediately south of the GWL Power Station. The sewer would carry waste down Shore Road to the sewage treatment facility in Glen Cove.
Last month, Glen Cove Mayor Ralph Suozzi said sewer hookups from locations outside Glen Cove only will be considered after the city completes its master plan. At that time, he said, publicly funded projects that have been initiated based on demonstrated need will be given priority.
The North Hempstead Town Council is expected to vote on a rezoning application that would permit the Glen Harbor Partners project to move forward on November 14. The Civic Association has asked councilmembers NOT to grant the Glen Harbor Partners application, or at least to delay voting until a sewer feasibility study can be completed and the community can make judgments about the implications of the data and reach a consensus about the direction it would like on the GWL Waterfront. The next step, we believe, should be a comprehensive plan for all of the land in the Town of North Hempstead (TNH) portion of GWL.
If the grant application is successful, the Civic Association believes that the study it funds will provide a wealth of information that can then be used to make rational decisions about future development, infrastructure needs, and water quality improvement projects.
Given the cost of the privately funded sewer proposed by Glen Harbor Partners, the fact that construction would require opening Shore Road, the implications of sewering on density, and the positive impact that sewering selected areas of subwatershed 8 could have on the harbor, the civic association believes that the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) required by TNH in connection with the Glen Harbor project should have examined the feasibility of sewering all the underdeveloped lots on Shore Road, particularly the Shore Realty site (a brownfield immediately south of the Glen Harbor proposal where a clean up process has been ongoing for many years).
We repeatedly asked that two basic questions be answered: If a privately funded, one-project-at-a-time approach to sewers is taken, how many sewer lines might be constructed under Shore Road and how many times might Shore Road, ultimately, be opened for this purpose? We also repeatedly asked that the EIS examine the possibility that sewering selected portions of Glenwood Landing might significantly improve water quality, and, if so, how such a project might be funded and coordinated with the Glen Harbor project.
This grant, which is offered through the NYS Dept. of State / Division of Coastal Resources, is highly attractive because the local match (the amount of cash or services that municipalities must put up to receive the grant) is only 10%, a much smaller amount than is ordinarily required.
HHPC is an inter-municipal organization made up of the municipalities surrounding Hempstead Harbor. The civic association attends HHPC meetings and supports the work of the committee in any way it can. We commend the members of HHPC for applying for the grant and plan to submit a letter of support to DOS.
Glenwood / Glen Head Civic Mounts Major Push to Support County's Envrionmental Bond
The Glenwood / Glen Head Civic Association has mounted a major effort to inform neighbors about the $100 million environmental bond act that will appear on the ballot on November 7. More than 2,000 newsletters containing information about the bond, its costs, and its potential benefits have been distributed to the neighborhood west of Glen Cove Avenue and east of Shore Road between Scudders and Kissam lane (see postings below).
The distribution also includes several nearby developments, including Todd Estates, Glen Knolls, and Radcliff Manor. The newsletter also contains information about the North Hempstead Town Council vote to rezone property on the west side of Shore Road from industrial use to residential use and suggestions about what residents can do if they wish North Hempstead councilmembers to consider their input on November 14, when the matter is scheduled for action.
The distribution also includes several nearby developments, including Todd Estates, Glen Knolls, and Radcliff Manor. The newsletter also contains information about the North Hempstead Town Council vote to rezone property on the west side of Shore Road from industrial use to residential use and suggestions about what residents can do if they wish North Hempstead councilmembers to consider their input on November 14, when the matter is scheduled for action.
Vote on GWL Waterfront Rezone: How You Can Affect the Outcome
In August, the North Hempstead Town Council delayed voting on a zoning application that would permit a 60-unit condominium apartment building to be constructed on the Glenwood Landing (GWL) Waterfront just south of the GWL Power Station on property that once housed Harbor Fuel. The vote has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 P.M. At that time, the TNH Council could approve the change with or without conditions, deny the application, or delay taking action. To confirm the date and time that the matter is scheduled, call TNH (869-7700).
Two hearings on the application held during the summer drew standing room only crowds of residents from both the TNH and TOB portions of GWL, as well as neighbors from Glen Head, Sea Cliff, Roslyn Harbor, and Glen Cove. Residents of the TNH portion of GWL have been vocal in their opposition to the project, as have people in the rest of GWL and surrounding communities.
Virtually everyone who attended the summer hearings expressed opposition to the zoning change and the proposed apartment building. There also was strong support for maintaining the parcel as open space. TNH currently owns a portion of the parcel. If the zoning change is granted, TNH would sell that portion of the parcel to Glen Harbor Partners, the company that submitted the zoning application.
TNH appears to have ruled out investing in open space on the eastern shore of Hempstead Harbor because it perceives the population in the TNH portion of GWL as too small to warrant such an investment. The fact that the parcel under review is environmentally sensitive due to its waterfront location does not seem to be relevant to this view. Nor does the long history of industrial and residential taxes collected from properties on the TNH side of the line, little of which seems to have found their way back to GWL over the decades.
Because so many people who would benefit from open space at the TNH / Glen Harbor site would be from outside TNH, TNH Councilman Fred Pollack has contacted TOB Supervisor John Venditto to inquire whether Oyster Bay would consider exploring a cooperative open space effort at this location. As of this writing, Councilman Pollack reports he has received no response. In addition, the project proposed for the site appears to be contingent upon construction of a mostly privately funded sewer line to Glen Cove. Glen Cove Mayor Ralph Suozzi recently notified TNH that Glen Cove will not consider sewer hookups from locations outside the city until Glen Cove has completed a master plan, a process that could take some time. In addition, Mayor Suozzi has said that when and if such hookups are entertained, priority will be given to public projects designed to address a documented need.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY
The civic association supports an inter-municipal effort to explore what it would cost to acquire, rehabilitate, and maintain the TNH / Glen Harbor Partners site south of the Glenwood Landing Power Station as open space and how such a project might be funded and managed (see other side). Please let the officials below know if you, too, would like these questions to be examined. This research will be conducted and presented to the public only if many people express an interest in getting answers. If you live in an incorporated village, also consider contacting your mayor and trustees.
• CONTACT TOB SUPERVISOR JOHN VENDITTO: Request that TOB contact TNH and that the two municipalities explore how much it would cost to maintain the property as open space and how such an effort could be funded (Oyster Bay Town Hall, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay 11771 / 624-6350 / Town of Oyster Bay).
