Zoning change gives Hempstead Town Board final say on Baldwin projects
Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin on Tuesday criticized the town's original approval process as offering more of a one-size-fits-all zoning district. Credit: Newsday
Hempstead Town Board members approved a new zoning overlay district Tuesday for redevelopment of downtown Baldwin that will require the town’s approval for projects.
Town officials said they wanted the final say over new developments as Baldwin looks to attract developers to revitalize its downtown with new apartments and businesses, backed by a $10 million state grant. Previously, approval was up to an appointed design review board. For decades, community members have wanted to start redevelopment along Grand Avenue, centered around the LIRR station.
The new overlay zoning district will require any project increasing in size by more than 10% to undergo an additional environmental review process.
“The town recognized significant flaws in the past. Flaws were procedural, structural and quite frankly didn’t work in the best interest of the community,” said the town’s special counsel, Steven Losquadro. “The code has been streamlined and is more accountable and a model on Long Island and across the state.”
Board members on Tuesday appointed a new five-member design review team, including the top two heads of the town’s building department, a town engineer, the town’s highway commissioner and the attorney to the town board.
Town officials said the new zoning district will give them greater oversight of the approval process and allow community input on what kind of projects go into downtown Baldwin.
Community members with the development growth advocacy group, Vision Long Island, expressed concerns about further delays in the process and fairness in determining potential developers.
Elissa Kyle, Vision Long Island’s placemaking director, said the original review process was designed to more easily approve projects. Another layer of reviews would favor larger developers who can absorb additional costs and discourage smaller local projects, Kyle said.
“The code was not established just to make projects happen more quickly, but to ensure they’re held to a high quality, to enhance the pedestrian realm and not just increase density,” Kyle said. “They shouldn’t just be approved for political reasons, but on merit and suitability for the community.”
Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin criticized the town's original approval process as offering more of a one-size-fits-all zoning district and a blanket review for projects without accounting for the size or community impact.
Town officials said some projects could be expedited while considering reviews already done. Town officials and attorneys said the public would be notified about projects through the board.
Clavin pointed to some projects, such as Grand Avenue, and whether previous plans could actually calm traffic on the main thoroughfare.
“When I was elected supervisor, I was informed about this project by prior administrations who had given commitment for LIRR parking lots, allowing structures there and a lot of residents didn’t know about that,” Clavin said. “I’m big about letting residents know what’s being built or potentially being built and being open and transparent.”
John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.
