Board votes to rezone temple property for housing

The Hempstead Town Board on Tuesday voted to rezone an East Meadow site where a developer is proposing a 104-unit senior housing development.
The Beechwood Organization wants to build the complex, called Country Pointe East Meadow, on a 4.4-acre property on Merrick Avenue, the site of a closed Jewish temple, according to Vincent J. Pizzulli Jr., counsel for the Jericho-based organization. The development would consist of two-bedroom condominium units that would generate $1.2 million in new property taxes to local governments.
The temple, which closed in June, was exempt from paying taxes on the land, Pizzulli said.
Councilman Dennis Dunne, whose district includes part of East Meadow, said “there’s plenty of support” for the project among community members.
Representatives of the temple and of the Long Island Builders Institute also expressed support for the project.
The town board voted 6-0 to rezone the property, with Councilman Edward Ambrosino recusing himself, from Residence “B” District to GA Residence District.