• CONTACT MAYOR RALPH SUOZZI: Thank the mayor for considering sewer hookups from locations outside the city only after the city completes a master plan and then giving priority to publicly funded projects that address a documented need (Glen Cove City Hall, 9 Glen Street 11542 / 676-2000 / City of Glen Cove).
• CONTACT TNH SUPERVISOR JON KAIMAN: Request a comprehensive management plan for the TNH portion of GWL and ask TNH to lead an inter-municipal effort to rehabilitate the entire TNH / Glen Harbor Partners site and to bring it into the public domain as protected open public land (North Hempstead Town Hall, 220 Plandome Road, Manhasset 11030 / 869-7700 / Town of North Hempstead).
Two hearings on the application held during the summer drew standing room only crowds of residents from both the TNH and TOB portions of GWL, as well as neighbors from Glen Head, Sea Cliff, Roslyn Harbor, and Glen Cove. Residents of the TNH portion of GWL have been vocal in their opposition to the project, as have people in the rest of GWL and surrounding communities.
Virtually everyone who attended the summer hearings expressed opposition to the zoning change and the proposed apartment building. There also was strong support for maintaining the parcel as open space. TNH currently owns a portion of the parcel. If the zoning change is granted, TNH would sell that portion of the parcel to Glen Harbor Partners, the company that submitted the zoning application.
TNH appears to have ruled out investing in open space on the eastern shore of Hempstead Harbor because it perceives the population in the TNH portion of GWL as too small to warrant such an investment. The fact that the parcel under review is environmentally sensitive due to its waterfront location does not seem to be relevant to this view. Nor does the long history of industrial and residential taxes collected from properties on the TNH side of the line, little of which seems to have found their way back to GWL over the decades.
Because so many people who would benefit from open space at the TNH / Glen Harbor site would be from outside TNH, TNH Councilman Fred Pollack has contacted TOB Supervisor John Venditto to inquire whether Oyster Bay would consider exploring a cooperative open space effort at this location. As of this writing, Councilman Pollack reports he has received no response. In addition, the project proposed for the site appears to be contingent upon construction of a mostly privately funded sewer line to Glen Cove. Glen Cove Mayor Ralph Suozzi recently notified TNH that Glen Cove will not consider sewer hookups from locations outside the city until Glen Cove has completed a master plan, a process that could take some time. In addition, Mayor Suozzi has said that when and if such hookups are entertained, priority will be given to public projects designed to address a documented need.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY
The civic association supports an inter-municipal effort to explore what it would cost to acquire, rehabilitate, and maintain the TNH / Glen Harbor Partners site south of the Glenwood Landing Power Station as open space and how such a project might be funded and managed (see other side). Please let the officials below know if you, too, would like these questions to be examined. This research will be conducted and presented to the public only if many people express an interest in getting answers. If you live in an incorporated village, also consider contacting your mayor and trustees.
• CONTACT TOB SUPERVISOR JOHN VENDITTO: Request that TOB contact TNH and that the two municipalities explore how much it would cost to maintain the property as open space and how such an effort could be funded (Oyster Bay Town Hall, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay 11771 / 624-6350 / Town of Oyster Bay).
• CONTACT MAYOR RALPH SUOZZI: Thank the mayor for considering sewer hookups from locations outside the city only after the city completes a master plan and then giving priority to publicly funded projects that address a documented need (Glen Cove City Hall, 9 Glen Street 11542 / 676-2000 / City of Glen Cove).
• CONTACT TNH SUPERVISOR JON KAIMAN: Request a comprehensive management plan for the TNH portion of GWL and ask TNH to lead an inter-municipal effort to rehabilitate the entire TNH / Glen Harbor Partners site and to bring it into the public domain as protected open public land (North Hempstead Town Hall, 220 Plandome Road, Manhasset 11030 / 869-7700 / Town of North Hempstead).
Your Vote Counts: A Chance to Support Open Space on November Ballot
Voters have another opportunity to preserve the rapidly dwindling supply of open space in Nassau County thanks to a county-wide $100 million Environmental Bond Act that will appear at the top of the November ballot as Proposal One. If the bond passes, it will cost the average family $16 annually ($1.33 monthly) and will fund land acquisition and open space preservation. Land use planners project that Nassau County will be “built out” by 2010, underscoring the importance of immediate action to protect as many key parcels as possible. The bond also would be used to control storm water runoff (the biggest cause of contamination to surface and coastal waters) and for park improvements.
In the last few years, voters have overwhelmingly approved four similar town or county initiatives: a $50 million county bond in 2004; two $30 million bonds in the Town of Oyster Bay (TOB) in 2004 and 2000; and a $15 million bond in the Town of North Hempstead (TNH) in 2000. The county’s 2004 bond currently costs the average household $7 annually ($0.58 monthly), while TOB’s 2004 bond costs an average $16 annually ($1.33 monthly).
The procedure for choosing projects funded by these initiatives is similar in all jurisdictions. Residents and professionals nominate projects they believe to be worthy of consideration. An impartial group of environmental leaders then evaluates the applications based on an objective set of environmental criteria and makes recommendations to the town board or county legislature. Many of the projects that have been funded by previous bonds are in the Hempstead Harbor drainage basin and directly benefit the harbor. Among them are catch basin improvements at Scudders Pond and Gerry Park and wetland restoration along the harbor’s western shore. Acquisition of the propane field adjacent to Tappen Beach is on both the TOB and county list of priorities. The Civic Association believes Hempstead Harbor is likely to reap additional, much needed benefits should voters approve the new $100 million bond.
In the last few years, voters have overwhelmingly approved four similar town or county initiatives: a $50 million county bond in 2004; two $30 million bonds in the Town of Oyster Bay (TOB) in 2004 and 2000; and a $15 million bond in the Town of North Hempstead (TNH) in 2000. The county’s 2004 bond currently costs the average household $7 annually ($0.58 monthly), while TOB’s 2004 bond costs an average $16 annually ($1.33 monthly).
The procedure for choosing projects funded by these initiatives is similar in all jurisdictions. Residents and professionals nominate projects they believe to be worthy of consideration. An impartial group of environmental leaders then evaluates the applications based on an objective set of environmental criteria and makes recommendations to the town board or county legislature. Many of the projects that have been funded by previous bonds are in the Hempstead Harbor drainage basin and directly benefit the harbor. Among them are catch basin improvements at Scudders Pond and Gerry Park and wetland restoration along the harbor’s western shore. Acquisition of the propane field adjacent to Tappen Beach is on both the TOB and county list of priorities. The Civic Association believes Hempstead Harbor is likely to reap additional, much needed benefits should voters approve the new $100 million bond.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Community Meeting for Residents of 6th Precinct
The Nassau County Police 6th Precinct invites all residents of the precinct (which includes Glenwood Landing and Glen Head) to a community meeting on October 11 at 7 p.m. at East Hills Village Hall Auditorium, 209 Harbor Road, for a discussion of security concerns.
Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice will speak, along with Inspector Jay Caputo and others from the precinct. Officials and representatives from the Town of North Hempstead and Roslyn School District also will be present.
For more information, contact the police department public information office at 573-7135.
Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice will speak, along with Inspector Jay Caputo and others from the precinct. Officials and representatives from the Town of North Hempstead and Roslyn School District also will be present.
For more information, contact the police department public information office at 573-7135.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
$100 Million County Bond for Open Space on November Ballot
At a special session of the Nassau County legislature on Tuesday, September 5, legislators unanimously authorized a $100 million Environmental Bond that will be on the ballot in November 2006. If voters approve the bond, it will cost the average taxpayer $1.30 per month or $16 per year.
A $50 environmental million bond, the first of its kind at the county level, was overwhelmingly approved in November 2004. That bond has preserved more than 72 acres of land and funded purchase of development rights to 43 acres and many park improvements and clean water projects. These expenditures were authorized after exhaustive public outreach by a nonpartisan advisory committee. The propane field in Glenwood Landing was on the list of recommendations and would likely remain on a list compiled for another round of county funding.
A second county bond also could be a potential source of funds for reclamation of the Hinfin / Harbor Fuel / Town of North Hempstead / Glen Harbor Partners site, the location of a proposed 57,000-square-foot waterfront condominium apartment complex in Glenwood Landing opposed by many residents (see stories below).
A $50 environmental million bond, the first of its kind at the county level, was overwhelmingly approved in November 2004. That bond has preserved more than 72 acres of land and funded purchase of development rights to 43 acres and many park improvements and clean water projects. These expenditures were authorized after exhaustive public outreach by a nonpartisan advisory committee. The propane field in Glenwood Landing was on the list of recommendations and would likely remain on a list compiled for another round of county funding.
A second county bond also could be a potential source of funds for reclamation of the Hinfin / Harbor Fuel / Town of North Hempstead / Glen Harbor Partners site, the location of a proposed 57,000-square-foot waterfront condominium apartment complex in Glenwood Landing opposed by many residents (see stories below).
GWL Resident Asks Oyster Bay to Oppose Waterfront Project on Other Side of Line
Oyster Bay, July 12—Glenwood Landing (GWL) resident Sally Sotriovich took advantage of the public comment period at today's Oyster Bay Town Board meeting to inform Oyster Bay councilpersons about the Glen Harbor Partners proposal for a 57,000-square-foot condominium apartment building just across the town line in the North Hempstead portion of the GWL Waterfront (see stories below).
Sally reports that she asked TOB to explore two approaches designed to stop the project: support for reclaiming the site as a park (possibly through an intermunicipal park district) and an Article 78 (a legal action that, in this case, would be filed against North Hempstead, possibly in connection with approval of a zoning change that would allow the project to proceed; the North Hempstead Town Council is scheduled to vote on the zoning change on Tuesday evening, November 14).
According to Sally, TOB Supervisor John Venditto said that Oyster Bay is open to exploring the possibility of a park. However, she reports that Mr. Venditto said the lead should come from the Town of North Hempstead (TNH) through the support of North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman or the majority of the North Hempstead Town Council. North Hempstead Councilman Fred Pollack approached Oyster Bay about the possibility of a joint TOB/TNH open space initiative in August after standing-room-only crowds expressed opposition to the Glen Harbor project at North Hempstead Town Council meetings in July and August.
Sally also reports that TOB has agreed to examine if, under New York State law, Oyster Bay has the legal standing necessary to file an Article 78.
Sally reports that she asked TOB to explore two approaches designed to stop the project: support for reclaiming the site as a park (possibly through an intermunicipal park district) and an Article 78 (a legal action that, in this case, would be filed against North Hempstead, possibly in connection with approval of a zoning change that would allow the project to proceed; the North Hempstead Town Council is scheduled to vote on the zoning change on Tuesday evening, November 14).
According to Sally, TOB Supervisor John Venditto said that Oyster Bay is open to exploring the possibility of a park. However, she reports that Mr. Venditto said the lead should come from the Town of North Hempstead (TNH) through the support of North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman or the majority of the North Hempstead Town Council. North Hempstead Councilman Fred Pollack approached Oyster Bay about the possibility of a joint TOB/TNH open space initiative in August after standing-room-only crowds expressed opposition to the Glen Harbor project at North Hempstead Town Council meetings in July and August.
Sally also reports that TOB has agreed to examine if, under New York State law, Oyster Bay has the legal standing necessary to file an Article 78.
TNH Vote on GWL Waterfront Rezone Set for November
The North Hempstead Town Council is scheduled to vote on the Glen Harbor Partners proposal to rezone a portion of town-owned and privately-owned land on the Hempstead Harbor Waterfront in Glenwood Landing from industrial use to multi-family residential on Tuesday evening, November 14. Town of North Hempstead Councilmen Tom Dwyer and Fred Pollack have confirmed the new date. The vote had originally been scheduled for Wednesday, September 13, after a hearing held in August was closed.
A four-story, 60-unit, 57,000-square-foot condominium apartment building with ground-level parking underneath the building has been proposed for the waterfront site immediately south of the Glenwood Landing Power Station (see previous postings). An Environmental Impact Statement has been prepared by Glen Harbor Partners and was accepted by the Town Council last spring.
Applications for zoning changes are heard by Town Council, while applicants for zoning variances are heard by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). If the Town Council grants the zoning change, the action apparently will clear the way for the sale of the town-owned portion of the parcel to Glen Harbor Partners and for a ZBA hearing to consider two variances: one to permit a ground-level parking garage underneath a building with four floors of living space; the other to permit four stories of living space. The height of the proposed building is said to fall within the 50-foot limit established by the town code.
A four-story, 60-unit, 57,000-square-foot condominium apartment building with ground-level parking underneath the building has been proposed for the waterfront site immediately south of the Glenwood Landing Power Station (see previous postings). An Environmental Impact Statement has been prepared by Glen Harbor Partners and was accepted by the Town Council last spring.
