Great Neck Estates again postpones hearing to replace historic theater

A public hearing to replace a historic theater in Great Neck Estates with an apartment building has been adjourned again, marking more than a year and a half of delays.

The application, which was scheduled to be heard today, was pushed back another month to amend traffic control plans, said William Bonesso, the Uniondale attorney representing First Playhouse of Great Neck Corp.

The company wants to raze the First Playhouse Theater and construct a 20-unit apartment building in its place. The theater, which was built in 1922, sits at the intersection of Maple Drive and Middle Neck Road. Access to Middle Neck Road could be cut off during construction.

Bonesso said company officials met with the Nassau County Department of Public Works in March to discuss safety and traffic control plans, and that department officials will determine if another meeting is necessary.

Bonesso added that he could not say whether the application would be ready in time for the May 5 public hearing.