Waterfront housing for seniors on agenda

The North Hempstead town board is expected Tuesday night to consider a proposal to build waterfront senior housing and a restaurant at the site of the former Knickerbocker Yacht Club in Port Washington.

Cord Meyer Development Co. wants to construct a three-floor building with 32 units of housing, said William DiConza, an attorney for the Forest Hills-based developer. The plans call for a 4,000-square-foot, 41-seat restaurant facing Manhasset Bay with parking partially below grade, he said.

The market-rate housing would be restricted to residents age 62 and older, DiConza said.

For the project to proceed, the town board would have to approve the site plan and grant a special use permit for the development, which is within a town waterfront zoning district, he said.

In August, the board of zoning and appeals granted variances for density, parking, height and distance to the water table.

The proposal also requires Nassau County planning and subdivision approval.

DiConza said the project was designed to meet environmentally friendly standards and will offer the public access to the waterfront in addition to docks and moorings for residents.

The board also is expected to consider two items related to Stepping Stones Light, the lighthouse off Kings Point.

One resolution establishes a Stepping Stones Lighthouse Committee. The board also will consider buying materials to install a sign, secure a catwalk door and repair the lighthouse ladder, which was damaged when Tropical Storm Irene swept through the area in August. Town spokesman Collin Nash said a federal grant will pay for $10,000 in labor costs to cover the repairs.

The 7:30 p.m. meeting will be held at Town Hall, 220 Plandome Rd., Manhasset.

With Emily C. Dooley