Applications for zoning changes are heard by Town Council, while applicants for zoning variances are heard by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). If the Town Council grants the zoning change, the action apparently will clear the way for the sale of the town-owned portion of the parcel to Glen Harbor Partners and for a ZBA hearing to consider two variances: one to permit a ground-level parking garage underneath a building with four floors of living space; the other to permit four stories of living space. The height of the proposed building is said to fall within the 50-foot limit established by the town code.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
North Hempstead Town Council Postpones Vote on GWL Waterfront Rezone
According to the Office of Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman, the vote on the application by Glen Harbor Partners to rezone a portion of the Glenwood Landing Waterfront from industrial use to multi-family residential use has been postponed. According to the supervisor's office, the North Hempstead Town Council is now scheduled to vote on the matter on Tuesday, October 3. The vote had originally been scheduled for tomorrow. Town Council meetings usually begin at 7:30 p.m. If you plan to attend, always contact the town on the day of the meeting to see if the item that interests you is on the agenda and how it is expected that the matter will be addressed (Supervisor Jon Kaiman, 869-7700 / kaimanj@northhempstead.com; Councilman Tom Dwyer, 869-7696 / dwyert@northhempstead.com). North Hempstead Town Hall is located at 220 Plandome Road, Manhasset 11030.
Monday, August 28, 2006
GWL Residents on TNH Side of Line Lost in Shuffle
Overwhelming opposition to the waterfront condominium apartment complex proposed for Shore Road in the Town of North Hempstead (TNH) portion of Glenwood Landing (GWL) has generated an unexpected complication: The number of GWL residents in TNH is so modest that their voices seem to have been lost in the wave of opposition from people who live in the Oyster Bay portion of GWL, as well as those who live in the incorporated areas of Roslyn Harbor, Sea Cliff and Glen Cove.
TNH officials recently made some comments that suggested they may be under the impression that people who live in the Rams Hill neighborhood, the only residential part of GWL in TNH, have remained silent on the proposal and that some even have expressed support. Yet, at least 40 people from that neighborhood signed a petition opposing the project. The petition, which contained more than 200 signatures of people from numerous municipalities, was presented to TNH by GWL resident Sally Sotirovich earlier this month.
In addition, at least 10 people from Rams Hill attended two hearings this summer, and many of them spoke. Kristina Lacy, who lives in that neighborhood and walked the petition around it, said that she did not encounter one positive reaction to the proposed project.
In order to be certain that TNH officials are aware that residents from Rams Hill have, indeed, spoken up, the Civic Association has contacted TNH to ask the town to examine the petition for the signatures of town residents. Residents from Rams Hill also are organizing to resubmit letters to the town.
If you live in GWL on the TNH side of the line, it is important to convey your views and concerns about the project—whatever they may be and whether you have already done so or not—to TNH. Contact Supervisor Jon Kaiman (869-7700 / kaimanj@northhempstead.com) and Councilman Tom Dwyer (869-7696 / dwyert@northhempstead.com. Be sure you let the them know you are a TNH resident and if you favor investigating the possibility of forming an inter-municipal park district (see below). The address for North Hempstead Town Hall is 220 Plandome Road, Manhasset 11030.
TNH officials recently made some comments that suggested they may be under the impression that people who live in the Rams Hill neighborhood, the only residential part of GWL in TNH, have remained silent on the proposal and that some even have expressed support. Yet, at least 40 people from that neighborhood signed a petition opposing the project. The petition, which contained more than 200 signatures of people from numerous municipalities, was presented to TNH by GWL resident Sally Sotirovich earlier this month.
In addition, at least 10 people from Rams Hill attended two hearings this summer, and many of them spoke. Kristina Lacy, who lives in that neighborhood and walked the petition around it, said that she did not encounter one positive reaction to the proposed project.
In order to be certain that TNH officials are aware that residents from Rams Hill have, indeed, spoken up, the Civic Association has contacted TNH to ask the town to examine the petition for the signatures of town residents. Residents from Rams Hill also are organizing to resubmit letters to the town.
If you live in GWL on the TNH side of the line, it is important to convey your views and concerns about the project—whatever they may be and whether you have already done so or not—to TNH. Contact Supervisor Jon Kaiman (869-7700 / kaimanj@northhempstead.com) and Councilman Tom Dwyer (869-7696 / dwyert@northhempstead.com. Be sure you let the them know you are a TNH resident and if you favor investigating the possibility of forming an inter-municipal park district (see below). The address for North Hempstead Town Hall is 220 Plandome Road, Manhasset 11030.
Unavailability of Sewer Line May Affect Developments Proposed for Glen Head & the Glenwood Landing Waterfront
Early last week Glen Cove Mayor Ralph Suozzi sent letters to the supervisors of the towns of North Hempstead and Oyster Bay stating that Glen Cove will not consider sewer line hook ups from locations outside of the city until the city completes an assessment of its own needs. According to the mayor, the process could take some time.
Sewer line hookups to Glen Cove have recently been proposed for two developments pending in Glen Head and the Town of North Hempstead (TNH) portion of Glenwood Landing (GWL). The Glen Head project is on the former Lundy property, a seven-acre site where single family and garden-style apartment units have been proposed. The GWL project is located on Shore Road south of the GWL Power Station, where a 60-unit condominium apartment building is proposed on a 4.25-acre parcel that is partly owned by TNH.
Last week, TNH accepted the findings prepared by its Planning Department in response to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) prepared by the applicant, Glen Harbor Partners. This action cleared the way for a hearing to rezone the property from industrial use to residential use. The rezoning hearing was held and closed. The town council then scheduled a vote on the matter for September 13.
TNH has said that the project will not be built unless a sewer line is possible. The Civic Association has asked TNH not to grant the zoning change, or at least to delay voting, until questions regarding the sewer can be resolved, various aspects of the EIS can be strengthened, a sewer feasibility study for subwatershed 8 (of which GWL is a part) can be conducted, a plan for the entire TNH section of GWL can be formulated, and the possibility of creating a special inter-municipal park district can be fully explored and, perhaps, implemented.
TNH Councilman Fred Pollack has approached his colleagues in North Hempstead and Town of Oyster Bay (TOB) Supervisor John Venditto about the possibility of creating a special inter-municipal park district for the specific purpose of reclaiming and managing the site of the proposed apartment building. TNH appears unwilling to invest in a park in GWL on its own because, despite receiving a considerble amount of revenue from GWL utilities, the majority of people who would use the park would not be TNH residents. The residential section of the TNH portion of GWL is quite small and totally isolated from all other unincorporated areas in TNH.
On two separate occasions this summer, a standing room only crowd packed the hearing room at North Hempstead Town Hall to express their views on the proposal. The sentiment of the audience was uniformly critical of the proposed condominum apartment building, and many people said they would be willing to pay taxes to clean up the property and to protect it as open space. Several people also questioned whether TNH had made any attempt to pursue the parties responsible for polluting the property. The town, apparently, has not, stating that the process would be too time consuming and expensive.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
The Civic Association has urged both towns to explore the possibility of creating a special inter-municipal park district to manage this site. It is important that the community express its views on the possibility of such a district, whatever they are. An explortion of the matter would address many logistical questions, including how much the clean up would cost and how much the average homeowner might have to pay.
• If you live in GWL on the TNH side of the line, contact Supervisor Jon Kaiman (869-7700 / kaimanj@northhempstead.com) and Councilman Tom Dwyer (869-7696 / dwyert@northhempstead.com) to express your views about the Glen Harbor proposal, whether you have already done so or not. Be sure you let the them know you are a TNH resident and if you favor investigating the possibility of forming an inter-municipal park district. The address for North Hempstead Town Hall is 220 Plandome Road, Manhasset 11030.
• If you live in GWL on the TOB side of the line or in Glen Head, contact Suprvisor John Venditto (624-6350) to let him know if you would like to explore the possibility of forming an inter-municipal park district. The address for Oyster Bay Town Hall is 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay 11771.
Sewer line hookups to Glen Cove have recently been proposed for two developments pending in Glen Head and the Town of North Hempstead (TNH) portion of Glenwood Landing (GWL). The Glen Head project is on the former Lundy property, a seven-acre site where single family and garden-style apartment units have been proposed. The GWL project is located on Shore Road south of the GWL Power Station, where a 60-unit condominium apartment building is proposed on a 4.25-acre parcel that is partly owned by TNH.
Last week, TNH accepted the findings prepared by its Planning Department in response to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) prepared by the applicant, Glen Harbor Partners. This action cleared the way for a hearing to rezone the property from industrial use to residential use. The rezoning hearing was held and closed. The town council then scheduled a vote on the matter for September 13.
TNH has said that the project will not be built unless a sewer line is possible. The Civic Association has asked TNH not to grant the zoning change, or at least to delay voting, until questions regarding the sewer can be resolved, various aspects of the EIS can be strengthened, a sewer feasibility study for subwatershed 8 (of which GWL is a part) can be conducted, a plan for the entire TNH section of GWL can be formulated, and the possibility of creating a special inter-municipal park district can be fully explored and, perhaps, implemented.
TNH Councilman Fred Pollack has approached his colleagues in North Hempstead and Town of Oyster Bay (TOB) Supervisor John Venditto about the possibility of creating a special inter-municipal park district for the specific purpose of reclaiming and managing the site of the proposed apartment building. TNH appears unwilling to invest in a park in GWL on its own because, despite receiving a considerble amount of revenue from GWL utilities, the majority of people who would use the park would not be TNH residents. The residential section of the TNH portion of GWL is quite small and totally isolated from all other unincorporated areas in TNH.
On two separate occasions this summer, a standing room only crowd packed the hearing room at North Hempstead Town Hall to express their views on the proposal. The sentiment of the audience was uniformly critical of the proposed condominum apartment building, and many people said they would be willing to pay taxes to clean up the property and to protect it as open space. Several people also questioned whether TNH had made any attempt to pursue the parties responsible for polluting the property. The town, apparently, has not, stating that the process would be too time consuming and expensive.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
The Civic Association has urged both towns to explore the possibility of creating a special inter-municipal park district to manage this site. It is important that the community express its views on the possibility of such a district, whatever they are. An explortion of the matter would address many logistical questions, including how much the clean up would cost and how much the average homeowner might have to pay.
• If you live in GWL on the TNH side of the line, contact Supervisor Jon Kaiman (869-7700 / kaimanj@northhempstead.com) and Councilman Tom Dwyer (869-7696 / dwyert@northhempstead.com) to express your views about the Glen Harbor proposal, whether you have already done so or not. Be sure you let the them know you are a TNH resident and if you favor investigating the possibility of forming an inter-municipal park district. The address for North Hempstead Town Hall is 220 Plandome Road, Manhasset 11030.
• If you live in GWL on the TOB side of the line or in Glen Head, contact Suprvisor John Venditto (624-6350) to let him know if you would like to explore the possibility of forming an inter-municipal park district. The address for Oyster Bay Town Hall is 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay 11771.
Special Inter-Municipal Park District Instead of Waterfront Condos?
At two recent hearings for the condominium apartment building proposed for a waterfront parcel in the Town of North Hempstead (TNH) portion of the Glenwood Landing, the public expressed a strong preference for open space rather than a multi-family residential development.
Many people in the standing room only crowd even expressed a willingness to put their money where their mouth is—that is, to pay tax through a bond or some other means that would specifically be used to reclaim and manage the property as parkland.
One obstacle to this approach is that the TNH portion of GWL is isolated from other unincorporated areas in TNH. Despite the fact that TNH derives a considerable amount of tax revenue from the utility properties in GWL, TNH appears reluctant to invest in a park that would be used primarily by residents of other municipalities.
To address this situation, TNH Councilman Fred Pollack has approached his colleagues in North Hempstead and Town of Oyster Bay (TOB) Supervisor John Venditto about the possibility of creating a special inter-municipal park district for the specific purpose of reclaiming and managing the Harbor Fuel / Hinfin / TNH site south of the GWL Power Station. This approach would permit the cost of such a park to be shared among the communities that would be most likely to use it.
The Civic Association believes this suggestion is worthy of serious exploration and urges both towns to do so. We also urge residents of both towns to contact the appropriate jurisdiction to express their view on the matter. If you live in GWL on the TNH side of the line, contact Sumpervisor Jon Kaiman (869-7700 / kaimanj@northhempstead.com) and Councilman Tom Dwyer (869-7696 / dwyert@northhempstead.com); the address for North Hempstead Town Hall is 220 Plandome Road, Manhasset 11030. If you live in GWL on the TOB side of the line or in Glen Head, contact Suprvisor John Venditto (624-6350); the address for Oyster Bay Town Hall is 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay 11771.
The parcel in question is located on the west side of Shore Road south of the GWL Power Stations. It contains 4.25 acres divided into three lots. Two of these lots are presently owned by TNH; the other is privately held. There is also a sloped, one-acre lot on the east side of Shore Road on a sharp curve.
Glen Harbor Partners has filed an application to rezone the property from industrial use to multi-family-residential use. A hearing on the application was held earlier this month; a vote is scheduled for September 13. An agreement between TNH and Glen Harbor Partners stipulates that, if the zoning change is granted, Glen Harbor Partners may purchase the town property.
The Civic Association has asked TNH not to grant the zoning change, or at least to delay voting, until questions regarding the sewer can be resolved, various aspects of the Environmental Impact Statement filed in connection with the site can be strengthened, a sewer feasibility study for subwatershed 8 (of which Glenwood Landing is a part) can be conducted, a plan for the entire TNH section of GWL can be formulated, and the possibility of creating a special inter-municipal park district can be fully explored and, perhaps, implemented.
Many people in the standing room only crowd even expressed a willingness to put their money where their mouth is—that is, to pay tax through a bond or some other means that would specifically be used to reclaim and manage the property as parkland.
One obstacle to this approach is that the TNH portion of GWL is isolated from other unincorporated areas in TNH. Despite the fact that TNH derives a considerable amount of tax revenue from the utility properties in GWL, TNH appears reluctant to invest in a park that would be used primarily by residents of other municipalities.
To address this situation, TNH Councilman Fred Pollack has approached his colleagues in North Hempstead and Town of Oyster Bay (TOB) Supervisor John Venditto about the possibility of creating a special inter-municipal park district for the specific purpose of reclaiming and managing the Harbor Fuel / Hinfin / TNH site south of the GWL Power Station. This approach would permit the cost of such a park to be shared among the communities that would be most likely to use it.
The Civic Association believes this suggestion is worthy of serious exploration and urges both towns to do so. We also urge residents of both towns to contact the appropriate jurisdiction to express their view on the matter. If you live in GWL on the TNH side of the line, contact Sumpervisor Jon Kaiman (869-7700 / kaimanj@northhempstead.com) and Councilman Tom Dwyer (869-7696 / dwyert@northhempstead.com); the address for North Hempstead Town Hall is 220 Plandome Road, Manhasset 11030. If you live in GWL on the TOB side of the line or in Glen Head, contact Suprvisor John Venditto (624-6350); the address for Oyster Bay Town Hall is 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay 11771.
The parcel in question is located on the west side of Shore Road south of the GWL Power Stations. It contains 4.25 acres divided into three lots. Two of these lots are presently owned by TNH; the other is privately held. There is also a sloped, one-acre lot on the east side of Shore Road on a sharp curve.
Glen Harbor Partners has filed an application to rezone the property from industrial use to multi-family-residential use. A hearing on the application was held earlier this month; a vote is scheduled for September 13. An agreement between TNH and Glen Harbor Partners stipulates that, if the zoning change is granted, Glen Harbor Partners may purchase the town property.
The Civic Association has asked TNH not to grant the zoning change, or at least to delay voting, until questions regarding the sewer can be resolved, various aspects of the Environmental Impact Statement filed in connection with the site can be strengthened, a sewer feasibility study for subwatershed 8 (of which Glenwood Landing is a part) can be conducted, a plan for the entire TNH section of GWL can be formulated, and the possibility of creating a special inter-municipal park district can be fully explored and, perhaps, implemented.
TNH Board to Vote on Rezone for GWL Waterfront Apartment Condos
Tuesday, August 22—The North Hempstead Town Council unanimously accepted its findings in connection with a previously accepted Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) submitted by Glen Harbor Partners for a proposal to build a 60-unit waterfront condominium apartment building south of the Glenwood Landing (GWL) Power Station and set a vote on whether to rezone the property to accommodate the project for September 13.
Acceptance of the findings cleared the way for the rezoning hearing to change the use of the parcel from industrial to multi-family residential that immediately followed the findings vote. A standing-room-only crowd of people from the Town of North Hempstead (TNH) and Town of Oyster Bay (TOB) sections of GWL, Glen Head, Roslyn Harbor, Sea Cliff, and Glen Cove packed the hearing room.
Public sentiment was overwhelmingly opposed to the project. A statement from one speaker that residents would be willing to pay to reclaim the property as open space drew applause from the audience, as well as cries of “tax us” and “float a bond.” Another speaker asked if TNH had considered attempting to secure funding to clean up the site from the persons responsible for the contamination. The town board responded that litigation in such matters is very costly and time consuming.
TNH Supervisor Jon Kaiman said that he had recently had a discussion with Glen Cove Mayor Ralph Suozzi that called into question the feasibility of a sewer hook up to the Glen Cove sewage treatment plant. TNH has said that the project proposed by Glen Harbor Partners cannot be built without such a hookup. An engineer from TOB presented a document outlining numerous TOB concerns with regard to the EIS and the TNH findings statement. A supplement to the EIS may be required to deal with some of these and other issues.
Meanwhile, TNH Councilman Fred Pollack has written to TOB Supervisor John Venditto to determine if there would be any interest in exploring the possibility of forming a special inter-municipal park district to reclaim the property and bring all of it into the public domain as open space.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
• If you live in GWL on the TNH side of the line, contact Sumpervisor Jon Kaiman (869-7700 / kaimanj@northhempstead.com) and Councilman Tom Dwyer (869-7696 / dwyert@northhempstead.com) to express your views about the Glen Harbor proposal, whether you have already done so or not. Be sure you let the them know you are a TNH resident and if you favor investigating the possibility of forming an inter-municipal park district. The address for North Hempstead Town Hall is 220 Plandome Road, Manhasset 11030.
• If you live in GWL on the TOB side of the line or in Glen Head, contact Suprvisor John Venditto (624-6350) to let him know if you would like to explore the possibility of forming an inter-municipal park district. The address for Oyster Bay Town Hall is 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay 11771.
Acceptance of the findings cleared the way for the rezoning hearing to change the use of the parcel from industrial to multi-family residential that immediately followed the findings vote. A standing-room-only crowd of people from the Town of North Hempstead (TNH) and Town of Oyster Bay (TOB) sections of GWL, Glen Head, Roslyn Harbor, Sea Cliff, and Glen Cove packed the hearing room.
Public sentiment was overwhelmingly opposed to the project. A statement from one speaker that residents would be willing to pay to reclaim the property as open space drew applause from the audience, as well as cries of “tax us” and “float a bond.” Another speaker asked if TNH had considered attempting to secure funding to clean up the site from the persons responsible for the contamination. The town board responded that litigation in such matters is very costly and time consuming.
TNH Supervisor Jon Kaiman said that he had recently had a discussion with Glen Cove Mayor Ralph Suozzi that called into question the feasibility of a sewer hook up to the Glen Cove sewage treatment plant. TNH has said that the project proposed by Glen Harbor Partners cannot be built without such a hookup. An engineer from TOB presented a document outlining numerous TOB concerns with regard to the EIS and the TNH findings statement. A supplement to the EIS may be required to deal with some of these and other issues.
Meanwhile, TNH Councilman Fred Pollack has written to TOB Supervisor John Venditto to determine if there would be any interest in exploring the possibility of forming a special inter-municipal park district to reclaim the property and bring all of it into the public domain as open space.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
• If you live in GWL on the TNH side of the line, contact Sumpervisor Jon Kaiman (869-7700 / kaimanj@northhempstead.com) and Councilman Tom Dwyer (869-7696 / dwyert@northhempstead.com) to express your views about the Glen Harbor proposal, whether you have already done so or not. Be sure you let the them know you are a TNH resident and if you favor investigating the possibility of forming an inter-municipal park district. The address for North Hempstead Town Hall is 220 Plandome Road, Manhasset 11030.
• If you live in GWL on the TOB side of the line or in Glen Head, contact Suprvisor John Venditto (624-6350) to let him know if you would like to explore the possibility of forming an inter-municipal park district. The address for Oyster Bay Town Hall is 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay 11771.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Vote Scheduled on Rezoning for GWL Waterfront Parcel
A standing room only crowd packed North Hempstead Town Hall last night as the town board moved forward on an application to build a 60-unit condominium apartment building on the Glenwood Landing Waterfront (GWL) just south of the GWL Power Station.
The board accepted the Planning Department's “findings” on an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that had been previously accepted. The findings clarify various aspects of the EIS that the town's experts believe may require additional information. Acceptance of the findings cleared the way to hear the application to rezone the property from industrial use to multi-family residential use. The hearing was held, comments were taken, and the hearing was closed. A vote was scheduled for Wednesday, September 13.
Late last week the town received a letter from Glen Cove Mayor Ralph Suozzi stating that the city is currently assessing its development needs and that, for the foreseeable future, sewer hook ups from locations outside of Glen Cove would not be accommodated. TNH has said that if the sewer hookup is not possible, the project cannot be built. Moments before voting to accept the findings, the board received extensive written comments critical of the findings from the Town of Oyster Bay.
More to come...
The board accepted the Planning Department's “findings” on an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that had been previously accepted. The findings clarify various aspects of the EIS that the town's experts believe may require additional information. Acceptance of the findings cleared the way to hear the application to rezone the property from industrial use to multi-family residential use. The hearing was held, comments were taken, and the hearing was closed. A vote was scheduled for Wednesday, September 13.
Late last week the town received a letter from Glen Cove Mayor Ralph Suozzi stating that the city is currently assessing its development needs and that, for the foreseeable future, sewer hook ups from locations outside of Glen Cove would not be accommodated. TNH has said that if the sewer hookup is not possible, the project cannot be built. Moments before voting to accept the findings, the board received extensive written comments critical of the findings from the Town of Oyster Bay.
More to come...
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
GWL Waterfront Condos: Key Document Now Online
In response to requests from the community, the Town of North Hempstead has posted on its website the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the apartment complex proposed for Hempstead Harbor on the Glenwood Landing Waterfront just south of the Power Plant.
The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) was posted earlier this summer, but access to both documents is necessary to fully understand how the environmental review of the project was conducted. Both reports are accessible at www.northhempstead.com/content/4296/5340/5501.aspx.
The Glenwood / Glen Head Civic Association is grateful to the residents who requested electronic access to both documents and appreciates the town's responsiveness.
A hearing for a change of zone for the property from industrial use to multi-family residential use is scheduled for Tuesday, August 22, at 7:30 p.m. at North Hempstead Town Hall, 220 Plandome Road, Manhasset. Acceptance of findings made in connection with the FEIS also is on the agenda. The town must accept the findings before the addressing the rezoning application.
How this property is developed will affect everyone who lives in the North Shore School District, as well as those who live in Glen Cove, Roslyn, and all of Roslyn Harbor. It is extremely important for as many residents of the area as possible to attend the hearing to show their interest and to express their views. Call TNH to confirm the time and date of the hearing (869-7700). You also can ask where the matter appears on the agenda to give you an idea about how to schedule your evening. Written comments may be sent to TNH Supervisor Jon Kaiman, North Hempstead Town Hall, 220 Plandome Road, Manhasset, NY 11030.
A wealth of details, including maps of the site, the footprint of the proposed building, and the route of the proposed sewer line to Glen Cove, can be found at GlenwoodLandingInfo.com, a website recently launched by residents opposed to the project.
More information, including renderings from the FEIS, also can be found here at the Civic Spot (see Civic to Stress Open Space & Water Quality at Glenwood Landing Waterfront Hearing, July 16; Hearing Date Set for Waterfront Apartments, July 1; North Hempstead Accepts Environmental Impact Statement for Waterfront Apartments in Glenwood Landing, May 25).
The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) was posted earlier this summer, but access to both documents is necessary to fully understand how the environmental review of the project was conducted. Both reports are accessible at www.northhempstead.com/content/4296/5340/5501.aspx.
The Glenwood / Glen Head Civic Association is grateful to the residents who requested electronic access to both documents and appreciates the town's responsiveness.
A hearing for a change of zone for the property from industrial use to multi-family residential use is scheduled for Tuesday, August 22, at 7:30 p.m. at North Hempstead Town Hall, 220 Plandome Road, Manhasset. Acceptance of findings made in connection with the FEIS also is on the agenda. The town must accept the findings before the addressing the rezoning application.
How this property is developed will affect everyone who lives in the North Shore School District, as well as those who live in Glen Cove, Roslyn, and all of Roslyn Harbor. It is extremely important for as many residents of the area as possible to attend the hearing to show their interest and to express their views. Call TNH to confirm the time and date of the hearing (869-7700). You also can ask where the matter appears on the agenda to give you an idea about how to schedule your evening. Written comments may be sent to TNH Supervisor Jon Kaiman, North Hempstead Town Hall, 220 Plandome Road, Manhasset, NY 11030.
A wealth of details, including maps of the site, the footprint of the proposed building, and the route of the proposed sewer line to Glen Cove, can be found at GlenwoodLandingInfo.com, a website recently launched by residents opposed to the project.
More information, including renderings from the FEIS, also can be found here at the Civic Spot (see Civic to Stress Open Space & Water Quality at Glenwood Landing Waterfront Hearing, July 16; Hearing Date Set for Waterfront Apartments, July 1; North Hempstead Accepts Environmental Impact Statement for Waterfront Apartments in Glenwood Landing, May 25).
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Website Opposing GWL Waterfront Condos Launched
A wealth of details about the proposal to construct a waterfront condominium apartment building on Shore Road in the Town of North Hempstead (TNH) portion of Glenwood Landing can be found at GlenwoodLandingInfo.com, a website launched today by residents opposed to the project.
More information, including renderings from the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), also can be found here at the Civic Spot (see Civic to Stress Open Space & Water Quality at Glenwood Landing Waterfront Hearing, July 16; Hearing Date Set for Waterfront Apartments, July 1; North Hempstead Accepts Environmental Impact Statement for Waterfront Apartments in Glenwood Landing, May 25).
GlenwoodLandingInfo.com contains maps showing the location of the proposed project, the lots involved and who owns them, the footprint of the proposed building, and the route of the proposed sewer line. There also is a brief history of the property and a summary of why the website author(s) believe the project would be detrimental to the community.
A hearing for a change of zone from industrial use to multi-family residential use is scheduled for Tuesday, August 22, at 7:30 p.m. at North Hempstead Town Hall, 220 Plandome Road, Manhasset. Acceptance of findings made in connection with the EIS also is on the agenda. The town must accept the findings before the addressing the rezoning application.
This project will affect everyone who lives in the North Shore School District, as well as those who live in Glen Cove, Roslyn, and all of Roslyn Harbor. It is extremely important for as many residents of the area as possible to attend the hearing to show their interest and to express their views. Call TNH to confirm the time and date of the hearing (869-7700). You also can ask where the matter appears on the agenda to give you an idea about how to schedule your evening. Written comments may be sent to TNH Supervisor Jon Kaiman, North Hempstead Town Hall, 220 Plandome Road, Manhasset, NY 11030.
According to the author(s) of GlenwoodLandingInfo.com, the disadvantages of the proposal far outweigh the advantages. Among the disadvantages cited are:
• the loss of 2.5 acres of waterfront property owned by the TNH, particularly since there is no public waterfront access on the eastern shore of Hempstead Harbor within the TNH;
• a traffic study that was conducted three years ago that did not consider other development currently underway or seriously contemplated in Roslyn, Glen Cove, Sea Cliff, Glenwood Landing, Roslyn Harbor, and Glen Head, which concluded that the addition of 143 cars to daily traffic will have only a “moderate” affect on traffic;
• the claim that the addition of 160 residents and 140 bedrooms will add only 12 to 14 students to the school district;
• the public inconveience involved in construction of a sewer line that would be used only by those in the proposed development;
• the possibility of inadequate water pressure in as much as Glenwood Water currently operates at near capacity and the residents of the proposed project would consume an estimated 32,500 gallons of water per day for domestic use;
• lack of a finalized plan for "“fire flow" water to provide water for fire sprinklers and fire fighting;
• the possibility that a water tower would have be to constructed on top of the building;
• the inadvisability of constructing residental units near KeySpan generating plants, which are considered potential terroist targets by law enforcement;
• the possibility that this project would set a procedent for other waterfront projects on the Glenwood Landing Waterfront, particularly on the nearby Shore Realty site, which could be combined with adjacent commercial lots to create an even larger development.
More information, including renderings from the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), also can be found here at the Civic Spot (see Civic to Stress Open Space & Water Quality at Glenwood Landing Waterfront Hearing, July 16; Hearing Date Set for Waterfront Apartments, July 1; North Hempstead Accepts Environmental Impact Statement for Waterfront Apartments in Glenwood Landing, May 25).
GlenwoodLandingInfo.com contains maps showing the location of the proposed project, the lots involved and who owns them, the footprint of the proposed building, and the route of the proposed sewer line. There also is a brief history of the property and a summary of why the website author(s) believe the project would be detrimental to the community.
A hearing for a change of zone from industrial use to multi-family residential use is scheduled for Tuesday, August 22, at 7:30 p.m. at North Hempstead Town Hall, 220 Plandome Road, Manhasset. Acceptance of findings made in connection with the EIS also is on the agenda. The town must accept the findings before the addressing the rezoning application.
This project will affect everyone who lives in the North Shore School District, as well as those who live in Glen Cove, Roslyn, and all of Roslyn Harbor. It is extremely important for as many residents of the area as possible to attend the hearing to show their interest and to express their views. Call TNH to confirm the time and date of the hearing (869-7700). You also can ask where the matter appears on the agenda to give you an idea about how to schedule your evening. Written comments may be sent to TNH Supervisor Jon Kaiman, North Hempstead Town Hall, 220 Plandome Road, Manhasset, NY 11030.
According to the author(s) of GlenwoodLandingInfo.com, the disadvantages of the proposal far outweigh the advantages. Among the disadvantages cited are:
• the loss of 2.5 acres of waterfront property owned by the TNH, particularly since there is no public waterfront access on the eastern shore of Hempstead Harbor within the TNH;
• a traffic study that was conducted three years ago that did not consider other development currently underway or seriously contemplated in Roslyn, Glen Cove, Sea Cliff, Glenwood Landing, Roslyn Harbor, and Glen Head, which concluded that the addition of 143 cars to daily traffic will have only a “moderate” affect on traffic;
• the claim that the addition of 160 residents and 140 bedrooms will add only 12 to 14 students to the school district;
• the public inconveience involved in construction of a sewer line that would be used only by those in the proposed development;
• the possibility of inadequate water pressure in as much as Glenwood Water currently operates at near capacity and the residents of the proposed project would consume an estimated 32,500 gallons of water per day for domestic use;
• lack of a finalized plan for "“fire flow" water to provide water for fire sprinklers and fire fighting;
• the possibility that a water tower would have be to constructed on top of the building;
• the inadvisability of constructing residental units near KeySpan generating plants, which are considered potential terroist targets by law enforcement;
• the possibility that this project would set a procedent for other waterfront projects on the Glenwood Landing Waterfront, particularly on the nearby Shore Realty site, which could be combined with adjacent commercial lots to create an even larger development.
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